The Mascara Diaries
Our favorite tubes plus the chicest wine tote, fall trend report, soup season and more
Dear Friends,
Before we met IRL, we connected over a mascara thread on Twitter. It wasn’t until we were balancing on our exercise balls in a joint cubicle that Kate shared her handle and Elizabeth put two and two together. The rest, as they say, is history—except for the running mascara dialogue we’ve been having ever since. While our lash goals might somewhat differ, our commitment to finding the very best tube for our respective fringes has never waivered. Here’s what we’ve learned and what we love, along with a few trusted reader suggestions you shouldn’t bat an eye at.
Cheers,
Kate & Elizabeth
Kate says:
Mascara is one of my essentials. Like on-a-deserted-island essential. I might choose it over sandals. Or socks. As a pale-skinned redhead, my eyes completely disappear without it. I once asked my eighth-grade boyfriend, Greg, if I looked okay not wearing it. He didn’t say “no,” but he didn’t say “yes,” either, goddammit. In fairness I think I confused him with the question. What kind of 14-year-old boy knows you’re fishing for a “you’re beautiful with or without makeup” affirmation? Needless to say, I’ve worn it everyday since and am loath to be seen without it. It’s not Greg’s fault.
I like length, separation and the ability to build out the outer edges of the lash line for some extra stretch. I’ve had mixed success here depending on the day. For many years I swore by Dior Show. It was dramatic, long-lasting and reasonably smudge-proof. When it started to feel a little heavy, I bagged it in favor of a rotating cast of Chanel Inimitable (nice but runs out too fast for the cost), Benefit’s They’re Real (too real, not falsie-looking enough), YSL Faux Cils (love it but flakes off), Kush High Volume (need more plush from this kush), and Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions (totally respectable). The one I keep coming back to, though, Elizabeth, is one that you recommended to me many years ago: BADgal BANG! It lengthens, defines and just feels really good. Lately I’ve been wondering if they’re tweaking with the formula, but I stan this mascara.
Elizabeth says:
Come to think of it, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you without mascara! I only wear it when I’m going somewhere that requires non-elastic waist pants; you’ll understand by the end of this entry. My mascara needs are predicated on rocking extensions for a decade well before the Kardashians came onto the scene (thank you, Jett Beauty!): I like them thick and fan-like. As if I were wearing a full strip of falsies. That’s been a tall order to re-create with mascara but I’ve got my methods and, barring extreme humidity or impatience, I feel pretty good about what I’m able to do with my natural lashes. That said, my process is not low-maintenance. It starts with using a lash growth serum nightly to encourage maximum length and thickness. Revitalish has never let me down or given me a reason to step up to Latisse, which I’ve seen have a spider-y effect for some people.
Before I even reach for my mascara, I curl my lashes with a Shiseido eyelash curler. I have never applied mascara without curling my lashes first because they are stick straight. There is literally no point otherwise. Next, it’s a thick coat of Grande Cosmetics primer (top lashes only). If I don’t want to look particularly made-up, I’ll skip this step. Otherwise, this is my now not-secret weapon for creating the longest and thickest lash base to work with. The key is to let it fully dry before layering on mascara, otherwise you won’t get the full benefits.
If all of the above sounds like five (okay ten) minutes you don’t have time for, we’ve reached the final step and why we’re here: Mascara. I can’t say I’ve tried them all, even as a beauty blogger. I also haven’t dabbled much in drugstore brands except for waterproof—Lash Paradise for the pool, beach and slopes!—because even the most lauded among them (Maybelline Great Lash, L’Oreal Voluminous) never did it for me. Instead, I’ve narrowed it down to three that are practically interchangeable in my repertoire, depending on where I happen to be shopping and what promotions are available. At the tippy top is Hourglass Caution Extreme and the one I always go back to because it holds curl incredibly well and doesn’t smudge or budge on lower lashes. I’m currently on my second tube of Jones Road The Mascara and am shocked by how good it is for a natural formula, normally runny and droopy. Please note that it’s slightly more thickening than the Hourglass, so not for the casual mascara wearer. Finally and also in the clean category, Ilia Limitless Mascara, whose brush is so satisfying in its ability to separate lashes, you can layer it endlessly without clumping.
Having written all of that, I need a new challenge! Any tubes you want me to test-drive?
Kate Says:
I think it’s you who has the recs for me. I can’t believe I haven’t tried Jones Road yet. No excuse. I’ve experimented and failed with primers before—surely not waiting long enough for the full dry—but now I’m ready to give it another shot. I do need to plug L’Oreal Voluminous. It works for me, and I’ll definitely grab it in a pinch. Have one in my bag now!
As for tubes for you to give a whirl, the LFQ community has got you!
Alyssa C. summed up what it is we’re all looking for in a mascara: “Bold results without clumps or raccoon eyes, right?” Meanwhile, Heidi H. is a true mascara obsessive, god love her. She shared her current line-up (above) but when pressed to pick a favorite Alleyoop Go the Distance is the winner. “It’s light, ZERO clumps, and comes off super easy.” Sold! More reader top picks:
“Ilia Fullest Volumizing makes my lashes look so good, practically like fakes.”
–Hayley S.
“Lancome Definicils is a tried-and-true classic. It lengthens without being clumpy.”
–Jenny R.
“e.l.f. Lash XTNDR is the best daytime mascara.” –Amanda P.
“Anastasia and Better Than Sex for big bristle wands!” –Molly H.
Super Niche Quick Q We’re Making an Exception for:
Elizabeth, I know you know it’s October aka “Shocktober.” Well, I have a real softball for you. Who would you like to advance to this year’s World Series?
I don’t know what Shocktober is but LFGM! I met my husband, Ty, on a blind date that Kate set up a month before the Mets last went to the World Series in 2015. He’s a lifelong fan thanks to my father-in-law, reinforced by nearly 20 years as a New Yorker. I don’t know if it was my love of the boy or a resurgence of my childhood love of the game, but I’ve been a die-hard, nerd-level fan ever since. The magic is real and this is our year! Ya gotta believe. –Elizabeth
P.S.
Looking for any excuse to splurge on The Pill. Hard yes on Main Character Energy for fall—and subscribing to for trend reports you can actually use. Does anyone really know you? Dipping back into Essie (reader reco!). Kenny Powers should be invited to more funerals. Please accept Elizabeth’s sincerest apologies. Let’s watch English Teacher and discuss over Sausage, Kale and White Bean stew to welcome soup SZN back. The late 90s called and approved this chocolate brown moment 🤎.
Got a pressing question or confounding topic you’d like us to tackle? We’re all ears at lesfemmesq@gmail.com.
I share your quest for perfect Mascara -- especially since post-menopausal women lose their eyelash length! (Worse than hot flashes.) I recently went through a crisis, when my long-time mascara could no longer be found -- not even at the Smithsonian. What I discovered. . .
First, there is NO replacement for Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum. I tried the rest; save your money.
Second, yes to the Sheisido Curler, heated briefly with your hair dryer.
Third, this mascara is amazing -- lengthens, separates, no racoon eyes and washes off with soap and water: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara Makeup. $10 at Amazon.
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