Review-Shiseido The Makeup Mascara Base

 This is what the product looks like, as we all know it.

 I've been using this for quite a long time and never wrote a review (not even on Makeupalley!). I guess now's the time.

Price & Packaging: as you can see from the pic, it is a mascara-tube, wand, cap. I like the sleekness of the tube, the black lacquer, and the rounded cap. It's quite elegant and it looks 'expensive' to me. 

The price is quite high- €28- but not necessarily, if you compare it with other mascaras or high-end lash primers. It comes in a cute plastic box with Shiseido written on it, and all the info and ingredients are described on the back. The tube contains 7 ml of product (.25 fl. oz.).

What it claims: quote from the packaging-'A clear base coat for eyelashes that improves mascara application and wear, and boosts volume and curl. Adds dramatic definition to the eyes'. Contains, amongst others, macadamia nut extract and 'a Multi-Nutrient Factor, an advanced moisturizer'.

What it does (i'll be as concise as possible):

-it's a semi-opaque gray-ish waxy cream, not white, not black, not full of crappy 'lengthening particles', i.e. that lint some products contain. 

-it has a cute, volumizing brush with tightly packed bristles that are also quite hard so pay attention not to poke yourself in the eye with it

-the wand doesn't pick up too much product although you can see a sort of buildup at the base of the brush. Don't worry, that's what it's supposed to look like.

-easy to apply

-dries moderately fast, about 30 seconds for completely dry lashes

-doesn't look gray on the lashes and will not alter the color of the mascara

Pros:

-it does improve mascara application- you only need a little mascara afterwards and not tons.

-it will hold the curl (or even curl the lashes by itself) like cement. I ended up with overly curved lashes once. Really amazing in this aspect.

-it will make your lashes look ten times thicker (i'm not exaggerating) but no shocking length. It does lengthen, but not as much as it thickens. However, you do get more noticeable lashes length-wise so no worries in this department.

-it makes even the crappiest mascara look great, and i mean it. I tried it with Maybelline's Great Lash (the neon pink&electric green tube i abhor seeing, let alone using), and my lashes looked spectacular. This is not a gimmick, this product does work as a perfect base. 

-It will prevent your mascara from flaking&smudging even after 24 h of clubbing, frolicking with your boyfriend or sleeping with your makeup on on white sheets. The mascara just doesn't move.

-doesn't smell funky, doesn't irritate the eyes or make the lashes brittle afterwards. Not aggressive at all, therefore.

Cons:

-hard to take off. They recommend their eye makeup remover (what a surprise, right), but however, you can use whatever you have, preferably a non-oil based eye makeup remover. It is hard to remove meaning that it doesn't come off in tiny tubes or larger particles but works like the most stubborn waterproof mascara. Needs to be carefully massaged with the eye makeup remover and gently removed with the mildest moves possible so you won't rip off your own lashes. I never had any problem with lash loss or irritation, but it's a bit annoying to spend 15 minutes removing it when all you want is to go to sleep.

-going through a tube is relatively easy. It doesn't seem to dry out, you just don't get the same quantity on the wand. The consistency, color, scent, effect etc. don't change during the time you go through the tube, not even a month or two from opening it up, so that's great. No flakes, no crunchiness, nada. However, i personally expected a 'waxy' base to last more than a regular mascara. I've had mascaras that have lasted more than that, actually. My estimate for this base's lifespan would be 2 months tops, daily use. If you don't put it on every day then it's gonna last longer (i.e. duh duh duh).

These are my opinions on this base. It is pricy and has its own shortcomings but so far it's the only mascara base i purchased twice...because it works best with anything you decide to apply on top. If you're looking for a dramatic change and are willing to shell the $, then this is my strongest recommendation.