[my] Style Files Sleuths Out the *Best* Mascaras in the Marketplace!

Lucky you and lucky me: we got [my]StyleFile.com’s mascara report where Catherine Horgan did extensive research on the best –and worst – mascaras out there.
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.
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.
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
AVON L
Super Shock in Black
Enormous rubber brush and very easy to apply. It lengthens and separates lashes. Smudges appeared under bottom lashes during the day.
MSRP: $8.50 Shop Avon
AVON V, L
Jillian Dempsey For AVON in Black
Great color. Great volume. Great length. Dual-ended for ease of application. The formula on the tiny brush side is waterproof for bottom lashes. The tiny brush can also be applied to inner top lashes to coat every last lash. No flaking, smudging or smearing.
MSRP: $9.50 Shop Avon
Benefit V, L, Bad Gal Black
It takes only one coat to get the desired look with this mascara. It thickens lashes and lengthens them beautifully. Great staying power all day into evening. No flaking, smudging or smearing.
MSRP: $19.00 Sephora.com
Bioelements V, L,
Multi-Task Lash Conditioning Formula in Perfect Black
Really lengthens and separates. Included in packaging is a second brush. Made bottom lashes look really thick, making it easy to go without eyeliner or shadow underneath. No smudging, smearing or flaking.
MSRP: $22.00 Skin-one.com

Blinc D
KissMe in Black and Blue
Stays put all day, providing the ultimate confidence against flaking, smudging or smearing. The black is medium-toned that works well for day. The blue color is fun for bottom lashes or layering over black mascara on top for day or evening. No volume nor length are created on top lashes. Best used on bottom lashes.
MSRP: $25.00 Blinc Mascara
Boots No. 7 D
Curling Mascara in Brown
While it didn’t seem to curl, it was a fantastic soft color and great look for everyday use – and into evening, as well. No flaking, smearing or smudging.
MSRP: $9.99 Boots No 7 at Target.com
CoverGirl L
VolumeExact in Black
One of the first mascaras to utilize a rubber brush, making it easy to apply multiple coats. Good coverage. Tends to clump in between coats if not applied quickly enough. Lengthens more than adding volume. Flakes and smudges under bottom lashes.
MSRP: $6.99 Drugstore.com
Dior V, L, BOT, E
DiorShow and DiorShow Black Out
Enormous brush for dramatic lashes. Major volume and length give lashes that lush appearance. Really opens up your eyes. Black Out provides deep, rich color. Flakes under bottom lashes.
MSRP: $24.00 Sephora.com
Dr. Hauschka D
Mascara Intermezzo in Black
Very light and natural mascara that’s easy on the eye. The color is soft. No visible flaking, smudging or smearing.
MSRP: $23.50 Dr. Hauschka
About the Editor

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 MORE 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.