Okay, no one technically needs mascara, but I think a good argument can be made for the improvement in the quality of life that a good mascara can bring. All joking aside, mascara is one of those essential makeup items that a girl should never be without.
The right mascara enhances the eyes and frames them attractively. Different people are of course drawn to different types of lashes—some like very bold false-looking lashes while others prefer a very natural-looking lash. I have used and tested… let’s just call it “many”…mascaras and rounded up my five current favorites to share with you. The list includes two very affordable drugstore mascaras. Here are the five best mascaras that you need to own.
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The best “everyday” mascara
The best everyday wear mascara I have personally tried is Lights Camera Lashes by Tarte. This has been my favorite for several years and I still have not found anything that beats it. I wear it to the office every day.
This mascara coats your lashes with sufficient boldness and color while still looking very natural. The Tarte website says that the ingredients in this mascara include rice bran, olive esters, and vitamin C to “soften, nourish & protect with antioxidants.” This mascara is $24 on the Tarte website. If you want a mascara that’s a step above the rest, but still has a decent price point and natural look, this is the pick for you.
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Best Every Day Mascara: Lights Camera Lashes by Tarte
2. The best going out on the town mascara
If you want drama…you want Better Than Sex volumizing mascara by Too Faced. This mascara is very intensely black and it lifts and volumizes your lashes like no other with its hourglass-shaped wand. Your lashes will be dark and bold and dramatic. Wear this mascara when you want your eyes to get noticed. It’s $28 at Ulta.
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3. The best lifting/lengthening mascara
If it’s lift and length you want then you will love Roller Lash by Benefit. This formula is different from the others and is made to hold your lashes in place for up to twelve hours. The brush is also unique as its bristles are farther apart which allows it to catch every lash and coat them with the mascara. This is a great date night mascara. The only downfall to this one is it’s harder to remove than the previous two. Just washing my face alone does not remove it from my lashes. You really have to use a cleansing balm and work it off. It’s $27 at Ulta
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4. The best drugstore mascara
Hands down the best drug store mascara I have used is Maybelline Sky High mascara. This mascara does it all. Color, length, definition. It’s very comparable to the Roller Lash by Benefit, but at only $12.99 at Ulta, it’s a great one to have on hand.
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5. Best budget-friendly mascara
Essence Lash Princess false lash effect mascara. I was intrigued by this mascara when I saw it in Ulta and the price was so low. I had used some other essence products so I was curious if this was a decent mascara. I was impressed when I used it. Shortly after I purchased it I saw several ladies on tik Tok talking about how good it is as well. It adds quite a bit of volume and is decent for everyday wear. The only drawback to this mascara is I get fallout on my cheeks by the end of the day. I haven’t heard anyone else say this but it definitely flakes off my lashes by the time evening rolls around. That being said, you can get a few hours of decent wear out of it while it looks really good and you can’t beat the price-literally. $4.99 at Ulta.
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Bonus Tip
If you are looking to bring your mascara game to the next level, consider trying a mascara primer. I use L’Oreal’s Voluminous Primer. Coat your lashes several times with this primer. First from the base of your lashes up to add a lot of volume. Then a second time go over the last third of your lashes to add amazing length. Allow it to dry for a few minutes and then apply your mascara over it. This is a great tip when you have an event to go to or even a date night.
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I love and use all of the mascaras listed above. No matter your look preference or budget there is one that will work great for you!
“Trust your beauty to shine from your eyes and into the souls of that deserve you.” Melody Carstairs
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