mascaras unraveled...

being particular as most girls are with their mascaras, very few fit the bill. although i'm a fan of big and voluptuous, i despise clumps. i'm thrilled with the inventive new fiber formulas, and would love to know the trick of avoiding the smudge on my lid from the length of the fibers. it's a fine line between and just perfect. recently i've put a few of the newer contestants to battle. this is how they sum up next to some old favorites:

1. They're Real, by Benefit Cosmetics...  this mascara is just near perfection for me. i enjoy the amount of fiber in the formula, it's just enough to coat and lengthen, no smudging- and long, distinct lash results. this will float around my makeup satchel for years to come...

2. Too Faced, Lash Injection... HUGE plump lashes, over the top thickness. tube technology. not a whole lot of clumping. i can't get with the tube technology. the oily smudge is comforting upon removal.

3. Dior, DiorShow -the original. the adult star of the mascara world. richly coats lashes in a buttery and smudgeproof formula. creates thick and dramatic lashes. a bit tough to wrestle off, but any good eye remover will do. i've been known to use my samples of eye cream and small jars i have yet to finish, in lieu of eye makeup remover. gluttonous, i know. i have a hard time finding a match for this mascara.

4. Buxom Lash, Buxom Cosmetics- the smarter, sexier, sister to DiorShow. matte black evenly coats the lash, perfectly designed wand ensures delivery to even the smallest lashes. just dramatic enough for a "mascara & lipstick day". i use this mascara almost daily.

....tips for mascara

do not pump mascara
dump mascara at no more than six months
DO use colored mascara as an accent
always remove mascara before bed

xo
mercergirl