I’ve been wearing mascara for more than 30 years, and I have tried and tossed as many. There’ve been formulas that promise lash-defining length, and sadly, fall short. Or they claim to add volume, and I’m left with spider-leg clumps. And perhaps my tears are made of micellar water because there have been too many wedding pictures where my raccoon eyes contest the water-resistant factor.
I’ve sat around with girlfriends and discussed the many merits and pitfalls of supposed wonder-formulas. What I’ve learned from these makeup masterclasses, is that mascara is a deeply personal choice. It comes down to lash length, shape, thickness (or lack thereof), and overall lifestyle and aesthetic. In my 40s, my lashes have become thinner, more delicate, and quite frankly, they’re short. So, I decided to put RevitaLash Double-Ended Volume Set ($35), a mascara and primer duo, to the test.
What It Is
This is a two-in-one lash primer and mascara in a double-ended tube. The buildable primer allows you to create volume, and then you can amplify the drama with the highly pigmented mascara. While the duo works wonders together, I also found that each product has its own stand-alone benefits.
The Volumizing Primer
The first thing you’ll notice with this primer is the intense blue pigment. Why blue? Let’s go back to elementary school. What happens when you blend white (think of a traditional primer) and black (mascara)? You end up with gray. No one wants gray lashes.
The indigo blue primer creates dimensional color when paired with mascara. Worn alone, the blue shade will enhance any eye color. As a brunette with brown eyes, I’ve discovered that a blue mascara makes my eyes appear whiter and helps my eye color pop.
The primer also features peptides and panthenol to help strengthen the eyelashes and prevent breakage. Soft-flex polymers build length and volume, and natural plant extracts improve shine. The product also features a molded silicone brush that makes application a breeze. It evenly coats and separates my lashes, prepping them for the mascara.
The Volumizing Mascara
This deep black mascara delivers intense color payoff. The hourglass brush shape makes it easy to get into the contours of my lash line and achieve both curl and definition. The buildable formula gives me control over the volume and intensity I’m looking for. It also features ingredients like biotin and panthenol to enhance shine and condition lashes. Lastly, the mascara is water-resistant for long-lasting wear, but it also removes easily with waterproof eye makeup remover.
This mascara checks all the boxes: length, volume, and even a choice of colors. Plus, with the added conditioning benefits, I know I’m giving my lashes the boost they deserve.
Price/Where to Buy
$35, revitalash.com
