So...I have a mascara problem....

I'll admit, I was obsessed with Kim K's makeup pre-Kanye, most especially her lashes!  I tried out fake lashes for awhile and found them to be too labor-intensive for an every day look.  Even for a night out I very rarely rocked them as I have tiny features and found they can be a little over the top on my face.  Plus, let's be honest, I'm getting old and my nights out have gone from Marquee, to Stumble-Inn, to my couch.  That being said, I've been on a mission to find a mascara that can mimic the look of fake lashes without the hassle.  Sit back, grab a glass/bottle of wine and enjoy the results of my thousands of dollars worth of research :o)

Absolute Best-

In my exhaustive efforts to find a mascara that I loved I stumbled upon this little gem; Buxom Lash. Admittedly, it is a bareMinerals' product and while at this point, 3 posts in, I should probably have a product placement contract with them, it is really just the best.  And I'm not just saying that.  This product, both which is both vitamin-enriched and parabin free, makes your lashes thicker and more voluminous than any product I've ever tried.  If you've ever met me I've probably recommended this to you whilst in the midst of a conversation about the weather or while being introduced.  

Now, there is a but to this....not all Buxom Mascaras are created equal.  I've tried their Waterproof formula, their Sculpted Lash and their Amplified Lash and they all suck.  Don't waste your money on any of those as they are not even close to comparable to the original and there are way better products out there.

Best, Most Affordable Mascara-

In the days of my youth (i.e. when I was 16) I was a Maybelline whore.  I used pretty much all of their products and scoffed at those who didn't know of their wonders.  While I've since experimented with more expensive products I'll always hold a special place in my heart for Maybelline. 

Now, I know everyone raves about the traditional Maybelline Great Lash green and pink mascara but I personally don't love it.  I don't even really like it.  I think it's good for getting bottom lashes and for lifting and separating but I don't think it does much for volume.  Now, the Maybelline XXL Curl Power Mascara is where it's at.  This stuff is a beaut.  It add volume, it separates, it curls it does it all; and all for only $10. Honestly, unless you're a huge makeup junkie like me you probably don't even need to invest in a more expensive mascara as this will definitely do the trick.

Best If You Already Have Thick Lashes-

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara is great at lifting, separating and curling lashes.  It's perfect if you already have perfect/great lashes or if you like a more natural look.  It's moisturizing, so it's good for your lashes and it just gives a great every day look.  It doesn't go on too thick and it's easy to layer.

Most Fun- 

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils comes in different colors like purple, burgundy and blue.  While it may seem extreme it can actually make your eyes pop and be really fun for a night out.  Purples look great on brown eyes, blue on blue eyes and the burgundy on green.  Don't knock it 'til you try it.  It's $30 so definitely not for worth it for just one night out but if you're willing to experiment, or you want your eyes to pop without using too much shadow this is definitely for you.

Honorable Mention-

1.) Cover Girl Lash Blast- While not my go-to it's definitely a great product if you're looking for an affordable, yet effective product

2.) Givenchy Phenomen' Eyes Mascara- A really cool concept, but the brush can be difficult to master if you're just the causal makeup user

3.) Anything with a vibrating brush- See Above

4.) L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara- Great product for the price

5.) Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Mascara-Adds a lot of volume without giving you spider lashes

Now onto the losers....

Most Disappointing- 

This physically pains me to write as I wanted to love this so much, but my most disappointing mascara purchase has been the Dior Diorshow Mascara.  Now, before you all crucify me (assuming there are people reading this...) I really gave this a shot.  At first I was in love, nay, obsessed.  It did everything it promised to, made my lashes look great and I loved it.  Then, I opened it a week later.  It looked as though I had left it open in front of a fan for 6 months.  Refusing to believe a $25 before tax mascara would dry up in the first month I rushed out to buy a new one.  Same thing happened.  Ever since then I've shed a tear every time I've passed it in Sephora for what could have been my favorite mascara.

Absolute Worst-

I'm not going to write one worst product for this because I've tried quite a few and never gone back.  Instead I'm just going to give a list of the ones I've purchased but wouldn't bother spending money on again.

1.) Anything Wet and Wild- Unless you're just starting out and experimenting with makeup, I think this goes without saying, spend the $5 extra to buy a Maybelline or Revlon

2.) Clinique Lash Power Mascara- I just personally didn't like it.  I didn't think it added much volume, nor did it do much else.  Definitely not worth the money

3.) Benefit BADgal Lash- I didn't feel that this did anything so special as to be on as many lists of best mascaras as it is.  There are way better products out there

Hope this helped anyone looking for something new to try.  I definitely have more to say about mascara so expect more posts on this to come!  

xo 

Kelly