Maybelline The Colossal Volum’Express Mascara (Washable)
This is supposed to plump lashes to “9x” the volume and it’s washable. The formula contains collagen, and the “megabrush” is supposed to impart serious volume.
Nowhere does Maybelline claim that this mascara doesn’t flake. Which is good, because it does. However, the site does claim it doesn’t clump, but it does that, too. Not horribly – the product is fairly thin and doesn’t contain any fibers, so the clumping isn’t as bad as it is with some formulas. But it is there. The brush is easy to use. The website says it removes easily with soap and water; I can’t speak to that, since I use cold cream and wear so much eyeliner… What I do know is that it didn’t irritate my eyes at all or bother my contacts, though I don’t see any explicit statements that says it’s safe for lens wearers.
Oh, and it also comes in waterproof.
Bottom Line: A good enough mascara, but you won’t get the clump-free volume and drama shown in the ads.
Maybelline XXL Pro Curl Mascara (Washable)
This is fairly new. This promised to curl my lashes, and since I forget to use a curler, and never remember to travel with it, I thought I’d give it a go. I did like the L’Oreal two-step mascara, after all. This is washable and contact lens safe, too.
XXL Pro is a two step mascara. You apply it the same way you do the L’Oreal Beauty Tubes – first, you apply the white base coat (labeled “1″) to curl, and then a coat of color (labeled “2″). That’s it.
The site says it curls to a 45 degree angle. I didn’t measure. But it does give a great curl to my lashes. Much better than what I can get with a curler and better than the Hard Candy Curl Up and Dye. It’s a lot easier for me to use than the Beauty Tubes; I don’t have to be as exact with it. The second step is barely noticeable.
It is also a ton easier to remove. Of course, this mascara is all about the curl – it doesn’t build your lashes up like the Beauty Tubes do. I’ve been using it every day. I haven’t noticed too much in the way of flaking, and it doesn’t leave residue on my contacts.
There are several other XXL Pro mascaras I’d like to try, since I liked this one so well.
Bottom Line: I’m in love with this. If you want real curl without the curler, go for it.
