Mascara is one of those makeup items which I’ve constantly switched up and tested. They can be affordable enough to do so and with their shorter than usual life span, repurchasing or trying out a new one is typically a normal thing to do. 

I’ve used my fair share of mascaras, from drug store to luxury and I can tell you that I have had more flops than good discoveries. When you wear makeup, you want it to last, you don’t want to keep checking your face just in case something has gone out of whack. I find that eyeliners and mascaras are the biggest culprits of disrupting your look and it’s a real hassle to have to keep on wiping smudges above or under your eyes or picking off flecks of mascara off your face. I adore pandas but I do not want my eyes to look like theirs!

For these reasons and more, I wanted to share four mascaras which are tried and tested and which I can always rely on, even through sweat, exercise and humidity. I also look for length, volume and lift (yes I want it all!) with mascaras so you will notice that some of these brushes have a similar shape. If you’re interested in hearing about which ones they are, please keep on reading!

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

Milk Makeup Kush Mascara

Price: 

$11.44 USD from ebay* (4ml travel size).  Milk makeup isn’t available for direct purchase in Australia but it’s sold in Sephora in the US and their website.

Claims:

It claims to nourish the lashes with the addition of cannabis oil and create a strong curl and intense volume with it’s heart shaped fibres. 

Why I like it:

• Doesn’t smudge
• Doesn’t flake
• Adds significant volume and curl
• Lasts through moderate exercise and sweat

The brush is a bit large for my eye and the since the wand is shorter on this mini size, it requires a bit more care in application. Other than that, I really like it and would consider purchasing the full size if I had direct access to it. With the conversion and ebay, it would get pretty pricey. Something else to note is that the packaging is sleek but is also quite weighty. 

ISEHAN – Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara – Super Waterproof

Price: 

$14.66 AUD from yesstyle.com*

Claims: 

from yesstyle.com

Waterproof mascara coats eyelashes thoroughly for a volumizing effect that truly mesmerizes. Curl lasts all day and without smudging. 

Why I like it:

• Doesn’t smudge
• Doesn’t flake
• Adds significant volume and curl + some lengthening
• Totally bulletproof – Lasts through intense exercise and sweat
• Waterproof

The cone shape of the brush makes it quick and easy to coat the lashes. It never clumps up, making it easy to apply a second coat. This is the most bulletproof mascara out of the four and is also the cheapest. I’ve tried the line’s Long & Curl Mascara (reviewed here), which I enjoyed for lengthening, but I think I like this one more because of the volume. Overall been very impressed with the brand’s mascaras. Even though it claims to be super waterproof, it still comes off with an oil cleanser with no dramas.

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash

Price:

$35 from Mac Cosmetics (Myer)

Claims:

from maccosmetics.com.au

Sweat- and humidity-resistant
Ophthalmologist tested
Safe for contact lens wearers
Safe for sensitive eyes
Features a lightweight formula
Lifting
Defining
Flake-proof and smudge-proof
Long-wearing, 16 hours
Features a carbon black formula

Why I like it:

• Doesn’t smudge
• Doesn’t flake
• Separates and defines lashes, the effect is more natural but still makes an impact
• Totally bulletproof – Lasts through intense exercise and sweat

The slim brush is just right for my short lashes, it coats every lash evenly quickly and easily. I wear contact lenses on a daily basis and true to its claims, it never irritates my eyes. It truly is a reliable mascara if I wanted a more natural but still “put together” look. 

Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

Price:

This was free in my Mecca Beauty Loop 3 box but the travel size can be purchased from Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica for $20 AUD or the full size for $42 AUD.

Claims:

from mecca.com.au

• This unique and gentle formula delivers length, volume and sky-high lift for extreme lashes in an instant
• The innovative 4DAmplifier™ brush features two sides: a dense bristled side to give volume, and a shorter bristled side to coat bottom lashes without smudging
• The ultra black formula is smooth and buildable, delivering 400% more volume in 1 stroke

Why I like it:

• Doesn’t smudge
• Doesn’t flake
• Adds volume, lifts and lengthens lashes. Nothing intense but the result is fluttery and defined lashes. 
• Bulletproof – Lasts through intense exercise and sweat

This is another fuss free mascara (I’m sounding like a broken record I know!) which I can quickly apply and know that it will last and not give me any issues. There was lots of hype when this launched so I was skeptical but proven wrong. The effect I would say is similar to the Mac Extended Play but a little more lifting. Spending $42 is a bit much for something you would throw out in 3-4 months so if you are looking to try it, I recommend buying the travel size first.

Have you tried any of these mascaras? What are your go-to’s when it comes to reliable/bulletproof mascaras? I’m always looking to try more 🙂