** Go Forth & Multiply Thy Lashes** (Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara)

Member Name: izzoh

Product:	Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara
Date:	07/02/09 (358 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It lengthens, thickens and boosts the lashes.

Disadvantages: I have to buy the next one and hide this from my mum!

I had a smile on my face when I got home from work yesterday, as in my usual pile of bills and junk mail I had a small package awaiting me. I knew I want expecting anything so I opened it rather quickly to see what was inside. I was quite chuffed to say it was brand new mascara from Maybelline. Ironically the same 'Colossal' one I was planning to treat myself too in the next few weeks. Obviously I signed up to something previously and hey, a nice little gift though the post. Thank you!

So, first things first, did it work? I mean this is the important bit after all. Well Maybelline claim that this mascara gives lashes 7x more volume. This is supposed to be done with its huge mascara brush (hence the colossal name!) In my opinion.... Oh my gosh YES! I have been using a pretty good mascara for a while now, and I do pay attention to my eyes as I feel a little naked without mascara. As soon as I swept the brush over my lashes there was a clear-cut difference. My lashes seemed to separate and were most definitely longer. However, I always like the slightly extreme look on my lashes and I kept sweeping the brush over them until they were full, dark and long. Nothing out of a Halloween film, but definitely enough so my eyelashes were noticeable. You have to apply a few coats to get the look you want, but in my opinion this goes for all mascaras but this 'Colossal' by Maybelline without doubt does the trick. My lashes looked thicker and more defined; this gave them the appearance of being fuller. Because of the size of the brush it seems to be able to reach all my lashes even the little ones in the corner then end up getting missed, this gave my eyes the effect of lash inserts at the end. Which I loved!

Considering how thick my lashes were after using this, the mascara didn't clump at all, and my lashes didn't clog together. It lasted most of the day without wearing off, I still had full lashes by the end of the day and although I know you shouldn't put mascara on top of mascara (because it damages your lashes and it just doesn't look great!) sometime I do this if I need a perk in the day. I did it with the 'Colossal' and it still didn't clump up. Brilliant!
In terms of removing the mascara it works the same as all the others, it really is down to the remover that you use. This came off pretty easy with normal face wipes which was great for easy removal but just don't plan on seeing a soppy movie wearing this mascara as any tears will definitely give you panda eyes! Maybelline also state that this can be removed easily and gently with warm water. Another warning not to go out in the rain without an umbrella then!
This mascara really worked for me, and it gave me an instant wow factor. But then again, I doubt a company would give away a freebie that they didn't expect to work. The whole point of the promotion must be to get people to be happy with the mascara then to buy another one or tell a friend. Well, I guess in my case it worked!

In terms of the packaging well, it stands out a mile. The trendy tube is very enticing with its bright yellow colour that has a metallic pearlescent finish and metallic purple writing. You won't lose this in your make up bag that's for sure! It looks great, and although the tub is pretty stout, the wand is quite short so you won't have to carry around a stick with you all day. The wand is attached to the cone shaped lid. The shape of the lid makes it easy to hold and it allows your hand to manoeuvre slightly so you can get in the corners of the lashes without hitting the bridge of your nose. This is a big frustration of mine!

As I said before, I go this for free (sorry, don't mean to rub it in!) but after looking around it seems to be one of the slightly cheaper mascaras on the shelf at the moment. £6.84 from Boots and Superdrug's its cheaper then the likes of Revlon and max factor. Obviously prices vary depending on where and when you buy it.

I know people have given this a bit of negative feedback but I must say I have had a great positive experience and I will be buying this again. As long as you put on a couple of coats to clear, clean eyelashes then you will see a star before your very eyes. This works brilliantly to make your lashes look full of life.

Work it baby!

Summary: A mascara that gives you the lashes you want.