Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume review

The hot pink/metallic packaging is probably the main reason I bought it. :) I had the first version of the Define-A-Lash - which I only liked as a daytime mascara. So did this one live up to expectations?

Packaging: 5 out of 5
Price: 5 out of 5 ($7.50 or less)
Overall: 4 out of 5

What it claims:

• Clump-free: Lightweight formula coats lashes cleanly. Unique built-in clump remover leaves zero clumps on brush for zero clumps on lashes.

• Very Voluptuous: Sculpts and plumps the lash look for perfect fullness

• More refined: The new volume lash look, perfectly defined..

(click to enlarge)

What I like:
Aside from the packaging I like that it truly defines and seperates lashes. The tube is also so well made that once you take out the mascara, there isn't an overload of product on it. (unlike, for example, L'oreal Voluminous). I think it has to do with the ultra fine plastic bristles on the wand.

I LOVE a mascara that gives me a "so perfectly seperated it looks fake"-look, and this one delivers.

What I dislike:
It doesn't add as much volume as other volumizing mascaras. I'd say from a 1 to 10 it deserves a 6 on the volume-scale, which is probably due to the rather thin wand.

Also, when I apply it, I need to not blink for 10 seconds or I end up with smudges on my lower eye .. The formula it's a bit on the "wet" side.


Overall:
Easy to use mascara. You'll have to be carefull though if you're using more then one coat. At first when I tried this mascara I was very dissapointed with the lack of volume and kept comparing it to my holy grail L'oreal Voluminous. But after using a few times I find myself only reaching for this mascara, even for night time looks where you want more drama.
The most effective way to apply: just sweep a coat all across lashes starting on the outside. Then quickly go over it again to properly seperate and lenghten lashes more - and so you don't end up with spider lashes. You have to really wiggle the wand.

I love how it's so easy to use and there is no clean-up necessary when you take it out of the tube. The bristles come out with the perfect amount of product.. I still can't get over that bit.

Taking it off is moderately easy. Everytime I take off my make up I find another lash has fallen. :(
I haven't been able to find many mascara's that don't do that though, which sucks. Maybe it's my make up remover?

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara review and pictures

I'd tried this mascara years ago, but didn't used to think much of it. So when my last mascara finished I was eager to try this one again and see what so many Youtube make up guru's are raving about. I got it in Soft Black since that's was the only color available at my local drugstore.

What it claims: Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara is uniquely formulated to build lashes to 5x their natural thickness for a full and dramatic lash look. Patented Volume-Maximizing Brush thickens lashes smoothly and evenly, leaving them soft with virtually no flakes, smudges or clumps.

• Clump-resistant
• Fragrance-free
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
• Opthamologist tested and allergy-tested.

Price: Very reasonable. I got it for $6.00 but you could get it for less.


Clump-factor: as long as you don't try and do multiple coats you should be ok. I find that at the second coat - if you wait too long - you'll already begin seeing clumps, so work fast and do 2 coats at once.


Color: I got it in Soft Black, and now really wish I'd gotten it in Blackest black. Not that it makes a huge difference, but Soft Black looks a bit like charcoal grey. Good if you don't want too dark of a look, but personally I love it for night time.


Lenght: Some people have reported/commented that this mascara makes their lashes TOO straight ("terantula lashes") but this can easily be fixed with an eye lash curler.


Thickness: I don't find it adds thickness to my lashes. It does make them look slightly fuller though and more fanned out.


Removal: So easy! Maybe because for the past months I'd been using waterproof mascara's (duh!) but removing this mascara is like a dream. I use extra virgin olive oil and it comes off rather quickly.


Overal verdict: Yes I'd buy it again and recommend it to everyone! It's now my go-to mascara. The packaging is a bit boring but I can live with it. I agree with some reviewers that the brush could have also been less fat so you can better get into the outer lashes/eye corners. I'm thinking of combining this with other mascaras.

The only thing I can say is that this mascara gives such dramatic lashes, I'd rather only  use it for night time.

Here you have the full look (eye liner, brows slightly filled in and Voluminous Mascara):

Does it live up to what it claims?
Have you tried it?

Revlon 3D Extreme Mascara review

What it claims:

Get the extreme lash makeover with Revlon 3D Extreme™ Mascara! It creates dramatic lashes with extreme fullness, curl and length – 25X fuller, 70% curvier and 80% visibly longer lashes. The Exclusive Bold Impact™ Brush is tapered to lift, amplify and separate even the tiniest lashes. The patented lightweight gel formula with intense color pigments delivers a bold lash look in one step – no primer needed! No caking or flaking. Available in 3 shades. Also available in Waterproof.

What it did:
-Think the wand looks like it does on in the picture? Think again.
I was very dissapointed when I opened the package and saw how clumpy the mascara was. It's like they've made the opening way too large for the brush so too much product comes out. You have to really scrape it against the edge of the tube before attempting to use.
I checked for some reviews online and EVERYBODY seems to have a problem with how much product comes out on the wand.

-If I applied 2 coats it became flakey.

-I got it for $12. Much more then I'm used to paying for drug store mascara's.

-They lied about it making lashes "400%" longer.

-A bit hard to remove b/c the formula is very thick and clumpy.


Now ONE reason which kept me from tossing it:
I have long lashes, so to hear me complaining about mascara is VERY rare. This one made my lashes look very curvy and also fuller. It also lenghtened - though not 400% like it claims. I had to go over my lashes with a lash-wand and curler to make my lashes look a bit less like "tarantula lashes".
I don't know if I'd wear this on a night out since I'm afraid of the flaking.


In summary: if you're willing to go thru all the madness for the flirty, curvy lashes, while risking possible raccoon eyes/flaky mascara, it's ok.

I'd give this one 2 out of 5 stars.
Save your money and buy another mascara.

Make your own colored mascara

Colored mascara trends go in and out of style. One minute their hot and the next their just tacky. Stars like Rihanna and other supermodels are bringing the look back. Covergirl’s New Exact Eyelights Mascara and LashBlast Luxe feature bit of color tint and shimmer.

So why not make your own at home for a fraction of the cost? Here's how you can have several mascara colors for the price of one:

1. Apply your (black/brown) mascara as you normally would.
2. Before it dries, dip a flat eyeshadow brush into a colored eyeshadow and pat on top of your lashes while looking down.

Pictured: Bourjois $7.50 available in 5 shades.

How To Get Movie Star Eye Lashes

Eyelashes can really add in-your face-drama to the eyes. People even go so far as to glue on false ones individually, and hey, if you've got the patients it's well worth it.

Here are my tips I wanted to share for getting the hottest "traffic stopping lashes" in a few simple, easy steps.

For night time:
Use an eye lash curler!

1. Apply your foundation and eyeshadow before you do your eyelashes. (Powder and eyeshadow are going to end up on your lashes anyway, so using mascara after is always a good idea to camouflage those powder specks. Plus that powder will add thickness to lashes.)
2. Curl your lashes.
3. Apply one coat of your daytime mascara. Personally I like Maybelline Lash Discovery because it separates so well without clumping. You may also want to comb your eyelashes with an eyelash brush.

4. Apply a second coat after about 2 minutes. I use "Covergirl Volume Exact". This one gives volume and length. My lashes end up looking so dramatic and almost fake. And I love it! :)


TIP for daytime and the "natural look":
1. Curl lashes.
2. An easy way to draw attention to your eyes without putting on a pile of makeup is use clear mascara. This gives a natural look and leaves lashes conditioned.

You can also try putting a dab of petroleum jelly/Vaseline to condition lashes... but only a dab or you'll end up with a load of grease  under eyes.