The perfect mascara is as coveted, as it is elusive.  For years, I’ve searched in vain for the perfect mascara.  MaxFactor’s 2000 Calorie formula came closer than most, but it still left me searching for something more.

Kevyn Aucoin was a makeup magician.  When I was in college, I would spend Sunday afternoons reading his books and trying to recreate the looks.  So when Emily Schuman raved about his The Mascara Volume, I decided to try it.

Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara Volume ($28) has a lot going for it.  The brush is unbelievably tiny, but it doesn’t miss a single lash.  Even the tiny ones in the corners cannot hide from the slender wand.

The formula is interesting, but in a good way.  It’s pitch black with a slight sheen to it.  It defines, lengthens a bit, and volumizes well.  It’s not the most volumizing formula that I’ve used, but my lashes are darker, thicker, and bolder.  But the quality that lured me away from MaxFactor is that, unlike so many mascaras, the Aucoin doesn’t rub off onto my lower lids.  Sayonara, raccoon eyes.

Another great benefit?  It washes off easily.  The formula sort of peels off like thread.  No rubbing, no irritation.

Aucoin also makes a curling mascara, but I have an eyelash curler for that.  So I’ll stick with the volumizing formula.

Bottom line?  To get rid of the raccoon eyes that give me the lovely look of exhaustion, I’m willing to sacrifice a little volume.  This mascara may not be everything I hoped for in the intensity department, it’s definitely my new go-to mascara.