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As a contact lens wearer, I usually wind up writhing in agony as mascara debris (read: clumps) falls into my eyes and causes searing pain around my lenses. I needed a gym-ready, changing-weather friendly, contact lens safe mascara, so I road-tested some mascaras for SheFinds. Here are the winners:
Bronze Medal: Clinique Gentle Waterproof Mascara in Black ($14)
One to two coats will enhance the lashes as if you have naturally thicker lashes. The formula comes off with a little soap and water or a cleansing cloth, and had people staring into my eyes while I was running errands.
Silver Medal: L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Volume Building Mascara in Black ($7)
This thickening, easy-to-apply formula is excellent for evening. The mascara went on smoothly, stayed on through a spinning class, shower, and drinks with friends. No clumps, no debris and no “raccoon eye”, it came off easily with makeup remover.
Gold Medal: Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara in Very Black ($7)
The tried-and-tested favorite of makeup artists, beauty editors, and consumers alike, this was my hands-down favorite. I don’t understand how you can heap this stuff on and it just never gets tacky or falls apart but win it does for giving long, believable lashes that are thick, glossy, and quite come-hither without being dangerous to contact lenses. It went a full day from a morning workout complete with steam room and shower clear through to another layer before a girl’s night out. This is a great purchase for day or night.
And check out our Beauty Bestsellers Guide for other mascara faves.
