Just another page of my journal of never-ending mascara hunt.
I have almost given up trying new mascaras because every new mascara seems to smudge. I received a travel size Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara as a GWP and I was going to swap it away. The swap fell through. That must have been a sign that I should try this mascara (any excuse to grow my beauty collection).
Claims
The perfect complement to a smokey eye look, this kohl-pigmented mascara delivers high drama by creating extremely black, stretched-out lashes in an instant. Plus, the long-wearing formula holds its own against flaking, smudging, sweat and humidity.
Formula
This mascara has a wet formulation, meaning that it goes on quite wet and it stays wet for a little while before it is dried. With a wet mascara, the second layer must go on after the first layer is dried in order to build volume. One reason I've been avoiding a wet formula is that it tends to uncurl my lashes. Sometimes I curl my lashes again after applying the first layer of mascara and before the second, which is not a good habit (the lashes may snap off). Although it is time-consuming, a wet formulation is usually more buildable and it is also less likely to clump.
Application
This mascara goes onto the lashes very smoothly and easily. As to the brush, I found it a bit too chunky to use, and it makes application to corner lashes and bottom lashes quite tricky.
Results
It does a fantastic job in amplifying and volumising my lashes. It also does a good job in lengthening. As with all other wet formulations, it does not seem to hold my curls very well.
Top: not wearing any mascara. Bottom: wearing Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, 2 coats.
Although I really like how volumising it is for my lashes, it also smudges quite badly on me after a few hours. This is a common problem I have with mascaras, especially those which give my lashes real volume and length.
Top: freshly applied Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, 2 coats. Bottom: 5 hours later with significant smudging under the eyes
Removal
This mascara is difficult to remove. I have used a few different brands of micellar water and most of them cannot effectively remove this mascara. Even two-phased makeup removers do not seem to be able to remove this completely. It is best to remove it with a cleansing oil.
Overall rating 2.5/5
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.