Somehow, I've managed to collect quite a few mascaras. Mostly samples, as I've stuck to buying only drugstore options this year. In any event, the pile of sample mascaras still grows, even though I try to give them away frequently! The other day I decided to try out two of the mascaras in the pile. (Yes, one on each eye!) Lancome Hypnose Drama in Excessive Black has Lancome's signature rose scent. I don't know why, but I always find putting something rose scented on my eyes a bit strange. What if I was allergic to roses? That aside, I did like the look of the s-curved brush, but wasn't entirely sure of how to best use it. Based on the name, I expected the mascara to offer major drama, perhaps even in one coat, and it did not have that effect on my lashes. My lashes are also quite fine, so I always worry about having a spider lash effect with mascaras. While this mascara didn't do that, comparing it to the Laura Mercier option did make my lashes look a bit... scraggly. Not spidery, but scraggly. Like, not perfectly strong and straight... Perhaps it was the wand, or my lack of skill with it. Either way, this is finding a new home with a makeup friend since I don't have time to use it up! Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Mascara is one that I should have tried sooner. A friend tried it this past spring and swears by it, and I've had this sample sitting around all this time. It really offers definition to my lashes, yet still looks fully natural. YAY. My friend loves it because it never flakes or smudges, and I have to say it really doesn't. I haven't tried crying or swimming with it or anything, but this mascara survives normal everyday wear (even with a bit of eye rubbing!) Since it is not waterproof and washes off VERY easily, I suspect it wouldn't hold up to a day at the beach or a tearful event. However, I'm definitely going to stick with this one and see how I like it as time passes. So far so good, though! Definition, length, and easy removal are all great features in my book! I can't wait to see how it pairs with my trusty Diorshow Maximizer, which really just makes every mascara infinitely more amazing.
I don't know why I don't have a proper photo of this, but here's a quick snap I took of the two mascaras on my eyes. Can you tell a difference?
What do you think of these mascaras? Have you tried either? Do you have any mascaras that I NEED to try? :)