Thursday, April 26, 2012

Current Mascara Rotation

I'm envious of girls with naturally long, thick and curled lashes who need only a single coat of mascara to look instantly glamorous. I've got short lashes, made even shorter by the fact they're almost engulfed by my eyelid. I almost never wear false eyelashes, though they do make a huge difference. On a day-to-day basis, at least my Shiseido eyelash curler and a good mascara help to add some much-needed length and volume. Here are 5 mascaras I'm currently rotating (and yes, I realise that's probably about 3 too many).




L'OrĂ©al Lash Architect 4D in Noir 


I use this one the most, along with Define-A-Lash. This is the only brush I've tried with a triangular tapered shape and it's a good all-rounder. The more pointed and narrow tip helps to separate and curl the lashes and the wider end helps to add volume. The downside is that it can get a little clumpy, especially when you first use it. A lot of mascara gets on the brush and you need to go over the lashes a few times to even out the application.

Australis Lash Me Mousse Mascara in Dark Chocolate


I adore this mascara. The brush is relatively stiff and the bristles are very defined, which creates amazing clump-free separation. It's like you're combing through your lashes with mascara. My one is near its end and has dried out a little, which I actually prefer because it means less smudging and excess product on the wand. Instead of black, I use the shade Dark Chocolate on my lower lashes for softer, more natural definition. I previously used Pitch Black for my upper lashes but for whatever bizarre reason all shades of this mascara except Crystal Clear have been discontinued. I could only find Dark Chocolate and some unusual blue shade left in bargain bins at Priceline.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash in Very Black


I picked this up with little to no expectations because it was something like $2 from Chemist Warehouse. I wish ardently I had bought about 3 more, because it's gone on to become a favourite. A warning: the wand is VERY floppy. To the point it's almost a challenge to stick it back into the tube because of how wobbly it can get. I had a little mishap when I first used it which resulted in walking to work wearing a mascara-flecked, light coloured top. The slightly curved wand really helps to curl and extend lashes. The pointed and somewhat spiky bristles also separate and thicken lashes well. It just seems to work for me. I'll miss it when I run out, which is soon.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Cat Eyes in Wild Black


The formula is quite wet, which minimises clumping but annoyingly smudges and transfers to my lids. The super curved wand is useful to curl the lashes, but I don't think it makes that much of a difference compared with other mascaras (and it's really my eyelash curler that does the job, rather than a particular mascara). The small, thin wand separates lashes decently but doesn't create a whole lot of volume.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume in Very Black


This is one fat wand which has its pros and cons. I wouldn't use this mascara as part of my morning routine because it requires a little more time and patience and I'm always in a rush. The sheer size makes it very hard to get to the base of the lashes (if you haven't poked your eye or smudged mascara onto your eyelid in the process). As a result, it doesn't curl and lengthen as well, but true to its name, it does thicken and add volume. This would better suit someone who is blessed with already good lashes to really take them to the next level.

44 comments:

  1. The first two you mentioned look a-mazing!!!
    I've used define a lash and totally know what you mean about it being wobbly!
    Lovely post :)

    Laura xoxo

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  2. I used to use the Define-a-lash exclusively, religiously!! Also I was too lazy or scared to bother trying other cosmetics... it's definitely a nice one!
    And five? Haha that's not too many! You can never have too many! :D
    xx

    sweetaholic-beauty.blogspot.com.au

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  3. Great Post! Mascara is for me the most important Product in the Morning :))
    Thank you for the Comment ,it would be nice if we could follow each other!

    Wish you a great Day<3

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  4. Out of all of these I've only tried the Lash Blast mascara. I found that it became easier to apply about 2 weeks after being opened. The massive brush is a bit of a hindrance though, I agree.

    Have you tried Maybelline's Full and Soft? It's been around for a while now and I've recently gone back to it after being disappointed with a Bourjois mascara I was trying out. It's such a good every day mascara. I find it's also great to use if you're often in a rush, as you mentioned.

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    1. Which Bourjois mascara are you talking about? I bought the rotating one because Sam from Pixiwoo kept raving on about it and I found it to be terrible! Probably because my eyelashes suck and Sam's are gorgeous and long. I LOVE Full n Soft, it's a total favourite of mine but I haven't bought or used it in a while, mainly because I keep accumulating so much free or cheap mascara that I need to use up first. I really love it, it just gives you the appearance of more lashes but it's also not harsh, if that makes any sense? It truly lives up to its name in that it gives you full and soft lashes lol :)

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    2. It's called Volume Glamour Max and I got it free when I purchased my Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation at Priceline a little while back. I also have another Bourjois one in waiting which is Coup de Theatre (the one with the black and white wand). I haven't tried the rotating one but I did hear on the grapevine that it was quite difficult to use. I may steer clear I think.

      Glad to hear you're on the Full and Soft bandwagon! I feel like it doesn't really get the credit it deserves in the blogger world. I totally understand what you mean about it not being harsh. Your eyelashes don't look or feel like they're going to break off when you wear it. Plus it applies really smoothly. For some reason, even though the wand is pretty thick, it works wonders for my lower lashes.

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  5. Holy frak, the packaging on that Maybelline Colossal. I love it.

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  6. I've never used these mascaras but I've heard a lot of the yellow one :-)

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  7. My eyelashes are just like yours! Engulfed by my eyelids hahaha. Thanks for the reviews, I'll have to check the products out :)

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  8. I love the waterproof version on Cover Girl Lash Blast! It's my go-to for big lashes and nights out! Keeps a curl like a dream and doesn't BUDGE!

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  9. This is super helpful! Thank you! xo

    tattooedtealady.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. very good post!
    http://kate-fashionschtick-kate.blogspot.com/

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  11. nice post!! my fave mascara ever is majolica majorca lash expander.. too bad I have to buy it through ebay.. YSL has good mascara too, but the price is too expensive ://

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  12. Nice post! I don't wear a lot of mascara, probably only about once a week. Mascara makes me tear up after a few hours of wear. Maybe it's just the one I'm currently wearing. When it runs out, I'll look into one of the ones you recommend. :D

    ~ Yun

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  13. I've never even thought of giving Australis mascaras a try. Once I finish my stash, I might have to try one!

    I HATE really wet mascaras! Stupid Maybelline. I remember trying the Great Lash one (pink and green tube) and it made me nuts because it would just go EVERYWHERE.

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  14. I have CoverGirl LashBlast Volume in Very Black too and notice it does tend to smudge a little when trying to apply. I love the volume it gives though. I've never tried Australis Lash Me Mousse Mascara but it looks like I would like it. I like when mascaras separate the lashes. If I find it I'll have to try that one! Thanks :)

    heatherhoneyblog.blogspot.com

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  15. My lashes are pretty stubborn in holding the curls with some mascaras. I really want to try the Maybelline Define a Lash. haha The wand seems pretty good for that one.
    The Covergirl one didn't work for me :/ Somehow japanese drugstore mascaras work fairly well.

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  16. Great mascara comparison! I had only seen the lash blast before so good to hear about other possible picks next time I run out. I use the lash blast in the purple tube then define my eyelashes with lash blast lengthening mascara in the yellow tube.. though I just finished off a tube of essence mascara and it was amazing!

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  17. i like how we are actually on the same page as scents :) i do love the OG pleasure too :) omg i'm sooo envious of frekkin big ol lashes.. sigh being freekin asian: straight sparse and short to no lashes :) but def use your mascaras-rotation. fyi they only last so little :)

    http://harperandmonroe.blogspot.com/

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    1. i forgot to add :) i use the basics: canon eos rebel t3 :)

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  18. the collosal volume express is my ultimate mascara! im a new follower :)

    www.nayabloves.blogspot.com

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  19. Hi! I have an award for you on my blog.

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  20. The collosal volume is my all time favourite, and i am just waiting for my current mascaras to dry up before i stock up on it! The first time i used it my mouth literally dropped, my eyelashes looked so long! Great reviews :) <3

    Love, Ana
    cupcakesandflowers.blogspot.co.uk
    x

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  21. you're a mascara junkie like me XD
    i used to really like define a lash, then i fell in love with max factors false lash effect (which apparently is the same as covergirl lashblast) and now onto l'oreal 4d architect haha
    i tend to keep buying new mascaras, but im always so lazy with applying it hahaha strange right? xD
    i followed btw :D
    xx

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    1. Thank you, followed you back :D I've not tried Max Factor False Lash Effect, but I used to use their Masterpiece Max and it was one of my absolute favourites. I don't know why but I just have so much mascara. I either buy them when I see them really cheap (<$5) or I just seem to keep getting them as part of gifts with purchase or cosmetics sets. At least it's one step that I rarely neglect in the mornings so I'm trying to use them up :p

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  22. Lol I've got 4 mascaras and I feel guilty for having so many! I tend to layer them to minimise the guilt factor. =P

    I like mascara brushes to be short and stiff, as opposed to the traditional soft fluffy brushes. I noticed it's pretty much the same for you too! The covergirl lash blast looks huge! I don't understand why they would make mascara brushes so humungous!

    ♡ M.May

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  23. Oh I always want to try the l'Oréal Lash Architect Mascara ! We're asian, so we have the same lash, do you like this mascara ? Is it make your lash longer ?

    Turtle <3

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  24. ^.^ so many nice mascaras , I never would resign mascara :D

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  25. ahhhh mascaras are my favorite makeup topic!! haha you have the best posts!! I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award!! go to my blog and check it out girly :)
    www.fashioneda.com

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  26. great review! i need to invest in some new mascara!


    athannahfashion.blogspot.com

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  27. finding "the perfect" mascara is a never-ending journey, and i don't believe monogamy lies in mascara (and foundation!)relationships, either. lol
    so yay for having 5 different mascaras in your current rotation!
    i'd be interested in trying lash architect one. l'oreal mascaras have worked nicely for me. :)

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  28. my fave mascara is actually this obscure little Mexican brand called Apple Super Lash (something like that?) it really adds length and thickness to your lashes. I used to use Maybelline and Lancome but they didn't seem to do much. Maybe you should check it out! :D

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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  29. The truth is I need a new mascara at the moment.

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  30. Oooh, I am constantly rotating mascaras (I definitely don't think 5 is too many, haha) - I am quite lucky that I have fairly long eyelashes which are quite curly, but I'm definitely going to be looking out for some of the ones you recommended :) xx

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  31. Nice Blog!
    -Charlotte
    http://www.incharlottesshoes.blogspot.co.uk/

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  32. nice review! :)

    I wanna give L'Oréal Lash Architect 4D in Noir a try...!

    btw, I'm your new follower ;)

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  33. I do the same thing and rotate mascaras! Lol

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  34. I've never heard of Australis Lash Me Mousse Mascara in Dark Chocolate before, how interesting! Definitely interested in learning more since reading your post, I loved reading it. Glad to know that I'm not the only one who tries multiple mascaras at once. :)

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  35. totally agree about define-a-lash. but it does hold the curl in my lashes pretty well (mine normally point straight down) nice reviews :)

    cocoandgarcon.blogspot.com

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  36. I love define a lash, although it had some clumping on me so I separated them later with another clean wand. The Australis wand looks soo good! I love wands like that!

    The colossal has the exact same wand as the 'Magnum' here in asia, I find that in the start it is quite wet and I tilt my head back for application and letting it dry before looking straight on into the mirror, it helps reduce any smudging on our smaller lids! I've got a review on it, and I manage to make it give me loads of volume!

    The covergirl wand sort of scares me! So thick and I like rolling the wand on top of my lashes as well, I see that smudging for me!

    I've been using Kiss me herione mascaras the last 6 months, they come in two variations of wands (ive got reviews on my blog) and they have fibers and are absolutely waterproof and give such great length, curl and volume for my fine little lashes!

    thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed seeing all the mascaras! :)

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  37. The L'Oreal's wand is almost identical to the Estee Lauder Magnascopic Maximum Volume (which I really should chuck out but I think the packaging is too pretty)! The thinner end is so useful for the finer outer lashes. I haven't tried any of these, surprisingly. I didn't find MUA rated Define-A-Lash very highly, but it's great that you love it! I'm still plodding along with Full 'N Soft waterproof and I tried out Covergirl Lash Exact Waterproof, which is more volumising but doesn't separate as well. I don't like the plastic brush- I think I'm gravitating towards bristle brushes. Five on rotation is quite a feat- have you finished any since?

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    1. I don't know about finished, but I've essentially abandoned them all. I get a tad bit paranoid about mascara being "overdue" and breeding grounds for the stuff of eye infections, so after a certain point, I just stop using them. Even if they haven't run out yet or it hasn't yet been 6 months. I should really chuck out the Australis one, it's ancient, I never use it and I have a fresh backup. The Define-A-Lash and L'Oreal should also go because they're a bit older and probably dried out now. Define-A-Lash might work well for a subset of people? I met this girl who kept it in her makeup bag and waxed lyrical about it (she had amazing lashes in my opinion), so that made me feel a little more confident about my love for it :p Currently I'm just using They're Real, along with this Bourjois Fast & Perfect one, and occasionally CG Lash Blast. I do want to try the Last Exact Waterproof one some day!

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  38. The Australis Mascara looks awesome!

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