Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $19

THE SKINNY: For me, the best mascaras are all about the brush. I have ditched some of my favorite brands in the past because they changed not the formula of the product, but the brush.

I sure hope Tarte is reading.

Because I love their Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara. Especially the brush with its tiny, tight little bristles that catch every single lash. There is no need for multiple coats because this brush picks up every hair the first time. (Although a second coat on the outside edges can add emphasis to eyes for a night on the town.)

This mascara lives up to its promises. My lashes look thicker and fuller and curl nicely with each application. The mascara does add some length as well. It is made with a fairly natural set of ingredients, according to Tarte, although I am not sure my lash volume is up 424%. That would look rather ridiculous, right?

Regardless, this is my new go-to mascara. It glides on easy, lasts all day or night and does not flake off. Note that last part – my biggest peeve about mascara is flaking – IT DOES NOT FLAKE OFF.

I have noticed a very slight amount of clumping, which seems to come from the lengthening agent, but that brushes right out and is no more frequent than with other brands. (It is a lot less frequent than with perennial magazine favorite Maybelline Great Lash.)

This formula comes in black only. Personally I am not sure why you would want anything other than black, but some might.

KEEP OR TOSS: I am going to reorder before my tiny sample runs out. (And maybe scour the Internet for another sample to keep in my bag.)

CHECK IT OUT: Get the skinny on Lights, Camera, Lashes! from Tarte and buy direct. (They also have free shipping on orders of $40!)

– Tested by Carrie