Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Mascara | Review

I was recently contacted by the lovely people at Max Factor to take part in their #selfeye campaign as part of their latest product launch Excess Volume Extreme Mascara(*) - bit of a mouthful, no? I have always been a lover of Max Factor's mascaras and stand by them being the best makers in the fashion brands. I have worn the Clump Defy Volumising Mascara (here) religiously for years on end and have lost count of the amount of people I have recommended it to. So naturally I was always going to jump at this opportunity!

First off we'll discuss the packaging. This, for me, is just too bulky. Not really practical for chucking in your make-up bag or handbag for a night out. I find the wands to be pretty short as well which makes it quite a mission to avoid getting mascara everywhere! Unfortunately I haven't quite mastered how to not get it everywhere with a long mascara wand never mind a short one! I do however like the black and silver design - I'm easily pleased! It doesn't look tacky like some of the other fashion brands.

Brush Applicator 1 and 2

This is a double ended mascara which, if I am being completely honest, I am really no a fan of. Never have been. I just think it is so much more time consuming and using two applicators can clump my lashes together as opposed to fanning them out. The first wand is a plastic comb applicator which are the type of wands I love! This works great and spreads out my lashes whilst adding lots of volume and length. Then using the second wand to give the ultimate dark, glossy finish.

 Unfortunately for me, the first few times using this product I found it far too wet and difficult to work with and really didn't enjoy it. I felt that when I applied the first side I absolutely loved the look and when I was applying the lacquer it was making my lashes clump together and look more like spiders legs, far from the #Selfeye look I was hoping for. 

This is standard for me though when it comes to mascara as I tend to prefer them once they have dried up a little, the application works better for me. So I decided to persevere through the week and I'm so glad I have. Trying to work out the right amount of product to use and how to apply it properly is always the hardest part, once you have that down everything else falls into place.

The staying power is fantastic, never had any slips or flaking throughout the day and had no problem washing it off at night - we all know what a pain mascara is to remove! It is recommended to remove with an oil-based product though, which is what I use anyway.

My eyelashes look really long and fluttery as you can see from the photos above. This was after a few days practice and felt that I could apply it properly! I wouldn't say this mascara is going to a favourite of mine as, like I said previously, two step mascaras just ain't my thing, I just like to swipe and go! Would I purchase again? Probably. However, I would recommend this if you are looking for more body and volume to your lashes and you don't mind spending a little extra time applying your make-up in the mornings!

Retailing at £12.99 which is a pretty standard price this mascara is available from the 22nd of January Nationwide or find it at Boots now!

Will you be trying Max Factors new mascara?

Lori x