Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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

22 comments:

Jane said...

I will have to try this one again. I swear I tried this when it first launched and I thought it gave me kind of stiff lashes and smudged, but now I don't know. And everything smudges on me, save the "tubing" mascaras. Thanks for the recommendation. High end or low, I prefer what works!

Biz Morris Haselwandter said...

I wholeheartedly agree! I was amazed when I switched to Define-a-Lash years ago and never looked back.

bisbee said...

Interesting...I'll have to write this one down.

In the meantime, I'll give you a recommendation - I read about Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara in Lucky - and stalked the Origins website until it was available. I got it...and it is all that Jean Godfrey-June said it was - LOVE!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Jane!

Give it another try. I'm surprised you found it stiff. Were you using the red or green tube?

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Biz!

Glad to hear there's another fan out there. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Oh my, Bisbee, that's enough to make me to to Macy's, the only place near me with an Origins counter. I'd love to try it.

EllenB said...

Hi CG!

Lovely review as always! I have soooo many mascaras, most of which should be thrown away because of their age, not because they're empty. I guess I am looking for that perfect mascara and the closest to perfect would be a Chanel sample size. I'm going to try out the one you have pictured. I don't know how I missed that one! Thanks for the great idea and maybe this one will be perfect for me!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Ellen,

It's as close as your nearest drugstore!

DRTVrMoi said...

I love drug store discoveries. Your honest reviews have me headed towards the door. The timing couldn't be better. I have my husband at Holt Renfrew picking up some Burberry Fall 2012 items. This will cushion the blow.

DivaDebbi said...

CG!
You've been holding out on us! Searching for a great drugstore mascara is my lifes work! I JUST discovered Almay's I Intense mascara and I consider it a Holy Grail find. If you love this I will give it a try. You know I love your high end coverage, but if there is anything else cheap and cheerful in your arsenal please let us know!

Xo
DD

nedia said...

Oh my, your description of your lashes...you might as well have been describing mine! I'll have to look for this the next time I'm at Target or someplace.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for advice. I normally avoid any mascara that is waterproof as it is a nightmare to remove. How is removal of this one?

Charlestongirl said...

I hope so, Ellen!

Charlestongirl said...

Hey there, Debbi. Let us know what you think!

Charlestongirl said...

Definitely, Nedia!

Charlestongirl said...

It's easy to remove, Anonymous, which is why I use the non-waterproof one.

Lysa said...

Thank you for the recommendation! I am in desperate need of a new tube. I can't seem to find my usual L'Oreal Waterproof Lash Out anywhere anymore and would love a new drugstore go-to.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Lysa, definitely pick out the formula that you think will be best for you. And color. :)

lovethescents said...

Oh DIVINE! when my beloved Eyes to Kill dries out, I will try this for sure. Thank you, C-girl!

EllenB said...

See how I take your reviews and opinions so seriously? i did buy this mascara on Saturday and wore it all day Sunday. It is a great mascara and I love it! I really like it's wand, so easy to use and my eyelashes looked soooo good!

And, Sunday evening I ordered the Armani Maestro foundation from Nordstrom. Can't wait to try it! I read your review of it plus saw a YouTuber do a review. One little drop covered the whole side of her face. Unbelievable!

Thanks for taking the time to review all of these products for your readers. We all appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Love love love mascara. Lancome Hyponse Drama Waterproof is my favorite. I have always worn and always will use waterproof. When not wearing Lancome I use the Maybelline Colossal Waterproof. Being trying to find the Define a Lash Volume waterproof and have been unable to locate anywhere. Tried, Walmart, CVS, Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond. Maybelline still lists it as available on their website. Any suggestions where I can find it? Thanks, love your website.

Anonymous said...

Is it easily remove by a q-tip and water because of so I'm totally convinced to go buy it !