The Best Mascara for Your Money: Comparing Lash-Plumping Mascara

We all want that big, bold lash look with definition and not too overdone. Yeah, it's what all women everywhere try to get, spending the big bucks on mascara that promises all of the above. However, some products just fall short of perfection. Either you have the bold lashes, with mascara that flakes off all day long, or you have baby thin lashes with mascara that just does nothing for you. Its hard to find a happy medium, while maintaining a budget.

False lashes are complicated and time consuming. They do look good, but can look fake. Its always easier just to swipe on mascara and go, rather than mess with putting lashes in the right spot, and gluing them down. Most women want to achieve the false lash look with a miracle product. Many products promote a similar result, but just don't hold up to the test. I took five different lash pumping products and five days. I think you will be very surprised with my findings.

I saved up some money, and went mascara shopping online and at a local Wal-Mart. I started off by searching for plumping mascara and found hundreds of products. I picked the ones with the biggest promise of huge gorgeous glam lashes. I started off my journey by purchasing Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara . Its pretty shiny packaging caught my eye. The product said it would double your lashes instantly, which sounded exciting. I also got the Avon SuperShock Mascara , which stated it would give me "Shocking" lashes. I picked up CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara, Maybelline XXL Volume Mascara, and Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara. Let the fun begin!

On day one, I closed my eyes and picked a totally random mascara. My pick was the Avon SuperShock Mascara. When I first opened it, I noticed the huge brush with its plastic bristles. I liked it already. I put the product on, and it didn't seem to coat to my lashes right away. It took three coats to get the look I wanted. Throughout the day, I thought the product seemed to flake off a little, which was disappointing. I liked the way it looked after I applied it. The mascara stayed flawless for about three hours. Also, keep in mind that I am not one to continually touch my eyes throughout the day, and also my eyes do not water. This product did not hold up, I wasn't too pleased with it. Definitely was not "Shocking!"

The next day I picked the Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, the most expensive of the group. The brush was impressive, big and thick with bristles. I tried it out, and noticed how the brush grabbed each lash, even the little ones. The product did give me a full lash look, with thickness and length. No clumps either. The mascara held out all day, I didn't reapply it once. Definitely happy with this product, its my favorite so far.

Next I tried the Maybelline XXL Volume Mascara. This product has a primer on one end and a mascara on the other. I followed the directions and applied the primer first. The primer made my lashes white, and it was kind of messy. Then I waited a few seconds and applied the mascara. It took several coats to cover up the white primer. My lashes looked gray, but were thick and long. It was very clumpy however, I had to wipe some of it off. This is a good product, just requires a steady hand to apply it. Also, you have to take it easy not to make a mess of it. Product was also hard to wash off at the end of the day, even with an eye makeup remover.

Then I tried the CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara in the bright orange tube. Wow the brush was huge! I like the plastic bristles better than the fibers, they are less messy. This was a good product, went on without clumps in one coat. Stayed true all day long. I even went out that night and didn't have to reapply mascara. Good product for the money.

Last but most certainly not least, the Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara. This lime green and purple tube is definitely an eye catcher! First off, this was the biggest brush so far, with large plastic bristles. The mascara itself kind of smelled like flowers, which yes, it was weird at first, but I got used to it. Once you applied it, you didn't smell it anymore. This product had Collagen in it, which definitely had me excited to try it out. I put on one coat, and wow! I looked like I had false lashes on. Pretty, long and thick lashes. This product also lasted all day long. This product, and the Big Fatty Mascara are now neck and neck in the competition.

I tried both the Colossal Volume and the Big Fatty formulas for the next few days and came to a conclusion. The Colossal Volume has stolen my heart without a doubt. This is by far the best plumping mascara on the market, with more results for the money. The product is under six dollars in most stores, and is terrific through and through. I would recommend this and the Big Fatty Mascara to anyone, but if you're looking for a more economical product for the money, go for the pretty lime green and purple tube. You will not be disappointed.

My final standings for comparison of the plumping mascaras are as follows : First Place hands down goes to Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara. Second Place is Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara. Third Place is Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara. Fourth Place is Avon SuperShock Mascara. Fifth and Last Place is Maybelline XXL Volume Mascara.