The Mascara Diaries

I like the look of thick, full lashes (who doesn’t?) but I haven’t found *the* perfect mascara yet, so I usually have 2-3 tubes on rotation at any given time. Here’s a mini-review of the 3 mascaras I’m currently using. In the pictures below, I’ve applied one coat on uncurled lashes. Although I usually use eyeliner, I left it off in these photos, since it makes lashes look fuller – and I wanted to concentrate on the effects of these mascaras.

1. Covergirl Lashblast Volume in Very Black:

Formula: This has a very strong chemical smell. The product applies easily, but is not very buildable – and can leave your lashes looking spidery and clumpy.
Brush: The brush is nice and thick, with plastic bristles of varying sizes to capture all your lashes. I think the top bristles are too short – as I often poke my eye when trying to coat my inner lashes. Ouch!
Results: Very lengthening – almost gives a false lash effect, however it’s not that volumizing. 
Removal: Comes off easily, don’t usually lose any lashes.

2. Maybelline Full ‘N Soft in Very Black

Formula: This has a very silky formula – you can apply multiple coats without clumping your lashes together.
Brush: Generic nylon mascara brush – nothing special, but easy to use. 
Results: This is more of a daytime/work-appropriate mascara. It adds soft definition and curl to your lashes, but doesn’t provide significant lengthening or volumizing. 
Removal: Very easy to remove. One of the reasons I bought this mascara is because it’s meant to minimize lash loss with its “Quick Dissolve System”.

3. L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen (waterproof) in Blackest Black:

Formula: Another strong-smelling mascara. Very thick formula – but applies easily and is moderately buildable. 
Brush:Nylon bristle brush with an indented middle – makes it easy to bring the brush close to your lash roots. 
Results: This was my Florida holiday mascara. It looked great in photos, lasted without smudging through humidity – and even stayed put after swimming. It adds length and definition to lashes, but I wish it would provide more volume.
Removal: I found this very difficult to remove completely – I always lose a couple of lashes trying to take off this product, and my lashes feel dry and brittle. After using it every day on my holiday, I felt that my lashes were thinner and some may have broken off.

THOUGHTS:  Of the three, my current favourite is Lashblast Volume. I really like the length it gives my lashes. The Full ‘N Soft is a good daily mascara – especially for work. You can use it without worrying about damaging your lashes or looking over done. The Extra Volume Collagen is extremely effective as a holiday mascara, but I will save it for special occasions, as it is too harsh for frequent use.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next mascara on my list is L’Oreal Panoramic Curl – I’ve used it before and love the curved brush and thickening formula. I’m also curious to try the Collagen Lash in a non-waterproof version – as I’m sure it won’t be as damaging to my lashes.

Which mascara is your favourite of the three? Do you have any mascara recommendations – especially volumizing ones?

DISCLAIMER:  I purchased these items myself and was not paid to review them.