Prediction: This New $5 Lengthening Mascara Will Go Viral

Up until a few years ago, I was not on the mascara train. If I had to pick a makeup product to throw on before leaving the house, I would almost always opt for bronzer, which I felt did the most heavy lifting when it came to making me look better with just a few swipes. I'm not sure exactly when things changed, but these days, if I need a quick fix, my bronzer is left sitting in my beauty drawer, and it's my eyelashes that I focus on.

I find mascara to be a bit intense for daily wear since I work from home, so I was thrilled when I recently discovered a no-mascara hack that I could use in place of product. However, for the occasions when I'm out with my friends or going on dates, I always switch over to a real mascara. I like products that don't flake, clump, or cause fallout underneath my eyes — and I've realized all three are hard to come by in just one product.

Essence's line of mascaras are editor-loved because not only do they work, but they're also affordable AF. A $5 mascara that actually lengthens is hard to come by, so when I heard about Essence's newest product, the Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening and Volume Mascara ($5), I was more than game to try it — and I'm so glad I did.

Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening and Volume Mascara

From

$5

$5 at Amazon

Keep scrolling to read my full review of the Essence Lash Without Limits Mascara and find out why it's a forever re-purchase for me.

I've been using a lash growth serum for the last few months, and although it's made my lashes longer, it hasn't really helped with thickness. They're not as short or stubby as they used to be, but they are still very thin. I've recently learned how to get my lashes to curl (with the help of an eyelash curler and a blow dryer), but getting them to stay that way is another story. I've found that some mascara formulas are just too heavy for my thin lashes, and if I dare swipe on too much product, they fall flat in just a few hours.

This formula is lightweight, so it doesn't weigh my lashes down, which is a huge plus. I've tested this product for an entire day, and by the end of the night, my curl was still intact — something that rarely happens to me. I also didn't experience any clumping or flaking, which is a major win.

I cannot wax poetic enough about the price. Yes, fancy, luxe mascaras are great, but if I can have long lashes that stay curled all night for $5 rather than $25, you better believe I'm gonna pick the cheaper option.

The brand recommends positioning the brush at the base of the lashes and wiggling back and forth until you reach the tips. They suggest adding as many coats as you like until you've reached your desired volume.

I always begin by curling my lashes with an eyelash curler, which I heat up using a blow dryer. When I apply the mascara, I start at the base and work my way up and out with the brush, focusing more of the product on the outer corners of my eyes to create a fanned-out look. I can generally achieve the look I'm going for with just one coat, but if I'm opting for something more dramatic, I will apply two.

I have noticed that when wearing this mascara, I will occasionally experience a bit of fallout underneath my eyes if I'm doing a really sweaty activity. It isn't waterproof, so this can be expected. That said, if I combine it with the brand's primer, it completely alleviates the issue.

Rating:

★★★★☆