I have super-sensitive-to-makeup-eyes, seasonal allergies and contacts, the trifecta combination of “crying in the middle of the day for no reason”. Lash Paradise was probably the most frequently suggested waterproof mascara on Reddit, so I thought I’d give it a go. It’s reasonably priced at $7-8.

This stuff won’t give you length, as the advertisements seem to suggest, but it will certainly give you volume. It’s the good kind of volume, too: it makes it appear as though you have more lashes, and doesn’t clump to make that point. It’s noticeable enough to give your eyes a bit of a natural pop, without the false eyelash effect.

For the most part, this holds up pretty well throughout the day, although applying a few layers from the onset, and a re-application after a few hours seem to be the key to longevity. It doesn’t commit the dreaded “mascara fall” where clumps and specks of black end up on your face; however, you MIGHT experience a small line of black under your eyes at the 6 to 7 hour mark.

Most importantly for me, this mascara did NOT irritate my eyes — no burning, no redness, nothin’. I think it’s held up pretty well in water, as well. I’ve cried with it on, and it also seems to take a few washes to remove it at the end of the day.

All in all, the effects of this mascara won’t blow you away — I would say this falls into the category of “subtle” added volume. However, if your eyes are sensitive like mine, I do absolutely recommend Lash Paradise. ~A

Perceived efficacy: 4/5

Longevity: 3.8/5

How much I actually like this product: 3.8/5