High / Low: Mascara

Go low end.

While I don’t paint my face every day, if you asked me to pick just one type of makeup to use, it would be mascara. I like that it makes me look more awake, and I believe that my eyes stand out more when I’m wearing mascara.

Expensive brands

For years, I bought only expensive mascara. Since it’s my favorite makeup, I thought this made sense – surely I would get more impact with an expensive brand. I’ve tried dozens, and I had some favorites which included d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX, Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1, and Lancome Difinicils High Definition Mascara.

But then I received a mascara in a gift bag at a gala, and gave it a try. It was L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes. I was pleasantly surprised, and decided to try other drugstore brands. Using the information I had learned about high-end mascara, I discovered that I can get the impact I’m looking for with a much lower priced item.

Drugstore brand

Here is my list for picking a drugstore mascara.

1) Do I want to add length or width to my lashes? Most women have either long, pale lashes, or full, short lashes. The products that offer both are not as good at either, so I pick one. (Sometimes the description will say it offers both, but I've noticed that the name of the mascara will give an indication.)

2) Do I want a natural look, or a false eyelashes look? For natural, I pick clear or light brown colored mascara, and for fake, I pick the darkest black I can find.

3) Here’s how I put on my mascara. And if the tube is getting to the end of its life, and drying out a bit, I also comb through the lashes.

And here’s the result with mascara on one eye, and no mascara on the other eye. I skipped the curling and combing for this photo. I think you’ll agree that drugstore brands of mascara are a great place to save some money.

L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes here
d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX here
Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 here
Lancome Difinicils High Definition Mascara here