You can get luscious, full lashes with the twirl of a wand. If this sounds like a fairytale, we can understand why. It may seem impossible to get killer lashes without the aid of false ones, but if you’re looking to enhance what you’ve already got, we’ve got you covered. You can still get stunning and beautiful lashes with a boost from a mascara wand. So it’s not a legend after all! In fact, we’re going to list just a few brands of mascara that will give you exactly what you’re looking for. A couple of mascaras on this list have an added bonus: they are formulated without fragrances, a common additive that can often make sensitive individuals have a reaction. So, now you can get swoon-worthy eyes without worrying about itchiness and irritation. Other must-haves on this list include mascaras that you won’t have to go crazy trying to remove at the end of a long evening. Although there’s nothing better than a mascara you can wear poolside, there’s nothing pretty about tearing off your own lashes trying to remove a waterproof formula. We also recommend mascaras that have good bristles. The mascara itself is only part and parcel of the whole thing. A mascara stick must have a fantastic brush which functions as a sort of icing on the proverbial cake. In other words, it brings it all together. A good brush will volumize, separate each lash, and enhance it, all while gently sculpting and lengthening. We were also sure to include tried-and-true formulas that last throughout the day. Having a mascara with staying power is one goal you should have in mind. You can easily go from that late afternoon meeting (and who enjoys those?!) straight into drinks with the gals with many of these go-to favorites.
1. Benefit Cosmetics “They’re Real!” Lengthening Mascara
You’ll have everyone asking, “are those real?!” in no time with this luxurious mascara. This mascara offers awesome coverage, volumizes, and lifts. You can toss out the eyelash curler with this one. The formula is specially designed to curl the lashes and give you a fuller look without an irritating fragrance. It doesn’t smudge and it lasts throughout the day. However, a word to the wise: it is a bit on the expensive side. At nearly $25.00 per stick, it can pack a punch to your wallet. It has an estimated shelf life of nearly 36 months, so you’ll eventually get your money’s worth.
2. L’Oréal Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara
If you’re looking for a great mascara that gives you a bang for your buck, L’Oreal’s latest formula is worth checking out. At about $10 a bottle, you can save a little and do a lot. It doesn’t smudge or clump, and one end even has a nourishing formula which is wonderful for growing out shorter lashes and helping to maintain the health of your lashes. It also acts as a primer and helps the pigment to stick to your lashes better, creating a thicker, fuller, and longer lash. It is completely washable and you won’t have a hard time taking this one off. In fact, many users love its gentle formula. The drawback is that you may have to use more than one coat, as the nourishing formula/primer can show through the pigment.
3. Maybelline Volum’ Express: The Colossal Big Shot
This bargain buy can boost your lashes and extend. It sells for an average of $7 in stores and online and features wavy bristles that add length and volume. Its formula is made with collagen, which protects and nourishes lashes. It washes off easily, but you may have to watch how you coat this one. It can go on chunky if you aren’t careful, so be sure to use light, even strokes. On the plus side, it lasts all day and you won’t have to keep reapplying it.
4. Physicians Formula Eye Boost Instant Lash Extensions Kit
This is the holy grail of mascaras. It mimics the look and feel of false lashes without you having to, well – wear them. It comes in two tubes. One contains a lash pigment that gives you full, thick lashes, while the other contains tiny cotton fibers that attach to your own lashes to give you exceptional length. It is recommended that you curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, apply a few coats and use the fiber coated wand to set and seal. You’ll have a vivacious look without dealing with lash extensions.
5. Maybelline Lash Sensational
Maybelline’s Lash Sensational is everything the label suggests. You can build up sensational lashes by applying thin coats, going from root to tip. Volume is the name of the game with this one, and each coat promises a bit more length and fullness than the last. What’s great about this particular formula is that there is no clumping and it’s fragrance-free. The brush really fans out the lashes, and its curved design can make an eyelash curler less like an essential and more like an afterthought. The price is quite affordable as well, with each item going for about $10 a tube.
6. Christian Louboutin Les Yeux Noirs Lash Amplifying Lacquer
If you’re willing to splurge a bit, this mascara will do wonders for your lashes. This Italian import carries the name of the iconic shoemaker and a $70 price tag. It’s a style maven’s dream, with a sleek and stylish tube design. The mascara comes in three electrifying colors, including deep burgundy, a bright vixenish red, and classic black. The micro-bristles fan out the lashes and the formula prevents clumping and encourages awesome length. So don’t feel too bad about spoiling yourself – this mascara will nourish your lashes and give you bombshell eyes to die for. *Mascara Tip: Avoid the Dreaded Raccoon Look To avoid under-eye smudging, there is a simple step you can follow. When applying your mascara, try holding a spoon (a plastic one will do) beneath your eye as you apply the mascara to your lower lashes. Carefully sweep the mascara from root to tip, and wait for the product to dry before adding another coat.