On the quest to find the perfect mascara (or driven to develop her own), Catherine Horgan set out to uncover just which brands and formulas performed best – on both top and bottom lashes. Not only was Catherine pleasantly surprised with the results, she can now cross “Create The Best Mascara” off of her list.
This is part 4 of this fabulous mascara report. She went above and beyond (to the very last lash)
The Participants
A big thank you goes out to the publicists who participated in the Mascara Roundup. The mascaras included were supplied by publicists or funded by [my] style files. , The Mascara Report provides a wide variety of mascaras based on a number of consumer requirements.
Note: all waterproof mascaras and layering-effect mascaras sent in were not included in this report for consistency reasons. Look for them in upcoming monthly reviews on [my] style files.
![mascara_line_up[1].jpg](http://www.la-story.com/upload/2008/10/my_style_files_sleuths_out_the_best_mascaras_on_co/mascara_line_up%5B1%5D.jpg)
The Playing Field
All mascaras were tested on top and bottom lashes with no make-up (eyeliner or eye shadow) underneath bottom lashes. Two coats were applied to top lashes, unless otherwise noted. No eye cream was applied during testing period. Mascaras were tested for all day wear and into the evening.
The report is provided in an easy-to-read format, giving honest opinions – with no marketing spin. A guide is provided below to help quickly steer you toward the results you seek.
V = Volumizing BOT = Better on Top Lashes
L = Lengthening E = Best For Evening
star pic = msf Pick D = Best For Day
Prescriptives V, L
Lash Envy in Brown and Black
Whether it’s soft brown color or rich deep black, major lashes are created with barely a need for a second coat. This mascara volumizes and lengthens.
MSRP: $19.50 Prescriptives.com
Prestige V, L
Lash Matrix in Black/Brown
Really lengthens and adds volume. Color is great for day into evening. Smudged a bit under bottom lashes by end of day.
MSRP: $5.95 Metrobeauty.com
Prestige D
Volume Mouse in Black/Brown and Black
Light, build-able coverage creates a natural look, no matter the color. Didn’t appear to provide any volume. No flaking, smudging or smearing.
MSRP: $5.95 Walgreens.com
Rimmel London V, L
Glam’Eyes in Black
Lengthens nicely with each coat. Creates some volume and does not clump. No visible smudges or smears. Occasional flakes.
MSRP: $7.25 Rimmel London
![black_mascara[1].jpg](http://www.la-story.com/upload/2008/10/my_style_files_sleuths_out_the_best_mascaras_on_co/black_mascara%5B1%5D.jpg)
Sephora L
Atomic Volume in Black
Easy to apply and layer. Works well from day into evening. Stays put with no visible signs of flaking, smudging or smearing.
MSRP: $16.00 Sephora.com
Smashbox V, L, BOT, E
Bionic Mascara in Jet Black
Truly bionic – no need to apply two coats. Nice big brush. Thickened lashes to give the appearance of more lashes. While this mascara seemed to be a drier formula out of the tube, it was moisturizing. By day’s end, it was powdery under eyes.
MSRP: $19.00 Smashbox.com
SpinLash L, BOT, E
Mascara in Black
The spinning brush is nice, but not completely necessary. Applying mascara takes a bit longer. No clumps. Difficult to spin on bottom lashes. By day’s end, powder formed under bottom lashes.
MSRP: $14.95 Spinlash.com
Stila V, L, BOT, E
Major Lash in Black
True to its name, major lashes were created with this big brush – for unbelievably long lashes. It was a little clumsy to use and became dusty under bottom lashes by day’s end.
MSRP: $22.00 Stila Cosmetics
Stila V, L, BOT
Multi-Effect in Black
This mascara accomplishes three things – it volumizes, lengthens, and curls lashes. Easy to apply second coat. By the end of the day, smudges appeared under bottom lashes.
MSRP: $20.00 Stila Cosmetics
About the Editor
![about-me[1].jpg](http://www.la-story.com/upload/2008/10/my_style_files_sleuths_out_the_best_mascaras_in_th/about-me%5B1%5D.jpg)
Catherine Horgan is Chief Personal Stylist for Closet of Style and Editor for [my] style files
Since the day she was old enough to wear make-up, Catherine has had a love/hate relationship with mascara. She requires a lot – volume and length, plus no smudging, smearing or flaking. As Catherine spends her time with clients from day into night, she cannot fuss with her make-up. Her mascara has to stay put all day long and work just as hard.
We would like to thank Catherine Horgan for her report and allowing us to share it with you. Please go visit her fab sites and check out all the cool nifty things– as we will be doing for sure.
Make sure you come back tomorrow for one more episode on this mascara report!
Stevie Wilson
Subscribe to RSS headline updates
Powered by FeedBurner
© 2007 KBP Inc.
act?igm=148116226;199269041;3538’>s she does.
