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I Ditched Falsies for Martha Stewart’s Lengthening $9 Maybelline Mascara
Ever since Martha Stewart graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, I—like the rest of the world—became intensely curious about her beauty routine. The lifestyle guru has excellent taste, as does her longtime makeup artist, Daisy Toye—who, when I inquired, divulged some staples she uses to create Stewart’s looks. Among them, picks from Clé de Peau, Victoria Beckham beauty, and Oprah-used brand Laura Geller (which makes the “best nude lipstick for women over 40,” Toye shared). Amidst the luxury lineup: A $9 mascara from Maybelline. After trying the formula myself, I immediately understood its place in Toye’s kit. In fact, it’s become my go-to when I’m not wearing lash extensions. Stewart and I are hardly the only ones who rely on the formula: More than 17,000 shoppers at Amazon have given it a perfect five-star rating.
Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Volumizing Mascara
Orig. $10 $9 at Amazon
True to its name, Maybelline’s Volum’ Express Falsies Volumizing Mascara is a plumping, lengthening formula that enhances lashes in seconds. A single coat creates a fluttery, doe-eyed look, while a second delivers similar length and volume to lash extensions. Notably buildable, I’ve even piled on three coats of the flake-free formula, which delivers a sultry, bold lash look akin to my thickest falsies.
I’ve tried hundreds, if not thousands, of mascaras, many of which promise a falsie effect—and most of which fall short (quite literally) of rivaling extensions. Furthermore, flaking is often an issue. Maybelline’s, however, remains intact, and I can go about my day unencumbered by frustrating flecks appearing across my face.
Formula aside, a mascara is only as good as its wand—and Maybelline’s is virtually perfect. The fat, fluffy brush features soft, flexible bristles that hug every last lash—including the “ones you didn’t even know you had,” in the brand’s words—with very little hand maneuvering or thought required. (Incidentally, my eyeballs are no stranger to scratches from rigid plastic mascara wands, so I appreciate the softness.) Finally, the brush features a subtle curve, which creates a pushed-up, flattering curl, even on straight lashes.
Shoppers across a spectrum of ages swear by Stewart’s go-to mascara—and many are loyalists, including one 62-year-old shopper who has been using it since they were 12. Another fan said the thickening formula makes “old lashes look young,” while a 78-year-old shopper said it lets them “define each lash individually,” or “add layers for the times [they] need more glamor,” while remaining clump-free. Finally, a 66-year-old shopper attested to the formula’s falsie effect: “My husband thought my lashes looked fake,” they shared, “and he remarked my eyes looked sexy.”
Shop Stewart’s secret to fluttery, flake-free lashes, the Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies Volumizing Mascara, for $9 at Amazon. And find more falsie-like formulas, below:
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Orig. $13 $9 at Amazon
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
$5 at Amazon
It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
$28 at Amazon