Save or Splurge? Mascara

Article by BR Natalie

Whenever we need a new product, we're faced with the inevitable question - do you have to spend more for a good product? Can 'budget buys' ever really compete with an upmarket brand?  Our new feature Save or Splurge gives our Review Heroes the chance to tell us.

First up - mascaras. We sent 3 Review Heroes two different products from two very different price ranges.  Lancome Hypnose Star and Miki Mascara.

For $60 Lancome Hypnose Star has a "dual-action brush with a flat side for optimizing product deposit at the lash line while the rounded side separates, defines, and lengthens.".  For $3 the Miki Mascara promises to "create beautiful, thick lashes in a single brush stroke."  So will our Heroes recommend you use your pocket money, or break in to your piggy bank?

Review Hero Cat

What a tough decision this was!  I thought it would be straight forward but Miki surprised me. I really enjoyed both mascaras. I thought I'd include some pics of the 2 in action.

I think Miki is a tough contender for Lancôme.  While Miki did a great job I think the fact that Lancôme is waterproof makes it a better product. Lancôme didn't flake and lasted until I removed it with coconut oil. Miki lasted well too, just not as well.  Lancôme also thickens the lashes more.

It's tough because I want to say I preferred the cheaper product as it's super affordable and I loved the natural look it gave my lashes, but Lancôme definitely created nicer lashes and lasted superbly.

Verdict: SPLURGE

Review Hero MissAimeeJean

While you shouldn't judge a product on its packaging, it was very clear to me when I opened my BR parcel which mascara was the save and which was the splurge. Lancome Hypnose Star was housed in a shiny silver box, and then in a gorgeous jet black tube with silver glitter working its way up the tube. It is the most beautiful mascara packaging I have ever seen, and in fact I would go so far as to say it is one of the most beautiful cosmetic containers ever! This is in contrast to the cheaper Miki mascara that was in a very plain black tube, with no special features that draw your attention to it.

The Miki mascara lengthened my lashes, and made them look very natural. However this mascara did not add any volume to my lashes at all, even though this was a major selling point for the product. I was surprised that the mascara was sold as "a mascara that creates beautiful, thick lashes in a single brush stroke." I found that this was not the case at all. I kept dipping the wand into the mascara to ensure it was fully coated with product, however even this did not help. On the other hand after only a few strokes of the Lancome wand I noticed that my lashes were becoming very long and voluminous, which well exceeded my expectations.

Lancome's Hypnose Star came out on top because of its beautiful packaging and overall performance in creating long, voluminous lashes.  However I know that for many BR girls $60 for a single mascara is probably out of their price range, and for only $3 Miki is a good option, and is a lot more affordable. In an ideal world I would recommend that everyone go out and purchase Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, however Miki is definitely a good alternative for those girls who do not want to spend a 'fortune' on cosmetics and would be perfect for anyone only just starting to wear makeup. For me personally I would prefer to pay more money for a mascara that adds volume and length, and for that reason I would splurge on Lancome!

Verdict: SPLURGE

Review Hero Micht

In comparing these two mascaras, i found them both quite different in their packaging, applicator and application.

Miki Mascara is good in terms of price but other than that I do feel you get what you pay for with it. It applies cheaply and dries out too quickly and is so not smudge resistant or waterproof. 

On the other hand with the Lancome Mascara I found that as much as the price was not the best, it performed much better. It's applicator was better, it was easy to apply and the difference was instantly visible, its also waterproof.

As much as the price may hurt my pocket a bit, I would rather it hurt there than cause me to be embarrassed as I know the Miki one would do, when I walk around with Panda Eyes. All in all, my decision on this would be to Splurge (And trust me, I am as frugal as they come- so when I say it, ISO mean it!)

Verdict: SPLURGE

So there we have it - the Review Heroes unanimously recommend you splurge on mascara - although we have to say we're quite impressed with how Miki Mascara put up a pretty good fight!

Any ideas for the next Save Or Splurge?