Monday, March 23, 2009

Raccoon Issues

Let me tell you about my mascara issues. I only started wearing it a couple of years ago when I learned that supposedly it makes you look less tired. And after my second child, I was tired. Now that I am a daily wearer, I have issues. I use make-up remover, then I shower and wash my face, then I have to get the residual mascara off from under my eyes with more make-up remover. THEN in the mornings, more residual. I end up looking like this, minus the perfectly pouted lips:



I have tried many different mascaras. I while ago on my own blog I asked my friends and readers what mascara they use and what works. I got a couple great suggestions including this Kiss Me Mascara which is fantastic. It doesn't smudge, doesn't flake, comes off so easily but for me it started flaking into my eyes at about the 3 month mark. That was fine, but I don't want to pay $25 every three months. Or maybe I am just up in the night, maybe you have to pay that to get good mascara.

Then I tried a drugstore brand. I can't remember what one. It was in a red and white container, there where brushes on either end. One was a conditioner, one was the mascara and it washed off easily but I looked like Tammy Faye. Not my style. (edit: I just saw a commercial, it was Loreal Double Extend Mascara)

Now I am using a Lancome one, not satisfied.

So today I took Amanda's advice and got Clinique High Impact mascara. I know it wasn't the exact one you told me about but the sales lady told me it was her choice (and I don't think she was going to let me leave without it, and I am a wuss) and Nordstrom has a great return policy on make up so if I didn't like it I can exchange.

So here is what I need from you guys. I need your mascara choices. It has to be under $18 dollars (preferably less) and cannot flake or smudge and has to wash off reasonably well. AND, how do you remove your mascara? Friends, don't let me down.

~mavis

18 comments:

paperwhite said...

Clinique High Impact mascara, I love it.

Christy said...

mary kay!

Scarchiba! said...

Rimmel. Cheap, unique brush (more like a comb) and doesn't clump either!

Becky said...

Definitely Clinique. I've gone through a list of others and just keep coming back. For me, it's the only option out there.

josieposie said...

Dr. Denese mascara DUO = 2 for $21. This stuff works. It's really good.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A74264.desc.Dr-Denese-Lash-Faker-Mascara-Duo

Amanda said...

Darn -you really need to try the high impact CURLING mascara. Changed my life. But aren't they both over $18? You see, I buy a lot of Clinique and MAC make-up, but I also buy a ton of that Sonia Dashuk from Target which I love. I will pay less for eye shadow and powder, but mascara is absolutely worth the money, especially if you have sensitive eyes. I love this new curling version and people have actually stopped me and asked me what I've done differently to my eyes lately.

Lindsey said...

My eyes are SUPER-HYPER-ULTRA-sensitive, so the kiss-me is the only one that really works for me since it doesn't really get into my eyes at all. I didn't love the double-extend (drug store version) either. I do use it sometimes but without the stupid conditioner. The double-sided applicator is the dumbest design I've ever seen. I am with you on the money issue. I would love to pay $18 for some sweet-A mascara that would work for my sensitive eyes. Maybe I'll find some through this post!
PS: I read some reviews for the double-extend and did find it totally hilarious that it got almost all bad reviews because NOBODY could figure out how to get it off - "it wouldn't come off with makeup remover and pulled out all my eyelashes." Read the directions spacey - water!! So funny though.

Emily said...

Maybelline, hands down. eriously it is the best and cheap! I love Great Lash. It never failed me in High School and I still use it and love it today. I am a Dove beauty bar girl and it takes it right off. My skincare and makeup routine is pretty simple. I don't do the whole department store beauty thing (although it is fun to go and have them play around with the new colors)

dandee said...

I really adore Benefit's Bad Gal Lash. I just bought some today. I think I will have to try the Clinique High Impact next. Mascara that does the curling for me is very tempting...

Anonymous said...

Wow, I was excited for recommendations, but now I'm more confused than ever.which to try? I know from my experience working in a derm clinic & peddling makeup there that women are highly loyal to their chosen brand. Its hard to get them to switch. For anyone with sensitive eyes, try Colorescience. Its not the ultimate at lengthening, but is okay & very easy on the old eyeballs. Also, no one discussed removers. I'm currently using The Body Shoppe's and it's good.

KATE (QUINN) SCHROEDER said...

my lashes suck. Criss-crossing, sparse, short and straight. I am always trying 2-3 new mascaras at a time, and have yet to fall in love. Must be waterproof, too, since I'm in the water every day. But to remove: Lancome's Bi-Facile (I think that's the spelling) it looks super oily but it's gentle on my eyes AND doesn't bother my contacts. It's not perfect, but considering the waterproof factor, it's VERY thorough. I've never used anything else since this one.

Marianne said...

I hate to say this, but you really should change your mascara every 2-3 months. They can harbor all kinds of nasty bacteria if you go longer than that! I'll get off my soapbox now.

MZ said...

We just started carrying Latisse at DermaChic. It really works, longer, lusher, darker lashes in about a month. Dove can review it for you.

Anonymous said...

Huggies Sensitive Skin Fragrance free baby wipes have ALWAYS worked for taking off the mascara. And man are they cheap. I know, right?

Julianna said...

I've never chimed in on this blog before, but here goes. Double Extend is junk. I love Kiss Me. It's expensive, but I think it's worth it. However, after reading this post, I might be trying some new brands.

As for removers...I was a Loreal kind of girl for a LONG time, but now I use Sensaria's Eye Makeup Remover. I love it. It's not greasy, feels and looks more gelish, and lasts for a very long time. You have to buy it from a rep, but I'd be happy to help you. :) In fact, maybe I could do a give-away on your blog.

we chirp said...

I thought I posted a comment to all this! Where did it go?
Marianne, I am more than happy to change out my mascara every 2-3 months, just not for $25 a pop.

Josie, I'm looking in to that.

Amanda, day 2 on high impact. Love the way it washed off, not super duper impressed with my lashes, am going back for the curling stuff.

Love drugstore and department store options so I am going to look into Rimmel, thanks scarchiba!

Christy, I grew up across the street from a Mary Kay gal. She was good, like 2 pink caddies good, and I do like their cosmetics, maybe it is time to reconnect.

Dandee, I wish we have a Benefit counter around here. Love their cosmetics, would love to try that mascara. Have you tried their georgia face powder?

Julianna, I love sensaria. Their skin products rock. When I am out of my current moisturizer, I am going to order that balancing moisturizer - I just should have from the get go. And I use the blemish control when I need to and it is the best I have ever used.

LC, love the kiss me, but like everything, my eyelashes are in a recession.

The rest of you fantastic commentors - danke. This is great info, keep it coming.

~mavis

Tiffany & Co. said...

I never spend big money on mascara. Right now I'm diggin the Colossal Lash by Maybelline (in the bright yellow packaging). I buy a new tube of mascara once a month, don't use it for longer than that or it turns yucky.

Tiffany & Co. said...

Also, I use Lancome's Ablutia Fraicheur pink gel cleanser all over my face even on my eyes and it takes all my makeup off with the exception of that residual under the eyes...I don't think you can get away from that! Especially if you use black eyeliner and really black mascara. But Baby Oil and a cotton swab take it right off before bed. Hope this helps!