Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH - A Superb Mascara

I cannot count the number of times I've been asked by beauty professionals (makeup artists, brand representatives, models - you name it) what mascara I was wearing. It has to be north of 100 times. The looks on their faces when I tell them I wear Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH range from knowing smiles to gasps.

Those who are surprised often confuse DEFINE-A-LASH with Maybelline's iconic Great Lash Mascara, a staple in many makeup artists bags. I'm sure you've used or seen those pink and green tubes.

I think Maybelline's DEFINE-A-LASH is the best drugstore mascara available today. In fact, it beats out most high-end mascaras by a long shot. Why? Because of performance and price. Why would I pay more for a mascara that cannot compete with one that costs between $7.50 and $8.00 and is frequently available at a weekly special discount, such as a BOGO?

DEFINE-A-LASH is available in four formulations. The one I use all the time is the Washable Lengthening Mascara, shown here in its funky lime green tube. Also available are Waterproof Lengthening Mascara (in lime green) and two waterproof equivalents in dark red. There is a Washable Volume Mascara that adds volume as it lengthens and a waterproof version in case you need super-strength holding power (I don't). My regular washable mascara holds all day.

All four formulas are available in Very Black, Soft Black, and Brownish Black. I have all three colors and use them all for different effects. The one I use most often is Very Black - even though I'm fair.

The best qualities of these mascaras are that: 1) they do define lashes beautifully, leaving no clumps at all, 2) they add length without fibers, 3) they last all day without flaking, smudging, or loss on the lashes, and 4) the flexibility of the wand makes it easy to coat lashes, even the little ones on the inside corner (more on the wand below). My lashes look as good at the end of the day as they did immediately after application.

My lashes are long - not particularly thick, but not sparse. They have some dark coloring, but are blond at the ends. They need mascara. DEFINE-A-LASH provides the color I need, emphasizes the length of my lashes, and separates as I apply it, courtesy of its nifty wand. The result? Lashes that are my best feature.

I know you're accustomed to reading about high-end cosmetics here. As far as I'm concerned, Maybelline's DEFINE-A-LASH is a high-end mascara masquerading as a mass market product. I can't tell you how many "makeup snobs" I've converted to this economical wonder-product.

If you want or need more oomph than I do, I would recommend the volume product in the dark red tube. If you want your eyelashes to look great, but with no "mascara appearance," start with the "lengthening" mascara (they all lengthen, so the distinction is a bit misleading). I know a savvy guy who wears this mascara because it appears so amazingly natural.

As you might imagine, this mascara is perfect for recession budgets at about $7.59 online (try drugstore.com) or about $8.00 at drugstores. There are so many BOGO offers, I stock up when I can get two for the price of one so that I never run low. I change out my mascara every month. At this price, I can afford to! I also live in fear that Maybelline will discontinue DEFINE-A-LASH. That happens to everything I love.

I have only one very minor complaint, and it hasn't stopped me from living in this mascara. Sometimes, you will get a wand that is too flexible. It's nearly impossible to get it back in the tube. When that happens, I return it to CVS and get an instant replacement. So, there's really no risk at all. I encourage you to try this wonderful mascara. You may not go back to the $30 ones.

Photo courtesy of drugstore.com