Top 3 Tuesday - Mascara

Mascara is one of those products that most people would consider an absolute staple, but if I am really honest with you, they don't excite me that much. Don't get me wrong, I think an amazing mascara can make the world of difference to a look, but when it comes to makeup shopping, I always gravitate to the lipsticks and blushes and then eventually get around to checking out the mascaras at the end.

I have a very specific taste in mascaras. I like long, defined lashes with a smidgen of volume - none of that clumpy stick-your-lashes-together rubbish. I like natural looking lashes the best, but I am appreciative of the dramatic(ish) look too.

1. Covergirl Lashblast Length Waterproof mascara
I love this mascara so much, but I know it isn't for everyone. My good friend had this too and absolutely hated it, whereas I think it is perhaps that greatest thing I own (well not quite, but it is good!). Length and definition is what this is all about, and I love that it is waterproof because I am subject to severe cases of panda-eyes.


2. Avon Daring Curves Mascara
I only just started using this mascara and I am really quite impressed. It is a little clumpy, so I do need to run a comb through my lashes after application, but it is darker and gives a glossier finish than my Covergirl one which is a welcome change.

3. Natio Maximum curl waterproof mascara
This is just one of those mascaras that I change my mind about all the time. One day I love it, the next I hate it and tell myself that I will chuck it out ASAP, then the next day my opinion of it is somewhere in the middle. In my initial review I gave it a 5 out of 10 (which is appropriate because it represents all those 'in the middle' days), but honestly, some days I would give it a 7 or 8 and others a 2 or 3. It is very natural looking, but drying and requires effort. It is lengthening and defining, but not overly glossy or black. In short, I wouldn't bother with this product if I was you, but since having it in my collection, I have been using it often.

Close but not close enough...

For my close but not close enough this week is Maybelline's lash stiletto mascara. I picked this up for $2 not realising that it was in a light black/grey shade, but I seem to be able to wear it without any trouble. I absolutely hate the wand, which looks like a terrifying razor-blade-like contraption that is much too dangerous to put near my eyes. The formula is okay, a little wet and requires a bit of fiddling about with, but lengthening to a satisfying extent.