Long, thick, luxurious lashes. Isn't that what every girl wants? I have thin, dark blonde lashes that are virtually unnoticeable without mascara, so I am always on the search for what seems like the unattainable, perfect volumizing mascara. Below you'll find my picks (and a couple misses) for great mascaras.
Maybelline's The Colossal Volum' Express
By far, the best mascara I've tried for the price. Not only does it give great volume, but there are NO CLUMPS. The brush is thick and combs through your lashes, eliminating any clumps. Also, the formula isn't thick, so it doesn't clump up on the brush. After two coats, my lashes really looked full and thick, almost like false eyelashes. This is the only mascara that I could get away with using only a single coat. The downside is that there is not a waterproof formula yet, but I'm sure Maybelline will produce one soon.
L'Oreal's Carbon Black Voluminous
This is a great product in that it produces a darker, thicker lash than the original Voluminous formula. It does have a tendency to clump and the wand can sometimes get too much product. Also, I find that Voluminous has a tendency to flake off during the day. But, all in all, it is a good mascara for the price.
Christian Dior's DiorShow
This product is constantly on the Best Of lists of just about every celebrity, makeup artist, etc. Definitely the most expensive mascara on this list (around $25 a pop), but it is really worth it if you feel like treating yourself. The brush is extra big and thick, so thick that it actually took me a couple days to get used to it. It gives thick, full lashes with no clumps, but it does take a couple of coats to get that look. I believe that this product really lives up to its hype.
Max Factor 2000 Calorie
This is just a really solid, good mascara. It gives great volume without clumps, but it also has a tendency to flake off. This is a good buy if you're in a pinch.
Bourjois Coup de Theatre!
This is one of those two-step mascaras, with a base coat and top coat. The base coat (white) has little fibers that are supposed to attached themselves to your lashes, giving you a thicker, longer lash. Afterwards, you apply the black top coat, which is basically a plain, no frills mascara. The claim says it will give the illusion of wearing false eyelashes. Another pricey mascara ($18), this one I think is not worth the price. First of all, it just takes too long to apply. I found I needed to use two coats of the base and two coats of the top coat. That 4 coats of mascara. Also, it just didn't give me that "pop" of thick lashes I was hoping for.
L'Oreal Volume Shocking
Another two-step mascara, but this one was just awful. The base coat was fine, but the brush for the top coat was a rubber comb instead of a brush and all it did was comb my lashes into 3 thick spikes. If I managed to separate my lashes, I still looked liked I had "tarantula eyes" and there was no volume to speak of.
Max Factor Lash Perfection
Another good, solid mascara. I like the rubber brush, it doesn't clump and it goes on very smoothly. The volume isn't fabulous, but it's good. It definitely takes a few coats to get the your desired look.
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I hope this little guide has been helpful. It is definitely not exhaustive because there are just too many to try!
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