The Truth About Mascara: The Good, The Bad and The Smudgy

The Truth About Mascara: The Good, The Bad and The Smudgy!

In Beauty, Fashion by LisaLeave a Comment

Are all mascaras created equally? We are telling the The Truth About Mascara: The Good, The Bad and The Smudgy!  I am constantly trying out new mascaras that are said to lengthen and give me the look of false lashes. At the end of the day, I want to be able to wash it all off before I go to bed at night without any issues. Is that too much to ask? There are so many options to choose from too, including inexpensive options from the drug store to expensive “designer” brands that you can find at department stores. I personally, have bought so many of them that my makeup drawer is practically overflowing! Ladies, it may be time to update your makeup bag!

The Truth About Mascara: The Good, The Bad and The Smudgy!

I have been known to buy any mascara that someone at Sephora recommends or my local drugstore makeup specialist suggests. As well, I like to take both my daughters’ opinions into account since I credit them as my local makeup experts. Sometimes, I’ll even walk up to a patron in Sephora who happens to be in the section I’m shopping in and ask them their opinion. I love hearing different mascara opinions. Now that I have a small mascara collection, I know which ones I can depend on and that work for me.

The Truth About Mascara

It Cosmetics (Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara)

I saw a blogger applying It Cosmetics, Superhero mascara on an instagram story. So I went right out and bought it and it was not cheap! I found that it went on smoothly and increased the length of my lashes. However, after two days of use, I developed an irritation around my eye and had to stop using it, anyone else have that issue?

Diorshow (Iconic Overcurl)

This Diorshow, Iconic Overcurl mascara was recommended by a Sephora team member. I tried it and it did what it promised to do, creating oversized lashes. The drawback? It goes on too clumpy for my liking and it took me a while to use the wand so that my eyelashes did not look congealed together. I would say that you have to be a master at applying mascara to use this one.

Benefit Cosmetics (BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara)

My daughter told me about this one and I LOVE IT. Why? Benefit BADgal mascara goes on smoothly, creates long, luxurious lashes and is smudge-proof. It has a provitamin to help with natural lash thickness too. What’s not to like? The only drawback is that I found that the serum doesn’t last long. I have to constantly replenish this mascara and it is on the pricey side.

Benefit Cosmetics (Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara)

I saw this Benefit Roller Lash Curling mascara in a travel size and I grabbed it. It was great for traveling because of the size but I did not like the formula for me. I have to apply multiple layers to get the desired look I was going for. Next!

Benefit Cosmetics (They’re Real! Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara)

I also like this one. Benefit They’re Real lengthens lashes and is nice and creamy. The results are flawless lashes. I have purchased this one over and over again and I am yet to be disappointed.

TOO FACED (Better Than Sex Mascara)

TOO FACED Better Than Sex got rave reviews from a friend of mine. I have to admit it, it goes on nicely and the name is “different,” but I was not completely sold. The price is high and I had a hard time with under eye residue.

Maybelline (Great Lash Washable Mascara)

I have used Maybelline Great Lash Washable mascara for many years not only in washable but in the waterproof serum, too. It stays put and is a relatively inexpensive mascara that you will be content with.

Maybelline (Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara)

With a name like “Falsies” you really can’t go wrong. It does lengthen your lashes nicely and it is 1/3 of the price of some of the other products I listed. By applying multiple coats, it will create a fuller look too.

L’oreal Paris (Voluminous Mascara)

I bought this mascara at my local drugstore and was pleasantly surprised, L’oreal Voluminous mascara comes in a variety of shades. It does dry up quickly but for the price, you really do get a decent product.

Nars (Audacious Mascara in Black Moon)

Nars Audacious mascara is a layering genius. You can get your desired look all with a little layering. Go out in the morning with a single swipe of the wand and add a few more layers to head out at night.

CliniqueFIT (Workout 24-Hour Mascara)

A real winner for the mom on the go! CliniqueFIT mascara goes the distance and stays on all day. If I am headed to an outdoor warm weather event, I always go for this mascara. This sweatproof, long wearing formula has us keeping calm on the inside while we are sweating on the inside.

The Truth About Mascara: The Good, The Bad and The Smudging

If you don’t want to be like Goldilocks and the three bears, searching for a mascara that isn’t too thick, clumpy or dry, start with a simple drugstore brand that won’t break the bank. Or look for a travel size/mini version of  the mascara you would like to try.  This will give you a few applications and it is a great test run.

Meet the Author | Lisa


Lisa Kobrin is a mom to three children, aged 16, 19 and 21. She is passionate about education and loves home décor and fashion. She is a veteran mom and loves sharing all of her experiences with Savvy Sassy Moms readers. Lisa has put in her time as a mom of young children and now gets to get focus on her again! She loves fashion and beauty and is up to date on the latest trends for moms.

Leave a Comment