I tend to think that most mascara does not live up to the hype. Those nylon bristle brushes that are all the rage right now? Don’t get it. Doesn’t work on me. Mascara that needs 3 coats to build real volume? I don’t have time for that and layers tend to look dry and crumbly.
There are the real showstoppers like Diorshow but honestly, not only am I just not going to spend $30 on mascara every 3 months but a dramatic, smoky eye mascara is not appropriate for school drop-off at 9am. In my life anyway.
Full Exposure Mascara- Smashbox, $22
A few months ago I needed a new mascara and randomly picked up Full Exposure by Smashbox (the waterproof version). You all know how much I hate taking, and posting, pictures of myself. Especially ones that put my black under-eye circles front and center! (Maybe I should have at least remembered to use eye cream this morning?)However, I am so excited about this new mascara that I am going to show you step by step how it gives volume and curl. It makes me look awake and put together without being too much. However, it is effective enough that I would not feel the need for fake lashes for a big event.
Here I am with no mascara on, looking crazy because I need a ton of concealer and my eyelashes just disappear without it in this in-between state. I’m also very behind on dyeing my eyelashes, which helps my no-makeup look a lot. I’m also behind on my pedicure, haircut and curl relaxing schedule. But I digress!
Now see the difference between the eye with mascara and the eye without. At least 5 cups of coffee worth!
Here we are with both eyes done and a little eyeshadow. No eyeliner or lash curler necessary. Pretty awesome, huh?
Do you have a fave mascara? Let us know on Facebook!
Lani Inlander is a personal stylist, working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day. You can find her in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and New York areas.
You can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
