THE REVIEW // Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara

For some of you lucky ducklings, mascara is an option. For most of us, it's an essential.

I have searched far and wide, from this Sephora to that one, in every drugstore and at just about every beauty counter at Neiman's, Bloomies and Saks for the mascara. Well, I'll be damned if it weren't sitting right in front of me the whole time.

Since its release, I have been wedded to Make Up For Ever's Smoky Extravagant mascara. I liken it to their famed Smoky Lash with a little extra somethin' somethin', just a bit more oomph. When I found a few drugstore mascaras that gave me similar results without the $24 price tag, you can imagine my excitement (a drugstore mascara roundup in the works, I promise!) Alas, curses thanks to Kevyn Aucoin, I've fallen back into the expensive mascara rabbit hole.

Now, if you are still reading this, I applaud you. Many were likely scared off at the sight of the first photo, revealing the price of this little beauty: $32. Thirty-two dollars. For mascara. I know. Who did Kevyn, may he rest in beauty, think he is, Tom Ford? More importantly, who does Tom Ford think he is? (More on that later...)

Well, I am here to give my (very reluctant) verdict on this wallet assassin: it's worth it. And as much as it's a whatever-rhymes-with-witch to get off, it's heaven to wear, and easy to apply. The tube is weighty in my hand, a tell-tale sign of a luxurious product, and it sports the classic gradient effect for which the brand is known. The wand is slightly curved--think Dolce & Gabbana Passion Eyes, Maybelline The Falsies Flared or even a more relaxed version of Dior Iconic Overcurl)--and long enough to give each little lash a coat of inky goodness in just one sweep. Two coats offer unbelievable length, luscious volume and a pitch black hue to even the lightest-lashed gals.

As I noted earlier, this stuff is not fun to remove--I don't usually like oil-based eye makeup removers, but I think that this "essential" addition to your stash (if you love mascara, like me) necessitates something like Lancômes Bi-Facil offering. Still, it makes my lashes look so fabulous--even sans eyelash curler--that I think it merits the extra attention. So yeah, my Smoky Extravagant will have to take the backseat for now. There's a new curl in town.

Katy xx

P.S. I appreciate your patience as I churn out new posts for the blog. I don't want to sacrifice quality for quantity, or even consistency, but I do blog as my schedule permits. Recent changes in my personal life and a heavy workload at school haven't lent themselves to a reliable posting schedule, but please know that I am doing my best. Thank you for your support!