Not everyone is born with huge, perfectly shaped eyes and long, luscious lashes. That doesn’t mean you can’t look as if you were. Todays mascara formulas contain ingredients that can make lashes appear longer, fuller and almost fake – if that’s what you after (and a lot of women are!).
Here are my 4 current favourites:
1. Avon Big & Daring Volume Mascara – currently on special for R129.95 – www.avon.co.za
This formula offers extreme volume, while the curved brush packed with multi-level bristles comb through and sculpt each lash. The innovative crème-gel ensures the formula stays clump, smudge and flake free. And I swear, it DOES NOT BUDGE. I’d recommend you remove this formula with a proper Bi-Phase (oil in water) formula. For the price, it’s excellent value.
2. Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara by Grow Luscious R159
I’ve always liked Revlon’s mascara formulas, so was keen to give this newbie a try.
I was interested to learn about the lacquer film technology in the formula. In a nutshell, two polymers work to anchor the mascara to the base of the lashes, stretching a smooth film to the tips for incredible length and volume. I found this mascara easy to apply and liked that the brush worked well to distribute the formula evenly onto all my lashes. It lasted the whole day without smudging. There are 3 shades available: Blackest Black, Black and Blackened Brown. I tried the non-waterproof version of ‘Black’, (I’m not mad for waterproof formulas as they are hard on lashes) but a waterproof version is available.
3. Bourjois Volume Glamour Effet Push Up Mascara R129.95
Of all the four formulas, this one by Bourjois is my favourite. It promises to do to lashes what a push up bra does to the boobies, and boy does it live up to its claims! Talk about EXTREME length with just ONE coat.
The silky formula creates a stretchy, extendable mesh that works to thicken and curl every lash, from root to tip – in just one stroke. I like that the formula is lightweight and leaves the lashes feeling soft, light and comfortable. I’m also impressed with its lasting power (8 hrs +) and the fact that is doesn’t flake or smudge. The packaging is also super cute.
4. Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara R399
I’ve always been fascinated at how most make-up artists I work with tend to bend their mascara wands. The reason? So they can easily apply the formula to those hard-to-reach corners of the eye without smudging.
The researchers at Lancôme say that while bending your mascara wand may help with application, it’s not the best solution as they’re not flexible enough to reach all corners of the eye. And with that, Lancôme developed their patent-pending ‘Swan-Neck Wand’ with a 25 degree curved stem designed to ‘intuitively adapt to the contours of the face’. The bristles are short and twisted and are described as the ‘ideal shape’ to allow formula adherence and effortless glide. I like that it extends and lifts even those short lashes at the corners of the eyes. I like the ultra black pigment that really leaves lashes looking bold and glossy.
I also need to mention that this mascara also cares for lashes with a ‘Native Rose-Cell Extract’ that conditions the lashes leaving them soft, supple and more resistant.
I really like this formula, as it separates, volumizes, lengthens and defines the lashes. I also like that after two coats my lashes still feel soft. It lasts really well, without smudging during the day and is not difficult to remove.
Check out the ad for Lancôme Grandiôse below:
