See that pristine white porcelain candelabra/bed post in the picture below?
Haha, just kidding. It’s actually a tube of new $17 MAC False Lashes Maximizer (coming to the MAC website November 30 and to MAC counters and stores December 3), and it only stayed looking pristine like that for about 18.325 seconds…which is about how long it took me to get foundation fingerprints all over it.
If I didn’t know better, I would have assumed that this stuff was designed to take false eyelashes to the next level, because of its name, False Lashes Maximizer, but it’s actually designed to make the most of your real lashes.
It’s a lash treatment and volumizing lash primer rolled into one, with the idea being that it’s supposed to make your real lashes look like falsies.
As the owner of stick-straight, underwhelming natural lashes, THAT’S an idea I can totally get behind. 🙂
The formula, which goes on white but dries clear, is supposed to condition lashes while priming them for mascara layered on top, and it’s also supposed to make your lashes look thicker and plumper.
So it’s basically a mascara primer, but unlike some others, it doesn’t have those tiny fibers in the formula.
After using and testing it for about a week, wearing it under a number of different mascaras, I can say that it won’t be supplanting my favorite mascara primer at the moment, Estee Lauder Little Black Primer.
It gets a few points from me for volume, because it definitely does make my lashes look thicker when I couple it with mascara, but it completely drops the ball on curl hold. It relaxes the curl from my lash curler, and I don’t see any difference in lash length, either, which is a bummer.
As for the conditioning power of the formula, that’s one of those things I may not have enough patience for. It might take months to see those benefits, and when it comes to curl, my lashes need all the help they can get NOW. If I’m going to bother to use a lash primer, I want one with cray-cray curl hold, and I want it, like, yesterday.
If you’re curious and want to give it a whirl, it’s coming to the MAC website November 30 and to MAC counters and stores December 3.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I have yet to get into mascara primers. I’d rather have one rockin’ mascara, than a primer and two mascaras to layer. I don’t like the idea of tiny fibers on my lashes (unless they are glued on in the form of falsies). But in the name of beauty, I’d love to find one I love 😉 What are your thoughts on UD Subversion – is the formula more agreeable than this one?
I too am using the Estee Lauder LBP. I am having a set of these sent to me so it’s a bummer you find them meh.
~Stella
Hi, Miss Karen! How are you?
?? I cant live without eyelash primers! Love love EL Little Black Primer and the Dior one. Speaking of, what is your top-of-the-list super favorite eyelash curler? Is it true that eyelash curlers need to be replaced after you have used the extra pad that it comes with? Or maybe I should ask how often do we need to replace our eyelash curlers? ☺️
Thank you and more power!
Hi Herakitty,
I’ve definitely noticed that as time goes on that is seems like I need to push harder with certain lash curlers to get the same effect because they get loose. The Shu Uemura one that I’ve been using for the past few years is pretty good, and it’s so good that I haven’t really had to replace the pad (haven’t noticed any breakdown). I’m not sure if you’re here in the US but unfortunately it’s harder to find in-store these days, so you’re going to order it online. Anyway, I’ve had mine for a few years and haven’t replaced it or the pad (I clean mine every day to keep it clean) and it works just fine.
I’m thinking about getting a new one though just to mix things up. I’ve heard great things about the Shiseido Lash curler:
http://www.sephora.com/eyelash-curler-P244437
Hi! I do own the SU eyelash curler that I bought from Singapore years ago. They do seem a little loose now ans I have changed the pad with the extra one it came with. I also have the Sephora brand (purple) which I actually liked better than the SU one. I bought the Japonesque heated curling wand (I think thats whats its called) because I also have that hard-to-curl lashes that wont stay curled. ? I may have to try the Shiseido one. Although Im drawn to the sparkly one that Tarte has in their holiday collection! ?
Thank you for your advice! I am Bay Area based as well. ? XO
Yeah, the Shiseido one is supposed to be REALLY great. I think I’m going to add it to my Christmas list, although my family’s going to say that it’s the last thing I need. LOL! I’ll let you know if I end up getting it and if it’s any good.
And yay, Bay Area love! Are you from here originally, or did you move from another place? I grew up in the East Bay, went away to Davis for school, then came back and lived in SF after college. Now I’m in Marin county. I love it here!
Hi there!
I was born and raised in Manila. I went to the University of the Philippines. I have been living almost half of my life in the city. San Francisco is love. I love Marin! So fancy! Bay Area is nice. I would choose NorCal anytime. I used to work in corporate fashion merchandising and now in the tech industry. Makeup and beauty is a way for me to destress. I love reading glossies and blogs such as yours. I think its fun and interesting. Its also a great learning tool for someone like me so thanks for all you do! (Thanksgiving is exactly 7 days away as of this writing! Eeek!) 🙂
Ive been to UC Davis many times to visit sorority sisters who are taking Masters and PhD’s. Great campus!
Still haven’t tried the EL Black primer yet. But it was my jam back in the day in the white formula. I’ll pass on this one. My lashes are naturally curly so I don’t need curl hold, but gimme length, lift, & volume, like, yesterday 🙂
Lucky girl! What I would give for a natural lash curl, le sigh!
How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? I did some cleaning (so not fun) but I also did a little bit of shopping too. Had to buy some pregnant-lady stretchy pants, LOL! I like them though.
Hello, dude. My weekend was great. Niece & nephew were here & we had a blast. My niece watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgivibg special & it was her first time ever seeing Charlie Brown. She LOVED it. So much so that I’m sure we watched Charlie Brown 5-7 easy. So neat introducing her to things I grew up on & seeing how much she loves it. We really did have some great bonding time. Yay for comfy, stretchy clothes. Fitted clothes look great on but whenever I take them off I feel like my body breathes a sigh of relief. Lol. Hope you’re having a good day & that Tabs is taking it easy on you because, you know, you’re pregnant. 🙂
How sweet. It’s so nice to know that certain things we loved as kids stand the test of time. 🙂 How does she feel about Snoopy? I was all about Snoopy, LOL!
Will you be seeing them again for Thanksgiving?
Ohmygoodness, Snoopy is her favorite! Can’t tell you how many times she would rewind the clip just to see Snoopy. She’s really just so cute, Karen. You’d think CB wouldn’t be as cool in today’s animation age but I love that she shares my love for this cartoon. She’s also confirmed, several times mind you, that she wants to be a makeup person when she grows up. And she calls me her hero. Hence, my job as world’s greatest aunt is done. Lol! I’ll see them the day before Thanksgiving & on tomorrow. Highlight of my week 🙂
That makes me SO happy to hear. Sometimes I wonder if I’m going to be too out of touch with Baby Girl since, ya know, I was child about a billion years ago, LOL! It’s very reassuring to know that kids still like kid things, and that’s OK. I feel like they just grow up so fast now, ya know? I remember when I was a kid my parents and my friends parents saying things like, “Oh, when we grew up, it was such a different time. Much more innocent.” That’s how I feel about my childhood now.
Oh, and of course you get the award for COOLEST AUNTIE EVERRRRR. Obviously. I cannot wait for the day when you get to do her makeup for her first big dance. 😀 You know time goes by fast and that’s right around the corner…
I’ve never tried the fiber type. I like UD Subversion and Tarte Opening Act, especially under brights such as Nyx Colored Mascaras. They make the thinner formulas on the brights stick much better. It’s like putting bright shadows over a white base. Of course, they make ordinary black mascara look extra good, but I usually don’t bother.
I really like the packaging on this one, though. It’s so unusual and elegant.
Hi Rachel R,
Yeah, I’m not really big into fibers either. I gotta be in the mood for them. They’re kind of messy, and I made the mistake once of looking up while applying fiber mascara and I got some in my eye, eek!
I think that’s cool that you wear colorful mascaras! Do you do the color from root to tip, or do you use apply it to the ends?
I wear the colored mascaras all sorts of ways. Sometimes tip to tip, sometimes just on the lower lashes, sometimes just the tips, and sometimes just the out corners. It depends on my eyelook, mood, and how ambitious I am that day. Most days I just wear black or black with a coat of navy or plum over it.
Ya know, I haven’t tried them just on the lower lashes. Thanks for that… I’ll have to give it a go. Maybe with blue or purple with a similar color smudged along the lower lash line. I think that would be cool!
A little off topic, but are you ready for Thanksgiving? I’m spending it here at home because I’m not really up for traveling this season (I swear ever since I got pregnant my bed is my favorite place in the whole wide world! I can’t sleep anywhere else). I ordered a pre-made meal from a local grocery store so all I have to do is pick it up the day before and heat it up, woo hoo!
Not ready at all! lol We need to do major grocery shopping.
Are you guys doing the whole big meal thing?
Too bad, I am still searching for a non-fibre primer that works, as the fires always get into my eyes and irritate me.
I got soo excited at the beginning of this article, and I’m now crying that it wasn’t A+! Jk about crying! Don’t know if Benefits “They’re Real” pier is out in my beloved states yet? If so, have you tried it? Here in the UK, there was a deluxe sample in Elle magazine (yay “free” samples!). I’m still in debates if I like it…when I use that, and double up on mascara, my lashes are like Buttaflies, but that is 3 different products!
How are you feeling lately, dear friend?
Hi Lauren,
Yes, I’ve tried that mascara by Benefit before. I know a lot of ladies love it! I dunno, for me it’s just OK. I need extra super duper curl hold and whenever I wear that formula my lashes droop. It’s like they are purposefully rebelling against any and all mascara and the moment, LOL!
Anyway, I’m feeling OK, thank you for asking. Actually I’m pretty sleepy… Last night I couldn’t get comfortable in bed and Baby Girl was kicking up a storm. I know she’s just doing what babies do — growing big and doing acrobatics in my tum — so it’s cool. But a few extra hours of sleep would be nice, LOL!
How’s it going on your end?
That’s fantastic that BG is moving around! You’re like “yeah, YOU can say that, you SLEPT!” She’s just getting healthier by the day! Try to take a nap today…I know that helped you before, and naps cure all of my anxieties! The 6th month (you’re now 6 months, right?) is when babies really start wiggle around, and also when you’re sleep naturally will reduce (SORRY!!) It’s just you’re body getting ready physically for when BG is born, so don’t be hard on yourself, and treat yourself to naps w Tabs!
I am not fond of the Benefit mascara at all. I thought I was the only one. They have a primer now that is being released next Friday here which I got a sample of in a magazine. I liked it better than the mascara! Not sure yet if I’m in love.
Things are getting better if I keep busy. I’ve joined a gym, and met a girl my age there that also walks her dog where I do. Today I feel weirded out with all the high security here…makes me so sad about what happened.
Yup, six months. 🙂 The time goes by fast. Yeah, I think I’ll have to take a nap in the afternoon if I don’t pass out before I’ve been at my desk writing all morning with my eyes half open, LOL!
Oh, and thanks for the heads up on the primer, because I’m gonna have to track it down. How is it with curl hold? Any good?
I’m so glad to hear that things are getting better for you there. Soon you’ll have a close circle of friends to do things with all the time, I just know it! Is your new friend American?
You know, when I think about all the frightening things that happen in our world, it makes me sad too. Mostly because I just want Baby Girl to grow up feeling safe.
Baby Girl will always be and feel safe having you as a Mommy, El Hubs as Daddy, and her big bro Tabs. I believe it all starts in the home with education and love! <3 She will have that!
The primer is tinted brown, and is actually a bit gooey. I noticed it helped with volume and length but not so much with curl, however, I don't use an eyelash curler.
She will definitely have all those things! Although I don’t know how Tabs is going to take to her… Something tells me he’s going to be a little jealous of his new kitten. LOL!
Re: the Benefit primer. I’m always down for more length and volume, so maybe I’ll give it a go. It sounds like you guys get a lot of good samples in magazines, by the way!
I’m loving my Estée Lauder Little Black Primer, but I’m still tempted to give this one a test drive as well, I’d love to try it.
I have never used any primers for my lashes. This one doesn’t tempt me but every time you mention the Little Black Primer, I want it!
If I wasn’t too lazy for lash primer, this would probably appeal to me. I’m all about the volume and fortunately don’t need more length or curl hold, so this might be a winner. I think I’d have to really talk myself into it since it would add time to my already bare bones morning routine (and perish the thought of waking up earlier!). 🙂
Hi Kim,
Ahh, so jelly… I’ll trade you stick straight lashes and a chubby tabby for your natural length and curl hold. LOL! OK maybe leave out the chubby tabby. 😉
I might try this someday soon… Idk, I tried EL little black primer and it wasn’t all that impressive. It was overly expensive and completely dried out on me in less than a month! I was hoping for that steep price it would at least last me two -.- as a whole nothing much from EL impresses me. However, I do love my Mac so I might give this a shot 🙂
Hi Savannah,
Would you believe Estee Lauder owns MAC? Yup, I’ve seen a lot of product formulas that are used in EL show up in similar forms in MAC and vice versa.
Oh, is this hard to remove at night? Complete deal breaker if I’m losing lashes because the product is difficult to remove.
Hi Savannah,
I don’t have any problems removing it at night. I use an oil-based makeup remover that takes off everything though. Let me know if you have any other questions!