Lash Lingo: Is Your Mascara Telling the Truth?

Sorting through the jungle of adjectives that crowd makeup packaging can be daunting. Does it really plump, volumize, lengthen, and add shine? Is there any part of your face or body that can handle all that alteration?
Below, we try out three mascaras and figure out whether the words on the tube really do translate.  

YSL Everlong Mascara ($27.50) kept its word. The wand, with its nubby plastic bristles, warded off clumps while the mascara itself kept adding eye-defining length to my lashes, coat after coat.
Best for: Lengthening

The first coat of Mattese Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara ($5.59) added length, and I thought I might leave it at that. But after waiting for the first coat to dry, a second swipe added a welcome dose of volume to boot.
Best for: Lengthening and/or volumizing – keep applying till you're satisfied!

I often have to separate my lashes after applying mascara, but Wet n' Wild Mega Volume Thickening Mascara ($2.99) didn't clump at all. It made my lashes darker and a bit fuller, but I ended up with less volume than might be expected from the enthusiastic name.
Best for: Darkening

Looking for more mascara info? Check out our Guide to the Best Mascaras.