Eye Spy… in search of a bigger whiplash by Cathy Gatson
Shopping for mascara can be an “eye-opening” experience. Who knew there were so many formulas to choose from? Thickening, lengthening, volumizing, maximizing and separating, just to name a few; no wonder a tube of “Maybelline Great Lash” is sold somewhere in the world every 1.5 seconds. Its bright pink and green tube stands out from the rest, saving us from the plethora of lash options, unblinking so many of us grab the familiar, and sadly, another sale for Great Lash, the best-selling mascara for 33 years. . I have a tube, I admit, but because I read that it was a “must have”, plus it adds a bit of color to my makeup bag. In search of a bigger lash, I secretly peeked into my best-painted friends’ makeup bags, casually swiped “so what mascara do you wear” to unsuspecting coworkers, and polled long-lashed strangers to discover their preferred mascara. To my surprise, friends and strangers alike were wide-eyed and fluffy-tailed to share their life’s secrets. So, if you’re interested in what keeps these women’s eyes wide open…read them and wink: To Lengthen, Volumize and Separate –
Lancome Definicils $21.00 Splurge
Iman Perfect Mascara $13.00 Midway
Maximum factor that maximizes the value of $5.99
Maybelline Great Lash $4.99 Value to Volumize and Thicken –
Estee Lauder MagnaScopic $21.00 Splurge
Volumizing Fashion Fair $12.00 Midway
L’Oreal Volumizer 4x $4.24 Value
Avon Astonishing Lengths $2.99* Steal
* sale price www.myavon.com For Lengthening and Separation –
Lancome Definicils $21.00 Splurge
L’Oreal Lash Out $5.99 Value
Max Factor Stretch & Separate $4.99 Value
Avon Astonishing Lengths $2.99* Steal
* retail price www.myavon.com Dramatic Lashes – One Coat
Christian Dior Show $23.00 Splurge
Bad Gal Benefit $18.00 Midway
L’Oreal 3 D Architect $6.99 Value Sensitive Eyes and Lens Wearers
Clinique Long & Pretty Mascara $13.50 Midway Hard to Reach & Lower Lashes $4.99 Value
Maybelline Lash Discovery Best Sleeping Mascara (wink)
Kanebo Mask $23.00 Splurge
Most Waterproof Mascaras Here are some lash secrets to help you apply lashes well:
· Clean your mascara wand at least once a month to get rid of clumps and prevent bacteria buildup on the bristles. Coat the wand with some Vaseline and gently wipe the mascara off the bristles, but do not damage the wand. Vaseline works best. Water won’t remove all of the mascara residue, and soap can irritate your eyes. The shelf life of the mask is 3-4 months. · Always keep a moistened Q-tip handy when applying your mascara to wipe away smudges before they dry! · Fashion Show Cosmetics Manager Dewayne Moore recommends using an eyelash conditioner to improve brittle and dry lashes, extend the life of lashes, and help mascara adhere better and longer. Take care of your eyelashes as you do your hair and skin. If necessary, curl lashes with a mascara curler before applying mascara.
For best results, “Take the mascara wand out of the tube and gently scrape away any clumps on the side or blot with a tissue before applying,” says makeup artist Brandi Williams.
Oprah’s makeup artist Reggie Wells says “Start at the roots of the lashes and gently glide the mascara to the tips.”
· Allow lashes to dry between coats. Use a lash comb or spiral brush to remove any clumps.
· Reggie Wells believes that applying mascara to the lower lashes is unnecessary and just draws attention to dark circles and wrinkles under the eye area. He tries brown on the lower lashes for subtle definition.
· Remove before bed with a gentle eye make-up remover such as Lancome Bi-facil Eye Make-up Remover or Andrea Q Eye Make-up Removing Pads.
Mascara combination… did you know that Fashion Fair is owned by Johnson Publishing Co. (Jet, Ebony) but L’Oreal owns Lancome and Maybelline. Proctor & Gamble owns Cover Girl & Max Factor. “Don’t Sleep” Well darlings, I hope you found this FY Eye enlightening and helpful in choosing the best mascara to maximize your lashes and bring focus to your eyes…the windows to your soul. Bold indicates a high rating!