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.
 










    

Spring Mix: Violets & Pink Roses

     This is a look that channels the warmth and life of spring. I created a purple eye that can be worn both day (for those of you who like to get creative!) and night (as a great alternative to blacks and browns). Pairing it with a rosey pink lip gave it even more of a spring-inspired brightness. Read on for the step-by-step.

When wearing colored shadows I definitely recommend that you use an eye primer to help keep the colors in place and to neutralize the natural discoloration that may alter the appearance of the colors you use. My favorite is Urban Decay's Primer Potion but there is an ever growing selection from drugstore brand to high end brands.

After priming, I applied a cream base to the inner half of the lid with my ring finger, using Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yogurt from NYX. Any warm, champagne color will work well.

Next, with a flat eye shadow brush, I patted on a shimmery purple lilac shadow onto the same area where I applied the cream base. Blend out the edges and bring color into the inner corner of the eye.







To the outer half of the lid, I gradually layer on a soft, matte purple with a small fluffy brush. The color should be slightly more intense in the outer corner and in the crease. Blend the purple lightly into the shimmering lilac for a gradiated effect. With what's left on the brush, blend the color up to but not past the brow bone.




With a purple grape shadow and a liner brush, line the upper lash line and the outer half of the lower lash line. The remaining shadow on the brush is then swept in the crease.

Finish with a skin-tone shadow across the brow bone. Line the waterline with a black eye liner and top with two coats of black mascara.

Complete this look with barely there blush and a fresh, pink rose lip or just a nude-pink lip gloss.