I am a pretty tough critic when it comes to mascara, not sure what exactly. My lashes on their own are pretty long and plentiful, so mascara usually pumps them up pretty good. When I try out a mascara, I look for the following qualities; product consistency (don’t like the formula to be dry), brush size (prefer a larger brush), and separates the lashes (no sticking together, I like my lashes to fan out). Currently, I have been loving and using MAC’s False Lashes but I have received some sample mascaras and thought I would try them out and review. This will be a lengthy post, so here we go!
Benefit They're Real!
Benefit They’re Real! (Full Size $23)
Described as: A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.
What it’s suppose to do: This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump, or dry out.
My Thoughts:
Look: Lashes where lengthened and volumized, but didn’t separate as much as I like, had to use a flat eyeliner brush to assist in the separation.
Brush Use: Brush is bigger, which I like and delivered the product evenly, got to the lash root easily.
Clumping??: I did find the formula did clump a bit on the lash ends but I was able to smooth them out with a brush.
Wear time: Flake or smudge?? The mascara stayed on pretty well without any smudging but I did experience a little flakiness.
Overall not my favorite, not bad but just not for me.
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel (Full Size $30)
Described as: This high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush colour in a single stroke. Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive new ‘Snowflakes’ brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect.
My Thoughts:
Look: This mascara gives a good amount of length and curl but did not separate at all L One thing I did like about the formula was that the lashes didn’t look or feel hard and stiff.
Brush Use: This brush is different than any other plastic bristle brush I have seen so I was excited to use it, unfortunately I found that it really clumped the lashes together rather than separate them. I had to use my eyeliner brush again to separate.
Clumping: Unfortunately I did experience so clumping when I applied but was able to smooth them out quickly.
Wear time: No serious flaking or smudging.
Overall: I really wanted to like this mascara because I really like Inimitable Intense by Chanel but I just wasn’t crazy about how clumpy the product applied. Just not for me….
Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long-Wear
BB Intensifying Long-Wear (Full size $25)
Described as: Bobbi Brown’s longest-lasting mascara.
What it’s supposed to do: This mascara not only delivers lush, thick lashes but can also stand up to elements (and even a few tears) for up to 16 hours. The unique bristles on its brush easily reaches small lashes that instantly builds volume without clumping. Best of all? There's no need for an eye makeup remover, because Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara washes off effortlessly with warm water.
My Thoughts
Look: Lashes look very natural and lengthened. No crazy volume but does separate beautifully.
Brush Use: The small brush really allows you to get to the root of the lashes very easily and grabs even the smallest of lashes.
Clumping: No here that I see J
Wear time: Wore great all day, no smudging or flakes!
Overall: Really like this mascara! I definitely would purchase a full size of this formula. It’s great for those low maintenance days when you want natural looking lashes. Love!
tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
Tarte Light’s Camera Lashes (Full Size $19)
Described As: A lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning mascara.
What it’s supposed to do: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara could be considered a push-up bra for your lashes—a 4-in-1 (lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning) dermatologist- and clinically-proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424% after applying giving dramatic, thick and sexy lashes.
My Thoughts
Look: Lashes were nicely separated and lengthened, looked very natural. Not much curl or volume.
Brush Use: The brush is standard size with soft fluffy bristles that allows for easy application.
Clumping: I didn’t experience any severe clumping but the standard lash clumping that can be fixed with your fingers or a flat eyeliner brush.
Wear time: I did experience a little bit flaking as the day wore on but no smudging.
Overall: Not bad, I like the brush a lot but the formula itself is so so. I will use the sample up but not purchase a full size.
None of these mascaras wowed me as much as MAC’s False Lashes, I truly love, love, love that formula. I hope MAC keeps it around for ever!!!
