Review: Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara

Of all the new 2012 drugstore makeup products I have recently purchased (I'll be reviewing all of those products in the days to come, by the way), this new mascara was the one I actually had the least expectations about. Sure, I've heard the raves, but mascara is such a highly subjective thing; could it possibly be that great FOR ME? Read on to find out!

 Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara in Blackest Black

(retail: $6.79 at Bed Bath & Beyond, 0.34 oz)

As far as I could tell by looking at the counter display, there is not a waterproof version of this mascara (or at least there wasn't one in the counter display at Bed Bath & Beyond).

The first thing you're going to notice about this mascara is the unique brush. It really stands out and is quite different than other drugstore mascara brushes because of the rounded tip:

If you are the type of person who uses your mascara wand in a vertical position to apply your mascara to your outer lashes and/or your lower lashes, you are going to LOVE this brush. I hold my wand in a vertical position for about 50% of the time I'm applying my mascara, so I. AM. IN. LOVE. WITH. THIS. BRUSH. Like the packaging indicates, the rounded tip "helps reach every last lash." Revlon is not exaggerating here. It really DOES reach every last lash for me, even the baby fine short ones. And it does so effortlessly.

I thought it might be helpful for me to compare this brush to a brush you're probably quite familiar with: the CoverGirl Lashblast Fusion brush:

In terms of thickness, it's about the same as the CG brush but as you can see, the Revlon brush is longer. Also, notice how the CG brush has a standard, flat tip.

Another thing I want to note (looking at the image above) is that the wand itself is shorter than most. If you like a long wand, you might find the Revlon wand to be a bit difficult to work with. I personally wish it were a tad longer because I find my hand sometimes gets in the way when I'm trying to reach the inside corners of my eyes.

Let's cut to the chase and give you some before-and-afters:

NO MASCARA:

NO MASCARA:

AFTER ONE COAT OF REVLON PHOTOREADY 3D VOLUME MASCARA:

AFTER ONE COAT OF REVLON PHOTOREADY 3D VOLUME MASCARA:

AFTER TWO COATS OF REVLON PHOTOREADY 3D VOLUME MASCARA:

AFTER TWO COATS OF REVLON PHOTOREADY 3D VOLUME MASCARA:

AFTER TWO COATS OF REVLON PHOTOREADY 3D VOLUME MASCARA:

This is not the perfect mascara, but it's pretty darned close and I can foresee MANY of you absolutely loving this product. Not only does it give amazing, clump-free definition to my lashes, it also beautifully separates them, adds lots of length, a nice amount of volume AND it also lifts and slightly curls my lashes! For reference, my lashes are pretty stick-straight and baby-fine, so to have a non-waterproof mascara that provides that extra lift and curl is just...well it's pretty amazing.

But like I said, it's not PERFECT (what mascara is, though, really?). Here are the faults that, for me personally, keep this from being my Ultimate Holy Grail Mascara:

• The wand is a bit too short for my personal preference
• It doesn't provide as much volume as I tend to prefer for my sparse, sad lashes
• It dries quickly, so after your first coat you need to immediately start on your second coat or you might encounter that rough feeling (you know, when you try to apply mascara to lashes that are already dry and the brush sort of tugs and doesn't pull through easily? Yeah, that's what happens.)

But for those who don't need as much volume as I do, here are the benefits of this mascara:

• The brush is AMAZING (especially if you tend to hold your wand in a vertical position during application--if you do, you will LOVE THIS WAND)
• This mascara provides excellent separation, definition, lift and even a bit of curl
• It removes easily with makeup remover (since it's washable, it actually removes easily using just my normal facial cleanser)
• I have experienced no flaking, clumping or smudging with this mascara (though I obviously can't tell you right now, in the middle of December, how this mascara will hold up in hot weather)
• After this mascara dries, my lashes are not hard or stiff--they are still pliable

 

FINAL VERDICT: If you're looking for a new mascara that provides clump-free separation, definition, length and lift, I think you might be very pleased with this product. If you are a volume-fiend (like me), you might not be 100% satisfied with the amount of volume this mascara delivers, but I do think the other benefits can make up for this--it really depends on what you crave most from your mascara. And if you tend to hold your mascara wand in a vertical position during application, then let's not mince words here: you need to try this one. It honestly is the best brush for vertical-mascara-application that I have EVER encountered in my 25+ years of using drugstore mascaras.

Mascara lovers: have you already tried Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara? If so, what do YOU think of it? If not, do you think it might be a good match for your needs? I'd love to hear from you!

This product was purchased with personal funds.