This is the second post of my back-to-back reviews of two different mascaras from Clinique - both from the Clinique High Impact range and yet they are so different!
This is for Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara.
Claims from Clinique's website:
Formulated with lash-conditioning mamey seed oil, this gentle, long-wearing mascara is infused with a curling polymer to bring lashes to new heights that last for 12 hours. Lightweight, mousse-like, smudge-resistant formula will not clump or flake. Ophthalmologist tested so even sensitive eyes look bigger, brighter, and boosted.
Application
The High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara is not a tubing mascara, but it does have a dry formula which dries quite quickly after application, so it can set the curl in place.
It has a standard, cone-shaped brush which is quite easy to use. The end of the brush can reach the smaller lashes.
Results
This is the most curling / elevating / eye opening mascara that I have ever used in my life (and I am not being dramatic - I mean it!). It gives my lashes a great lift and no other mascara can do that (including Clinique's High Impact Curling mascara). It does not only hold the curls in place. It actually adds extra lift. So this mascara does lives to its name of being "lash elevating".
It does not only elevate, it also lengthens and volumise. After I have finished two coats, I could hardly believe the length and volume that it adds to my short and straight lashes.
Top: not wearing any mascara. Centre: wearing Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara, 1 coat. Bottom: wearing Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara, 2 coats.
Too good to be true? You bet!
After only 30 minutes it started to smudge everywhere! Here are some photos I took after two hours.
Top: wearing Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara, 2 coats. Bottom: wearing Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara, after 2 hours.
The extent of smudging after just 2 hours - Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara
It is SUCH A SHAME!! The curl, length and volume were still holding up so well.
Removal
I have read a lot of negative reviews on this mascara - not because of smudging, but because of the difficulty to remove it. My experience has been quite the opposite - it is very easy to remove with a cleansing oil (well, the mascara is easy to come off in general, I should say).
Customer service
On a final note, I thought I should commend on the excellent customer service I received from Clinique. I emailed their customer service about the smudging, explaining that I was very disappointed with it especially when they claim the mascara to be "smudge-resistant". They were happy to provide an exchange straight away (reply post paid!) for a mascara of my choice - with the only condition being provide proof of purchase, which is fair enough.
Overall rating: 2/5
This mascara is actually a dream apart from the terrible smudging, which is unfortunately a deal breaker for me. For those who do not usually have to deal with the first world problem of smudging mascara - lucky you, and maybe you would like to give it a go!
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.