Shawna Hudson has been writer for over 10 years covering beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and her work has appeared in other publications such as Who What Wear, Bustle, Refinery 29, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, PS, and more.
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The ultimate interior design resource from the world's leading experts - discover inspiring decorating ideas, color scheming know-how, garden inspiration and shopping expertise.Here’s a fun fact about mascara: one bottle expires in three months. While that statistic is occasionally irritating, it also means that I have had the opportunity to test well over 100 different formulas throughout my beauty editor career. Some days, black streaks run down my face, and I regret not reaching for. But other days, I hit the mascara jackpot and have lashes that are lengthened, lifted, and volumized. The best mascaras genuinely do it all. Of course, you’ll want to find the best formula for you and your desired look. Certain mascaras are light and natural-looking by design, with wands capable of separating every little lash. Other mascaras are developed to add density, thickness, and deep black pigment. You can opt for colored mascaras, which are currently rising in popularity—So many mascaras claim not to smudge or flake, but few actually do what they promise. This Thrive Causemetics formula—which is also—does and stays true to its name. If you like a false lash look, this tubing formula can be built up until your lashes are sky-high and still, it never looks clumpy or sticks to your lashes in an uncomfortable way. Every lash remains separated, lifted, and lengthened without leaving you with raccoon eyes, even after hours of wear. As a bonus, it also contains an orchid stem cell complex that encourages healthy"This mascara from Thrive has been a favorite of mine for years. It's one of the few formulas that truly doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day. It also provides a lot of lift and length without even having to use a lash curler. My only gripe is that it's a bit harder to get off at the end of the day." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writerisn't impossible to remove at the end of the night can be a challenge. YSL's Lash Clash is your ticket if those are your concerns. It's one of the best volumizing mascaras in the game that makes a visible difference in your lashes without making them goopy or clumpy. And, not that it's ideal to wear your makeup for 48 hours straight, but if you do for whatever reason, you can rest easy knowing this mascara is designed to last for exactly that length of time."I'm a huge fan of both YSL's original Lash Clash formula and its waterproof one. While I don't wear the waterproof as often, when I do, I'm always impressed by how quickly it lengthens and volumizes. You only need a few swipes before you notice a visible difference in your lashes. The only con is that I've noticed a bit of smudging after four or so hours—even with a good lash primer. That being said, this comes off so easy with aneffect. Caliray offers one of the best. One of this formula's standout qualities is that it's extremely buildable. If you don't love the length after a swipe or two, you can keep building and—miraculously—it never starts to clump or become a mess around your eye area."As far as tubing mascaras go, I love Caliray's because it's a formula I can build up with a few coats and it never turns into a mess. This is huge for me because I've had plenty of bad experiences with other mascaras that leave a sloppy finish after just one or two coats. It also adds length and looks more natural than other formulas I've used. It's perfect for everyday wear." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty WriterIt's hard to believe that this mascara retails for only five dollars. The length and volume it provides for your lashes is simply unmatched. After just a coat or two, it boosts your lashes in a big way and pairs perfectly with the brand's"The first time I tried this mascara, I remember being blown away because it was only $5 and a great. It performs better than some of my more expensive formulas in the length department and even makes your lashes appear thicker. While it's an amazing formula, the only downside is that it tends to smudge more than some of my other favorites." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty WriterI best believe that celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker knows a thing or two about mascara. Baker's aptly named line, Bake Up Beauty, features one of her most viral hits, the Tarantulash Mascara. It's a favorite amongst beauty editors because it creates dramatic volume and gives you that spider-lash look often seen on the"This mascara from Bake Up Beauty really lives up to its name. I love it when I'm doing a full face and want more of a dramatic lash look. It separates, lengthens, and volumizes so well. I know the spider lash look isn't for everyone so keep that in mind if you want something a little less loud. The only hangup is that it can get clumpy if you start adding too many coats, so tread lightly." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty WriterFor extra lift and curl, try Benefit's Roller Lash. This is another great mascara that separates and curls lashes nicely while remaining lightweight and clump-free. The secret is in the brand's patent-pending hook and roll brush, which features small custom-designed hooks that catch, lift, and curl even the shortest of lashes."Benefit's Roller Lash is another formula I love for everyday wear because it looks really natural and curls my super short lashes nicely. I like that you can build it up without it getting clumpy or flakey. I've worn it for hours and it still looks fresh later on. While it provides a great natural finish, I do think you have to add quite a few coats if you're looking for extra length." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty WriterThe Diorshow Icon Mascara is a top-rated formula amongst reviewers and editors for its unmatched ability to volumize, curl, and lengthen lashes without completely smudging off throughout the day. It also contains lash-nourishing ingredients that condition and add shine.can’t get on board with waterproof mascara. Finding a formula that stays put throughout the day and doesn’t leave me with a black, smudged shadow by noon has been a struggle. That’s where this Dior mascara has been a game changer. It doesn’t run or smudge and simultaneously lifts, volumizes, and lengthens. I’m not shy about applying multiple coats either—I promise, it won’t flake off." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty EditorThis mascara is unique because it's totally customizable. You can swipe on a coat or two for a natural, everyday look, or build it up for more dramatic length and volume. The packaging is also to-die-for.“The skinny, almond-shaped, flexible brush lets me grab every hair while the formula softens and lengthens my lashes, providing the perfect sweep of jet black color. My only ask of the brand? To make the formula in a's mascara can completely transform even the shortest, straightest lashes. It's perfect for longer wear and is said to be smudge-proofsweat-proof. Those with straight, short lashes will also love how much volume and length it adds while still remaining light on the lashes."I have incredibly stick-straight lashes, so I require a mascara that gives some serious lift. Enter Victoria Beckham’s Future Lash Mascara. The wand is semi-circle-shaped, which is perfect for giving my lashes the curve they so desperately need. It’s a lighter finish—on the fluttery side more than the dramatic. That said, if I layer the formula, I can achieve a deeper, fluffier finish." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editorcan perform just as well as its luxury counterparts. This L'Oréal formula is a great go-to for everyday wear, and thanks to the price point, you can keep a spare in every bag for on-the-go touch-ups. "This gives my lashes a fluttery, fanned-out look, and I love how you can easily build up the volume for more drama. It also doesn't rub off on my eyelids, which is typically the biggest issue I have with mascara.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate E-Commerce Editorhas many great products, but this volumizing mascara is one of its best. The eye-hugging brush lifts, separates, lengthens, and curls the lashes all at once. Additionally,"I randomly did a Sephora haul in January and begrudgingly bought the Rare Beauty mascara, not knowing it’d become my new staple product. Now, I repurchase this mascara every time it runs out. This mascara will look the same at the end of the day, even with the most hectic schedule,” she shares." — Elise Sultan, Senior E-Marketing ManagerFinding a mascara that strengthens lashes is key for those with short or brittle lashes. Enter: Maybelline New York’s Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara, which comes at an unbeatable drugstore price. "I discovered this mascara sometime in high school and have never looked back. Just like the name promises, it delivers major volume and length but conditions in the process—doing away with brittle, spider-leg-like lashes and leaving you with a 'my lashes but better' look." — Neha Prakash, Entertainment DirectorChantecaille offers this luxury formula, which features lash growth-promoting peptides. It blends a suite of natural waxes that help lashes appear fuller, thicker, and longer without adding any extra weight. Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender loves this natural-finish pick for a day at the office or to top off a"This Chantecaille mascara gives the appearance of falsies, but without the hassle. There's zero clumping, and it's a breeze to take off after a day of wear." — Sara Hozman, Style DirectorThis long-lasting, waterproof formula from Kjaer Weis doesn't budge, smudge, or slide but still comes off easily at the end of the day. As for the formula? I've found that I can add layer upon layer without getting annoying clumps or clusters of lashes. The best feature, though, is the packaging. This mascara is refillable, and the red case is made from 50 percent recycled plastic and infinitely recyclable aluminum.“ZERO flaking as the day goes on...MASSIVE length and fullness with individual lash definition PERFECT with this caution: IF you are that person who touches/fiddles with eyes thru the day, then this might not be your formula. This mascara MAINTAINS softness so the lashes stay hydrated, and they look like the BEST ever version of your own lashes. Learning to work the brush's different sides for the effect you want might take a bit of practice, but I was stunned at how amazing this works. So rare to find a product that lives up to the hype. Like so many women, I've tried soooo many brands, and this is the best wand mascara I've ever used in my life!" — Nordstromtrend—I'm loyal to my blackest black formulas. But as a devout Charlotte Tilbury fan, I felt I owed this berry-brown shade the benefit of the doubt. And take it from the ultimate skeptic, it did not disappoint. The shade isn't in your face at all. Instead, it's a subtle tone perfect for minimal makeup days or complementing a pink eyeshadow situation.“Dream pop is perfect for redheads! It doesn’t look like a crazy color when you put it on. It looks great because it’s less harsh of color than black against my fair complexion. Will def be repurchasing!” — SephoraThe shape of the mascara wand heavily impacts your end result, so it’s worthwhile to pay attention to it. “I like to think that the wand mimics the type of lash that you want,” explains Sewell, who has worked with mega-influencers likeand Leonie Hanne. If you want a long, defined lash, the bristles on the wand should be long and defined. A densely packed, chunkier brush is the goal if you're after thick, voluminous lashes.are nothing new, but with recent launches from Merit and Tower28, they’re having a little resurgence. “Tubing mascara is unique because the formula creates a literal tube around your lash,” explains Sewell. “When you wash your eyes at the end of the night, you’ll see tubesEvery artist has their tip or hack for getting the best result. Malek, who works with Arianna Maddix, Tracy Tudor, and Nikki Hilton, starts with the mascara wand at the base of the lashes. “Wiggle the wand back and forth towards the tip of your lashes and then repeat the motion until you like the thickness.” If you’re struggling to hold a curl, makeup artist Billie Gene, whose clients include Winnie Harlow andOccasionally, you may find that one mascara isn’t meeting your lash goals. Should that be the base, don’t shy away from layering. “I typically start with a lengthening mascara to separate the lashes, and then I’ll layer a voluminous formula on top for desired volume,” advises Sewell.has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the productsteam tested an additional nine. We evaluated each product on wear, how much it flaked, how long it stayed on lashes, and how easy it was to remove with warm water.Shadi Malek’s career of nearly a decade in the make-up industry is a testament to her passionate practice, one that has resulted in an extensive list of life-long clients. She first began honing her unmistakable style from her home city of Vancouver, Canada. Today she works in one of the world’s major make-up industry hubs, Los Angeles, transforming models, influencers, and brides with her signature artistic method. Today, Malek infuses every make-up look she creates with her mastery of aesthetic principles and her passion for an individualized approach to every client.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Shawna Hudson has been writer for over 10 years covering beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and her work has appeared in other publications such as Who What Wear, Bustle, Refinery 29, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, PS, and more. Most of her spare time is spent doing Korean face masks and testing every new high-tech hair tool possible. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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