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Eye Makeup: The 12 Worst Mascaras

Did Maybelline, CoverGirl or Revlon eye makeup top this recycle bin-worthy list of mascaras? Find out!

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It's official -- we're obsessed with mascara. If this is surprising to you, let us back up that statement by waxing poetic on all of the reasons why: First, it instantly opens up our eyes. Even when we've been burning the candle at both ends, we still manage to look awake thanks to this fabulous eye makeup we call mascara. Second, it makes us look like we actually have eyelashes -- even those of us who were blessed with blonde (aka invisible) lashes or super fine and stubby ones. Third, it creates an instantly feminine, polished makeup look. Even if it's the only product we take time to apply, it helps us look pulled-together.

Skip ahead to see the list of the 12 worst mascaras now.

So now that we've convinced you that mascara should be the go-to product for all women, it's time to let you in on a few other tidbits. Like, not all mascaras were created equal. How do we know this? Well … let's just say that we've tried enough of them to prove it. What's even better is that our readers have too. Thanks to them we have a list of the mascaras that produce lack-luster lashes (try saying that three times fast). Peruse their feedback to learn which mascaras you should steer clear of -- unless you want flaky raccoon eyes, of course. And hey, if you unknowingly bought one of the eye makeup products on this list already, these mascara tips may help salvage your look:

Tip 1: Improve lash separation by applying your mascara in a swift, zigzag motion from lash root to tip as opposed to one sweeping motion.
Tip 2: Dab the tip of your mascara wand on a tissue to get rid of the glob that tends to form there. It will prevent you from getting uneven, goopy product distribution.
Tip 3: If you use a lash primer, particularly a white one, wait 10 to 30 seconds for the primer to dry before applying your mascara. It will keep the color from looking diluted (i.e. gray instead of black).

See the worst 12 mascaras now.

See Next Page: No. 12: Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara, $23.50

By Kristen Oldham Giordani, Sarah Carrillo

Rate this story|Avg member rating: 8

Avon ASTONISHING LENGTHS Mascara

Average Member Rating: 3.8

Avon DARING DEFINITION Mousse Mascara

Average Member Rating: 4.0

Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara

Average Member Rating: 3.6

Revlon 3D Extreme Waterproof Mascara

Average Member Rating: 3.3

Revlon Fabulash Mascara

Average Member Rating: 6.5

Nars Mascara

Average Member Rating: 3.8

Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara

Average Member Rating: 4.5

Wet n Wild MegaPlump Mascara

Average Member Rating: 4.2

E.L.F. Earth and Water Mascara Duo

Average Member Rating: 5.0

Smashbox Bionic Mascara

Average Member Rating: 3.4

Buy it for $19.00

Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

Average Member Rating: 5.8

Revlon Doubletwist Volumizing Mascara

Average Member Rating: 2.1

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I have debated on trying a few of these and I am SOOO GLAD that I read this before I did. My two favorites I have been using now are the Rimmel Day to Night mascara and my good old standby; Great Lash mascara in the pink and green tube! My mom has always used it since I can remember and I have too. Ive got my daughter wearing it now.

by jslate304 Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 11:19PM Report as inappropriate

how about clinique's lash doubling mascara....:(...blogged about it on janellelora . blogspot . co m

by janellelora Friday, January 6, 2012 at 02:19PM Report as inappropriate

i am so picky with mascaras!im like never satisfied . ill certainly avoid these!

by kitten94 Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 08:13PM Report as inappropriate

thanks. it would suck to spend 20+$ on a bad mascara. it's definitely true that expensive things aren't necessarily better.

by venenumletalis Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 07:31PM Report as inappropriate

Hmmmm. I've used the Lash Stilletto, and I think it was okay. It was one of the few that a made a repeat purchase of , and that's a big deal for me because its rare I'll buy the same mascara twice. I've never tried any of the others and now I know that I won't. lol

by msbrown822 Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 07:36PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know. I've never tried any of these products and will definitely steer clear of them in the future!

by bitemeinks Monday, November 21, 2011 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

never tried any of these products but i wont buy them if they are the worst

by Benahir Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

I've tried the elf one and it's really not good at all. I probably wouldn't try any of the other ones. Seems like Avon and Revlon make some pretty bad mascaras.

by MissXu Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 07:16PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree! I really like the Last Stiletto! I'm very surprised! I usually use another mascara first and then the last stiletto and I've even gotten several compliments when wearing it!

by mariahtudeen Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 08:08PM Report as inappropriate