No doubt you'll have heard a lot of hype about Max Factor's newest lash-flatterer, Lash Extension Effect, €14.99. "For a look inspired by professional lash extensions," the press release proclaims, but I have to say - I think they might have sent me a dud to test. How else to explain the fact that this is not remotely capable of delivering the effect of lash extensions whatsoever?
Lets just ground ourselves in reality here for a sec: the purpose of getting lash extensions is to pump up what you have and give you a lash fringe that's full, lush and long. A mascara claiming to do the same would have to be, in my book, capable of providing a dramatic pigment deposit, plus noticeable volume and length.
This just doesn't do that. In fact, it's not volumising at all. It takes about three coats, brushed on one after the other, for me to see any sort of a difference and that difference is all projected forwards. So while it does add some definition and length, it's not remotely dramatic. You get no fattening out to the sides to give you that look of falsies, and all-in-all, it's a very modest result altogether.
Advertised
That's not to say it's a bad product - the wand is nice and the type I like, the mascara goes on without mess or clumps, it wears well and I've been brushing it on for day quite happily. I don't want or need dramatic lashes for day, and the fact that this gives the lie to its name so well means it's grand and office-appropriate.
So, my gripe is with the exaggerated claim and the product name. If Max Factor had called this Very Subtle Lash-Lengthening Mascara, €14.99, then fine. Buy it based on that by all means, and you'll get a decent product for day, but if you hand over the guts of 15 euro for this in the hopes that it'll give you a Panti-esque lash fringe, you will be disappointed.
