If you missed this post on how I’m taking on the daunting responsibility of finding the world’s most perfect mascara and blogging about it, well then you’re in luck, because you haven’t missed anything yet. We’re just getting started here. 

So for this particular test drive, I hit up Sephora at the Natick Mall on my lunch break, and chose two different mascaras from the display of their top sellers. Using one time applicators, of course, I tried a different option on each eye so that I could accurately compare them throughout the day. 

Without further adieu, I give you the first my first trial runs:

Mascara #1: LANCÔME Hypnôse Star Mascara $28

What They Say: “This mascara dresses lashes in intense volume, unfolding a new vision of glamour inspired by Betty Boop and top model Daria Werbowy. The formula’s “black-diamond effect” imparts a glossy gel-like finish. The dual-action brush has a flat side for optimizing product deposit at the lash line while the rounded side separates, defines, and lengthens.”
What I Say: You know how they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover? Apparently you also shouldn’t judge a mascara by its bottle. I was of course drawn to its hourglass curve and glittery facade. It turned out to be nothing but a rouse- I absolutely hated the outcome of this pricey designer formula. I applied this to my right eye at 1:00. By 3:00, it was starting to flake a bit. When I got home around 7:00, I was shocked to find that my under eye area resembled a speckled egg. The game had barely started and this one had already lost. So that was a solid no. 

Mascara #2: Benefit They’re Real! Mascara $23

What I Say: I don’t know that anyone was questioning whether or not my left eyelashes were “real” or not, because let’s face it, that’s friggen weird. But I did notice that there was virtually no flaking throughout the day. In fact, when I woke up the next day after breaking the cardinal rule of not removing my makeup before bed (can we be honest about who actually does that every single night? Because all my magazines make me think that you are all doing this every day and I’m horrible). So this one definitely passed my smudge test, and is hands down the winner of this round. 

Mascara #3: Cover Girl Lash Blast 24 Hour Mascara $9.99

What They Say: “Power hour after hour. Bold, intense volume meets the biggest brush from COVERGIRL! Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes that last up to 24 hours. For a bold look that will get you noticed.”
What I Say: This was my first drug store mascara in years. I’m not a snob, I’ve just only been using things I’ve received as a free gift with purchase because if I’m going to spend money, I want as many free products as possible. When speaking to a coworker about the mascara challenge, they recommended a CG mascara that comes in a blue bottle. Now why after swearing off random advice from people did I still go and search for it is beyond me, but I ended up trying this one instead. I figured since it specifically advertised “24 hours” it must at least have the intention of being in it for the long haul (which I couldn’t say about many of the “bestsellers” as Sephora, as most of them only touted their advancements in lengthening and thickening and whatever else mascaras are supposed to do). I was pleasantly surprised with the wear of this one- no flakes at all, but was still easy enough to take off when I forced myself to do so. The only complaint I have is the wand is way bigger in person than it looks in this photo, and I found it difficult to evenly distribute the mascara when applying it to my less dextrous side (whether it’s fingernails, eyebrows or lashes, there’s alway one side that you’re less skilled at applying beauty products- for me, it’s my right). And thanks to my CVS card, I got a buy one, get one 50% off deal, so I also picked up a CG cream eyeshadow that I had previously used but had been smashed to pieces in my my makeup bag. 

We’re off to a pretty good start, but there are so many options out there that need to be tried. And since I will now be away from the mall for four days straight due to a little blizzard situation we got going on here, we may have a slight delay on our next round. I know I said that I was going to be a brat about this and not accept any advice and only base my decision on what I think, but I got some very interesting comments on the last post about what has worked and not worked for you guys. So rest assured, I am reeling in the crazy and any words of wisdom you have, I would love to hear. I am pro-choice when it comes to makeup, but it doesn’t mean I won’t read the picket signs. Keep ’em coming!

Until then,

~L