must have mascaras 2016

I am a mascara fiend.  As soon as I buy a new mascara I can't wait to use it up so I can try a new and different one.  That said, I do have my true loves and these are them.  There are a bazillion mascaras out there and no decent way to  try them before buying (using the disposable wands at Sephora does not give accurate results), so let me help guide you in the right direction.  My number one and number two criteria for a great mascara are that it doesn't flake or smudge, so you can be reassured that none of the mascaras listed below do that.  Mascara is a subject near and dear to my heart (as you may have gathered), so I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it.   And btw if you ever buy a mascara you don't end up liking, don't hesitate to RETURN IT!

VERSATILE:  Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara is my favorite mascara.  One or two coats produce a really attractive natural look and four coats make you look all out glamorous.  It is a drier formula mascara, which is not to everyones taste, but I've gotten over that.   It's an average bristle brush, and of all the mascaras I've tried I think this gives me the most flattering look.  And a few more pluses:  it is conditioning,* and vegan, and comes in a waterproof formula called Lights Camera Splashes.  There is only the one color, black.

DRAMATIC:  Urban Decay Perversion Mascara is has a luscious, thick, wet, super dark formula.  It is irresistibly sexy!   Perversion is all about the volume, but gives some curl too.  It has a regular bristle brush which doesn't look like much but works magic despite that.  I hate saying the phrase "cult favorite" because it is so over-used, but that term does aptly describe this mascara.  It is probably the most popular mascara on this list.  It does not come in a waterproof formula, or any other color than black.

LOW BUDGET:  Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is my second favorite mascara.  It truly lives up to its name "sensational".  I love it because it volumizes, lengthens, and curls in a very obvious way.  In a perfect way.  It comes in four colors:  brownish black, very black, deepest black, and black pearl, so it is versatile.  The brush is a rubber one, in a curious shape with one side like a brush, the other side like a comb.  You are supposed to roll and twist it on. There is a waterproof version too!  

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL:  Dior Show Iconic Mascara is pricey but worth every penny.  It gives great curl and a bit of volume for a gorgeous, more natural look.  I adore the brush and how it really does the trick on my lashes:  it is rubber with many tightly-packed bristles.  Iconic is one of the longest-lasting/least crunchy mascaras, and in my opinion the best of all the Diorshow mascaras.  It comes in black, dark brown, and (my personal favorite) deep blue.  There is a  waterproof version too.

LENGTHENING:  L'Oreal Telescopic Blackest Mascara creates a wonderful zero volume, fluttery look.  It separates and lengthens like no other!  The wand and rubber bristles are unique in that they are skinny and very flexible (bendy).  If you are normally a fan of volumizing I say gives this a try anyway, just for something different but super pretty.  It does not come in waterproof or there are three colors:  black, blackest black, and brown black.  I love this stuff!!!

Tell me what mascara you think is best - I am always wanting to try something new!

* I imagine that is with consistent use which I cannot vouch for because I usually have 3 or 4 mascaras going at once.

If you are as much of a mascara fiend as I am check out my magnificent mascaras: which one is right for you?  It's an old post but still stands true today.

pics stolen from Sephora and Ulta websites

all products reviewed were either bought, researched, or sampled by me. And product pictures were stolen from the link's websites. I am not financially compensated for my reviews