Mascara Recs and Application Options

[NeverNeverland]

I need a new mascara! I last used a curved brush and really liked it, but I'm not sure what kind goes one the best or most evenly. I'm looking for a black and also a blue - I once tired one on at a Sephora years ago and loved it... couldn't remember the name then never found it again Any suggestions, preferably one I can buy at Sephora?

Also, what's a good tool to use to apply eyeshadow? Those little spongy things they come with are fine, but when you have 4 tips and 8 eyeshadows... what do you do without mixing colors? I bought some extra once and they were horrible - the spongy part kept coming off. Are there any quality ones out there?

Thanks gals

[SCUBAbe]

I like bad girl mascara from benefit and they do make a blue one. I use brushes to apply eyeshadow. I haven't used the sponge applicator in years.

[knittingknerd]

Fan of Get Bent by Benefit. 2 coats and idiot proof (except use your right hand to apply your left eye learned that the hard way.). Brushes I use BE's brushes or my finger.

[Stitchy]

Yes. I use brushes too. If you brush them on a towel a few times, the color will come off, and you can use the same brush for applying another color. Brushes work much better for blending colors too. Just make sure that you wash them out often. To do this, just take a little dish and fill with warm water and fabric det. Dip the brush in, swish around, squish out the water and repeat a few times. Then, rinse with clean warm water. Let air dry.

Cleaning them will make them softer and make them last longer too. I haven't used to sponge applicator for eyeshadow in years.

As for mascara...my favorite has been Revlon Colorstay Extra Thick Lashes.

[pixie chick]

For eyeshadow application, I have 4 different brushes, plus a couple for eyeliner. I rarely use the spongy applicators anymore.

I like the Rimmel Lycra mascara. I'm not totally loyal to any one mascara in particular & just can't bring myself to spend $20+ on one, so I can't really speak to any of the Sephora brands.

Just as an FYI review: I tried the L'oreal Lash Tubes & was disapointed. It worked well the first time, but it got very goopy and gross then second time I opened the tube.

[dsnylndmom]

I've found three brands of mascara that work really well for me.
Sephora's Atomic Lash
DiorShow(but not blackout)
Benefit's Bad Gal Lash

Atom Lash has a stiff but small brush that makes it easy to use, but it hurts if you miss
Diorshow, just is awesome. Brush, brush size all of it.
Bad Gal Lash, is a great formula, but the brush is huge and takes some getting used to.

Bad Gal also has a GREAT blue mascara, it's really really good. They have a plum now too, but I haven't tried it.

I use brushes for shadows. I have probably 4 shadow brushes. I use some shadows wet and have specific brushes for that. They rinse well and don't get color residue left behind like the sponge applicators.

[LLEBREKNIT]

I have the Plum Bad Gal about 6 weeks ago. My eyelashes are so light and it does not get them dark enough. I tried it over black and then you cannot tell its plum. I so should have returned it. I could see it being really cool for people that already have color to their lashes.

The Bad Gal and Dior Show have not worked for me, so I got the Lash Stash. So far Smashbox Bionic is winning. I also have had very good luck with Cliniques High Impact Mascara.

For shadow I use a brush as well.

[aimster]

Can't help you with the mascara as I really don't like it much. I do have a small tube of a kind by Clinique I use every now and then. I wipe off the brush with a tissue before applying to get most of the product off so I get just a light application and no clumping.

Get yourself a good eyeshadow brush. I highly recommend the wet/dry brush Bare Minerals makes. I apply my shadows (both loose & pressed) wet as I like a little dramatic/intense color, plus applying wet makes them last longer throughout the day.

[MissChristine]

I'm another fan of Benefit's Bad Gal Lash. I also like Maybelline Volum' Express (great for plumping!), as well as the Stiletto Lash (great for lengthening!).

Eyeshadows, in my opinion, should always be applied with brushes. Those sponge thingies just don't work, really. Don't know how many brushes I have, but I do know that I've got too many. But once you start using brushes, you'll find yourself craving different shaped and sized brushes for different eye makeup needs.

I love talking makeup.

[PrincessY]

Definitely a brush for eye shadow. Do they still come with the sponge thingies?

I like the new Maybelline Colossal Volume Express mascara.

[SusieP.]

Another recommendation for the Sephora Atomic Lash. It has a comb built-in to the brush, so it separates the lashes really nicely. I also love Bad Gal and I have it in both blue and plum. I tweaked the brush myself and made my own "Get Bent Blue."

I use brushes for my eyeshadow. They are easy to clean and keep your colors from getting muddy and mixed up.

[NeverNeverland]

Wow... I seriously had no idea that they made brushes for eyeshadow!! Are they just mini brushes? I assume Sephora sells them? I just want to use Sephora because of all the extras lol


Thanks for the mascara recs! I really appreciate it!

[Stitchy]

Here's one from Sephora.

It's not the brand I use....but, it's the shape I prefer and use.

Sephora: Bare Escentuals Wet/Dry Shadow Brush: Eyes

[dsnylndmom]

I use the two Heavenly brushes on this page, precision liner and a double ended one, but not the one that's listed here.
Bare Escentuals at Sephora: Eyes

[sunnygirl]

I used to swear by Benefit's Bad Gal Lash, and I thought I'd never EVER want another. But the Sephora brand atomic lash is even better. (And about $8 cheaper!) I usually subscibe to the "It costs more so it's better" way of life, but I swear, the Sephora brand stuff just does wonderful things for my eyelashes.