MAYBELLINE'S COLOSSAL VOLUM' EXPRESS MASCARA! DRUGSTORE DEAL
Meg here, I'm back! There is really no place like home. So pleased to be back in my bubble! LaLa Land I love you! It took me 11 hours to get back yesterday so I'm sorry this is up a little late! Here's Gigi's first ever Drugstore Don't!
Gigi's back with a DD Don't! Scarlett O’Hara was famous for two beauty “tricks:” Literally pinching her cheeks to bring a rush of color to her fair Southern Belle complexion and taking the ultimate advantage of her long, full eyelashes to garner power over men. With a bat of her eyes, men fell over themselves to serve her at a barbeque and easily succumbed to her other charms.
Unfortunately, luxurious, lengthy lashes are not one of my charms. I do have a scant amount, but they are auburn, easily overpowered by eyeshadow and liner. In junior high school, I learned the power of mascara to transform me from “cute” to “striking” if used correctly. For me, mascara is a beauty must-have for women unless you are unusually blessed with naturally lush, gorgeous lashes—it adds definition, enhances eye color, and makes the whites of your eyes more vivid. I do not “pump” the tube for color, as air can dry out the formula and render it hard to apply; simply twirl the wand in the tube for more color (free tip!). I followed professional suggestions to add bulk to mine: Between coats of color, I would dust them with face powder. Finally, cosmetic companies began to offer base coats to plump lashes before mascara. But we’re all busy—I often don’t have time to work with dual products. Perhaps I’m an idealist, but I’m continually on a quest for super-quick “miracle” products.
Maybelline’s “The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara” is displayed on drugstore shelves everywhere (around $8.00). Maybelline, as you are well aware, has given us “Great Lash” (a staple for thousands of women). I especially like their “Full and Soft” mascara, as lashes are thickened and remain naturally supple. Colossal Volum’ promises that the patented MegaBrush and collagen will add nine times more volume to your lashes (sorry, but I’ve never understood how they derive such statistics—is there such a thing as an “eyelash-measuring tool?”). Something troubled me immediately--this product is available in “Classic Back” or “Glam Black.” What’s the difference? Black can be overwhelming for many.
My hand is steady, as I paint for a hobby with fine brushes. While applying, something smelled foul. I looked around me—was there a spoiled piece of fruit nearby or had our dog had an accident? No—it emanated from the mascara. I’ve never paid much attention to a mascara’s scent, but this can be politely described as “Ugh.” The Drugstore Deal reviewer bought another one just to make sure she was using a fresh product, but the gag response recurred.
Maybelline advises that you brush from root to tip without allowing one coat to dry before adding others. I struggled with the first coat! The MegaBrush is too large and unwieldy. No matter how much time I spent, it was difficult to capture all lashes and I wound up with the color far from my eyes. This “no-clumping” formula does—in a major way. I went to my sister’s home and my family asked why I was wearing “spiders.” Point taken. When dry, lashes are elongated and have bulk, but in a bizarre, stilted rather than flattering way. Packaging states that it can be taken off with eye makeup remover. Save yourself some cash—don’t buy it at all.
I hate to diss the company that has brought us “fine makeup, sensibly priced” (their old slogan), but I speak the truth. To paraphrase Rhett Butler, “Frankly, Maybelline, “I don’t give a darn . . .”
Am I missing something with “The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara”?
- meg's blog
- Login or register to post comments
-
Reviews
wow! it's so funny to hear just how many people dislike this mascara. I love this mascara, I had always use High Impact Mascara from Clinique and it gave me great results, but now that I'm using Colossal mascara, I have atleast one person ask me if I am wearing false lashes! it's great! however...if you don't like the bold dramatic look, DO stay away from it. The odor...never even noticed it to be honest with you.
My daughter made me buy this for her the other day because her friend couldn't stop talking about how long it made her lashes. I don't mind adding length, but thanks for the warning Daniella. Stiff and spidery looking lashes really bother me, so I'll pass. I do like the Full n Soft mascara too.
my "always go back to" mascara is maybelline lash discovery.... it never failshow much i spend (recently got a napoleon perdis masc on sale at sephoras that i like... BUT inevitably i compare to lash discovery)... but this was a very infrmative review.. thanks (wont be trying this one)! ;)
I have pretty good luck with this mascara. It makes my lashes feathery and long. I guess I didn't notice the smell. I found that putting the mascara very lightly from root to end worked for me. The reason I do not like the product though is the black specs after a few hours. Sorry, I agree, thumbs down.
Beste Hilsin
I have always used Maybelline Full and Soft with great success. Don't ask me why - every once in a while - I feel the need to experiment. My latest was with Colossal Volume. Big mistake. It made my lashes clumpy and my eyes itched for several days. Needless to say, I went back to Full and Soft immediately.
This mascara sucks. I said it, it sucks. Actually made my eyes itch! And it does smell really bad. As a self-proclaimed mascara addict, this mascara is a total let down. It ended up in the garbage. But I just picked up a new mascara yesterday (ok, I have like 10 different mascaras ranging from high-end to low-end so I definitely didn't need another one, wait a minute, yes I did) so I picked up max factor's volume couture mascara, because I had read a couple good reviews about it. This is my new fave mascara!!! :) Try it you'll like it!
I always loved the Full n Soft too. It's a great natural-looking "fluff" to your lashes.
Katie
Wow, Gigi, I'm so glad that you reviewed this product b/c my girlfriend is getting married soon & is looking for a BIG (HUGE, really) LASH look & was considering this product instead of false lashes. Now I can warn her - BIGTIME! I always try to smell my products when I first buy them so that I'll know when the scent changes - especially mascara & lip gloss. I love the Covergirl LashExact for a more natural look & LOVE LOVE LOVE the CG LashBlast for killer lashes! How disturbing that this product even makes it into production - what was Maybelline thinking?? I just picture the high-ups in the boardroom going, "Yeah, smelly, clumpy mascara - that's just what women want!!" Yikes! You Rock, girl!!
Well, I have heard mixed reviews on this. But I personally Really like this mascara. I bought it about a week ago, It makes my eyelashes very BIG!! actually almost as big as my two-faced $20 mascara. The smell is kinda annoying but I dont pay it much attention after I have put it on. Also the clumping is pretty much non-existent. So I would give this mascara an 8/10
I am so surprised to hear that people didn't like this mascara! I love it and use it every day. It makes my lashes so full and long. Just remember to curl your lashes before applying the mascara, it makes such a difference.
Has anyone used the L'oreal Double Extend Beauty tubes? I love that stuff. It makes my nonexistent lashes pretty long. One catch is that the product doesn't last long in the tube. I get about a month's worth out of each purchase. I've used about 4 so far, I think. Walmart has got a 2 for 1 sale right now I think. csyhumphrey, your pic is adorable! I love your blonde bob and your super-pretty face.
Indi
Gigi ,your the funniest,no sitting on the fence for you just straightforward honesty.
PotionPrincess♥
Just like one of the commenters above, it made my eyes itch too (must be whatever makes that smell!) I found it made my lashes thicker, but not any longer so I just ended up with really fat, short lashes. Sorry, scrap that, really fat, short, clumpy lashes. I think I bought into the bright, colourful packaging!
i just got that mascara, and it clumps so much. i agree the brush it way too large and it always has chunks of mascara on it. i have long dark lashes and i just wanted a bit more dramatic look- but this mascara clumped my lashes too much. one plus- it made my black lashes even darker.
I've heard mixed reviews on this product. I don't care how long a mascara makes my lashes, if it makes them spidery or clumpy, it is a no go for me. The lash discovery, full n soft, and great lash are all faves for me!
I wanted to love this mascara so much! I wound up chunking the tube after about a month. The mascara just clumped too much for me. I had a problem with flaking also!
This is the only mascara I own right now. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I don't. I love that it truly lengthens, but I hate the fact that it gets clumpy after a few coats. I love my mascara to be buildable and this isn't like that. I'll just have to wait for my Lumene mascara.
I heard very good reviews of this mascara and very bad reviews but I haven't heard much middle ground ones... I wonder why...?
Man now i dont know what to do with this mascara.. i kind of want to try it, but so many people dont like it! maybe now ill have to try the full n soft mascara... does that come in a waterproof form? i hope it does because ive been on the hunt for a good waterproof one lately.
I love this mascara, but now that everyone mentioned an odor, even if it doesn't have one, I will start to imagine that it does. But it does give me thick full lashes, and doesn't flake or irritate my eyes. I only use mascara for a few weeks before I toss it out and start a new one, so this is one item that I do prefer to buy in the drugstore. And this has become one of my staples.
Glad I am not the only one who hated this product. I had a hard time getting close to the base of my lashes and ended up poking myself in the eye. The formula does clump...alot. Don't waste your money.
My scrapbook shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/elle71125
i hate this mascara i try to like it but i think the formula doesn't like me lol
I was just mascara shopping the other day and I asked the sales lady which one was the best and she picked up this one and proclaimed "I'm wearing it now!" I didn't think her lashes looked all that great so I went with another brand! I'm so glad I did. Now that I've read your review I can stop thinking I missed out on the new best thing in mascara! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!;-)
This mascara is pretty decent! However, I had a hard time applying on the inner eyelashes. It also becomes chunky.
I tried this mascara a while ago. I didn't care for this mascara, I found it to be very clumpy. I would not buy this again or recommend it!
i've heard that colossal and lash blast are one of the best drugstore mascaras out there. personally i'm conflicted. i really want to try both but my sister said that lash blast is way better. i guess i'll just wait for good drugstore deals like the buy one get one free.
I actually like this mascara, I havent had any of the problems that I have read on this thread with this one, but have with other Maybelline mascara's.
I hate this! For the price just buy lashblast, this turned all icky-clumpy on me!
it smells weird and it still doesnt work for me
i'm really looking forward to trying this soon! Although ihave short lashes and im scared it wont help me much, to try or not to try!
www.itsallaboutcreativity.blogspot.com
I have nothing bad to say about this product. I've only used it for a couple weeks but its not as great as others. Its not my favorite so i dont buy it.
This mascara really makes your lashes colossal!
i like this allot! definitely in my top three!
Holland RayeLee Davida McCafferty
I actually do like this mascara, much better then the other ones from this brand. Maybe it just works better because I do have thicker lashes already? Dunno. To each her own I guess.
savemesomemoney.tumblr.com
I haven't tried that kind of mascara before.....
this brand has a good variety of pretty trusty mascaras for their pricing! :D
I don't like their mascara.
My sister swears by this mascara! Cant say im a huge fan, but its better than some.
It seems to be 50/50 when it comes to loving or hating this mascara. I think i'll play it safe and just stick with my beloved CG LashBlast
Read a lot of bad reviews on this product. I'll pass.
that looks awesome! i really wanna try it!
Holland RayeLee Davida McCafferty
i love this
Aw, this is my fave mascara tho, never paid attention to the smell
I never tried this one because for some reason I always end up buying hign end mascaras!I really don't know if they have diffrences from drugstore brands though!
Katiehttp://whatkatiedidherpolish.blogspot.com/
I'm not a huge fan of this either. For drugstore mascaras, I prefer CG Lash Blast, Rimmel Sexy Curves, most of the other Rimmel mascaras, or even Maybelline Lash Stiletto.
I really like this mascara. It provides a good amount of volume, probably not 9 times, but I wasn't expecting it to. And mine smells of roses. Maybe it's different in Canada?
<33
tried this one. didn't like it.
i really like this mascara! i'm not one to buy department store mascaras, i'm a drug store mascara girl all the way and this is one of my favorites. i've never noticed a smell and i think its soo easy to apply and it holds a curl so well!