While in Las Vegas, I bought Sephora's LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($39), a collection of ten sample-sized mascaras. Here was my chance to explore mascaras beyond the drugstore variety and see if these premium brands were worth the hefty price tag, all without actually committing to any one brand! Inspired, I decided to review a new mascara once every two months until I go through the entire sample pack.
First up: Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara. Benefit's BADgal Lash mascara has a cult following; fans swear that the big brush and clump-free formula give them the biggest, most luscious lashes they've ever gotten from mascara before.
I was pretty impressed with the reviews I read on the Sephora website, but my own feelings about the mascara are mixed. The feminine, luxe-looking black-and-silver packaging on the full-size product is replicated in miniature on the sample product. The wand felt comfortable in my hand, and while the brush was big, it didn't clump even after four or five coats. The mascara did indeed deliver on its promise of long luscious lashes which, at the same time, looked very natural.
Now, here comes the downside: The formula smudges like no other mascara I've ever tried. I found myself doing intermittent undereye checks throughout the day, but even so, by the end of the day, I had panda eyes I couldn't get rid of. After the first time this happened, I figured I should be more careful with applying moisturizer and eye makeup so that it doesn't wick away my mascara. The smudges still occurred. The smudgy formula left me more than a little disappointed because I'm such a fan of its benefits. At $19 US (and $22 or $24 Cdn, I think?), I think I'll pass on buying the full-size version.
Have you tried BADgal Lash Mascara? What do you think of it?
so have a sample size of this and I wasn't impressed either sadly.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to like it, but, like you, I found it smudgy and I actually couldn't get on with the big brush either, I couldn't get it into the base of my lashes without getting it all over my face and eyelids!
This is so good to know! I've been using Mac PlushLash at the rec. of Gala, and while I do like the brush, it does smudge a little. But honestly, no more than any other mascara on me. I think it was only $12, so it may be worth trying out?
ReplyDeletei've used badgal lash and didn't like it either.
ReplyDeletei don't even really think i liked much about it in anyway HAHAHAH maybe except for the packaging. damn... im pretty sure i bought it because of the packaging and what it promised.
sadness!!
i am loving the mascaras i use now.
i put on too faced lash injection first and then i apply a few coats of lash injection pinpoint on top.
my guy friend who is use to seeing with me with falsies on thought i was wearing them, until i told him otherwise! woot woot!
I tried a sample of this too, it's ok, but not amazing. Being a cheapskate though, I'm still using it! Luckily my Mum sells Mary Kay, so she'll hopefully give me a new one...
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem with the smudging.
ReplyDeleteThe large brush was nice and the mascara looked great for the first bit but I was not into looking like the undead at the end of the day.
I LOVE this product! They have come out with a waterproof formula...it stops the smudging and is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI tried it too because of the good reviews but it is tottally smudge-y. I found that after I curled my lashes it didnt hold the curl in place and it doesnt separate or plump up my lashes as much as i would like. Try DiorShow Waterproof thats what ive been using lately and it does exactly what i would like my mascara to do. Love it.
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/8CBZne
thank you! i hate this mascara! it clumped, left my lashes stubby looking, and smudged like a mother! NEVER AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the mascara. Wonder why it got so many good reviews? Can't wait to hear about the other ones!
ReplyDeleteBtw if your US readers are interested, I'm running a giveaway to win Perricone MD's Cold Plasma! They can check it out here: http://highmaintenancewoman.blogspot.com/2009/11/holiday-giveaway-bonanza-part-1.html
Howdy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting a thorough, honest and entertaining review! We linked to your excellent post on our blog, *Product Review Round-Up* under the category of Beauty & Perosnal Care. The link is embedded in this listing:
NEW 11/24-Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara gave blogger SoloLisa "panda eyes".
Again, many thanks!
Happy Trails to you,
Grace and Tiffany
The Uncommon Cowgirls of Product Review Round-Up
http://productreviewroundup.com
Yikes! Panda eyes - not good. Thanks for the review. Very nice wand though.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, try the badgal waterproof mascara. I made the switch over and it gives the same results minus the panda eyes. The formula is less thick I find.
ReplyDeletesmudge under the eyes ouch.... i will go check it out still though.
ReplyDeletei've gotten my makeup done at benefit counters and i've noticed the same thing - great lashes but smudging. super annoying. mascara and eyeliner usually smudge on me anyway (ugh) so this one was especially bad.
ReplyDeleteAh, I hate smudgy mascara! The bane of my existance! I still have not found the *perfect* mascara, but I do like Exceptionnel de Chanel.
ReplyDelete-Ashley
http://breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com
I do love how long it makes your lashes, but the smudging really annoyed me too! I use maybelline colossal volume waterproof, and I swear to god that it NEVER smudges!!
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same problem as you! It was sooooo smudgy. I did like the brush though, so I just kept the brush and I use it with my favourite cheapie mascara (Great Lash!). Best of both worlds!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried it, but smudges aren't good :(
ReplyDeletei've been debating getting this set as well! it's a great price for so many options, but the couple that i have tried haven't been so great. would love to know what you think of the others!
ReplyDelete