Mascara: From Department Store to Drugstore Brands- let's find the one that's right for you!

On a daily basis, I like many others, wear mascara. Sometimes, I wear only mascara, a bit of blush and a rich lippy. Finding one that suits your personal style can be difficult. Some days you may want to feel vampy, while others you may want to look lighter and less intense. No matter the look, I've got you covered....at least your lashes, that is.

 

From Department Store brands to Drugstore brands, there are hundreds to choose from making it sometimes, overwhelming. I welcome you to add you favorites in the comment section below as I could not list all that I have reviewed and I am missing some greats, I can feel it as I write. I know FLOWER makes a wonderful one Zoom In Ultimate Mascara ($ 7.98) and you can see Drew Barrymore's entire line by visiting www.flowerbeauty.com as it's available at Walmart and online at www.walmart.com and I have used it in the past. It allows you three dials (similar in concept to Eddie Funkhouser's one shown above that has 4 dials- Quattro Variable Lash Mascara- $ 12.99) that moves the applicator wand from an every day look to more intense-with a mere twist. These kinds of mascaras allow you to be the judge of your own look right on the spot. I often use Eddie's and crank it up to level 4 for nighttime va-va-va voom lashes (available at NYC Rite Aid on Hudson Street and also online at www.eddiefunkhouser.com) .

Major fans of Diorshow ($ 25) are out there I know and I like it too. Sometimes it dries out quickly so be sure to close it tightly after each use. My Department store go to's are from Dior, Lancôme Hypnose Drama ($ 27.50), Hypnose Star ( $ 28.50), Definicils ($ 27.50), Estee Lauder, Chanel, Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill ($ 30), Benefit Cosmetics They're Real ($23) and Too Faced. I also have worn MAC in the past yet seem to go back to my Estee lauder staple Sumptuous Infinite ($ 26)  or Le Volume De Chanel ($ 30). Believe me, Lancôme mascaras are also a love of mine yet I only have two sets of lashes to love. I have also fallen for Better Than Sex Mascara ($ 23) from Too Faced for a dramatic, eye opening look as well as Beauty Addicts Show Off mascara. Tarte's (Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara ($ 23) shown below) is also amazing for volume, length and intensity. Urban Decay's Big Fatty ($ 20) must be mentioned as well as I used today for length, volume and drama.

While perusing through my local Drugstores, I generally pick up L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Building Mascara ($ 7.99), Voluminous Million Lashes ($ 8.99) and have also liked all the ones pictured above, especially the Revlon Lash Potion ($ 7.99) as it also helps to grow your lashes. I personally feel that L'Oreal does not let me down. I know so many new ones from Maybelline have hit the market, too.

It's also about the application process as so many of us forget to apply from the root to tip and wiggle our way up! I also switch the wand around for the opposing eye. Do you remember to do that or are you in the habit of using the wand only one way for both eyes?!

If I want a more dramatic look, sometimes I apply up to four coats at night. In the day one usually does the trick- as long as I am using one of my staples. How many times have you had your lashes not look any thicker or stick together? These mascaras I do hope will not do this for you. I cannot guarantee this as everyone's lashes are different, I can only tell you from experience.

Sephora and www.Sephora.com is my go to Beauty destination and I love how they have so many options for us beauty addicts out there. I know Ulta, www.ulta.com, Macy's, www.macys.com, Barney's NY, www.barneysny.com and other department stores allow you freedom to sample products when asked. I have often left Sephora with samples and then returned to purchase them after I fully saw they wee right for me.

Don't be afraid to ask for samples, fellow beauty addicts. It's a way for us to see if the products work for us! Sampling is a must in my beauty bible!

So, do tell me...which mascaras are your favorites? I missed addressing wonderful options from Mally, Laura Mercier, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, Troy Surratt.....oh my!