Review: Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

[Update: I forgot to mention when I originally posted this review that there is a $2 Grow Luscious Video Values coupon available this month if you're a Rite Aid shopper! Click here to access it.]

When this mascara first debuted on drugstore shelves, I have to admit, I thought it was gimmicky and I didn't quite rush to give it a shot. But then when review after review started pouring in, and most of the wonderful bloggers who reviewed it said they loved it, I took notice.

So a few weeks ago, I was able to get this mascara practically for free (by combining a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon and waiting for it to go on sale). I think I paid about $1.50 for when all was said and done (full retail price is around $9), so now I'd like to give you my full review!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in Blackest Black

(retail: around $9)

From the Revlon website:

• Lash enhancing formula complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes, improving their overall appearance and conditioning with each use
• Get lashes that look instantly longer and lusher and will also grow stronger day after day
• Oversized lash-extending brush
• Ophthalmologist tested

When Revlon says this is an "oversized" brush, they REALLY mean it. I was actually very surprised by how HUGE this brush is. Take a look at it compared to what many would consider a "huge brush":

The fact that it's bigger than a LashBlast brush really says something, right? But after using it every day for almost two weeks now, I find that I've completely adjusted to it. At first it took some time to get used to, but now I find it very workable.

Before I get into specifics, let's take a look at some before-and-afters!

This first pic was taken after applying my concealer, powder foundation and eyebrow pencil. My lashes are bare:

Next, here are my lashes after one coat of Grow Luscious:

Now, here they are after two coats:

Two coats, from a different angle:

Folks, I am LOVING this mascara. Some of my readers have expressed to me that they don't generally care for Revlon mascaras. But honestly, I have found that many of their formulas work well on my sparse, thin lashes. And Grow Luscious is definitely no exception. I think that, for my specific needs, this mascara is the best that Revlon currently has to offer.

Grow Luscious gives my lashes fantastic definition, and unlike many, many mascaras that give great definition and separation, this one truly lengthens AND volumizes my lashes. I find that usually my mascaras hit one or two of those points, but rarely all four. Grow Luscious manages to separate, define, lengthen and volumize for me.

And if you're a lower-lash mascara-wearer, you might just fall in love with this tapered brush. I find it IDEAL for applying mascara on my lower lashes. But I want to make it perfectly clear that I use a technique that others might not. If you apply mascara to your lower lashes in the same way you do your upper lashes (by holding the brush in a horizontal position) this brush might be too bulky for you. BUT, if you apply your mascara to your lower lashes like I do (by holding the brush vertically and using a straight-back-and-forth windshield-wiper motion) then you might LOVE this brush. I find that the narrow, tapered end is IDEAL for applying mascara to my lower lashes and I love it to pieces for this. I mean, look at the last set of pics above--do you see how perfectly defined my lower lashes are? It's crazy, I tell you!

In terms of staying power and flaking, this mascara gets raves from me. Granted, it's been COLD here in San Diego this past month, so my normally oily skin hasn't been as oily. I can't speak for how this mascara will hold up in our hot summers, but so far I have not had any issues with smearing, running, or flaking. Also, when this mascara dries on the lashes, I find that my lashes don't feel dry, brittle or too stiff. They're still a bit pliable, but not so pliable that they lose their form.

Removal has also been a breeze, as this mascara removes easily with my regular facial cleanser. Granted, this is a washable mascara, and I don't believe they make it in a waterproof version (yet).

As for the "grow" part, I can't really speak to that since I've only been using it for a couple of weeks. But if I notice a crazy growth spurt or anything like that, I'll be sure to update you. But heck, I don't really care if this mascara actually helps my lashes grow--I just love the immediate results so much that I'd continue to wear it for those qualities alone.

I hope this review helps some of you who may be considering a purchase. I really can't find any faults with this one--except for maybe the size of the brush (if you're not a big brush gal).

Do you already own Grow Luscious? If so, what do you think of it? I'd love to hear from you either way!