High end mascaras...worth it?

[wheresmymojo]

I'm overdue a new mascara and looking for the best ever mascara

A few have come up in my research, has anyone tried them?

Yves Saint Laurent - Lash Clash

Hourglass - Caution Extreme Lash

Rare Beauty

IT Cosmetics - Super Hero

I have oily skin and get serious panda eyes so particularly interested about that aspect as well as the 'impact' the impact is somewhat overtaken by looking like an aging Kiss band member once it's all under my eyes

I think the general consensus is that high end mascaras are no better. Personally I seem to have some sort of mild allergic reaction to an ingredient that's common in cheaper ones (unfortunately I don't know what it is) so I stick with high end ones, it also helps that you can either buy or they often offer a smaller sample size (the hourglass and it cosmetics ones you mention sell a travel size, a YSL counter will probably have a sample to give away, or at the very least disposable wands identical to the one used to try it out).

Rare beauty one is very natural. The others are very full on, so it kind of depends what you consider the best ever (the full on ones are too clumpy for me personally). And since you mention panda eyes, tbh you're better off looking at tubing mascaras, they come at all prices but there's less choice in budget and they're not as volumising as traditional mascaras. I like Sensai 38C volumising as a tubing mascara, but don't expect major volume from that. You can also use a simple tubing mascara to seal in a more traditional mascara that otherwise would be quick to run, but that does depend on exactly how oily you are, works for some, not all.

Best mascara ever is hard as people have different starting points, and different aims. I have naturally dark, lifted eyelashes, not super long but not short either. I don't like the thick, volumized, almost clumpy look, my aim is long, fluttery, and separated. I haven't tried any of the ones you mention as when I really like something and find it works I tend to stick with it, my top two of all time are:
Mac Extended Play Lash Mascara Gigablack
Lancôme Lash Idôle

I also seem to get panda eyes with nearly every mascara, but the Hourglass one is miraculous for me. Not only do I not get panda eyes on the day I wear it, but if (when) I'm lazy and don't take my make up off at night, it still looks perfect the next day. 😆

Hourglass is good. The absolute best I've found at the moment is MAC Stack

Love the Lancome one. Recently tried Hourglass foundation and loved it so might try Hourglass next time.

Lancome mascaras are good too.

If your mascara runs, you could try a tubing mascara like the Clinique one. Not saying it’s the most impactful but doesn’t smudge or run - I have very oily skin and eyelids.

I have been using the Rare beauty one for months now and I haven't found anything that compares. It doesn't smudge at all on me, and most others do. I will say that my natural lashes are quite long and dark to begin with, so I am happy not to use something clumpy/thick. That being said, it definitely isn't as "natural" as say the glossier mascara which for me does close to nothing!

Lancome Grandiose mascara is my holy grail. No smudging etc.

Tarte ones are my fave
Lights camera lashes and maneater especially

I have oily skin too and get panda eyes with most mascaras, have you thought about switching to waterproof? It would give you more options as I haven't found higher end ones any better than cheap ones to be honest.
My go to mascara is a cheap waterproof Essence one from Wilko. One of the few that stays put and doesn't make my sensitive eyes puffy too!

I don't have very long lashes so do like a lot of lengthening but without the clumps ideally.

I have £10 of SpaceNK points at the moment so might use those to give the Hourglass a try...

I just got Maybelline Sky High and am quite impressed with it. But that's not a high end one obviously.

Hourglass unlocked is nice. Its a tubing one. Comes off in hot water

The Hourglass Unlocked is my absolute favourite mascara. It’s a tubing mascara so doesn’t run or transfer. I have long straight lashes and it lifts them and makes them look fuller and longer. I’ve been asked what mascara I’m wearing on multiple occasions including by my optician! I do comb it out so there are no clumps.

I didn't use to think they were- I tried all the ones people rave about: Hypnose, YSL, Clinique, Benefit etc.
Then I discovered Dior Pump and Volume and changed my mind. Used it for about 5 years.
Then discovered Essence and changed my mind again.

Someone else mentioned the Mac stack and I totally agree. Just bought a second and I never do that. I've tried them all, Lancôme, benefit, Clinique and the Mac stack is by far the best. It does need properly removing though as you otherwise look like a panda 🐼 after a shower.

I had a YSL one once and it was ok but didn't love it, didn't think it was much better than any other mascara. I currently use Better Than Sex by Too Faced which I think is great, I might try some of these recommendations though!

I’ve tried every expensive mascara under the sun.

the brand that doesn’t give me panda eyes and fab lashes. Bloody Rimmel. Might as well be 14 again. But it’s great. Bought as a temp when left mine behind on a trip.

Rimmel scandal eyes

I got the Hourglass Unlocked tubing one recently and I'm seriously underwhelmed by it but for those who like it, the Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara has an almost identical INCI. It only just got released so might be a bit before it's available in Europe, think it'll be about half the price.

For your parameters, OP, of lengthening but not clumpy, my holy grail for that is Sisley So Intense but it's really high end in terms of price. Not a tubing formula, but it doesn't smudge on me.

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes.
Brilliant stuff.

Estee lauder double wear is the only type I've found that doesn't flake or smudge

Not that popular but Benefit Roller Lash is the best, lasts ages and no smudging

I love the Hourglass one. No smudging and great lashes.

MAC stack is brilliant