Currently Craving: Our Favorite Mascaras

I am a firm believer that each and every woman has something that she won’t leave the house without and for me that something is mascara. I spend oodles on this makeup must-have and even if I don’t feel the need for eyeliner, lipgloss, or bronzer – I always feel the need for a swipe (or four to be exact) of mascara. Over the last few months I’ve been lucky enough to test a bunch of mascaras – some missed the mark and some I’ll miss so much I wish I could sign up for automatic delivery. Here’s the best-of-the-best when it comes to luscious lashes!

LashEm: Extensions in a Bottle

I first discovered LashEm at a beauty event and eagerly went home with my sample of Extensions in a Bottle only to discover that I had a knack for letting all the fiber extensions find their way into my eyes. However I was determined to get the application right because my goodness did my lashes look longer! Once I followed the three-step process properly (meaning applying each of the three steps one eye at a time as to not allow the little white fibers a chance to shed from my lashes) I was hooked! The white fibers wrap around your lashes to extend them while the other end of the mascara holds a volumizing formula that seals in the fibers while creating mega volume and length.  I especially love that the formula contains LashEm’s  peptide-infused serum as well as an advanced moisture complex to nourish and condition the lashes. $30; lashem.com

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Extension System

Another fiber lash system I am loving is by Too Faced. Their Better Than False Lashes Extension System may not deliver results quite like the falsies I’m used to putting on but the results are still really amazing. This is another three-step system which requires a slow stroke or two of the activating base, then a few slow strokes of the Flexistretch Nylon Fibers, and finally you seal everything with the base formula again. If you want even bigger results repeat steps two and three! Your lashes will appear to be 42% longer and 98% fuller! $35; toofaced.com

Revlon Grow Luscious

While Revlon Grow Luscious doesn’t stimulate lash growth it does condition your lashes and with its enhancing formula. The oversized brush is great for getting tons of volume  – I love to use it as my base when when I layer my mascaras (more to come on this process!). I also love that the price point for Grow Luscious is under $5, making it a total steal! $4.97; walmart.com

jane iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara

I’ve always been a fan of jane iredale’s mascara but since they came out with their newest formula I’m obsessed! Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara is amazing for length, volume, and definition. The squeeze tube packaging (which is filled with 50% more product than most mascaras) means no more having to leave product in the container because you just can finally reach it. The formula contains a proprietary blend of seaweed lipids to condition, moisturize, and protect lashes which helps to reduce splitting and breaking. It also has tiny black fibers throughout which helps add length to your lashes! $33; shop.janeiredale.com

benefit cosmetics They’re Real

After seeing one of my favorite Bachelorettes promoting this mascara on Instagram I literally ran to Sephora to pick up a tube of my own and was wowed by the results!. In fact I’ve kept it in my purse since purchasing because I will not go anywhere without it! I always have issues with clumping and this brush makes that a problem of the past, it lifts and separates with each stroke! It’s incredibly long-wearing and you may feel like you need two makeup remove wipes to get it all off but when you’re talking about mascara that’s a must since you do not want 5pm raccoon-eyes.$23; benefitcosmetics.com

I especially love They’re Real because I find it to be the best seal on all the layers I put on in the morning. I start with Grow Luscious and then swipe on fibers from either Too Faced or LashEm and immediately follow that up with jane iredale. After that I sometimes will do another layer of Grow Luscious but I always end with They’re Real to get lots of separation and the look of false lashes. Just a tip: if you decide to layer make sure you apply each layer immediately following the first so that it doesn’t dry out – this helps prevent clumping and having your lashes stick together.

Avon Mega Effects

And for anyone who is adverse to layering their mascaras there is the holy grail of all lash enhancers: Avon Mega Effects. In easily the most unique hand hand “paint brush” design, Avon Mega Effects delivers just that – mega lashes! While it’s not available for retail just yet I was lucky enough to try it out and could not believe the results. The Wonderbrush is the first of its kind for Avon and it captures and covers each lash with the darkest black from corner-to-corner. Plus the what the container is designed keeps the mascara from drying out, which is super important when you find a product you love.  I’m basically obsessed and you will be too once its available for retail, especially because it’s just $10!

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