While the Estée Lauder and Lancôme products looked tempting, many ladies were not too pleased with the $34 price tag, and understandably so. After all, mascaras only last about three months before they dry out, especially so in the case of Lancôme. However, there seemed to be no other option, until now. In May, the drugstore brand Maybelline entered the market with their Pulse Perfection mascara, which, at $14.99, retails for less than half the price than department store brands. There are coupons available at Ulta and Walmart that lower the price even more.

Early reviews are reporting:

-       The Maybelline version is comparable to the Estée Lauder and Lancôme versions, possibly better given the vast price difference.

-       Great for lengthening and makes lashes thick but not Betty Boop thick.

-       Some ladies have complained of clumping, but this is because one does not need as much wiggling into your lashes due to the rapid oscillation. Once you practice and adapt to the vibrating wand, you should see the results without clumping.

-       For those who love the sooty black of Maybelline mascaras, rest assured, this version also comes in the Blackest Black.

-       The button to turn on the vibration is in an awkward position and takes some getting used to as you have to hold it down while applying.

-       Does not flake and washes off easily. Oily-skinned girls may want to try the waterproof version.

So, if you have wanted to test out the vibrating miracle wands, here’s your chance. Try out the Maybelline version and let us know how it works for you!

Photo Credit: www.thebostonbazaar.com

I used to spend $65 on my mascara. Yes, you read that right. Sixty-Five Dollars. You’re probably wondering what was in this product, was it made of gold? Did it spill ruby powder on my lashes? Did the world fall at my feet with every blink? Yes. Yes. And Yes. It was all that and more. But, then, like many other love affairs, this one came to an abrupt end. I finally realized that I was spending more on a mascara than my monthly cell phone bill. So, I set out on the search for the ultimate mascara. It was then that I realized that it’s not the mascara that really matters (unless you pay 65 bucks of course – then it BETTER matter), but it’s actually what goes on underneath. Just like foundations and eye shadows look better with a primer and lipsticks last longer with a liner base, eyelashes look 5x better with a protective coating underneath the mascara.

Now, I know that most of you out there have mascaras that you absolutely love and are faithful to, and over the course of time I hope to discuss all of them with you, YSL Faux Cils, Lancôme’s Ôscillation (with the vibrating wand), etc etc. But, with the eyelash primer, you can use any drugstore brand mascara and end up with similar or even better results.

Why eyelash primers are so necessary:

Photo Credit: www.clinique.com

1)    Primers keep your eyelashes healthy – they protect and nourish with the moisturizers and vitamins they contain. This is very important if you’re a regular user of mascara which can dry out your lashes. The mascara adheres to the primer rather than your actual lashes.
2)    Primers build volume and length. You will need to curl your eyelashes less, and you will need less coats of mascara thanks to the base you apply before.
3)    Applying a primer causes your mascara to clump less and also helps prevent the dreaded raccoon look; you know the one I’m talking about – when your mascara ends up under your eyes. Be warned – it HELPS but it is not foolproof, especially in those with oily skin. If you are naturally oily, use waterproof mascara for best results.
4)    Your mascara will come off easier at night, which means less tugging at the eye area, i.e. preventing really bad future wrinkles.

Just like any other product, you have to find the primer that works for you. I used Smashbox’s primer and was less than impressed. It wasn’t thick enough and smelled like glue. I’ve had great results with Clinique’s Lash Building Primer and at $13 it’s affordable. In total (with my mascara) I spend less than $20 to make my lashes look more amazing than with DiorShow or MAC mascaras (which I think are just awful overall).

I personally love my primer so much I just use drugstore mascara on top and I get the same results as my $65 mascara. For those of you that want to stick to the brands you love most, try them out with the base, trust me, your lashes will pop like never before. The best way to apply primer is to brush on a thick coat, you should play with the thickness to make your lashes look as full as you personally like them to, you may prefer a more natural look than others. Some brands tell you to wait until it dries before applying the mascara, but with the Clinique I have had the best results applying the mascara right after the primer while it’s still wet.

Yes, I do miss my darling $65 mascara, but, in all honesty, it’s mostly because the packaging was so pretty. Other than that, my lashes look just as spectacular.

Photo Credit: www.dailymail.co.uk

**UPDATE** In a recent comment, user “jtm” brought up an important point which I wanted to share with all of you. “i knew but didnt believe this until the mac guy showed me…if you line the inside of your upper lid, what is it called, the upper waterline?, it really makes your lash line appear thicker, darker, fuller. a little uncomfortable to do, but hey, worth the illusion.”

This is VERY true and a step I never leave out of my makeup routine. Here’s what to do: if you use a pencil just slightly lift your lid and line the upper rim like you would your bottom waterline (if anyone is wondering, the waterline is the inner rim of the eye where liner never seems to stay!). Be careful not to line inside the actual lid, the waterline is the thick line of skin right under the upper lashes (or above the lower). Do the same if you use gel or shadow liners, i wouldn’t recommend liquid liner for this. Wait a few moments to dry and then let your lid go. Also, as mentioned in the Smudge Brush post, wiggle your liner between your eyelashes it’ll help with the fuller lash look and will look more polished as it will fill the  blank spaces in between.