Road Test: Mascara

Have you ever been asked what’s the one beauty product that you couldn’t live without? Mine is mascara. It’s always been mascara. Even before I really wore makeup (to see how I learned about concealer and tinted moisturizer, click here), I ALWAYS wore mascara. As a result, I keep an eye out for the latest and greatest–from drugstore brands (Maybelline) to designer blends (Lancome)–to see what makes my eyelashes look longer, fuller and more intense.

Arbonne Triple Action Mascara

When I tested this baby out, I was surprised by how big the brush is. We’re talking really big–nice and full to get you those big lashes that you’ve always wanted. I put it on the first thing in the morning, and by bedtime, there was still no sign of smudging. Came off easily with soap and water. PLUS! It’s vegan certified and formulated without gluten. To buy Arbonne Triple Action Mascara, $30.00, click here.

CoverGirl natureluxe Mousse Mascara

I had never used an organic mascara before, so when I received this with my BlogHer swag, I was intrigued. Instead of using synthetic polymers in this formula, CoverGirl uses natural beeswax, perfect for those who like to stay away from chemicals as much as possible. The brush is tiny, with very precise bristles which coat every single lash–no kidding. The effect is perfect looking, long lashes. I wore this mascara in the hot sun at a baseball game, and no smudging. Available at drugstores. For more information on CoverGirl natureluxe Mousse Mascara, click here.

L’Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator

The word “illuminator” is what caught my eye with this one. A double wanded mascara, one end is black, and the other end is colored for your specific eye color. (For example, I have blue eyes so the duo I bought was black copper). The idea is that you apply the black side first, which lengthens and intensifies your eyelashes. Next, you put on the “illuminating topcoat” which has “light reflecting pearls” to highlight your eyes. If you want to use it for every day, you apply the topcoat to your tips–if you’re out with the girls or on date night you apply it to the entire lash. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be appropriate for school pick-up, but I went full steam ahead and applied it to my whole lash. I didn’t see much of a difference with my eye color, but it does lengthen my lashes. Good for those who want to add a bit of color to their mascara, but aren’t’ ready to do a full blue, green, etc. Available at drugstores. For more information on L’Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator, click here.

Maybelline The Falsies-Flared

I had been using The Falsies mascara for some time, but when we went to BlogHer, I received a Flared version from the kind peeps at CVS, and now there’s no turning back. This mascara gives you big, showgirl type eyelashes that curve upward. A must have. Be warned, however–the waterproof version is virtually impossible to take off. Available at drugstores. For more information on Maybelline The Falsies-Flared, click here.

Lancome Définicils

Back in the day when our household carried two incomes and we didn’t have to worry about preschool tuition, this was my go-to mascara. Oh, how I loved it. The brush is small and thin, which allows it to coat your every lash–from root allllll the waaaaay to the end. If long lashes is what you’re dying for, this is the mascara to get. To order Lancome Définicils, $25.00, click here.

Want to stay up to date? Get Breezy Mama by email — it’s free! PLUS! Be automatically entered to win a 2011 Flite BumbleRide Stroller (a $250 value)! Hurry and enter your email address here: