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.
The first thing that will catch your eye about this mascara is the childlike packaging that screams Polly Pockets. But then, when you unscrew the tube and apply your first coat, your adult senses kick in and you literally sit stunned wondering how such an affordable product can create such luxurious lashes. Well, the answer is unbeknownst to me. But hey, ignorance is bliss and many days, my bliss comes straight from this pretty little tube.
Best Volumizing Mascara No. 5: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes, $29
You know those online boutiques that everyone is tired of their Facebook friends trying to sell? You know, the ones where the products never live up to the hype and it all ends up being some sad sham that you wish you never fell into? Well, Younique, a seriously popular social media-fueled beauty brand doesn't fit that bill. Instead, each and every time I see my Facebook friends posting about this dual-volumizing mascara, I virtually give them a pat on the back and thank them for spreading the word about a seriously good product. Now, as much as I love the extreme results of this prime and set technique, I admit that it simply doesn't have a place in my everyday routine because I don't have the time to patiently apply coat after coat to achieve my desired effect. But on nights when I'm going out, I'll take the time and it makes all the difference in the world. Just make sure not to get any fibers in your eye. That's never fun. Trust me.
