Best Volumizing Mascara No. 11: Givenchy Base Mascara Perfecto, $29
Okay, so this lash primer isn't technically a mascara, but it goes under mascara to amplify its effects (in a major way), so I'm counting it. We all have at least half a dozen tubes of ho-hum mascara that we can't toss because #expensive. For those hangers-on, I've wished there were a miracle product that could turn any old mascara into a tube of gorgeous, lash-enhancing goodness. Well, my prayers were answered. This Givenchy mascara primer is the perfect prep step to your fullest, prettiest lashes. And don't even get me started on the packaging. Now, since this isn't, in fact, a mascara, I'll have to keep it along the lower ranks of my faves, but you best believe it always has a place in my bag, just waiting to spruce up any run-of-the-mill mascara I might encounter.
It might sound stuck up, but it's rare that I find a drugstore makeup product that really makes me smitten. But then I discovered this affordable mascara by Catrice. The packaging promises to deliver extreme volume — and volume it delivers. With a single coat you'll say hello to gorgeously dramatic lashes that almost look fake. As much as I love this curling and volumizing mascara, I do experience a bit of flaking towards the end of the day (For you, it might be different) — but it's nothing I can't fix with a quick swipe and concealer touch-up.
Best Volumizing Mascara No. 9: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, $26
Marky Mark caught my heart in his Calvin Klein ads and Marc Jacobs caught my lashes with their highly regarded mascara. After hearing endless chatter about this lash-enhancing volume mascara (1800% more volume!), I finally caved and gave it a go. Sure enough, my pale, Irish lashes looked immediately intensified. Unlike some of my favorite volumizing mascaras (patience my dear, they're just ahead), this falsies-effect mascara does need an extra coat or two for maximum results.
Best Volumizing Mascara No. 8: Lancome Monsieur Big, $25
Just like the big, bright, flirtatious letters on this tube of mega-volumizing mascara, this formula delivers sexy, look-at-me lashes. One stroke and you'll fall in love with this ultra-creamy, easy-to-apply mascara. The extra-fat brush can be a little tricky to maneuver, especially if you have hooded lids, but the payoff is so worth it.
Cute packaging? Check. Proven claims? Check. Dark, doll-like results? Check. And for those reasons, this mascara has become one of my main baes when it comes to perking up my lashes. Unlike some of my higher-tiered players, I let my Benefit sit on the bench waiting for the perfect opportunity to shine. Think: Any time I'm trying to achieve voluminous, dark lashes that somehow still look pretty natural and not caked on. It's certainly a feat and I'm happy to benefit from Benefit.
