little white truths

Every now and then you come across a high-end product that's so bad it annoys the bejesus out of you - and for me, this is one of those products.

There's so much I don't like about it that I almost don't know where to start: I guess the fact that it does little to lengthen my lashes (so its name is rubbish) and also the fact that it flakes throughout the day are the main things that come to mind.


What I do like about the product is the packaging - it's luxe and sleek and classy - and I half-considered keeping it as a display item because I like the packaging so much.

I have kept 'lesser' products before because they look too pretty to give away, but this particular product is so bad that I can't even justify that.


Clarins claims/product details:

• This revolutionary new mascara combines an instant strengthening formula and exclusive new brush design, making it an absolute must-have for lashes lacking in length
• After 4 weeks of use, lashes increased in length by an average of 1.1mm (test conducted with 33 women for 4 weeks, measurements taken on bare lashes, average results)
• To use: apply by combing lashes from root to tip, pressing against them slightly to accentuate their shape and maximise the lengthening effect
• RRP $40 AUD for 7ml

I do like the brush because it's small and easy to use - and the brush normally maketh the mascara, but not in this case.

Smaller brushes are great for those of us with hooded eyes because we're less likely to get product all over our upper eye areas, which happens all too often with larger wands. This one's a great size and helps you get to those hard-to-reach places, but the formula itself is what lets this mascara down.


On the left I've applied one coat of mascara, and my right lashes are bare. You can hardly tell the difference! There's a little more definition and thickness, but that's about it.

Below is what happens when you apply a second coat. Not a good look! I really hate it when mascaras don't stand up to a second coat, and this one doesn't - it starts to look super unnatural and gloopy, and the second coat doesn't do much in terms of length either.

'Be Long' my proverbial ; )

• This mascara does little to lengthen my lashes. It makes them a touch more defined and thicker, but that's about it.
• The packaging and brush are lovely.
• This product flakes unbelievably throughout the day. Indeed, I've never used a mascara that flakes this much and I'm turfing it for that reason most of all.
• If you want to add a second coat of this mascara in an attempt to get some of the lengthening action happening, forget it. It looks clumpy, gloopy and unnatural in a heartbeat.