Greetings to all my beauty-obsessed (and that’s a good thing) blog readers!
So, my posts have lapsed because not only did I discover
that I was sick with mono, just as I was recovering I got the flu! I’m much
better now and ready for bigger and better things in 2014. This post will be part
of a series of fours posts dedicated solely to…(drumroll) lashes! If you want
fuller, longer, or just generally better-looking lashes, I will show you how to
achieve that look, whether it’s through mascara, false/fake lashes, or lash
extensions.
Mascara
I worked at Nordstrom as the counter manager for Shiseido,
and during that stint I got to experiment and play with a variety of makeup and
skincare products. It definitely opened my eyes to a few secrets, including
which product lines are the best, hidden treasures in a brand you might not
normally try, and, in the case of mascara, a huge secret that I’ll let you in
on: DRUGSTORE MASCARA IS JUST AS GOOD AS THE EXPENSIVE KINDS! Seriously, right now,
commit to yourself that you will never again spend beaucoup bucks on mascara
that burdens your wallet. There seriously is no need. While there’s a
difference between types of mascara, you really don’t need to look further than
your local Target or drugstore for a mascara to suit your needs. If you’re going to dish out dollars, do that
on eyelash extensions. Before I get to that post, here are my faves:
MAC Haute & Naughty Lash
I decided to throw in the only department-store mascara I really feel is worth the money. Nope, it’s not DiorShow or any belonging to the Lancome Line. It’s MAC’s Haute & Naughty. For one, I love the name. Meow. But two, it really is an all-around great mascara that provides an intense effect. What’s particularly great about this sexy little tube is that it’s really two mascaras in one, which often helps with application (see my tutorial below). When I’ve used this, I start with the “wiper” that gives a cleaner application, let it dry a bit, then go back for round two with the other wiper inserted to build upon the first layer. This gem is $21, but again, don’t feel compelled to spend that much!
L’oreal Voluminous
Carbon Black
This is hands-down my all-time favorite mascara. Although it
is touted for its volume-building benefits, I discovered it also has incredible
lengthening capabilities. One tip: this mascara is better after you’ve used it
for a few days and you’ve pumped some air into the tube. This slightly dries out
the mascara, which makes the texture a bit tackier, thus better adhering to
your lashes. If you desire a really intense lash look (not spidery now, that’s just
gross), this mascara is particularly great when used in conjunction with L’oreal’s
Voluminous False Fiber Lashes, which I will explain later.
L’oreal Voluminous
False Fiber Lashes
If you want all the benefits of Voluminous, but with an
added lengthening boost, choose this option. The only caveat I have found with
this mascara is that it dries out much quicker than the traditional Voluminous,
so don’t expect it to last quite as long. But at an average price point of
$8.99, replacing the tube after a month won’t break your budget.
