For one day only Nordstrom is having their Mascara Event where you can buy two mascaras and get the third one free. If you add any three mascaras to your cart they will deduct the cost of the lowest priced option at checkout, no promo code required. Some exclusions apply: excludes lash primers, serums, enhancers and mascara sets. I’ve done many mascara round ups before but thought I’d do another of my current top high-end mascara picks. (On the nails in the top photo is Smith and Cult Forever Fades Fast.)
From left to right below:
- MAC Eyelash Curler ($22) not part of the promo, but my favorite lash curler of the moment
- Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara ($72) best for length and volume
- Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme ($45) best for volume, holding the curl and no smudging even in humid weather
- Sisley So Intense Fortifying Mascara ($67) favorite for defining and holding the curl, the tiny wand is one of the few that will actually get to the base of the lashes without touching the skin and also works on lower lashes for me
- Chanel Le Volume Waterproof ($32) always a classic (waterproof version is a must for me)
- Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara ($30) one of my favorite do-it-all mascaras, really does open the eyes!
- Stila Huge Lash Mascara (mini shown because I’ve run out of the full size, regular size runs at $23) one of the more affordable higher end mascaras that really does make the lashes look huge without clumping
Since I need long-wear or waterproof formulas I find the biggest challenge is removing them at the end of the day. Most bi-phase makeup removers will work but for me it takes quite a bit of soaking and removing with lots of repeat steps required. I’ve gone through a wide range of formulas and had a lot of favorites in the past but I feel like mascara formulas have been developed to be even more long lasting so many no longer work well.

What I use now includes the Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover and Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads Longwear and Waterproof Formula. Note, there are two options of pads, the green one with oil is the one I use thanks to reader recs! There is a liquid version which I have also tried and it’s not as good as the pads are (just my two cents). Also since these have an oily residue I will use a cleansing water after to wipe off eye makeup and mascara one more time to help make everything feel less greasy. I like the Bioderam Hydrabio H20 and Sephora Cotton Pads. Lancome’s Eau Fraîche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water has also been a long-time favorite.
Mascara event runs for one day only May 26th at Nordstrom, both online and in store. If you’re shopping online also don’t forget to check their Beauty Gift With Purchase page!
I’m doing this week’s giveaway in this post. One person will be selected to win a selection of Travel Goodies shown in the widget below including the Away Mini Travel Case in Pink, mini of Glossier You, mini Chanel Gabrielle, mini Chanel Le Volume Mascara, Glossier Mascara Full Size, Glossier Lip Gloss Full Size, Sephora Favorites On the Fly Set, mini Ouai Wave Spray, mini Oribe Gold Lust packet duo. Simply enter through the widget below and follow the instructions. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older. Winner will be selected within 72 hours after giveaway ends. Prizes ship within a week. Not sponsored or affiliated.




Ooh, if minis are eligible I’m totally in!
I don’t think they sell Stila in the mini – just updated the comment! I only have a mini now b/c I’m out of the full size!
My favorite event!! I’ll be picking up a Lancôme Monsieur Big, Chanel Le Volume, and a Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes. Can’t get enough mascara!
I stick with L’Oreal Paradise now!
I have fallen in love with this mascara!
I like Bobbi Brown mascaras, I currently have her smokey eye mascara and it is one of very few which doens’t irritate my eyes or smudge everywhere. I like the look of the Stila one too. I’m not sure that I’d ever have the need to buy three mascaras at once – perhaps because I’ve never taken to them as they irritate my eyes. Thanks for another good review!
I really love Benefit They’re Real. It’s the first Mascara that holds the curl, gives me volume AND length and doesn’t give me panda eyes after a few hours.
I’m devoted to Burberry Cat Lashes and also use Lancome Definicils occasionally. Neither smudge for me and last all day. I’m going to restock on both and maybe try Charlothe Tilbury.
My all time fav mascaras are definitely japanese, Herione makes amazing mascaras, so does majolica majorca.
Dior Diorshow is my favorite for a long wearing, lengthening mascara.
My favorite mascaras are the ones by Lancôme, especially Definicils.
Lately I have been using Dr. Perricone’s mascara and I really like it. The brush is quite unique- it has bigger bristles on one side and tinier ones on the other, to separate lashes.
My recent favourites are Dior Iconic Overcurl and Clinique Lash Power Flutter to Full.
I haven’t used anything new since discovering the L’oreal lash paradise mascara. It’s one of the few drugstore things I love.
This is the time I stock up on my Chanel mascaras. I’ll have to check out that Bobbi Brown one next time.
I just got hooked on Chanel Le Volume for full on lashes but I want to try the waterproof version now. I also love all Clinique mascaras, Maybelline Full n Soft, and Juice Beauty for healthy, natural lash looks.
Been wanting to try to faux cils for a while! My favorite high end is the Marc Jacobs volume mascara. It’s so good!
I am still on the hunt but tempted to try the Chanel la volume
I’ve tried practically every mascara there is and weirdly, my fave is L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar. It surprised the heck out of me with how good it is and how long and voluminous it makes my lashes.
What a nice Blog post! I love the Sisley So Intense and Le Volume de Chanel since years!! My next favourite is the Bobbi brown Smokey Eyes and the new By Terry with the twist brush. I’ve tried the Tom Ford and also the Chantecaille and did not like them. I usually like rubber wands way more than mascara with natural bristles. Oh, I forgot the Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes which is also a good waterproof mascara.
L’Oreal Telescopic mascara is my #1 daily mascara!
I am using Benefit They’re Real mascara. I have also tried other Benefit mascaras and usually stick to that brand for my mascaras.
Benefit They’re Real is one of my favorites! But it lasts two weeks–not much in the tube.
My favorites are Benefit’s They’re Real! and Covergirl Lash Blast (original in the orange tube). The brush on the CG is awesome! 👏🏻
My favourites are Chanel Le Volume and Dior New Look.
I have lash extensions right now but I was loving the L’Oreal Lash Paradise (waterproof) as well! It’s tougher than other waterproof mascaras to remove, so I might need to check out those Almay pads!
Cle de Peau doesn’t get enough due. It is an amazing, if expensive mascara. I have been waiting for this sale!
Thanks for reminding us about this promo! My current favorite mascara is Charlotte Tilbury’s Full Fat Lashes.
Almay pads dry out!
My favourite by far is Chanel Le Volume. I stockpile it during sales!
I ordered black and blue Chanel Le Volume! Then I had to try the by Terry Lash expert Twist since you and Miss Rachel gave it rave reviews! I use this as a reminder to toss the mascaras I purchased 6 months ago at the last event. I know some people say you should toss them every three months but I’ve had no problems using them for 6 months, if they last that long. I love mascara and wear it most every day.
Oh! I picked up some skincare and qualified for their GWP!
I love Diorshow mascara, it makes my lashes so lush.
I did 3 for 2 last week (they shipped it today): I choose the Chanel Inimitable Intense (1st time!) , the GA Black Ecstasy mascara, and the Guerlain Cils d’enfer. But now you reminded me of the Sistey. I always wanted to try that one, I should have waited, next time.
I did 3 for 2 last week (they shipped it today): I choose the Chanel Inimitable Intense (1st time!) , the GA Black Ecstasy mascara, and the Guerlain Cils d’enfer. But now you reminded me of the Sistey. I always wanted to try that one, I should have waited, next time.
I did 3 for 2 last week (they shipped it today): I choose the Chanel Inimitable Intense (1st time!) , the GA Black Ecstasy mascara, and the Guerlain Cils d’enfer. But now you reminded me of the Sistey. I always wanted to try that one, I should have waited, next time.
Really liking the longwear ability of Dior It!
Rimmel Wonder’lash Lift Me Up Mascara and Lancome Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara.
I’m loving the Diorshow mascara right now!
I really love the It Cosmetics Tightline Mascara. It’s really natural looking and it gets right up into my lash line so that’s awesome. The Lancome ones are also really good in general.
Le volume de chanel is one of my faves!!!
I love the Chanel Le Volume mascara! It never disappoints!
I love Hourglass Film Noir but would love to try the one you reviewed by Chantecaille! Thanks for another great post!
I really like Maybelline’s lash sensational mascara and have also really enjoyed Isehan’s Heroine Make Volume and Curl mascara! I would love to experiment with more high-end brands, but at the moment cannot justify the expense!
My favorites right now are Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir, Rimmel Wonder’Lash w/Argan Oil & It Cosmetics Lash Super Hero. L’Oreal Lash Paradise is STILL on my ‘wish list’. (I’m on almost a no-buy right now..trying to use up my stash!)
I’m currently using YSL “the shock” and Lancome Monsieur big. I like them both, they give a good amount of length and volume
My favourite waterproof eye makeup remover is the Lancome Bi-Facil but I find the Sephora own to be really good too. Mascara wise, I really enjoy Japanese drugstore ones because they hold a curl like no other but man… the removal is a nightmare!
I’m spending the day cleaning my make up counters, drawers and cubbies. Too much make up! I need to shop my stash.
MUFE Smoky lash has been a long time fave!
I love chanel le volume!
Current favorite: the L’Oréal mascara in the double ended purple tube!
I use Shu Uemura’s petal lash mascara
I’ve used Covergirl LashExact waterproof mascara for a long time but I’ve just found it’s been discontinued 🙁 I’m currently testing Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula but not too impressed. I’ll probably try L’Oreal Paradise next!
My favorites right now are Clinique Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara and SENSAI Kanebo 38 C (ideal for summer and windy weather, when my eyes are dripping)
My HG mascaras are both from Lancome–Monsieur Big and Hypnose Drama.
does the benefit roller lash count as a high end product cuz if it does its a pretty good mascara. (in my opinion)
LOVE Le Volume!
I am liking Clinique Lash Power and L’Oréal Voluminous at the moment.
My very fave is loreal fiber lash mascara. Volume and length for days
Chanel Le Volume
I’m a high end mascara shopper. I’ve tried so many of the drugstore offerings and they simply don’t compare to a really good high end mascara. Of course, there are some major fails in the high end bracket, but the good ones are simply outstanding and the drugstore brands can’t compare. Consequently, I love Nordstrom’s Mascara Madness. I toss my mascara every 3 months so the twice yearly Nordstrom event is perfect for my needs.
My current faves are Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye (my everyday mascara), Sisley So Intense (all day perfection) and Tom Ford Waterproof (well, the name says it all—waterproof). As for the price of Sisley, it is enough to give anyone palpitations, but it is incredible and keeps my eyelashes looking perfectly defined from morning to night without any fading, flaking, or migrating.
I am loving Tom Ford’s mascara right now. Meant to get the waterproof but it wasn’t in stock when I was at Sephora. Now I will see about snagging it from Nordstrom!
bobbi brown makes great mascaras, big fan of the smokey eye one
Benefit Roller Lash, Tom Ford Extreme, and DiorShow. My ultimate evening mascara (better than the DiorShow) is Fairy Drops Scandal Eyes, but I can usually only get it if somebody goes to Japan!
I am a long time Armani fan.
I love the Fairydrops mascara because the fibres really add much needed volume to my sparse lashes
The Tom Ford Extreme is my fave too!
I love my L’Oreal Voluminous mascara and Benefit they’re real!
I’m a fan of L’Oréal’s Double Extend Mascara.
I like bobbi brown smoky mascara and estee lauder’s sumptuous
Love Dior eyeshadow right now
I’m totally promiscuous with mascaras – God bless Nordstrom for this event each year. Dior Show is a long standing favorite though – so sooty, so dramatic.
I used higher end mascaras for many years, but then I found Maybelline lash sensational (in the lilac tube), which is hard to beat!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Intense Black! It’s the absolute best for my short lashes.
I like Roller Lash. I get lots of compliments as it really fans out my lashes.
My favorite drugstore mascara is loreal telescopic and paradise. favorite highend is stila big lashes, armani eyes to kill and benefit roller lash
Fav drugstore mascara is still L’Oreal Lash Paradise waterproof. Great price and it really lengthens and holds a curl!
All these high end mascaras sound amazing. My two favourites are Lancome Hypnose and Maybelline Volum’ express The Colossal.
My favorite mascara is L’Oreal Lash Paradise!
I’m loyal to clinique lash power and doc double protection mascara. Everything else just ends up smearing under my eyes.
Chanel Inimitable has always been a go-to favorite. I’ve also found that using Banila Co Clean It Zero cleansing balm removes every trace of makeup w/o having to wipe off eye makeup first.
I have smudging issues so I really like tubing mascaras.
Mascara is so difficult for me because I have short, thin lashes, but I’ll always love Clinique High Impact, Lancome Monsieur Big, and I’m surprised that I’m currently really liking Milk Kush.
My favorite is the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir. I know it didn’t work for you 🙁
I currently like the DHD mascara, which is weird because I usually don’t like fiber mascaras.
L’oreal Paradise, Tom Ford and monsier big
I like the L’Oréal paradise but have been using Dior pump n volume mascara lately as well. It lengthens and thickens which I need! Also I like the L’Oréal dual extend (red and white tube) it’s a tubular mascara that comes off easily with soap and water. it is very similar to trish mcevoy mascaras.
Origins ginzing mascara, Too faced better than sex 👌
I’m loving the L’Oreal Paradise as well! I don’t think I’ve ever repurchased a mascara more then this one!
Lancome Monsieur Big is my current favorite.
I love Benefit Roller Lash! Haven’t used anything else in a couple of years. It feels good to stop looking for a favorite even though I’m sure there are great new mascaras out there.