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Mascara Review

Traci Clark

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The Hunt for the Unicorn Mascara:

An Exhaustive Mascara Review

After I had my eyelash extensions removed, I was in the market for mascara. I wanted a mascara that was high impact, didn’t smudge or transfer (when it migrates down under or around your eyes), lasts all day and comes off easily at night.

I have logged a ton of hours in Sephora, Ulta, Target and CVS. When stores have a generous return policy I feel comfortable trying and buying until I find the perfect fit (however, for this I bought some smaller sizes and kept everything I bought). I looked on Amazon and Wirecutter for their most recommended mascaras and tried them all.

GANG’S ALL HERE!! From Left to right: Benefit Bad Gal BANG!, MAC in extreme dimension lash, Benefit Roller Lash, Vivienne Sabo Garconette (most recommended on Amazon), Buxon Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, Almay Liquid Lash Extenders, Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara, Dior Show Pump’N’ Volume, Clinique High Impact Mascara

My Top Mascara Recommendations:

WINNER: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($24): This mascara is different than all of the others because it is more like lash paint and is different than a typical mascara. It goes on thick and I haven’t had any issues with smudges. The only caveat is because it’s not exactly mascara it comes off better with water alone and takes some getting used to when removing it (I use a very wet Makeup Eraser or Face Halo to save $ and the environment). I do not think it is anywhere as good as eyelash extensions thought, I’ll tell you right now.

RUNNER UPS:

  1. TooFaced Better Than Sex (I wish they could name it “better than chocolate” instead). This one is a favorite. It has everything I’m looking for and the bottle lasts a few months. $19.95

  2. Buxum Lash Volumizing Mascara-Waterproof: this is a solid all-around option. It does go on a little thin for me. $20

  3. DiorShow Pump N Volume: If you have a special occasion, DiorShow mascaras are great. They are very high impact and are a great pick HOWEVER, they are pricier than the others and I personally don’t find that the bottle works as well after a few weeks, so generally I wouldn’t recommend (but they are awesome for the first few weeks). $29.50


Here are all the mascaras I tried: Almay liquid Lash Extenders Mascara, Maybelline GreatLash, MAC extreme Dimension Lash, Benefit RollerLash, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Benefit Bad Gal Bang (and, of course, Too Faced Better than Sex, Buxum Lash Volumizing, and DiorShow Pump N Volume). Some of them would go on clumpy after a few days, some had transfer early in the day, and some just wouldn’t come off.

Nothing even comes close to eyelash extensions in terms of volume, drama, smudge-proof, and waterproof but we can’t all be Kardashians. See my review of Eyelash Extensions here.

Do you have a favorite I didn’t try? Didn’t agree with my assessment? Please share your opinion so other Poppie Ladies can see below!

Illustration from Pinterest