Colossal Volum - a brilliant buy for volumised, glam lashes on a budget! (Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara)

Member Name: Snarflebat

Product:	Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara
Date:	25/10/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Volumises and separates lashes, dense black colour, reasonable price, waterproof version

Disadvantages: Flakes slightly after a full day's wear, takes a while to dry, does not deliver as much as 9x volume

Maybelline have entered the forum of collagen-enhanced, volumising mascaras with Collasal Volum' Express - packaged in a striking, wasp yellow tube this one is a standout product on the shelves and in your make-up bag.

The mascara costs around £7 and is available in any high street chemist or supermarket, maintaining a reasonable price point as it is not in the premium make-up category. However, don't let this put you off, as I believe Colossal Volum does deliver good results. The mascara can be purchased in standard colours of black, brown and waterproof versions (I opted for the waterproof black).

The mascara has a tactile, curved barrel handle (in the bright yellow colour of the tube), which contains the wide, bristle-brush wand. The makers describe this brush was the 'patented MegaBrush' and does have a thick, deep bristle design which picks up significant amounts of the silky black mascara. The mascara substance is apparently enriched with collagen (now a key ingredient in many mascaras and anti-aging products to build up connective tissues and provide a natural, thicker and fuller effect).

In applying the mascara, I found that a single sweep of the brush from the base roots to lash tips is enough to coat each lash in dark, smooth liquid which separates each lash. From personal experience, I have found that a second coat does the trick in delivering the desired, thick and full lashes, particularly if the mascara is 'wiggled' horizontally at the roots of the lashes to build up thickness at the base and if applied before the first coat dries. I was initially worried about clumping (with the use of an 'old style' bristle brush) but I am pleased to say that the product does deliver gorgeous volume with no clumps or ugly 'spider-leg' effects. As an additional tip, I've found that lashes look fabulously thick particularly if you curl your lashes beforehand, as this gives gorgeous wide-eyed, eyeliner effect lash volume at the roots.

I have found that the mascara is suitably waterproof but - particularly if you apply a second coat long after the first is dry or wear the mascara for a full day and night - the mascara can become a little flakey. The mascara is easy to remove with standard make-up remover - an essential step particularly when applying large amounts of mascara to the roots as this can make lashes brittle and weak.

Overall, this is an ace buy - the product delivers on quality, volumising lashes with few negatives, all for a reasonable high street price.

Summary: Maybelline Collosal Volume - immense, everyday glam lashes!