Hi ladies (well, I guess it would be the ladies, but if you guys have some experience here…feel free to chime in):
I currently use Estee Lauder waterproof curling mascara. I’ve used several different brands over the years, but keep coming up with the same problem. Inevitably, in just a few minutes it seems after application, I have black circles under my eyes where the eyeliner would go if I wore it. I’ve tried just about everything to avoid this problem, such as powder under eyes, no moisturizer there and lots of different products for varied applications in an attempt to stem this problem. I invariably end up with a q-tip and toner to remove the stuff so I don’t look like I slept in my mascara.
Does anyone have a good brand suggestion that I might not find this problem with? Has ANYONE conquered this very pertinent issue?
Please share if so. I don’t care about the cost…suggest whatever brand it is that you like.
I have the same problem. It helps to an extent if you wait a few moments for the mascara is dry before you start blinking or opening and closing your eyes a bunch.
I usually just don’t wear any on my lower lashes. My lower lashes just naturally touch the skin under my eyes so I can’t wear mascara or eyeliner on the bottom unless I want to end up with dark circles. It really doesn’t change the look at all by just wearing mascara on the top lashes.
I swear to Og, it won’t smear, smudge, flake, drip, melt or otherwise come off for THREE DAYS!!!
Seriously. Three days. It’s on the package, and it’s not (for once) makeup hype. And I have oily, oily skin with absurdly long lashes. With every other mascara out there, waterproof or not, I end up with racoon eyes, even without touching my bottom lashes. The top lashes are long enough that they hit my cheek when I blink, and the oils on my face work better than any makeup remover invented.
Lash tint stays put. It’s not as thick, lengthening, curling or dramatic as mascara, but you will not get racoon eyes.
That and Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers is all I wear now. Keeps me from looking like death without too much fuss. Lash tint every three days and lip shimmers in my pocket. I’m good to go.
I agree with lash tint. I do wear it on my bottom lashes. Why should I look as though I have no lashes on the bottom? It’s not thick and clumpy - it just tints my lashes to make them stand out. I have plenty of long lashes, they’re just blonde. I put it on twice a week. I sleep in it, shower in it, and it stays put. It just dyes my lashes.
I use L’Oreal’s Voluminous waterproof mascara, used it for years. It’s excellent. I never get raccoon eyes, even after an entire sweaty day with it on.
I have good luck with MAC’s Splashproof mascara. It’s great and pretty darn cheap at ten bucks a tube. I agree with others about not applying the product to your bottom lashes. Unless you apply it to just the few outer lashes and smudge it just so(and even then, I’d save that kind of look for evenings), it just looks dated.
Are you using a product to remove the mascara at the end of the day?
Once upon a million years ago, I used to use baby oil to remove my mascara each night. After a couple of days, I noticed that the mascara wasn’t staying on very well giving me the dreaded racoon eyes.
The only other suggestion is to keep trying different ones until you find one that works. Everyone’s skin is different and what works for me (Almay Waterproof) may not work for you.
How old is your tube? I can’t remember what the exact time table is, but I think mascara is only good for a few months (maybe 6?). I replace mine every couple months because I always forget to screw the cap back on tightly and it dries. When it is dry, the mascara “dusts” off my lashes and into racoon eyes.
Also make sure your brush is clean (the applicator). I use my eyemakeup remover (Clinique’s non foaming one) every few weeks on the applicator so it is fresh and clean.
I use Lash Architect (waterproof) and have had no problems will racoon eyes, but L.A. is def. a mascara for someone who wants to look like they are wearing MASCARA heh.
The only issue I’ve had with L.A. is that my lashes clump together. I was actually going to start a seperate thread on that, but then got lazy
Another alternative:
I get my eyelashes professionally tinted about every five or six weeks.
Costs about $20.
As WhyNot mentions, it is not a thickener, but it certainly lengthens and defines and saves me a heck of a lot of trouble. I add mascara for a night out or whatever.
UrbanChic
A lot of salons and spas tint lashes. It is a vegetable dye. Dark blue, Dark brown, black, might be more colors but those are the ones I know.
It is done very carefully and stings a tiny bit, you get drops, the sting goes away and there you are, good to go for several weeks.
I came of age in the 70’s so am fairly ‘natural’ and was skeptical but a friend urged me to try it (this was 3 years ago) and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Here in Denver it seems to be between $20 and $30 before tip, the lady I go to does it for $20, been going to her for a couple years now. Try it, you might like it!
Yeah, I had the same problem. It was difficult to wash the baby oil completely off.
I have much better results using a non-water proof mascara that I can just wash off in the evening. I only use waterproof if I know I’m gonna get wet and I notice it flaking off more than regular mascara. (of course, I dont use it often so my tube is pretty old and should probably be tossed)
For regular mascara, I really like the 2000 Calorie stuff. Started buying it because it’s one of the only auburn ones out there but it stays on really well and is moderately water-resistant. (wouldn’t hold up to a dunking but I don’t get huge raccon eyes if I’m sweating)
