Even though summer is winding down, the hot temperatures are still thriving and putting our makeup through some pretty sweaty situations. Despite new formulas and the latest technology, it can seem impossible to find a mascara that won’t smudge, flake, or run off your face 30 minutes into your day. No matter how cutting edge the product, how pretty the packaging, or how amazing the reviews, sometimes even the most reputable of formulas proves to be less than, well, reputable.
So how do you get your hands on a mascara that actually fits the bill and will stick with you from breakfast to after-work drinks with the girls? We asked industry experts to reveal their go-to formulas as well as their best application tip, so you don’t have to waste one more dollar on a product failure. Because mascara goop is no joke.
The Real Deal
"Our key ingredients are bataua oil, which conditions lashes to keep them soft and flexible, and microcrystalline cellulose to build lash volume. We’ve replaced synthetic waxes, like paraffin, with plant-derived carnauba wax and rice bran wax to eliminate irritation. The hourglass brush curls, separates, and plumps without clumping, flaking, or smudging," shares Christy Coleman, Chief Artistic Officer at Beautycounter.
"This richly pigmented formula coats every single lash hair with ease and is super lightweight, which means it doesn't weigh down lashes and can be layered for added drama. It is formulated with conditioning emollients and vitamin B5, which forms a protective coat around each lash to help maintain strength and moisture," explains Janeena Billera, Senior Global Makeup Artist and Educator for Glo Skin Beauty.
Sarah Lucero, Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry, is obsessed with Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara because it comes "with a curved brush that mimics the eye shape, so it’s easy to grab every lash and give them that "feathery, full, fluffy look that never smudges."
Chanel Temple, Hourglass Global Makeup Artist, swears by Caution Extreme Lash Mascara because "it’s oil-free and endlessly buildable, making lashes look full and dramatic—plus it's specifically formulated to never smudge or flake," so you never have to worry about mascara residue falling on the under-eye area throughout the day.
“The custom brush grabs onto every lash to curl, lengthen, and separate the lashes. It also contains double black pigment for the blackest lashes and has ultralight fibers to volumize. You can even pile on as many coats as you like without worrying about clumping or weighing down your lashes," exclaims Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay Global Makeup Artist.
To get flawless, smudge-proof lashes every time, Glamsquad Artistic Director, Kelli J. Bartlett relies on Il Makiage Icon Mascara because it has "an innovative, shaped smaller brush that gives you the precision to really tease out all your lashes.”
With a dual-sided brush featuring double reservoirs, this mascara is ideal for volume packed lashes that do not clump," shares Ingrid-Marie Johnansson, Creative Director of IsaDora. "It's key ingredients acacia senegal gum protects, and carnauba wax moisturizes to create voluptuous, humidity-resistant, long-lasting lashes."
