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Beauty

Beyond Lash Idôle: The Under-the-Radar Products That Complete Your Eye Look

Ioli Baltas

Ioli Baltas

Editor @ Marmalade

Published on: November 21, 2024
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Lancôme's Lash Idôle Mascara has become a staple in many makeup bags, thanks to its curved brush and gel-emulsion formula that creates that fanned-out, lifted lash effect. While it stands perfectly well on its own, we've discovered some intriguing products from lesser-known brands that can enhance your overall eye look when used alongside it.
In this guide, we'll explore complementary items from brands that might not have the same recognition as Lancôme but bring their own innovative approaches to eye makeup. These aren't replacements for your Lash Idôle – think of them more as supporting players that help create a complete eye look. From initial prep to final touches, we've found some fascinating options that deserve attention.

LA Girl
Time to Go Lip Remover: The Unexpected Lash Savior

Here's something the beauty industry doesn't tell you often enough: sometimes products work best when used for something entirely different than their intended purpose. LA Girl's Time to Go Lip Remover has developed an underground following among makeup enthusiasts who've discovered it's actually brilliant at dissolving stubborn eye makeup, including waterproof mascaras.
The formula's blend of natural oils breaks down makeup without the harsh tugging that can compromise lash health over time. We're particularly intrigued by how this product manages to condition lashes while removing makeup – a double-duty benefit that's surprisingly hard to find in traditional makeup removers. LA Girl may not have the glossy marketing campaigns of bigger brands, but they've created something genuinely clever here.

Why we like LA Girl

  • 1

    Gentle Yet Effective

    Natural oils break down stubborn makeup without harsh rubbing

  • 2

    Dual-Purpose Formula

    Works as both makeup remover and lash conditioner

  • 3

    Cost-Effective Solution

    Delivers premium results at an accessible price point

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Saie
Glossybounce Duo: The Barrier-Building Multitasker

Sometimes the best beauty discoveries happen by accident. While Saie created their Glossybounce Duo for lips, makeup artists have been using it in an entirely different way: as a protective barrier around the eyes that prevents mascara transfer. It's the kind of beauty hack that makes perfect sense once you hear about it.
The formula creates an invisible shield that helps keep mascara where it belongs – on your lashes, not your skin. We're fascinated by how this product has evolved beyond its original purpose, especially since the nourishing ingredients actually benefit both the skin around your eyes and your lashes themselves. It's a prime example of how smaller brands often lead to the most interesting beauty innovations.

Why we like Saie

  • 1

    Innovative Application

    Repurposed lip product that excels at preventing mascara transfer

  • 2

    Protective Properties

    Creates an invisible barrier while nourishing skin

  • 3

    Clean Formula

    Uses skin-friendly ingredients that benefit both lips and eye area

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Sunnies Face
The Perfector: The Invisible Problem Solver

In the world of eye makeup, creating the perfect canvas often means making things disappear. Sunnies Face The Perfector takes an unusual approach with its pigment-free formula that somehow manages to blur imperfections while remaining completely invisible on the skin. It's like having a photo filter in real life.
The real magic happens in how it manages to control oil throughout the day without creating that tight, dry feeling that can make mascara application tricky. We're impressed by how this relative newcomer to the beauty scene has created something that fills such a specific need in the makeup world. It's exactly the kind of product that makes us excited about emerging brands.

Why we like Sunnies Face

  • 1

    Invisible Enhancement

    Blurs imperfections without visible pigment

  • 2

    Oil Control

    Maintains matte finish without drying effects

  • 3

    Universal Application

    Works on all skin tones due to clear formula

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Rare Beauty
Always an Optimist Weightless Eye Primer: The Scientific Solution

Creating a primer that plays well with mascara is trickier than it might seem – too much grip and you get clumping, too little and everything slides around. Rare Beauty's Always an Optimist Weightless Eye Primer strikes an impressive balance, creating what feels like an invisible force field that keeps everything exactly where it should be.
The science behind this primer is particularly interesting – it uses oil-absorbing technology that works throughout the day without creating that chalky, heavy feeling that often comes with long-wearing products. We appreciate how this formula manages to feel like nothing on the skin while doing some seriously heavy lifting in the wear-time department.

Why we like Rare Beauty

  • 1

    Perfect Balance

    Optimal grip without causing mascara clumping

  • 2

    Weightless Technology

    Oil-absorbing formula that feels invisible

  • 3

    Long-Lasting Performance

    Maintains effectiveness throughout wear time

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Refy
Complexion Set: The Framework Builder

The area around your eyes is like a frame for your lashes, and Refy's Complexion Set approaches this concept from an architectural perspective. Instead of just providing coverage, this collection takes a systematic approach to creating the perfect foundation for eye makeup, with tools and products specifically engineered for the eye area's unique challenges.
What caught our attention about this set is how each component works together like pieces of a puzzle. The brushes and sponges aren't just smaller versions of face tools – they're completely reimagined for the precise work of eye-area perfection. It's refreshing to see a brand tackle this specific aspect of makeup application with such attention to detail.

Why we like Refy

  • 1

    Systematic Approach

    Comprehensive set designed specifically for eye area

  • 2

    Custom Tools

    Specially engineered brushes and sponges for precise application

  • 3

    Cohesive System

    Products designed to work together seamlessly

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Kosas
Tinted Skincare Lineup: The Chemistry Lab Approach

Kosas has taken an interesting angle with their Tinted Skincare Lineup, approaching eye-area enhancement as if it were a chemistry experiment. Their formulas read more like skincare treatments than makeup, with ingredients that support the skin's natural functions while providing coverage.
The scientific approach extends to how these products interact with mascara – they're formulated to create an optimal environment for makeup wear while actively improving skin health. We find it fascinating how this lineup manages to bridge the gap between immediate cosmetic results and long-term skin benefits. It's makeup that thinks like skincare.

Why we like Kosas

  • 1

    Skincare-First Approach

    Treats eye area while providing coverage

  • 2

    Scientific Formulation

    Chemistry-based solutions for optimal results

  • 3

    Long-Term Benefits

    Improves skin health while wearing makeup

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Merit
Jessel's Five Minute Morning: The Time Compression Champion

Merit's Jessel's Five Minute Morning kit takes an almost mathematical approach to streamlining eye makeup application. Rather than just bundling products together, they've analyzed exactly what's needed for a complete eye look and eliminated everything else. It's like they've created an algorithm for efficient beauty.
The products in this kit have been calculated to work together with minimal effort, creating what feels like a precision-engineered routine. We're intrigued by how Merit has managed to maintain quality while ruthlessly editing out anything that doesn't serve the goal of quick, foolproof application. It's efficiency turned into an art form.

Why we like Merit

  • 1

    Time Optimization

    Carefully curated products for maximum efficiency

  • 2

    Thoughtful Integration

    Products designed to work seamlessly together

  • 3

    Quality Focus

    No compromise on results despite simplified routine

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The Complete Picture

These discoveries represent different approaches to enhancing your eye makeup routine, each bringing its own innovative angle to complement your Lash Idôle. From accidental multi-taskers to scientifically engineered solutions, these products show how smaller brands often think outside traditional beauty boundaries. Whether you're interested in improving your prep routine or finding new ways to extend wear time, there's something intriguing to explore here.