| Product: |
Colorsport 30 Day Mascara |
| Date: |
02/03/07 (179 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Cost Effective; Easy, Clear Instructions; Effective Product;
Disadvantages: Awkward Application Tool;
Available from larger Boots stores or via www.colorsportuk.com at £7.25, Colorsport 30-Day Mascara is available in Black and Brown shades. Although a regular visitor to Boots, I had never noticed the product before, and I've found it tends to be hidden away with the eyecare products such as eyedrops etc.
As my first attempt at dying my eyelashes, I decided to start lightly and chose the brown shade, although I would use black in the future for a more dramatic difference.
The kit contains a sealed 5mg tube of dye, a 10ml bottle of developing fluid, instruction sheet and a small plastic wand to use to mix and apply the dye - all set in a self-contained mixing tray. Although the set seemed pretty simple and flimsy, it was everything you needed for under £8.00 and would last at least six months as only a small amount of the products are needed each time.
The instructions suggest first doing a patch test on a small area of skin and waiting 24-hours for any reaction, although I have to admit I was too impatient for this.
As the mixture has to be used immediately when prepared, I first applied a thin layer of Vaseline to the upper and lower lids to avoid accidentally staining the skin, and prepared some wet cotton wipes to use to wipe away the residue once the time was up.
Around 1-2cm of the dye is needed, along with only 3 or 4 drops of the developing fluid, before being stirred into a thick paste. Although the application wand is designed to also stir the mixture together, I found it too fiddly and weak and ended up using a cotton bud instead.
Although first time nerves may have meant my hands weren't as steady as they should have been, the application wand can be very difficult to use - the mixture tends to stay on the wand rather than attach to your lashes, and you can easily end up with large, heavy clumps of the mixture hanging dangerously close to your eye! Colorsport must have recognised this though, and I have since seen new boxes where a small minature mascara brush is included instead, which should make application a lot easier. Alternatively, an old mascara brush could be used instead, and would probably achieve better coverage.
I struggled with the application wand and applied a layer of the mixture to my upper and lower lashes, keeping your eyes open as though you were putting on mascara, then tried to keep as still as possible for around 5 - 10 minutes. Although you can blink without difficulty, occasional smudges get onto your eyelids, which is why coating them first is essential. Your eyelids tend to feel a little heavy while you're waiting for the mixture to take, but it's not uncomfortable.
As my first time, I was so terrified of getting the mixture in my eyes that I probably waited only 5 minutes, then shut my eyes and frantically wiped at them with the cotton wool pads and splashed them with water for several minutes until I was sure all the mixture had been removed. I had some mild stinging and redness for a few seconds afterwards, but I think this was the Vaseline and not the mixture itself.
As I said earlier, the result probably wasn't as dramatic as I'd hoped for because my eyelashes were already fairly brown anyway, but it definitely worked and I'd imagine would go even darker if I'd left it on for the full 10 minutes as recommended. After around three weeks, the old, dyed eyelashes fell out naturally and new paler ones began growing in, although the product would last a week or so longer depending on your own natural growth.
Aside from the awkward applicator wand, this kit is effective and a lot cheaper than visiting a beauty parlour to have it done, where prices can start from £5.00 upwards just for one session. At least you can perform this in your own home, and of course can remove the mixture immediately if you notice it becoming too dark or not suiting your skin. Many professionals instead use a technique where your eyes are shut throughout and cotton pads placed on top and left to 10 - 20 minutes - a little late if it starts stinging, staining the skin around the eye or you change your mind!
Summary: For under £10.00, it's much cheaper and easier and than a salon
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