COLORED MASCARAS! DRUGSTORE DEAL THURSDAY!

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 3:37am

Gigi here Duped at the Drugstore!

With Christmas only three weeks away, the shelves are bulging as prices plunge and the battle heats up between retailers vying for the consumer's dollar. My "Drugstore Dance" takes much longer than before. I sat and thought long and hard about what will truly work to enhance your beauty during this season of festivities.

It came to me-colored mascara! It's an effective, inexpensive way to update your look now. Unfortunately, my mom did not pass on her cornflower blue eyes to me or my sister but, rather, a nondescript shade of hazel. First, some basic advice: Makeup does not have to match your clothing, nor does eyeshadow have to replicate your eyes. It is meant to enliven and draw attention to your own assets, not attention to makeup or outfits. Think back to the color wheel taught in elementary school-opposites attract for maximum oomph. Thus, any green in eyes is brought out by hues of lavender, brown "pops" with blue, and so forth.

I have to hang my head here. Despite my marketing degree and knowledge of ploys meant to lure, I still fall for tactics! I saw Cover Girl's "Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Mascara." The packaging has a drawn eye graphic displaying lush, long lashes, and a definite sparkle on the iris. The patented brush is not overly large and allows for application with little or no clumping. Cover Girl promises that "metallic highlights" and the formula itself will brighten your eyes up to four times more (I'm confused-do they use a "Bright-o-meter" to measure this or what?). I was sold and didn't doubt that an item by Cover Girl, the bringer of innovative beauty for women around the world, would not disappoint. It did, and I'm asking for a refund. The mascara sweeps on easily, with nary a lump. Were my eyes brightened? Not at all. To be fair, I tried all of the available shades, to no avail. No metallics, no colors were evident. But I was determined to find ones that deliver . . .

Almay was my next choice. I've been surprised at how well their "Intense I-Color" shadows have worked to flatter me, and they offer tinted mascara as well for the same price (about $7.00). I didn't find the texture as smooth; it's given to some slight clumping, and so I used the combination eyelash comb/eyebrow brush I own on hand to keep lashes defined. It didn't lengthen my lashes by 50%, as promised, but that wasn't my goal. They made up for it with their gorgeous, come-hither shades: Raisin quartz (a sultry, dusky plum, perfect for hazel or green eyes), purple amethyst, brown topaz, black pearl, and blue sapphire (a particularly great indigo). There was a distinct difference and I did look more awake, in a less artificial, harsh way than with pure black mascara. True to the testing done by Consumer Reports, I wanted to verify my results and rubbed the colors on tissues. The Cover Girl shades? All grey. Almay's were vivid and lovely.

Okay, so I cheated, but this was the first time. As my students would say, "I consulted my sources." I discussed this withSharond and she suggested using the tinted mascaras and tipping the ends of lashes in black. Another idea for a party-ready look? Use black or brown on top lashes only and color on the bottom ones. It's fun-better yet, it works. I threw away the notes I took when we spoke, so what cheat sheet? My dog ate it!

What colored mascara's do you find work well and what colors do you go for?

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Reviews

Tue, 12/09/2008 - 3:30pm

stephanie91200 says,

i ran right out and bought the entire line for greenies. and aside from having a bit of a clump/flake problem which is workaroundable (i like making up my own words, makes me feel special) by anticipating it and having my trusty qtip handy, i LOVE it. i've been sporting the line for the past week and have gotten more compliments in said week than in a long time and the eyeshadow allows for dramatic or natural looks in just 3 well chosen colors. so thanks gigi - you're a drugstore rockstar!

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 43

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 4:31pm

sweetassgal says,

I've had an aversion to colored mascaras ever since my 1988 Electric Blue mascara phase.Looking back it was NOT good for me but I was in Jr High so I'm allowed hideousmakeup mistakes! I've been tempted by Big Fatty myself and may have to see if I canget over the pain of days gone by and try it again. Thanks for bringing this back upgigi!

Love, hugs and shoes...Angie

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 35

Wed, 12/24/2008 - 10:18am

debbyrebel says,

YSL has some great mascaras. In the past, I have used YSL's Aquaresistant seagreen color. This year I have a blue one, but don't use it as often as the plum or brown shades, as stated above, makes the hazel eyes 'pop'

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Age: 0

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 6:49pm

karen726 says,

I have been using Benefit's Bad Gal blue and plum (not at the same time!). Again, not a Drugstore Deal, but I tend to use the color mascaras only in the cooler weather months and only at night so I can justify the extra $$$. I, too, usually use black mascara from root to tip and then swipe the colored mascara on the tips of my eyelashes holding the brush straight up and down. I don't use color mascara on the bottom lashes at all. I like to use a dark eyeliner and then a very light coat of mascara on the bottom lashes.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 45

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 5:58pm

kkbears1 says,

I've been using the Almay Raisin mascara for a couple years... under my bottom lashes I use the Rimmel Soft Kohl eye liner in 040 Purple Passion (also very inexpensive)... the combination gives a nice smokey look.

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Normal Age: 63

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:32pm

sharond says,

I tried the Almay mascara and found them to clump and leave flecks under my eyes so I can't say "bo bye, quick." However, Avon has many different mascara's in many colors (I tried them all) and I do love them. A coupe little trick I learned is the mascara on lower lashes be the same color as your eyeshadow. The other tip I have is use any color mascara and cover the only the very tips with the darkest mascara you can find. You get that long look without the harsh of the blackest black.

Beste Hilsin

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 53

Sat, 12/06/2008 - 7:21am

mjsred says,

Awesome homework Gigi! I haven't really tried colored mascaras but who can resist a "Big Fatty?" LOLROF! (Megyou are a hot mess!) and will get some when I go out later,I need all the help I can lately to be sparkling and bright! I am a fan of a streak of glitter liner though and do absolutely realize that under penalty of having the polyester-police at my door,I shall NOT wear both at once! ;)I am going to hunt down a burgundy(currently my eyeshadow of choice thank you MUFE Pro!mascara and be the girl at the gym with the Xmas-colored lashes if I have my way!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Red Skintype: Combination Age: 55

Thu, 12/04/2008 - 3:45pm

meg says,

Great review GiGi, I know its not a drugstore deal but I love the Urban Dcay big fatty colored mascaras. I wear the purple on constantly!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 32

Wed, 06/10/2009 - 1:18am

fairyrave says,

I had to take a lot of business classes in college. I had to take classes like advertising and marketing. I still always fall for marketing tactics too, even if I know they aren't true. Opposites do really attract. I already have blue eyes though, and if I used brown mascara it would look natural. I have tried a few colored mascaras, most of which didn't deliver. My favorite colored mascara is by Sue Devitt Studio. It is a gorgeous bronzey brown with a hint of burnt orange. Sounds weird I know, but this stuff really makes my eyes pop and my lashes sparkle! I think this has sadly been discontinued by they do have a new one. I think the shade is zaire and it is supposed to be a shimmering plum mascara. I really want to try this!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Oily Age: 23

Mon, 06/15/2009 - 8:42pm

GlamorousBeauty says,

I've never tried colored mascaras. I think that I would like funny with blue, purple, or green lashes. I've gotten eyeshadow on my lashes before and for me it's not a good look.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Normal Age: 25

Mon, 06/15/2009 - 11:09pm

ollie says,

Doesn't it look strange to have colored lashes?

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 14

Sat, 07/11/2009 - 10:43am

emeliee.love says,

i have this mascara and it does nothing for my lashes :( my favorite mascara is loreal voluminous but it weighs my lashes down like no other. this makes my lashes so thick with just 3 swipes, less than one coat! my lashes naturally are stick straight and angle downwards. theyre quite long, but dont curl for anything. i curl them and then apply this mascara and my lashes are perpendicular to my eyes again, no curl whatsoever. im hoping the waterproof version will work better for me, because im thinking about buying that next time i go to walmart. very black or black mascaras work best for me, they make my nearly-black brown eyes look more brown and less black because the mascara creates a bigger contrast

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 14

Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:21pm

kathylovesmakeup says,

I bought blue mascara 2 years ago and i did't like it.

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 23

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 12:26pm

elle_71125 says,

I too tried the eye lights mascara and was dissapointed. My eyes were no brighter than before. I do like the idea of tinted mascara. I think I will try that. I will be following your advice and applying a little black mascara on the tips. Thanks.

My scrapbook shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/elle71125

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 4:08am

Emylee says,

i think the best mascara is the black or maybe the brown but i think for an party it could be fun to have an other color !!!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Dry Age: 25

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 4:17am

sangus217 says,

you could always make your own tinted mascara using clear mascara and mineral eyeshadow. You could apply a coat of mascara and then when it is still wet, pat the colour along your lashes. I've tried this with black mascara and edm's oasis shadow (its a gorgeous shimmer gold) on the tips and its pretty. I suppose as long as you didn't contaminate the wand with colour, you could wear a dif colour mascara as often as you like.

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 24

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 6:59am

sunshinegal says,

I find soft browns really work better for me for everyday wear. I have brown hair and brown eyes, fair skin. But when I want a punch of glamor I like dark jet black mascara. It really gives my eyes a bit of glamor.I have been using Covergirl's eyelights for brown eyes and I have to say I love the formula, hate the sparkle in the mascara. The mascara formula really lengthens and extends my fine lashes, but the sparkle just looks weird.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 30

Sat, 09/05/2009 - 9:45pm

arsmith0402 says,

Ok, I love purple mascaras. They do great things for my blue eyes. Well, my eyes are blue with brown around the center and sometimes they even look green. Purple makes them great.

*~*AMY RENEE*~*When life hands me lemons, I'm opting for lemon pound cake!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Normal Age: 27

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 5:56pm

prettykitty1423 says,

Fun! I love colored mascaras! I'm not brave enough to try them, but I always admire the people who can wear them. Big Fatty from Urban Decay has some really pretty colors! If you like colored mascaras, then you might want to give those a try! Thanks for the great review! :)

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 13

Wed, 12/09/2009 - 10:30am

time.of.my.lifetime says,

I just buy black mascara.. I have light blue eyes.yes, I know, everyone wants blue eyes, yaddayaddayadda, but my eyes are really small so no one notices anyway :\I usually opt for volumizing or eye-opening mascaras.

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Other Skintype: Combination Age: 15

Wed, 12/09/2009 - 10:32am

time.of.my.lifetime says,

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Other Skintype: Combination Age: 15

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 7:14pm

kristaqqqq says,

I got the Almay mascara in Purple Amethyst awhile back, but I have really dark eyelashes so it didn't really seem to do much for me. It made them look slightly brown, if anything, but not purple. I got purple because I've heard that's a good color for brown eyes, but I don't think I'd buy a colored mascara again unless it was something shockingly bright so you could actually see it!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 27

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 9:52pm

stargirlDi says,

Thanks for posting this. I recently got a blue mascara I've been too scared to try, but I think maybe i"ll go for it.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Oily Age: 23

Wed, 01/06/2010 - 8:06pm

kailynicole says,

I have tried colored mascara and I just didn't really get it. It didn't work well on my eyelashes and it barely showed color, and it wasn't even. I really didn't like it, but whatever! Maybe if I try a different color.

savemesomemoney.tumblr.com

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 18

Mon, 01/18/2010 - 4:38pm

AnnieBlue says,

I like dark brown or black mascara.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 13

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 11:28am

elainerrrr says,

I'm not a big fan of colored eyelashes

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 14

Tue, 02/02/2010 - 5:32am

Lillianfunnyface says,

I generally prefer black eyelashes just because that's what makes my eyes look biggest, but sometimes it's fun to experiment with colour. White is good and pink really makes my blue eyes 'pop'

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Dry Age: 22

Tue, 02/09/2010 - 5:35am

silhouettescreams says,

I used to use blue mascara a couple of times when I was like 14, and looking back it was NOT a good look :| I like subtle navy or plum mascaras, but not bright electric colours