Four New Mascaras to Try
September 30, 2013 Whenever I see a new mascara I get unusually excited. Will it really put the va-va-voom on my short Asian lashes? I've been testing four mascaras and it's been fun exploring the new formulas that have launched recently. Here are my results with a few brands:
For a polished look, Dolce & Gabbana's new Passioneyes Duo Mascara is a great option. Two coats will give a gentle curl without the use of an eyelash curler, but I'd still use one if you want a tight curl. It also lengthens, defines and separates beautifully. The volume is decent but not enough for a nighttime look. The lashes will also maintain a soft, lightweight texture as it contains beeswax and tapioca polymers. I didn't get any clumping as the curved brush picked up the right amount of product. I tried it in Terra 2, a deep chocolate brown, an ideal shade if you don't want intense black lashes. It also washes off easily, which is a nice bonus.
The Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl is a new favorite. It gave more dramatic length and volume (about 20%) than most mascaras I've tried so far. It held a good curl for most of the day and the curved brush grabbed most of my lashes. There is a tiny bit of clumping if you go beyond two coats but I can live with that. It also washes off easily and you shouldn't get any raccoon eyes. I just love the false lash effect! The subtle 264 Over Blue shade is a fall exclusive at Nordstrom.
Tarte's new Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara aims to lengthen, curl and volumize lashes by 752%. The dual-molded brush is supposed to pick up the tiny lashes but I had a tricky time using it. I applied 2 coats and found the lengthening and curling results to be about the same as their regular Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara — perhaps I needed another coat? I'll probably stick with Lights, Camera, Lashes. Overall a solid, reliable mascara, but not dramatic enough unless you use 3+ coats or a lash primer. Curious? Try their Strike A Pose Limited-Edition Statement Lash Set ($19) at Sephora. It includes a deluxe sample of the new mascara plus a gold Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler.
The Clarins Be Long Mascara does a great job at lengthening and separating my lashes without the false lash look — see my full review here.
For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.
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