Review : Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara

I have always loved Max Factor mascara's and the first ever mascara I started wearing was by Max Factor, (I think it was the S-T-R-E-T-C-H or something like that). My lovely Mammy would buy me one whenever she bought herself one. I have loved Max Factor mascara's since, so when I spotted this new one on the shelf, I snapped it up. It's called Lash Extension Effect, so obviously it's a lengthening mascara.

My absolute favourite mascara is the Max Factor Masterpiece, with the Max Factor False Lash Effect coming a close second. I love the length, definition, volume and seperation they give, without any clumps. I wear the waterproof versions, and they're waterproof, sweatproof, humidityproof - the lot, so I had really high hopes for this bad boy. One thing I was really interested in trialling, was exactly how waterproof this mascara was. It claims to be a 'Washable Waterproof Mascara', but from my experience mascara can either be washable or waterproof - certainly not both.

What do Max Factor say?

If longer, more fluttersome lashes are top of your wish-list then this is the mascara for you. New Lash Extension Effect Mascara gives you a look inspired by professional lash extensions in just seconds.
The Secret? Our longest brush ever reaches even the tricky corner lashes, leaving you with corner to corner length and impact. Choose from three high fashion shades, graphic black, flattering black/brown or waterproof classic black.

Here is a picture of my eye sans make up. As you can see, my lashes are practically non-existant without mascara:

The wand of this mascara is different to the wands I am used to. It is long and thin with a ton of short, thin, plastic-ish bristles. In the picture below you can see the comparison between this wand, and the wands of False Lash Effect and Masterpiece. The Masterpiece wand is fairly short and tapered at the end, and the False Lash Effect wand is a fatter version of the Masterpiece. Both of these wands have lots of bristles, but the Lash Extension Effect one seems to have a lot more. 

 

My lashes with one coat of Lash Extension Effect:

 

Great length and seperation, and although they are really defined, I want more dramatic lashes. Two coats later, and this is what I get:

So what do I think about Lash Extension Effect?

I love this mascara. It definitely lengthens my lashes, and it seperates them really well. The wand seems a little 'scratchy' for lack of a better word, and at times I find it a little bit flimsy. That said, I don't find the length of the wand a problem. It is longer than my normal wands, but I find it easy to reach and coat the corner lashes without making a mess.

I wasn't 100% happy with this mascara at first though. I tend to choose volume rather than length when buying mascara, and this is definitely lacking in the volume department... but there is such a simple solution - I apply three coats instead of my normal two. That way I get length and volume, and my lashes look really defined and clump-free. Fantastico!

And the Washable/Waterproof theory? It's true! I like to wear waterproof mascara because my eyes are quite sensitive and water at the slightest thing, like being out in the wind. After a windy 30 minute walk to work, my mascara still looked as good as when I left the house, minus a few of the outer lashes.  It was hardly noticable though, and I didn't even bother touching up. It washes off so easily with just water though - no cleanser or soap. How is that possible? I'm very, very impressed. That'll make removing my make up at night so much quicker and easier :) Not suitable if you want to go swimming or whatever, but I don't think people tend to wear a full face of make up to go swimming... do they?

Would I buy it again?

Absolutely! It's not quite good enough to replace my beloved Masterpiece, but this is excellent when I want long, dramatic and fluttery lashes.

Price?

This costs around £8-£10, and is available from most drugstores. I bought mine from Tesco for £8.99.


Have you tried this mascara? What did you think?

xoxo