MAYBELLINE'S LASH STILLETTO MASCARA!
Gigi Here! Hold your breath—skin care reviews of popular brands are coming. Under our system of law, every item is entitled to a fair trial by a jury of its users. Okay, the first one is . . . wait—sorry, I’m keeping it secret for the time being, but I like it and hope you will as well.
When it comes to mascara, I am particular. No, I am very demanding, brutally and harshly critical. As I type this, I recall kate2004rock’s story of wearing a blue vinyl skirt many years ago and being insulted about her hair on the school bus. Kate, we’ve all been there. My story is similar. I was a majorette beginning in junior high school and took a long time to prepare myself for a popular parade. The boy on whom I had a crush would probably be there. Would he notice me? Would he say anything? I vividly recall marching down the street, with my hair behaving for one of the few times in life. I looked good. Better yet, I didn’t hit myself in the head with the baton for once! He was there. He screamed, “Hey, spider eyes—over here!”
I learned two lessons from that, one encouraging and one humiliating: He noticed me and I was reassured, in his own childish way, that he was smitten, as was I. And I realized that spending half an hour layering mascara did not make me attractive but, rather, freakish. Since that day, I strive to find a product which will enhance my sparse lashes in the most natural way.
As Guns ‘n Roses croons, “Welcome to the Jungle” when it comes to choosing drugstore mascara. The choices are overwhelming, bordering on annoying. Should I go with the neon yellow tube or the bright orange? I thought those which add a basecoat with fibers would work best to augment the scarcity of my own. Perhaps I have chosen the wrong brands and wind up with tiny flecks on my face and a totally artificial appearance. So I’ve pretty much relied on Lancome’s “Definicils” (even the waterproof formula is flexible), Shu Uemura’s “Basic Mascara,” Maybelline’s “Full and Soft” and Cover Girl’s “Marathon Mascara" to last for days (a bad thing to do, but necessary at times). Shu Uemura’s eyelash curler is always used to curl before I use anything.
I was impressed with the packaging of Maybelline’s “Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara” and chose it. Cleverly designed as a shoe heel (down, Angie!), the brush is amazing. The bristles are far longer and more trim than most, making it able to reach each and every little lash. But Maybelline claims that you will gain “seductive length” and a patent-like shine. My hopes were high, as there is absolutely no clumping or flaking. It was akin to Lancome’s version in this way at a fraction of the cost. My first coat called some attention to my eyes, but there was no increase in length and none in shine. More was definitely necessary. This mascara allows you to build coverage, and so I tried a second coat while the first was still moist, as recommended. Then my memory went directly back to marching in the parade. I wound up with stiff spikes, no gain in size, and absolutely no luster. I’d have to give this productive a mediocre rating at best. If you were born with natural lush lashes, this is for you. For me. it’s a trip to the drugstore for a return and another one to Macy’s. No, I didn’t type that—I don’t shop there. I only frequent drugstores, I promise . . .
Who else needed more kick with their stiletto? What Drugstore Brand is working for you!?
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Reviews
Gigi, I did not like this one either, although, like you, my hopes were high. Anyone who has read my profile (and please do! I love company!) will know that my all time favorite mascaras are not found in the drugstore aisles, but I do still keep a-tryin'. I'm probably one of a scant handful of women who does not rave about Maybelline's classic Great Lash, but I did try, hard, to love Stiletto, No deal. My usual standby drugstore mascara remains Almay's One Coat (not the waterproof version), and in a pinch I will reach for Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Mascara. These are oldies but goodies, and I will cleave to them when my YSL is not within reach.
I cannot go outdoors without mascara. My eyes just disappear, and that's not a good thing. I've used just about every kind there is and do NOT like the Maybelline offerings. I still don't know what the fuss is about Great Lash. I'd say more like Not-So-Great-Lash. I've been pretty happy with L'oreals Double Extend. And then... in a moment of madness, I succumbed to the temptation of Diorshow. I had a Sephora Gift Card, and I just lost my mind. OMG, I don't think I can ever live without it now. Sorry Gigi, I know this doesn't come close to any Drugstore Deal, but I'll try to save money on the other products you write about, ok? Vive le Dior!!
Carole
I’m so glad mascara is the topic today! I am desperate for new mascara! I am at the bottom of the dregs of my current two tubes that I have been clinging to since probably last year! I can practically SEE the bacteria climbing their way out of the tubes! I hate buying mascara and every trial with a new brand turns out the same. I never have any luck – I just want it to look lovely and soft and like I have magnificent eyelashes. Most of my mascara purchases end up looking like I have a daddy long legs spider, who, right after he freed himself from a mud slide, attached itself to the edges of my eyes! It’s not a good look for me. Maybe that’s why nobody ever has eye contact with me? I have had my best luck with Lancome Definicils but it’s rather pricey at $24.00 a tube! One day I lucked out and got a free tube of the Lancome Cils Design Pro – customer design double Mascara that they were giving away because of some law suit and I stood in line at Macy’s for 45 unauthorized minutes (during work – YIKES!) to score this baby! The word FREE and make-up brought zillions of women out of the woodwork that day! On one end of the Lancome Cils Design Pro is the brush and the other end has an itsy bitsy little comb that is supposed to help you even out your mascara. The mascara wand and product was good, after all it IS Lancome but the little tiny comb… POINTLESS!!!!!!!! Anyway…both tubes are bone dry currently so I am in desperate need of an affordable new mascara. Thanks to the always gifted with words and accurate information, Gigi, this 61 year old lady is going to continue to just say No to Stilettos! I am considering a purchase of Physicians Formula Organic wear mascara! Have you seen the packaging their mascara comes in???! Talk about night and day! Where stilettos give you an image of a high class call girl the Physician’s Formula says – earthy and back to nature with it’s cute little transparent leaf! Now THERE is a mascara container I’d be proud to have lying around!!! Last thing…on my bus every day there are women applying in an expert manner their entire eye makeup applications including mascara! How do they do that!?? My bus stops and jerks and it hard even to read! When I put on my mascara, I have to be perfectly still, in front of my mega giant close up mirror with a seat belt holding me tightly in place on my chair, with my mouth hanging wide open as if this helps me to apply it more accurately! I am always stunned at the beautiful job these girls do every single time! Gigi! I laughed out loud at your 'welcome to the jungle' song for the mascara choices! Perfect!
Jeanasina!
clearly i'm the minority but i'm ok with that - i was given a tube of this from a friend that hated it - and i love it. i was blessed in the eyelash region - they're long and thick but virtually invisible if not coated. i've tried everything and always return to the drugstore for mascara... and compact powder for that matter but that's not the point. i do love cover girl great lash (only the waterproof though), i hated l'oreal tubes cuz they freaked me out when it came off, but i love Maybelline Stiletto. maybe it's convenient that i'm trying to lighten up on the eye makeup while not loosing the look of long, lush lashes - and this gives me that with not a whole lot of thickening. so i'm pro-stiletto. i may make up t-shirts.
I didn't plan on trying this product due to lash fall-out issues I've had with Maybelline in the past, but I enjoyed your review. It was also nice to see Max Factor's 2000 Calorie mentioned by tantejoan. One of my old time favs! I am using CoverGirl's lash blast (in waterproof) right now. I have contacts, sensitive eyes and skin, and smear problems and CG has never let me down. I'm as much of a product monger as anyone else, but I always end up with CG mascaras. It's just nice their stuff does what they say it will do. Honorable mention to Max Factor's 2000 Calorie which also does what it says it will do. I deviate from the normal path of eyelash curling, because I do things like pinch my eyelid skin or turn my head to answer someone talking to me and yank my lashes out. (sorta clumsy!) I just do a couple other tricks.1. Take a tissue and lightly wipe most of the mascara from the wand. I promise there will be plenty left for your lashes. This helps reduce clumping and allows for a really smooth coat to be applied. 2. Use a baby toothbrush (very soft) to brush and separate your lashes while they are still moist to prepare them for the next coat. I like the fullness of the baby toothbrush over a brush designated for lashes any day due the afore-mentioned clumsiness - and also because it seems to do a better job of distributing the coat.
Gigi you are a fascinating creature; quoting Tennyson one minute and Guns and Roses the next. I am digging your brain!Not a fan of Maybelline Great Lash or the Stiletto version. I wouldn't buy it based on the commercial alone. Have you seen that chicks lashes? We're talking shiny, spiky spindles, which can be counted from afar. I think she had like 5 maybe 6 lashes tops. Not pretty Maybelline. I know, I know, harsh words, but a lie must not escape my lips when speaking of my one true love, Makeup. My fav used to be Lancome's flexstencials (I spelled that wrong) but they discontinued it, of course. It used to curl better than any device I could ever employ. So now, I too am on the hunt for the perfect mascara. Yes, I am a woman without a country.......... sniff
Hate it also when they discontinue good stuff, but forget Lancome, and welcome in Bourjois' Volume Glamour Ultra Curl Mascara country. Really great stuff!
Love you Gigi...HATE this mascara,LOL! Will admit I bought it for the name and packaging and although my lashes are not my biggest beauty problem,the stuff was atrocious: watery and sticky and I couldn't get it to do much of anything.Tossed it after 2 uses...I know,women are starving cosmetic-land but it was terrible on me and I wouldn't subject anyone else to it.Again: I used to use "Diorshow" by the tube and hated the price every time I bought it...trust me,if you learn to properly use the brush in "Bourjois Volume Clubbing" mascara (in ultra black,get it at Ulta @ 20 bucks!) you will never be lash-challenged again,it's simply amazing and doesn't budge,I wear it to the gym and do an hour of hard cardio,a yoga class,and weight training and the only thing that isn't soggy and weary IS my lashes,LOL!Looking forward to the dirt on all those brands girl...glad you're back on track!!!
I really like L'oreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes. It's the only mascara that I've ever used that increases the actual length. My lashes are short and sparse and I tend to lose lashes in the mascara removal process. Beauty tubes makes my lashes much longer than they are in reality, I'd say a measurable distance longer (several millimeters perhaps). I also love how easy it is to remove. I haven't lost a lash yet while removing it. The trick is to be patient while you hold wet cotton balls on your closed eyelid and the tubes just slip right off. No remover, no aggrevating black residue under your eyes and no lost lashes. I am dying to try Imju Fiberwig mascara though, as it sounds like a more luxurious version of this formula. I think the beauty tubes scores in a big way because it changes the actual length in a really noticible way. Before the invention of this type of mascara I was pretty faithful to Clinique's Natually Glossy mascara for a natural look and Maybelline's Volume Express for more lux lashes. Ditto to the negative reviews of Maybelline's Great Lash, there is nothing special whatsoever about that mascara.
Indi
I love to talk mascara! I bought Great Lash years ago after hearing all the hype, but I must say that it didn't work for me either. It clumped and flaked horribly. The consensus seems to be that Stiletto doesn't perform as well. Pretty safe to say that I won't be checking Stiletto out.
After running out of my beloved Tarte Lights Camera Lashes, I picked up some BE Buxom Lash at Sephora on a whim over a month ago. I would put it in the same category as Diorshow and Tarte Lights Camera Lashes for its volumizing and lengthening. I am very happy with it. However, I've been hearing rave reviews about Imju Fiberwig and Bourjouis Volume Clubbing (mjsred, I am intrigued). What to try next?? Stick with my current favs? Decisions, decisions. My short, thin little lashes need all the help they can get! :)
Thank you I wont be taking up precious drawer space with this one,Ive bought and given away more mascara then I care to mention.Avon do a pretty good one ,its a double sided one,with fibres on one side and mascara on the other.Im using urban decay big fatty mascara at the moment which is pretty brilliant but prescriptives are supposed to have a brillant one,I think its called falsh lash,so all in all if the maybelline works on anyone ,their born with it because its not maybelline.
PotionPrincess♥
I love definicls Lancome, I am a new fan of Diorshow (original, I haven't tried the ionic yet). I am also a fan of Consumer Reports, the mascara is in order best to least and the CR best picks are: Max Factor Lash Perfection, Covergirl Volume Exact, Loreal Telescopic, Maybeline Define a Lash. The panel (36 women over 6 weeks or something like that, they got the staff members and family, my kind of gig try make up, free make up, blog about it and talk about it w/ your girls!!) liked Definicils best, they like Bare Essentials least. Here it is, Enjoy and Glam on.
Mascara Ratings
Last reviewed: January 2009
Brand and ModelPriceOverall score
Washable Mascaras
Lancôme Définicils
$24
80.
Max Factor Lash Perfection Volume Couture
7
77.
Estee Lauder Double Wear
20
71.
Cover Girl VolumeExact
7
69.
MAC Zoom Lash
11
68.
L'Oréal Telescopic Clean Definition & Lengthening
9
68.
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume
8
68.
Cover Girl Lashblast Volume Blasting
7
66.
Neutrogena Healthy Volume
8
66.
Maybelline Great Lash Washable
5
65.
Christian Dior Diorshow
24
64.
Rimmel Eye Magnifier Exact Definition
7
63.
Avon SuperSHOCK
9
61.
Almay One Coat Nourishing Triple Effect
8
56.
Revlon 3D Extreme
10
45.
Bare Escentuals Big Tease
15
42.
Posted: December 2008 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: January 2009
This was a great review! But I havta throw my 2 cents into the ring, since nobody has mentioned my favorite go-to, it's also my go-back-to when I try others that just don't cut it. It also seems like I compare anything new that I try... TO this cheap lil love, Maybelline's Discovery Lash... it's got the GREATEST brush EVER, for some reason that lil sucka gets every one of my itty bitties, and darkens em, lengthens them - I dont think it necessarily plumps em or volumizes them, but I think thats when I run into the tarantula territory. I do have nice lashes (nowhere near as nice as my sons... WHY little boys always have fantastic lashes is sooo beyond me), they are long enough to be seen, they'll curl & I CAN go out w/out mascara (i dont but i could)... I also have a horrible habit of not removing every trace of makeup at night (my excuse is 18 months old and has amazing lashes i would die for), I don't have that much lash fall-out from discovery lash, and for the buck you getta lotta bang!
best mascara ever. I have thin sparse lashes and this is the cheapest, most effective mascara I have EVER used. Maybe I do channel the late Tammy Faye, but I love this mascara and what it does for my pathetic lashes.
Another Great Lash hater here....HOLLA! One of my best friends swears by it. We've actually had a falling out or two over this topic, so much is her loyalty to that bright pink tube.I suppose some of you may start throwing things at me after my confession but I'm going to come clean anyhow. I have nice lashes. They're pretty thick and a very respectable length all on their own. Still not ready to whip your stashes of once-used mascaras at the moving target which is my head? Maybe this will do it. I'm totally unsatisfied....nay, obsessed!...and seek thicker, longer, lusher, darker lashes. I've spent a compact car on my quest for the perfect mascara. I've had sales associates at Sephora walk away in a huff after hearing me whine about needing bigger, better lashes. Some have even stated the obvious, "Your already have that!" But in the true spirit of sheer madness, I persist.To make matters worse, I expect the HG of mascaras to look 100% natural. I want lashes that will poke a mysterious stranger from across the room and scream, "This is what you seek; the PERFECT woman. She must be, look at us!" And I want them to do so looking as if I just rolled out of bed adorned that way.After putting several makeup executives' kids through college, I've finally resigned myself to the heart breaking fact that my HG mascara does not, will not, cannot exist. We do that. Make tiny little concessions to the harsh realities of the world. Every time we die a little. But alas, it's called growing up.For years my go-to mascara has been one of Gigi's staples: Maybelline's Full-n-Soft. It's as close to perfection as I've been able to find. It does exactly what the name implies and it does it without being clumpy, goopy, runny, raccoony or otherwise revealing itself as mascara. I've been able to fool many people into believing that I don't wear any mascara. That my lashes are just a little fuller, longer and darker than they are. I've had many a mascara binge hangover cured by Full-n-Soft. It's never quite fulfilled my wildest dreams but it never lets me down, either.There have been a few side tracks showing early promise. Imju's Fiberwig worked amazingly well for me at Sephora. I thought I'd finally discovered my HG and was ready to die happy. Sadly, it never worked quite the same once I got it home. I had a similar experience with the legendary Diorshow. And when it first cam out, I tried CG's Lash Exact. I adored it....for about two weeks at a time. Literally that's as long as I could use a tube before it started clumping and clogging and therefore making a fine mess of my eyes.I know it almost sounds like an unhappy ending but there's a twist. Recently I was turned on to a new mascara. And I must say I think I'm in love. CG released a gimmicky version of Lash Exact. I'm sure it's been mentioned at some point on MMU: Eyelights. It's touted to enhance and brighten your eye color with an addition of metallic color flecks.Oh I have blue eyes. Oh I have green eyes. Oh I have gray eyes. Just depends on my mood, what I'm wearing, the position of the sun. But I am a confirmed ruby lover (okay, freak!) so I decided to try the Black Ruby Eyelights, which is designed for green eyes. I had no idea how much more my eyes could pop! This stuff really works. And it curls, separate, thickens and ever-so-slightly lengthens my lashes. And while they're not quite as natural feeling as with F-n-S, they're pretty darned close. Shortly after I started using it, I met a friend for lunch who I hadn't seen in about a year. "Were your eyes always this....I don't know....this...WOW!?....green, I guess. Were they always just so amazing?" BAM! I was hooked!I think the metallic flecks add a magic touch to th Lash Exact formula, too. My first tube lasted the requisite three months. It never got clumpy, lumpy or otherwise objectionable. Maybe this is not the ideal mascara for those with sparse lashes; but for me, it's just the ticket. Of course, this story isn't over yet. I'm convinced it ends with CG discontinuing this hooky product. That always happens to me. So, I'm taking proactive measures and picking up a tube nearly every time I'm at Target, CVS, etc...
Great review - haven't tried this one, and wont if it comes our way. My go to is L'oreal's Volume Shocking - which might be a bit much for some, but on my sparse little lashes, it gets them to show up a bit. Only problem is you have to get it right in one coat, or it clumps horribly.....
Rie
I haven't tried this product from Maybelline because I am very happy with the product that I found and swear by.That is the Cover Girl Lash Blast Waterproof formula. It's incredible! Great volume and length.When I don't want that strong an appearance, I use Tarte 14 Day Mascara. Its staying power and unclumpy look are for me.
My go-to has always been, fortunately, a drugstore brand: Covergirl LashExact. It does a great job of making my even and neat but thin lashes almost twice as long. LashBlast's not bad either, though I save that for nights when it's okay to look a little more dramatic. LashExact's one of those that makes me look subtly gorgeous and no one would ever know I had mascara on. I've tried Great Lash, and I have to say I'm on the not-so-much team. I've also tried Shu Uemura and DiorShow. Beautiful, yes--but nothing LashExact couldn't give me (the waterproof, though--my undereyes are mascaraphilic). I'm excited to try the new Eyelights line, and Outrayjust's plug just made me want it more!
Now I don't have to waste my money on another mascara. So far my favorite is Avon's Supershock mascara. It meets all my requirements; price, long lasting, doesn't break the few lashes I have, good colors, non clumping, and at the end of the day is easy to get off again without removing my few lashes I have!
Beste Hilsin
The packaging is awesome but the mascara...... 1 star
My ultimate favorite mascara is the L'Oreal Double Extend!! I promise it makes my eye lashes appear much longer and I love how it washes off. Never smears! Great mascara!!
Zounds! With all this great mascara advice to chose from it was difficult to decide where I should start in my quest for a new and improved mascara! I zeroed in on roxtarchic's commentary and I got myself some very affordable Maybelline Lash Discovery at Target on sale 2 @ $5.99 and so far I am really happy with it! There were no insect body part looking lashes present from the first day that I tried it! I like this little tube which is producing just right results! There has been no clumping or gunked random lashes to the point where I have to get 2 q-tips and put them together lash by lash to try to remove some of the freak show build up usually accumulated on every 3rd lash! I put it on and was immensely pleased! Thanks roxtarchic!
Jeanasina!
I can't use this globby goop. It doesn't separate well enough, and left my lashes looking spikey. Definitely not a hot look. All around, though, I HATE maybelline mascaras. The only one I ever liked was Illegal Lenghts...but there's so many better deals in the drugstore these days.
Let's just say it does what it's supposed to do. Not the best formula but it's alright. I use it with a volume mascara to give it a more polished look. I found that volume mascaras have a more luscious look.
I have yet to find a dream mascara. This is no exception. They all seem to give me the raccoon eye look, irritation, and spider lashes. Do not buy this. But do lead me in the right direction. Help.
I love your reviews and am glad I read this one. I have thick lashes but they are very short and I can't stand the fumbling with fake lashes. I was thinking of buying this soon as the "stilletto" in the name brings to mind length. Boo. I will have to research for something else.
~LaDonna*
I really love this mascara! I have had great luck with it. I can do about 4 layers and my lashes still look long with no clumping! For a mascara that is easy to apply and gives you long lashes quickly (unlike L'Oreal Beauty Tubes that need a series of steps) this is a nice quick way to acheive that.I haven't really seen the 'patent-leather shine'.
This is a really good mascara for the day time. It really extends your lashes and keeps the curl. The only thing that I don't like about it is that it doesn't make your lashes full.
Meya♥
I want to try this mascara. I've got a nice length to my natural lashes, so most mascaras work pretty well for me. Currently I'm using Max Factors mascara and NYX's Doll Eye mascara.
Since I don't drive yet, sometimes I have to apply mascara in the car and this is perfect since it grips to your lashes!! Not to mention it has awesome lengthening power.
I wasn't really impressed with this one. It did a decent job, but I think it made my eye lashes look pretty spidery, not really the effect that I was looking for.
Like a lot of you have said, I think my expectations for this one were a little too high as I only ended up feeling a bit disappointed. My favourite drugstore mascara is still Rimmel Sexy Curves - I only really like mascaras with the rubbery sort of wands, I find that ones with bristles clump too easily :(
I really love Maybelline's Great Lash, and my new favorite is Maybelline's Define a Lash. Can't get enough of it!
i havent tried it yet but i find sometimes brands build-up so much expectations by putting out seductive ads and making big promises- we are bound to be sorely dissapointed! i stick to L'Oreal for cheap brands
It gives really great length but I was not impressed with the volume
-Miss Yaya
http://myownjudge.blogspot.com/
I have this mascara and I really love it. I have it for a month or month and a half now. It's starting to flake but it builds up easier than before. anyone had that?
I am lucky, in that I like most mascaras, and most work for me. Having said that, I will try almost anything, and this really intrigues me. Is it smudge and waterproof. With the humidity now, I need that.
I actually liked this one, lengthening for my lashes.
Kim
this is really good to know... i just ran out of mascara today and im looking for a new one. any suggestions?
<3 Samantha
Hate it too.
I did not like this mascara. I have to give mabelline huge props for their marketing technique on this one. This is really just an average mascara. I did not get the shiny patent shine as stated on package. This is also a lengthing mascara, however, my lashed were not lengthened. Ladies, save your money on this one.
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
-Coco Chanel
I really like this mascara, it works well for me. It made my lashes long and doesn't run like others I've tried.
i was so interested in this when i saw it but i havent seen many good reviews, think i will give it a miss
I'm glad I read this review. I had seen the comercials and was thinking about getting this. No need for me to bother now right? The search continues.
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i'v never seen this mascara in paris !!! :(
I like the packaging, but from the reviews, it seem pretty bad :(
My new Ebay Store: cossiepieMy blog: http://lazyscorner.blogspot.com/
I have read and seen reviews of this product and some people do not like this Stiletto Mascara. I have yet to try this mascara but I think I'll try Lash Blast first because I've heard great reviews on it.
Gigi, I have to agree this didnt do much for me either. Especially since my eyelashes are small and straight out. I find most of Maybeline's stuff doesnt work as well as they make it seem. And the one tme a mascara did work really well, it would flake after a couple hours of wear.
no mascaras have really worked well for me.. even waterproof versions weigh my lashes down like crazy. loreal voluminous did really make it look like i had a lot of thick lashes, but didnt really lengthen the and made my lashes stick straight. i had to keep using my fingers to push them back into position :(
Ha! i just posted up a review of this cause i thought no one has reviewed this yet and now i saw there is already someone who reviewed this. Ha! That is funny.