L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara review

Tried twice so far, two days in a row. That's usually enough for me to deliberate on a mascara; if any significant changes appear i'll update this review accordingly.

What made me get this product was the hype surrounding the wand-several reviewers and blogs compared it to Chanel Inimitable or Diorshow Iconic. I personally believe the comparison is not far fetched at all:

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes

Diorshow Iconic mascara-image from makeupandbeautyblog.com

The brushes are fairly similar except for the fact that Dior's bristles are shorter and a little zigzagged.

The L'Oreal Million Lashes has a fairly creamy texture but it is a little liquid, like all L'Oreal mascaras. With a bit of air exposure it gets perfectly creamy and then follows its natural drying cycle (unfortunately). I don't know if it takes a short while to get dried in the tube or if it lasts a long time; i was mostly interested in the effect.

The first couple of application it can be watery, as i said, so careful with brushing your lashes beforehand and curling them; you have to have a very light hand because it tends to accumulate- not to clump, but get thick on the lashes. If you brush them once the mascara is tacky, then wait for it to get 80% dry and apply a second coat, the problem is solved. I am surprised by this mascara because i never expected it to be so easy to work with.

It gives much more definition and separation than anything L'Oreal  i have tried before and paradoxically enough, it isn't as clumping as i would have expected. The color is a real dramatic black which gives a sort of  'vinyl' kind of finish to the lashes, making them really stand out. It isn't porny-black as many other 'dramatic black' mascaras, which is a plus for me (i hate blue-black mascaras, they give an overdone and synthetic appearance).

The brush is soft yet resistant enough to be maneuvered accordingly, it catches all the tiny lashes as well as the longer one and coats them evenly; you can feel it working its way through the lashes, the bristles massaging the roots of the hairs. I wouldn't say it's a tricky wand you must be careful with as many reviewers suggest, claiming they poked their eyeballs more than once; it's a large brush with 'spikes' therefore the usual attention must be paid as with everything that comes in contact with the eyes or the surrounding area. The brush is easy to work with because of the 'aerodynamic' shape and even if the product accumulation on the top and the base of the wand looks a bit scary, it's just the usual little product top that will eventually get creamy as the mascara gets exposed to oxygen. 

This is what one coat looks like:

And two coats:

 It tends to go a bit thick on the lashes as you can see, so careful with that. The best thing to do is apply it in thin coats and wait a little in between applications or carefully brush the lashes afterwards; separating them won't solve the 'problem' because they don't stick together but have too much product on.

Therefore...: I am about to say 'i want to repurchase this product today, get a back up in case they discontinue it overnight'. It is a very good mascara that delivers a lot of volume but isn't that strong in the lengthening department- Lash Architect is still my nr. 1 for that purpose. It holds the curl of the lashes and doesn't weigh them down, it doesn't smudge and doesn't smell/look funky after a certain number of hours. I definitely recommend this for everyone, especially those who have long but thin lashes. However, remember to be patient with this mascara, at least in the beginning, and cut it some slack for the first two-three applications. It looks good, you only need a coat or two and you get truly dramatic lashes without having to fight with the wand and your lashes or scoop inside the tube fifty times.

Today's makeup and rambling

Obviously, in absence of anything really interesting to do today, after i finished all i had to do i went shopping for clothes...and got makeup as well. Nothing fancy, just drugstore products i am a bit excited about.

First off, i renewed my L'Oreal Lash Architect supply (the old one was getting a bit tired) and i also got the Million Lashes one, just to see what's the rave about. 

Another item i got is an Olay cleanser that i most certainly will like- i've already tried their eye makeup remover and all their products are so nicely scented. Next- a Nivea foundation and a bright coral lipstick. Finally found!

The foundation story is as follows: two days ago when i went shopping for the Rimmel goodies, i wasn't wearing any makeup and felt a bit embarrassed inside the store because people were 'staring' at me (they weren't, it's just my paranoia). I picked up the first foundation tester (Nivea Beauty Lift) and slammed it on, then a bit of mascara and that was it, i instantly felt better. When i got home my skin looked surprisingly well- i don't know if it was the humidity in the air, since it was raining, or the fact that i had no primer on (though it's supposed to be otherwise), or that i just slapped it on, no careful stippling/blending (though again, isn't THAT the correct way of dealing with foundation?), i have no idea, but it looked so nice. No pores, no blotches, my skin was positively glowing. 

Checked out some Makeupalley reviews and they all mentioned this effect; the foundation has quite a high score for a Nivea product (most people dislike their products, i don't understand why, but well...) and two or three reviewers actually compare it to Make Up For Ever's HD foundation. I haven't tried that and i would have certainly not purchased this foundation if i hadn't worn it for several hours and loved the effect. Picking up a shade was quite a trip because i hate wearing foundations that are as light as my skin (i know...i shouldn't) because they're just too pale and i like to 'cheat' a shade or two. I picked 060 Amber which isn't the darkest but neither the lightest. I'm really curious/anxious to see what this foundation will behave like on the long(er) run.

The lipstick is exactly what i was looking for. The pictures i uploaded as the depiction of my HG coral lips are obviously retouched and the lighting is way different than the one in my house; it doesn't look as pale as the photos but anything in that family probably wouldn't have complemented my skintone. The lipstick is from a brand named BeYu that produce their cosmetics in Germany (i don't know if it's German); it borders on drugstore/higher end (they have some more expensive items as well). This product is Star Lipstick in nr. 05. 

It's quite similar to Rimmel's Coral in Gold sans the golden frosty finish which i don't like that much, thus a plus. It's also lighter and has that Old Hollywood, late 1940's romantic touch; whenever i see a bright coral lipstick i can't help to think of Katharine Hepburn, Chinese silk and geishas.

Now about the face of the day- especially the Lumene mascara. 

The lashes look a bit spidery because i applied too much, however i am beginning to think this mascara is a real find.

First off, i have half a coat of Max Factor Masterpiece underneath the Lumene one, i couldn't imagine not wearing that one, ever (it's a sort of a 'primer' to me). The Lumene one is thinner than your usual drugstore mascaras (Maybelline, L'Oreal i mean) and creamier. It looks quite thin at a superficial glance and i was a bit worried it might clump the lashes together as Volume Collagen from L'Oreal did- it didn't. 

The brush is huge but it works- it's very soft or at least softer than anything else with that type of brush (even Diorshow..) therefore you can press as hard as you like if you feel like you need it-to prevent clumps from forming. It just glides, setting itself on the lashes and coating the tips with a fine, creamy layer of mascara. It looks a bit 'wet' until it dries, which is quite fast so no worries about that.

It leaves the lashes soft and most important of all, if you're not satisfied with the volume, or you want a true false lash effect, you can apply a thicker mascara on top of this one because it won't clump. The Lumene is similar to Isadora's in this respect- it 'softens' any previous mascara layers and does give a dramatic effect if you insist (uppercase example), but there's no spider effect as it would be with other mascaras.

Finds part 2

This is a bunch of cheapsters i got with my Rimmel 'haul'. They're mostly drugstore items but i tried some before, so why not go back.

Lumene Natural Code Volume Maximizing mascara

I usually love everything Lumene makes because they're a bit on the organic, naturally enhanced cosmetics side. The first thing that caught my attention was this mascara's wand- huge, similar to Diorshow. Whoa.

It can be a bit hard to work with until you get used to the new humongousness you must handle, but the effect is totally worth it. Huge-sized brushes come with sticky, gooey drying mascaras but this one is very natural (too natural?), you can easily build it up. My favorite quality of this mascara is that it gives soft lashes-no more crisps. I never go for the natural lash look so i mainly use it on top of my 'primer' (Max Factor Masterpiece that is), to make sure everything is kept in control and it all looks nice and 'clean'. However, i'll try it several times before committing to a final opinion (tried today only).

Glowing Body Powder

I needed something cheap, effective and pigmented for this weekend, so i figured why not give H&M a chance. This is a rather revamped product i believe, it's been on their stands for months. It's basically a huge pan filled with glowy, golden champagne-toned body powder. The packaging isn't sassy at all, a clear lid and a silver compact, no brush, no fuss. However, it does a great job at what i need it for...therefore thumbs up. I didn't even have to literally pay for it since i got it courtesy of some customer coupons. I'm not THAT cheap, you know, but when i need something just for occasional use, well, why not.

Helena Rubinstein Illumination Powder

I didn't actually need this (since i already have Clinique's Blended Face Powder) but it was on sale, so i got two of these, 02 Medium and 01 Light (i guess. Light went to my mom as a present). The medium one is a tad more pink-ish than i'd fancy but it's not disturbing. it's meant to gently set the makeup while illuminating the areas such as forehead, bridge of the nose or under the eyes. I tested it and loved it. Now we'll see what happens in about 5-6 days (upcoming review).

Eyebrow Palette

This is a cheap find- again. I had to choose between this, which retails for about € 5, and Smashbox's Brow Tech, many times more expensive. I find there's a similarity between this and the Brow Tech in Brunette. I like the brown triangle, it's very versatile and combined with a hint of the darkest and a bit more of the lightest, gives the most natural appearance. Time to give my old H&M brow duo a break.

The Bad Mascaras

 Products that have really disappointed me, considering their price range and the promises they make.

1. Clinique High Impact Mascara

Pros:
-black color
-volumizes, but not a big deal
Cons:

-it dries up VERY quickly, about 3 weeks and then it's crumbly and impossible to work with

-smudges like crazy even in freezing conditions; i can't even imagine what would do in a humid environment because i was really afraid of trying this move

-flakes...and flakes...looks like it's snowing charcoal bits on my cheeks and eyelids. It has this fragile consistency that just breaks down in small bits. Not only inaesthetic but dangerous too- it can easily get into the eye and scratch the cornea

-doesn't lengthen...i wouldn't say 'at all', but the effect isn't that noticeable.

-high price for such a crappy product

Thank goodness the first tube was given to me as a gift from a friend, and the second one is a free sample i got with some other Clinique stuff. I would never actually pay for such a bad mascara, considering it's quite pricy. My friend likes it (she got her own sample), but well, it doesn't work for me. As it results, with every mascara is 90% a matter of trial and error because we all have different lashes and different ways of evaluating the success of a mascara. However, i do not recommend this product. Better go get yourselves some good old school L'Oreal than this. 

2. Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara

Pros:
-very black color
-initially creamy texture
-optimum volumizing effect (thick lashes)
Cons:

-crunchy lashes. VERY crunchy.

-no curl whatsoever

-smudges like crazy, worst mascara ever in this department. Never tried it with a base but really, i don't think it's worth it if it needs assistance in this department

-it flakes WORSE than the Clinique one. Meet The Flakiest Mascara Ever to be invented. It's just down in a hundred bits two hours after applying it. Disappointing like sh*t.

-Hard to remove...i don't have a problem taking my eye makeup off but seriously, when you've paid so much € on this crappy product, the only thing i need at the end of the day is a battle in which i risk ruining my lashes. Thanks but no thanks.

-it does clump because it dries up VERY fast.

-therefore, you're gonna have to dispose of the tube in less than a month after opening it. Boo!

-Yeah, it's expensive as well. Around €30 if i remember well. I wish i'd bought a Lancome or something else instead. Even the cheapest drugstore find is better than this stuff because this mascara will not adhere to the lashes the way it's supposed to. Bleh.

The HG Mascaras

Over the years (i do sound so old) i have bought MANY mascaras, from no names to the highest of the high-end. I've been surprised by some, disappointed by many, and utterly upset by others that i've ended throwing away since nobody else wanted them.

On my current list, and in my makeup kit actually, there are several mascaras i always end up coming back to. I have been repurchasing most of these mascaras for about four years and i couldn't be happier. They deliver what i want, well, what we all want- full, thick, long and curly lashes- without necessarily costing an arm and a leg. I have got my mind set on two or three mascara additions right now- Elizabeth Arden (sheer curiosity), Lancome Hypnose (i've heard only great things about it) and Shiseido Volumizing mascara (owned it in the past and want to repurchase to have a complete collection thereof).

However. These are my present mascaras, they have their own satin pochette and a very very happy life. Plus, i don't know why, but 99% are drugstore mascaras.

1. Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara

There is nothing in this world that separates my lashes like this one does, period. It just coats EACH individual lash, and not in the marketing-babbling way- it really does it. I couldn't start applying anything else without this one as a base (to save my Shiseido mascara base for more special occasions). I love the gummy, cone-shaped bristles that look like little plastic spikes. The brush is rather triangular, medium-sized and it manages to catch all my lashes, from the tiniest to the longest. I will keep repurchasing this until they discontinue it (hopefully they will never do)

2. L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara

 I don't know why most reviews are negative when it comes to this product. To me it's great. Nothing lengthens my lashes like this one. Being a L'Oreal mascara, it works on the same basis- it needs a tiny bit of oxygen exposure so the uber-creamy formulation can 'dry' up a little and not verge on the runnier side. I never experienced clumping or flaking with this mascara. To me it's a fantastic lengthening product, and one coat is enough for both eyes (a coat= one tube scoop with the wand). I like the long, slender brush and the thick, tightly packed bristles. The Masterpiece and this one are my usual daily mascara routine and i'm always out the door with fanned, thick lashes.

3. Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara

Already reviewed so i'll keep it simple. This has a special volumizing brush and a cream formula. I like it for a more dramatic finishing effect.

4. Isadora Extra Volume Buildup Mascara

Another GREAT drugstore find. First, the tube is huge-12 ml v. the usual 8 ml most mascaras are. The brush is rather huge, with thin, long bristles that catch the lashes for a real buildup effect. It doesn't clump, doesn't run dry and doesn't flake either. I initially tried it as a sample (that lasted me more than 4 months) and i fell in love with it. It's a great product, relatively cheap, easy to find. I strongly recommend it.

5. Max Factor False Lash Effect

A recent addition to my mascara collection, after reading a ton of reviews praising it and comparing it to the US version of the Covergirl Lashblast. Since Covergirl isn't available in Europe, and the packaging and formulation are said to be 99% identical, i thought i could give it a try and i was really positively surprised. It can replace my MF Masterpiece as a first mascara coat/base very easily, it doesn't clump, i like the fatty brush and the short bristles and the final effect- really natural lashes. Never worked it for a more dramatic effect, so i don't know if several layers would make it clump, but so far i like it.

6. L'Oreal Voluminous

Poor man's Yves Saint Laurent Faux Cils Effect Mascara. Most YouTube gurus and beauty bloggers agree on this one; i discovered this mascara many years ago, in highschool, and i remember the first time i got asked about it-it was a beauty sales assistant wanting to know what mascara i was using! I have been repurchasing this ever since, for about six-seven years or more. It's a great volumizing product as long as it's used three-four times before- a little bit of oxygen exposure will unleash its maximum volumizing&lengthening capacities.

7. Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara

This stuff came as an initial disappointment. I didn't like the 'bald' wand, the fatty (yet glamorous) tube, the runny consistency, the porn-star blueish black. It got better in time, after a serious oxygen exposure- probably a month after opening it. It's very tricky to use, you have to experiment with the brush in order to find the perfect angle to achieve the desired effect, and pay extra attention when you're applying the mascara on the lashes directly with the 'bald' side or the short bristles- it can be messy. It flakes a little but it's extremely resistant. I can easily remove it with my cream-based eye makeup remover (Olay), but many complaints in this department- if you use an oil-based mascara remover it's going to take a while to take it off and perhaps a couple of lashes as well. However, i remember it was a tad pricy, probably in the Lancome-Dior category, which is a bit of an eyebrow raise if you consider Bourjois to be on the less expensive side (not a drugstore brand, but still, it's not a high-end one either). The effect is wonderful- truly black, lusciously long diva lashes than can rival a natural set of falsies. Worth every penny.

8. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

Yet another MF favorite. The brush is fantastic, very thick and tightly packed, the formulation is just perfect, not too runny or too thick, it tends to clump a tiny bit if i insist with the brush and several layers but a 30 second break in between is more than enough to prevent it from drying up and making the lashes stick together. I use it as a 'base', a 'filler' but also as a 'finishing' mascara if i'm on the run or just feel like it. It's one of the few mascaras that i can personally use all by itself and be 100% satisfied with the results. It does volumize and lengthen, preserving the curl and giving a very natural look even after several coats. A five stars product.