I really do have high hopes that I can find a mascara that is both affordable and natural. So, last week, I started the process of searching for one since I was running low. At my local Tarjay, I found a natural mascara by Almay.
Almay Pure Blends Volumizing Mascara. 97.5 % Natural.
Well, I’m sure I’m not the first to say this but sometimes natural is not such a good thing.
Maybe, I’m just spoiled.
I’m used to thick. This is not thick.
I like shiny. This is not shiny.
I like it to glide on easily and smoothly. Not so much. I had to put three coats on and it flaked while I was applying.
I like a thick brush that covers all my lashes. This does not have a thick brush.
I barely noticed I had mascara on. Seriously, if I’m wearing mascara, I want my eyelashes to show it, right?
I’m not one to want to give anything a bad review, so I can fairly admit that maybe my expectations are too high. Maybe natural mascara is not supposed to be thick and shiny. Maybe it’s supposed to be, well, more natural looking.
Here are some pictures of my eyes with a very low-key natural make-up prep. It’s a rainy low-key kind of day.
This first one is before I put on mascara. By the way, it’s really hard to take pictures of your own eyes, so be kind in looking at these, please. The second is after the application of the Almay Pure Blends mascara.
Honestly, can you even tell the difference? I barely can and I’m looking right into my own eyes.
Here is another picture with mascara on, eyes open.
I don’t know. You be the judge. It might be just what you are looking for but I know it is not for me. Plus, I’m not even sure what “natural” means.
This is what I get from the Almay website:
* 97.5% natural
* Thicker, longer lashes
* Rich color from natural pigments
* Stand-out separation from our unique brush that combs through each and every lash
* Nourishing blend of antioxidant fruit and flower extracts, including Lotus, Orchid and Acai
* Eco-friendly package made from 36% pre-consumer recycled material
* Hypoallergenic. Opthalmologist tested.
The also say this about their Pure Blends line.
All of our ALMAY Pure Blends™ ingredients originate in nature and are minimally processed. Ingredients include botanical, marine, BSE-free animal, non-pathogenic microorganisms and mineral substances.
Well, that’s encouraging at least.
My final verdict? If you want a very minimal, natural looking mascara that is made from mostly all-natural ingredients, this might be for you with the low price of around $6.
For me, I’m going to keep looking.
About Jo-Lynne
Well. Cyanide is natural. So… it might not mean that much. 😉
So true!!!
Yeah, the ingredient list is LONG and while I see a lot of natural extracts and oils, I see a lot of things I don’t recognize either.
Too bad. I haven’t tried that, but I do love their liquid foundation.
Hi I just linked over from another website. However, I must say:
Agreed. They wooed me with the natural, but I guess I like natural less than I like thick, luscious lashes. I was counting down the days until I could throw the tube away. Thankfully, I can say that I used it all and am on to fuller and longer things {lashes}.
If you haven’t already tried it, L’Oreal Bare Naturelle Mascara are a great drugstore mascara that give natural looking lashes and legnthen. I actually really like it and its minerals (supposedly) so give it try.
A few weeks ago I saw a blurb on one of the AM network news shows where they were telling what was “the best” of different lotions, moisturizers, blush, foundation, etc. “They” said the best mascara was Maybelline’s Colossal Volume Express… and that’s the one I wear! I have small deep set eyes w/short thin lashes. This one really makes a difference! I don’t know about “natural” but I wear contacts & sometimes have some allergy (to plants, etc.)responses that give me itchy eyes, but I’ve not had any problems w/this mascara at all.
I haven’t tried the Almay, but the L’Oreal Bare Naturale mascara was equally as disappointing. And I LOVE L’Oreal mascara!