MMM Mascara

As far as I'm concerned, the Big Three are the stand-out best mascaras on the market.


1. Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara. This is fantastic for dramatic eyes. I usually go for lengthening instead of volumizing because I've found the latter to clump my eyelashes spider-style, but this one is really fabulous. It seems to have a great lengthening and separating effect as well as volumizing, which is always a plus. We all need help when it comes to eye makeup! The eyes can truly make or break a look. Anyway, this comes highly recommended by moi, but be warned -- it is harder to remove than some. Do not rub your eyes while wearing it, or you will forcibly remove your poor eyelashes. I don't find it to be very moisturizing, and I've noticed that I've lost more eyelashes in the removal process than normal. So use it, love it, receive the many compliments you are sure to receive while wearing it, but be careful, and don't skimp on the removal process.


2. We all know about those newfangled brushes on the market by now. EVERYONE'S coming out with them. Max Factor Lash Perfection, I believe, has done a great job with this one. ALL mascaras clump as they age (bacteria from your eyes transferred into the tube via the wand accomplishes this), but this one does a great job of dutifully continuing to separate lashes even into the drudges of an older tube. Be warned: some drugstores will try to tell you that Procter and Gamble doesn't make Max Factor anymore, and that you should buy the Cover Girl equivalent. They've even gone so far as to produce and display a chart telling you that if you like this MF product, you will now enjoy THIS CG product. Don't believe it! You can still buy Max Factor at Eckerd, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. And online! They have a whole new life now that Carmen Electra is their spokesmodel. The discovery of this distressing sham by P&G/drugstores was what prompted me to email Procter and Gamble once and tell them JUST how tacky I thought their CG packaging was. Honestly, I have never used the CG equivalent so I can't say it's terrible ... but I'm not about to start. Anyway, it's purple. Max Factor is much classier LOOKING, and for that reason alone, I will continue to use the MF Lash Perfecting mascara when I get the urge to use one of those new plasticky brushes.


3. Of course, the old classique. This has NEVER failed me. Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara - Lengthening. It has wonderful moisturizers and vitamins that make your eyelashes feel light and makeup-free ... with the fantastic benefits of a TRULY lengthening, worthwhile mascara. I always keep a few new tubes of this in stock in my "new makeup" box just in case I need more. You're supposed to throw away mascara after three months (or something), so I'm usually hesitant to have three in progress at the same time, but I ALWAYS seem to have this one in the rotation no matter what. When my eyes get tired of being harassed by the way the Clinique mascara hardens up and becomes stubborn, this is a GREAT break for them, largely because of the aloe. But PLEASE don't be fooled into thinking ALL Almay mascaras do the trick. The volumizing one clumps terribly, and the "triple effect" one clumps so badly that I need a new word for clump.


This would be an incomplete tutorial without a discussion of optimal mascara removal. It should go without saying that you should always remove your mascara at night. Especially with mascaras that harden like the Clinique one, you don't want to risk breaking or damaging your lashes. My favorite remover is Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover by Almay. It removes EVERYTHING and is specifically suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. I also have it in the pads version for travel. Of course, you can remove the rest of your makeup with it as well, and a bottle of the liquid version lasts a long time. I have been using it for ages and just recently had to replace it.

If you stick to the Big Three, you will NEVER go wrong. I'm sure there are other good ones out there, but I can't vouch for any of them at this time (I am open to new suggestions though!). I'll leave you with this tip, no matter what your brand preference: note that the darkest black available is the ONLY acceptable shade. Why would you want to accentuate your lashes with brown or blue or purple? Deep black makes them stand out the most, and also matches any possible outfit in your wardrobe, and any reputable makeup artist will agree. For the LOVE, don't match your mascara with your outfit or especially your EYES. (Other Almay lines fail because they try to convince you to do this ... TERRIBLE idea. Very tacky. Just don't do it. UGH!)