L’Oreal Paris Extra-Volume Collagen Waterproof Mascara, Black, 0.34-fluid Ounce

By 

Beth Cholette “doctor_beth” (Upstate NY USA) –

  

  

Okay, if you’ve read any of my other mascara reviews (such as CoverGirl Lash Blast Length Mascara – Black/ Brown), you will know that I am on the endless quest to find the “perfect” mascara. I have not QUITE found it with this product, but so far, it is in the lead.

One problem I have is that I go back and forth between lengthening and volumizing products. I tend to lean towards the former, as my lashes are clearly quite short and stubby, but sometimes I find that the volumizing mascaras wind up producing a better overall look. Such was the case with this product, which I bought on a whim when it was on sale and I had a coupon. This product has a traditional brush–as opposed to the new-fangled plastic ones that you see everywhere today–and it is LARGE. L’Oreal boasted this as a selling point, but I was a little concerned, as my eyes are on the small side; I wasn’t sure how well the large brush size would work for me.

I’ve broken the product down further into PROs and CONs below.

PROs
*Dramatic effect! The product applies well and really does make my lashes look dramatically fuller AND a bit longer as well.
*Going back to a traditional brush was actually kind of a relief, and overall, I found that it worked fine.
*The product seems to last all day (with the exception that I bought the regular formula, not waterproof).

CONs
*TOO MUCH product comes out on the brush–I hate this! I have to wipe the brush along the sides of the container several times before I even try to apply it, and there is STILL too much. L’Oreal could have solved this problem by doing something simple like making the opening a bit narrower so that the brush was naturally wiped down more before exiting the tube. It also would have eased the application process a bit, as because of this, there is…
*Some clumping due to too much product. I can solve this by combing through my lashes with a comb/old brush, but it’s a pain to have to go through this extra step.
*I don’t like the huge tube! Why this trend? It’s awkward to fit anywhere (makeup case, vanity, etc.), and not great to use, either. Mascara manufacturers, please give us slim, streamlined tubes!

Despite the cons, I really do like this product, enough so that I will probably go ahead and try the waterproof version the next time I have another coupon. I do wish L’Oreal would make a few improvements, but until I find something better, this is the mascara that I will continue to buy. Final rating: 4 1/2 stars.

UPDATE 12/10/10: I’ve discontinued my use of this product, as the brush became harder and harder to use as more product clumped on it over time. In addition, the mascara began to dry out MUCH more quickly than other brands. At this point, I am seriously considering re-purchasing Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara, Very Black – .28 oz, the one mascara that has come closest to meeting my standards.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

|

 Comment