Define-A-Lash...Wantba ck-My-Cash! (Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara (Waterproof))

Member Name: chugglebunny

Product:	Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara (Waterproof)
Date:	27/11/08 (286 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pretty Pink Packaging and Tube!

Disadvantages: Application, Removal, No Desired Effect

I have previously written a review on Maybelline's Lash Stylist mascara that I loved; this mascara unfortunately was running out and needed a replacement. I have been using Maybelline's Define-A-Lash mascara now for a few weeks, and must say I miss my old one, quite badly.

Price and Packaging
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The Define-A-Lash mascara can be purchased from most makeup counters for approx £7.99, I actually picked mine up in Tesco for only £6.99, so bit of a bargin. (So I thought!)

The tube is long, straight and a very nice vibrant pink colour, a bonus for me being a lover of all things pink. I've always brought waterproof mascara as I find it useful that it will never run. The tip of the mascara tube has a small circular plastic ring which is colour coded to indicate if it's waterproof or not, waterproof being blue and clear being non waterproof.

It comes in a standard blister pack and is easy to open.

Brush and Features
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The brush for the Define-A-Lash is a soft bendy rubber wand, unlike the hard stiff combs this allows more flexibility when applying, and helps to get more coverage on application.

It also has a built in "clump remover" on the inside of the tube, the brush comes out of a very small tight tube which leaves the clumps in the tube, not on the brush.

Application and Results
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This is where it all falls apart for me; I trust Maybelline as a brand and have always found their mascaras to be very good indeed. This one however, simply is not.

On clean lashes it takes a lot of effort to get a good coverage on the lashes, I do not know if this is because the clump remover actually takes most of the mascara off the brush rather than the clumps that seem to remain, but it seems that way to me.

The amount that you can apply between nowhere near enough so your lashes do not look covered, full or have any added volume, and way too much so they look clumpy and spider like is minimal. One stroke too many and you cross the line from nothing to too much.

I am especially disappointed with this mascara as I have naturally rather long lashes; I like my lashes and what girl doesn't want to show off good features? Being blonde though, I need good mascara to aid in the quest for drop dead gorgeous lashes I desire. This mascara does not deliver that feeling, and leaves me wanting either more or less on my lashes, or leaves clumps and doesn't separate and again, I feel I haven't got the desired result.

Removal
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To top of the annoyance of having very below satisfactory mascara on my lashes, I can't remove it easily to either re-apply, or simply at all.

I use an Asda own brand 3 in 1 make up remover, it's cheap ,cheerful and not harsh but has never failed to remove any of my makeup, and I wear a lot of dark eye makeup usually. This however has no effect on the Define-A-Lash. It will remove all eyeliner in one swipe but not the mascara, I know it is waterproof and not meant to smudge, but it is ridiculous how much effort it takes to take even some of it off. I have not actually managed to completely clear it from my lashes with this remover and I feel out of principle that since there is nothing wrong with the remover I use, I'm not willing to buy a different one to satisfy the need to remove a substandard product. To top that off, it does smudge in the shower rather badly, so I am a little confused. I can't get the waterproof mascara off with makeup remover, but water does it fine?! Strange...

Conclusion
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Avoid!

This is a let down from the Maybelline brand, The mascara takes a lot to get any positive effect and is not really worth the effort and hassle for the price you pay and results you receive.

I'll definitely stick to either my much loved full and soft or the wonderful lash stylist.

Thanks for reading! :)

Summary: I've brought another Lash Stylist!