I Like Mine Big . . . Dark And Sexy . . . What 'Bout You? (Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara)

Member Name: karimkha

Product:	Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
Date:	22/09/09 (260 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Long and thick lashes!

Disadvantages: takes long to dry, doesn't smell that good

I'm not a girl who likes to use makeup. Unlike my twin, I only use some kohl, lip-gloss and mascara when I go to work or go out with friends or for special occasions.

I am lucky enough to have long, dark thick lashes so any kind of mascara should do for me without hassle!

However, not any mascara does the job for me. I have sensitive eyes, which can get irritated easily. I discovered that problem when I first used one of my sister's mascaras; it looked good, but a few minutes later, my eyes stared to itch; when they got watery, I started to scratch my eyes (couldn't help it) and ended up with panda eyes!

I thought maybe I should look for more expensive (well known) brands; they all worked perfectly . . . but again I had that urge to itch and I couldn't wait to go home to wipe it off! Until I found the MaxFactor brand, I had not found any suitable mascara brand. Since then I've used it for years now and I'm quite satisfied with the results. I used to have to S-T-R-E-T-C-H it (classic look classique) but that variety is discontinued now so I had to look for an alternative within the MaxFactor range.

I found one newly introduced to our shops, which was recommended by one of the staff in the beauty shop: MaxFactor False-Lashes Effect. I liked the name and the look was quite different so I paid for it and took it home with me to test it.

=== It's big, it's mighty, and I had my eyes on it! ===

It is a lot different from other mascaras, coming without a box, wrapped with plastic all over it, reminding me of Cuban cigars!

Actually it looks like a big cigar: the tube is rather chunky and huge which makes it easy to spot on the shelf.

The top of the mascara looks like a lipstick! A bit unusual, but an eye catching design. I opened the cap to see a slightly shorter but blubber rod; at the end of the stick the brush was thicker, bigger - with more than their usual bristles (almost double my older one) pressed tightly together; the bristles looked spiked up and much shorter than ordinary mascaras.

== It looked different so I was going to try it and check it out! ==

Applying the mascara is easy: opening the cap, holding the wand and put it in . . . applying mascara has a particular technique . . . you can't just colour your lashes and go.

Holding the mascara stick was very easy; the big lipstick cap was designed for a purpose - to ensure firm hold and extra comfort while using it. I immersed the stick once and came out with substantial, gluey black semi liquid substance. Judging from the thickness of the liquid, I presumed that I didn't need much.

I sniffed. Yes, it has a smell; not a very nice one. Actually, it smells like a felt-tip pen or like a marker pen; I sensed a bit of alcohol there which also made me worry as to whether it was going to irritate my eyes.

== Brushing my lashes; waiting for the miracle to happen! ==

I usually use several coats to get the desired thickness and appearance. With the MaxFactor False-Lashes Effect, I only needed one coat. From the very beginning when the brush touched my lashes, it did wonders!

The small bristles brushed and separated the lashes individually. I was very impressed with the results; I never had separated lashes before (no clogging or jammed lashes like most mascara) and yes, my lashes are longer, thicker and curled up all from one single coating!

It does claim to give you a false lashes effect (as I said before) and it has excellent coverage; it did give me longer lashes, but unfortunately nothing that I would call a 'false lashes effect' on me!

I thought perhaps I should add another layer of mascara; the results were even better; my lashes are naturally dark and long and by using it they are even longer and darker. But, I DO have to point out that the more coats you apply, the longer it takes to dry, and the harder to remove it afterwards.

There are two varieties of MaxFactor False Lash Effect: the water proof and the normal one. I bought both as there was a special offer (buy one get the second for half price). The waterproof one also worked quite well when I went swimming: no smudges, blotching or even smearing in water!

== Would it work for fair-haired people? ==

My mum is naturally blond with very fair colouring, with thin lashes and eyebrows so I asked her to try the mascara and see the results for herself. She was stupefied to see her lashes, for the first time long and curled (well not like mine but you can definitely tell the difference) so she kept my second mascara!

== Results ==

I like the results; I had never seen my lashes as stretched or extended. * Once I put it on, everyone perceived the difference.
* It lasted all day without smudging or crumbling.
* There was a slight tingling, hopefully not an allergy; (maybe I'm just sensitive to chemicals?)

== I like it because ==

* Unique shape; easy to use, professionally designed wand and bristle.
* Excellent coverage.
* Incredibly economical: a little goes a long way.
* Very dark thick shade of black.

== What I dislike: ==

* The smell is very artificial.
* Takes time to dry.
* Takes ages to remove

== Prices & availability ==

It can be found at most health & beauty shops and supermarkets.
Prices vary from £6-£10
You can get it cheaper online from some websites with special offers.

== Thanks for Reading ==
.

© Karimkha ~ ~ ~ September ~ ~ ~ 2009

Summary: BIG. . . lashes!