Product Review: Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Volumizing Mascara in Purple Haze

     I decided to purchase a colored mascara...something I've been wanting to try for quite some time now. Wearing a colored mascara is a simple way to re-vamp your routine and it subtly enhances your eye color. I was determined to find a drugstore brand as the high-end versions such as Urban Decay's Big Fatty's  ($17) and Benefit's BADgal Plum Mascara ($19) were more than I wanted to spend on something that I'd potentially be stuck with for the next 3 months if I didn't like it. The first thing I noticed as I scoured the cosmetics aisle at my local Walgreens and Wal*Mart was that color mascaras are rather scarce. In a sea of Classic Blacks, Blackest Blacks and Carbon Blacks were only a few colored mascaras to be found. Almay has a line of eye makeup that is designed specifically for enhancing eye color but other than that I was hard pressed to find a good selection of formulas and colors. I decided I'd try Hard Candy's Ginormous Lash Volumizing Mascara in Purple Haze. Here are my thoughts...

Packaging: The packaging of this mascara is ultimately what made me choose it over my other (meager) options as well as the fact that I'd never tried this brand before. The design is very girly, with swirls and hearts on a chromey purple background, and I liked it so much I set it out with all my pretty perfume bottles that I use as decoration in the bathroom.

Formulation: This mascara was not too thin or too thick in my opinion. Not too wet or too dry. It didn't end up all over my eyelid nor did it feel like I was trying to apply rubber glue to my lashes. I was very pleased with the consistency of this mascara, which surprised me because usually I have to leave my brand new mascara's opened just a twist to let them dry out a bit. It's also animal friendly!

Scent: It smelled the same as most do. Not nice...but not offensive.

Application: After I purchased this mascara, I drove home imagining what it would look like as I opened it; the deep, rich plummy purple that would transform my lashes from merely hairs protecting my eyes to jewel-toned plumes like that of a peacock. I was surprised to find that this was instead more of a bright lavender. When I applied it my lashes actually appeared lighter and less noticeable. It was very difficult to discern any purple color on my lashes, even as I practically pressed my nose to the mirror. There was a purpleishness (I made up a word) to my eyes - almost like an intangible aura - but not what I was hoping for. I tried applying the mascara both alone and over a black mascara, but neither yielded the color pay off I was expecting. However, I must say that this mascara does an amazing job at lengthening your lashes! My fringe was longer than with any other mascara I've ever used and the formula was so easy to build up. If the color had been a deeper, darker purple my lashes would've looked truly plume-like. (insert peacock sounds) The wand had a full spiral brush that made it easy to separate and lengthen the lashes and I was able to control the application of the product.

Longevity: Hard Candy's mascara held up all day and didn't flake or smudge. It kept the curl too!

Price/Quantity: This mascara will cost between $4.50 - $8.00 depending on your location. It can be purchased at Wal*Mart and online. The container holds 0.44 oz (12.6 g). It comes in 6 colors: Silver, Bronze, Electric Blue, Black Out, Carbon Black and Purple Haze.

Shelf Life: 3 months


 










IF YOU ASK ME

Color mascaras are fun to wear but need to be deep jewel tones in order for them to be wearable for every day. This mascara really hit the mark on longevity, ease of application and building length but was a disappointment in the color department. Maybe you'll get better color pay off if you have blond or light brown eye lashes but if you have dark brown or black lashes this particular one will only make them look lighter. I'll be using this mascara as a base before applying my usual black mascara to add length but I won't be buying this product again.
 










    

Makeup Artist Trick #3: Long Lashes

     Two products that you probably already own are the secret to the long, doe-eyed lashes that the makeup artists create. Today's MUA Trick is quick and easy to accomplish and will instantly make you look more youthful and refreshed. Read on after the jump for more...

Mascara Application Technique

Brown n' Out

Over the past few months I've discovered a new appreciation for brown mascara. Before, I would never even have given it a second glance. I only happened upon my discovery by sheer accident. I mistakenly bought one thinking it was black but decided to try it out. All of my makeup life I've only ever used black mascaras. Once I believe I tried an electric blue but that can be a little festive for daily wear! Like a lot of women out there, I have a deep love for mascara. Well, I suppose it's not the mascara that I love but the long, thick lashes that I love. I've tried so many different brands, formulas, brushes...you name it. But never once did I try brown. Brown mascara. Egh. Why would I? It's just brown, right?
But the truth is brown mascara is actually wonderful. Although it might seem boring or that its defeating the purpose of mascara it really does have some good qualities. For starters, brown mascara is terrific for women who have light hair and fair skin. On these people, a black mascara looks unnatural and can wash you out. If you have light blond hair with soft blond brows and jet black eyelashes people are going to notice that something is not quite right. A brown mascara is dark enough to give your lashes the same definition without looking fake.
But brown mascara isn't just for the blonds. It's also for you ladies out there who aren't all that into makeup. It's a user friendly beauty product and is so subtle but is still very effective in opening up your eyes. Also, you can change up your eye makeup looks with this much neglected product just as you can change up your look by changing the color of your lips or the shape of your eyeliner. Brown mascara is great for a "no-makeup makeup" look or when you're trying to achieve a sun-kissed, beachy look or just to add a subtle softness to any look be it daytime office looks or a whimsical evening look.
When you wear brown mascara you still get long, thick lashes...they just look like they might be the lashes you were born with. And nobody needs to know otherwise...

Trina's Current Favorite: CoverGirl Lash Blast in Brown