I used to use only waterproof mascara because they tend to hold curls better, and I lived somewhere very hot and humid. My recent experience has convinced me that non-waterproof mascara could be just as good, but rest assured I’ll need some good waterproof mascara for my trip back home.
In the frenzy of summer waterproof mascara releases, MAC has jumped on the bandwagon with Zoom Waterfast Lash Mascara. For some extra definition, I’m also reviewing the Coffee Eye Pencil in the same post. Curious yet?
MAC Zoom Waterfast Lash is my first MAC mascara. The cap is smooth, but the tube has an interesting texture. I think this gives me a better grip, which is welcome. The wand is small and easy to work with, even on the bottom lashes.
What I like about this mascara:
+ It lengthens well.
+ The wand is user-friendly. It is easy to maneuver even on my teeny tiny bottom lashes.
+ It really is waterproof. I have tested it out at a wedding so I know it can at least resist some mild tearing up.
+ It holds curls.
+ It does make lashes a bit crunchy, but not as stiff as some of the waterproof mascara I have tried before.
+ It does not smudge.
+ The effect is quite good with one coat.
What I don’t like so much about this mascara:
- It clumps easily. Even with the second coat it could be obvious.
- It doesn’t volumize as much. To be fair though, the pitch only promises curls and length, not volume.
- It flakes. It flakes tiny bit by tiny bit, so it is not clearly visible (I personally am not bothered, and it is easy to clean it up). However, I do suspect it for flaking into my eyes sometimes and cause discomfort.
Here is my bare eye, one coat of Zoom Waterfast Lash on my upper lashes, and two coats of Zoom Waterfast Lash on my upper lashes, one on my bottom lashes, and my lower lash line lined with Coffee Eye Pencil:
Bottom line: I would wear Zoom Waterfast Lash when I need a waterproof mascara, or when I only have time for one coat of mascara, as it lengthens quite well with one. The fact that the flaked-off bits could get into my eyes is the only thing that I am worried about. However, as I have repeated several times before, mascara works very differently for different people, and a fellow blogger told me that it doesn’t flake on her at all.
MAC Coffee Eye Pencil is a solid dark brown eyeliner. I would say it is mostly neutral. This is a little raved-about product, but from what I’ve read, most of its fans love it for the fact that it has no red undertone and doesn’t make them look tired.
Coffee is not as “creamy” as Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners. If those break on you all the time (I have heard people complain about this), take a look at Coffee. At the same time, it doesn’t tug or drag either. One pass delivers enough color. On my upper waterline it stays put quite well, but I can’t say the same for my lower waterline (though just to be honest not much stays put there). On my lower lash line, with a primer and some eyeshadow on top, it doesn’t smudge all day, though if my day is long I can see the color fading a little.
Bottom line: I think Coffee Eye Pencil is a solid product, and if you are in the market for a deep true brown, Coffee is something you might want to take into consideration.
Have you tried any MAC mascaras? What is your go-to waterproof mascara? What is your favorite brown eyeliner?
Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx
Disclosure: The products mentioned in this review are sent by the PR for my consideration. All opinions are honest and my own. I am in no way compensated for this review. I have always been, and will always be committed ONLY to my readers.