I don't often write mascara reviews. Many of the mascaras that I've tried have left me disappointed, hence they're just not worth my time and effort. Besides, mascaras are very personal and you may like the very ones that I don't, so I don't think it's fair to diss them. It doesn't help either that I have pathetic lashes to start with. I've whined about that before, so I won't wallow in self-pity all over again. Just check my mascara posts and somewhere in there, you'll find me whinging.
I like this mascara: [takes deep breath] Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Extra Black Mascara. I've been using this one for about five months and yes, I know, it's definitely time to bin this. It's also getting very clumpy now too.
MUFE says
Aqua Smoky Lash enhances lashes, for exceptional volume, infinite length and ultimate curl. This waterproof mascara provides a long lasting hold. Its extra black formula is rich in ultra-fine mineral pigments to create the perfect smoky look: black lashes and smoldering eyes. Its new generation brush has ultra-wide, high-density elastomeric fibers that hold a maximum of mascara, instantly guaranteeing spectacular volume from base to tip. Opthalmologically tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Ingredients
Please click to enlarge.
Aqua Smoky Lash enhances lashes, for exceptional volume, infinite length and ultimate curl. This waterproof mascara provides a long lasting hold. Its extra black formula is rich in ultra-fine mineral pigments to create the perfect smoky look: black lashes and smoldering eyes. Its new generation brush has ultra-wide, high-density elastomeric fibers that hold a maximum of mascara, instantly guaranteeing spectacular volume from base to tip. Opthalmologically tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Ingredients
Please click to enlarge.
Applicator
The applicator is of a pretty standard length and though not immediately obvious, it's a spiral brush. The bristles, which MUFE says are made of elastomer, are dense and semi-stiff. Suffice to say, the brush does a good-enough job of separating and coating the lashes and getting to the outer corners of the eyes.
The applicator is of a pretty standard length and though not immediately obvious, it's a spiral brush. The bristles, which MUFE says are made of elastomer, are dense and semi-stiff. Suffice to say, the brush does a good-enough job of separating and coating the lashes and getting to the outer corners of the eyes.
L: Brush with mascara; R: Brush with mascara wiped off
Mascara
As the name suggests, it's a jet black mascara. With this mascara, MUFE promises volume, length and curl. In a nutshell, here's what I think:
Volume
Very good
Length
Very good
Curl
Good
Of course, showing you the before and after photos is the best way to demonstrate what I mean. All photos are with tightlining and were taken after having used the mascara for three months.
As the name suggests, it's a jet black mascara. With this mascara, MUFE promises volume, length and curl. In a nutshell, here's what I think:
Volume
Very good
Length
Very good
Curl
Good
Of course, showing you the before and after photos is the best way to demonstrate what I mean. All photos are with tightlining and were taken after having used the mascara for three months.
L: Curled, without mascara; R: With one coat of mascara
L-R: Curled, without mascara; With one coat of mascara; With a light second coat
Durability
In my experience, the mascara does live up to its name. It's waterproof all right. It hasn't smudged on me in the rain. I've tried rubbing my eyes/lashes with wet fingers and it doesn't come off but a much harder rub may produce a few black specks on the fingers.
Obviously, you would need to use an oil-based eye makeup remover.
This mascara lasts a whole day on me and it holds the curl quite well. For example, this is the state of my lashes (pictured here like a horse's) after approximately seven hours:
In my experience, the mascara does live up to its name. It's waterproof all right. It hasn't smudged on me in the rain. I've tried rubbing my eyes/lashes with wet fingers and it doesn't come off but a much harder rub may produce a few black specks on the fingers.
Obviously, you would need to use an oil-based eye makeup remover.
This mascara lasts a whole day on me and it holds the curl quite well. For example, this is the state of my lashes (pictured here like a horse's) after approximately seven hours:
Photos taken seven hours apart
Price
Okay, this mascara is on the pricier side. When I bought it a while back, it was going for €21.80 (7ml). It would be better to get it when Sephora (in Netherlands, at least) has that 25% off offer. On the Sephora US site, it retails for USD22.00.
Last Words
Even though I'm happy with the Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Mascara, I don't think I will be getting a second one. I've been very taken by mascaras from Asian brands lately, so I'll be going down that road more.
If you're curious and if you don't mind splurging, then do give Aqua Smoky Lash a try. Bear in mind though that there are budget-friendly drugstore mascaras out there that aren't half bad. The trick is to find one that suits your kind of lashes.
More information:
My mascara posts at a glance
Make Up For Ever website
Sephora US website
Okay, this mascara is on the pricier side. When I bought it a while back, it was going for €21.80 (7ml). It would be better to get it when Sephora (in Netherlands, at least) has that 25% off offer. On the Sephora US site, it retails for USD22.00.
Last Words
Even though I'm happy with the Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Mascara, I don't think I will be getting a second one. I've been very taken by mascaras from Asian brands lately, so I'll be going down that road more.
If you're curious and if you don't mind splurging, then do give Aqua Smoky Lash a try. Bear in mind though that there are budget-friendly drugstore mascaras out there that aren't half bad. The trick is to find one that suits your kind of lashes.
More information:
My mascara posts at a glance
Make Up For Ever website
Sephora US website
