Edward Bess Bess-Lash Mascara

I wasn't a big fan of the original Edward Bess mascara, so the news of a new formula and format thrilled me to no end: such an amazing makeup line like Edward Bess should also offer an outstanding mascara. The new Bess-Lash is exactly what I would hoped it would be. An elegant mascara that works with Edward's refined colors and subtly enhances the eyes.

Bess-Lash is a volumizing mascara and doesn't add any extra length. That's perfectly fine with me, considering my natural lashes are longer than average, though they stick straight ahead instead of gracefully pointing upwards. When I curl my lashes before using this Edward Bess mascara I get the desired look, and since Bess-Lash formula doesn't add fibers and particles that weigh it down, it holds the curl perfectly for hours. The formula is creamy and as I've been using it exclusively in the two weeks since I got it (including on some miserable no-makeup sick days) I have yet to encounter any goops and clumps.

The brush applicator is actually a plastic comb that does an excellent job separating the lashes and keeping the look clean and polished. The wand is so narrow and effective I can even use it to touch up my lower lashes, which is something I rarely do. The mascara is quick to dry and doesn't smudge. I didn't get 'coon eyes after a quick walk in the rain (it was a very short walk in the mall's parking lot, but still).

It occurred to me that Bess-Lash might be the solution for men who desperately seek some discreet lash action without looking like they're wearing makeup. Since this mascara also comes in a dark brown shade, this might be worth checking out if you're a guy whose lashes have been turning gray or are just too sparse. A gentle touch with the Bess-Lash comb could be all that's needed, just avoid the black mascara because it's a bit too obvious on a guy unless your lashes are naturally very black.

Us girls can easily wear the black one as it's not too glossy or too thick. I see the best results from two quick coats on top and a touch on the edges of the bottom lashes (though I could easily use the dark brown for that, as my lashes are almost-but-not-quite-black). The pretty look stays in place for 8-10 hours with no smearing. I do a touch up before leaving the house again at night, but it's not a must. The mascara is easy to remove with standard wipes or Bi-Facil.

Bottom Line: excellent.

Edward Bess Bess-Lash Mascara ($30) is already available at the Bergdorf Goodman counter. It's not online yet but you can give Jennifer or Susan a call  (212-872-8826) and place an order.

All photos are mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Plum Mascara

The Benefit mini mascara duo of BADgal Lash and BADgal Plum was a GWP, which frankly, would have been the only way to get me to test them considering my huge disappointment with BADgal Blue a few years ago. I like several Benefit Cosmetics products, but their previous mascaras have never gotten on my good side.

Neither did BADgal Plum. Just like with its blue predecessor, the color never shows up on my lashes and doesn't contribute anything. Add to that sub-par performance, no extra definition and a propensity to smudging and you get an inferior mascara at an inflated price.

Bottom Line: I doubt I can bring myself to test the black one.

BADgal Plum Mascara ($19) is available from Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine.