It’s Official—I’m Dumping My Prestige Mascara For This $7 Formula

It’s a Big Mood.

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Woman putting mascara on woman

As a beauty editor, I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve tested hundreds of mascara formulas. After years of trial and error, I know what I like–a big, fluffy brush, pitch-black pigment, and a formula that’s cruelty-free, clump-free, and transfer-resistant. (That’s not too much to ask, IMHO.) Luckily, such a mascara does exist, and you’ll be delighted to know that it doesn’t break the bank. 

A few weeks ago, e.l.f.’s new Big Mood Mascara landed on my desk and my lashes will never be the same. I keep one in my purse, one at my desk, and one in my makeup bag at all times. And at $7, I have zero need to use any other mascara. So what’s all the hype about? Read on for my full review. 

What It Is: 

Model using mascara

e.l.f.’s new Big Mood Mascara is a product to know—ask any editor and they’ll tell you this formula is bound to achieve cult status in no time. Featuring a massive, densely-packed, hourglass-shaped brush, everything about this mascara is built to create voluminous, gravity-defying lashes (even if you’re like me and, *ahem*, not working with much). The unique hourglass design saturates each individual lash for the clump-free, fanned-out, fluttery lashes of your dreams. 

e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara
e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara $7.00
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Why I Need to Have It: 

I’ve run the gambit of lash lifts, lash extensions, and pricey prestige mascaras and truly nothing compares to the natural, fluttery look I get from Big Mood. Just a few coats gives me a full-on falsies effect, coating my short, blonde, sparse lashes in a rich, jet black formula that works like a push-up bra for my lashes. That, and this formula stays put all day. I’m fairly active, and this formula never leaks down my face during workouts or transfers onto my lids during sweaty New York City subway rides. The way I see it, this is a $7 miracle—just peep my before and after if you don’t believe me. 

Holly Before/After image

Where to Get It: 

You can find the e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara ($7) at elfcosmetics.com, Target, and Ulta Beauty. Pro tip: Get the double mascara bundle and you’ll save your coins—it’s a mood.