Smashbox Bionic Mascara
What it is:An innovative ionic mascara.What it does:Smashbox Bionic is the first ionic mascara-it will leave you with longer, stronger, and more voluminous lashes! The specially-engineered brush coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a dramatic full lash. Aloe, silk, and wheat protein strengthen and condition.
Great, long lashes - but needs improvement
I use a lot of Smashbox's cosmetics and have been very satisfied with them. And I love how long and full this mascara makes my lashes look, but there are a few things that are problematic.
I don't know if it was just the particular tube I got or what but it was not uncommon for major clumps of mascara to come onto the brush (which I had to whipe off before applying). While it stays on during my workouts when I get very wet and sweaty - the mascara smudges off if you happen to rub your eye. If you accidently fall asleep with it on you will surely wake up with raccoon eyes.
I would not buy this again, despite the fact it makes my eyelashes look amazing, I can't go around worrying that I might unwittingly rub my eye and unknowingly have black marks on my face. And if I wake up after a romantic evening, I don't want the man I'm laying next to to wake up to raccoon eyes.
I've heard amazing things about the Diorshow mascara so I am going to go with that. I heard it doesn't come off until you take it off.
Long Lasting Buildable Formula
Smashbox Bionic Mascara comes in a standard tube with a large wand for applying the product. The product goes on evenly with a few sweeps for nice definition but there is not a lot of visible volume or length after the first application. Apply a second coat and lashes get longer and fatter without a lot of clumping. I work 11-12 hour days and this mascara lasts for me, no flaking or raccoon eyes. The formula washes off with soap and water or if you prefer a friction free makeup remover you can use an oil. I used mineral oil but baby oil or olive oil would work just as well.
To prevent flaking or smudging be sure to put powder on your lower lid before applying any mascara. I use mica powder but any oil free makeup powder will do the trick. Oil will break down mascara and other eye makeup so if I put moisturizer all over my face and it gets on my lashes, the mascara can't last as long. I think that may be why some people are not getting as much performance out of this mascara.
I took off one star because I don't like the size of the wand, I wish it were a little bit smaller. Overall this is a good product. Smashbox Bionic Mascara doesn't beat my favorite mascara which is Body Shop Divide and Multiply, but it is really close.
Save your money or go for waterproof
I got this in a kit, but wouldn't buy on its own again. It is only water resistant but hard enough to remove to be waterproof, so I have to use a waterproof eyemakeup remover to get it off. It was hard to work with to get it to look good. It did not keep the curl so that is a big drawback for me. I don't have problems with some drugstore brands in application or keeping the curl. The brush is on the big side, so you can't get every lash. However, I have seen larger brushes and much worse mascaras. The good, it didn't flake once. Just not worth the high price tag compared to drugstore brands.
