If I could only use one make-up item for the rest of my life it would undoubtedly be a good mascara. I don't feel quite myself unless I have thick, dark, fluttery eyelashes and I certainly look a hell of a lot prettier with them, too. Unfortunately it's proved difficult to find a cruelty-free mascara that is vegan but that also gives my lashes the length and volume that I require, generally because there are hardly any vegan mascaras out there. Today I thought I'd share with you four of the mascaras that I've tested out on my cruelty-free journey so far.
I popped this mascara onto my wishlist after seeing a bunch of people rave about it on their blogs/on Twitter and my dad, bless him, got it for me for Christmas. I've tried it several times since then and I'm very undecided on whether I like it or not. It's very black and lengthening which is great, but it doesn't give any volume so I find that my lashes look quite straight and stubby. My lashes don't really work well with the brush either, but I think that's just because I prefer plastic brushes over bristled ones. I'd recommend this mascara for people who don't like bold, volumised lashes and prefer a more natural look.
Another mascara from Barry M! And another one that I'm just not that into - once again because of the brush. The bristles are really hard packed together so I find that they don't grasp my lashes at all and the shape of it offers nothing volume-wise. It is lengthening though, so again if you're into natural looking lashes then maybe give this mascara a whirl. (Although, tbh, I wouldn't recommend this mascara to anyone.)
Name: B All Lengthening Defining Volumising Mascara. | Get it from: Superdrug. | Price: £9.99. | Vegan friendly? Yes.
Throwback to the very first cruelty-free mascara I ever bought! And a mascara whose name promises some pretty spectacular things. It does a pretty good job of living up to the name, though! I have to admit that when I first got this I didn't like it much, but I think I was just comparing it to The Best Mascara Ever (which isn't cruelty-free, sob) and because of how alarmingly wet the formula is. After another few tries, though, I really liked it. It gives good lash definition and length and does an okay job at volumising and curling my lashes. The only thing that I don't like about this mascara is the price, but again I think I'm just comparing it to The Best Mascara Ever which was both better and cheaper.
I first discovered this mascara when watching Hello Gemma's YouTube videos and popped it straight onto my wishlist after hearing her rave about it. It took me a little while to finally pick it up but I did a few weeks ago and have been trialling it ever since. Similar to the B. mascara it has a very wet consistency and when applied to the lower lashes it does smudge out after a little while which is REALLY annoying as you can spot it a mile off. It is, however, very thickening and volumising which is what I'm desperate for in a mascara and it's teeny tiny price makes me happy.
Well this post turned out to be a little more negative than I intended! But I'd rather give you guys my honest opinion on these mascaras so that you don't make the same mistakes that I did when I bought them. (Ouch.) My favourite of the bunch is definitely the Essense mascara, with the B. one coming as a close second but I still don't think I've found The One. I'm incredibly tempted by the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara but I've never been one for high-end makeup (purely for budget reasons) and I'm not sure if I'm ready to step into that world. If anyone can recommend a killer cruelty-free mascara that is going to make my lashes long, thick and volumised then PLEASE let me know!
I love my Barry M Showgirl mascara, it's so so good! I want to try Superdrug's B next though :-)
ReplyDeleteEmily - www.positivelystupendous.co.uk
Great post! I bought into the hype of the better than sex mascara and kinda regret it. It cost a lot and I haven't got on with it. I'm still trailing it but at present none compare to the essence one which like you annoys me because despite being good it does constantly leave marks on my eye brow bone & under my eyes xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! I'm so interested in purchasing cruelty free products, but where I am I'm SO limited. I have used the Barry M foundation and I'm very happy with that, so I think I'll be giving their mascara a go too. I was so disappointed with the Essence mascara I bought. It just clumped all my lashes together. It wasn't pretty. But their lipsticks I still love!
ReplyDeleteIt'sMyLife
I like B.'s mascara too but I've just started using Rebel Eyes by GOSH and it's the best mascara I've tried in a long time! It adds length and volume, it's really easy to build up, and it doesn't smudge either :) xx
ReplyDeleteToasty
I definitely want to start buying more cruelty free makeup so this post will be a great help! Thank you xx
ReplyDeleteThrifty vintage fashion
Oh I actually really like the Barry M Showgirl! I almost bought another as I know mine is too old and needs replacing, but I went for a waterproof GOSH one and whilst it does give length like it's supposed to, I miss the volume I get from Showgirl! About 3/4 of my makeup is now cruelty free - I'm getting there!
ReplyDelete