Safer Mascara Showdown

Y’all know if my mascara game is off, I call a time out. And since I’ve made the transition over to Safer Skincare + Better Beauty, I’ve been really spending a lot of time “auditioning” cosmetics. You’ve seen my posts so you know, I am taking this job very seriously! For posterity as they say. <<Wink>> So I have been wearing 3 brands consistently. There were another couple of brands I tried before which did not make the cut either because of performance or because they stung my eyes. That’s a big nope in my book, safer or not! The brands that made the final showdown were Crunchi, 100% Pure, and Beautycounter. I have photographed each one individually AND shown you a “combo platter” in which I double up and layer the look. I know, I have to make things difficult don’t I? But really it’s all about maximizing performance while keeping it clean so I’ll show you below the line up and let you see which look is best for you!

NO MASCARA

In the above photo I have no mascara on. I do have a bit of eyeliner, which is not at all affecting my eyelash thickness or length. As you can see I have short and spindly lashes (something I am actually working on and might have some exciting news to share soon, but more on that later).

100% PURE

In the above photo I am wearing the Black Maracuja Mascara from 100% Pure. This mascara smells amazing (naturally), goes on easily and is “juicy” meaning it does not dry out quickly which is nice for layering. As you can see from the photo it definitely gives me some length and provides a more natural look. Keep reading to find out the other way I use this one! (Please note, their lengthening mascara has wheat in it so if you prefer the gluten free one, this is it!)

CRUNCHI

In the above photo I am wearing Crunchi mascara alone, it provides more fullness than the 100% Pure and length. It is dryer than the 100% pure so it is softer when it dries. Lashes stay soft with Crunchi and if you layer multiple times, it builds nicely. I have found with all 3, layering is a MUST if you want to build the look. My preference is to “top it off” with another one but read more to see the how’s and why’s! It runs out of stock but worry not, there are other options if you just can’t wait! You can find it HERE!

BEAUTYCOUNTER

In the above photo I am wearing Beautycounter mascara alone. You can see it gives nice fullness and length and also should be layered for a more dramatic look. This is a much dryer mascara and so must be done one eye at a time (got that tip from my friend Hayley at Primal Palate) as alternating back and forth dries the wand out too quickly. I layer quickly with this one in order to get the length and fullness and it is stiffer than Crunchi so it dries firmer.

COMBO LASHES

COMBO LASHES

In the above two photos here, I’ve reached my FAVORITE look. Now as I’ve mentioned, I like drag queen lashes so the longer and thicker, the better. I don’t really go for a doe eyed natural look – but that’s just me. ANY of the mascaras can give you a beautiful natural look if you do a single or double coat and leave them be. But that is far too simple for this girl. Go big or go home, SOOOOO, I actually like a combination. Now before you get all huffy, I am not telling you that you need 2 mascaras, I am simply letting you know that for me to accomplish a more DRAMATIC look (my preference), I needed to combine forces. The great news is that any two of the mascaras will produce this more dramatic look. So Crunchi + Beautycounter, or 100% Pure + Beautycounter, or 100% Pure + Crunchi – whatever your poison, the magic seems to happen in the dynamic pairing. So with the Crunchi/Beautycounter combo I apply Crunchi first, also using the tip of the brush to help fill in and then finish off with Beautycounter. Same thing with Crunchi/100% Pure (100% Pure goes on top). But if I do the 100% Pure/Beautycounter combo then you can use 100% Pure as the base and then Beautycounter as the finisher. Clear as mud? Good. Ultimately, there is no crappy mascara option here or they would not have made this post. The question is WHAT LOOK ARE YOU GOING FOR?! Natural? Dramatic? Layered? Once you know your look, the above feedback and photos will direct you where you need to be. And don’t forget, FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF JUNE, I’ll be sending you a FREE Sample of your choosing and be entered into my GIVEAWAY!!! Read the details HERE and follow the directions to get your hands on some amazing products!