The number one question I get on Instagram is, “What mascara do you use/Do you have lash extensions?” I get this question a lot in real life too, and I’m always excited to share my favorite products!
I’ll be rating my top mascaras from 4 different categories: Clean Mascara, Volume Mascara, Drugstore Mascara, and Lengthening Mascara. But what my favorite tip is, that I think makes all the difference is a lash primer! I didn’t even know this existed until two years ago so I love introducing my favorite one to others.
I’ll also be sharing my top tips at the end of the post so be sure to keep reading to check that out.
Lash primer $22
If you’re wondering what a lash primer even is or why it is necessary in addition to mascara, basically it “primes” your lashes by adding volume to them before mascara is applied. It also helps mascara stay on way longer! I NEVER wear mascara without lash primer now. I think Urban Decay is the first and only brand of lash primers I have tried. It works so well so I have just been sticking with it!
clean Mascara $27
I tried the Beautycounter mascara for the first time several weeks ago and am really impressed! It’s been one of the top 2 mascara’s I’ve been reaching for since.
- Benefits: separates lashes
- Downsides: doesn’t give a ton of volume, need make up remover to remove
Where to buy: Beautycounter
Volume Mascara $19
If I could only live with one out of all the mascaras I own, the Miss K 10 Second Volume Mascara would be it! It provides so much volume because it has almost a flake-like consistency that sticks to lashes so they appear so much longer, darker, and fuller. The key is to apply multiple coats, this is what really helps add volume. It is also SUPER EASY TO REMOVE!!! That is one of my favorite parts about it. You just need water and it comes off so easily, but also won’t just fall off. The only downside is that lashes can get stuck together – I think this is what helps add volume, but if you’re looking for something that will separate each lash this is not the mascara.
- Benefits: easy to remove, gives lots of volume, vegan, cruelty free, lengthens lashes
- Downsides: does not separate lashes
Where to buy: Miss K Cosmetics
Drugstore mascara $9
I hardly use drugstore make up so when I do, you know it’s got to be good! I’m usually very hesitant to try drugstore products but I had seen the The Maybelline Sky High mascara all over social media. After receiving it in a PR package I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did! It’s so good for under $10. I have the “washable very black” which is super easy to get off with water, but there is a waterproof option available.
- Benefits: separates lashes, easy to remove, inexpensive, lengthens lashes
- Downsides: doesn’t give a ton of volume
Separating & Lengthening Mascara $26
I’ve been using this mascara the longest out of the rest featured in this post. I’ve been wearing it since freshman year of high school, so about 11 years now! It’s the best at separating lashes and also lengthens the appearance of them.
- Benefits: lengthens and separates lashes
- Downsides: need make up remover to remove, does not give a ton of volume
top lash tips
- Always use a lash primer – this is really my top tip. I think any mascara you use, if you add primer it will make a huge difference!
- I’ve found the mascaras that are removable with water – I never lose lashes when removing those. When I remove mascaras that require a make up remover, I use lashes sometimes. I will ink my favorite eye make up remover here.
- LAYER LAYER LAYER! This is my second best tip… This is what really will add volume to your lashes.
- Add multiple mascaras to your routine – each mascara has different benefits so I usually like to apply a lighter one to separate and lengthen lashes and then go in with the miss K Volume mascara to add volume.
- Swap out old bottles. I go through my lash primer probably every 2-3 months but my mascara bottles last longer since I have multiple ones open at any given time.
- Wait a few seconds in between applying coats – especially between with primer and mascara. Otherwise it won’t have time to set and won’t make much of a difference.
- Remove mascara before bed – whenever I sleep with mascara (which I don’t really do anymore), I end up losing lashes plus it is so much more difficult to apply mascara the next day and my lashes never look as good.
Comment your favorite mascara in the comments below!
Love,
Colleen C Cook
