"False Effect" and False Advertising! (Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara)

Member Name: chugglebunny

Product:	Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
Date:	02/03/09 (1034 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything...but it working

Disadvantages: Doesn't create "false effect" on my lashes

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara - Waterproof

I have made it quite clear in my previous reviews on eyeliner / mascara and make up removers, that I am very much an eye makeup type of girl. Mascara has been the bare essential I cannot live without. I am lucky to have long lashes, but being fair haired, they need mascara to even be seen!

I came across Max Factors false lash effect mascara in Tesco as part of a deal. Usually priced around £8 I picked this up for £6.50, and thought, considering I need something to replace my Maybelline define a lash (which is awful, see previous review) and it was by Max Factor, but cheaper than the usual price that I would not normally pay, I'd give it a go.

Appearance / Packaging
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This mascara came packaged loosely in a protective plastic box (the type you have to get opened at the till in Tesco) and not in the usual blister pack most mascara comes in. I was a little impressed with this, assuming it means it's one of the items people steal more often, along with pregnancy tests and CD's/DVD's, it must also mean it's a very good quality item to need protecting? - Or so I assumed

The tube itself is a stylish black and very bulky design. It's fatter than most and is chunky. I quite like this and makes it easy to spot in a makeup bag, although does not make it stand out on a shelf.

I purchased the waterproof version, which has a small blue band around the neck clearly stating it is waterproof (I believe the normal one is white).

Application
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The wand on this mascara is very chunky too and is thick. The brush is shorter and fatter than most, again, to stay in design with the tube I suppose. The actual bristles are short and soft.

Putting this mascara on bare clean lashes is simple and smooth. The wand is clump free and a good amount of liquid is put on the lashes, without much effort.

It is easy to comb through the lashes from the shape of the wand, I actually find because the length of the brush is shorter, it gives a better control when applying.

Results
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I am sorry to say that this is where is all fell apart for me. I am surprised to see all the other reviews on this giving it 4 or 5 stars, as this simply isn't doing it for me, but then that is the joy of Dooyoo, seeing different results on products.

The mascara gives good coverage and is easy to apply, It just simply doesn't do anything more than colour my lashes. Especially as this particular mascara claims "false lash effect" I was disappointed. My lashes did not clump or have the dreaded "spider leg" effect, but they didn't do anything else either. No added volume, no added length and definitely did not remind me of the dramatic look false lashes create. It may be due to already having rather long lashes, but I would have expected more volume at least.

Removal / Waterproof-ness
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Removing the mascara is quick and simple, providing it hasn't been on for longer than about 18 hours. I had forgotten to remove my makeup before bed one evening, and found it very difficult in the morning, the mascara had dried and lasted well, but in doing so, had REALLY clumped to my lashes and I had to be very harsh to get it off, sacrificing a few lashes along the way.

I have been caught out in the rain in this and also had a little cry since purchasing and wearing it; it does not smudge easily and does not run. It even lasts well in the shower, although not perfect, I was very impressed with it in this area.

Overall Conclusion
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I would not be purchasing it again, especially for the usual price. I am afraid that Maybelline's lash stylist may have tainted any future purchases for me, as this seems to be the perfect mascara for me, anything else is just not as good.

BUT I think I would recommend it to others to try. I am aware this may have just been my personal experience that it has no effect, I have lent this to a friend who has smaller lashes and she loves it. So to anyone who maybe needs to boost smaller lashes, this is good strong colour mascara, which is very waterproof and easy to apply and remove (providing it's not left too long). I wish it had worked for me, as it ticks all the other boxes but based on my personal experience its only getting 3 stars.

Thanks for reading :)

Summary: Such a shame because it could have been great!