Searching for the perfect mascara is my obsession. It’s my holy grail moment. I picture myself like Indiana Jones – on a mission to search out the very best. I’ve tested dozens…DOZENS of mascaras and surviving through embarrassing smudging, annoying flaking, Tammy-Faye level clumping, I’ve come out on the other side with my definitive list of the five best mascaras of 2022.
How do I judge? Even though I am a make-up artist, I know make-up preference is super subjective…so I created my “best mascara” scoring system I used when judging which mascaras to include in this list.
Here’s how it worked:
- 20 points | No smudging or flaking (tested through rainy days, Peloton workouts, and sappy movie tears)
- 20 points | No clumping
- 20 points | Drama, Baby. I want length, I want volume, I want bold beautiful lashes!! Give me Bambi-level lashes or give me nothing!
- 20 points | Ease of application/wand/wand innovation
- 20 points | Price. No-one wants to pay $40+ for a mascara…so I’ve searched for Bob Barker-approved mascaras that you’ll want to yell “The Price is Right” at.
So let’s begin our mascara adventure, together:
Annabelle |Bigshow Electro Mascara – Blackest Black | $10.95
Mascara Score: 95/100
Oh, we have a contender here, friends. Annabelle is a brand that slipped my mind – I used to only buy their pencil eyeliners, but they’ve been relatively quiet…until now. They recently released a new collection of mascaras and they are gooood. But, the new Annabelle Bigshow Electro mascara is my new go-to. I reach for it as I know it won’t smudge, it’s easy to apply, it’s the darkest of black you ever did see and the Price is Right, Bob. Plus, it’s a dream to wash off. No scrubbing necessary. Easily found in Shoppers, I highly recommend this excellent mascara.
Revlon | So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Mascara – Blackest Black | $14
Mascara Score: 90/100
A touch more expensive, than the Annabelle and Essence mascaras, the Revlon, So Fierce! Big Bad Lash mascara is beautiful. I love an hourglass wand – easy to apply and catches all the lashes while still being separated enough not to clump. The formula dries quickly, it doesn’t flake, it doesn’t smudge, I love the glossy finish, and it’s easy to wash off.
What is so cool about this mascara – with daily use its long-lasting formula’s lash tint technology darkens bare lashes in as little as 7 days. I just love it.
Clairns | Supra Lift & Curl Mascara – Intense Black | $34
Mascara Score: 85/100
Yes. This one pushes the upper limits of what I think reasonable to spend on mascara…but it is SO GOOD. I truly only gave it 85/100 because it is pricey. Other than that – it’s genius. I am in love with the Clarins’ Supra Lift & Curl mascara’s innovative wand.
The end is round to catch all those little lashes, the middle is half flat/half rounded to help you push those lashes up, for more curl and lift. The bristles are compact so you won’t poke your eyeballs while being separated enough so the product doesn’t clump. It’s a straight up, flat out brilliant wand. The formula dries quickly and its a dream to wash off.
Essence | Bye Bye Panda Eyes Mascara – Black | $5
Mascara Score: 95/100
You read that price right. This Essence mascara is a real ‘start the car’ moment. I use this mascara all the time. I trust it even in the sweatiest Peloton ride. It doesn’t smudge but its easy to wash off. No make-up remover necessary. You truly can’t beat the price and the wand is super easy to use. I will keep buying this little steal of a deal as long as Essence keeps making it.
Lancôme | Lash Idôle Mascara | $36
Mascara Score: 85/100
Another one registering at the upper limit of cost…hence the 85/100 score. The Lancôme Lash Idôle mascara is luxury. I love the shape of the tube and the wand is excellent! It is arch-curved so it fits the shape of your eye – catching every single lash. It has 90 different bristle sizes and 360 total micro-bristles – so you’ve never seen lashes with so much volume! It’s also lightweight, doesn’t clump, and the formula is infused with white tea extract. The first time I used it – I actually uttered ‘wow’ as I blinked lazily like Bambi in my mirror.
And that is my list! I’d love to hear what your favourite mascaras are, below or follow me on Instagram as, @immfab, to see more product releases, tips and tricks.
MFabulash
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