January 9, 2011

A couple of months ago, I gave up my long-time favorite mascara – Loreal Voluminous – because it was animal-tested.  I went on a search for a new awesome product and reviewed four mascaras that disappointed me: Smashbox Hyper Lash, Tarte Lights Camera Lashes, Revlon 3D Extreme and MAC Zoom Lash.

Since then, the mascara search has continued with these three prospects:

Physicians Formula Organic Mascara ($9.95 retail)

• This mascara is said to be 100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, parabens, clumping, smudging, flaking, fibers and dyes.  It is also supposed to provide 5x Lash Boosting for lash length, volume and definition naturally, with a 100% recyclable “Eco-Brush” that claims to define each lash with ultra-soft plastic bristles.

• Did it deliver on all those claims?  Ehhh.  It was ok.  I didn't take it back to the store, and actually used it several times.  I did get a little flaking, but not a terrible amount, and it removed very easily at night.

• My main beef with this mascara is that the look it provides is too natural for me.  As I mentioned in my previous review, I'm looking for volume and curl-retention.  I didn't get deal-killing clumping with this mascara, but I didn't get the volume I crave either.  I also wasn't a big fan of the plastic brush.

Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara ($22 retail)

• I really wanted to love this mascara since Jose Maran Cosmetics donates one mascara to a City of Hope cancer patient for each GOGO (Get One Give One) mascara purchased.

• It claims to deliver full, longwearing, clump-free, water-resistant definition and to evenly build thickness and smoothness, delivering a full fringe of blacker-than-black lashes with dewy shine. It also includes Argan Oil which is supposed to condition and support hair growth for lush, supple, healthy lashes.

• So did this mascara walk the walk?  Sadly, no.  I tried it twice, and had to take it back to the store.  It clumped horribly, no matter how thoroughly I tried to wipe off the excess on the neck of the tube.  Besides that, the brush was enormous to the extent that it was unwieldy, and I found it nearly impossible to apply the product to my lower lashes without also applying it under my eyes.

• For the price, I had high expectations for Jose Maran's mascara, especially when it came highly recommended by the Sephora sales rep.  The only thing I liked about this mascara is the GOGO program, so back it went.

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara ($20 retail) (QVC 2/pk $28)

• I happened to randomly catch Mally Beauty on QVC, and liked her energy and was sold on a kit that included her Volumizing Mascara.  Mally claims that this mascara helps create the look of gorgeous, full, luxurious lashes with a combination of natural waxes and carefully chosen powders. It comes with a plush brush that is said to work with the powders in the formula to help thicken lashes without clumping and give you gorgeous volume that lasts.

• Was I disappointed yet again?  NO! You read that right…I wasn't disappointed with Mally's Volumizing Mascara! I actually tried a mascara that I like!

• Mally Volumizing Mascara gives me volume, curl and definition.  It doesn't smudge, flakes only a teensy bit (which mascara doesn't, frankly), and is easy to remove at the end of the day.  I will absolutely reorder this mascara in the QVC 2-pack.

• For now, my mascara search is over.  I can't say that I won't try another hyped-up mascara that crosses my path, but for now, I'm thrilled to have found one that I'm happy to use every morning. 😀

Next up, I have some fun new vegan products lined up on my bathroom counter, waiting to be tried out.  I have Lip Tar from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and three loose Sugarpill eyeshadows.  Can a 40-plus woman pull off these vibrant young colors?  We're about to find out!  😀

photo credit: kitty nancy

~BigSis