I don’t think I’ve worn a non-waterproof mascara on the reg for about seven years ago now. There’s the odd formula that comes along and isn’t too horrendous in terms of its water-resistant and curl forming tendencies, but there’s just nothing that matches those tar-like textures that yes, are a little tricky to get off, but make my lashes look more like my sister’s (a.k.a my eyelash idol). Hers are long and thick and its a struggle to apply mascara without it smudging all over her socket because her lashes curl back on themselves so much – THE DREAM. The key to achieving my fullest length and curl potential I’ve found is to purely stick to waterproof versions. It’s something to do with the high oil/low water content that means there’s no flaking or smudging and the curl hold is incredible; they stay exactly where the Shu Uemura’s have crimped them to. So here’s my current lash lacquer wardrobe that can handle everything from a shower to chopping onions…
Max Factor Masterpiece Waterproof Mascara – £9.99 – Boots. You’ll notice a trend as I talk through these that most of them are tough to source, however this one is a little easier to get your mitts on. It’s also one of the most separating and is a good everyday mascara, especially in terms of its build-ability.
Estée Lauder Little Black Primer – £20 – Look Fantastic. I call this my ‘weekend mascara‘. It curls, defines and lengthens but in the most natural way making it a great option for no makeup, makeup days. It’s also not as thick as other formulas so non-waterproof mascara wearers will have a soft spot for this one too.
L’Oreal Shocking Extensions Waterproof Mascara – discontinued – boo! After a bit of googling it seems that this one is now discontinued (though I only ever spotted it overseas in the U.S anyway!), but if you do ever happen to come across a tube of the stuff them grab it. It certainly packs a punch in the volume department.
Isehan Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara – £9.90 – Amazon. This is the one that I’m currently using right now. Its ability to look as good 10 hours after you first applied it as when you first put it on is incredible and there’s no wear or smudging. It’s one of the more subtle formulas, but it builds well too if you’ve got the patience.
Catrice Glam & Doll Volumizing Waterproof Mascara – Catrice EU. For me this is like instant beefy eyelashes. Whereas some of the others take a bit of teasing to get to their fullest potential, this takes just a mere few strokes. It’s also pretty lengthening as well and the brush makes it easy to coat every single lash.
Fairydrops Scandal Queen Mascara – £18.50 – Cult Beauty. I think this is still probably my favourite of them all, though it’s practically impossible to find due to manufacturing issues so I’m holding on to my last tube dearly. It’s a good all-rounder in that it holds a curl, defines, volumises and lengthens all with just one solid coat of the stuff.
Then when it comes to taking it all of there’s only one thing I ever deploy – Clarins’ Instant Eye Makeup Remover. I’m seriously on double digits in terms of how many bottles of this stuff I’ve used up. Nothing comes close and trust me I’ve tried ’em all. Well worth the dollar for removing all things waterproof with minimal effort; just a couple of sweeps and you’re stripped back to a naked eye. Perf.
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