August 2011 -

Women are always on the search for the best drugstore mascara. Everyone wants to find mascara that will give superb separation, plump lashes without clumps, great definition and length, and resists smudging, and many of us are on a budget. Fortunately, at the drugstore level, there is an affordable mascara formula to suit anyone’s eyelashes. Good mascara combined with a great technique is the key to great looking eyes. Below are a few of the best inexpensive mascara choices.

The Best Cheap Mascara

Great For Volume: Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara

The best mascara to make your lashes full and lush is Cover Girl Lash Blast in very black. The Cover Girl mascara will make your lashes super long and adds volume. The brush is perfect it will separate your lashes and you will be able to apply two coats without any clumps.

Best Waterproof Mascara: Maybelline Volume’ Express One by One Waterproof Mascara

The best inexpensive mascara to resist water and smudging is Maybelline Volume Express in Blackest Black. Maybelline volume catches coats and de-clumps every single lash with instant volume, lash by lash. With the turbo brush you can get five times the volume yet removes easily.

Top Drugstore Mascara for Length and a Dramatic Look: L’Oreal Telescopic

A top mascara for dramatic lashes is L’Oreal Telescopic, which will create clump free beautiful lashes. Not only is the price right it delivers incredible length for that ultra dramatic look.

Best For a Natural Look: Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara

Mascara for gorgeous natural looking lashes is Maybelline Full and Soft. This mascara leaves your lashes very full and oh so very soft. No crunchy hard lashes here.

One Full of Controversy: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Maybelline Great Lash is a classic mascara; it has been around for a very long time, but women tend to either love it or hate it. Some maintain that Maybelline Great Lash Mascara leaves your lashes looking longer, thicker, and darker and report that it adds volume, applies evenly, and has a great brush. Others (myself included) maintain that it is too watery and smudges easily.

Mascara Tips for Great Looking Lashes

For long lashes wiggle the mascara wand left to right at the base of the lashes. Remember that the mascara that is placed near the roots of the lashes is what gives the illusion of length.
To separate lashes wiggle the mascara wand up through the lashes. This is essential because it separates the lashes.
Remember not to pump the wand of the mascara. Pumping the wand puts air in the mascara which causes clumping. Wiping the brush with a tissue before applying will also help prevent clumps.
Curl lashes with an eye lash curler before applying mascara for the most eye popping and dramatic look.
Remember to change out your mascara every three months for health reasons as well as quality of the product. After three months bacteria can began to grow inside the container.

Mascara is one of the most versatile products you can buy. It can be worn all by itself for a very subtle effect, or combined with other make up products for striking results. Therefore, with a little knowledge and effort you too can find the bests mascara for you. Experiment with your makeup, it is frustrating not to get the results you expect. To achieve the big bold look at me lashes you may have to try different brands and or techniques to achieve the desired results. Do not be afraid of trying different things. You never know you might just find the perfect effect, after all effect is what you are after.

Shop for Affordable Cosmetics at Drugstore.com

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About the Author: Carleen Pruess Coulter

Carrying for your hair in the summer sounds like it would be simple. After all, it’s the only season where a messy bun is considered acceptable beyond the bedroom, but stepping outside can cause quite the different story. The high tempts, blasts of heat, and UV-rays bring frizz, flatness and a whole lot of damage to your hair. With a few simple summer hair care tips, your locks can take cover from the sun’s rays.

Summer Hair Care

1. Get a moisturizing shampoo. You should mix up your shampoo every few months so your hair doesn’t get too used to one regime. For summer, go with a shampoo specifically targeted to add moisture to your hair. Moisturizer based leave-in conditioners also work well for extra protection.

2. Shop for a SPF Protective Spray. SPF isn’t just in sunscreen and lip balm. This sun fighter can be found in shielding sprays as well to protect your hair from the sun’s rays. Spray a few spritzes before heading out, and you’ll be good to go.

3. Consider putting your hairdryer, straighter and curling iron at bay. It’s a struggle to do, but applying less heat to your morning hair prep routine helps your hair rather than hurting it. If you have to dry your hair, towel dry it for 10 minutes to the point where it’s almost dry. You’ll only have to run your hair dryer for 5 minutes or less, which is a nice heat saver. If you must use your hair straighter, try only straightening the very tips of your hair, but remember less is more!

4. Buy a wide brim hat. There’s no reason why you can’t still look fashionable while breaking up with your beloved hair tools. A straw hat makes for very chic “you can’t touch me Mr. Sun” look.

5. Pick up a silicone-based serum. Silicone is like magic when it comes to fighting frizz. It also strengthens hair cuticles and adds much needed vitamins, giving your hair the nutrients it needs.

These five easy steps should leave your hair feeling back to its regular self. And remember, when out fighting the sun; don’t forget to pack your water.

Jessica Krznarc is the Beauty Editor-in-Chief of MySocialbeauty.com and helps students find the right cosmetology school and beauty school to acquire their cosmetology license.