15/08/2013

Mascaras I wish I hadn't bought

I have wasted a LOT of money on mascaras that haven't done what I wanted them to do. If it were possible to return them, I would have. So I've decided it's time to share these with you. I'll explain why I don't like them - who knows, this might make it your perfect one!

For reference, my lashes are totally blonde, so the first coat just colours them in. I always do 2 coats (or more), expect a bit of length and lots of volume without crispy lashes or '4 lash syndrome'.

Selection of mascaras

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel - I got a sample of this through a Stylist magazine offer. I'm glad I did as if I'd paid full price for it, I would be really sad. Another wet formula that goes a bit clumpy, and no big lashes, which is what I was expecting. Save your money - you can get a similar (or better) one a lot cheaper.

Benefit They're Real - this stuff is the hardest mascara I've ever tried to remove. I have specific eye makeup removers as I wear a lot of eye makeup and even they didn't shift it. It gives very good length, but maybe I apply it wrong, as I find that if you need more than 1 coat, you end up with clumpy, crispy lashes. Not cool.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam - Being a 60s lover, I got sucked in to buying this while killing some time waiting for a train at St Pancras. I'm just underwhelmed. Rimmel claim it will add volume to lashes without clumps, giving a 'fanned out' look to your lashes. I applied two coats to each eye, and definitely got some volume, but as for no clumps, I would have to disagree! The formula is quite wet, and gives me 4 lash syndrome. Boo!

17 Dolled Up - this gave nice definition to lashes, but that was about it. I liked the curved brush design, but the overall result was just a bit 'meh'. The curl effect that the brush is designed to give also didn't last very long and I noticed that my lashes started to droop throughout the day.

Max Factor False Lash Mascara - Now, when something says it promises false looking lashes, I do have quite high expectations. I quite like certain Max Factor mascaras, but this one was a big fat disappointment. The brush head is massive, and quite hard to apply the mascara without ending up with lots on your eyelid. I found building coats without it going clumpy pretty tricky too. At best, I looked like I had normal lashes. Definitely no false looking ones here!

I'm sure there are many, many more that have disappointed me over the years (I just can't remember them all!). I'll be doing a post soon on mascaras I love to help balance all this negativity, and you'll probably see some of the same brands crop up, just different types!

Do you love some of these mascaras? Am I applying them wrong?


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35 comments

  1. FINALLY someone who doesn't like Benefit They're Real! The mascara is awful, clumped my eyelashes, didn't length them and I hate it!

    Mademoiselle-Lala.com

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  2. I love They're Real, it can be again to get off but I've never found I need more than one coat... Xx

    Lots of Love Beautyqueenuk!

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  3. Oh no good job I haven't splashed out on They're Real just yet then!
    Sophie
    x

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  4. So pleased to find somebody else that doesn't like They're Real! If I wanted a mascara to be tough to remove I'd wear waterproof, but even waterproof is easier to remove! Yet I still find that it flakes off during the day. Very annoying for the price! Excellent post, I think disappointing products are just as good to hear about as good ones for people choosing where to spend their money.

    Claire | AgentSmyth

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    Replies
    1. agree completely - they should market it as waterproof! x

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  5. I love They're real but yeh agree so hard to get off. I also have tried a expensive brand mascara - Dior and wasn't impressed at all! All a bit to clumpy. I am using Laura Mercier atm and I am super impressed with it! x

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    1. I might have to give the LM one a go then, your lashes always look great x

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  6. When applying mascara you need to add much more than two coats - which is probably why you're not seeing results with these mascaras. In fact, Doll'd Up and ScandalEyes are two of my fave mascaras! To get the full result you need at least 5 coats, waiting for the formula to dry slightly before applying the next. You also need to ensure you're removing as much product from the brush as possible prior to application, or you'll end up overloading lashes and getting in a mess! : )

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  7. I did quite like They're real but i agree that it is the hardest mascara ever to remove its like it stains your lashes

    www.andrewjamesblog.com

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  8. I love Benefit but totally agree that it's impossible to remove! :(
    Lydia Rose
    www.lydiarosexo.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. I totally agree with you about Max Factor False Lash Effect, I posted about it yesterday in my disappointing products post! http://alittlepopofcoral.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/disappointing-products-1.html

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    Replies
    1. Thanks - will have a read and see what else you've been disappointed with x

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  10. I think I must be weird, because I've never found They're Real hard to remove at all haha! It always comes off no bother with me, whether I'm using eye makeup remover or micellar water. Weird. I do think you need to comb through your lashes when wearing that one though otherwise it could turn out a bit spidery xx

    D Is For...

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  11. I heard such good things about They're Real, tempted to stay away a bit now aha. I have loved all of the Rimmel mascaras, I haven't tried their retro one but it was definitely next on my hit list, perhaps not anymore!
    Mia x

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    Replies
    1. I think it's just personal preference - the Rimmel one might be great for you x

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  12. I really like They're Real but I agree, it's an absolute bugger to remove! I was disappointed with Chanel because it smudges and flakes, but it makes my lashes look lovely. I also have Doll'd Up, which is great for the price. I don't think I'm yet to find my perfect mascara! xx

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    1. It's hard to find a holy grail mascara I think x

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  13. When I asked about they're real on bbloggers, someone suggested L'oreal Micellar water so I'm going to give it a try and let you know if it works. I actually find it painful when I can't remove it but I can't fault it for being smudge proof! Great post idea, I hate being disappointed with a mascara!

    Sianinsouthsea.wordpress.com

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    1. Let me know if that works - it might be the solution! x

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  14. I have the Benefit They're Real and I'm liking it so far but I do see what you mean about it being hard to take off.. I find it to be a little stubborn! xx

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  15. The original Scandaleyes from Rimmel was such a huge disappointment for me. I'm glad I read your review on the new one! "4 lash syndrome" made LOL. haha xx

    www.ferdies-place.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. he he, it's a technical term you know ;)

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  16. I hate They're Real, it was so hard to make work for my lashes. It didn't really so anything in terms of length or volume but if I kept applying then it just clumped.

    Slightly Skint Blog

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    Replies
    1. It's such a shame when a mascara doesn't work for you x

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  17. I have a sample of They're Real that I haven't opened yet, as I'm still using up my old mascaras! I'm interested to see how it works for me but thinking that it probably won't live up to the hype...xx
    www.LaurasHaven.com

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  18. I do like They're Real but it is an absolute nightmare to get off! Xx

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