Best Mascaras 2022 – Mature Skin Edition
When it comes to choosing a mascara that is suitable for mature skin, it's a good idea to look for formulas that are nourishing and gentle on the lashes and the delicate skin around the eyes. Some factors to consider when selecting a mascara for mature skin include:
· Nourishing ingredients: Look for mascaras that contain nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, and castor oil to help moisturize and condition the lashes.
· Non-irritating formula: Avoid mascaras that contain ingredients that may be irritating or drying to the skin, such as alcohol or fragrance.
· Water-based formula: Water-based mascaras tend to be gentler on the skin and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.
· Long-wearing formula: Mascara that is smudge-proof and long-wearing can help prevent “raccoon eyes” and keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.
Let’s review some of the mascaras I tried this year, and which were eye openers (pun intended), and which didn’t make the cut. I’m including a brief history of each brand and where they can be purchased.
RARE BEAUTY PERFECT STROKES UNIVERSAL VOLUMIZING MASCARA
Pretty ballet pink packaging
Rare Beauty is a cosmetics and skincare brand founded by Selena Gomez, singer, actress, and producer. The brand was launched in September 2020 and is available in Sephora stores and on the Rare Beauty website. Their mission is to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin and they offer a range of makeup and skincare products. Rare Beauty products are formulated with clean, high-quality ingredients and are cruelty-free. The brand also has a strong focus on inclusivity, with a range of shades available to suit a variety of skin tones.
The packaging is larger than most of the mascaras I reviewed. It follows the brand’s esthetic, with a pale pink tube and gold logo on the end. The brush is medium in size and very fluffy. The formula wears well throughout the day, but unfortunately this was too volumizing for me, and left my short lashes clumpy and required an extensive comb through.
VERDICT: Nope
MAYBELLINE LASH DISCOVERY – WATERPROOF
This tiny brush catches every lash
This brand was founded in 1915 by Tom Lyle Williams and is known for its affordable and widely available makeup products. They are known for their mascaras - we all know Great Lash in the iconic pink and green tube. Maybelline is owned by L’Oreal and can be purchased at the drugstore or supermarket.
Lash Discovery comes in a skinny tube with a corresponding skinny mini brush. I originally purchased this to use on my lower lash line, as regular mascara brushes are too big for my lower lashes. I found another use that makes this mascara one of my favorites: I use this as a lash primer, then apply a lengthening mascara, and it retains the curl in my lashes. And, it isn’t clumpy, which is a requirement for my short lashes.
VERDICT: Yaasss ma’am!
LANCÔME MONSIEUR BIG
Hmmm is this brush too fluffy?
Lancôme is a French luxury cosmetics company founded in 1935 by Armand Petitjean. The brand is known for its high-end skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. Lancôme is sold in department stores, specialty beauty retailers, and on its own website. The brand is owned by French cosmetics company L'Oreal.
This brush on this mascara is straight and fluffy, with wavy fiber bristles. The formula is volumizing and lengthening and claims to be smudge-proof. I like the formula itself but can’t get past the brush – it deposits so much product it instantly clumps. After combing through with a spoolie, I was able to wear all day with no smudges or flaking. But adding another step (the comb through) to my makeup routine is a deal breaker on this one.
VERDICT: Nope
MAYBELLINE THE COLOSSAL VOLUME EXPRESS
I love the curved brush
I picked this up at TJ Maxx (great place to find discounted makeup!) for $4.99, an unheard-of price in this day and age. I love the brush, which is curved and skinny and does not cause any clumping, even though it claims to be a volumizing mascara. This is my go-to mascara when I am in a hurry, as it doesn’t require a primer or comb through after application. It wears well all day, keeps my lashes curled and washes off easily with makeup remover. This also comes in a waterproof formula.
VERDICT: A big Yes!
CALIRAY COME HELL OR HIGH WATER MASCARA
A tubing mascara that lengthens and wears all day.
Caliray was launched in October 2021 by one of the founders of Urban Decay, a makeup brand that has wowed us with their eye shadow palettes among other things. Caliray makes the following claims about their products (punctuation as per their website):
“made of clean formulas. dirty minds. & sexy sustainability. caliray is california beauty unfiltered. we blend makeup with wellness and create innovative concoctions with innocent ingredients designed for less makeup. more living. there’s love. unity. and a warm. balmy sunset in everything we create–from recyclable. mother-lovin’ packaging to radiant. effortless looks. at caliray. life’s too short to spend it getting ready. so let your hair down and come play. maybe even take your top off if you’re feeling it.”
Alrighty then! This brand might be a little too cool for me. But I did try a sample of this tubing mascara, which I admit was quite good for my short lashes. The brush is somewhat fluffy and straight, what I would call a basic mascara brush. I did not have any clumping and it wore well all day. Tubing mascara is known for being easy to remove with warm water. This was not exactly my experience with this mascara. The majority did come off with water, but I had a lot of flakes I had to chase around my eyes with a q-tip. It is possible I didn’t use enough water to remove most of the mascara, so I will continue to try this one, as I like the look and the all day wear. This can be purchased at Sephora and on the Caliray website.
VERDICT: Yes, but need to refine the removal process
MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH MASCARA
A viral favorite
This drugstore mascara blew up on social media this past year. I am not usually one to follow trends, but when I saw it featured at my local Walgreens I decided to give it a try. This mascara has a unique brush with lots of little teeth to grab every lash. The brush is also flexible, so it bends to the shape of your lash line. It doesn’t smudge while applying and it doesn’t clump. The formula is not too wet, dries quickly and is easy to remove.
VERDICT: Yes!
LANCÔME LASH IDÔLE LASH LIFTING MASCARA
This brush fans, lengthens, and doesn’t clump!
This mascara has a unique brush that works well with my short lashes. It has 360-degree micro bristles and a curved brush that helps to lift and grab every lash. The gel formula dries quickly and doesn’t flake or smudge through all day wear. It comes in a regular and mini size, and the mini lasts long enough to make it worth the price. As noted above, purchase Lancôme at department stores or specialty beauty retailers.
VERDICT: Yes! My favorite of the year
HONORABLE – AND DISHONORABLE – MENTIONS
L’Oreal Voluminous Primer – While technically not a mascara, a primer can really amp up the volume and wear of mascara. This primer rivals the DiorShow Primer, which is a fan fave. But you can get L’Oreal at a drugstore price.
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof False Lash Effect – I wanted to love this because of the price ($4.99). But sadly it clumped on my little lashes.
Physician’s Formula Diamond Mascara Mineral Wear – I was influenced to purchase this, and the brush – actually it’s a comb – was not friendly to my lashes and was a clumpy mess.
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara – I love this formula and the tiny brush for my lower lashes. And it does not smudge or flake and lasts all day. Highly recommend.
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Have you tried any new mascaras this year? Did you try any of my faves and fails? What will the next big trend in mascara be in 2023?
See you next time, and remember to wear sunscreen, everyday!
~Kelly 😎
