Smashbox’s latest waterproof wunderkind, the brand-spankin’-new Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara ($20), earns the Raging Hormone Stamp of Approval (also known as the R.H.S.A in less formal circles).
In my testing this week, it withstood not one, not two, but THREE spontaneous PMS-fueled crying fits.
One of those fits may have been triggered by sad-looking, slow-motion kittens on YouTube, but that’s a topic I’d rather not analyze right now…
Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara is the waterproof alter ego of Smashbox’s original Full Exposure Mascara, which my BFF Jen happens to be obsessed with. We’ve had a surprising number of text convos that reference that O.G. version (“It’s good work makeup and doesn’t smudge.”), but to be honest, I’ve always felt that the original one is just OK. I like the color but feel like the formula doesn’t hold a curl as well as I’d like.
This waterproof Clark Kent-ian alter ego version, however, does. It lifts curls like Atlas lifts the earth and lasts at least 10-12 hours. It gives good length, volume and separation; plus, it’s even more resistant to smudging and flaking than the non-waterproof version.
As far as the lash look itself, I love it. It’s dramatic but doesn’t go over the top. I’d say it’s about two drag queens, a martini and a pair of Swarovski crystal-encrusted roller skates shy of the MEGA GLAM look I get from Guerlain’s Cils D’Enfer Waterproof, which is my current out-to-THERE waterproof mascara, but I think both are great. Full Exposure Waterproof just happens to be better for a slightly less flashy lash look.
And then there’s the whole bad-@ssery of its waterproof-ness. This stuff is hurricane caliber! — easily able to withstand a deluge of PMS-fueled tears…as long as you don’t rub your eyes. If I do, and only if I’m rubbing with verve (it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re just daintily dabbing the corners of your eyes with a hanky), the formula breaks apart into itty-bitty flakes.
Unsurprisingly, this mascara is also a pain in the wahoozits to remove. Seriously, it takes a village, and it definitely helps to have an oil-based makeup remover around. I’ll gently massage DHC Deep Cleansing Oil into my lashes, rinse and repeat.
Despite that, I’m lovin’ it, yo! Full Exposure Waterproof comes in one shade, Jet Black, and you can find it now at Smashbox counters and online. 🙂
PRICE: $20 for a 0.27-oz. tube
AVAILABILITY: Permanent, and available now at Smashbox counters and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I had a sample of this mascara in a non-waterproof mascara and I really didn’t like it, the brush was way too big for me to use. This brush looks a lot smaller.
Hi Agata,
Yes, it is skinnier and slightly more pointed. Better for getting those lower lashes! 🙂
I hope you are having a nice week so far. Happy Tuesday to you!
Thanks Karen. It’s been ok so far. Went dress shopping yesterday- I needed a dress for a bridal shower. My hubby’s gone till Thursday so it’s a little lonely at home by myself. And he’s been gone only for a day and a half, lol.
Did you find a dress? 🙂
Yes, I did. I love it!
Have you ever tried coconut oil for removing waterproof eye makeup? Cheap, super moisturizing, and it totally works!
Also your eyebrow game is on.point. Any advice for growing/filling in a hole in one of my brows? I was plucking a stray and somehow grabbed several hairs, and now I have my very own “Raoul”. I’m calling it Conchita. It fits, somehow.
I haven’t! Do you just grab a scoop and massage it in to remove eye makeup? How easy/hard is it to rinse off?
So many questions! LOL
Aww, and thanks for the comment regarding my brows. Lately I’ve felt as though they are on the verge of revolt, so that was nice of you to say.
I’ve got several ideas for you and Conchita. What kind of brow look are you going for? Do you like more natural or dramatic?
I’d be interested in a review of the Smashbox Full Exposure eyeshadow palette. It looks beautiful online, but it’s getting mixed reviews from Sephora…
Hi Amanda,
Here ya go: The New Smashbox Full Exposure Palette, Also Known as the Mullet of the Neutral Palette World!
A-ha! Just found your review 🙂
Hi Karen, I’m dying to try the Guerlain. The OG of this one I’ve tried, it’s good, but not crazy, drag good as I like them too. I have a question though. My eyelashes seem like they’re falling out a lot lately. Like everytime I apply makeup, wash my face, or apply cream I see one or two that have fallen out. I’m scared I’m gonna lose them all! Or is this semi normal if you wear a decent amount of makeup/ upgrade your skincare regime? Oh yeah, that skincare post was so great! I’m obsessing over which ones of your routine I want to get first. Love the post!
I’d love to try the Guerkain mascara but am afraid it would be too scented for my taste, like most of the Guerlsin cosmetics. So this Smashbox sounds like it’s right up my alley. Thanks for putting it to the test.
Have you tried Lancome Grandiose? I’m not usually a Lancome mascara fan but this stuff is my drag-queen-lashes-in-a-tube holy grail. Easily clumpy and not super easy to work with though.
Wow this mascara makes your lashes look great! I hope it’ll work this good on my short lashes. I could really use the boost!
I absolutely love the non-waterproof version. I have very sparse lashes, and I find a larger brush does magic for volume. I also like how it’s not the plastic spikey bristles that seems to be the rage these days.
Oooh, the brush is different! I was unimpressed with the original Full Exposure – big brush and itchy eyes – but this looks nice on you! However, given the itchy eyes I got with the original, I’ll probably skip this. I do need to look for a waterproof mascara to keep around though.
How do find the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Karen?