My thoughts on Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies mascara

By Sarah

I've always been a Maybelline mascara devotee. I started with Great Lash in the green and pink tube, then I moved on to the Volum' Express line. Up until recently, I was 100% happy with the Volum' Express Turbo Boost, until it just up and decided to stop working for me. Whether I was using a new tube or an old tube, it didn't matter. Things had changed.

Then I noticed Maybelline recently came out with a new mascara, Volum' Express the Falsies. It was completely sold out at one drugstore, so when I saw it in stock at another store a few days later, I grabbed a tube, convinced it would be great.

And. Well. It's not my favorite.

I had really high hopes for this mascara. First of all, it's Maybelline. Then there's the fact that it's still part of the Volum' Express line, my favorite. And of course, it's got an adorable name; that counts for something, right?

I'm not sure if it's the actual mascara goo (technical term), the wand (they call it "spoon-shaped"), or a combination of both, but it's just not working for me. Instead of individually defining each lash, it clumps multiple lashes together, causing the always-unattractive spider lashes look. Then the mascara sets so hard, my spider lashes feel like little twigs and I'm forced to pick, pick, pick away at my lashes. Not good.

I wanted so badly to love this stuff, so I'm kind of bummed it wasn't my favorite. Maybe I should revisit the good old green and pink tube, what do you think?

Comments

[Kristen]

I think I'm really glad you posted a review, because I totally wanted to try this and now, I will stay far, far away from it. It's always hard for me to understand when something like this comes out and sucks so hard, because, it's like, did you TRY this? You know what I mean?

[kait]

I totally agree!! I was SO excited to try it. And...I HATE the brush. I mean, what is that?! Doesn't work but i keep convincing myself it does because I'm too cheap (college student) to buy a new one.

[craftyashley]

I am all about Lancome Definicils. Best. Mascara. Ever. Even down to the brush. It's hard to get to a department store to buy, though. So when I'm out I often get Almay. Works good too, but not as lovely as the lancome. That mascara even SMELLS nice.

[Caren]

Sooo...isn't this just the truth. Mascara. How many times has Aunt Rach mentioned this too? Why can't we find the PERFECT mascara?
This week, I'm in love with my brand new Laura Mercier whatever it's called. It's the newest and bestest. My salon was pre-selling - or is it pre-saling - when I was there last time. Got a travel size sample with advance purchase. So far, so good. My stand by reliable though continues to be Estee Lauder More than Mascara in Rich Black. No dot, dot, dot or speckly cheek. Also and finally... a fresh tube of anything is better than older stuff. Duh, I know, I know.

[Emiliy M]

Sarah - if you want to stay with Maybelline, try Define-a-Lash. It comes in a green bottle. The store was out of my regular stuff, so I bought this and love it! Each lash is, well, defined. And I don't get clumpy tarantula eyes either. I love it. And it's cheap. And they sell it at the local drug store.

[jimaiemarie]

This review gave me the sads...but I'm so glad I read it before I bought the stuff! I'm such a picker as it is so this would be such bad news for me!

[sarah marie p]

Spider twig lashes are the worst ever! Gimme soft lashes -- that are also long & volumized! (Why, yes -- volumized should be a word.)

Thanks for the review!

[Kristen]

I use CoverGirl LashBlast Length in the yellow tube. It has elasti-something formula, so my eyelashes are soft and never flaky, and the nylon bristles on the brush are fantastic. No clumps and no spider lashes, ever! I started with CoverGirl LashExact when it first came out years ago because of the nylon bristles, and I will never switch brands because throughout every formula incarnation the brush is consistently awesome. Let us know what you end up with!