~Add impact with Clinique~
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I was lucky enough to have been given a well sized sample of this High Impact Mascara from the Clinique range a short while ago, after a very helpful consultation with the Clinique consultant in a large retail store. I was advised at the time that this particular mascara may suit my needs as I wanted a nice full look well defined, with no clogging once in place.

As I tend to prefer the old school style applicator brushes that are fitted to some mascara products, this product was again the most suited to my needs according to the consultant I spoke with, as it featured a nice full bristle type wand style applicator.


~Colour options~
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I had a choice of 2 mascara colours at the time and after having tried both colour options (one colour on each set of eye lashes) I opted for the black shaded version of the product, as I felt it would be more versatile when in wear. I did sample and compare the other option offered, which was a black brown shade, although when I sampled this in store (using a disposable applicator offered by the consultant) the effect was no where near as crisp or dramatic as I wanted. I compared the brown/ black lash effect to the sleeker effect that the black coloured version of the High Impact Mascara had in store and found that I liked that far more.


~Using the product~
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In use I have found this mascara product easy and quick to use as the applicator wand works as it should, allowing me to get a nice even coverage on my eye lashes that does give a nice light yet wide eyed effect when applied correctly. The small and compact product container that my mascara came in is around 2/3 of the size of the full product, as it contains a little less of the full sized 8gm product. However the applicator brush remains the same as that used in the full sized product, using the same soft, well spaced bristles to give a wide eyed yet not too heavy and flaky looking finish once on the lashes.

The applicator wand is a little shorter in length than usual, as it corresponds to the length of the product tube, although I have not found this to be an issue in use as the mascara is just as easy to apply as the full sized Clinique mascara products I have bought in the past. The lid of the product container doubles as a handle for the applicator brush, which is I find to be pretty standard with these types of product and I have found that it works well enough in this respect. The applicator wand slides back in place after use and the lid is easily tightened to give a secure closure that keeps the mascara protected after use and stops it from drying out.

The texture of the actual product is neither too thick and clumpy, nor too thin and runny, as it gives a nice, even looking, well defined end result in my opinion. I have found that by following the Clinique consultants advice about wigging the applicator brush a little to remove any excess product from the brush when removing it from the container (prior to use), rather than rotating the applicator wand in the product tube, has worked well when using this mascara. I have been generally pleased with the looks I have achieved when using this mascara, as it gives a nice highlighted look to the eye area without looking or feeling overly heavy.


~Price and product rating~
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The cost of the full sized product is around £16 which I feel offers fair value for money as a single 8gm tube of the product should last quite some time. The mascara does manage to define the eyes quite well in my opinion and it stays in place for a full day without the need for a top up if applied with care. I would consider buying this product in future as I have enjoyed using it and I feel it compares well with the other mascara products I have used in the past. My rating for the product is 4 stars based ease of use, results and price.