Quick Reviews #32: Some New Mascaras

Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara

This latest release from Benefit claims to build massive volume without weighing down the lashes, and it does so by including aero-particles (one of the lightest known materials) in the formulation. Riiiight.

I enjoyed the slim, flexible wand and short plastic bristles – it really helps you nestle the wand into the roots of the lashes and distribute the mascara in one even coat from root to tip. However, this formulation is wetter than an otter’s pocket, so I found that even though the first coat went on smoothly, I wasn’t able to properly build volume with subsequent coats. The formula was almost too slippery, like the layers couldn’t bind together in order to give the illusion of a thicker lash. What I want from a mascara is separation, definition and volume; I do not need length. This mascara did the opposite – it made me look like I had a couple of longer lashes, instead of a plumped up lash line filled with lots of lovely thick lashes.

Another issue I have with this is that it smudges like nothing else. After an hour or two, my brow bone is sooty from the transfer, and I’m not about that life. I tried various techniques in an attempt to circumvent this problem (primer and powder on the browbone; looking down for a minute post-application to allow the mascara to set), but sadly nothing has worked yet. With that being said though, I am going to hold onto it and wait for it to dry out a little, and then I’m going to try again. I am hoping that once the formula isn’t quite so wet anymore, it might work a little bit better for me. I will keep you posted.

Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara*

I have been so impressed with this little gem from Urban Decay! I’ll spare you the PR claims (which include ‘sex proof’ lashes – um, ok), and get right down to what I like about it: the formulation is jet black, buildable, doesn’t transfer or smudge, and is easy to remove…that’s a slam-dunk as far as I’m concerned. The bristles are plastic and, admittedly, quite aggressive, but they do help ensure that you avoid clumping as you’re building volume, and they do a great job of separating and defining the lashes. It’s adequately lengthening I would say – not as lengthening as the Benefit mascara though (which is a plus for me).

It builds volume quickly and evenly and once it sets it doesn’t budge on me. I wore it to a spa day over the weekend and it survived a massage, a sauna session, a jacuzzi and two stints in a steam room. When I say ‘survived’ I mean literally not one flake, not one smudge and zero transfer. Very impressive, wouldn’t you agree? Well done, Urban Decay, this gets the ADU stamp of approval!

Thick, perfectly defined, jet-black lashes. Yes!

Max Factor False Lash Epic Mascara*

Right, let’s just get it out of the way, shall we? This brush is loathsome. The spiky ball at the end is cumbersome and, quite frankly, a bit of a hazard. Manoeuvring the wand so as to use it without poking yourself in the eye takes some practice, but once you’ve got the hang of it, then the end result can be quite nice.

In terms of the formula, I’d give it a 6/10. There’s nothing obviously wrong with it, but there’s nothing wonderful about it either. It separates, defines, volumises and lengthens on a ‘ok’ scale, and I suppose if you’re into a more natural effect, then perhaps this might be good for you. I still think that the original False Lash Effect is superior though, and I’d recommend you spend your money on that instead.

Have you tried any of these mascaras yet? If so, what are your thoughts?

*PR Sample

16 comments on Quick Reviews #32: Some New Mascaras

  • Hanneri

    Thanks for the honest review. I really like the effect that the Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara gives your lashes. I am going to put this on my shopping list for when it launches. I love it that I can now buy good mascaras thanks to beauty bloggers’ reviews. Enabling me but saving me money at the same time 😉

    • Camilla (author)

      Thanks Hanneri. It really is great, isn’t it? I don’t love it as much as the Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara (which will probably be my favourite until the day I die), but it comes in at a very close second.

  • Jolene Krantz

    Thank you for your honest review.
    Can i just say that your eyebrows are amazing! Wish they were mine.

    • Camilla (author)

      Thank you Jolene! All you need is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil and the Maybelline Brow Precise Fibre Volumizer – they have changed the game for me.

  • susan symondson

    So enjoy your reviews and blog!
    Well done.
    On the recommendation from Julia I bought the cheapie ESSENCE one she reviewed.
    It is super. Possibly better than my Lancome go to?

    • Camilla (author)

      Thank you so much, Susan! Oh that is wonderful news, I’m happy to hear that.

  • Ally Clayton

    Thanks for this review! I bought the BadGirl mascara and I can’t stand it. I’m so glad I only bought a mini. I had the same experiences, it took forever to dry and was actually quite clumpy. It also is so difficult to remove! After reading this I’m definitely going to try the Urban Decay one (the Max Factor brush looks hella scary :/ ). xxx

    • Camilla (author)

      You are so wise to have bought the mini – I am kicking myself for buying the full size. Hope you enjoy UD as much as I do x

  • Simone Cameron

    The Urban decay is stunning on your lashes! I agree completely about the Benefit…also reviewed it. I enjoyed the length, but otherwise no volume! And so wet!
    Now I need the UD mascara!

    • Camilla (author)

      Thank you! It really is such a shame about the Benefit mascara, and I bought the full size too. Fool! Hope you enjoy the UD one as much as I do!

  • Roshan

    100 on all the point re the Benefit Mascara!! I too am waiting till it dries out a little as the smudging is something I cant deal with either 🙁

    • Camilla (author)

      Lemme know what you think of it once it dries out a bit!

  • Carla

    How insightful! Really enjoyed this post. Mascara is probably the one make-up item I can’t go without – I use it daily.
    I bough the Elizabeth Arden Grande Entrance based entirely on your review and I was not let down. I think UD is definitely a new “must-have”.
    Also for an affordable mascara, I love Essence (Purple tube) works wonderfully and is a steal at +/-R65!!!
    xoxo

    • Camilla (author)

      Oh I am so happy to hear that! Grand Entrance 4 LYF! A few people have actually recommended the Essence mascara – I am going to give it a go!

  • Niecole

    I always love popping by your blog to see what you guys are up to and reviewing and for some reason you’re always reviewing that one products I’ve run low on and need to get… and mascara is such a tricky one too. I’ve had great buys from cheaper brands and awful experiences from expensive brands. Your honest post always help me along the way!

    • Camilla (author)

      So happy to help! Let me know what you think of the mascara x

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