One essential in every woman’s makeup kit is mascara. Good mascara has several qualities: it is easy to apply; it doesn’t clump; it provides complete lash coverage from base to tip; and it separates lashes for better definition. Some mascara is designed not just to lengthen but also to volumize by coating the lashes in order to make them look thicker as well as longer, and some are waterproof. Waterproof mascara is fine, but it isn’t necessary for everyday, just for those emotional occasions (such as weddings or certain movies) when you are likely to find yourself in tears or if you are going swimming. Mascara should be replaced every 6-12 weeks to avoid bacterial infections.
Mascara can be expensive, easily costing $20 or more at department store cosmetic counters. You don’t have to give up performance for price when you buy mascara. There are plenty of cheap mascaras on the market that will do a great job without busting your budget. Here are 5 cheap mascaras that cost less than $8.
Maybelline Great Lash® Mascara. Maybelline’s Great Lash® line comes in several versions, washable, washable with a curved brush and waterproof. Maybelline advertises it as the mascara that conditions as it thickens. All versions are contact lens safe and hypoallergenic. This line has won numerous awards (see www.maybelline.com/great-lash for a list). It can be purchased at drug stores and discounters and is a bargain at about $5.00.
Maybelline Intense XXL® Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara. At about $8 in drug stores, this mascara is more expensive than Maybelline’s Great Lash® mascara, but it has more to offer and, therefore, is still a terrific value. It comes in both washable and waterproof formulas. It includes a microfiber basecoat designed to lengthen the lashes and a microfiber topcoat for intense color and volumizing. It has been tested by ophthalmologists and is contact lens safe.
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. Plump up your lashes with L’Oreal’s Voluminous mascara. It features a patented Volume Maximizing Brush™ (some experts say that the brush is the most important part of any mascara) designed to apply the mascara smoothly, resist clumping, and thicken and soften the lashes. It has been ophthalmologist and allergy tested and can be used by contact lens wearers. Purchase it at drug stores for less than $8.00.
Rimmel of London Glam Eyes Mascara. This mascara’s brush features ultra-fine bristles to separate and define lashes while lengthening and thickening. It can be purchased for less than $8.00 at drug stores and specialty beauty products stores.
Cover Girl Professional All in One Mascara. This mascara’s pro-glide brush is designed to smooth on mascara for a natural look without clumps. It is available with a straight or curved brush and in washable and waterproof formulas. Choose from four shades. It is ophthalmologist-test and safe for contact lens wearers. Purchase it at drug stores for less than $6.00.
Sources:
beauty.about.com/maybelline great lash, Best Waterproof Mascara – Maybelline Great Lash
beauty.about.com/maybelline xxl, Makeup Artist’s Favorite Mascara – Maybelline XXL Volume + Length
beauty.about.com/l’oreal voluminous, Great Overall Budget Mascara – L’Oreal Voluminous
search.ulta.com, Rimmel Mascara::Ulta
