I have a roundup of mascaras and primers I’ve tried over the past few months. A few I’ve already reviewed but thought a comprehensive lineup post might be more helpful. My top three tried-and-true have been Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme, L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof and Chanel Le Volume Waterproof. Since I have straight lashes waterproof works best to hold curl after using a lash curler and also helps prevent smudging in humid weather. I’m always looking to try new ones to volumize and define. Often times I find mascaras excel in one or two areas but rarely hit all the marks for volumizing, adding definition, holding the curl, no smudging, no flaking, and being easy to remove. So please keep in mind I’m super picky and have difficult lashes.
Mascara + Primer Roundup in today’s post includes:
- Chanel La Base Mascara ($32 for 0.21 oz/6 g, made in France)
- Chanel Le Volume Revolution de Chanel ($35 for 0.21 oz/6 g, made in Italy)
- By Terry Lash-Expert ($30 for 0.28 oz/8.3 g, made in Italy)
- NARS Climax Mascara ($24 for 0.21 oz/6.2 ml, made in Italy)
- Glossier Lash Slick ($16 for 0.29 oz/8.5 g, made in France, save 10% off your first order)
- L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Base ($9.99 for, made in USA)
Chanel La Base Mascara + Le Volume Revolution de Chanel
I think it’s hard to top the regular Le Volume Mascara or the Le Volume Waterproof for me. This formula was the first I tried from the brand that I liked for the true black color and the fact that the waterproof version didn’t look or feel crunchy on my lashes. I reviewed the new Chanel La Base Mascara over the summer and thought it was ok but didn’t really do much. When used in conjunction with their latest Le Volume Revolution de Chanel it makes for an excellent combination.
The new Le Volume Revolution de Chanel Mascara has a chubby brush that is 3D printed. It’s designed to give volume in a single stroke. I initially thought it would be identical to the Le Volume, but when I tried each one on each eye, side by side and the Le Volume Revolution does indeed give significantly more volume and intensity with one stroke. With the regular Le Volume I layer a couple times and brush it on to apply to get intensity. I do this with most mascaras. I think the new Le Volume Revolution de Chanel is excellent – I didn’t experience any smudging or racoon eyes, but of course your mileage may vary depending on how oily your skin is under the eyes. It was easy to remove with their Gentle Bi-Phase Makeup Remover. If this came out in a waterproof formula eventually I think I would love it even more. When in doubt, I really just prefer waterproof formulas in general. To sum up, the new mascara is great. It volumizes, doesn’t clump, stays put and is a true black.
By Terry Lash-Expert
This By Terry Lash-Expert Mascara is one of the most highly rated mascaras of the year. It has a wand you can twist to control how much volume/intensity you want applied. I reviewed this formula back in the spring and gave it an ok review since I preferred the L’Oreal and Tom Ford for holding the curl. Since then I’ve been experimenting with it more and find that for me this works best when layered over a waterproof formula. This is a trick many of you have shared with me to apply a waterproof version first, then layer with a more volumizing formula on top. This makes this version work for me 100%! I’ve tried it over the Maybelline Total Temptation and L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof.
NARS Climax Mascara
NARS Climax Mascara is the latest from NARS. I used to love their volume formula that was discontinued years ago. I stopped using their mascaras after they discontinued it. This one gives mega volume and doesn’t smudge on me although several of you have reported it does. I think your mileage may vary, but this one gives me good volume without any clumping. The bristles are well separated in this brush which makes it less prone to clumping for me. I do think the Chanel Le Volume Revolution de Chanel gives more volume with one stroke. However you can build it up with the NARS without caking it on.
Glossier Lash Slick
I could not resist the cute pink Glossier Lash Slick tube for this one. It has a rubber applicator with larger gaps in between the spikes. I think this is a decent formula. It defines, lengthens and darkens the lashes nicely. It doesn’t give as much volume as other formulas do, but for the price I was pleased. It did not smudge on me and it held the curl pretty well. (Case shown is by The Daily Edited.)
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Base
I’ve been the biggest fan of the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara. I know so many of you love a good drugstore mascara but this is the only one I’ve tried that impressed me for EVERYTHING it claims. They recently launched the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Base and I reviewed it in my budget beauty roundup here. I think it’s one of the best mascara bases I’ve tried. It works best if you don’t let it dry completely before applying mascara. Given how good the mascara is I don’t think the primer is essential, but it does help nourish the lashes and help mascara adhere better.
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All the mascaras lined up so you can see the length of brushes:
In summary, my top three are still the top three. I think the Chanel Le Volume de Revolution is a winner for fall, but I’m really hoping it will come out in a waterproof version eventually. By Terry works when combined with another waterproof version. And for a mascara primer I still think this isn’t essential but I’m smitten with the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Base formula.
For those who missed my previous roundups, my favorite removers and tools:
- Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads are the only removers that truly remove waterproof formulas for me
- For non-waterproof versions I still love the Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover and Chanel Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover
- For a lash curler my go to’s are the MAC Full Lash Curler or Surratt Relevee Lash Curler (I really loved the Chanel one but think it’s discontinued)
That wraps up my fall mascara rotation review. I’d love to hear your thoughts on any formulas you tried! Mascara can be so tricky, it’s truly hit or miss depending on your lash type and length. Mine don’t hold the curl and are naturally straight so what works for me might not work for you if you have fuller lush lashes!
Press samples include the NARS Climax and Chanel Le Volume Revolution de Chanel. I also purchased the Le Volume Revolution de Chanel on my own so I have two.
Oh I’m so excited about your review of the Glossier one. I haven’t read much about it so far especially not in comparison to other mascaras. I’m intrigued by the L’Oreal ones too. I have incredibly oily lids on top of having straight straight lashes, and have been using Kiss Me Heroine Long & Curl for over 10 years. I stock up either on adambeauty.com or whenever I’m in Asia but have been stumbling over not being able to tell the difference between discontinuation/repackaging/reformulation/new launch/etc XD. I’ve often thought it would be so nice to be able to use one I can get easily locally.
Thanks Catherine! I think the Glossier one is good for the price. I’ve always wanted to try the Kiss Me one, but I have my limits on tracking down hard to find formulas lol.
I’m not sure how similar our lashes are but my top three mascaras are the same as yours. I just bought a tube of the Le Volume Revolution, but have not had a chance to try it yet. Like you, I’d really love a waterproof version of it. Tried the NARS Climax and the Hourglass Caution Extreme. I found the NARS not as black as I would like and always ended up with raccoon eyes by the end of the day. The Caution Extreme was too wet at first, but after a week I liked it. I found it to be very black and dark and it held me curl well. It’s now 6 or 7 weeks since I opened it (I always make a label with the date the tube was opened and stick on the bottom or end) and now it’s too dry and goes on flaky. Usually, I like my mascaras to last about 3 months, so I’m disappointed that after 7 weeks I’m frustrated with the Caution Extreme.
I really love the Cle de Peau Perfect Lash mascara. But it’s difficult to remove and it’s $50.
Oh my, now I’m interested in trying Cle de Peau lol.
Great review! I am using the Glossier mascara exclusively since I got it…in fact, I ordered a backup immediately. It is perfect for me…not a lot of volume, but I find those always clump. This one separates my lashes, great dark black color, leaves a lovely sheen on the lashes, and holds a curl all day for me. Perfection!
Thanks Sharon! You’re so right, the Glossier one is one of the few that never clumps!
L’Oreal really knocked it out of the park with Lash Paradise. I had been hunting for my HG drugstore mascara without much luck and now this one is my go-to. I’m also so glad it came out in a waterproof version quite quickly after the original one launched as I only do waterproof mascaras. I’ll have to check out the primer for it as I didn’t even know they had come out with one!
Yes, L’Oreal did indeed!
I have only use Chanel Le Volume and I think its the best.
Glad you have found your holy grail 🙂
My favorite is Le Volume Waterproof as well, but I’ll definitely give the Revolution a try 😉 The Chanel base looks nice, too, I don’t think that version is available here in Germany, I’ve just received the “BEAUTÉ DES CILS” Mascara Base from them but it’s in a black packaging… I wonder if the contents are different as well…
I think the Beaute de Cils is the original version!
I love the Lash Paradise — I wipe the brush off every few days so it doesn’t clump on me. I’d be interested in trying the By Terry, the brush looks fantastic. I was into Lancome Difinicils for quite some time. Now rotating through the Milk Kush as well as a sample size of the Tarte Tarteist (sometimes, I use both since the Tarteist brush has wider bristles to comb through after a coat of the Kush).
Yes, wiping off is a must!
Le Volume, not waterproof, is my go-to mascara and has been since it launched. I recently tried a sample of Hourglass Caution and liked the length for a different look although the volume is not as dramatic as the Chanel. But then I bought the Hourglass in full size and realized I liked the sample better. And I stabbed myself in the eye with the very long brush wand :–).
Oh no! Hope you’re eye is ok!!
It is, but it reminds me that there is some definite memory involved in using these “utensils” and that they aren’t interchangeable.
Most of the time, though, this wouldn’t apply. I don’t think you can injure yourself with lipstick.
I love your pictures and how much detail you go into. Thanks for all the extensive work you do for your readers. I’m a big fan.
Thank you Kelley – you’re too sweet.
You might want to try out a lash lift, I just had it done and it makes your lashes look curled for 6 to 8 weeks
WOW I definitely want to try, going to research where to get one!
Mascara is one of my favorite beauty items so I love this round up of new launches! I always have a few formulas I’m using in combination for my ultimate lash look!
I love Le Volume. Looking forward to trying Revolution. I also have the By Terry and love it too! I still end up with the random tube of Iconic Overcurl or Diorshow- just cuz. 🙂 The Nordies buy two get one mascara event should be coming up soon, right? Perfect time for a mascara review.
I hope another event is happening soon!
I love Le Volume and the Surratt lash curler 😀 gotta give the new revolution a try now
Let me know what you think when you try it!
I feel like trying all 5!! Sounds excessive but they all look amazing ..
There are some really great options these days!
I too love Le Volume – my go to mascara – but will try Revolution next time. I would like to try the By Terry & Nars as well. Another brand worth noting is Armani Ectasy Mascara, as it comes in a deep brown color & is almost like Chanel. It adds volume & doesn’t smudge all day.
Yay for another Le Volume fan 🙂
These mascara’s do look really, really good to me. Especially the Climax mascara by Nars seems to be pretty amazing. I do like to go for a proper bit of volume on a daily basis. I’m also reallyyyy interested in giving that new Chanel mascara a go. The brush seems to be right up my alley and I just love Chanel mascara’s in general!
I think the Chanel ones are amazing!
I adore the L’Oréal mascara! It’s fabulous 💕
Arianna | Southernbf.blogspot.com
I got to try the 3D printed one from Chanel the other week in their beauty boutique and I love it! Think that one will be my next mascara purchase.
I’m using benefit roller lash it’s good but not the best. I love Estée Lauder sumptuous and great lash by maybelline. Also love the Chanel volume but it streaks on me. Will try lash paradise😍🎃😍🎃
I’m actually really curious about NARS climax mascara! I might grab a small version before so that I can know for sure that it is okay to get a full-size one (I have really sensitive eyes and sadly not all formulas work with me 🙁 )
But I really like the look of Glossier’s mascara as well!
Wishing you all the best,
Randomlydi