This is so interesting. I agree about the small brush, I like that too. And no question, Clinique has a more approachable price point. You may find the EL product drier to work with but it really doesn’t move, even if your eyes tear in the wind for instance.

Lash Power is supposed to be as removable as the EL product but it took me a few tries to learn how to do it. Simple water splashing isn’t enough, probably a good thing. Using makeup remover first is also not good. I’ve learned that very gentle rubbing of the lashes with warm water will get the stuff off and then I use a Qtip and remover to take off the eyeshadow/liner left behind.

Thanks so much for saving me the time with Lash Power. Mascara removability is my most important criteria for that product.

I’m not sure I have an easy answer. There’s a glaucoma medication that is marketed by Allergan (?) that is known to make lashes grow but it’s expensive. It’s been involved in some legal controversy (not related to the quality or safety) lately. You could google it or find it on Dr. Irwin’s http://www.skintour.com. She wrote about it in one of her recent e-bulletins and explained it well.
If your bottom lashes clump with High Impact, they almost surely will with this Estee Lauder product. I wonder why the bottom ones particularly. You could always just separate them with a comb.
Have you tried Kati’s Dior? Many many raves out there about Diorshow. Her Blackout may be too much for anyone over 25 though.
I’ll watch British women’s lashes more carefully. I have never noticed their eyelashes – perhaps because I’m busy looking at their remarkable complexions.

Quick update on the Lash Power mascara: Removal was…interesting. It did not come off with warm water, as the label claims. I had to use a cotton pad and some eye makeup remover (I used Paula’s Choice) to get it off, and it came off very dry and flaky. This makes sense, as the Beautypedia.com review of the product indicates that it was originally marketed for some of the very humid climates in Asia. I live in the high desert – and things are very dry here right now – so there was little moisture in the air to help matters.

Having said that, Lash Power is still a nice mascara, and I will wear it again. It doesn’t smudge or budge all day, and features a great little brush that allows me to apply it with precision.

Take care,
Mary-Ellin

I just bought Clinique’s Lash Power mascara at my local Sephora store, and wore it for the first time yesterday. I like it very much. It has a very small brush, but I feel that gives me more control during application. I was able to color each lash without getting stray mascara on my eyelids. Lash Power doesn’t build much length or thickness, but I really like it for everyday wear and a very natural look.

For evening, I’d be more likely to go for a more dramatic mascara, such as Clinique High Impact, L’Oreal Voluminous, Bobbi Brown, or Cover Girl Lash Blast/Lash Blast Luxe.

At $14, Clinique Lash Power mascara is a bit more of a “bargain” than the Estee Lauder Zero-Smudge mascara you reviewed, though if I’m in the mood for a splurge, I’m likely to try it. It sounds terrific!

Thanks again for your always entertaining and informative writing!

Mary-Ellin

There are a couple of youtube mascara application videos with a British girl who has incredible lashes.
The girls on Paris Hilton’s best friend reality show (and no I do not watch it but it was on as I flicked through and I was captured by the accent) had also incredible lashes as I tried to discern whether they were false or not. I don’t think they were…just great mascara. Same new friend has facebook pictures of other women and it is always the same thing….I am amazed at the lashes. I have not applied mascara to the bottom lashes for a year or so because they seem to always clump together and I use Clinique High Impact so what am I doing wrong?
I want great lashes …will pay money for great lashes…truly believe great lashes change the whole appearance of the face….sigh….help please……..