NEW Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara: One-Coat Wonder or Lashy Let-Down?

Is it just me or is there a rake of affordable mascaras coming out lately? That is, of course, a very good thing. It means there are lots to choose from and makes it less likely that you'll waste money on a dud.

I mean, if you think how many minutes you have to listen to Sandra in your office talking about her gory labour stories to earn that mascara, the money is even more precious. And as Sandra is about to tell you that ' the third fella came out sideways, from my EYE SOCKET ', you'd best get to choosing wisely, because there certainly are many underwhelming mascaras clogging up pharmacy shelves at the moment.

Max Factor's Masterpiece Transform mascara is another recent offering to land at Beaut.ie HQ. I'm in two minds about this one. On the one hand, I really can't fault its blacker than black pigment. There's nothing wishy washy about the colour, and I love that. When I wake up with a scrunched face and beady mole eyes, only the blackest mascara can keep me from looking like a young Tom Jones.

On the other hand, the brush is of the rubber/plastic variety that I just can't take to. If you like the slightly clumped effect these brushes give, resulting in a more spidery lash look, then you'll love this mascara. I prefer a lighter coating of product and more separation, so this one is less my cup of tea. It's also really a one-coat product. It gives nice volume in the first coat, but if  you try to build it, you'll end up with a clumpy mess. It doesn't move or crumble down your face as the day passes, though, which is definitely good.

It is not at all bad; the mascara you need is very much based on your individual preference as to how you want lashes to look. This gives volume and deep black colour, but the brush has a tendency to gather lashes together in little clumps. It's a look, but it's not my kind of look. It's available now at 12.99.

What do you think of this mascara? Have you tried it? Share your opinions in the comments. You can also complain about Sandra from your office in the comments if you like. You need to vent; we understand. 'The baby weighed nineteen pounds and I was pronounced medically dead for FOUR MINUTES.'