Many of my conversations with friends and co-workers often start with or lead to beauty talk. It’s just my trade, ya know? Everything from dry shampoo tricks (my friends don’t like washing their hair either!) or what mascara should I buy? I’m starting a new series on 312 Beauty inspired by these informal chats called “Low to Luxe.”  I’ll take a category and give you my opinion on the best product from drugstore to lavish high-end. There’s a time and place for everything, so let this be your guide to practical choices and when to get all splurge-y.  Let’s start it off with mascara!

While I switch up my beauty routine nearly daily, I am incredibly loyal when it comes to lashes. Sure, I’ll try anything once but if it flakes or smears it’s a goner. In the words of Sweet Brown, ain’t nobody got time for that.

Let’s start with the drugstore. For years, I’ve been recommending almost exclusively Maybelline The Falsies. I love the “spoon” wand and the fluttery lashes it creates. But now I’m adding CoverGirl Clump Crusher into the mix. CoverGirl says you can put up to 30 coats of this on without it clumping and they’re not kidding. I’ve tried to get this to clump and it just.WILL.not. Buy it and try it. It will astound you.

There’s a ton of average performers in the mid-price point. Higher price doesn’t necessary equal better – especially with mascara, an item you have to throw out after a few months anyway. Two that I’ve bought repeatedly are Tarte Gifted Mascara and Benefit They’re Real. Tarte blows my mind with this formula — to the point my lashes are practically hitting my eyebrows. A bit of liquid eyeliner right on the lashline and you have d-r-a-m-a. Plus, it comes off very easily. They’re Real wears like iron and the spikey tip helps separate and lengthen every single lash. The only downside (and it’s worth it) is that removing it takes real effort.

If you’re in the mood to #treatyoself, look no further than Guerlain Noir G Mascara. The jewel case is fancy-town, and the mascara lives up to its potential, even helps lashes to grow thanks to a keratin infusion. The good news is the case is reusable and Guerlain sells refill mascaras for $26.

Given how personal mascara can be, I know you all have a POV to share on the low to luxe scale. Let me know the mascara you love!