Here at SheFinds, we’re feeling the economic pinch as much as the next beauty product addict. And so we’re bringing you new weekly picks that won't empty your wallet. We’ll test products and let you know how they hold up… hopefully saving you money by finding a cheaper version of the products you love and saving you from wasting your precious dough on a no-good knock-off.
Up first, mascara.
I compared four products and one was a clear winner, though all would have earned a place in my make-up bag for weekly wear. And I’m picky about mascara. I have long lashes that need a volumizing oomph and I wear contacts, which means I stay away from anything that flakes.
So, the winner: CoverGirl Lash Exact ($7.39). The secret is in the plastic brush, which keeps lashes from clumping, even after multiple applications. It volumizes and lengthens without looking fake. It wipes off easily, doesn't smudge and this baby never flakes.
First Runner Up: Maybelline Great Lash ($4.49). This one is an Allure Best of Beauty winner, but it’s No. 2 in my book simply because it gets clumpy a little faster than the CoverGirl Exact Lash. But, it goes on evenly and is good for sensitive eyes.
Second Runner Up: Wet n’ Wild Mega Protein ($2). The price is right for this drug store brand staple, but the chunks put it a distant third. One application isn’t enough, but two gets thick… especially after you’ve been using it for a week. But I'll give it you, this stuff doesn't smudge!
Last Place: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes ($18). Lengthen, curl and volumize your lashes… and know that you spent too much on mascara. It absolutely works and probably stays clump free longer than any of the other three brands I tested… but for the price of one tube I can get a years’ worth of my favorite CoverGirl.
Do you have a favorite budget beauty product we should profile? Let us know in our comments section below!
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After many years of spending $20-$30 on department store brands, I picked up the Borghese at Costco about a year ago. Two mascaras in the pack for either $16 or $18. Great product, does not flake or smudge, washes off with water. I think it’s the best mascara deal around.
I love Loreal’s Featherlash mascara and Covergirl Professional mascara in the red or blue tube. Both of these mascaras leave my lashes looking soft,healthy and noticeable, and they are between $5-$6 dollars a pop. Also M.A.C. mascara in Zoom is $14 if you want thick and long lashes that is more professional but not very expensive.