Ready for "Bomb" Lashes? Want to Win Some Mascara?

The title says it all--"Bomb" lashes are here. Okay, so I realize that this isn't exactly a new product, but it's new to me and since I've gotten so spoiled in using my high-end mascaras, namely the Benefit BadGal Lash mascara. I was quite reluctant to try a drugstore brand thereafter but decided to see if I could find a new favorite, particularly one that saves me some money. I have a friend who spoke about how much she wanted to try the Givenchy Phenomen'eyes mascara wand--the little ball, much resembling a mace. I went makeup shopping in Seattle and found a drugstore brand with a similar 'mace' type of wand. Upon purchasing it, I decided to do a full review on it as well... I am amazed. Simply stunned. Yes, you read that right. My picky self actually likes a drugstore brand of mascara!

So here's my pros and cons list of the....

L'Oreal Waterproof Telescopic Explosion mascara...

(Get it? Your lashes are the bomb because of this "explosion" mascara?! ha hah! Okay, it's a little silly.)

Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure!

 
Specs:

L'Oreal Waterproof Telescopic Explosion mascara in Blackest Black
Available at most drugstores
Price: $7-10, depending on location, I paid roughly $8 at WalMart.
0.27 fl. oz. / 8 mL

Description:
Since the wand does most of the work and is the most extraordinary defining attribute of this product, I will start there. It is a lot longer than that of my beloved BadGal Lash and most other mascara wands available. Its ball-shaped head is attached to a flexible wand tip, with the rest of the wand being of normal stiffness. The head of the wand is comprised of rubber or plastic (I cannot tell which one it is).

The formula is waterproof, using the standard wax as a base for its longevity of wear. This particular formula is quick-drying and very opaque.


My pros and cons:

Pros
My lashes look amazing whenever I wear this stuff! It does what it claims to do--uplifts, volumizes, AND lengthens my lashes. The flexibility and agility of the wand really make it easy to apply mascara to those otherwise hard-to-get-to places, such as the inner lashes and the very outer corner. The flexibility of the wand head allows for a smaller amount of product to be applied at a time, which helps prevent clumping. Also, since the wand is made of rubber or plastic, it combs through my lashes nicely, distributing a good amount of mascara without being clumpy. And, since it's getting warmer out, the waterproof quality of it makes my lashes stay in place even in extreme humidity. That's the beauty (haha, get the pun?) of the wax in the mascara--it acts as a holding gel or hairspray to your lashes.

Cons
I did mention that it is fast-drying, which is nice if you are in a hurry and don't want to worry about smearing it when you open your eyes fully. That being said, if you are also not quick to apply the mascara, you can experience a bit of clumping, which is never pretty on anybody. Because it is such a small wand, it does make it a little more difficult to apply it quickly if you run your wand through your lashes in a sweeping motion as if it were a larger wand. Unfortunately, with this type of wand, you cannot do that, which means it's not really a great mascara for your two-minute makeup routine in the morning. If you don't have a good eye-makeup remover either, you will find it difficult to remove with just soap and water.

With this product, I find it to be because of user error that clumping occurs. What I found that best works for me is to apply mascara to one small section at a time. It does take a little longer, but it's so worth the extra effort. It makes this wand completely worth it. Also, it's very important not to pile on coats of mascara as it will not only clump your lashes together into ugly spider legs, but also it will weigh them down, not leaving the lasting effects of length, volume, or lift.

So here's the before and after pictures:

Before applying ANY mascara

AFTER applying the mascara!

And because I like this mascara so much, I've decided to give away three of them to my amazing audience. They are all in Blackest Black and brand new.

Rules:

1. You must be a subscriber to my YouTube channel, SimplyBMakeup. To subscribe is easy and free! Just follow the link, sign in, and click the "subscribe" button on the channel. If you don't have a Google or YouTube account, you can easily sign up for one.

2. You must go to the Simply Bellezza Facebook page and leave a comment letting me know what products you would like me to review or any looks you would like to see in an upcoming video. (You have to 'like' the page too.)

All winners will be chosen by www.random.org. Please only leave one comment pertaining to this contest and I will select the winners by midnight Monday, May 7th, PST. I will ship anywhere. Upon selecting the winners, I will make an announcement on the Facebook page and on my Twitter account. Be sure to follow me there!

Good luck! =)

Enjoying my bombastic lashes,

Em