minerella: Flutter Those Lashes!

Hey everyone! As you may have gathered if you've read my other blogposts, I'm not a big foundation/concealer/any skin product that doesn't disappear after a few minutes fan. However, I am a HUGE mascara fan! I love making my lashes look longer and darker. The first time I used mascara was when I was about 13, and I remember thinking "Wow, what a difference!". Then I promptly forgot all about mascara until about four years later, give or take. I think the first real mascara I bought was a Rimmel London Sexy Curves one, I think my sister recommended it, but I could be mistaken. I absolutely loved it and bought it several times, and will probably repurchase it again, just to see if I do still love it.

First up, a couple of pictures that perhaps deserve a warning, so here it is: Since then, I have obviously broadened my knowledge of mascaras, and have discovered a whole lot more, tried many, liked many, hated others. But this post won't be a review of all of those mascaras, instead, other the last six years, I have managed to narrow them all down to my two favourites. One that I have loved for four years, and a new one that I've recently got my hands on.

WARNING, YOU ARE NOW ENTERING A MAKEUP-FREE ZONE!

And perhaps an apology. Without make-up, I look tired and very young. Which is unacceptable, as I am actually 19 years old.

Favourite #1: Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

How I met this mascara:

I remember it clearly, probably because it was my birthday in March 2009. A few friends and myself went ice skating, which was a lot of fun. Until the end. I'd had to change my skates several times because they kept messing up the sizes, and they had a really silly system. You got this little fake coin with a number on it, so they can find your ID/bus pass and they kept your ID or bus pass, so that you'd bring their stupid fake coin back. Which we did, every time. Because why on earth would anyone wish to steal a round bit of plastic? Anyway, the last time I changed skates, they gave me their stupid coin, unfortunately they put the boots back in a different place to where my bus pass was, which was a very stupid thing to do on their part and I am 90% sure they did it on purpose too. So when I handed the boots, along with the coin, they couldn't find my bus pass, even though I could see it. Then they made me pay 5€ because I didn't have the correct number on the coin that matched those boots and bus pass. So I yelled at them, then threw the 5€ at them, scared most of the other people, and left, loudly muttering something about lawyers, because back then I liked to do that. Anyway, after I realised those horrible witches basically stole money from me, I cried. Yup, humiliating. You're probably thinking "What has this got to do with Maybelline's mascara?". And rightly so, I do like a good ramble though. On the bus back to town, my lovely cousin was kind enough to lend me her mascara (yes, the Maybelline one) to fix my face. And that's how I fell in love.

Why I love this mascara:

Well, it is bloody amazing, that's why! It doesn't clump at. all. It makes my lashes look quite natural, but I can still see the difference. It's like the mascara combs them perfectly and makes them look lovely, long and thick and a lot darker. I have a thing about finding my lashes too light for my hair colour. Same goes for my eyebrows. Don't know why they're both sort of grey, because both my parents have dark, almost black hair. Anyway, I don't curl my lashes, just in case you were wondering. I know people always say it makes such a difference and you'll never want to stop once you've started, but the whole thing scares me a bit. I have a bit of a clumsy reputation, so knowing me I'll manage to break my eyelid or something silly along those lines.
The main thing I love about this mascara is the fact that my lashes really do look natural. So this mascara is definitely great for during the day. But I also find, if you apply it enough, it can make them even longer and perhaps more nighttime-y.

Conclusion:

I love this mascara and have done for four years. I don't see any reason to end this relationship. Price wise, it's also great. I think it's about £7 in Boots. So yeah, definitely repurchasable!

Favourite #2: Benefit They're Real Mascara

How I met this mascara:

Like I said, this one was recently introduced to my by my sister. She told me it was amazing and I should try it out. I hadn't ever used any Benefit products before, and when we went into a Benefit store, she almost demanded to see it. The lady used it on my already mascara covered lashes, and showed me the difference. I was gobsmacked! They looked so long! Needless to say I was very impressed, and with a little peer pressure from my sister and the Benefit woman, I bought it. This was back in December, when I was in London spending early Christmas money. I've been alternating between the two mascaras, and this one has definitely become a favourite of mine. At first it was a bit clumpy, which I hate, but it's got a lot better now, and I love the little tip at the end for separating the lashes. It's feels nice too, not to heavy. I'm the kind of person who likes to see make-up rather than feel it, if that makes any sense, which is probably the reason why I'm not too fond of foundation.

Why I love this mascara:

This mascara really does what it claims to do. My lashes look fake, but in a good way. And yes, I have not yet tried fake lashes. Gosh, I really am a beginner! It lengthens and darkens my lashes, but I must admit, it doesn't volumise them. Not that I really mind though. It would be great for going out in the evening, but I suppose it's up to the wearer! If I feel like having impossibly long lashes during the day, I'd definitely use it. I also love using it on it's own, so no eyeshadow, eyeliner, etc.

Conclusion:

This is definitely a new favourite. Although it's quite expensive (£18,50), but I think I'd probably repurchase it anyway, if I have the money, because it is a very good mascara!