I picked up Rimmel’s Lycra Lash Extend mascara this weekend – yes, actually this weekend, I’m for once writing a post and not keeping it in my drafts for a week before scheduled-posting it!
That’s right, folks. This is a current post.
And for all of you that did a double-take on the other thing… yes, this is a mascara whose claim to fame is that it contains Lycra.
Clearly, I had to try it, after reading a few rave reviews (duh, because I’m me). Lots of photos at the bottom of this post, so before you knock it, scroll down!
Price: $8.99 CAD at Shopper’s Drug Mart. Maybe you can find it for less elsewhere, but the price wasn’t bad in comparison to the other “maybe”, Lash Exact, which was $9.99 for half the mascara.
Scent: Not bad, not bad! It smelled faintly of something I couldn’t put my finger on – but it wasn’t printer toner and it wasn’t rancid food, so it’s all good.
Actually, now that I think about it, I think it might smell a little like UDPP. But don’t quote me on that!
Volume: Pretty good. Gave my lashes some volume, but I think it could have been better.
Lengthening: Holy friggin’ hell! I could practically see my lashes getting longer, but I’m pretty sure I’m just crazy.
Just kidding. I’m not crazy. This makes my lashes look so long they actually seem awkward if I’ve curled them too much beforehand – long black fibres protruding from my lid.
Feel: Though not lovely and soft like natural lashes, this didn’t become stiff the way many do. A few lashes stuck together, but not many – just make sure you curl your outer corners well and you’ll be fine. Also, it didn’t feel heavy, like it was weighing down my lashes.
Other: Unfortunately, this isn’t glossy, which just kills me! However, it’s a nice dark black – could probably be darker in some peoples’ opinion, but as I already have nice dark lashes, it didn’t really matter to me. It didn’t look “sooty” either – you know what I mean, when lashes look dry and greyish? None of that here, just miles of black. Lash comb handy, but not needed!
Photos! Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself. Click to enlarge.
Left – clean eye. I tried the mascara at night, so my favourite liner was still on but my concealer had faded a bit. I brightened all the photos up on Photoshop because the sun had set and my bulb went out, so all I had was a sad little 40 watt :(
Right – curled lashes, no mascara.
One coat. Lush but natural, and probably what I’ll wear most often.
Two coats. I’d stop here because I’m afraid of Clump City! With two thorough coats, it gives almost a “false lash” effect – holding a curl well and making them look super-long. And look at those bottom lashes! They actually exist!
Whew! Longest mascara review ever – but it’s one of the hardest (and most important!) things you’ll buy, so I like to do long ones :P
Lengthening: 4.5/5 Fabulous – but not quite perfect.
Volume: 4/5 Great, but I’m convinced there’s better to be found!
Wear: 5/5 No flaking or stiffness experienced yet!
Price: 4/5 Most drugstore mascaras are $8.99-$9.99 in Canada, but seeing as a tube of MAC mascara is $14, I still think it’s a little high.
Overall: 4/5
LASTLY – I’m a dork and forgot to take photos of the tube and swatch, so I’ll attach and repost another time.
