Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Who Ya Callin’ Skimpy?

by

One of the truths about turning fifty is that our bodies evolve. Some changes we can – the Universe willing – control with exercise, diet and getting enough sleep. But, the reality is that it is very difficult to control, at least in my experience, the changes to our hair.

I’m not just talking about the hair on my head: I’ve addressed that issue with a shorter cut and highlights. I am, however, currently quite concerned about the hair on my face.

I was blessed with my Nana’s eyebrows which, until recently, had to be waxed routinely or provoke the return of the sinister unibrow.

kahlo

photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/tellygacitua/4822238238/”>telli negotrópica</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/”>cc</a>

Shockingly, since I’ve reached Club 50 status, my eyebrows have beat a hasty retreat for no apparent reason. A gal pal suggested that I seek professional assistance; perhaps an eyebrow pencil would do the trick?

Per my girlfriend’s urging, I sought out the sage counsel of the gal at the cosmetics counter. This wise and trusted beauty expert noted that she had just the thing for my eyebrows, and while we were at it we should also address my skimpy eyelashes.

Great, thanks, wait… what?!

angry samuel l jackson

My eyelashes?! Da Hell? My eyelashes are fine, thank you very much…

Hmm… maybe not.

I’ve basically been wearing the same mascara for five years – if it ain’t broke, don’ fix it. I loved the Kiehl’s brand of mineral mascara but they up and discontinued it back in 2009 – GRRR. I found a new mascara that I thought was working, until the recent “you’ve got skimpy eyelashes” debacle.

So began my efforts to find a new miracle mascara that would give me back my pre-fifth decade lashes. I’ve discovered a great big wide world of mascara options out there: lengthening, thickening, volumizing, curling. There’s smudge-proof and water-proof and lash defining. More colors than I could ever imagine – purple, really? I even discovered this YouTube video that details “How to Apply Mascara Like a Pro” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InA8Xbg-hvo

I’ve been quite surprised by the wide range of costs for mascara. I’m not a cheapskate when it comes to beauty products, but I also don’t believe in going broke to look good.

So my friends, this is where I would like and need your help:

I narrowed down my search to three mascaras of varying expense – let’s say low, medium and high costs. I applied two coats of each and the results are featured in the pictures below:

OPTION #1:

mascara image #1 with text

OPTION #2:

mascara #2 with text

OPTION #3:

mascara #3 with text

LET THE VOTING BEGIN!

In the comments section below, please leave your vote for the best option/choice. I promise to total up the votes before the next post and let everyone know which mascara won and the cost. If you think there is no noticeable difference, that’s important too! By the way, I’m not receiving any compensation from any of the three mascara companies – I’m just looking for your advice and opinions. 

Just a fun little experiment – thanks for the help!

While you’re here, another question: what’s your favorite beauty product and why?

Cheers,

Kimba

**UPDATE: We have a winner! Almost all voted for mascara #3 – which was the in the middle expense-wise (#1 was the cheapest and #2 the most expensive). #3 was Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara – Black. It usually runs about $16.  Thanks for all the helpful advice! **

Comments

  1. Loving this Kimba! I say choose a 'natural' mascara with no chemicals. That's definately something that should be considered, especially for the 50's plus! 

    By adding an extra coat or two, ( for a special occasion!) you can build up the length and volume without all the gloopy chemicals that are used for length, volume and thickening in most over the counter varieties. Mine works fab!

    Waterproofing is not guaranteed … but,at our age I think it's quite endearing to show our emotions with a slight black eyed smudge! Just carry a tissue 😉

    No 3 above looks better, could also have something to do with the brush though!

    My favourite  beauty product is my Alpha E Factor, which is a light serum for the skin to replenish with concentrated vitamins etc.I use this under the eyes, and all over my face and on the chest – it's kind of comforting on a night or a pyjama day and it makes me feel loved 🙂

    Definitely a challenging time for our hair follicles in our 50's, I think mine are playing musical chairs!

    Jacs 🙂

    • Hi Jacs! Do you have a good 'natural' mascara to recommend? I'll definitely check out Alpha E Factor – you haven't steered me worng yet! 

  2. Oh my, I can't even remember the last time I wore mascara! Okay, well I definitely like #3 the best. Look foward to your next post with the results Kimba!
     

  4. I like #3 the best.   I was just introduced to eyelash serum, which you put on at night and it's supposed to strengthen and grow your lashes.  I haven't used it long enough to form an opinion, but you might want to look into it!

    • Hi Lana – I am going to look into serums; seems a little more useful than sending up prayers to Frida Kahlo… 🙂 

  5. Not sure what mascara's those are in the photos, but my only vote at this point is for Dr. Hauscha's in any color you wish. Everything else that I researched has too many harmful chemicals. Well, Ava Anderson's didn't have any harsh chemicals, but it was globby (yes, that's a word) and it ran, so I can't recommend it. They have a nice eyebrow pencil too. 🙂

    Wait until you hit the 60's – even more fun!

    Kathi

  6. #3 definitely looks the lushest but my vote is #1, as it is the most natural looking. We have to have a light hand as we age. Ever notice ladies much older than you, with dark red lipstick & racoon eyes? I rest my case. My favorites are Almay & Cover Girl because they are hypo-allergenic for my sensitive eye area. 

    • Yeah, I've only seen a few middle-aged women who can pull off he bright red lipstick. It usually looks too harsh on everyone else. I think you're right, keep it natural looking…

  9. #1 looks natural. #2, 3 look pretty much the same. I'd pick them–lusher. I have no favorite beauty product because I wish had the kind oflook that didn't require any!