We Tested Four Mascaras for Usability, Performance, and Removal
beautyMascara just might be the most-used beauty product out there, the product that many women would grab from their makeup bag if they could keep just one. With that popularity comes many, MANY different options to choose from, all with different promises and price points. To see what’s out there these days, we grabbed a mix of brands and had our panel of expert mascara-wearers put them through the wringer – here’s what we found out.
The Body Shop Big & Curvy Mascara
The Body Shop, $18
Tested by Haley
Describe the brush:
“Thin, long wand with short bristles.”
Application:
“Easy! The brush is thin so there isn’t much mess, which is nice if you’re trying to get to the corner lashes.”
Main benefit:
“I found that it lengthens the lashes nicely.”
Longevity throughout the day:
“Good. I typically use a waterproof mascara, but for this test I tried the regular formula and it didn’t smudge or run at all.”
Removal:
“It was easy to remove.”
Final thoughts:
“This mascara dries quickly, so it’s best to work a little on the fast side. Once it’s on you’re set for the day.”
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Mascara
Sephora, $33
Tested by Jenna
Describe the brush:
“Very short bristles on a flexible, tapered brush.”
Application:
“This mascara was very easy to apply. I find with my short lashes a brush with thick, long bristles is clumpy. These short bristles made for easy application.”
Main benefit:
“I loved the length it gave my lashes!”
Longevity throughout the day:
“Longevity was great, no flaking under my eyes. The mascara lasted throughout the workday and into the evening.”
Removal:
“Because the mascara is water resistant it was a bit more difficult to remove with just a makeup wipe compared to regular mascara, but it was not hard!”
Final thoughts:
“Would recommend!”
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara
London Drugs, see store for pricing
Tested by Carleen
Describe the brush:
“This mascara has a soft brush with a different shape – it’s sort of an hourglass shape.”
Application:
“It was really easy to apply. It came out clumpy at first, but after I wiped the end of the brush it was ok.”
Main benefit:
“The soft brush really lifted and separated my lashes. Coverage was excellent and my lashes looked full. I kept catching my reflection in the mirror!”
Longevity throughout the day:
“It lasted all through the day at work, only becoming a bit flaky after my evening walk/playing at the park with my daughter.”
Removal:
“It was so easy to remove and there was no residue when I woke up the next morning.”
Final thoughts:
“I am planning to switch from my current brand to this one!”
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara
Sephora, $28
Tested by Melissa
Describe the brush:
“Thick, fluffy bristles.”
Application:
“Very easy – you can layer it on without clumping.”
Main benefit:
“It adds a perfect amount of volume for daily wear. On a daily basis I just like a bit more length, fullness, and darkness to my lashes, and this mascara was able to deliver. It was easy to layer so I’m sure it could be built up to create a more dramatic look as well.”
Longevity throughout the day:
“I was able to do a workout with the mascara on and not have it run down my face. It was even cardio day so there was sweat running down my forehead!”
Removal:
“It was easily removed with a bit of water and gentle rubbing.”
Final thoughts:
“I love this mascara and it works well for my ‘average’ lashes.”
We have the perfect spring beauty look to go with your flawless lashes: watch us copy Margot Robbie’s monochromatic pink-on-pink-on-pink look in this tutorial.
