When it comes to buying any type of product, from food to electronics and everything in between, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to get. There are so many options and features to consider. However, following some key guidelines can help simplify the buying process and ensure you select the best rated mascara for your needs and budget. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will walk you through the key factors to consider when buying any product so you can feel confident you are making the right purchase decision.
- If you receive this mascara UNWRAPPED, it did not come from essence cosmetics.
- NO FALSIES NEEDED! Lash Princess False Lash Mascara defines and separates lashes while achieving a bold look.
- DRAMATIC VOLUME: the conic shape fiber brush delivers dramatic volume and sculpted length WITHOUT clumps or globs.
- CLAIMS: Cruelty Free. Free from gluten, silicones, parabens, oil, fragrance, alcohol, & microplastic particles. Made in Luxembourg.
- CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
- Dramatically extend and lift lashes for that false lash look with Milani's Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara
- Innovative, Japanese-inspired lash extending tubing technology wraps each lash with "tube-like" polymers to add instant length and lift for a long-lasting hold
- non-flaking, no-clumping formula applies seamlessly, lasts up to 16 hours, and removes effortlessly with just warm water
- Infused with shea butter and castor seed oil, this power-house mascara also helps nourish and condition lashes as you wear it
- 100% vegan formula is cruelty-free and certified by PETA; Milani does not test on animals and does not allow suppliers to test on its behalf
- Volumizing And Lengthening Mascara: Full lash fringe that’s feathery soft, with no flaking, no smudging, and no clumping; Just voluptuous volume and intense length. 20x more volume and up to 2x more length. Based on a consumer claims study, November 2020
- L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
- Create you perfect eye makeup look with our collection of Voluminous mascaras, achieve sleek lines with smudge proof eyeliner, define your brows and discover eye shadow palettes with shades made for every eye color
- Because You're Worth It: L'Oreal Paris Makeup helps you create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
- Perfect To Pair With: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner; With long-lasting, fade-proof color, Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner ensures your look stays put for up to 16 hours
- Lengthening Mascara: This volumizing washable mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full and lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge
- Lash Extension Brush: Features our exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip; Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- It's All in the Eyes: Subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones or a shot of color; Our eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows and mascara collections are designed to transform your look
- Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
- WATERPROOF PRINCESS: Get the voluminous false lash effects of the original in a waterproof formula with the Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara from essence!
- DRAMATIC VOLUME: The special conic shaped fiber brush provides lashes with length and dramatic volume as well as a false-lash effect. Apply one coat for instant defined volume, or 2-3 coats for an extra voluminous, bold look. Make sure to wipe the excess product off the wand to avoid clumping.
- LASTS ALL DAY: Sweat, weather & tears are no match for this mascara! This mascara does not flake or fade making it a perfect all-day, any-day long lasting mascara. Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to remove at the end of the day; if this doesn't work, coconut oil is recommended.
- CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Free from parabens, fragrance, & microplastic particles. Made in Luxembourg.
- CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
- Lash Sensational Mascara: Exclusive fanning mascara brush with ten layers of bristles reveals layers of lashes for a sensational full-fan effect; Add the look of length and volume without clumping; Ophthalmologist tested, contact lens safe
- Define Your Eye: No eye makeup look is complete without Maybelline Mascara; Amp up the drama with The Falsies Mascara, keep it classic with the iconic Great Lash, or go for a smooth, clump-free natural-but-better look Colossal or Lash Sensational Mascara
- Maybelline Is The Eye Expert: Whatever your signature eye look, whether natural or dramatic, Maybelline helps create looks that draw eyes; With a broad array of pencil and liquid eyeliners, highly pigmented eyeshadows, iconic mascara, and eyebrow makeup
- Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
- Lengthening Mascara: Telescopic Original Mascara enhances your lashes with intense length and unique lash by lash separation. Ophthalmologist tested and allergy tested; Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
- Create you perfect eye makeup look with our collection of Voluminous mascaras, achieve sleek lines with smudge proof eyeliner, define your brows and discover eye shadow palettes with shades made for every eye color
- Because You're Worth It: L'Oreal Paris Makeup helps you create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eye shadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
- Perfect To Pair With: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner; With long lasting, fade proof color, Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner ensures your look stays put for up to 16 hours
- SCULPTED VOLUME: Sculpt your lashes to perfection with the Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara from essence. Due to the creamy black texture, you can create the lash style you love - ranging from a highly dramatic volume to an ultimate fanned out and extremely defined look.
- LASTS ALL DAY: This mascara sculpts and curls lashes without weighing them down. This mascara does not flake, fade, or wear, making it a perfect all-day, longlasting mascara.
- HOW TO: Starting at the base of the lash line, wiggle wand back and forth, adding as many coats as you like until desired length and volume is achieved. Make sure to wipe off excess product to avoid clumping.
- CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Free from parabens, fragrance, preservatives, & microplastic particles. Made in Italy. If you receive this mascara UNWRAPPED, it did not come from essence cosmetics.
- CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
- TURN UP THE VOLUME: COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara provides 10x the volume of bare lashes; Applicator brush separates and defines for visibly longer, fuller lashes
- CLEAN, VEGAN FORMULA: This lash-loving vegan mascara is infused with argan and marula oils and is formulated without parabens, sulfates, talc, or mineral oil
- FSC CERTIFIED: Packaging is made from 80% recycled paper from well-managed forests
- CRUELTY-FREE: COVERGIRL products are Leaping Bunny Certified by Cruelty-Free International, meaning they are never tested on animals
Define Your Needs
The first step before buying any rated mascara is to clearly define what you need it for and which features are most important to you. Ask yourself some key questions:
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What do you plan to primarily use the rated mascara for? What will be its main function or purpose?
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Are there specific features that are absolutely necessary? Make a list of your must-haves.
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Are there certain extra capabilities that would be nice to have but are not dealbreakers? These are lower priorities.
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Do you have any size, space, or mobility restrictions? This may eliminate some options.
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What is your budget? Having a spending limit in mind will help narrow down the choices.
Thoroughly researching your needs will allow you to determine the best type of rated mascara and its key components so you can focus your search process.
Research Your Options
Once you know what you are looking for in a rated mascara, the next step is to research the different specific models and brands available within your parameters. Here are some tips for researching effectively:
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Search online to come up with a list of the top reviewed and rated rated mascara options within your budget. Look at product review sites and forums for recommendations.
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Narrow down the list by comparing specs and components side by side to weed out models that don’t fit your required criteria.
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Check out manufacturer and brand websites to learn about product lines and see what they each offer. Look for the pros and cons.
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Read through customer reviews on retailer websites like Amazon to get real world feedback on how certain rated mascara perform. Look for patterns in reviews.
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Ask friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors what rated mascara they use and if they recommend any specific models. Word of mouth can be very helpful.
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Visit local stores that carry these types of products so you can ask questions and get hands-on experience testing them out. Employee expertise can provide useful insight.
Doing thorough research on all the various rated mascara choices will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the landscape before purchasing.
Compare Prices
Once you’ve researched all the top rated mascara contenders, it’s time to compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal. Here are some tips for getting the lowest price:
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Use price comparison sites like Google Shopping to quickly see which retailers offer the lowest price for a specific model. This saves you from having to check individually.
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Check manufacturer websites for direct prices without any middleman markup. They may offer special discounts.
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Look for coupons, promo codes, price matching guarantees, and other ways to save when buying from major retailers. Check sites like RetailMeNot for available deals.
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Sign up for email lists and alerts from brands and stores to receive notifications about upcoming sales and savings opportunities. Great for timing a purchase.
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Consider buying refurbished or open box items which can be significantly cheaper but still work great. Just make sure there is a decent warranty.
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Shop during major sale holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday when retailers offer deep discounts on all products. Set a reminder so you don’t miss out.
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Buy last year’s model – many rated mascara don’t change much year-to-year so you can save money by buying the previous model still in stock.
Finding the lowest price takes some work but can end up saving you a lot on your ideal rated mascara.
Choose a Reputable Retailer
Once you’ve selected the specific make and model to buy, it’s important to purchase it from a retailer you can trust. Here are some factors to ensure a reputable buying experience:
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Make sure they are an authorized dealer for the brand so you get the full manufacturer warranty and can be sure you are not getting a counterfeit item.
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Look for secure payment processing and protection of your personal/financial data. Only buy from sites that are encrypted for security.
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Select retailers with liberal return policies in case you need to send the rated mascara back for any reason. You want to be able to get a refund.
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Check policies on price matching, free shipping, and free returns. Perks like this make a retailer more competitive.
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Look at reviews of the seller online to make sure there are not rampant complaints about fraudulent activity, terrible customer service, or extremely long shipping times.
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Consider buying directly from a physical store you can visit so you have an easier time exchanging or returning a purchase if necessary. Bonus if they offer setup help.
Choosing a trustworthy retailer gives you peace of mind you are getting a genuine product that is backed by the manufacturer and your purchase experience will be hassle-free.
Understand the Return Policy
Before hitting that buy button, be sure to understand the return policy of both the retailer and manufacturer so there are no surprises later if you need to send your rated mascara back. Key things to look for:
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How many days do you have to return the item once received? 30 days is common but some retailers offer extended holiday returns.
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Can you return just for any reason for a full refund? Or only specifically for defects/damage? Restocking fees?
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Who pays return shipping costs? Ideally the retailer offers free returns but sometimes you must pay to ship back.
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Are refunds provided as credits/gift cards or back to your original payment method? Credits aren’t ideal if buying from a retailer you won’t use again.
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Are there restocking fees for any reason? These can often be 15% or more of the purchase price so be aware.
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Does the manufacturer warranty provide for exchanges/repairs/replacements instead of returns? Understand the process.
Knowing the return policy gives you better buyer protection, especially for a bigger purchase. You can buy with confidence knowing you can get a refund if needed.
Read Consumer Reviews
Before deciding on a specific rated mascara, it is extremely wise to read through consumer reviews from various sources to learn about real-world use. This helps identify any potential problems or flaws not apparent just by looking at specs and features. Places to look for reviews:
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Retailer websites like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. Read the most critical reviews focusing on product weaknesses.
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Independent online review sites like Consumer Reports for objective expert assessments.
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YouTube for video reviews that give a visual demonstration of the rated mascara in action.
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Reddit threads where consumers candidly discuss pros and cons after extended use.
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Forum posts at niche communities related to the product type to see what enthusiasts say.
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Blog posts detailing long term testing over months or years of ownership.
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Editorial reviews from trusted publications related to the industry.
Pay special attention to any consistent complaints or issues that come up after normal use. This could indicate inherent design flaws or manufacturing defects. Watch for concerning trends.
Reading authentic consumer reviews better informs your buying decision and prepares you for potential aspects of the product to watch out for once purchased.
Consider Extended Warranties
For more expensive and complex products, purchasing an extended warranty beyond the standard manufacturer warranty can give you greater peace of mind. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on an extended warranty:
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Cost – is the price of the extended coverage reasonable compared to the benefit you would receive? Is it a good value or not worth the cost?
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Length – does the extended warranty period align with the expected lifespan of the product? Enough to protect you?
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What’s covered – does it cover repairs, replacements, or only certain components? Are shipping costs included?
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Limitations – are there caps on number of claims, repair costs, geographic restrictions? Read the fine print.
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Reputation – is the retailer/insurer reputable? Do they have a track record of honoring claims? Good customer service?
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Cancellation policy – can you get a refund if cancelling the extended warranty? Factor this into the cost.
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Comparison shop – check prices from different sellers as coverage and prices can vary widely.
For expensive electronics like TVs or laptops, the extra protection is likely worthwhile for 2-3 years of coverage. For lower cost items, self-insuring by saving your own repair fund may be better.
Follow Any Set-Up Instructions
One of the most important steps after you buy a new rated mascara is to properly set it up by following all manufacturer instructions. Here are some key tips:
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Carefully unpack the item without damaging the packaging until you confirm it works properly. Keep all included parts/accessories together.
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Review the entire printed or online instruction manual so you understand each setup step.
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Assemble or position the item as described following all safety precautions.
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Install any required software and configure settings appropriately for your usage needs. Update to latest firmware/OS.
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Charge battery fully if applicable and perform any required initial calibration or preparation.
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Test that all features and controls are fully functional per the descriptions in the instructions. Better to find any defects now.
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Know what to do if issues arise during setup. Many devices have built-in troubleshooting guides.
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Keep the packaging and all materials at least until you have verified proper operation in case return/exchange is required.
Following the manufacturer recommended setup protocol ensures your rated mascara will be ready to use as intended so you get the best experience right from the start.
Enjoy Your Purchase
Once you’ve researched, made your purchase from a trusted retailer, and set up your new rated mascara, the fun part begins – putting your new item to use! Here are some final tips for enjoyment:
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Fully explore all the features and capabilities of your new acquisition. Learn how to get the most out of it.
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Try out all accessories and optional components to optimize the functionality.
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Keep the instruction manual and warranty information handy just in case an issue arises.
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Sign up for any available manufacturer forums or communities to get insider tips from other owners.
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Leave a positive review of your purchase online to help guide other buyers.
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Care for your new possession properly with cleaning, maintenance, and storage to extend its lifespan.
Following this comprehensive buying guide will help you make a learned purchasing decision on any type of rated mascara so you end up with the optimal model your needs without any regrets. Do your research, find the best price, buy from a reputable source, and then enjoy getting the most out of your new purchase!