In every single picture I’ve taken today, I look like a grumpy piano teacher (see above).
Yes, I know this for a fact! When I was a kid, I took piano lessons (mostly against my will), and every week, my teacher, Mrs. L, would sit there with pursed, tight lips as I pounded away at the keys like a gorilla in a Hello Kitty T-shirt.
Sometimes I’d see Mrs. L frowning out of the corner of my eye, so I’d bang out all the wrong notes on purpose, look up at her, and smile ever-so-sweetly…
Hahaha! Sorry, Mrs. L. 🙂
I’d be cranky, too, if I had to teach a surly, disinterested student clearly counting down the seconds to freedom, but maybe I’d look a little less tense (perhaps cheerful, even) if I were wearing a few coats of COVERGIRL’s Clump Crusher Mascara ($6.99).
It landed on drugstore shelves a couple months ago in four “shades” (Black Brown, Brown, Very Black and Black).
The hook/special sauce? The curved brush. COVERGIRL says the little plastic stubs and the shape of the brush help it separate lashes while coating them from root to tip and dodging lumps and bumps.
And when it comes to length and separation, ala long, fanned-out lashes for interested, perky looks, I think Clump Crusher’s great. It doesn’t come with a bunch of bells or whistles, like lash conditioners and vibrating brush wands, but it lengthens, separates and holds curls like a champ. Plus, it’s only $6.99, which isn’t bad at all, especially beside an increasing number of drugstore mascaras in the $10-13 range.
My favorite thing about it? Endurance. I think it looks just as fresh after a full day as it does first thing in the morning. No flakes, no smudges. Just lifted, long, luscious lashes.
For gals who long for drag queen lashes, FYI — you may want to layer Clump Crusher with a thickening mascara, because while it does a decent job in the thickening department, it’s no Chanel Le Volume out of the gate.
PRICE: $6.99
AVAILABILITY: Available in four shades at drugstores, Ulta and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Hey, shawty! It’s your birthday!
Well, pass me a slice of cake and a glass of champagne, because MBB just turned six. Today. 🙂
Can you believe it? Some of us have known each other more than 2,000 days.
Wow.
What can I say? Thank you very much for visiting, whether you’re a new reader or an old friend. It’s been a blast growing up with you, and I look forward to many years to come. I hope you’ll keep being the Dorothy/Rose/Blanche to my Sophia.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Liz says
February 20th, 2013 at 9:43 pmHappy b-day, MBB! Keep doing what you do, Karen. 😀
Karen says
February 20th, 2013 at 9:48 pmThanks, Liz. 🙂
KhaliaNicole says
February 20th, 2013 at 9:56 pm6 years old?! Aaah, they grow up so fast! Happy MBB Birthday!!! You truly are a force to be reckoned with in the beauty blogging world! Cheers to you!
KhaliaNicole says
February 20th, 2013 at 9:58 pmHappy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday to you..
Happy Biiirthday deeear, MBB/Kareeeeennn…
HAPPY BIIIIRTHDAY TOOOO YOOOOOOOUUOOOOUOOOOOOUOOOUUUUUU!!!
KhaliaNicole recently posted … All Natural Chronicles: The Mini Chop
Karen says
February 20th, 2013 at 10:05 pmThank you for the song, Khalia! *raises glass*
Have another slice of cake.
Lizzy says
February 20th, 2013 at 10:01 pmI love the lip color you are wearing!! What is it?
Audrey C. says
February 20th, 2013 at 10:08 pmWOW, 6 years! I’ve only been following for three and I thought I was an old reader! Happy birthday MBB!
Karen says
February 20th, 2013 at 10:11 pmThank you, Audrey. 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week so far.
K says
February 20th, 2013 at 11:05 pmKaren,
What are you wearing on your lips in this picture?
🙂
Rose says
February 20th, 2013 at 11:13 pmHappy Birthday MMB!
I have this mascara but it is waiting its’ turn while I use up two I’m trying now. Can’t wait!
Annie says
February 20th, 2013 at 11:40 pmHappy Birthday MMB 🙂
I wish you always have this cheerful, humorous spirit in your writing and your life!
I am following your blog for 2 years and I caught myself returning back to it whenever I need something to cheer me up 😉
Thanks a lot :))
Ana says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:40 amHappy happy birthday to MBB! 🙂
Your blush and lip color looks absolutely amazing!! If you don’t mind, what did you use? 🙂
nai says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:44 amhauoli la hanau, MBB!
Sunny says
February 21st, 2013 at 3:01 amHappy birthday, MBB!!! 6 years! That’s some amazing achievement, Karen!
Sunny recently posted … Look: Diorshow Gris Montaigne Mono
Minsooky says
February 21st, 2013 at 3:31 amWow, has it been that long already? Happeh birfday MBB 😀
Minsooky recently posted … Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Petal Rebel (REVIEW)
Ineke says
February 21st, 2013 at 3:55 amHappy Birthday MBB. Keep up the good work. Karen you look more beautiful with every post. That cake looks very good btw.
What lipstick are you wearing Miss Piano Teacher? It’s sooo pretty on you.
Agata says
February 21st, 2013 at 4:00 amHappy Birthday MBB, you’re doing such an amazing job Karen.
Emily @ Emalitsa says
February 21st, 2013 at 4:34 amHappy Birthday MBB!! You have brightened many of my days with your makeup posts and I am so inspired by you Karen!
Clump Crusher has quickly become my go-to mascara! I get perfect lashes every time, its a no brainer!
Emily @ Emalitsa recently posted … Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Metal Reviews: Gold Rush, Electric Blue, Barely Branded
Emily says
February 21st, 2013 at 4:53 amHappy Birthday! I’ve been reading your blog for I think pretty much most of those 6 years!
I find it so annoying that you guys get the cover girl mascara for $6.99, which is equivalent to £4.50, but they actually charge £10.99 for the same mascara (which over here is Max Factor Clump defy)!
Enjoy your birthday and keep up the blogging work 🙂
Mariel says
February 21st, 2013 at 5:10 amCongratulations!
What lipstick are you wearing?
AmyE says
February 21st, 2013 at 5:19 amHappy birthday! Your blog is amazing!
I am also wondering what lipstick that is. It is beautiful!
Ellen says
February 21st, 2013 at 7:37 amI know, it’s amazing! It’s a coral-pink-orange but it makes your teeth look so white and is so springy!
Nadia says
February 21st, 2013 at 5:29 amHAPPY BIRTHDAY MBB!! I’ve only discovered this blog about a year ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. You’re doing an amazing job! Congrats
Adrienne says
February 21st, 2013 at 5:57 amHappy birthday to the blog, BUT, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT LIP COLOR YOU’RE WEARING. It looks like it has an amazing formula and that color is incredible on you!
Emi at Project Swatch says
February 21st, 2013 at 6:37 amHappy Birthday, MBB!
Also, what’s your lip color? I love it!
Emi at Project Swatch recently posted … Zoya Pixiedust Dahlia NOTD (and some updates)
Alison M says
February 21st, 2013 at 6:40 amWishing MBB the happiest of birthdays! I enjoyed creeping the older blog posts (including the wordpress hosted ones!) yesterday 🙂 It’s always inspiring to see where more renowned beauty blogs started to remind myself that hard work really does pay off <3
Alison M recently posted … Get the Look: Dramatic Bronze and Peach
Jay @ Wayfaring Beauty says
February 21st, 2013 at 6:43 am6 years, that’s amazing! *applauds* happy birthday MBB! I’d need a thickening mascara under Clump Crusher I think because I like adding volume and not just length.
I laughed out loud over your piano teacher description. I also had an older teacher who was constantly frowning at my musical attempts. She’d sigh…and sigh…and finally reach over with knarled piano fingers to bang on the right note and admonish me for not practicing like I told her I did. For the record, you do not look like her, lol.
Kristen @ Glambunctious says
February 21st, 2013 at 6:51 am♥ ⤠♥ Happy 6th Blogday, Karen! ♥ ⤠♥
Thank YOU for making our last 2,000 days that much more fun! I hope you get to celebrate with a slice of cake and some bubbly with Tabs, El Hub, and J-Renner!
=^.^=
Jennifer says
February 21st, 2013 at 7:03 amHappy Birthday! I’m still in love with Josie Maran’s GoGo Lash!
Kristen @ Glambunctious says
February 21st, 2013 at 7:07 amPS: So much fun to see your first post! You’ve come a long way, baby!
Becca says
February 21st, 2013 at 7:21 amHappy birthday!!! What is that lippie? It’s gorgeous!
Lorraine says
February 21st, 2013 at 8:17 amHappy Blog Birthday to you and Tabs! I haven’t been following for 6 years but you are my daily read now, and I love checking out your archives. Your blog is the best!
Never mind grouchy piano teacher- I think your dramatic brows and bright lippie bring a glam Frida vibe- just add braids and flowers. Your looks are always inspirational – keep up the fantastic work!
Kalli says
February 21st, 2013 at 8:25 amHappy Birthday! I only discovered this blog a few months ago, but I love it! I even have you linked on my Favorite Places page on my blog 😀
Kalli recently posted … Makeup Vanity Overhaul
Karla says
February 21st, 2013 at 9:01 amHappy birthday!!! Congratulations! Love your blog 🙂
Annie says
February 21st, 2013 at 9:23 amHappy birthday!
The lipstick you’re wearing, is it an occ lip tar?
varsha says
February 21st, 2013 at 10:30 amHappy happy b’day MBB..yes yes,like many me too wanna know whats that lip product?plus your face looks radiant too,whats on your face Karen 🙂
Cindy (Prime Beauty) says
February 21st, 2013 at 11:49 amHappy Birthday! I’ve been reading your blog for the past 3 years! Clump Crusher is my new mascara obsession–I like to layer it under Lancome Star mascara for mega lashes!
Aimey says
February 21st, 2013 at 12:30 pmI’ve yet to hear of a mascara that most people tend to like, but the Clump Crusher seems to be accomplishing it! I’m looking forward to trying this one out 🙂
Katherine G says
February 21st, 2013 at 12:31 pmHappy birthday MBB! I was looking at this for when I need replacement mascara. I think I might buy it. Can’t believe it’s been 6 years…I’ve been following this blog since 2011. I read a lot of the old posts, though! This is truly an amazing and informative blog and I have actually bought makeup that I wouldn’t have thought about if not for you.
Krystle(Baking Beauty) says
February 21st, 2013 at 12:32 pmHappy Birthday! 🙂 -gives you a cupcake-
Krystle(Baking Beauty) recently posted … New Limited Edition Milani Textured Nail Lacquers
Brian AKA Roulette says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:16 pmNo fair, I even checked back in to see if you answered anyone’s Q, WHAT IS THAT LIP COLOR?!?! lulz..
It looks quite fabulous, both in color and texture. 🙂 Kinda looks like MAC’s Party Parrot.
<3 you! –Bri
Karen says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:33 pmOkay gals (and Brian!!),
That lippie is Hourglass Muse, and it’s AH-MAY-ZING!
Do I need to Unsung Hero it?
MARIEL says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:46 pmYes, please!! It’s GORGEOUS. It looks like it could be matte and drying though, is it?
varsha says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:51 pmI checked back in LOL ..you need to do it Karen ..xoxo 🙂
Angela says
February 21st, 2013 at 1:59 pmHappy Birthday!!! It’s such a pleasure reading your posts. I have a hard time keeping track of what’s MBB-approved 🙂 This lipstick looks AMAZING on you!! Please, oh please, let it look somewhere close to this on me!! Thanks, babe 🙂
Tiffany says
February 21st, 2013 at 2:37 pmHappy birthday, MBB! I love this mascara. And, I love your blog and Tabs. 🙂
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
February 21st, 2013 at 7:03 pmHappy blogaversary, Karen! Here’s to many more! 😀
Angela @ The Unprofessional Beauty Blog says
February 21st, 2013 at 11:36 pmHappy 6 years old MBB. Btw, the color you have on your lips looks so pretty.
Angela @ The Unprofessional Beauty Blog recently posted … Milani Ultrafine Liquid Eye Liner – The Inexpensive Substitute For Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner
Aalia says
February 23rd, 2013 at 9:51 amHAPPY BIRTHDAY! toast to the next 6 or 60 years of makeup inspiration
musical says
February 23rd, 2013 at 10:00 amHappy, happy b’day to MBB! Hope you, Tabs and El Hub celebrated in style :).
Michelle D says
February 24th, 2013 at 10:50 amHappy Birthday. I hope it was an awesome day.
I don’t know if I got a bad tube, but I hated this mascara. It’s the first one (in 30+ years of wearing makeup) that I have ever returned. It did not lengthen, did not thicken and the curl wilted within 5 minutes of application.
Steph says
February 24th, 2013 at 10:45 pmOh my gosh, your old blog! <3 Happy belated birthday, MBB! Looove you!
Steph recently posted … Winners Clearance Haul: Guerlain and Betsey Johnson