I won't deny I'm pretty snobbish in a number of different areas: I'm a declared coffee snob. I'm a dessert snob. I'm a perfume snob. Truly, the list could go on. But until recently, I hadn't really considered myself a mascara snob.
I've never been one to claim the superiority of high-end mascaras versus the drugstore ones. In fact, I don't think I have ever purchased a high-end mascara with my own money - but I've tried plenty of gift with purchase minis and received generous gifts from friends and such. However, when I attempt to shortlist my Holy Grail mascaras, the following come to mind easily: Buxom Buxom Lash, Laura Geller GlamLASH, and most recently, Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir... Am I really so easily swayed by luxe packaging, or is there in fact something better about the formula of high-end mascaras? I've been pondering this question for a couple weeks now while re-testing a mini of
Guerlain Cils d'Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara in 01 Noir ($32 for 0.28 oz).
I've had another sample of this rather expensive mascara about three years ago, and I remember REALLY liking it then. But you know what, a couple things have changed since then. For one, I used to have much longer and fuller lashes back then thanks to religious use of a lash-growing serum, and I know some of you would groan 'All mascaras look good on your lashes!', making mascara reviews somewhat superfluous. However, I haven't touched a lash serum in three months, and while my lashes aren't bad by any means, they're not extraordinary either. So how does Maxi Lash perform on my perfectly normal lashes?
It performs well. As you can see in the close-up, it has that rubber brush with lots of not-too-long bristles that I tend to prefer, and a drier formula - again, my preference. As you can expect from these two factors, it defines the lashes beautifully, grabbing every single one and coating with an even layer of mascara from roots to tips; I only have some issues at the outer corners, where my longer lashes need some extra product (this wand doesn't have any bristles at the tip which are ideal for that task). I don't get many clumps, I don't get any flaking throughout the day, and only minimal transfer onto my brow bone, which as you may know is my personal ongoing struggle with mascara.
However, would I pay $32 for a gold tube of this lightly perfumed luxe mascara? Uhm, I don't think so. Sure, I like it, but perhaps not as much as the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir, which is a couple dollars cheapers and gives more volume in a single coat. And the other thing is that while what I've been testing is only a deluxe sample, the Maxi Lash dries out fast - I mean, I've only been using it for two weeks and I don't think it'll last more than another two. So for now, while I may have a PREFERENCE for high-end mascaras, I don't think I'm a die hard convert. I really enjoy trying out minis of expensive formulas, but it's more than likely that when I run out, I'll just head back straight to the drugstore.
What are some of your all-time Holy Grail mascara formulas? Do you purchase high-end mascaras regularly, and if so, which ones are your favorite?
I have to say, I'm a mascara snob. I buy Armani Eyes to Kill, and I have since it came out, and that's it.
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect formula for me (a week in, once it's dried out a bit) so why mess with that? Every time I buy a bunch from Nordstrom and pick a new mascara as the third free during their promotions, I always regret it.
I've heard so many good things about Armani ETK over the years! And I agree, I think with mascara, once you find your favorite, there's not really a need for experimentation - which is why I don't get why some people would have 5 tubes open at the same time. There's only one 'look' I like for my mascara-ed lashes, so why keep different formulas on hand?
DeleteI agree with your assessment of the Guerlain mascara wholeheartedly. I have also been playing around with the sample I received and while it makes my lashes look amazing (doubly so with lash primer), I don't know if I'd pull the $32 trigger. Not with so many other great high-end mascaras out there that don't dry up as quickly (I'm looking at you Buxom Lash, Lancome Hypnose Star, and Chanel Inimitable Intense!) Oh yeah, I'd categorize myself as a mascara snob!
ReplyDeleteHahah, mascara snobs FTW! Yeah, I really miss Buxom Lash - I tried it a few years ago but ever since it's been in the back of my mind to pick it up some time; and Buxom is now available at Ulta!
DeleteI am a determined mascara snob and unapologetic for it. I only use one drugstore brand - Miss Manga. The rest of the time I am addicted to Dior Lash-addict, Chanel Les Volumes and YSL, occasionally MAC Haught and Naughty. Like Adele I tend to buy during the Nordstrom mascara sale where you get one free with the purchase of two. I tried a Guerlain one a few years ago, not sure which one, but I was a bit disappointed. Maybe I'll pick it up as my freebie in May at nordstrom - you make it sound pretty amazing.
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I like that you're not sorry for your high-end preferences; it gets boring hearing 'drugstore mascaras are just as good!' from YT beauty gurus all the time, when they actually use high-end brands themselves anyway :D I've been hearing amazing things about Chanel Le Volume, I think I would like to try it one day!
DeleteI have never tried an High End Mascara, because mascaras was never a favourite product of mine... I have tried a lot of drugsture and mid price mascaras, but I havent found my holy grail yet.
ReplyDeleteI adore getting those high end mascara samples - I am somewhat ashamed to say that I don't recall every actually purchasing a high end mascara, but I know that I have enjoyed a few of them over the years in PR sample or travel sized form! I currently use a lot of Covergirl which I like, and I receive quite a few drugstore mascaras from PR to trial which is perhaps why I've never bitten that high-end bullet. I really want to buy a Lancôme mascara soon though...
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