MAYBELLINE'S COLOSSAL VOLUM' EXPRESS IN GLAM BLACK!
Gigi here! I'm not certain why I disclose major embarrassments of my life in this forum, but perhaps it is because I am so very comfortable with and trusting of you wonderful women. Seriously--I never dreamed a group could be as supportive, brilliant, hysterical, and kind!
Let's rewind to my teen years. I was a majorette and going to perform in one of the larges t parades in the area. Everyone went--my boyfriend was going to be there with his friends (okay, I was in love with him but always believed in keeping my options open). I was decked out in a black mini skirt in size "Malibu Barbie" and had a black top adorned with gold sequins. My boots were polished and my tassels perfectly fluffed. I had the dance routine perfected so that I didn't hit myself in the head yet again with the baton and cause a concussion.
I saw my sister immediately after a flawless performance. She is a short woman, barely five feet tall, but she still wields a lot of power because of her being older. I asked how I did, expecting her to fawn. Her reaction? "Gigi, what the heck did you do with your mascara? There are tarantulas on your eyes and I don't know how you can hold head up without being a hunchback." I wish she had told me what she really thought! Actually, I was a spiked Goth before it was fashionable or Scarlett O'Hara with her lashes on steroids! I realized what she meant--more is not necessarily good. I had kept applying coats before the parade.
Now I am on a continuous search for a fabulous drugstore mascara to share with you, but I am in therapy for "Fringaphobia." I am seeking products for volume and length and am given to panic attacks by the overflowing shelves and displays in drugstores (however, not my nearby drugstore, as I believe they are selling rancid cake mascara from 1954). Choosing drugstore mascara was once easy--there was Maybelline's basic, "Great Lash" in a scandalous pink and green tube, Cover Girl's waterproof "Marathon," and some others, but not thousands. These days the feminine colors scream, "You're a girly girl and know you have to have me!" Black, gold, and red echo, "Christmas is coming, so don't be left in the dust without us to sparkle!" Double mascaras summon me to resemble Penelope Cruz with fringe that could sweep a floor like an industrial-sized broom. I finally grabbed a vivid yellow and purple tube of Maybelline's "Colossal Volum' Express" in "Glam Back" because it looks like a highlighter (around $6.99) and reading is a habit I intend to regain.
So breathe deeply, and try an eyelash curler to get the most from this surprisingly good product. Just say to yourself, "I'm the one with the brain and will learn to use this; I will not see it as a torture device left over from the Spanish Inquisition."
When I first applied it, our Terrier Skittles--the one who uses makeup and still wishes to have Tobermans with the Doberman across the street--was sitting near me. I caught a whiff of something and said, "Dinner didn't quite agree with you, did it, little girl?" But there was a continuous faint reek and I said, "Okay, I'll get you a Greenie bone" before I realized that the foul smell came from the mascara, not the dog. The scent is a detriment.
The brush is patent-pending and longer and chubbier than many, so filled with the formula that you barely see the bristles. Maybelline promises lashes nine times more voluminous than with others. I was surprised at how well my lashes became fuller while being defined on the first application. It contains Collagen to boost and it works. There was minimal clumping and flaking and thus the mascara comb I had was used, but I gained both length and volume. Had I woken up in Oz?
A gorgeous reader of this site, Indi (Indigo), told me that the key to making oscillating mascaras work is to use them slowly. That made me think, and the same applies to any mascara. Take your time. Don't look at the clock. Don't drive with your knees and put it on in the rear-view mirror of your car on the way to work. Patience is indeed a virtue, as Indi reminded me.
With one coat, I had noticeable, come-hither lashes without a gaudy look. A second coat would be too much for me and probably anyone with short and fair lashes, but I'm happy. If you do want a second go-round, do it quickly, as it dries almost immediately. The would-be highlighter did indeed brighten my makeup collection and eyes! If I sing "You Light Up My Life," please shoot me . . .
What drugstore mascara makes your button twirl? Please let us know!
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Reviews
Ohh, this sounds like exactly the sort of mascara that I'd love. My favorite drugstore mascara is Maybelline Full n Soft. It gives me long voluminous lashes with no flaking or clumping.
http://www.beautifullyglossy.blogspot.com
I like 2000 calorie mascara. A friend bought that new Telescopic explosion by Loreal and gave me 1. I am going to give it a try. It has the ball shaped brush like Phenomeyes, I will let you know what I think of it. Gigi you're an inspiration to me. I truly LOVE YOU AND YOUR AWESOME sense of HUMOR.
i love tuning back to the past, but i love it even more when i'm reading about someone else's.. everyone's life is a marvelous novel or series of short stories.the first time i used a mascara was in 10th grade for my formal, i ended up purchasing maybelline XXL, to be honest i couldn't tell the difference. there was a 3-4 year gap will i used mascara again (terrible i know!) but i kind of steered away from drugstore mascara, my bf's been getting me elizabeth arden and lancome mascara, ever since i used those i didn't go back to drug store. But i'm sure their formula improved since i was 15, so i can't really compare!
Lily =o)http://lazyscorner.blogspot.com/
"saw my sister immediately after a flawless performance. She is a short woman, barely five feet tall, but she still wields a lot of power because of her being older." This is exactly how my sister would describe me. hehe. And I thought it was terribly funny that you thought the rancid smell of mascara came from your pup ;)I never would've considered this before your post because chubby handles for me = difficult to maneuver. (I'm a Full 'n Soft girl for life) but now I'm curious.
http://ediblelove.wordpress.com/
I have been using this mascara for a while now and find it to be pretty good. I don't get black spots under the eyes in two hours like some brands. I still won't curl them. I figure it I put it on right, they seem to curl as long as the mascara isn't too thick. I would rate this a great buy and recommend it to anyone.
Beste Hilsin
I use nothing but Maybelline Mascara's and this is my TOP, TOP, TOP favorite! I love this mascara! Some people don't like it due to the smell, but it doesn't effect me.
My Beauty Blog:http://laxmorena.blogspot.com/
i like this mascara alot. i won it from a blog and ive been holding on to it b/c it's perfect for that extra flare when going out (and i rarely go out).
so far my fave is max factor 2000 calorie, doesnt smudge at all but doesnt give the big huge volume you need for a night out. I also got the maybelline full soft one, smudges a little but it is true that the lashes dont feel all brittle so that is nice and reassuring, makes one feel it is better for them.
makeup makeup makeup!!!!!!!
I am currently using Max Factor mascara and really like it, but I'm going to need a new fav once I run out since they don't sell in the U.S. anymore. I bought CoverGirl stuff that I love that might become my new fav though.
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What a cute packet. For a drugstore brand I like the rimmel glam eyes mascara.
That's the one I use too.Gigi, Does the smell last long? I really want to try it (once I ended the other 3 that I already have)
I do like Cover Girl's "Last Blast",someone here gave it a shout-out and it's fine for everyday use...I shall try this one,I change tubes frequently and although my gold-standard is Bourjois's "Volume Clubbing" in intense black,it's a beast to get off so I use it only here and there...great review of what appears to be destined to become a "classic" just like you are girl! :)
i LOVE COLOSSAL! MY FAVE MASCARA IS AVON SUPERSHOCK/SUPERCURLATIONS (BOTH GREAT, CANT DECIDE WHICH I PREFER) BUT COLOSSAL IS MY DRUGSTORE FAVE-I DIDNT THINK IT HAD A BAD SMELL THOUGH??!
I really like Maybelline Full and Soft. Lately I've been using it with UD lash primer.
Maybelline Lash Extensions is my favorite! I like black/brown, i think it helps to not too TOO dramatic for daytime.
I have this but I don't use it anymore. At first I was impressed by the length it gave me although the extremely huge brush isn't really great to get at the tiny hairs on the inner corner. Plus, it made it easy for me to smear the mascara on my lids. Many complain about the smell but I found it bearable. I couldn't do more than 2 coats of this as my lashes tend to become spidery and clumpy. I also found that after a while I get fallout.I have moved on to L'oreal Voluminous. It works better for me but I know I can find something better. :)
Gigi, I hope you know how much I look forward to Thursdays!! You have such a flair. BTW, I am a "big sister" of about 5'2" - and I still try to wield power over my "little" brothers!Anyway, to the point... reading this site has ruined me. I just plunked down the money for Givenchy and I like that ball shaped brush a lot AND it makes my lashes look, well, phenomenal! But for drugstore brands, I like the soon-to-be-unavailable Max Factor 2000 calorie. I also like the L'oreal two in one thing that I can't remember the name of (white stuff on one end, mascara on the other). I get a very nice look from either of them, with no smudging. But not PHENOMENAL though... I'm not too crazy about the Maybelline mascaras - but I'm glad this one worked for you.
Carole
I am a mascara ADDICT. Every, and I mean... EVERY mascara that come out I have to buy it. And I NEVER buy the same mascara twice. HOWEVER Colossal Lash is the ONLY masca that I have bought over and over again. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH IT!! I LOVE IT! When ever im stumped on which mascara to use or not brave enough to try a new one for the day.. I reach for the colossal lash!!!!
5 champagne flutes for SURE!!!!!!
Tan is Love
I tried this mascara and I did like it - but I didn't love it. First off, the smell isn't so great, like you said. Then I had some issues with clumping after the first coat, it's possible that I didn't wait long enough, but who knows. I thought this was a good mascara, but not fabulous. My all time favorite drug store mascara is Lumene's Blueberry Curl mascara. I have tons of issues with clumpy lashes and this is one of the few mascaras that keeps me perfectly clump free. The only downside to Lumene's mascara is that I don't think it looks that great for dramatic/night looks, but that's where MAC's Plush lash comes in :)
Gigi, I have to say, I love your reviews the best!! You always make me laugh. I had a similiar high school experience, my first attempt at self-tanner the night before a pep rally and football game. Our uniforms were black and white, and I was black, white, and streaky orange. Plus additional white where I missed huge spots on my legs and arms. My palms, of course, were orange as well. I like this mascara a lot, I almost always go for drugstore mascara, I really believe, even though I am a total label snob, that they can be every bit as good as the high-end department store brands. Plus, if I make a mistake and don't love it, I'd rather throw out $10 than $30.
I'm not sure if my favourite drugstore mascaras are available in US or UK. They are (1) Majolica Majorca, by Shiseido (2) Fasio, by Kose. Both works amazingly well for me: basically 'everything-proof' haha... no smudges even in hot + humid Singapore. Stayed put when I cry. Held up my curled straight downward pointing lashes in a curl until I remove the mascara. It clumps a little now but it can be easily cleaned up with a metal lash comb. Downside for both is that they are hard to remove. I find them better than Lancome's mascaras. Prior to finding these 2 brands, my best bet was Lancome FlexWP but I still had smudges. That said, despite claiming to own 2 HG mascaras, I'm constantly on the lookout for better ones!! My next drugstore 'experiments' would be Rimmel (yay, I can buy it here in SG) and the Colossal Volum' Express too if it's available :)
I was just about to buy this last night but wasn't sure if it was any good since I haven't read any reviews on it. Thanks! though I don't know if I'll care much for it if it has that reek :D
unfortunatly, haven't heard too great of things about this product! but.. i love GOSH show me volume mascara.it's a little prceier then other drugstore mascaras, but it is soo good, and now I don't want to use anything else because nothing else compares!
Before I went the natural make-up route, I used Great Lash (even when I worked for a cosmetics company and got freebies) which I loved - it gave me thick lashes that were never spiky. Now I'm on a quest to find a natural mascara with great volume - I've read mixed reviews about Dr. Hauschka and Suki, but I'm just not in a position at the moment to pay $25-$30 for a product that I might not be happy with.
You know, you almost make volume and length sound like good things and I have to remind myself about all the mascaras I have tried and then passed on to my mother. I don't know why, probably I just apply them wrong. It is true, that when I slowed down and wiggled slowly, I found the one and only that works for me (Divide and Multiply by Bodyshop). I think that when I run out, I will give this one a try, slowly. Perhaps that is the trick to all mascara application, as long as they do not flake and clump? Thanks for the funny review, a giggle before bed is the best way to end the day in. :)
Mascara seems to be so hit or miss, pretty much every brand there is the same number of people that hate it as there are who love it. I feel like mascara is a product where price certainly does not reflect quality. So many drugstore mascaras are great, I will never buy any mascara over $10 again. However, because there are so many misses out there I find it difficult to try new brands. I am so happy with Lash Blast that I really do not feel the need to switch. I get what I want out of that mascara for a price I am willing to pay. I'm glad others like this mascara, but I do not think I will be switching any time soon.
I have always been a fan of Great Lash, but found the small brush to be bothersome. Now that Maybelline has Great Lash BIG, with the same perfect formula and a big fluffy brush, I am in mascara heaven. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it
Love and Lipgloss,
Kathryn
mymarkstore.com/rynthayer
I personally love mark's make it big. The big fluffy brush is perfect at getting major volume. However I ran out a few weeks ago and sent my bf out to get me a tube of anything. (Probably a bad idea to have a man get mascara.) He got me a mascara made by LA Colors at the dollar store. WTF? After looking for everything online I decided it wouldn't kill my eyes. I have to say I am quite impressed with it. I love the little brush. It makes it so easy to reach every lash and with one coat I can look natural or I can build it up for a more dramatic look. He did a good job at finding a get me by until I remember to place my order. LOL.Gigi, I do love reading all your memories.
im still pretty faithful to my rimmel sexy curves mascara lol...though i REALLY do want to try covergirls new lash blast..the one with lycra or elastin (i 4get which 1 lol) in it
I don't think I've ever repurchased a ds mascara. I like to try new things. I like the original Lash Blast and the new length one is nice for every day. I'm also a fan of Define-a-Lash. This looks like a cool one to try next, but right now I have way too many open!
I love cheap and cheerful mascara, especially if it works!! I was using Diorshow in blackest black [waterproof of course] until I went back to school.. now it's whatever brand I can find at the supermarket that is on special. :| Thanks for another awesome review, Gigi! You make me feel better about having to scrimp and save. ♥
I just went on a drugstore binge and decided to stock up on some mascara and try out some new stuff. Not thrilled with the rimmel sexy curves, took a risk and am kicking myself for it but at least it was 50% off! that spiney brush keeps poking me in the eye- probably because of the varying bristle length!I do like their glam eyes however.I am reluctant on the maybeline though... on the naughty list with PETA... : /
I`ve tried Colossal once and I liked it. However I would buy before Eyeko`s mascara because I`ve seen many pictures with the before and the after and it`s incredible the result with this mascara.
This could tempt me to try maybelline mascara again I tended to turn my back on them due to great lash doing nothing for me-must finish the urban decay first though ,I have to stop opening tubes until I have used one up .Usually a mascara works for me if the brush is huge cos its volume I look for and the big brushes usually deliver.
PotionPrincess♥
Revlon Beyond Natural ("natural" referring to the look it gives, not the ingredients) is my fave. I have it in Black Brown as I'm extremely fair and BLACK black can look harsh on me. It lengthens and defines but doesn't scream that I'm wearing mascara. I really love it.
I've never found a mascara which I've fallen completely in love with. The only one I've tried from Maybelline is the pink & green one and I didn't like it at all, but this one is probably better.
I love this mascara! I also like maybelline's lash stilletto, I find it layers nicely. I also LOVE this quote "Terrier Skittles--the one who uses makeup and still wishes to have Tobermans with the Doberman across the street" Tobermans??? AWWWWW!!!!! I love Skittles as a dog name, too cute!!!!!
I'm really not a fan of this mascara, it clumps on me and it smells! I just cant do it! I only used it about 4 times and had to throw it away. I'm glad it worked for you and glad that I'm not the only one who thinks so.
I use Rimmell right now but might have to check this out, I just hate clumps!
Gigi, your story made me think of my drill team days and all the dippity do that was used to slick the teams hair back into that tight ass bun. It wasn't a good look for me........ I love trying new mascara, it always feels like the promise of something more, ya know? Great review!
wow it looks so cool :) Wanna try it ! I reminds me of Covergirl lashblast for some reasons... :)
Makeupaholic on a budget!!!
I've tried this because of the promise. I think it's a good mascara, but I don't feel like I got collossal volume at all. Perhaps my expectations were too high.
Letita
Gigi, you crack me up girlfriend! Like you, I am addicted to huge, long lashes. I layer on that mascara like there's no tomorrow. (I keep my metal lash comb handy for clumps!) So far, my favorite mascara of all is Clinique High Impact, but I just can't justify $18 for a tube of mascara that I'll chuck in the trash after a few months. I've really liked Avon's superShock and mark's Make it Big, but I wish they were more pigmented and gave my lashes more OOOOMPH! I think my drugstore favorites at the moment are the Revlon and Maybelline mascaras that have both the primer and the mascara (Maybelline's is called XXL but I can't remember what Revlon's is called).
♥ bluedevilkittyhttp://mtycer.weebly.com/
I agree with bluedevilkitty. Clinique High Impact is one I remember using and loving it! I used to work at the Lancome counter and mostly used their products purchased or given to us free and I have to say that I was never really impressed with Lancome mascara for all the curling and defining it claimed to do. They didn't flake though and right now I am using L'Oreal's Collagen mascara and I'm ready to pitch it! By the end of the day, not even, more like mid-day I have black flecks all on my cheeks and under my eyes. I had heard good things about Maybelline Collosal brand... guess i'm going to have to drag myself to Wal-Mart. Hope I don't end up on peopleofwalmart.com lol!
Style may be on the surface, but you can be deep and still have some - Clarissa Gough
LOL! My boss told me about peopleofwalmart.com a week ago and I am addicted to it. I can't believe people actually walk out of the house like that.
Colossal is one of my favourite mascaras. The other one is L'oreal Telescopic. Colossal gives lots of volume, and Telescopic seperates and lenghtens. I switch between these two all the time.
I am a bit of a mascara fluzy. I always have several because I just can not make up my mind. I love the volume I can get with some but then have to combat the clumping they always have. I will probably try thisone next. (I have 4 dogs so I am pretty used to rancid smells by now).
I've tried Maybelline's Volum Express before, but not the Colossal version. I have a big problem with smudging, and this one smudged on me like crazy. I hate having such oily eyelids!
Cute story Gigi. I too have an older sister that had it together. (as compared to me NOT having it together - ever!) Plus, she was always better academically. So in high school the teachers would be expecting an A+ student when I started their classes. Oh my. Well, things got better after I found the things I was A+ at. A happy ending. (but darn if that sister isn't always a size smaller than me. Humm!) :-) I'm always trying new mascaras. It's usually the ones from the mall though. I never had luck with the drugstore brands, and stopped buying them a few years ago. Usually in the drugstore I would be a sucker for the advertising/name of the product. I had it with them flaking in my eyes. That's when I ventured into the mall and discovered a whole new world to explore. I am curretly on the lookout for a good curling and lengthening mascara. I haven't tried that one a few of you mentioned by Clinique. That sounds promising. Is that one a curling mascara? If not, any suggestions? Thanks!
This stuff is terrible. I dont like to sound so negative, but this was the worst mascara I had ever bought.the only good thing is the brush, the brush is CRAZY good.But the mascara itself flakes and crumbles off your lashes and onto your face within a few hours.