Tom Medvedich
The beauty world has a tendency to make a lot of outsize promises, from shrinking pores to diminishing fine lines, but nowhere are they more hysterical than when referencing volumizing mascara. Longest, thickest lashes ever! Up to 12x more impact instantly! 400 percent corner to corner volume!
These are actual phrases seemingly plucked out of a meme generator and placed on the packaging of very real mascaras you’ll find at the drugstore?the ones I personally tested and reviewed over the course of several weeks, in fact, and I have a lot to say about their nebulous claims.
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One thing you should know about me before we get things started: I’m a bona fide mascara hoarder. We’re talking a lash-extending army that’s creeping close to triple digits, stashed away in bins, drawers, and cosmetic cases for a thousand rainy days. I’m not a brand loyalist or snob, and happily vacillate from prestige picks (hat tip to Too Faced’s Better Than Sex) to budget basics, as long as it does a decent job of plumping up my lashes without making a mess of my face. So, yes, I firmly believe that it is possible to find a great volumizing mascara under $10?it just takes some trial and error. Luckily, I did that part for you, so all you need to do is keep scrolling to see which drugstore version’s worth your money and time.
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