I've been using Maybelline mascara for years.  I never got into stores like Sephora or department stores like Bloomies for expensive make-up.

Sephora in particular I feel like the people that work there don't know what they are talking about, and try to sell you anything even if it won't look good on you or match your complexion, and there's just way too much to choose from.

 I always buy the same drug store brands that have worked for me through the years.

I've never tried an expensive mascara, I've always stuck with drug store brands.  Actually I'm allergic to the old standby pink and green Mabelline mascara and years ago I've gone through several brands and found the only one I could wear was Almay.  It would be such fun to experiment with the expensive mascara but it wouldn't be much fun to spend a lot of money and find you can't wear it.  The allergic reaction I get is that around the rim of my eyes turn red and they become itchy.  However I've experimented with so-called permanent mascara, it actually only lasts a couple of weeks, and find it no problem to wear, and it's very convenient, no applying or touching up several times a day.  In my opinion mascara and lipstick are two things that no woman can do without.