Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (Onyx)

I really appreciate a mascara that does it all- lengthens, defines, volumizes and gives lashes a glossy black coat that holds curl beautifully. My new love in this category is Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. It only comes in one color- Onyx- the aforementioned glossy black, but it works so hard and performs so well I don't really mind the lack of other options.

The formula is enriched with ProVitamin B5, which just like in certain hair products is responsible to the glossy finish. I've heard that some people might be sensitive to it, but I haven't experienced any issues with this Hourglass mascara neither while wearing it nor when taking it off.

One coat over curled lashes gives lashes a very noticeable boost in length and volume and stays put all day. I've gone through two sample tubes and the mascara never dried or clumped and hasn't lost its finish or performance level. I rarely use mascara on my bottom lashes and even if I did, Hourglass Film Noir is too black and heavy duty for this task- I don't need any extra attention for my under-eye area, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara ($28) is available from Barneys and Sephora. My samples came with various GWPs.

Photos by me.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Plum Mascara

The Benefit mini mascara duo of BADgal Lash and BADgal Plum was a GWP, which frankly, would have been the only way to get me to test them considering my huge disappointment with BADgal Blue a few years ago. I like several Benefit Cosmetics products, but their previous mascaras have never gotten on my good side.

Neither did BADgal Plum. Just like with its blue predecessor, the color never shows up on my lashes and doesn't contribute anything. Add to that sub-par performance, no extra definition and a propensity to smudging and you get an inferior mascara at an inflated price.

Bottom Line: I doubt I can bring myself to test the black one.

BADgal Plum Mascara ($19) is available from Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Plum Mascara

The Benefit mini mascara duo of BADgal Lash and BADgal Plum was a GWP, which frankly, would have been the only way to get me to test them considering my huge disappointment with BADgal Blue a few years ago. I like several Benefit Cosmetics products, but their previous mascaras have never gotten on my good side.

Neither did BADgal Plum. Just like with its blue predecessor, the color never shows up on my lashes and doesn't contribute anything. Add to that sub-par performance, no extra definition and a propensity to smudging and you get an inferior mascara at an inflated price.

Bottom Line: I doubt I can bring myself to test the black one.

BADgal Plum Mascara ($19) is available from Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Plum Mascara

The Benefit mini mascara duo of BADgal Lash and BADgal Plum was a GWP, which frankly, would have been the only way to get me to test them considering my huge disappointment with BADgal Blue a few years ago. I like several Benefit Cosmetics products, but their previous mascaras have never gotten on my good side.

Neither did BADgal Plum. Just like with its blue predecessor, the color never shows up on my lashes and doesn't contribute anything. Add to that sub-par performance, no extra definition and a propensity to smudging and you get an inferior mascara at an inflated price.

Bottom Line: I doubt I can bring myself to test the black one.

BADgal Plum Mascara ($19) is available from Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine.

YSL Blue Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

This will be the last blue mascara review for a while. I tested and loved quite a few- blue mascaras have definitely come a long way since the 80s and its pretty easy to find a good one. The general rule is that brands that make a good mascara are more likely to offer something nice in blue.

I loved the black YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils from first testing. It's a great volumizer and holds a curl beautifully. It comes in several shades and Number 3, Extreme Blue is one of the options (there's also a blackened navy which I haven't tried. Yet). Obviously, on very dark lashes the color is not that bold, but it stands out a little more than the Buxom blue mascara that looks similar on the wand. This is probably due the thicker YSL formula that gives lashes a heavier coat. Still, it's very wearable and not loud at all- the blue just brightens things up a notch and looks pretty against beige and champagne eye shadows.

Volume Effet Faux Cils is quite resilient and stays on nicely, though I had one smudging occurrence (in three months of testing) after touching my eyes on a super humid and rainy day. From what I understand, the Volume Effet Faux Cils performs better when it has something unto which it can hold. It might not be the one if your lashes are very sparse, but for me it's an ideal product because it boosts the appearance while the blue shade is keeping things from looking too harsh or dramatic.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara ($30) is available from select department stores, Sephora and the company's website.

All photos are mine.

YSL Blue Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

This will be the last blue mascara review for a while. I tested and loved quite a few- blue mascaras have definitely come a long way since the 80s and its pretty easy to find a good one. The general rule is that brands that make a good mascara are more likely to offer something nice in blue.

I loved the black YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils from first testing. It's a great volumizer and holds a curl beautifully. It comes in several shades and Number 3, Extreme Blue is one of the options (there's also a blackened navy which I haven't tried. Yet). Obviously, on very dark lashes the color is not that bold, but it stands out a little more than the Buxom blue mascara that looks similar on the wand. This is probably due the thicker YSL formula that gives lashes a heavier coat. Still, it's very wearable and not loud at all- the blue just brightens things up a notch and looks pretty against beige and champagne eye shadows.

Volume Effet Faux Cils is quite resilient and stays on nicely, though I had one smudging occurrence (in three months of testing) after touching my eyes on a super humid and rainy day. From what I understand, the Volume Effet Faux Cils performs better when it has something unto which it can hold. It might not be the one if your lashes are very sparse, but for me it's an ideal product because it boosts the appearance while the blue shade is keeping things from looking too harsh or dramatic.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara ($30) is available from select department stores, Sephora and the company's website.

All photos are mine.

YSL Blue Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

This will be the last blue mascara review for a while. I tested and loved quite a few- blue mascaras have definitely come a long way since the 80s and its pretty easy to find a good one. The general rule is that brands that make a good mascara are more likely to offer something nice in blue.

I loved the black YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils from first testing. It's a great volumizer and holds a curl beautifully. It comes in several shades and Number 3, Extreme Blue is one of the options (there's also a blackened navy which I haven't tried. Yet). Obviously, on very dark lashes the color is not that bold, but it stands out a little more than the Buxom blue mascara that looks similar on the wand. This is probably due the thicker YSL formula that gives lashes a heavier coat. Still, it's very wearable and not loud at all- the blue just brightens things up a notch and looks pretty against beige and champagne eye shadows.

Volume Effet Faux Cils is quite resilient and stays on nicely, though I had one smudging occurrence (in three months of testing) after touching my eyes on a super humid and rainy day. From what I understand, the Volume Effet Faux Cils performs better when it has something unto which it can hold. It might not be the one if your lashes are very sparse, but for me it's an ideal product because it boosts the appearance while the blue shade is keeping things from looking too harsh or dramatic.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara ($30) is available from select department stores, Sephora and the company's website.

All photos are mine.

Le Metier de Beaute Midnight Anamorphic Lash Mascara

One of the very first Le Metier de Beaute products I tested was their Anamorphic Mascara in Jade. Its quality caught my attention immediately, as did their use of color. Here was a black-based green that was dark enough to be a functional mascara and not make my lashes look weird and dusty (a problem with most mainstream brands colored mascaras), but still have enough green tint to brighten my eyes and bring out their color. Since then I've had my makeup done several times by Le Metier people who used Aubergine on my lashes (it's gorgeous and I really need to get one), so I had to add Midnight to my blue mascara quest.

Like the other Le Metier de Beaute colored mascaras, Midnight is black-based, so the lashes are darkened enough to stand out. The blue shade is beautiful and brightens the eye area without looking too obvious. It has a somewhat glossy finish, but again, the result is not overly done and works very well with a soft neutral eye. As far as quality goes, this mascara is top notch- it provides good volume, a little extra length, separation and definition with no clumps or smudges. It stays in place until I go after it with a makeup remover and doesn't require extra effort for cleanup.

Bottom Line: Yes, it's that good.

Le Metier de Beaute Anamorphic Lash Mascara ($34) in Midnight and other colors is available from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and now also Nordstrom Online. Overseas you can find it at Selfridges, among other locations.

All photos are mine.

Le Metier de Beaute Midnight Anamorphic Lash Mascara

One of the very first Le Metier de Beaute products I tested was their Anamorphic Mascara in Jade. Its quality caught my attention immediately, as did their use of color. Here was a black-based green that was dark enough to be a functional mascara and not make my lashes look weird and dusty (a problem with most mainstream brands colored mascaras), but still have enough green tint to brighten my eyes and bring out their color. Since then I've had my makeup done several times by Le Metier people who used Aubergine on my lashes (it's gorgeous and I really need to get one), so I had to add Midnight to my blue mascara quest.

Like the other Le Metier de Beaute colored mascaras, Midnight is black-based, so the lashes are darkened enough to stand out. The blue shade is beautiful and brightens the eye area without looking too obvious. It has a somewhat glossy finish, but again, the result is not overly done and works very well with a soft neutral eye. As far as quality goes, this mascara is top notch- it provides good volume, a little extra length, separation and definition with no clumps or smudges. It stays in place until I go after it with a makeup remover and doesn't require extra effort for cleanup.

Bottom Line: Yes, it's that good.

Le Metier de Beaute Anamorphic Lash Mascara ($34) in Midnight and other colors is available from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and now also Nordstrom Online. Overseas you can find it at Selfridges, among other locations.

All photos are mine.

Le Metier de Beaute Midnight Anamorphic Lash Mascara

One of the very first Le Metier de Beaute products I tested was their Anamorphic Mascara in Jade. Its quality caught my attention immediately, as did their use of color. Here was a black-based green that was dark enough to be a functional mascara and not make my lashes look weird and dusty (a problem with most mainstream brands colored mascaras), but still have enough green tint to brighten my eyes and bring out their color. Since then I've had my makeup done several times by Le Metier people who used Aubergine on my lashes (it's gorgeous and I really need to get one), so I had to add Midnight to my blue mascara quest.

Like the other Le Metier de Beaute colored mascaras, Midnight is black-based, so the lashes are darkened enough to stand out. The blue shade is beautiful and brightens the eye area without looking too obvious. It has a somewhat glossy finish, but again, the result is not overly done and works very well with a soft neutral eye. As far as quality goes, this mascara is top notch- it provides good volume, a little extra length, separation and definition with no clumps or smudges. It stays in place until I go after it with a makeup remover and doesn't require extra effort for cleanup.

Bottom Line: Yes, it's that good.

Le Metier de Beaute Anamorphic Lash Mascara ($34) in Midnight and other colors is available from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and now also Nordstrom Online. Overseas you can find it at Selfridges, among other locations.

All photos are mine.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue

Here's some more blue mascara love. I'm on my third regular black Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara, so a new addition to this range and a blue one at that was very welcome. Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension has the same spheric brush of the original Phenomen'Eyes, but the formula is noticeably different. It's a bit thinner and is decidedly more lengthening than volumizing. The result is less dramatic, especially in this muted blue shade, but quite sophisticated.

I find that I might actually prefer the original Phenomen'Eyes formula because I like the extra volume, but since it doesn't come in blue and this shade is lovely and elegant, I can deal. I have a feeling that Effet Extension Formula might not perform as well for those with sparse or fine lashes, because it would not have enough hold, thus resulting in smudging. It's just a hunch, though, and I can't prove it. My sister has similar lashes to mine and I suspect the husband wouldn't be thrilled if I used him as a test subject this time.

On my lashes there are no longevity or performance issues. The mascara holds from morning to night, responds well to curling and looks fabulous. I'd be happier if they offered this blue color in the original Phenomen'Eyes formula that gives a lot more visibility and volume, but on the other hand it makes Effet Extension daytime appropriate, so that's something.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue ($29) is a Sephora exclusive.

Photos are mine.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue

Here's some more blue mascara love. I'm on my third regular black Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara, so a new addition to this range and a blue one at that was very welcome. Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension has the same spheric brush of the original Phenomen'Eyes, but the formula is noticeably different. It's a bit thinner and is decidedly more lengthening than volumizing. The result is less dramatic, especially in this muted blue shade, but quite sophisticated.

I find that I might actually prefer the original Phenomen'Eyes formula because I like the extra volume, but since it doesn't come in blue and this shade is lovely and elegant, I can deal. I have a feeling that Effet Extension Formula might not perform as well for those with sparse or fine lashes, because it would not have enough hold, thus resulting in smudging. It's just a hunch, though, and I can't prove it. My sister has similar lashes to mine and I suspect the husband wouldn't be thrilled if I used him as a test subject this time.

On my lashes there are no longevity or performance issues. The mascara holds from morning to night, responds well to curling and looks fabulous. I'd be happier if they offered this blue color in the original Phenomen'Eyes formula that gives a lot more visibility and volume, but on the other hand it makes Effet Extension daytime appropriate, so that's something.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue ($29) is a Sephora exclusive.

Photos are mine.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue

Here's some more blue mascara love. I'm on my third regular black Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara, so a new addition to this range and a blue one at that was very welcome. Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension has the same spheric brush of the original Phenomen'Eyes, but the formula is noticeably different. It's a bit thinner and is decidedly more lengthening than volumizing. The result is less dramatic, especially in this muted blue shade, but quite sophisticated.

I find that I might actually prefer the original Phenomen'Eyes formula because I like the extra volume, but since it doesn't come in blue and this shade is lovely and elegant, I can deal. I have a feeling that Effet Extension Formula might not perform as well for those with sparse or fine lashes, because it would not have enough hold, thus resulting in smudging. It's just a hunch, though, and I can't prove it. My sister has similar lashes to mine and I suspect the husband wouldn't be thrilled if I used him as a test subject this time.

On my lashes there are no longevity or performance issues. The mascara holds from morning to night, responds well to curling and looks fabulous. I'd be happier if they offered this blue color in the original Phenomen'Eyes formula that gives a lot more visibility and volume, but on the other hand it makes Effet Extension daytime appropriate, so that's something.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue ($29) is a Sephora exclusive.

Photos are mine.

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir

The blue mascara obsession continues.

The black Buxom Lash from Bare Escentuals has been a favorite of mine for nearly a year because of its great tenacity and the superb separating abilities of the brush. It was reason enough to get over my fear of too bright colors and give Blue Noir a try (what's with the hybrid English/French name?)

The blue shade looks scary on the brush and is much brighter than many modern blue mascaras: see the photo comparison to Givenchy PhenomenEyes (review coming next week). On dark lashes, though, it becomes a demure navy. Still, if you're pale and your lashes are very light, I'd advise you proceed with caution, as this Buxom mascara has the potential to give you a serious pop of color. I find it very wearable and it works well with both summer and early fall colors.

Performance and texture-wise, Blue Noir is close to the original Buxom Black. It gives an even coating, enhances both volume and length without looking exaggerated and holds a curl nicely. It is much more prone to smudging, though, and on occasion I found myself with an unintentional deep blue smoky eye, so I'd suggest finding another alternative for super humid days or if you tend to rub your eyes.

Bottom Line: Decent, but not as good as I hoped.

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir ($18) is a Sephora exclusive.

All photos are mine.

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir

The blue mascara obsession continues.

The black Buxom Lash from Bare Escentuals has been a favorite of mine for nearly a year because of its great tenacity and the superb separating abilities of the brush. It was reason enough to get over my fear of too bright colors and give Blue Noir a try (what's with the hybrid English/French name?)

The blue shade looks scary on the brush and is much brighter than many modern blue mascaras: see the photo comparison to Givenchy PhenomenEyes (review coming next week). On dark lashes, though, it becomes a demure navy. Still, if you're pale and your lashes are very light, I'd advise you proceed with caution, as this Buxom mascara has the potential to give you a serious pop of color. I find it very wearable and it works well with both summer and early fall colors.

Performance and texture-wise, Blue Noir is close to the original Buxom Black. It gives an even coating, enhances both volume and length without looking exaggerated and holds a curl nicely. It is much more prone to smudging, though, and on occasion I found myself with an unintentional deep blue smoky eye, so I'd suggest finding another alternative for super humid days or if you tend to rub your eyes.

Bottom Line: Decent, but not as good as I hoped.

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir ($18) is a Sephora exclusive.

All photos are mine.

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir

The blue mascara obsession continues.

The black Buxom Lash from Bare Escentuals has been a favorite of mine for nearly a year because of its great tenacity and the superb separating abilities of the brush. It was reason enough to get over my fear of too bright colors and give Blue Noir a try (what's with the hybrid English/French name?)

The blue shade looks scary on the brush and is much brighter than many modern blue mascaras: see the photo comparison to Givenchy PhenomenEyes (review coming next week). On dark lashes, though, it becomes a demure navy. Still, if you're pale and your lashes are very light, I'd advise you proceed with caution, as this Buxom mascara has the potential to give you a serious pop of color. I find it very wearable and it works well with both summer and early fall colors.

Performance and texture-wise, Blue Noir is close to the original Buxom Black. It gives an even coating, enhances both volume and length without looking exaggerated and holds a curl nicely. It is much more prone to smudging, though, and on occasion I found myself with an unintentional deep blue smoky eye, so I'd suggest finding another alternative for super humid days or if you tend to rub your eyes.

Bottom Line: Decent, but not as good as I hoped.

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir ($18) is a Sephora exclusive.

All photos are mine.

Giorgio Armani Fall 2010 Blue Grey Night Eyes To Kill Mascara (05)

From the Chronicles of the Blue Mascara.

Giorgio Armani's Eye To Kill mascara has set a new standard for what a top mascara should be. It doesn't only deliver excellent volume and length, but it's also dreamily weightless. There's no goopy stickiness even when the tube nears the end of its life (and I know, since I'm on my second black one). I don't think I ever needed a lash comb after using Eyes To Kill.

The new color, Blue Grey Night (#5), is the fall 2010 exclusive shade, part of Giorgio Armani's Night Viper look. It's a muted steel blue that isn't too obvious- the shade is darker than Graphite (#3) which look too dusty on me. Blue Grey Night looks good on my almost-black lashes and delivers that subtle brightening effect one gets from a (good) blue mascara.

Performance-wise, Eyes To Kill is as good as it gets. While I keep wondering if #5 is quite as lengthening as the black version (or maybe it's just my imagination and the fact the mascara is not black, thus creating less contrast), I'm very happy with it.

Bottom Line: You can't go wrong with this one.

Giorgio Armani Fall 2010 Blue Grey Night Eyes To Kill Mascara ($30) is available from giorgioarmanibeauty.com, Saks and Barneys.

Photos are mine, cute nose is Sophie's.