Ask Belle: The Best Mascaras

Nov 3, 2015

Dear Belle,

Do you have a mascara you love?  I seem to be on a never ending search for a great mascara.

PF

I am a longtime devotee of Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara.  It gives nice volume and length, and it doesn’t flake off by the end of the day.  (Raccoon eyes are not chic.)

A few weeks ago, I switched to Maybelline The Falsies Push-Up Mascara.  The volume isn’t quite as nice as with the 2000 Calorie, but the length is good.  The formula also doesn’t flake or feel sticky or heavy.  It’s a really good mascara, I just wish the brush was better at getting the small lashes.

Lastly, if you have sensitive eyes, I recommend Blinc mascaras.  They form a tube around your lashes to give long-wear with no flaking.  But the formula is easy to remove, so you don’t irritate your eyes.

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  1. Nora says:

    I just started using Maybelline’s Lash Sensational and I love it! Maybelline: killing it with mascara since forever.

  2. Valerie says:

    Belle, did you end up switching because the Max Factor was harder to get (i.e, required an Amazon order v. a drugstore trip)?

    I’ve been a fan of Trish McEvoy “High Volume” mascara for a while, mainly because I tend to accidentally smudge my eyes during the day and this formula stays put (it’s similar to the “tube” effect of the Blinc mascaras, but I’ve noticed less flaking with this brand). The only drawback is that it’s not cheap, but a single tube lasts a lot longer than I expected it to.

    • Becky says:

      I love this stuff too. A bit pricey, but I love how easy it is to remove, and how nicely it goes on. I don’t spend a lot on cosmetics, but this one has me sold!

    • Belle says:

      I just got sick of not being able to pop in to the Rite Aid every time my tube started to clump up. Amazon Prime is fast, but sometimes, not fast enough.

  3. Emily says:

    I LOVE Truly Lush Mascara + Eye Primer from Honest Beauty. It is a Mascara + Lash Primer….two products in one! Even better, it is all natural ingredients and not tested on animals.
    As the website states, it is made without: parabens, phthalates, paraffins, silicones, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances

    The length is FANTASTIC and it doesn’t seem to flake.
    https://www.honestbeauty.com/products/mascara-lash-primer

  4. Brittany says:

    The trick to great mascara is switching it very often. I find that if I buy a new drugstore mascara every month or so, it stays fresh and my lashes look great! Telescopic by Loreal is, by far, the best, in my opinion…

    • Jenn S. says:

      Preach, Telescopic is my holy grail, too. I’m a fan of bareMinerals Flawless Definition BUT at $18 a tube (for something you have to toss out every few months), I’m not too eager to buy regularly.

  5. SC says:

    I really love Clinique mascara — they’re on the less expensive side for high-end, but they perform as nicely as the $30 ones, in my experience. I like Naturally Glossy for lighter eye looks and High-Impact for more drama (both in Jet Black).

  6. Phoebe says:

    Maybelline Full ‘n Soft Waterproof

    It’s best after 1-3 weeks of opening — it’s super duper separating…your lashes will look naturally full and feathery. And by then, the formula will be a smidge more dry, allowing you to build and get volume.

    If you open it and it’s immediately clumpy, you have an old bottle and should return it! If you think it’s too natural-looking, give it a little bit to dry out and you’ll get the volume I described above.

  7. S says:

    Maybelline False Fiber lashes. Separates, lengthens, fluffs, it does it all without flaking. I get asked all the time if my lashes are real.

  8. Jordan says:

    Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (https://www.toofaced.com/c/better-than-sex?promotion=ga&gclid=CKLZ8K-A9cgCFYQ7aQod8SkJFQ) is the absolute best mascara I’ve ever used. I discovered a couple of weeks ago after being faithful to Dior for years. It’s cheaper and better – try it.

  9. AC says:

    Benefit’s They’re Real mascara is incredible as well. If you’re hesitant to buy a full-sized tube, most Benefit kiosks have travel sized tubes you can try out!

  10. Emily says:

    I’ve tried every mascara under the sun and while I do love Chanel Inimitable, and Dior’s DiorShow, you cannot beat Loreal’s Butterfly mascara! It’s comparable in quality to the other two, but a third of the price. I’ve been wearing it consistently for the past 2 years.

  11. Meghan says:

    I’ll also make a pitch for the new Stila Huge mascara. I’ve never tried a mascara that gave a beautiful falsies-like look with one swipe. The stuff is miraculous.

    • Valerie says:

      I got a sample last month in my Birchbox of this brand, and I like it for evening makeup (totally agree with @Meghan, it gives really nice, dramatic volume). The “tube” mascaras seem to work better and last longer for daytime/work makeup.

  12. SM says:

    I have tried the drug store mascara and while the Covergirl lash blast is decent I have to say, I love the Givenchy mascara with the wand with three balls on it. It gives me amazing length and jet black color. well worth the $30+ price tag.

  13. Katie says:

    Get a mascara primer! (I like Lancôme’s Cils Booster Base Mascara Primer, but the one by Clinique works in a pinch.) Using a primer makes a HUGE difference for me, much more noticeable than changing mascara formulas. A mini of the Lancôme primer is often offered as a promo or sample through Sephora or you can get it with your free gift with purchase in a department store. I don’t think I’ve ever had to actually purchase it.

    Also, if you love high end mascaras, Nordstrom’s 3 for 2 mascara sale is coming up! Guerlain Maxi Lash (gold tube, not waterproof) is my favorite.

  14. Jordan says:

    Tarte’s Light Camera Lashes mascara is hands down the best mascara I’ve tried! Highly recommend.

    • Laura says:

      I agree two fold I’ve tried everything from Dior Show to Maybelline but I find myself going back to good ole’ faithful Tarte. This mascara is also great for sensitive eyes.

  15. Emily says:

    I tried a Sephora set with the Blinc, Better than Sex, the Josie Maran argan one…but none of them compared to my favorite Clinique mascara, Lash Doubling. Best brush, nice color, natural but better. Worth a try at the counter for sure – I buy it in black, though I’m fair skinned.

  16. DcDc says:

    I am devoted to “They’re Real” by benefit. Traditional brush with a ball end to your tiny lashes, doesn’t flake – possibly water-resistant?

    I can go 3-6 months on a fresh tube. Then it starts to get dry, as a poster above commented.

    If you have a mascara you love, you can use a tiny fan brush to get those little lashes!

  17. Maria says:

    I’ve been using It Cosmetics Hello Lashes (https://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770233) for a couple of years now, and I regularly have people ask to touch my lashes to confirm if they’re real. A bit on the pricey side but so worth it!

    Also, their Your Brows But Better skinny eyebrow pencil is a life-changer. It’s my number 1 makeup must-have.

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