August 02, 2010
A Public Service, from My Lashes to Yours: Part I of II
Started in the beginning of May, this post was three months in the making. That's how dedicated I am to bringing you quality, informative posts, people.
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Hourglass ~ Superficial Lash
Their Claim: "Superficial Lash Volumizing + Lengthening Mascara is a hydrating mascara that coats lashes in weightless volume and sheen. Eyes are instantly defined as lashes visibly increase in volume, length and height."
First Impression: Aren't length and height the same thing, pretty much, when talking about lashes? Anyhoo, I was unimpressed by the long, skinny brush. Long and skinny works well for supermodels, red licorice and dachsunds, but I prefer my mascara wands like my men -- big 'n' burly!
Final Conclusion: I had high hopes for coating my lashes in weightless volume and sheen, but I found that this mascara dried too quickly on my lashes, making it impossible to comb out the clumps after application. After four days of clumpiness, I pitched the stuff. Life is too short to look like I wear Cover Girl! I don't care that Drew Barrymore Herself shills for them. You know she doesn't wear that shit -- she wears Mac or Nars or something. She just cashes her checks and gives her free Cover Girl product to her cleaning lady's kid.
Urban Decay ~ Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara
Their Claim: "All new formula and brush! Six-in-one Skyscraper Mascara lengthens, strengthens, thickens, brightens, separates, and curls lashes. The flexible, new generation brush grabs and separates, for long, strong and feather-soft lashes."
First Impression: Weird brush. Very long and narrow and rubbery. Not what I'm used to, but what the hey -- give it a try, right? Can't be as bad as the previous mascara!
Final Conclusion: This mascara claims to do six things -- lengthen, strengthen, thicken, brighten, separate, and curl -- so let's break them down.
Lengthen? Yes, I will totally give this a TEN for lengthening!
Strengthen? I don't even know how you'd measure something like that.
Thicken? No. My lashes were long but skinny, like spider legs.
Brighten? Wha-- what does that even mean?!
Separate? Certainly not on the lower lashes.
Curl? Um, maybe...? Okay, I'll say that, after I used the eyelash curler, this mascara held the curl.
In short, didn't throw out, but would not buy.
Korres ~ Abyssinia Oil Volumizing & Strengthening Mascara
Their Claim: "Abyssinia oil provides intense pigment for dramatic color. Provitamin B5 deeply conditions lashes to prevent breakage. The unique brush is designed with wave shaped bristles for maximum lash fullness and volume, giving an extreme fan effect."
First Impression: Can't wait for the "extreme fan effect!" But what the fuck is abyssinia oil? Wikipedia says, "Abyssinia may refer to the Ethiopian Empire that consisted of modern Ethiopia." Holy shit! Are they saying that my lashes will be as dark as an Ethiopian?! Can they say that???
Final Conclusion: Not a fan of the anorexic brush, but the formula made my lashes... feathery. Yeah. I'm going with feathery. At first. But again, I have grown disenchanted with this mascara as the days have gone by. I sense a trend. Did I get a batch of dried out mascaras? Or have my eyelashes have merely caught up with the rest of my 40 year old body and just aren’t what they used to be? Plus, my lashes don’t seem any blacker than any other mascara that I’ve used, so I’m dubious about the whole magic-Ethiopian-oil thing.
Benefit ~ A Little Bit BADGal Lash Mascara
Their Claim: “This world’s best mascara is sexy, sultry & pure unadulterated black. The famously big brush lays it on thick for full, voluminous lashes."
First Impression: I remember loving this mascara in the past, so if this tube disappoints, I’m going with my batch-of-dried-out-mascara theory and scratching the whole experiment.
Final Conclusion: Still love it. This and Dior DiorShow are my fav mascaras of all time. So far. Highly recommend, ladies! Go buy some!
Smashbox ~ Lash DNA
Their Claim: "This formula of proteins and amino acids, the building blocks of DNA, binds to lashes for genetic defying length, while the double helix brush creates the ultimate fanned-out effect."
First Impression: Well, you gotta love the marketing. "DNA," "genetic defying," "double helix brush." Clever.
Final Conclusion: Okay, I'll give this one an eight. It goes on a little heavier than I normally like, but I've learned to do two light coats, so it works out well. In short, not a bad little mascara! If you are looking for very black, very thick lashes, I would go with this one. Assuming that extended use won't mutate your genetic code, of course...
Comments
Thanks for the review! I might give one a try. Right now I'm using Blinc. Forms tubes on your lashes. Been using it since March and I realy like that it doesn't irritate my eyes like some others have. Plus it's fun to remove. Wet your lashes and pull the tubes off. Kinda fun.
Posted by: Hope at August 2, 2010 07:29 PM
Helpful and Hilarious
thanks Wenchie!!!
Posted by: Vicki at August 3, 2010 11:16 AM
My BFF once commented on my gorgeous and long lashes and asked what mascara I use. I admitted that I don't use mascara; my lashes are naturally long and lush. She figures it's because I haven't scrubbed the mascara off my lashes like she has. Go figure.
-L.
Posted by: Lori at August 3, 2010 12:19 PM
I've been pondering going for some real make-up. Sadly, yes, I wear Cover Girl. I have since high school.
Of course, that's when I wear make-up at all.
Still, maybe it's time to grow up and find some make-up that I can't get at Walmart.
Posted by: Kes (was Homidus Corax Celticus) at August 6, 2010 12:01 AM