First of all I'd like to say I have the waterproof version of this mascara, I bought it by mistake actually and just thought I was getting a normal black waterproof mascara but when it arrived and I opened it I realised it was one of the 2 step variety with the white end to thicken lashes and the black end to apply the actual black mascara.

Maybelline XXL microfiber mascara claims to visibly lengthen lashes up to 40% and provide 4 times the volume. It is contact lens safe, opthalmologist tested and comes in a blue and white tube. The tube actually is the brushes and the caps have the product in them which I thought was the wrong way round as it would have been easier to use if the wands had been attached to the caps.

Once I'd got past the irritation that I'd bought the wrong product I decided to use it anyway until it ran out. I much prefer a normal bog standard waterproof mascara and don't really want to use something that claims to give a false eyelash effect on a daily basis but I thought if I was careful not to apply too much I could avoid the drag queen effect. I've used some of these 2 step mascaras before and found they are very effective at giving a long lash look but some of them are too effective for daytime use.

The first problem I encountered was getting the lids to unscrew, they are very tight to begin with and I struggled for ages trying to get them off! It doesn't help that once you've unscrewed one end and put it back on it then twists in your hand as you try and hold it still to get the other end off so not a great start. Once I'd got past that though I found the brushes were nice large brushes which I prefer.

The white end should be used first to thicken lashes and after you apply this it's best to give it a few seconds to dry before adding colour. The white end seemed very dry even from the beginning and I knew this product wouldn't last long.

Once the white is dry you then coat it with the black waterproof colour which I have to admit does separate the lashes brilliantly, there's no clumping or spider leg effect with this mascara just lots of individual lashes. I do think it looks like it lengthens the lashes and it really opens the eye area up by curling them slightly and encouraging them away from the eye. The black colouring is as it claims to be, waterproof, and it doesn't smudge or run whilst you are wearing it. In fact when it comes to removing the product because it has 2 layers it takes quite a bit of doing so at least you know this isn't going to budge once it's on.

If you apply it carefully and don't go mad it can be made to look subtle enough for daytime use too, it just gives you nicely separated long lashes which don't look like they belong on a cabaret act. If you want to vamp it up for night time use you just apply more of both stages and get an effect that does look like false lashes.

The other problem I had with this though is it doesn't last long at all. As the mascara is about normal size but contains 2 separate stages you get less of the black colouring, I also found the white end dried up within a couple of weeks so became useless. A mascara that only lasts a couple of weeks isn't one I'd buy regularly.

The price seems to vary alot, while I was searching I came across several places that sell these for £6 or anywhere above that up to £9, I personally paid £4.50 for mine from an ebay seller and that price included p & p. I would say if you buy this shop around because it isn't going to last long.

Overall on the plus side it does give lovely long, separated lashes and it is waterproof but on the downside it doesn't last long at all and can be a bit irritating to use because you have to grip the entire tube to apply it as opposed to just a wand in a cap.

For long lashes with a false lash effect I recommend it but if like me you really just want a normal mascara it's not a very economical or long lasting purchase.

3 stars as it does work but 2 stars are lost for the drying up rapidly and annoying wands connected to the centre of the tube.