Max Factor 'Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara'

Max Factor's newest mascara is a 2 step system that first promises to add volume & then with the top coat, add an intense glossy carbon black finish. Described by Pat McGrath as the "Wet-Lash Look", it was used at the Felder Felder SS14 underwater inspired show.

The base coat is a thickening formula containing waxes & volumising particles and is applied with the same fat brush as the 'False lash Effect' Mascara which was designed to build maximum volume.

The top coat is a thinner formula "jet-black lacquer" that adds intensity without clumping or removing any of the base volume. It is supposed to thicken the lashes, seal the mascara & add a carbon black glossy or wet-look finish. This is applied with a different design of brush on the opposite end of the mascara.

I actually found the second coat to be lengthening as well as volumising which ye should be able to see in the pictures below. 

The brush on side #1; Extreme Volume

The brush on side #2; Dark Lacquer

  

Top; Bare lashes
Centre; Lashes with the volumising base coat
Bottom; Lashes with the 2 coats applied. 

I brought this mascara on holiday with me meaning it was the only mascara I was able to wear for 2 weeks, and I was really happy with the results. For a very natural 'day' look I mostly only applied the base coat, and to intensify for a 'night-time' look, added the top coat.

I've read a few reviews where people were complaining about it being a nightmare to remove but using my Garnier 2-in-1 (oil based) makeup remover I had no issues with gentle removal. I just applied some of the remover to the cotton disc which I then lay against my eye for a few seconds before lightly wiping away the product. I repeat this about 3 times on each eye before it's 100% removed. I wouldn't attempt removing this with a water based remover however if you are concerned with the delicate skin around the eyes as you probably would be rubbing quite a bit to get it off. When you are layering 2 separate formulas that each set, you should expect them to last well on the lashes!

Even though I do like the mascara, I did find the base coat, which is supposed to be the volumising coat, to be a bit of a let down. I love my false lash effect mascaras and am very used to the brush and the lovely volume they give, yet this formula just didn't give me enough Oomph on it's own. It really needs the second coat to give the results I would expect from a volumising mascara.

Great option though for a day-to-night mascara. 

Available from all usual stockists with a RRP of €16.99 Irl.

What do you guys think of the double ended mascara???

Chat soon,

Shiv.

xx