Not A Brash Lash In Sight (Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara (Waterproof))

Member Name: Emmald

Product:	Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara (Waterproof)
Date:	20/06/09 (86 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It defines and creates volume as Maybelline promise

Disadvantages: Nothing major

It was the lovely Fuchsia pink packaging that first caught my eye, Maybelline know how to turn a woman's head don't they !
At least that gorgeous bright pink makes a refreshing change from the normal run of the mill black plastic tubes that we always seem to be offered.
The £8.80 price tag wasn't quite so appealing but at least Boots had an offer on, buy three for the price of two ! I had to giggle at this offer, I think that buying one mascara at that price is fairly extravagant never mind lashing out nearly £18 for three - but on the positive side if you took advantage of the offer you would collect 32 points on your Boots Advantage Card.

My lashes used to be long and full but now I do need a certain amount of help to achieve that look, I don't want massive sweeping lashes but I do like my eye lashes to look reasonably thick, it helps to make your eyes look larger.
Waterproof mascara is a must for me, my eyes always seem to water in the bright light and if my mascara runs then it looks a total mess, if the top lashes start to run then it blackens your eye make up too.
The Maybelline Define A Lash waterproof mascara comes in two shades, brownish black and very black. The brownish black is the one for me, just slightly softer and therefore better against my pale skin tone.

As much as I moan about the prices I have had Maybelline mascaras time and time again and up to date I have always been pleased with them.
The mascara has a good `bushy` brush which Maybelline describe as being shaped to the lash. The brush is fairly firm to the touch and you can see that the bristles are cut to match the shape of the eyelashes.
The mascara has a decent wand length and the brush slides in and out of the tube of mascara fairly easily.
I am not a huge fan of very `wet` mascara, I prefer a thicker solution, it always seems easier to apply. The Define A Lash is maybe a little wetter than I would like but that is hard to tell before you buy .

As always I load the brush and work upwards from the root of the lash to the tip, that sweeping movement adds length to the lashes.
Usually I apply one layer and then let it semi-dry before I coat the lashes for a second time but interestingly enough Maybelline say that you apply wet coat on top of wet coat to build volume and to define the lashes.
After applying my first coat I dipped into the tube again and tried to apply a second coat but the effect that the first coat had achieved was being wiped out by applying a second coat so soon after.
So I reverted to my normal practise and let the first coat dry a little and the results were far better.

My bottom lashes aren't all that long and the bushy brush seemed slightly bulky and awkward when trying to coat my lower lashes. After a few strokes I found that by using just the tip of the brush at a different angle I could achieve a satisfactory outcome.
As Maybelline state, the mascara doesn't clog on the brush or form clogs when it is applied to the lashes and it does define and add volume as promised.
I do feel that the brush is maybe a little bit too firm when it comes to dealing with the lower lashes but maybe that is only because my lower lashes are short.

Some mascara is definitely made for the younger woman but I think that Maybelline have provided a product for all age groups here. The brownish black mascara is the perfect shade for me and the mascara doesn't feel weighty or unnatural after you have applied it.
Although it does give you sweeping lashes they don't look out of place on the mature woman, after all I still like to flutter my eyelashes now and again !

When you want to remove the mascara you will need to use make a make up remover pad and a good one at that, the mascara is strong and does take time to fully remove.
Maybelline state that the mascara is hypo-allergenic and it is safe to use if you wear contact lenses.

I have been pretty pleased with the product, the top lashes are far easier to coat than the lower lashes but that is a minor issue.
The mascara does create definition and volume but I think how you go about creating it is up to the individual.

Summary: Maybelline offers volume and definition.