Review: Laura Mercier Full-Blown Volume Mascara

I can remember a time not too long ago, that I wasn’t too fussed with mascaras – I wanted to find one that gave me what I need, which is volume and length, but I really wasn’t too concerned about ‘the hunt.’ Well, like a lot of other things that have changed since starting this blog (like the number of nail polish I have…or the new-found obsession with blush), my approach to mascara has altered over time, and I feel like I’m going through a new one on a regular basis, and still not feeling satisfied. The only mascaras that I ever use that I like are Clinique’s (I’ve mentioned this before), but I think part of that is due to the fact that I have low expectations for a brand which prides itself on natural beauty. While I’m all for looking like a version of your best self, when it comes to mascara, I want big and bold – but not flaky or clumpy. As many can attest, this is often a tall order, and the search for ‘the one’ can go on for pretty much a lifetime!Today I bring you another one of my mascara experiments: Laura Mercier’s Full-Blown Volume Mascara in Black ($30CAD).  I had read some good reviews about the product, and since volume is what I’m gunning for, I thought this just might be the ticket. The brush is on the small side, with the typical spiral-type bristles which are sort of short for a mascara that’s supposed to be volumizing.  The color is not an inky black but leans a bit charcoal – though you can’t really tell on my very dark lashes.  The formula is not so wet that it goes on too thinly, but not so dry that it’s hard to use – application is fairly good with minimal clumping.The problem with Full-Blown Volume is that, while it might make the lashes fluffy, and therefore look volumized, it takes multiple coats to build up any kind of length.  Because the formula is wet enough that it doesn’t dry too quickly, and the brush bristles are short, adding multiple coats actually is quite painless, but more of an irritation to have to do at all (I do about three coats per eye).  Even then, my lashes are a fraction of the length than when I use other mascaras (eg. Clinique’s High Lengths).  To me, this mascara offers some volume but overall is more of a day mascara, with very little drama to speak of.If you’re a timid wearer of mascara and are looking to bump up for va-va-voom, this is probably an excellent option – it brush is easy to wield and you’ll get an extra oomph without going over the top (or even coming near it).  If you’re looking for notice-me-lashes, I suggest you keep looking, as Laura Mercier’s Full-Blown Volume really won’t have what you’re looking for.

Have you tried Laura Mercier’s Full-Blown Volume Mascara?  What are you looking for when  you’re in the market for a new mascara??