Part of my post-partum journey included adapting my beauty routine and developing hacks to balance out the short amount of time I wanted to dedicate to my routine versus wanting to still take care of myself.  As if they heard of my need to find the perfect mascara, the Influenster and ChickAdvisor programmes sent me a total of four mascaras over the course of the year to review.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara in Very Black features great colour, easy application, and minimal smudging throughout the day.

However, it does become a granular within 2-3 hours of wear on a regular day, which made it quite uncomfortable.  I had to remove the grains of mascara that had accumulated in the outer corner of my eyelids a few times, and they had even managed to irritate my skin, something that has never happened before.

Removal was also not as easy as some other waterproof formulas, either.  So a good, budget mascara for a mom with a little more removal time that I have.

Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara

The Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara in Blackest Black features many great aspects.  For one, the tube’s unusual shape makes for a much better grasp, the colour really is the blackest of blacks, and the brush makes its application a dream.

However, there is enough flakiness after a mere hour or two of wear to warrant hesitation in recommending it.  In dry weather, it lasts forever without any sign of flake.  But add any sign of moisture in the air—even from cooking!—and the party (and not the good kind) begins.

For a new mother who might be still struggling with a huge wave of emotions crashing on her, or the mother of a toddler who laughs so hard with their littles one that they tear up, this might not be the best choice for you.

Rimmel London Shake It Fresh Mascara

The Rimmel London Shake It Fresh Mascara features a perfectly-sized wand that makes for an easy application; clumping is minimal and the liquid glides on easily on each lash.

Despite not being waterproof, I have had a few episodes of tear producing, laughing my head off sessions and I only had a little bit of smearing, so little, in fact, that all I needed to do was wipe the corners of my eyes once with a handkerchief.

I haven’t had the time to test the “shake it fresh” feature for more than a handful of month.  This feature promises that this mascara will last longer than expected without clumping, but even without that, it’s still a great product.  If the “shake it fresh” feature actually works for more than a few months, it would make this a favorite product for me, as I will be able to actually use it until it finishes, making it overall less expensive to use mascara as well as better for the environment (at least, as far as I can tell).

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

Out of all the mascaras I got, however good the Rimmel one, the Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara was by far my favourite.  It’s a three-in-one deal that is well worth purchasing for women who like to slim down their makeup bag, help the environment by decreasing their shopping list, and saving money.

With one stroke, all lashes are covered, evenly and clump-free, perfectly for a day look.  With a second stroke, all lashes are covered, again evenly and with rare clumps, perfectly for an evening look.  With a third stroke, all lashes are covered again, evenly, with some clumps but not that many, perfectly for a dramatic look for a special occasion.

Smudging is minimal, even when humidity is high, sweating profuse (hello, running around a toddler or burning up the dance floor), and tears of joy or laughter flowing down your cheeks.

Removal is also surprisingly easy; two or three swipes and voilà! All done.

This is definitely the best new mascara on the market that I have tested this year to date. As a new mom, I also appreciate how easily I get the perfect look each and every time. I do wish it would dry a little faster, but this is such a minor concern that I still recommend this mascara. Just don’t blink 😉

Final Thoughts

While the Rimmel London Shake It Fresh Mascara makes for a great budget option, the Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara is my splurge-worthy pick.  I look forward to finding the best concealer, eye shadow palette, and lipsticks for my new Mom-life to lock down my Mom Makeup Routine!

Have you tried any of these mascaras?  Did you like them as much or as little as I did? Mommy or not, do you have makeup tips, hacks, and preferences that could come handy for anyone looking to achieve a flawless look in as little as possible?