Growing up, the makeup I was allowed to wear was very limited.
I was always gifted the sheer plastic pallets of fruit-flavored lip glosses from Claires and Justice and the miniature foam brush these palettes came with. However, mascara was the first makeup product I was ever allowed to use.
With this being the only product I was allowed to have on my face, I went crazy right away, trying as many different brands, formulas, and even colors as possible, and I can now say that I have found my absolute favorite as well as the ones that I will not be repurchasing.
The first mascara I ever used was by Maybelline and their Great Lash line. Since this use, I have grown very fond of their products and my favorite everyday mascara is their Lash Sensational Full Fall Effect formula. I will typically follow curling my eyelashes with the application of this mascara from my roots up, covering every lash. Although this product holding a curl has been pretty hit or miss, this mascara is one that I love to achieve both a natural length and a full look. Along with the Full Fan Effect, I am a ride-or-die Sky High fan and will always find myself going back to this mascara. If you are looking for an effortless and lightweight application that gives maximum length, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High mascara is something that I will always recommend. It always leaves my lashes looking perfectly full and long with only a couple of strokes and I never have to worry about flakyness throughout the day.
Another mascara that I love is one that I was, at first, apprehensive about. Just about all of my friends live by L’oreal Telescopic Original Mascara and although at first I would refuse to use it, it is now one of my favorites and has made its way into my daily routine. Initially, after application, my lashes were always left in clumpy sections that would not separate. For the Telescopic Mascara, I typically will start at the top of my lashes, lightly coating them, and working my way down to the roots. The thin brush, as well as the light formula of this product, allows me to obtain a light, wispy look for my lashes with minimal application, not making my eyes feel like they have weights on them. Though my lashes are not exactly short, they have never been extraordinarily long, and with the length this mascara gives them, I have grown to love all things Telescopic; it truly is a staple mascara you cannot go wrong with.
A more pricier option for a mascara that I do love is the Milk Makeup Kush High Volumizing mascara. On days when my lashes aren’t curling right or just do not feel like they are going to cooperate, I will typically reach for this product as it easily gives my lashes a good length and full look. Though I do find myself applying more coats of this product than others, my lashes never feel over the top or heavy with this one.
Moving away from my favorites, one mascara that is hit or miss is the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, specifically the waterproof formula. While this mascara does help to give a nice long look, it has left my lashes looking clumpy and always ends up on my eyelids, leaving flakes of mascara throughout the day. I will say that for a low-priced mascara—$5 compared to a typically $13—it definitely holds up to its waterproof name and will do the job. However, I would only recommend this product as a last resort as it is impossible to take off even with makeup remover.
I have not had a bad experience with all of Essense’s mascaras, and I will find myself from time to time picking up one of their non-waterproof Lash Princess products, which I have found to be less clumpy and flakey than their waterproof formulas.
As I have gotten older my makeup limitations have been lifted and I have been able to explore new products, yet mascara is one that will always be my favorite. After trying out different brands and formulas I have found the ones that will cycle through my daily routine as well as the ones that I will be leaving behind on the shelf.
