Mascara - Bargain Brand or Department Store?

Since I began wearing make-up in middle school, the one product that I have always been changing is my mascara.  Not only is it one of the easiest tools in your make-up bag to change up, but I've also been trying to find a brand I actually want to buy again.  Don't get me wrong, most mascaras perform the necessary task of enhancing my eyelashes, but none of them do it well enough to make me say - I have to buy that one again!

It's not that I have bad eyelashes...I would say I've probably got an average length and lots of lashes to work with.  It's just that some nights I want them to stand out more than others...and I'm too cheap to do something that requires a lot of maintenance like eyelash extensions, pharmaceutical enhancements, or just the traditional fake lash route.  Plus, it's not worth the hassle to me!  I want to wake up, put on a coat of mascara, and say, "Wow this mascara works fabulously!"

Well, recently I have found two brands that make phenomenal mascara - and I've tried a lot of them.  They are the Dior, Diorshow mascara and the YSL, Volume Effet Faux Clis.  Both are shown below.

Now I'm not going to lie to you, for $24 dollars and $28 dollars, respectively, these mascaras do not offer a "cheap alternative."  However, they enhance your lashes all day by providing something that most mascaras can't do over a period of time - lift.  For some reason, the brush (which is patented in both cases) is able to separate lashes more.  So even though you may feel like the formula is a little thick, it will actually apply incredibly smoothly.  In fact, if you don't believe me...look for yourself:

So the next time you go to the mall and you are looking for a new look, try picking up one of these two mascaras.  As you can see, it makes a world of difference if you have the right stuff - and friends and coworkers will be asking what you've done differently.  When the formula starts to get clumpier (mascaras are the fastest expiring cosmetics and should be thrown out after approximately 4 months) get a new one - try the other brand or even a different shade.  I really love how natural some of the brown shades look and I've even considered venturing into some of the softer navy and green shades for something new.  

Mascara...who would have thought that to get better lashes you just had to find a better product?  Trust me, I was a skeptic too...but I'm so happy that I went this route and not the more painful and pricier routines.  It's worth a try if you're not satisfied with what you are using currently...and of course your eyelashes will thank you for going the safer, quicker route.  I know mine do!  

XOXO,

Allison

All of the mascaras below are the products I use.  If you're a newbie to these brands...try the YSL!  If you have tried these brands already and want something new - try the Dior 360.  This brush is actually battery operated to get the best application!  You won't be sorry!