Paula's Choice Great Big Lashes Mascara Review

Paula Begoun (aka the Cosmetics Cop) is the author of "Don't Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" and the Beautypedia website www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia.  She does all sorts of reviews of cosmetics that focus on the ingredients in products and whether they are beneficial for the skin or will cause problems.  I don't always agree with her reviews, but I think everything she does say is well researched.  She has her own line of cosmetics called Paula's Choice.  I think her skincare is excellent, so I decided to try one of her mascaras.

She makes two mascaras, one for definition and length called Illicit lash Mascara, and one for volumizing called Great Big Lashes Mascara.  I decided to try the Great Big Lashes Mascara since I am always searching for a great volumizing mascara that doesn't flake or smudge.  (I really like L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara, but it smudges under my eyes about halfway through the day.)

It is packaged in a plain black tube with the name of the mascara printed in white.  The brush is a medium-sized natural (non rubber) bristle brush.  It seems like a standard mascara brush.

The description:

• Goes on quickly and easily for maximum results, fast
• Creates impressively long, impossibly thick lashes
• Leaves lashes soft and conditioned
• Will not smudge under eyes
• Will not flake off or clump on lashes
• Comes off easily with Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
• 100% fragrance free

This is a kind of a dry mascara for one that is supposed to give tons of volume.  I like wetter mascaras, like the L'Oreal Voluminous, since I think they build up more quickly.  It doesn't give me quite the volume I was expecting.  I was hoping for a false lash effect, but I get more length and a moderate amount of volume with this.  I experience some very minor clumping.  It dries quickly without leaving the lashes feeling "crunchy".   I don't experience and smudging with this, but a very little flaking by the end of the day.

Before

After

Overall, I was a little disappointed with this mascara, but I think it's because I was expecting a mascara that would give super amounts of volume in one coat.  I do think it lengthens nicely and does give some volume.

Great Big Lashes Mascara is $9.95 and Paula's Choice is available at www.paulaschoice.com.  (not an affiliate link)