Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

It's no secret that I love a good mascara and as soon as I heard that the Maybelline Lash Sensational was a) a decent dupe for Benefit Roller Lash and b) on introductory offer I had to go out and grab it - you get that don't you? It's meant to give a multiplied, layered, super-black look to the lashes - you get it now don't you?

The curved brush is plastic and packed with teeth-like bristles ranging from small to big and the overall size is much fatter and heftier than the Roller Lash brush (which you can see in my review here).  Huge brushes aren't always the best option for my pathetic lashes but I find the key is to scrape the excess mascara off all sides of the brush  really, really well,  if not it can clog lashes up as the formula is quite thick and creamy and you have to comb through.  However, now I've got the hang of it I'm really pleased with the overall effect.  It grabs all available lashes -  is jet black and gives good volume, length, curl and definition, and I love the impression of thickness to the base of the lashes so I don't have to grab my eyeliner all the time!  One to two coats is enough for me but it's easy enough to add an extra layer for more drama later on - as long as you remember to scrape - never forget 'the rule of the scrape'!  I've applied first thing in the morning and it's lasted all day and into the night with no flaking or smudging - even after a) a night out or b) I've fallen asleep on the settee for an hour or so (hate that groggy feeling when you wake up on the settee and remember you still have to remove your make-up!). What I would say is that you do need a good eye-make up remover - I have to saturate my lashes for a minute or so, once the formula is broken down it can then be wiped off without removing those precious lashes in the process!

Before and after the Maybelline Lash Sensational multiplying experience ... two coats on here - you can see for yourself which is which ...

If you read my blog you may remember that I've never really got on with Maybelline mascaras, always wanted to but it never quite happened until I tried the Maybelline Big Eyes.  I'm happy to report that this is another success - it's a great mascara both for everyday use and nights out, gives instant 'oomph' to the old lashes and is a very decent price of £7.99.  I love good lashes for not a lot of dosh!

Have you tried the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara? Which mascara are you enjoying at the moment?

Jen x

PS - A small edit!  I suddenly remembered this morning (whilst in church of all places - how bad it that!) that I'd not really mentioned how Lash Sensational compares to Roller Lash - given that it's meant to be a dupe and all!  The Roller Lash wand grips and pulls the lashes up in a way no other wand has done and gives more length and cleaner definition.  It's a good one if you're in a massive rush and more of a daytime mascara I'd say.  Lash Sensational gives the lashes a thicker, heftier appearance but you do have to spend a bit more time on the whole process.  I suppose it just depends on how much you're willing to pay. £19.50 is a bit steep for me so I'd be drawn to the cheaper option and just work at it until I achieve the desired results - but that's just me! How about you?

Benefit Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

So ... by now everyone and their maiden aunt will have heard about the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara freebie with March's Elle magazine.  I had to try it out (that's obvious right!) ... I never got on with They're Real so was hoping the Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara would be a different kettle of fish!

The wand has slight curve to it and is packed with plastic bristles/spikes - longer on the top (as you may be able to see) gradually reducing in size towards the underneath - almost like rows and rows of tiny canine teeth!   I understand the bristles are meant to hug and roll each lash to provide long lasting lift, curl and definition.  Here it is on ...


Bare on the left and two very quick coats of Roller Lash on the right ...

My natural lashes are, obviously, fine and not very long (bad combination) although they do have a slight natural curl to them (I'd be interested to see how Roller Lash performs on bang straight lashes). Anyway ... it does seem to live up to it's name by grabbing each lash and pulling and curling them up. A good jet black and the formula is not too wet, dry, thick or thin but has a creamy consistency that is easy to work with. The curve of the brush fits my eyelid perfectly top and bottom,   I use the shorter bristles underneath the wand to apply the mascara and the longer ones on top to comb through then turn the wand over for the lower lashes.  I don't leave too long a gap in between coats as it can start to clump up a little, if I go back for another coat later on I use the longer bristled side of the wand to apply as this produces less clumps.  The tube has one of those internal 'brush scraper thingies' (technical term that!) inside but I still do a quick manual scrape now and then just to avoid too much excess on the brush.

I can honestly say this is one of the best mascaras I've used (and I've used a lot!).  It's great for everyday wear as it gets the job done in a jiffy - a real bonus when you're in a rush in the morning! Gives immediate length, curl and lift which opens up the eye area.  It lasts all day with no flaking or smudging but is easy enough to remove with a good eye make-up remover.  You can 'up the ante' on the volume front by adding extra coats carefully or going over with a volumising mascara - makes the lashes pop!

It's definitely a winner - the only thing about it that niggles me is the price - I understand it'll cost around £19.50 on release at the end of Feb/early March - is it too expensive? Am I being a skinflint?

Have you tried Benefit's Roller Lash yet? Would you pay the full price for this mascara?

Jen x

Clinique High Impact Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

Believe it or not I seem to have 'calmed down' a little when it comes to buying mascara - I've found a couple that work well but still can't resist the odd magazine freebie - guess I'm not on my own there!  The Clinique High Impact Mascara (in black) was included with the Glamour magazine back in the Summer.  Described as a 'multi-benefit' mascara it's meant to add maximum volume, definition and length ...

Not sure you can tell from this pic but the brush is a bit longer than I'm used to and the bristles are a little more splayed out. Maybe this is why it doesn't add as much volume as I was expecting but more length and definition?  The formula is pretty standard, a bit thin and didn't really do much at all when first opened but now it's had chance to thicken up a bit it works much better.  Easy enough to apply, not too bad on the clump front as long as the excess has been scraped from the brush, a decent black pigment (as you would expect) and stays on all day, no flaking or smudging. Extra coats can be applied later on - again - following a 'good scrape'!   For some reason though I can't get right into the inner corner of my eye to catch those super-tiny lashes, the brush doesn't seem to pick them up, not sure why, maybe it's the bristles? I've tried on numerous occasions but can't seem to get the knack - annoying!

Lashes before and after below ...

So ... I'm a bit on the fence ... it's not a bad mascara but maybe I was expecting something a bit more 'in yer face' with the whole 'high impact' thing and all?  I'd not pay £17.50 for the full size but luckily this sample cost me just £2.00 with good ol' Glamour ...!

Have you tried the Clinique High Impact Mascara? Which is your favourite at the moment?


Jen x

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Waterproof - Review

Bonjour!

I bought the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in the Waterproof option back in July - in   preparation for my daughter's end of term school concert/assembly ...

Bourjois say their Volume 1 Seconde gives your lashes 'clump free 360 deg volume', due to this unique brush which is made of both spherical and straight bristles -  it's basically a load balls and spikes! Apparently, the balls are meant to do the coating and the spikes take care of the separation bit.  The formula is quite thick and creamy with a good black pigment and it has an 'internal scraper thingy' at the top of the tube which means you don't get too much product on the brush. You're meant to apply in a zig-zag motion to top and bottom lashes to create an 'instant eye-opening look'. The brush is quite large and fat - which means I have to be careful not to coat my lids when applying at the base of lashes. That said it's not too bad to work with after a bit of practise, although I have to keep up with the zig-zagging to avoid clumps - if any do arise a quick comb through is all that's needed.  I tend to apply two coats straight off as it dries pretty quickly - it is possible to add extra coats later on but can clump if used in this way (whether or not this is due to the waterproof formula I'm not sure, not having tried the standard).  Although I haven't immersed my head in water, I literally bawled my eyes out at the leaver assembly in July, the Volume 1 Seconde did good and literally did not move despite almost constant saturation for about an hour or so!   You do have to use a decent eye make-up remover and although it takes a bit longer than a standard mascara it's not too bad to remove after you've broken down the formula, by holding your eye-makeup pad over your eyes for a minute or so rather than rubbing!


A before and after with a couple of coats on ... apologies - I have no other make-up on  apart from under-eye concealer - how  did I not do my brows!

Although it obviously take me longer than 1 second (or thereabouts!) to achieve decent results, all in all I think this is a pretty good mascara, it volumises (as promised) but also curls, lengthens and defines well and basically doesn't shift all day.   Bit more pricey than some high-street brands at £9.99 but I'd be interested to try the standard version to see how it holds up on the non- waterproof front!

Have you tried the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara? Which waterproof mascara have you been using this Summer?


Jen x

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

I bought the Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara (in black) a while ago - not long after it was first launched actually as it was on offer with a couple of quid knocked off.  Not sure why really as I've never really 'got on' with Maybelline mascaras and therefore delayed opening it up! It boasts a double-ended brush - the upper brush is designed to volumise and push the lashes up whilst fanning them out with a quick-drying formula. The lower 'micro-brush' is meant to grab and coat all those elusive lower lashes.

I don't think you can see from the above pics but the top brush has a twist to it so the bristles almost spiral around the wand (reminds me of Bare Minerals Lash Domination in that respect) - maybe it's that ol' twist that's the secret weapon?  The top brush is just the right size for my lashes - not too fat - not too thin and works (for once!) with the formula, which appears to be the right consistency. It fans the lashes out well and provides length, volume and definition.  It's smudge and flake proof and managed a whole day in the office last week during our '33 degrees office heatwave' without moving - so proper result there! I tend to apply two coats as quickly as possible as it does dry in no time and you have to work fairly quickly if you want to layer. You need to scrape excess mascara off the brush well, especially if you do come back for another coat later on - otherwise it will clump and you'll need to comb lashes through. It's easily taken off at the end of the day with a decent remover.  I have to say that although I can see the reasoning behind the lower brush, it doesn't really have the desired effect for me and I get far better results using the top brush on the bottom lashes. If anything, I've just been using the lower brush to add a bit of extra definition once my mascara is on just because it's there and I don't want it to feel left out!

Two quick coats here on usually non existent lashes (no idea what's going on with those mammoth frown lines - good aren't they?).

I'll admit this is my first success with a Maybelline mascara - 'Big Eyes' is great for everyday wear. It's been a pleasant surprise and if it sported just the one upper brush I'd readily repurchase at the full price of of £8.99... I may well do anyway and just ignore the micro brush!

Have you tried Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara? What do you think of 'bottom lash brushes'?

Jen x

Mally Volumizing Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

Mally Beauty products are described as high performance and bulletproof, used by A-listers and busy mums alike! The Volumizing Mascara has been part of my ongoing stash for a couple of years now - you know when you keep going back to that certain something because it just works for you? Can't believe I haven't blogged about it before now!

Mally's mascara includes a combination of natural waxes blended with powders to create a formula neither too thick nor too runny. As you can see from the above pic. the brush is of a standard size with fairly closely packed bristles. The two work really well together to create hefty black lashes with volume, length, definition and curl with minimal transference to the lids! It stays in place all day with no flaking, smudging, melting or running until removed - and as long as you use a decent eye make-up remover it comes off fine. You can also add further coats throughout the day should you want to 'up the ante' - I have to confess I have done just this on occasion before a night out, reapplied more mascara over the top and just changed the make-up around it! Do all mums take short cuts like this or just me? As with all the Mally products I have so far tried, I find this mascara easy to use, it's gimmick free and delivers great, long-lasting results with no faff or fuss. There is also a waterproof formula available which I imagine would be ideal for water babes on holiday. It's not cheap to buy alone at around £17 but mine have all been included in QVC kits so I've never actually paid full price!

A couple of coats on (regular readers will know how puny and pathetic my bare lashes are!) ...

So ... another winning product from Mally - it's easy to handle, does the job with minimal fuss, is reliable, a great all rounder and sticks around (until you need to get rid) ... a bit like some men!

Have you tried any products from Mally Beauty? Which is your most 'reliable' mascara?

Jen x

A Lil' Giveaway ...!

Bonjour!

I told myself that when I got to 450 followers on Bloglovin (which may seem small fry to some but is a huge deal to me!) I would do a little celebratory Giveaway! On Saturday morning I reached 450 - yey!! but then at lunchtime it had gone down to 449 - pants!!  Despite the 'pants' situation I decided to go ahead with the Giveaway because what's one follower, more or less, between us bloggers ... ? And now I'm back at 450 - yey!!  Anyway - I'm giving away three of my favourite products of the moment to one winner  ...

Elf Baked Eyeshadow Palette in California
Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose
L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara in Black

You can read my reviews on Rich Rose and Miss Manga here and here. Swatches for my California Palette can be found here. Now although I can't vouch for this personally I did read that this is very similar to a certain Sephora palette - and that can only be good yes?!

To enter please complete the Rafflecopter below ...

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*The Giveaway will run until  23.03.14 and is open internationally *All entries will be checked.
*Please obtain permission/consent from an adult if you are under 18 *As with all new products please be aware of possible allergic reaction and remember to test the product suitably first.


Good Luck!

Jen x

L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

I picked up the L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara a few weeks ago whilst it was offer. The 'Manga' look is based on the Japanese comic strip characters with huge doll eyes fringed with big lashes - since I'm a fan of large lashes and a total mascara addict, curiosity got the better of me - as always ...!

Over on the L'Oreal website the benefits are described as follows...

"Miss manga features a 360 degree flexible brush for effortless application. Its unique brush has a flat surface to intensify and amplify upper lashes while its conical shape capture the lower lashes. Formulated with collagen spheres and polymers for ultimate volume and hold."   (source)

I found this brush easy enough to work with - it does take some getting used to at first, the flexible bit lets the stem 'give' a little (be interesting to see if it would work without this feature) but those flat bristle type thingies almost 'hug' and coat each lash really well without depositing excess mascara all over the eyelid - which means you can work well to thicken the look of the lashline. A creamy formula with a good black pigment - it does add length but for me it's all about the volume (as is stated on the can) and curl which lasts all day -it's also really easy to grab the lower lashes with the thinner end of the brush without making a mess!  I've applied first thing before work, then gone onto the gym straight after (no, I don't remove my make-up before the gym, don't have time!) and it's still in place last thing when I remove without any smudging or flaking.     In my experience, though,  it works best by applying a couple of good coats one after the other (with a bit of wiggling of the wand) - all in one go and I mean that quite literally.  It's not a mascara where I can shove an extra coat on at a later stage as it clumps up and has to be combed through.  It's not as stubborn to take off as 'that stubborn mascara' but it's also not the easiest so you do need to use a decent eye make-up remover.  The top pic shows the usual pathetic bare lashes (obviously) and bottom after a couple of coats of Miss Manga ...

I have seen the Manga ad on TV where the lovely young girl's lashes are huge (lucky girl) but also quite clumpy in places - not everyone's cup of tea and not the look I'm after.  However, used correctly I think the pics speak for themselves and I'm more than happy with the results so Manga is a winner in my book and a mascara I'd be happy to re-purchase at £8.99.  Also available in violet and turquoise for the more adventurous out there but for me it's always black!

Have you tried the L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara (what a mouthful!)? What's your favourite mascara of the moment?

Jen x

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

This is the latest mascara offering from Bare Minerals - the Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara.  You may be aware that Debenhams offers a 'Try Something New Guarantee' on selected beauty products. Basically you buy the full size, receive a sample size to try first and if it doesn't work for you return the full-size (unopened) product within 28 days.  You can always have a look at the Debenhams website here to check out the details!

So...I bought the full size Lash Domination mascara and received a sample to try...been using it for a few weeks now...

The mascara boasts 10 benefits as below...

And here's my little sample - with full size brush inside to try...

The brush is a rubber/plastic one with a twist to it - literally - (called 'Protwist180') which is meant to curve around and coat the lashes from all angles...looks like a weapon of torture doesn't it - just joking! ;)

I'm in a bit of a quandary about this one! The brush looks pretty fierce but is quite comfortable to use once you get the hang of the twisty vibe.  The formula is a thick and creamy consistency and an intense black pigment (intense black is good in my opinion). I've found you need to practise with the brush - it has to be really well scraped of excess mascara - otherwise it ends up everywhere and clumps.  A lot of wiggling has to take place for me to get the desired effect and a comb through with my lash comb at times. I have also experienced a bit of light smudging on my lower lids when I've worn it on my bottom lashes - it wipes away easily enough but I have to remember to check! On the upside you can build up quite a dramatic effect once on if you don't mind  a bit of clumpage, gives the impression of thicker lashes (my lashes are really fine), a good amount of length, holds the curl up, isn't crispy or drying on the lashes and lasts all day without flaking until removed, which isn't too difficult with a decent eye make-up remover.  It's definitely become easier to handle now that it's been opened and dried up for a while.  It's just that I'm not sure I should pay £16.00 a pop when there are cheaper mascaras that may well do as good a job ... or would they...?

Here it is in on with a couple of coats ...

If I had to choose between this mascara and another well known and loved (by many) premium mascara with a spiky brush (you know the one) - then this would be my preferred choice.  As I say - it's good with a little time and patience but not sure it's the one to beat all ones! Is it just me - am I being too picky? Have you tried the Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara?

Jen x

Mally Instant Impact Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

I seem to have accumulated a few mascaras waiting for a review and this is one of them.  The Mally Instant Impact Mascara was one of the products included in the Mally TSV from QVC (how did you guess?) back in April ...

The brush is a rubber type and is made is made up of clusters or 'balls' (no rudeness intended there!) of different length 'spikes' (but not painful ones!) which graduate in size down to the smallest at the tip.  It's not super stiff and has a little give in it so is comfortable to use even on my short lashes - (unlike some spiky wands where you end up poking or scratching yourself in the eye!) - good for grabbing the lashes and coating them evenly.  The formula is on the wet side but not overly so and is a smooth, glossy black pigment.

This has been my go-to mascara for the last few months.  A couple of quick coats in the morning is ideal for me (you could easily get away with one coat I reckon if you have more lashes than me!). I find it's better to apply one coat directly after the other rather than waiting until the lashes have completely dried. It doesn't smudge, flake or run (I've had teary eyes at end of term school concerts and there was no panda activity!)  but comes off relatively easily with a suitable remover. I took it on holiday this year - applied in the morning and it stayed there all day with no meltdown - even in the heat (I didn't partake in any underwater activity!).

Just a couple of very quick coats concentrated on the top and a tiny bit on the bottom for daytime (no eyelash curlers used).  If you're a reader of my blog you'll know how pathetic my bare lashes are so this length and definition on my top lashes is a result!

I must admit I was sceptical about the Mally Instant Impact Mascara but it's been a great all rounder.   It's only just starting to clump and dry a little in the tube now after five months of use.  My only gripe - and probably the reason I've not posted this review before now is that it doesn't seem to be sold here in the UK as a separate item - only in the same QVC kit I originally purchased or over on QVC USA as a $30 duo. Wonder if this will change in the future?

Have you tried the Mally Instant Impact Mascara? What's your favourite of the moment?

Jen x

Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

The Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara is another product that was included in the recent TSV from QVC.  Naturally - being a total mascara fiend I was excited to try it...I'm always excited at the prospect of a new mascara...!

"Our water-resistant and long-lasting mascara helps you achieve perfectly defined lashes that look longer and fuller." 

(source)    

The brush is comprised of tiny bristles and is a standard shape and size.  I found the formula to be fairly dry which meant that it didn't glide on and was quite difficult to apply compared to some mascaras.  It works best for me if I apply two coats, one almost immediately after the other - it's not one that I can return to later on and add another coat if I fancy building the look up, as it seems to clump up on my lashes and I need to comb through.  I find it lengthens and defines but doesn't particularly add any fullness or volume.  Once on though it does leave the lashes with a natural, conditioned feel to them with no brittle or crispy thing going on - and also holds the curl up well.  It lasts well throughout the day without smudging or flaking (even in the height of hay fever season) and is really easily removed with my cleansing balm - so all is not lost.

A couple of coats just on the top ...

I'd say this mascara would probably work well for those with longer thicker lashes to achieve a natural daytime look and could make a perfect holiday mascara due to it's water resistance.  For anyone (such as myself) wanting a bit more 'oomp' to my lashes, unfortunately this isn't the one so not something I'll be re-purchasing.

The Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara comes in at £14.50/8ml and is available in Black or Brown.

Have you tried this mascara? What's your favourite mascara of the moment?

Jen x

Seventeen Va Va Voom Volume Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

Ok so when I bought this 17 Va Va Voom mascara (months and months ago) it looked liked this...

...so you can tell how long I've had the tube! With this in mind I thought I'd best open it up and have a bash with it before Christmas.  The external packaging has been re-vamped and now looks like this...

...however the formula and brush remains the same (I checked at Boots recently but didn't buy anything - can you believe it!).

So - as the name suggests this mascara is all about making the lashes pop - just what I'm after - always!  The brush is a big bristle one rather than plastic - it's one of the biggest I've used and I've used a fair few! I had to be careful not to get the mascara on my top lid when applying at the roots of the lashes but it's just practise I guess and I think I've cracked it. The formula is actually pretty thick (don't know whether you can see the blob on top of the brush) which can 'up' the clump factor but - again - with a bit of wiggling/practise I seem be able to avoid too many clumps and just use my eyelash comb if needs be.  It's a good solid black, stays put all day without flaking or smudging but is easily removed with my cleansing balm without excessive rubbing etc.

The usual naked barely there lashes...

Cutting straight to the chase with a couple of coats of  Va Va Voom and specs...

At first I wasn't sure I liked this mascara - the size of the brush and type of formula took a bit of getting used to - but I have to say it's grown on me and really thickens the look of my lashes.  So, another mascara success from Seventeen here.  My Va Va Voom is in Black - however looks like there is also a Blackest Black available  - which sounds very tempting!

Seventeen/17 Va Va Voom is priced a mere £6.29 from Boots here.

Have you tried out any Seventeen/17 mascaras - I'm slowly working my way the range - can you tell? - which is your favourite so far?
.

Jen x

17 Peep Show Mascara - Zombie Review

Bonjour!

I've been on a strict 'no opening of new mascaras' rule for a while.  I'm sorry to say I've now broken it. You know when you get to that stage when your mascara(s) are starting to clump/dry up a bit and aren't coating the lashes so easily - well this was the perfect excuse to crack open a new one!

Ok - so I went for 17 Peep Show which I bought back in June when they had their 'Fest of All Kit' offer on. According to 17 this mascara 'gives you voluptuous volume and no clumps...just a full flirty flutter.' At only £6.29 seemed like a good call...

The brush...

The naked skinny lashes...

The old 'can you see my lashes when I have my specs on' test - apologies for the trance/zombie/extra from Dr Who-like state - think I was concentrating too much. You can all stop laughing now!

At first I thought the brush may be too fat for my lashes and it's also not as firm as some I've used and seems a bit 'fluffy' if you like.  However, the mascara (complete with fibres) went on really easily and didn't clump. It's not a runny mascara but quite a creamy formula which I suppose holds the fibres better. It didn't smudge or flake and was really easy to remove at night. In my world this is a 'good lash' day, they look longer and sort of fluttery to me with minimal faffing, no fibres on cheeks and no eyeliner on top lid for extra definition.  I've not curled or combed through my lashes in the above pics and they pass the 'dope with specs on' test. I did actually whack on three coats the following day and the effect was more volumising (sorry didn't have time for a pic as I was dashing out). My lashes aren't  ever going to be super-fat (without extensions) but length and flutter-wise this is a winner!

You can check out 17 Peep Show from Boots website here.

Have you tried 17 Peep Show - what's your favourite mascara at the moment? Maybe I shouldn't ask this as I'll just want to go out an buy it!

Jen x

No 7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara!

Bonjour!

Following on from my recent Mas(s)cara post here are my thoughts on No 7 Fanomenal Lashes mascara.

I bought this a couple of weeks ago as I had a No 7 £5 off voucher, No 7 mascaras aren't the cheapest (Fanomenal is £12.95) so the voucher makes them much more affordable.

The packaging is 'eye-catching' (no pun intended!) although to be honest if the product does it's job I'm not so bothered about it's 'exterior' if you know what I mean!

According to No 7 -

"The unique 'star' brush is made up of clever cogs which load and comb through the lashes to volumise, lengthen and separate, creating a spectacular fan of lashes."

Sounds ideal doesn't it?  Here's the brush ...

So here's the old puny eyelashes without any mascara (told you they were fine!).

And with a quick couple of coats of Fanomenal ...

Nice bit of bloodshot there!

The brush is a bit strange until you 'get the hang of it' (you'll either love or hate it I suppose) but it's the ideal size for my skinny lashes it coats them top and bottom without getting mascara all over my eyelids.

I'm never going to get a huge amount of volume but it does seem to lift and fan lashes out.  It can clump lashes together though (I actually don't mind a lil' bit of clumpage!) so have a good scrape of the brush, especially if adding extra coats of mascara. I also had to do the old 'wiggle of the wand' from side to side! A decent black pigment and didn't smudge or flake and lasted all day  - went to the gym as well and it was still there in all it's glory when I took it off that night!

I'm happy with this mascara, (you know you like it when you find yourself reaching for the same one each morning) and will buy it again but I have so many others to use up I'll have to resist 'stockpiling' for now!

The final test for me is whether my lashes are 'there' when I wear my geeky specs ...looks like I'm in a bit of a trance there, sorry!

Anybody else fancy a bit of 'Fanomenal'? What's your favourite mascara of the moment?


Jen x