Arbonne introduces the newly-reformulated Triple Action Mascara that now contains peptides, goji berry, algae extract along with other botanicals that work to hydrate and condition the lashes.

The company says the new formula delivers thick, long and defined lashes, while resisting smudging.

We needed to confirm this for ourselves, so we gave it to our expert product evaluator, Antonella, so that she can test drive it.

The mascara itself is definitely lengthening, and it thickened the lashes (as you can see, the right hand lashes are thicker). For $30, we think it’s definitely a steep price to pay for a mascara. We can think of several others that retail for far less that get the job done.

But, that said, we love the brand stays true to its roots when it comes to eco-friendly formulations. What do you personally love about Arbonne’s mascaras? Will you be hauling this product home anytime soon?

To read about our latest recommendations from Arbonne’s for Earth Month, click here.

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Of course, it’s easy to rationalize that perhaps you were meant to lust from afar. I used to say such foolish things as well. But then I discovered my inner volume vixen (read: I found the right tools), and I’m about to intro you to yours as well.

Volume is possible on any day, but it’s far easier to achieve with a little grease to oil your engine. Come again? In other words, plan for volume on a day you haven’t washed your hair, or after a workout… or both. (Don’t believe me? Spray some Redken Body Full Weightlifter on your roots and flip your head upside down for a quick hear blast from your blowdryer.)

Step One

You’ll probably need a while the first time to achieve the look you want, so once you find a good chunk of quality mirror time, gather your tools:

* A hair claw or two (These are for holding your hair during the process, and after, should you want an updo.)

* A comb. I swear by the Spornette Little Wonder #111. It’s combo of tourmaline nylon and boar bristles give the best tease I’ve yet to encounter, but any other stiff-bristled brush should do the trick.

* Good hairspray. The Sebastian Professional Shaper brand has done me proud for years. If you have something else, just make sure it gives mega hold… without looking like shellac – it’s the only thing that’s worse than wind ruining your ‘do after 15 minutes of work.

* A normal paddle brush

* Bobby pins like your life depends on them

Step Two

Lift the top half of your hair from the bottom by sliding your thumbs from your temples to the back of your head. Twist the upper portion of hair towards your face, and secure with a claw. Then, lift an inch-thick section of hair along the back of your head, and tease near the roots from the top and bottom side. Don’t worry if it looks fuzzy – when you’re done, no one will see.

Step Three

Once finished, undo your hair claw, and release the next layer of hair. Repeat until the entire crown of your head is teased, but make sure you have at least an inch or two of un-teased hair framing your face. (Tip: make your hair more voluminous than you think you want it; you can always brush it down later.)

Step Four

Use your bristle comb to lightly smooth the teased hair away from your face. Do the same with the paddle brush, manipulating the un-teased hair over your crown for sleek smoothness. Should you want your hair to stay down, now is when you use the hair spray. Should you want it up, wield your claws and bobby pins to secure. (Your mantra here is try, try again. Practice makes perfect, and it’s always the hardest the first time!)

Step Five

Hairspray! Lock your look in place, spraying lightly at first. Break to run your fingers over your hair to smooth any stray hairs, and then lightly spray again.

Voila, volume!

– Caitlin Garthoffner

I have to admit, that for a big purple wand that promised happiness like Barney with a round belly, this LashBlast Fusion Mascara absolutely delivered on every single promise: it lifted the lashes, it coated the lashes evenly and superbly – with ZERO deposits at all – and it made my lashes look really long and somewhat fatter.

It features CoverGirl’s biggest brush ever, and the bristles (even though they are as scary looking as a spider’s legs) are quite flexible and give real dramatic intensity to the lashes.

I will say that even though this is touted as a volumizing AND lengthening mascara, I give higher marks on the length quotient. When I used it, each lash became silky smooth and superbly long and curly.

What do you think, apart from the seriously scary looking pictures? It’s priced at $8.99 and there’s a Facebook PreSale that’s pretty exclusive before this mascara hits stores in April. So if you like long lashes, you’ll definitely want to invest in this.

- Charu Suri

A sample of CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion was given to me for editorial review.

It is COVERGIRL’S first ever volume and length mascara, and was previewed by the great Pat McGrath during the Fall/Winter 201 Fashion Week shows (Anna Sui). Check it out here.

LashBlast Fusion will hit stores in April, but you can get it exclusively through an online pre-sale starting March 12th (this presale will also offer FREE SHIPPING for the $8.99 priced mascara – c’mon how can you resist?). Visit www.Facebook.com/COVERGIRL beginning March 12th to find an e-retailer.

The right mascara doesn’t just make your lashes long, voluminous and curly. On the contrary, it glams and dresses up the eyes, making them pop. But finding the right mascara in a sea of choices is a job in itself: we’ve done some homework so your search can be a tad easier.  Whether you are looking for length, volume, curl or all of the above, we’re certain we’ve found the perfect mascara for you.

BEST LENGTH

Glominerals – Glolash Lengthening Mascara

Glominerals – Glolash Lengthening Mascara contains pure vitamins, minerals and extracts to condition and soften lashes while creating a long lush look. Includes green tea to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, vitamin E to heal irritation and beeswax to keep lashes strong. The wand allows for buildable length and no clumping – even when applying multiple layers. $16 dermstore.com

Dermaquest Skin Therapy – Dermalash Mascara

Dermaquest Skin Therapy – Dermalash Mascara not only gives lashes great length, but also contains an exclusive formula that stimulates hair follicles for  full, long lashes even when you are not wearing mascara. Its rubber bristles reach high and low to coat and separate lashes while delivering the ingredients to the hair follicle. The combination of the rubber bristle brush with Dermaquest’s formula took lashes from the short and stubby stage to the remarkably long look. We balked a bit at the price —$80 for a mascara is a tad lavish in today’s economic times. However the lash growth benefits in this exclusive formula make it a treatment product with the added benefits of color and length. $80, yuvadermstore.com

BEST CURL

Cat Cosmetics – Diva Lash

Cat Cosmetics – Diva Lash: Diva Lash mascara’s curling formula actually curls unlike many other mascaras that make that claim. It virtually eliminates the need for an eyelash curler. But do keep an eyelash comb available – there was a little bit of clumping, but not enough to take away from the great curling effect. It is easily removed using eye-makeup remover.  $20, catcosmetics.com

BEST VOLUMIZING

Cover Girl Lash Blast has a patented volumizing formula for a look of faux lashes. Lashes were visibly multiplied. We found it comparable to DiorShow Mascara at less than half the price. It removes easily with water and soap alone – there’s no need for a makeup remover.  Available in four shades – $7.29, amazon.com

Almay – Pure Blends Volumizing Mascara

Almay – Pure Blends Volumizing Mascara is 97.5% natural, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly plus it makes lashes thicker and longer: yes, this mascara does it all. Our lashes looked longer, voluminous and clump-free. The unique brush was made of rubber but with longer bristles, thereby coating each lash to give us a long full fringe.  $6.99 amazon.com or most major drugstores

Kanebo – Sensai Mascara 38°C (Volume) & Sensai Eyelash Base

Kanebo – Sensai Mascara 38°C (Volume) & Sensai Eyelash Base

Kanebo’s Sensai mascara gave us a great combination of volume and length without clumps. It thickened lashes and gave us a beautiful full fringe. It’s great on its own but even better coupled with Sensai’s Eyelash Base for added definition, volume and length. The base deposits a layer of wax on each eyelash, and prevents clumping when the mascara is applied.  If you layer the mascara, you’ll get an intensified, dramatic look. The mascara comes off with warm water alone at 38ºC, hence its name. Base retails for $28; mascara for $25, www.kanebo.com

BEST VIBRATING

Maybelline – Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara

Maybelline – Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara is clearly a winner in the vibrating mascara contest. It beat out much more expensive department store vibrating mascaras to win a place on our favorites list. The motor-powered vibrating brush moves at a constant pace that allows for consistent lash coating from root to tip. One coat gives you lush lashes; apply multiple coats for a more dramatic look. $10.99 amazon.com

ALL AROUND BEST

Dior – DiorShow Mascara is an all-around great mascara. A beauty editor favorite, Dior Show gives you long, thick and curly lashes. The extra large brush allows for buildable volume, length and maximum curl. If you’re looking for glamorous lashes, your search is officially over.  $24, Sephora.com

- Catia Carvalho