To be honest, in the past I did not really care too much about mascara. I did not care for the hype and did not see why women obsessed over it.
I was quite comfortable with my fine, straight lashes and buying mascara did not appeal to me.
My straight, mascara-less lashes.
Yet, here I am … owning four mascaras. (Revolutionary, I know).
My *huge mascara collection. (* = Not that huge).
**All opinions are my own and based on my own experiences with the listed mascaras. What worked for me, may not work for you. All prices listed were correct at the time of purchasing and may differ now.**
NYX XXL Volume and Define Mascara: R139.95
This mascara was my most recent purchase and the most expensive one that I own. I got quite the shock at the wand size.
Apparently, the word “XXL” was lost on me.
It separates, lengthens and volumises my straight lashes and gives them quite the dramatic effect. This mascara is long-lasting as well.
I rate this mascara as Dramatic on the Mascara Metre.
When applying this mascara, you are at risk of brushing the wand/ tip against your eyelid. (Maybe this is only me due to my heavily hooded eyelids).
[Side Note: Why do some people claim that they have hooded eyelids and then do make up looks for “hooded” eyes, but they actually don’t have it? You have a hooded eye when there is literally a “hood” that covers your eyelid; you would have to raise your eyebrows to see your lids. If you attempt a cat eye and it disappears when you open your eyes fully, then you have a hooded eye. If you can see the full cat eye effect when your eyes are open fully, then…. This is a post for another day].
Okay, I digressed. Applying too many coats of this mascara can result in clumpiness.
Overall: It’s a good mascara and kind of budget friendly, depending on your budget.
2. Essence The False Lashes Mascara – Extreme Volume & Curl: R59.95
This mascara truly lives up to its name and gives you that “false lash” effect. It lasts me the whole day and makes my lashes look thicker.
Naturally, I rank this as False Lash Effect on the Mascara Metre.
Unfavourable Opinion: I actually do not have anything negative to say about this mascara.
Overall: I love this mascara. It’s definitely budget friendly as Essence products usually are. I will definitely repurchase this!! It works well for me and my pocket too 🙂
3. Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara: R64.95
Yaaaaaas! Extend those lashes! Those “lengthening fibres” really do pull through with this mascara. My lashes look full and long…but………
This mascara also gives the “False Lash Effect” on the Mascara Metre.
However, don’t get too mascara-happy because it turns clumpy quite quickly.
I have rated it as both “False Lash Effect” as well as “Clumpy” on my Mascara Metre. It does go clumpy and spider-leg lashes very quickly after a few coats and is a bit worse than the NYX XXL after 2-3 coats.
Overall: It depends on your own lashes. As I said before, I have straight, fine lashes that would need multiple coats of mascara if I was going after a certain look. I do like it for what it does, but I probably would not purchase it again.
4. Essence All Eyes On Me Multi-Effect Mascara – 01 Soft Black: R44.95
Although this may be the cheapest mascara that I own, do not let that fact put you off. I believe that any mascara should separate your lashes and this mascara does not disappoint. It’s long-lasting (it’s like I have been saying the same thing about each of these mascaras, but I guess that they are all pretty similar).
I rate this mascara as the “False Lash Effect” on the Mascara Metre.
Unfavourable Opinion: Once again, I do not have anything negative to say about this mascara.
Side note: I need to get mascara from a brand other than Essence.
I cannot wait to go mascara shopping!
What’s In My Make up Box (WIMMB) – Part 2: Mascara To be honest, in the past I did not really care too much about mascara. I did not care for the hype and did not see why women obsessed over it.