[my] Style Files Sleuths Out the *Best* Mascaras in the Marketplace– Part 2!

This is part 2 o fthe Best Mascaras on counter from [My] StyleFiles editor, Catherine Horgan.
On a mission to find the perfect mascara (or driven to develop her own), Catherine 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 of things she needed to do.
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
(IMJU) Fiberwig V, L, E
Fiberwig in Black
Wearing this by itself in the day is great. It lengthens immensely. In the evening, layer Fiberwig over another mascara and see dramatic lashes, both in length and in volume. Does not flake, smudge or smear.
MSRP: $22.00 Sephora.com
Fresh V, L,
Firebird in Black
Brush applicator is like a feather duster – big, soft and fluffy – and creates major lashes. Easy to apply on top and bottom lashes. Results in incredibly long lashes, with volume to boot.
MSRP: $26.00 Sephora.com
Fresh V, L, BOT, E
Supernova in Black
Enormous brush applicator for enormous lashes. Lengthens and thickens. A little clumsy to apply on bottom lashes. Smudges and smears under bottom lashes.
MSRP: $25.00 Sephora.com
4348
Girlactik V, L
Starlash Mascara in Koko Brown and Mink Black
Great brush for a nice application. This mascara both lengthens and thickens lashes. Koko Brown provides a soft look for day while Mink Black is inky black for day or evening. By end of day, this mascara left a little dust under bottom lashes.
MSRP: $13.00 Artisan Gems Boutique

Givenchy L
Phenomen’Eyes in Black
Though the brush may look a little odd, it’s fantastic. Givenchy will have a lot of copy cats with this mascara. The brush makes it super easy to get every last lash from inner corners to outside on both top and bottom lashes. Produces amazing length. This mascara can clump – be sure to brush the formula all the way through lashes from bottom to top. Formula is heavy and can be on the sticky side.
MSRP: $27.00 Sephora.com
Jane Iredale L
Longest Lash in Black Ice
Great brush. Very light and natural look on lashes. No flaking, smudging or smearing.

MSRP: $32.00 Dermstore.com
Kimiko V, D
Long Healthy Lashes in Sumie Black
Nice angled brush. This mascara separates lashes yet makes them full, almost giving a layered appearance. While it doesn’t lengthen abundantly, it results in very natural looking lashes. Better to do a horizontal sweep on bottom lashes versus vertical. No smudging, smearing or flaking. 
MSRP: $27.00 Kimiko
Lancome L, D
Definicils in Black
This mascara lengthens and separates each individual lash. No volume, but amazing length. Good staying power. Flakes under bottom lashes. No smudging or smearing. 

MSRP: $24.00 Lancome-usa.com
Lash Control L, D
Lengthening and Conditioning Formula in 
Black
This brand of mascara has a squeeze wiper for customized application which allows for more or less product on the brush, without having to wipe off excess. Lengthens nicely and provides a natural texture. While it does not add volume, it does make your eyes stand out. No visible smudging or flaking, yet it tends to wear off on bottom lashes throughout the day. 

MSRP: $20.00 bebeautiful.com
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

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