Drug Store Brand Mascara: the Good, the Bad, and the So Ugly

by Beka

In an effort to save money this past weekend, (yes, I know…recessionista) I headed to the local Duane Reade to grab a new mascara. When it comes to items like mascara that need to be continuously replaced, I have no problem grabbing something from the drug store aisles. However, my immediate problem stemmed from purchasing a mascara from NYC Cosmetics. My initial reaction when I grabbed the NYC Maximum Boost Volumizing Mascara was simply, How bad could it be?

I would later find out as I awake the next morning after application (this is AFTER it had been washed off, or so I thought), to find my eye was swollen and puffy. This was no stye or eye infection, people. This is a full-blown allergy. I’ve had this reaction before with some drug store brands. And it’s only become progressively worse: achy and swollen.

Exhibit A)

Maybe my eyes are just a bit sensitive. However, if you’re going to go the drug store route, you need to realize one of two things: more expensive doesn’t always mean better, but popular brands can be popular for a reason: they work!

reLYME recommends trying Rimmel London’s Glam’Eyes Mascara