Today I would like to discuss mascaras and eyelash curlers. I have loved makeup from a young age and have always been obsessed with eyelashes. I have always been insanely jealous of people with long, black, thick, perfectly naturally curled eyelashes. My eyelashes aren't nonexistent, however they are rather straight and I always longed for curled eyelashes. Now even though I've always longed for these curled eyelashes, I could never figure out eyelash curlers to save my life! My eyes are long and slanted rather than open and wide so most curlers would pinch my eyelid and didn't fit the whole length of my eye. If I could manage a curl that wasn't kinked, I couldn't get it to hold and all the pinching and time spent was completely wasted.. I called it quits for a very long time and just figured they just didn't work for me.
After a few years, I went on a huge Sephora shopping spree and decided to purchase a $19 Shu Uemura eyelash curler after reading RAVE reviews. I was super excited and got all this hope.... only to have it crash down once again. While this curler didn't pinch my eyelids like every other and fit the whole length of my lash line, I could not get a natural curl that would hold. I tried everything from $20 curling mascaras to heating my curler with my hair dyer and after nothing worked, I almost returned it. One night a friend came over and we were talking makeup. I pulled out my recent purchases and showed her the eyelash curler and told her how I couldn't figure out how to use it. I then realize how wonderfully naturally curled her eyelashes looked and asked if she curled hers. She showed me her technique and I decided to give it one last try before giving the curler away. Instead of pinching as hard as you can at the root, she would pump gently while moving the curler up the lashes from the root often referred to as the "walking" technique. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it and once I did, I was getting a wonderful, natural looking curl.
REJOICE!.....?
NOT SO FAST!!!!!!
So I got super stoked because I was getting this awesome shape and yet every time I put on mascara my eyelashes went back to their normal straight shape. Once again, I was disappointed. Then finally while googling the subject I came across just the right article that suggested using waterproof mascara. Waterproof formulas contain waxes that hold your curl! Right away I purchased two drug store mascaras (Maybelline FullnSoft and DefineALash) in their waterproof formulas and started curling away. Sure enough, the waterproof mascara held the curl! YES!!!!!!
REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The shape and quality of your eyelash curler is very important and unfortunately you can only find the one that works for you by trying them. I advise going somewhere like Ulta that has a variety of brands and range from high to low in price. They also have a pretty good return policy so you don't end up with a bunch of curlers you hate and wasted money. There are all different kind of eye lash curler pads, but I find the ones that are most comfortable with the best curl shape are mushroom shaped and made of silicone.
The best and most coveted curler in the "industry" is the Shu Uemura eyelash curler pictured above. The bummer is not too long ago, Shu Uemura pulled all its products from U.S. shelves but you can still order it at http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/. It comes with two silicone pads that should be replaced after about 3 months or when you notice them wearing down. Shu Uemura does not sell replacement pads for its eyelash curler because you are supposed to purchase a new curler after the two pads wear down for hygienic reasons. However.... if buying a new curler doesn't fit your budget or you just don't want to by a new curler, the replacement pads for the Shiseido eyelash curler ($6 for two) fit in the Shu Uemura and give you pretty comparable results. I've had my Shu Uemura for several years and have had no experience in the curler itself wearing down, just the pads. I do disinfect my curler the best I can, but I should probably be a good esthetician and purchase a new one for myself. 
If you do not want to order your curler online, my next recommendation would be the Shiseido eyelash curler because it is the closest to the Shu Uemura. You can purchase Shiseido products at Sephora or Ulta, however if its the only reason you're going in I would call your local store first to make sure they have it in stock.
Now.... regarding mascara. Mascara is pretty important to your overall look whether you are going for a soft natural look or a dramatic night time look. No one wants clumpy, spider lashes so the shape of the brush is as important as the mascara formula itself. The shape of your eye is also important because not all mascara brushes work for all eye shapes. Just like with many cosmetics, different products work for different people so if you want to explore the mascara world I suggest doing so somewhere with a generous return policy.
I enjoy many high end products and if my budget permits, will insist on using them. However, mascara is one product where I enjoy the drugstore formulas more than the high end formulas. I've tried many high end formulas including Buxom, Tarte and Bad Gal and while they weren't terrible products, I didn't feel I was getting a big enough difference to spend $15-$25 dollars on a product I use pretty much every day. Both the Buxom and Bad Gal brushes were too big for my eye shape. I couldn't open my eyes wide enough to coat the last from root to tip. I liked the Tarte "Lights, Camera, Lashes" formula, but even the waterproof formula smeared a bit by the end of the day and wouldn't hold my curl. 
After buying and returning several high end mascaras, I ended up going back to a brand I used back in high school... good old Maybelline. I purchased Full N Soft waterproof formula and Define-A-Lash waterproof formula and tested away! Both of these mascaras are great at holding my curl and are pretty smear proof, even through tears. I feel the Full N Soft adds volume with its thick, round brush and Define-A-Lash separates and adds length. They are also less expensive which can make a huge difference in your budget for everyday cosmetics.
So there you have it. My take on mascara and eyelash curlers. Curling your eye lashes opens your eyes up and draws attention there. Finding the right products for your eye shape is pivotal and remember to know a stores return policy just in case you don't like it. Hopefully this helps you find a product that works for you! Stay tuned for more advice articles........
p.s. Just because I'm taking a hiatus on Birchbox reviews, doesn't mean you shouldn't sign up! Go to Birchbox.com to sign up for their waiting list and wait for you samples!
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