Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara Review, Photos and Before & After!

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara ($7) is a new mascara by Covergirl that promises volumized lashes (apparently 200% more volume to be exact) with zero clumps. The result? Big lashes that are separated.

In general, I like Covergirl mascaras, and with this mascara having a striking resemblance to one of my all-time favorites Covergirl Last Blast Mascara, I was really excited to give this mascara a try. I love the formula of Last Blast, but I'm not a huge fan of the mega-big, stubby bristled brush.

The Covergirl Clump Crusher on the other hand has a really good, effective brush. It's not as large, the bristles are a bit longer to help separate the lashes better, and the actual brush is curved so it hugs the base of all of your lashes for more even coats. It also works really well at catching those little corner lashes.

I tend to favor wetter formulas, and this one isn't very wet (but it's not very dry either) and it doesn't over deposit product on the lashes, which I think is one of the big factors as to why it doesn't get clumpy. 

I find that this mascara holds pretty true to it's claims and volumizes the lashes without clumping them together. It separates my lashes really well like Maybelline One by One or Make Up Forever Smokey Lash, and builds volume really well without looking clumpy, crispy or spidery. I wouldn't really consider it to be a lengthening mascara, as I don't notice much length, but I think it'd layer good with a lengthening mascara if you like combining mascaras.

Although I rarely ever wear mascara without a mascara base anymore, I tried this mascara both ways. As with any mascara, I prefer using a base prior. With a base, my lashes look a bit longer, and I'm able to achieve the look I want with two coats. Without a base, it takes me 3-4 coats to build my lashes up to my desired look.

This mascara holds up really well throughout the day without becoming sticky (some mascaras cause my top and bottom lashes to stick together.. so annoying!) and there is no smudging or flaking.

Also, it keeps the lashes fairly soft, so it isn't such a pain to remove. There is nothing I dread more than removing a crispy mascara.

Before and After

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer Review!

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer ($3) is a nourishing mascara primer that will add length and volume when applied to your lashes prior to your mascara. Boost the performance of any of your favorite mascaras and you'll be hooked! Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat and Soy Protein-enriched condition your lashes, which will make them stronger over time.

Mascara Primer is a MUST for me, and I rarely ever go without it. It's something I've been hooked on for the past couple of years and when I don't use one, it makes me think that every mascara on the market is mediocre.

I have yet to find a mascara primer that works well and is affordable, so when I saw that E.L.F. now has a mascara primer with very high reviews, I was excited to give it a try.

I always make sure to curl my lashes really well before ever applying a base. I use a Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which has been my favorite curler for years.

After curling my lashes, I apply the base as I would a regular mascara, by brushing my lashes from base to end several times until my lashes are evenly coated in product. Then I like to wait a minute or so, and with the very tip of the brush, run it along the ends of my lashes to extend my lashes out, making them look a little longer. Then, I let my lashes completely dry for one minute. (**I've found that if I don't wait for the base to fully dry, it will completely wipe off when I apply my mascara.)

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara Review!

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara ($23) is an ultra-pigmented mascara that delivers curl, volume, length and intense-pigment for some seriously bold lashes.

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara is available in (5) shades: Rich Black, Deep Brown, Dark Blue, Plum and Green.

It's not too often that I'll venture out into pricey mascaras. Considering a tube of mascara only lasts me a month, it's not something I really want to continuously replace - unless there is a mascara that magically transforms my lashes into drag queen lashes, I'm content with my $5 drugstore mascara. Anyways.

I've always wanted to know what the big fuss is with MUFE Smoky Lash, so I got a hold of a sample recently to try it out.

I really like the brush on Smoky Lash. It's a pretty traditional large, fluffy brush - that isn't too large or awkward, reaches my smaller corner lashes, and doesn't get all over my eyelids.

Often times when a mascara claims to provide both intense volume and length, the formula can tend to be clumpy. Make Up Forever Smoky Lash on the other hand seems to define/separate my lashes incredibly well. No matter how many coats I apply, I don't experience any clumping. Lash comb? Who needs one.

My eyelashes before and after (two coats)

Get the Most Out of Your Tube of Mascara!

Mascara can be expensive. Especially since it's a product that needs to be replaced often. If you're like me and go through a tube of mascara within three weeks (because you like to apply so many layers, of course) and want to extend the life of your dried out tube before purchasing a new one, try these awesome tricks — maybe some of you know them too!

• Run your mascara wand under hot water until the wand runs clean. Then, dip the wet mascara wand back in the tube, rubbing it against the inside walls of the tube. The heat and water will soften the product in the tube, making your mascara apply just like new!

• Fill a coffee mug up with water, and place the mug in the microwave for a minute or so. Remove the mug from the microwave and place your tube of mascara in the water. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to warm the product up. The heat will soften the product, loosening the product from the walls of the tube. When remove the wand, your mascara should look wet, as if it was new! Application will be less dry and flaky.

If your mascara is older than two-three months, you don't want to risk an eye infection, so toss the tube, but make sure to save the wand! I typically toss my mascara after one month since I have pretty sensitive eyes.

When your mascara is beyond saving, rinse the wand completely with warm water and soap, and lay it to dry. You now have a new eyelash comb/separator or eyebrow brush.

A spoolie (mascara wand) is a must in my makeup bag, as it's a tool I use every day, so having a few of them lying around doesn't hurt!

Uses for your Wand

Keeping Baby Hairs/Hairline/Sideburns in place - Spray your favorite firm-hold hairspray (over the sink, so you won't create a mess) on the brush end of the wand and use the brush to comb those little baby hairs in place. I have unruly sideburns, and when I do this simple little trick, my hair looks so much more clean and put together.

Budge-Proof Brows - The hairspray trick also works perfectly for keeping unruly eyebrows in place. Just be sure not to apply too much, or they may feel too stiff, depending on the hairspray you use.

A Subtle Brow Tint - This is a trick that works great for those with fine/light colored brows, or those who want to add a bit of color to their brows without filling them in. Roll the wand through a matte brown eyeshadow that flatters your brows until the bristles are coated, and lightly brush them through the brows. You might experience a little fall out, so I like doing this before my foundation. (see photo below)

A Lash Conditioner - Next time you're at the store, hunt down a bottle of Unrefined/Cold Pressed Castor Oil. It works great as a lash/brow conditioner. Pour a little castor oil in a travel container (you don't want to contaminate the bottle) and dip a clean mascara wand into the oil. Lightly sweep it across your brows and eyelashes at night, and you will notice quicker growth and stronger lashes and brows. I've done this and it works!

Separating the Lashes - Although a brow comb works wonders for separating clumpy lashes, a clean spoolie works great too! Sometimes a comb can actually remove mascara off the lashes, so say goodbye to the extra milometer of length your lengthening mascara gave you. I notice when using a clean mascara wand, it seems to disturb my mascara less, while helping separate clumps and pick up excess mascara.

A Replacement Wand - Do you have any mascaras where you loathe the wand? Save your favorite mascara wand and use it with any mascara you want for better results.

Do you have any helpful tips you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments!

Image Credits: Mascara Wands (Publishers Vault).

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara Review!

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara ($19) is a lengthening mascara with conditioning ingredients to promote growth and prevent breakage. It's an ultra-black, glossy formula that doesn't flake or flake.

Formulated without: •Sulfates •Synthetic Fragrances •Synthetic Dyes •Petrochemicals •Phthalates •GMOs •Triclosan

The tube design is pretty unique. The product is in-cased in a sturdy squeeze tube. It's great because you can get every last drop of the product out, just like a tube of toothpaste. With the standard mascara tube design, you're pretty much missing the product at the very top and bottom (like the old Urban Decay Primer Potion packaging — ugh, awful).

The brush design is.. well.. different. It's skinny and has a spiral bristle design. I'm not exactly convinced that it's a very effective design. It's a little awkward, and I notice that it doesn't coat my lashes evenly, as more product seems to gather at the base of my lashes, than the rest of my lash. With continued coats, it evens out, but can get clumpy. *To avoid clumpy lashes, wipe any excess product off the brush before applying.

With this mascara in particular, I prefer applying the coats continuously without allowing my lashes to dry in-between. It builds very well, and there are less clumps because you aren't re-dipping your brush until you get to the other eye.

The result? I found my lashes to look very curled (no lash curler necessary!) and the super black formula makes my lashes stand out, even from a distance. It also gives a little extra length and volume. My only real gripe is that it causes many of my lashes to clump together. So, keeping a clean spoolie handy will be your new BFF with this mascara.

My lashes before (no primer or lash curler used) and my lashes after (bear in mind that my lashes have NOT been combed though to separate any clumps).

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara Review!

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara ($29/two tubes) is a QVC exclusive mascara that is promised to provide some seriously dramatic lashes with added volume, length and separation. It even mentions on the box that it's clinically proven (but we all know clinical trials aren't always a trusted source) to increase lash volume by 430%! Yes girl, 430 percent.

Developed with leading plastic surgeons, Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Treatment Mascara revolutionizes and takes the place of five products--volumizing mascara; conditioning, hydrating lash primer; lash-enhancing serum; lash tint; and a lash comb/curler! Hello Lashes offers the blackest of black color that lasts and doesn't flake or fade. The triple-brush lengthens, curls, and separates lashes while the innovative Magic Wand lash ball detailer tip is designed to reach every last inner and outer corner lash. 

Combines a blend of lash-enhancing and conditioning ingredients, including peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5.

•Paraben-free •Fragrance-free •Phthalate-free •Sulfate-free •Cruelty-free

Wearing 'It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara' on my lashes

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara Review + Before and After!

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara

I'm sure the majority of us, regardless of age, have owned this little pink tube of mascara with the green cap at some point in our life. When I pass by the the makeup aisles and catch a glance at Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, it instantly reminds me of when I was about twelve or thirteen, when I first developed my love for makeup. Sure, it wasn't "all that", but it was cheap and at the time, it got the job done.

Needless to say, I have never repurchased it since because I like a little (or a lot) more oomph in my lashes, which the very natural, smudgy results of Maybelline Great Lash didn't prevail. So, Maybelline came out with a little something called Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes, a new spin on the classic original. 

This new mascara claims to provide "lots of impact", while the unique brush design grabs each lash for maximum separation and volume.

*Note: The directions state to not let this mascara dry between coats. For the best results, apply the mascara until you are satisfied with the achieved look. (more about this later)

It's available in three shades: Blackest Black, Very Black and Brown Black. I chose Blackest Black, as I always do.

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara Review + Before and After!

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara

Ever since Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara launched, I've been wanting to try it because of the appealing packaging. Revlon products in general have better product packaging than most of the other drugstore brands, but I think it was the shape of the brush along with the sleek black and silver tube that did it for me. Although the reviews for this mascara are pretty mixed, I couldn't wait to try it once my Maybelline Falsie's Mascara was finished.

The rubber brush has loads of thin bristles with a rounded tip, to easily reach every single lash for "maximum dimension". There aren't any claims that this mascara lengthens, but it's suppose to deliver lots of volume with two coats.

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara is available in three (3) shades: Blackest Black, Blackened Brown and Black. I purchased Blackest Black, of course.

Essence Get Big! Lashes Volume Boost Mascara Review

 Essence Get Big! Volume Boost Volume Mascara

Essence Get Big! Volume Boost Volume Mascara is one of Essence's newest mascaras. It claims to provide "density and abundance with every application" that won't clump or feel heavy on your lashes. The large brush design is said to reach even the tiniest lashes.

I've tried a couple of Essence's mascaras in the past - Lash Mania Mascara (meh) and their Multi-Action Mascara, which I actually think is pretty good.

They are very inexpensive - I don't think any of them cost over $4. So it's not a big investment if you wanna test out a few of them, or if you're just plain pressed for cash and don't feel like spending a lot on a mascara.

One thing I'm not crazy about is that the mascaras aren't sealed - I'm not sure if it's how they are sold everywhere, but at ULTA, none of them are sealed, and I'm sure people are opening them all day long, thus drying them out. Regardless, for a couple of bucks, I'm willing to give them a try.

I was drawn to the Get Big! Lashes Mascara because of the big honkin' tube and large, fluffy brush. For whatever reason, I'm drawn to trying out mascaras with huge wands even though they are typically ridiculously inconvenient to apply.

  Essence Get Big! Volume Boost Volume Mascara (wearing three coats)

READ MORE!

Maybelline Volume Express One By One Mascara Review!

Maybelline One by One Volum' Express Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Patented lash catcher brush has 3 bristles per lash to make every lash count. It catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier. Instant clump-free volume. Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist tested. Washable. (There are often Kmart coupon codes available for Maybelline)

Lash Catcher? Well, that's a fancy title for a mascara wand. The unique wand design is the star of the show in Maybelline's One by One Mascara, which I'm not actually too keen of. The shape is a rounded oval (like a football), with rows of rubber bristles that start out short and ascend toward the middle and descend again at the end. There's a tiny bit of space between each row, specifically so there are less bristles touching your lashes (think of it as one on one time with your lash and the bristle) to "catch" or coat your individual lashes. The result should be separated lashes with a little bit of volume, minus the clumps.

Review: Clarins Instant Definition Mascara!

Clarins Instant Definition Mascara

This month Clarins launched a few new products, one of them being the Instant Definition Mascara to add to their permanent line of mascaras. Clarins may not be a brand you'd naturally think of when it comes to mascara, as they only have a few to choose from - all of which, don't have too many reviews. But, this mascara is definitely worth mentioning.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Naturally volumise and thicken your lashes with the Clarins Instant Definition Mascara, a nourishing formulation with an innovative brush. The creamy texture creates a highly resistant film along each and every lash for day-long wear that doesn't flake or smudge. The barrel shape of the brush ensures completely even coverage from root to tip, and densely packed bristles of the nylon fibre brush ensure glossy volume every time. The added bonus? An elastomer bristle tip that works to separate and define the tinier lashes for perfect lash precision. Lashes are thickened and restructured, with enviable body and shine thanks to an intense concentration of colour-rich pigments. The repairing formulation strengthens the lashes as it colours them, with mineral-rich red and brown algae extracts as well as glycoproteins to keep lashes in great shape. Opthamologist and dermatologist tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Directions for use: Apply mascara along the whole length of lashes, from root to tip, with the fibre brush. With the elastomer brush, make up the smallest, shortest lashes at the inner and outer corner of eyes, including the bottom lashes. Separate lashes one by one and optimize distribution of the mascara.

On the US site, this mascara is available in one shade; 01 Intense Black. *EDIT: It's actually available in three (3) shades. Intensive Black, Intensive Brown and Intensive Blue.

The star of this mascara is the design of the brush. If you all liked the wand of Benefit's They're Real Mascara because of the little bristles at the tip of the wand, you'll really like this wand. It's your standard bristle wand, not too large, not too small and towards the end of the wand, the bristles are very short. The design makes it a synch to get to those smaller lashes, especially in the corners of your eye and bottom lashes.

The packaging is also very nice. It's a pale gold, squared tube with a little groove on the handle of the wand, which makes a nice little grip for your thumb while applying the mascara. (seen in the first photo) It's also reflective, so if you happened to forget a mirror, you can use the tube. (BTW, Do any of you have a mirror app on your phone? I tried using my boyfriends and I just had to laugh. I think if the creators can't figure out how to somehow "morph" the phone into a real mirror, I don't think they should have a mirror app, period. I cannot see a dang thing in a face-forward, crappy pixelated camera.) I'm always a fan of pretty packaging (as long as the actual product delivers), especially gold packaging or detailing, so for all of you make-up snobs, it's something chic to have in your cosmetic bag. ;)

The mascara has a bit of a wet formula, so when I apply it after I've curled my lashes, I usually manage to get mascara on my eyelids. It is of course avoidable if you apply it with your head slightly tiled back, rather than applying it straight-on in the mirror. Usually when I apply the mascara, I rarely have to dip my brush back in for one eye. The end of the wand picks up enough product to evenly distribute across the lashes. Aside from the brush easily reaching the corners, I love that I can get real precise and apply the mascara directly to the base of my lashes. It's a great mascara for length and volume. It's easily buildable with the constant brushing of the lashes. It also doesn't clump my lashes together, which is always a plus. It also keeps my lashes nice and pliable (not crispy), so I can easily add another coat or comb through them later in the day.

Here are my lashes with one good coat.

Lastly, it doesn't flake throughout the day, and I've only noticed a teeny bit of transfer (smudges) under my eyes after several hours of wearing it. It only happened a couple of times though, and I think it was probably from not having my concealer properly set with powder. So I always make sure I set my under-eyes with a good amount of powder, and it doesn't transfer.

Overall, I really like this mascara and I'm going to continue using it on a daily basis. It's a little expensive at $24 a tube, so I'm not sure if I'd re-purchase it, but I'm happy with it's performance. 

Disclaimer: The product mentioned was sent to me for consideration. The opinions expressed in this post are all my own, from my personal experience with using this product.

Review: Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (and a comparison to The Falsies Flared)

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

• Patented Spoon Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping
• Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, fuller lashes, no gaps from any angle
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula

For Best Results - Hold brush with spoon side upwards against lashes and sweep from root to tip. Repeat until desired look is achieved. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water.

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS & MY REVIEW!

Review: Maybelline Volume Express Falsies FLARED Mascara!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
• Patented Spoon Curler Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping.
• Unique flexible wand lifts and separates lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, lashes.
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested.
• Washable, also available in waterproof formula.

To be completely honest, I have no idea what the difference between the "flared" version and regular version are. I looked on the Maybelline website and the product description for both were the same. If you do know, please let me know in the comments!

Some of you may already know, my favorite mascara for the past couple of years has been Covergirl Lash Blast (the regular orange tube - although the purple and red tubes are fine too) But as of lately, I've been a bit bored with the same mascara for such a long time. Recently I picked up a few Maybelline mascaras to test out, and I've been using The Falsies Flared daily for a couple of weeks now.

First things first, the packaging and wand. The packaging is pretty simple, but I think it's really pretty, especially with the wings design on the cap (I suppose they're supposed to represent long, curled lashes), but it is a much prettier tube to have in my clear cosmetic bag rather than the bulky orange tube of Lash Blast. I personally love the wand. It's not plastic, which is a nice change and is large, fluffy and slightly curved. It makes applying mascara very simple to the top and bottom lashes. **bear in mind that if you have very short or sparse lashes, this wand may give you a bit of trouble as it is pretty large.

The actual formula of the mascara is quite good too. It does seem to lengthen my lashes (nothing too dramatic though) and it's easy to build volume with continuous strokes of the brush. It is a little bit of a drier formula, so I find that it works best to apply a second coat right away, because if you wait to long, the first coat may be a little too dry, resulting in flaking or clumping. I think this mascara does a great job separating, and I rarely have to use a lash comb to separate any clumps.

Here are my lashes with two coats of mascara. Looks great!

Lastly, throughout the day, there are no smudges/transfer below my eyes - which is a total score for me because most mascaras I end up trying will transfer throughout the day. My only complaint about this mascara is that IT FLAKES! It's nothing horrifying, but I do have to check my mirror every few hours because there will for sure be a few little tiny flakes that have landed on my cheeks. Definitely not a mascara you want to take a nap in and then plan on going out afterward, because flake city will be sitting under your eyes. *sigh*

I can deal with the very mild flaking because I really do like the appearance of this mascara on my lashes, and I will re-purchase if I find it on a sale that's too good to pass up - but I will be exploring my other options. 

I purchased the regular version of The Falsies, and haven't tried it yet, but I will post a review for it as well (if the formula is any different? As of now, I don't know if it is).

Have you tried this mascara? What did you think of it?

Covergirl Lash Perfection Volumizing Mascara Review!

Covergirl Lash Perfection Volumizing Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 
Volumizing mascara that individually wraps each lash for perfectly plumped lashes that resist clumping. Up to 3x the volume vs. bare lashes.

FEATURES:

• Innovative brush surrounds each lash with our amazing conditioning formula so each lash is individualized and volumized
• Hypoallergenic
• Removes easily with soap and water
• Ophthalmology tested 

Lash Perfection is one of Covergirl's newest mascaras. Covergirl Lash Blast has been my favorite mascara for the past couple of years, and there have only been a small handful of mascaras I've tested out during that time. Why? Because every other mascara I use ends up under my eyes in a couple of hours - I've pretty much stopped trying out new mascaras unless they claim to be smudgeproof/transfer resistant. Considering I've had pretty good luck with Covergirl Mascara's, I decided to try out Lash Perfection as I was in desperate need of a new tube of mascara and Lash Blast wasn't on sale ($9?! No thanks.)

First off, the wand is pretty similar to the Covergirl Lash Blast, Lash Blast Length and Volume Exact mascaras as the wand is rubber/plastic, as opposed to the standard wire/fiber wand. It's thinner than the Last Blast wand and a little fatter than the Lash Blast Length wand. Everyone has their own preference to the type of wands they like, and I have always really liked large, fluffy wands. I'm not really sure why, considering they are more likely to create a mess, but I've always found that they build volume better.Well, after two years of using Lash Blast, I'm getting really sick of that large wand. This wand works really well at coating the lashes and getting the smallest lashes in the inner and outer corners. Once applied, it's really easy to build volume with continued swiping of the lashes. This mascara doesn't claim to "lengthen", but I did find that it slightly lengthened my lashes. When the mascara dries, it dries slightly crispy - this is a good and bad thing. It's good because if you have thin, sparse lashes, it will hold a curl much better than a mascara that dries soft. It can be a bad thing because it's not very pleasant combing through crispy lashes. I do think this mascara holds a curl better than most mascaras I've tried. It actually keeps my lashes fairly curled all day without having to curl them myself with a curler. Throughout the day it doesn't flake, smudge or transfer. Lastly, it's simple to remove with baby oil and a cotton ball.

*Based on reviews, some have compared this to the recently discontinued MaxFactor Lash Perfection Mascara. So if you loved that one, this may be worth a try. (Makeupalley)

PROS: Slightly lengthens, Builds volume well, Minimal to no clumping, Separates well, Doesn't smudge, flake or transfer. Can look natural or a little more dramatic based on how much you apply. The price is great. It's a couple of dollars cheaper than Lash Blast ($5.99 at Target).

CONS: Makes the lashes a little crispy - which can be a good or bad thing based on individual preference.

PACKAGING: I think the packaging is nice. It comes in a sleek, charcoal tube and has a pretty good brush.

OVERALL: Overall, I think this is a great mascara and I will definitely re-purchase!

Review: Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara!

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

THE FORMULA

• Unprecedented Bold Volume™ formula has ultra light, lash-thickening fibers.
• Lifts and plumps even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl.

THE BRUSH

• Exclusive BrushComber™ thickens like a brush. Defines like a comb.
• Wraps your entire lash in air-light volume. Lashes soar with 360° lift and curl.

THE LOOK

• Daringly full, sensuously curved, all-out seductive lashes.
• Now take your lashes all the way to big, bold, beautiful.

EL's Sumptuous Mascara has everyone raving. Among all of Estee Lauder's mascaras, Sumptuous is the highest rated on makeupalley. Currently it has a 4/5 rating with a 73% re-purchase rate, which is very good for a mascara. The mascara claims to lift, curl and thicken (doesn't mention lengthen).

I received a tester size of this mascara a couple of months back from an EL counter purchase and haven't tried it until the past few days.

One (1) coat of EL Sumptuous Mascara.

My Thoughts: What is Sumptuous anyway?? Pronounced Suhmp.choo.uhs. It's an adjective that means "Lavish; Luxurious" or "Expensive". First off, let's talk about the formula. It isn't too thick and it isn't too thin. It's the perfect in-between. The formula seemed very wet (most likely because it's new) and coated my top and bottom lashes without having to go for a second dip in the tube. It didn't take long to dry and didn't transfer all over my lids or under eyes. I was able to go back shortly to add another coat. It seems to build volume well - without looking clumpy (Like L'Oreal Voluminous or YSL Faux Cils might). One thing I noticed right away was the richness of the black. It is definitely the blackest black and has a glossy finish - love that!! Although this mascara doesn't necessarily lengthen and the main focus is on the volumizing.. I do feel that my lashes look the slightest longer. Nothing dramatic though. If you prefer a more natural look... you can still use this mascara, but you only need a few swipes. The claims are true that my lashes do feel very lightweight while wearing this mascara. I really like the brush. It is larger at the base and then gets smaller toward the end so you can get extra close to your lashes and get into the small corners of your eyes. The only downside to this mascara was that after a couple hours of wear, I would get black transfer under my eyes. *sigh* This is the main reason I never purchase new mascaras.. because the only one that has never transferred is Covergirl Lash Blast. If you don't have a problem with your mascara transferring, this is a great mascara to check out! Otherwise, if you're like me... you may want to stick with mascaras that claim to be smudgeproof.

 This was last night wearing two coats. My hair and makeup looked terrible at this point because I took the photo after shoveling the snow outside for over an hour.

Review: Covergirl Professional Super Thick Mascara!

Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: "For big, bold, thick lashes, Super Thick Lash is the one. Its Lash Builder brush separates, defines, and reaches for those little lashes so you get thick, full lashes – so easy, so beautiful!"

»For bold, thick lashes

»Suitable for contact wearers and Sensitive eyes

»Smudge-proof

Review: I originally purchased this mascara because I thought I HAD to try it because of the positive reviews (rated 4/5 on makeupalley with a 75% re-purchase rate - which is high!). Another thing that lured me to try it is because I've had great luck with Covergirl Mascara (since Lash Blast is my fav!) and that it claims to be smudge proof. Smudging has always been my main issue with mascaras.. and I rarely explore many mascaras because the majority end up under my eyes except for my beloved Lash Blast. I had very high expectations for this mascara.. and I'm not at all disappointed.. but I'm not blown away by the results. The name of this mascara is "Super Thick Lash".. and I didn't find that this made my lashes "Super Thick". The original Lash Blast definitely builds more volume for me than this mascara.. BUT, this mascara gives me much more length.. which Lash Blast doesn't really do for me. Don't get me wrong, this mascara is buildable.. but it requires a little work to get them very volumized. This mascara has no distinct scent (just the typical scent), it stays true to the claim by not smudging, the color is very black, gives length, builds volume (requires several coats), dries quickly without smudging and doesn't make my lashes crispy. There are some mascaras that once you apply it.. you can't go back later in the day and add another coat without having wonky looking lashes. This one I could apply later in the day. The brush is a standard mascara brush.. nothing fancy. Easy to get close to the base of your lashes and in the corners. I think I actually prefer larger wands for some reason? I guess I can't really say anything bad about this mascara except for the fact.. that I wish the formula was a little wetter? So I can build volume as quick as I can with YSL Faux Cils or CG Lash Blast. I will continue using this mascara and I will probably combine this with Lash Blast for more dramatic lashes. Whats really nice about this mascara is the price! It's only around $4 - half of the price of Lash Blast. 

 If you're looking for a new mascara - This is a pretty nice one to try.. (For the record, it does much more for me than CG Last Blast Length & Maybelline Lash Stiletto..)

Whats your favorite mascara? Is there one you think I should try? Let me know in the comments. :)

Thanks for Reading!

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion.. Have you tried it? What do you think? My results + photos!

My best friend has been complaining about how terrible this mascara is.. and I haven't tried a mascara with the type of wand this particular one has so I asked her if I could give it a try. I already had on a coat of my Covergirl Lash Blast.. but I applied this over that. Right away my lashes were thick and clumped together. Quickly, I grabbed my Tweezerman Lash Comb and combed out the clumps. I applied two coats and combed my lashes through. And wow! I had some major volume. My friend said I could keep it.. so I was thrilled. When I went out that night, I got asked if my lashes were real.. and then I went into a whole mascara conversation with the sales clerk. Lol I didn't have any smudges or flakes by the end of the night.

I did the same thing today as well and I loved the results again.. I love that you can get the corners very well and that you can build so much volume so quick!

I haven't tried this mascara on its own.. and I'm not too sure if I will. But, I know I will continue using this as a layering mascara to build very dark, voluminous lashes.

This mascara has a TERRIBLE rating on makeupalley.com (Currently 2.6/5 stars with a 34% buy back rate based on about 400 reviews). The main thing raters say is that it's very clumpy.. I think a metal lash comb is the way to go.. It's definitely a must have if you're a fan of thick lashes..

Here were my results today. I didn't go too thick. I applied one coat of Covergirl Lash Blast and one coat of Telescopic Explosion.

So I'm curious. Have you tried this mascara? What did you think??

CARGO Texas Lash Mascara Review!

Cargo TexasLash Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Maximum volume mascara for Texas-sized lashes! The fat, oversized brush allows for easy application with just one coat while the unique formulation heavily coats the lashes for immediate impact high volume lashes in an instant. An innovative elastic polymer formulation that forms small tubes around the lashes creating a smudge proof barrier that is removable with warm water and gentle pressure or make-up remover and gentle pressure.

I received this little surprise in the mail last week and I've been wearing it for a few days now and I have to admit, I LOVE this mascara!!! I just logged onto makeupalley and was shocked to see that the ratings of it wasn't higher. It has an overall 3 of 5 stars based on 52 reviews.

My thoughts: First off, I didn't know this was a "tube" mascara until I took a shower and my mascara was running off my face in little "tubes" or stands. I was pretty happy about that because tubing mascaras don't smudge. I have a huge problem with mascara smudging (with the exception of my beloved CG Lash Blast). The packaging, nothing special just a basic, black tube. I love the large fluffy applicator (some people prefer a small applicator, but I prefer large wands) It applies a generous amount of product to my lashes in a short time. For me, it both lengthened and volumized my lashes. I noticed you can't wait too long to apply your second coat because it dries fairly quickly, and once your mascara is dry it makes applying more a little yucky. You may need to use a lash comb in between application because it doesn't do the best job separating. Another thing I noticed is, I don't get as much volume on my bottom lashes as I do on my top lashes which is a little odd. When I used a mascara base before application of this mascara I got more dramatic results as opposed to applying it alone. Also, one of the days I was wearing a very natural coat of Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara and I applied TexasLash Mascara over it, my eyelashes looked so black, long and voluminous that a few people asked me if I was wearing false lashes. I will most likely be repurchasing this once I run out. I'll keep you all updated if anything changes! I'll have pictures to come.

Have you tried this mascara?

**Update: Although this is a great mascara, I don't like the fact that it is so hard to remove! The only good way of removing this mascara is under warm water in the shower. Using my Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes do not take it off adequately and I noticed I was losing lashes because I was having lots of trouble removing it every day. I have not yet repurchased this mascara.

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for free. I was not paid for this review. These are my honest opinions from my personal experience.