Month: February 2017

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon

Product:  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon.  Do you have trouble getting your eye shadow to stay on?  If so, this will definitely help.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $7.99 (.10 oz.) Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: L’Oreal Paris USA.

Container: Plastic tube outer housing, separate plastic cap, blister package or wrap.

Description:  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is a gel eye shadow in a crayon or stick form.  This is not an automatic twist-up crayon.  You will need to have a separate sharpener for this one.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is fragrance-free and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

The company claims, “Highly pigmented vibrant color.  2 in 1 Shadow and Liner.  Smooth Glide formula that lasts up to 24 H.  This ultra-intense smudge-proof eye crayon lasts from dawn until dusk and beyond, up to a full 24 hours. The smooth, creamy, long-wearing formula delivers easy-to-wear colour for any occasion.  It’s now easy to create endless runway-inspired, colorful eye looks with just one product.  Blend multiple colors together or use them individually for a monochromatic look.”

Discussion:  I love a dramatic smoky-eye look.  As a professional makeup artist, sometimes you have hours to perfect a look and sometimes you only have a few minutes.  When I need to create a smoky eye quickly, this is one crayon that helps me get the job done in a flash.  I use this under powdered eye shadows to make them last, make the colors pop, and for cut creases. L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon can be used both as a thick eyeliner and an eye shadow base.

These crayons used to come in a full line of matte colors as well as the shimmery ones.  Unfortunately, the matte colors have been discontinued and now only the eight shimmers remain.  (Why is it that every time I find something I like it gets discontinued?)  I have attached a photo of the eight colors that are still available.

Morning Review:  Today I’m using the L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon in color number 704 (Midnight Charcoal).  I don’t use a primer under this unless the client has very oily skin.  This glides on easily and does not tug on the delicate eye skin.  I applied this on the upper eyelid up to the crease line.  I like to apply this eye shadow with a medium brush rather than directly from the crayon.  I also drew a v-shape line at the outer corner and extended it slightly under the lower lashes.  You can smudge this for about 30 seconds until it sets.  I applied a charcoal shadow on top of the crayon cream.  I then finished the rest of the eye makeup using several other products (mascara, eyeliner, eyebrows, lashes, etc.)

Evening Review:  After eight hours, the eye shadow looks the same as when I applied it this morning without the need for any touch ups.  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon really makes the eye shadow stay put without fading or melting away.

Because L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon stays on so well, you will need to use an eye makeup remover to get it all off.  This will not rinse off with just ordinary facial cleanser.

Overall Review:  This is one product that performs just as the company claims it does.  They got it right this time.

When I use L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon my nose does not run, and my eyes do not water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using these crayons and I have never had any complaints from the numerous clients I have used these on.

Pros:  This is an excellent product that serves numerous purposes.  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is easy to use for a makeup novice and performs well for pros like myself.

Cons:  I wish it still came in the matte colors and I would prefer an automatic crayon that does not need to be sharpened.  Also, I wish I could find this in more stores without having to order it online.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is suitable for the following users:

  • All users
  • Users with extremely oily skin may need to use an oil-blocking primer first.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon Midnight Charcoal 704L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon Midnight Charcoal 704 TipL’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon ColorsL’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon With Additional Makeup

Ingredients:  ISODODECANE CYCLOPENTASILOXANE PEG/PPG-19/19 DIMETHICONE SYNTHETIC WAX HYDROGENATED POLYDICYCLOPENTADIENE NYLON-12 C20-40 ALCOHOLS PERFLUORONONYL DIMETHICONE POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE SILICA POLYGLYCERYL-4 DIISOSTEARATE/POLYHYDROXYSTEARATE/SEBACATE CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE POLYETHYLENE DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE POLYURETHANE-11 TIN OXIDE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR MICA CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS CI 75470 / CARMINE CI 77000 / ALUMINUM POWDER].

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara

Product:  Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara.  This is not your typical mascara.  This one has a special purpose and it works very well.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $7.96 (.27 fl. oz.) ($29.48 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: Eyelashes Unlimited; Wal-mart.

Container: Plastic tube with twist-off medium-sized tapered-brush wand, outer carton.

Description:  Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara is a mascara that is specifically designed to be used with false eyelashes.  This water-based mascara blends your natural lashes into the false lashes without damaging the false lashes or clumping them together.

Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.  This mascara only comes in one color, black.

The company claims, “Lash Magic is not your ordinary mascara, Lash Magic Blending Mascara simply blends your natural lashes into artificial ones making them undetectable. Lash Magic does not add length or thickness to your lashes so your lashes will remain clump-free. The Lash Magic formula is water soluble and can be easily removed without ruining a perfect pair of lashes.”

Discussion:  You already know by now that I have applied more false eyelashes in my life than I can count.  Until I discovered this product, I always used a dry spoolie for blending, or sometimes a very light coat of a somewhat dry formula of water-based mascara.  I was intrigued when I first discovered this product many years ago.  I have been using this for over a decade and always keep some in my makeup kit.

Daily Review:  After the completion of eye makeup and the application of a pair of false strip eyelashes, I blended my own natural lashes into the false lashes first with a dry spoolie and then a coat of this Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara.  I only use this from underneath my own lashes into the false eyelashes with a side-to-side wiggling motion.  This mascara is a very dry formula.  Because it is not wet it does not remove the curl from natural or human-hair false lashes.  It does not look or feel like a regular volumizing or lengthening mascara.  It does not add volume or length to your own lashes or to the false lashes.  It also does not clump them or make them stick together.  This can be easily washed off of the false eyelashes with warm water.  (I will have a future post showing how to do this in great detail.  You must be careful when cleansing your false lashes as it is quite easy to ruin them.)

Overall Review:  Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this mascara and I have never had any issues from the hundreds of clients I have used this on.

This is an excellent product that performs precisely as it is supposed to do.  It serves one purposes and does it well.  I do wish the wand was a little smaller and more tapered.  I also wish it was readily available at more retailers and I did not have to order it online.

Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara is suitable for the following users:

  • All users of false eyelashes

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Ardell Lash Magic Blending MascaraArdell Lash Magic Blending Mascara

Ingredients: Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Glycerylo Stearate SE, Ozokerite, Ceresin, Beeswax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, PVP, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Trioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylaparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben.

May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes

Product:  Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes.  Do you want to feel glamorous or flirty?  These will help.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $2.96 for one pair  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: KissUSA; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart.

Container: Plastic storage tray with outer carton

Description:  Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes false eyelashes are also commonly called fake lashes or artificial lashes.  These are a strip-style false eyelash.  What sets them apart from some other brands is that they are made from human hair for a more natural look and the tips of the lashes are thinner which simulates natural eyelashes.  The hairs actually taper from being thicker at the strip base to thinner at the end, just as real eyelashes do.

The company claims, “Revolutionary Tapered End Technology delivers real-like lashes that blend seamlessly with your own lashes. 97% of women who wore these lashes felt the difference—you’ll forget you’re wearing them!”

False eyelashes come in different types:

  • Individual lashes that are glued on one at a time on top of or under your own lashes
  • Small clusters of lashes that are glued on to the skin above the natural lashes
  • Strip eyelashes that are glued on to the skin above the natural lashes

False eyelashes are made from different materials:

  • Synthetic-hair lashes
  • Synthetic other materials
  • Natural human-hair lashes
  • Natural animal-hair lashes
  • Natural feathers

False eyelashes come in many different styles:

  • Graduated with the outer ends being longer than the inner ends (winged)
  • All one length
  • Spiky with spaces in between
  • Criss-crossed pattern
  • With black strips
  • With clear strips

False eyelashes can be natural or very dramatic looking depending upon how thick and/or long they are.  The choice is yours whether you want to simply enhance a natural look or go for full-on glamazon drama.

Over the course of my career I have applied thousands of pairs of false eyelashes (sometimes 20 or more pairs per day).  For brides or more natural looks, I prefer human-hair lashes.  For a completely natural look I like Kiss “Sultry”.  For a more defined look I like Kiss “Shy” or “Vamp”.  For slightly more drama I like Kiss”Poise”, “Pretty” or “Flirty”.

For models or rock stars I prefer synthetic lashes because these are the most dramatic.  (I don’t use animal-hair lashes because I think animal hairs should stay on the animals they belong to.)

Warnings:

  • If you have never worn false eyelashes before, please be advised that some lash adhesives contain latex. If you have a latex allergy, make sure you buy only latex-free glue.  (You can message me and I’ll recommend some good brands for you.)
  • If you are sensitive to dyes, buy the white or clear adhesive and not the black. I use the white because of my hypersensitivity.

Daily Review:  After I completed my eye makeup, this was the final touch.  I peeled the Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes “Flirty” eyelashes off of the tray, applied Andrea white glue, placed them onto my eyelids, blended them into my own lashes with Ardell Lash Magic and violâ, instant glamour!

Helpful Tips and How-to Apply False Eyelashes:

  • If you are a first-time user, synthetic lashes are stiffer than natural human-hair lashes and they will be easier for you to practice with, but they won’t look as natural. A cheap, thick, dramatic synthetic pair is the best thing to practice with until you get the hang of it.
  • Sterilize your hands before beginning the eyelash application.
  • Remove the eyelash from the tray from the outer corner moving inward.
  • Measure the eyelash to see if it is too long and needs to be trimmed.
  • If it needs to be trimmed, trim from the outer edge, not the inner edge.
  • Bend the eyelash to match the curvature of your eye.
  • Apply glue with a sterile toothpick, not from the tube.
  • If you apply glue from the tube, you will get too much glue on the eyelash.
  • Use as little glue as possible.
  • Let the glue dry for about 15-30 seconds before applying. (depends upon brand and thickness)
  • Don’t blow on the lash to dry it; your breath contains bacteria.
  • Apply the lash from the inner corner where your lashes begin to the outer corner.
  • After application gently press the lash onto the skin to secure the adhesion.
  • Don’t use regular mascara on your false eyelashes.
  • If you use waterproof mascara on your false lashes they will only be good for one use.
  • Blend your lashes into your own with a dry spoolie or a mascara made for false lashes. (I like Ardell Lash Magic.)
  • Store them on the tray and in the package that they came in for re-use.
  • Carefully remove the old adhesive before applying new adhesive.

Overall Review:  Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes false eyelashes are as good as other brands costing considerably more.  I have purchased hundreds of pairs of these and have never been disappointed.

If you have never tried false eyelashes and don’t wear a lot of makeup, begin with a natural look such as the Kiss “Sultry” and don’t get frustrated.  It takes a few tries to get the routine down.  I can now apply them start to finish in about a minute each.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes false eyelashes are suitable for the following users:

  • All users (Please pay attention to the Warnings above for some users.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Sultry

Kiss Looks So Natural Sultry

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Shy

Kiss Looks So Natural Shy

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Vamp

Kiss Looks So Natural Vamp

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Flirty

Kiss Looks So Natural Flirty

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Flirty

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes False Eyelashes Flirty with Makeup

Ingredients: Human hair.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Product:  IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner.  Does IT perform as well as IT is advertised?

Overall Rating = 2+ stars4.25 Stars for Effectiveness – 2 Stars for Issues = 2.25 Stars – Just Okay

Cost: $22 for .17 oz. ($129.41 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  IT Cosmetics; QVC; Ulta.

Container: Plastic automatic twist-up pencil, removable cap, sharpener, outer carton.

Description:  IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is a waterproof gel eyeliner in a pencil form as opposed to a little pot.  This eyeliner requires an eye makeup remover to effectively take all of it off.

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is a fragrance-free product suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses.

Warning:  You have probably seen or heard of this brand from QVC, a TV shopping network, or from the Guthey-Renker infomercial.  A word of advice… if you do decide to give this brand a try, I recommend purchasing from QVC or Ulta.  If you fall for the infomercial like I did, you’ll be in for a rude awakening.  IT Cosmetics advertises a $39.95 (5-piece) or $49.95 (7-piece) offer, but when the shipment arrives, your credit card has been billed $119.00.  Nowhere are you informed that buying the initial offer also signs you up for an automatic shipment program and other membership charges you did not agree to.  Then you have to go through the hassle of refuting charges, you’re out shipping fees, etc.  Okay, you have been warned.

Claims:  The company states, “IT’s eye opening! Waterproof automatic pencil infused with skin loving hydrolyzed silk, collagen, peptides and anti-oxidants.”

Discussion:  Eyeliners come in the following formulas and they each have their pros, cons, and various uses:

  • Dry cake that you add water to
  • Wax-based wooden pencil that you sharpen
  • Wax-based automatic pencil that you twist up
  • Water-based liquid eyeliner
  • Waterproof liquid eyeliner
  • Cream in a pan or a pot
  • Gel in a pot
  • Gel in an automatic pencil that you twist up (IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner )

I immediately became a fan of gels when they were introduced over a decade ago.  A gel goes on like a cream, but then after one to two minutes, it dries and sets making it very long lasting.  At least that is true for dry to consistent skin.  Users with very oily skin may not have such great results.  Sadly, oily skin is not a friend to most types of eye makeup.

Please Note:  I will be posting an in-depth discussion of the various types of eyeliners and how to select the right type for your needs on the Help page.  Please stay tuned for that post.  If you want to know when updates are posted, please tell us in the  Comments section below.

Morning Review:  This is a difficult product for me to review.  Read on and you’ll understand why.  The first time I used IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner it went on like a dream.  I found the formula to be smooth, the color a nice deep black, and once it dried it seemed to be budge proof.  Before it dries, you can smudge it if you choose for a smoky look, or you can leave the line intact for a sharper look.

Had I only used it once and then written a review, my review would have given it 4 or even 5 stars.  Thankfully, I used this many times (or attempted to), before offering this review.  Otherwise, I would definitely be going back to revise my rating.

Evening Review:  After several hours IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner did not smudge, fade, flake or cause any irritation issues.  I used an eye makeup remover designed for waterproof makeup and it came off easily.  Sounds great, right?

So, what are the problems with IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner?

  • Even though I kept the product tightly capped and even stored it in the original box, after only two weeks it began to dry out and went from a smooth application to dry and tugging on my eyelids.
  • After one month the eyeliner was so dried out that it was unusable.
  • In order to get rid of the dry exterior, the pencil needs to be sharpened after every couple of uses, which wastes a lot of product (that is when you can actually get it to sharpen).
  • The built-in sharpener (in the end) that comes with the eyeliner causes product loss and breakage. As if that isn’t bad enough, the IT Cosmetics website offers conflicting advice to other users who have complained about this same issue.  (I posted actual text from their website below.)

Overall Review:  IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is great at first and then quickly turns into a dried-out unusable product.  If you use eyeliner every day and are okay with buying a new one every month, then this may be a very  good eyeliner for you.  If you are an occasional user, this will be a waste for you.

It is a shame that this eyeliner did not last longer as it has some beneficial ingredients for the skin and at first it was an impressive product.  With some tweaking of the formula to keep it from drying out so quickly this could be one of the best gel eyeliners in a stick form.

Helpful Tips & Tricks:

  • Always “set” your pencil, cream, or gel eyeliner with an eyeshadow in the same color as the eyeliner.
  • For a glossy extra-dramatic look, apply gel eyeliner, eyeshadow, then liquid eyeliner.
  • Always apply liquid eyeliner after your eyeshadow or the eyeshadow will get on the eyeliner and make it dull.

Users:  IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is suitable for the following users:

  • All users (provided you don’t mind buying the product frequently)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 2 stars4 Stars for effectiveness – 2 Stars for drying out so quickly = 2 Stars;

Evening Rating = 2 stars4 Stars for effectiveness – 2 Stars for drying out so quickly = 2 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars (They only used it once.);

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 2+ stars2.25 Stars = Just Okay.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Sharpener

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Built-in Sharpener

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Sharpener Issue 1IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Sharpener Issue 2

Ingredients: BLACK: TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ISOHEXADECANE, ISODODECANE, POLYETHYLENE, SYNTHETIC WAX, SILICA, CERESIN, POLYISOBUTENE, METHICONE, ROSA CANINA FLOWER OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER, PALMITOYL HEXAPEPTIDE-12, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL, PRUNUS AVIUM (SWEET CHERRY) SEED OIL, PRUNUS DOMESTICA SEED OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, CHOLESTEROL, COLLAGEN, HYALURONIC ACID, HYDROLYZED SILK, RETINYL PALMITATE, TOCOPHEROL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF EXTRACT, PUNICA GRANATUM EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, IRON OXIDE (CI 77499).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara

Product:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara.  Does anyone really like this?  If so, please tell me why.

Overall Rating = 1+ stars1.8 Stars – Terrible to Just Okay

Cost: $7.97 for .26 oz. ($26.57 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: L’Oreal Paris; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart; Retailers everywhere.

Container: Gold Plastic tube with twist-off large-sized plastic nub wand, blister package.

Description:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara is a readily-available waterproof mascara.  This mascara requires an eye makeup remover to effectively take it off.  (See our other reviews for recommendations.)  This mascara is intended to build volume and add thickness to eyelashes. This is a fiber-free formula.

For detailed information on mascara formulas and finding the best one for you, please see Mascara 101 on the Help page.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara is primarily a volumizing and thickening mascara although I find it also adds a little length to my lashes.  This would be good for anyone who has thin or sparse eyelashes if only it worked better.  The Blackest Black color (635) option is a deep glossy black that will help to accentuate and add definition to your eyes.

The company claims, “Smooth and even application. Lash by lash definition. Natural volume.”  (I’m sorry, but I have to disagree with these claims.)

What makes a good mascara?

  • Ease of application
  • A formula that provides length and volume
  • No clumps
  • No flakes
  • No smudging
  • No running
  • No irritation

That doesn’t seem like too much to ask, right?  In this case, apparently it is.  I’m surprised this one passed Research and Development at L’Oreal Paris and even made it to the market place.  I can’t imagine anyone buying it more than once.

Morning Review:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara is a very wet mascara and I prefer a dryer-feeling formula.  In my experience (which is considerable), the wetter the formula, the greater the tendency to clump.  This mascara has an unpleasant scent, but it is not so bad as to make my nose run or eyes water.  The applicator is a huge fat rubbery plastic wand which is also way too large for my taste.  I have also found the smaller the wand, the greater the precision and control.

The rubber collar at the top does a pretty good job of removing some of the mascara, but there is still a big glob on the tip and I have to scrape some of it back into the tube prior to application.  The first coat of mascara does add a little length, but it also makes my eyelashes stick together and I had to really work with a clean spoolie brush to separate my lashes.  The second coat made them even spikier and spidery.  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara also takes a long time to dry.  In short, yuck!

Please see Mascara 101 on my Help page for application tips.

Morning Rating = 1 star1 Star

Evening Review:  After several hours L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara stayed on and did not flake off.  It also did not smudge or cause any irritation issues.  My makeup looked awful all day though and I was very happy when it was time to take it off.  I used an eye makeup remover designed for waterproof makeup and it came off easily.

Overall Review:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara is a terrible mascara unless you like the Tammy Faye Bakker spider-lash look.  (If you’re young, you don’t know who that is, and have no idea what I’m talking about.)  If you do like that look, you are going to fall in love with this product.

As a professional makeup artist, when I do someone’s makeup I need products that can deliver beautiful results.  My clients expect full dramatic lashes.  I would NEVER use this on a client unless I was going for a specific type of terrible look for a character.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara is suitable for the following users:

  • No one (unless you like spiky, spidery-looking eyelashes).

Please see Mascara 101 on the Help page to determine your eyelash type and find the best formulas for you.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 1 star1 Star;

Evening Rating = 1 star1 Star;

Average from Other Testers = 1+ stars1.5 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 1+ stars1.8 Stars, Terrible to Just Okay.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara TubeL’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara Wand

Ingredients:  ISODODECANE • CERA ALBA / BEESWAX • CERA CARNAUBA / CARNAUBA WAX • DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE • AQUA / WATER • ALLYL STEARATE/VA COPOLYMER • ORYZA SATIVA CERA / RICE BRAN WAX • PARAFFIN • ALCOHOL DENAT. • POLYVINYL LAURATE • VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER • PROPYLENE CARBONATE • TALC • SYNTHETIC BEESWAX • ETHYLENEDIAMINE/STEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER • PEG-30 GLYCERYL STEARATE • PROPYLPARABEN • METHYLPARABEN • CANDELILLA CERA / CANDELILLA WAX / CIRE DE CANDELILLA • MAY CONTAIN [+/- CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES • CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE] • FIL D45787/2.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Product:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara.  Will this drugstore brand flake, smudge, or perform beautifully?

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $5.84 for .26 oz. ($22.46 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: L’Oreal Paris; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic tube with twist-off medium-sized tapered-brush wand, blister package

Description:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara is a readily-available water resistant, not waterproof, mascara.  This fragrance-free mascara is sold by most retailers and can be removed with a regular facial cleanser.  This mascara is good for most users.  It is fiber free and is suitable for those with contact lenses or sensitive eyes.  L’Oreal also makes a good Voluminous primer that can be used with this mascara.  I would recommend the primer if you have very thin or sparse lashes.  L’Oreal used to make this in a Full Definition version which performed even better with no clumps at all.  I have no idea why they discontinued the superior product.

For detailed information on mascara formulas and finding the best one for you, please see Mascara 101 in the Help menu.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara is primarily a volumizing and thickening mascara although I find it also adds a little length to my lashes.  This is good for anyone who has thin or sparse eyelashes.  The Carbon Black color option is a deep jet black that will help to accentuate and add definition to your eyes.

The company claims, “Separates and builds lashes. 5x fuller lashes. Bold volume.”

Morning Review:  Due to my allergies and sensitivities I have a difficult time with mascaras.  Most of them make my eyes burn and turn bright red, which is not pretty.  I find it shocking that a lot of mascaras contain fragrance.  This one does not and I can tolerate it well.  I also use this on my clients with allergies and sensitivities with no ill effects.

The wand has nylon brush bristles, not plastic nubs.  It is medium sized.  I would prefer that it be a tad smaller, but this one is not bad.  It does have a slight taper at the end.  The rubber collar at the top does a pretty good job of removing some of the mascara, but there is still too much for my taste and I have to scrape some of it back into the tube prior to application.  It goes on well without too much clumping.  I use two coats.  It makes my lashes look much thicker, but not spiky.  The Carbon Black is my favorite color as it is the deepest of the black colors in this formula.  This does not have any fibers or give you that “false eyelash” look, but it does a very good job for a fiber-free mascara.

Please see my Help page for mascara application tips.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours the mascara stayed on and did not flake off.  It also did not smudge or cause any irritation issues.  For me, this is a huge victory.  I used an eye makeup remover and all of it was easily removed.

Overall Review:  L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara is a very good mascara.  It goes on well and performs well over time.  It is not perfect, but for the price, it is an excellent value.  Since I buy so much of it for use on clients and replace it frequently, this is a good choice for me.  I have used this on clients with long, short, thin, thick and sparse lashes and it has performed beautifully in every situation.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara is suitable for the following users:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Thin lashes;
  • Sparse lashes;
  • Dry lashes;
  • Brittle lashes;
  • Contact wearers;
  • Sensitive eyes;
  • Deep set or hooded eyes.

Please see the Help page to determine your eyelash type.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars, Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara 1L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara 2L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara 3

Ingredients:  AQUA / WATER / EAU, PARAFFIN, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE D’ABEILLE, STEARIC ACID, TRIETHANOLAMINE ACACIA / ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, CARNAUBA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, PALMITIC ACID, DIMETHICONOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PANTHENOL, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE, METHYLPARABEN, PEG/PPG-17/18 DIMETHICONE, 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL, PROPYLPARABEN, SIMETHICONE, BHT, POLYQUATERNIUM-10

[+/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491 / IRON OXIDES, CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77266 / BLACK 2, MICA, CI 75470 / CARMINE, CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE, CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS, CI 77289 / CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN].

Formulated Without:  Artificial Fragrance.