Mascara that promises that your lashes will look like falsies. Yeah right!! There is a reason ads for mascara are photoshopped to within an inch of their lives. Its so we’d believe the claims that a mere mascara can make you look like you’re wearing va-va-voom false lashes.
This photo however, is not photoshopped – it is also because this isn’t an ad, but that’s my eye and my lashes. Lashes, which in a normal circumstance as you will see below, are non-existent. I must say, that the Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express mascara does leave me suitably impressed, because I’ve been using it everyday for almost 3 weeks now! Usually, if it doesn’t do anything for me or irritates my eyes, I bin it after a few days.
You may have seen this fat purple tube of mascara in the local pharmacies. Its been out since late last year when my attention was first drawn to it. I can’t say I’ve had excellent results with Maybelline mascara, but I must say that the Volum’ Express range does have its merits in terms of formula and price. Their brushes however sometimes are scarily large for my small eyes and short lahes.
That said, there must be a reason why the Maybelline Volum’ Express mascara range won the award for your Favourite Mascara at the MWS Beauty Awards 2011 🙂 I’ve tried the Maybelline Magnum before this and it wasn’t too bad. The Falsies promises to build volume to create more visible fuller lashes, without gaps and clumps. When you see my laughably short, sparse, straight lashes, you will realise that I’m the perfect candidate to test these lofty claims 😀
Here’s the brush that does most of the work for you. One side is curved with shorter bristles, that you hold against the root of your lashes before brushing upwards. It does fit quite well to the curvature of my eye because it isn’t too curved. On the other side, the bristles are a little longer, and you can use that to add drama.
I usually start by using the inner curve to build the volume at the root, and then finish off with the outer curve for length. And here’s my result.
Maybelline The Falsies mascara Left: Before Right: After
Right then, you may now perhaps understand why I have been using this mascara for 3 weeks straight 🙂 I curl my lashes first. Don’t believe all that you read about a mascara being able to curl your lashes. If you have stick straight lashes, nothing curls your lashes bar a lash curler.
However, this Maybelline The Falsies formula holds my lashes up in a curl all day, and gives me length, which you can see from the before and after photos. Volume is debatable, to be honest, but it does make my lashes look more visible. The bristles do manage to coat my lashes quite well and separate them, adding length.
Do they look like falsies? Nah. They just look like my lashes, but better 🙂 I usually apply about 2-3 coats. I do have to wipe the wand down the side of the tube to remove excess else you will end up with clumps. Also, I do find that as the mascara dries out, it does take on a bit of a thicker texture so you have to be careful when touching up the shorter lashes on the inner corner or lower lid.
I believe that if you naturally have long lashes then you may experience a much more impressive effect with this mascara than I did. If you have, I’d love to hear of your experience because I can only watch enviously 😛
Cleaning off this one is quite easy. I can use either an eye makeup remover or cleansing oil and in warm water, washes right off. Give it a go – you may like it too! 😀
In a nutshell
A mascara that promises to give you the effect of false lashes. I find that it does enhance my lashes, and makes them look longer and a bit fuller. It does not however look like I’m wearing falsies, just my lashes but better. This one does not smudge and holds a curl all day and washes out easily. My gripe would be with the price which I think is a bit high for a pharmacy brand.
Pros: Holds a curl all day, Adds length and defines lashes, Washes out easily, Affordable when compared to department store mascara of similar effect
Cons: Gets a little clumpy with use, A little pricey for a pharmacy brand
As I’ve noted, the price is a wee bit pricey for something from the pharmacy, but with the increasing prices of department store makeup and counter brand mascara, the price is still comparatively affordable. The only thing is that I find pharmacy mascara tend to dry out within 3 months while my counter brand mascara can last me up to 8 months without drying out. So get this when you see it on sale, but there’s no need to run out and buy it RIGHT NOW at full RRP 😛
Have you tried the Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara yet? Did you notice it at the counter or might this have passed you by? Do you like Maybelline mascaras and do you have a favourite from the brand? I quite like their Volum’ Express series although I can never seem to keep up with their different incarnations. But will you believe I’ve never tried the iconic original Maybelline Great Lash mascara in the pink and green tube? Yeah I haven’t. Should I? 😀
Paris B
Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara Price: RM42.90 (watch out for sales) Availability: All Maybelline counters
Hanny Daforcena says
February 16, 2012 at 1:05 pmEeeks, Imma trying it soon! I love Maybelline’s mascaras hah hah hah. They hardly disappoint.
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:31 pmHope it’ll work for you Hanny! I think its best to wait for a promo price or a discount – a bit of savings on this is better than none 😀
Dorami says
February 16, 2012 at 1:11 pmWow Paris, looks pretty good. The thing with me is, I don’t apply makeup on a daily basis. Probably once a week, on Saturday when I go out for dates. So one tube of mascara can last me eons, though I am not supposed to keep it more than 6 months!
I have one problem though, mascara always gets clumpy when i swipe it on to my lashes, straight from the tube. What I resort to doing these days is, remove the wand, wipe the wand on a tissue, then use whatever tiny amount that remains on the wand on my lashes. How come when I watch videos in youtube, those girls never have clump problems? They can dish the wand out straight and go swiping several times on their lashes and no clumps. Le sigh…..Any suggestions?
*By the way, thanks for your reply on my previous questions regarding applying sunblock for morning exercise without washing face after a night’s sleep. But anyhow from that time till now, I have not done any morning exercising… *guilty*
Jyoan says
February 16, 2012 at 9:58 pmHmmm, don’t mind I give my two cents’ worth… …
I think the mascara has to be rather fresh to avoid clumping, which may be the case for most YT videos because they buy tonnes of everything.
It also depends on which brand you’re using.
And then also the shape of the wand.
Generally, traditional brush shape will tend to pick up more product, and so clump more. Even good brands like MUFE clump when dry, and because its brush is huge.
Perhaps, you may like to try comb wands. A couple of really good ones that I have as Holy Grail, are Sasa Superdolly and Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Neo (this brand has 3 types of wands, so you’d have to be careful which you buy, as their latest launch is a traditional brush wand).
Personally, I find that Lash Enamel is extremely good for Asians like me, with small eyes. It will reach the inner corner lashes without mess.
Dorami says
February 17, 2012 at 1:41 pmHi Jyoan, Thanks for the reply. Well, I forgot to mention, its clumpy for me even when it is first time use, i.e freshly bought from counter and opened up to use, I still feel like there is too much mascara on the wand. I tried the comb type wand too, from Majolica…still the same. Looks like I am jinxed :p
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:33 pmHi Dorami I find that some formula are a bit more clumpy than others and when they start drying out, mascara sometimes get clumpy too. Like Jyoan mentioned, a lot of the Youtube videos are done with brand new products and I’m sure they scrape the mascara brush down the sides of the tube too to remove excess. That is what sometimes makes it clump. Wiping it on a tissue is what I do too sometimes. I personally find that a lot of pharmacy/drugstore mascara do tend to get clumpy quite quickly but I’ve had my Shiseido Perfect Mascara and RMK Curl mascara for months and although they are a bit drier now, still no clumps. So I think its a formula thing too 🙂
Gedy Rivera says
February 16, 2012 at 1:11 pmHave you tried ‘The Falsies Flared’? Surprisingly, it gives me that “false lash” effect. Not HUGE lashes like in the commercial (obviously fake), but more than any other of my mascaras, even my high end ones. Also I should mention that my lashes are not super long and they are extremely stubborn (always look down), but the falsies flared mascara just does it for me. It holds the curl all day and makes them look super full and long.
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:34 pmHi Gedy, no, I haven’t tried the Falsies Flared version. We only get one here for now which is this tube but the one you mention does sound very good. I’m going to have to keep my eye out for it 🙂
xin says
February 16, 2012 at 1:21 pmit actually does an okay job for the price 😀 i still like the vibrating mascara (forgot the name) but dont see it anymore….why oh why
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:36 pmPulse Perfection? It was brought in as a LE item so no more left!
sharon says
February 16, 2012 at 2:00 pmok, just looking at the effect this mascara has on your lashes makes me think I should reconsider and maybe get it one day…The thing is Maybelline mascaras have always been too wet for my liking..It smudges while I am applying it and that just annoys me to no end especially in the mornings when I get ready for work ugh! The strange thing is that (it could be me I guess) what is supposed to give volume gives me length instead as with the Volume Express. Those that are supposed to give length either does nothing much or just clumps on me or worse weigh my lashes down…But I vividly remember my first mascara as the Lash Discovery, as true to its name, it discovered my hidden lashes from under my eyelids lol. And now while my eyelashes remain fine and thin, they are at least ‘uncovered’ but I would still need mascara to display the existence of any eyelashes lol. You should try the Lash Discovery if you havent.. I am intending to get that for my lower eyelashes one day by joining some spree or something..;)
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:38 pmThis mascara worked very well for me but really curl your lashes first for best effect 😀 Now that you mention it, I too have a general problem with the wetness of the Maybelline formula. But this one wasn’t that way – just realised it! With wet mascara, the wave the wand around trick usually works so you can try that and it helps to minimize smudging.
I tried Lash Discovery a long time ago too. The little brush is excellent! But the formula was terribly meh for me. But yes, now you mention it, that brush was amazing for short lashes like ours 🙂
Ling says
February 16, 2012 at 2:03 pmI’ve never had much success with Maybelline mascara…and I also hate those over-PS’ed mascara ads!!! ANNOYS ME greatly! But you’re right, this mascara doesn’t make you look like you have falsies…but it does make them more noticeable 🙂
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:39 pmLashes that reach up to the sky – who are they kidding eh? 😛
Lily says
February 16, 2012 at 2:07 pmWowza! Very impressive!! The price is so easy for me to pick one (or a few) up right now… but I have a few more mascaras sitting in my desk, unopened. Nah, I’ll probably go get it as soon as I see it. LOL!
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:40 pmHaha maybe save it for a day when you want a pick me up, or when it goes on sale because I do think that at full price, its still pricey for a pharmacy brand, compared to the rest of the Maybelline mascara line 🙂 If you get it hope it works for you.
Alyssa says
February 16, 2012 at 2:07 pmI gave up on Maybelline’s mascaras long ago…they seem to do a good job the first few weeks, but then as it gets longer the ‘kaw-ness’ of it seems to be less too. But this seem interesting though…have you tried majolica majorca’s range?
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:41 pmI do realise that pharmacy brand mascara tend to deteriorate over time and dry out much more quickly than most department store brands hence my questioning of whether it is really more economical using it. I have tried 2 mascara from Majolica Majorca but I can’t wear MM products on my eye because my eyes don’t like their formula and get irritated quickly. So I don’t use any of their products anymore.
LeGeeque says
February 16, 2012 at 2:43 pmMy temperamental lids and skin HATES non-tubing mascaras. I love to be able to just use any mascara straight from the drugstore because it’s more economical but if a mascara smudges on me, I bin it immediately. I’m ruthless that way. Having said that, I love what it does to your lashes, though! In a pinch, this will work a treat.
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:44 pmI must admit I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I have a tube of the Guerlain Noir mascara and it doesn’t seem to be as impressive. Or maybe I just have to practice a bit more.
gio says
February 16, 2012 at 3:18 pmYour lashes look great! I really like Maybelline mascaras, as they do a good job for the price and it seems this one doesn’t disappoint either. Thanks for the review.
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:53 pmYou’re welcome Gio – if you do have the chance and try this, I hope you’ll like it too!
Michelle Beh says
February 16, 2012 at 4:07 pmQuite impressive!! But I had stopped using Maybelline’s mascaras for quite some time since my last Maybelline’s mascara dried off. Anyway, do you have any recommendation on any great brands of mascaras which you had encountered? Do share with me 🙂 have a good day!
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:57 pmWell right off the top of my head, I have 2 excellent ones I’ll never give up – Shiseido Perfect Mascara and RMK Curling mascara and Paul & Joe Curling mascara. Pricey as heck but they still haven’t dried out after months of use, keep my lashes beautifully curled, gets me compliments every single time and is just all round perfect 🙂 From the pharmacy, I have never gotten anything this epic 🙂
Michelle Beh says
February 19, 2012 at 3:14 pmThanks for the recommendation and sharing!! Will got my hands on those mascaras since my current mascara almost dried off. I’m using the CD Diorshow Iconic Extreme mascara at the moment.
Jamilla says
February 16, 2012 at 4:11 pmThis is a very good budget facsimile for Helena Rubinstein Feline Blacks Mascara! It does the job at a reasonable price!
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 12:59 pmI’m going to take your word for it Jamilla! I’d been wanting to try the Helena Rubinstein mascara (heard so much about it) but we don’t get them here so knowing this is as good is reassuring I’m not missing out 🙂
beetrice says
February 16, 2012 at 4:29 pmMaybelline’s VolumExpress mascaras have done well by me, though they do get very flaky as they dry out. Like what this one does to your lashes though, time to check it out! 🙂
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:01 pmWait till you see it on sale before you pick it up (I maintain that the full price is just ridiculous for pharmacy brand) but it does a fair enough job!
Sunny says
February 16, 2012 at 4:48 pmHey Paris, I’m glad you like this one too! I have very sparse, short, and straight lashes, but I’ve always been very happy with Maybelline fatty tubes in general! They do hold curls all day, which is essential. My eyes look very sad with mascaras that don’t! You’re right about how it could get a little clumpy (that’s why I do 2 instead of 3 coats nowadays), but otherwise it’s better than many high-end ones I’ve tried!
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:08 pmHi Sunny 😀 I do think most of the fatty Maybelline mascara do work quite well for our short lashes once we have curled them up nicely 😀 I know exactly what you mean about eyes looking sad OMG the number of droopy lashes I’ve gotten from heavy mascara! I never quite give them a second chance after that because I don’t want to look sad and droopy eyed all day 😛
Amanda says
February 16, 2012 at 5:02 pmI tried this one but I didn’t find it that great compares to my all time favourite (I should say my HG) Colossal Volum’ Express. My natural lashes are long and thick enough. When I apply Colossal Volum’ Express, they look like falsies *lol* The first and only time I had falsies on was on my wedding day.
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:09 pmOh you lucky girl to have naturally long thick lashes Amanda! On a side note, how is it the guys I know all have gorgeous lashes and here I am stuck with my short skinny ones? how? 😛
Applegal says
February 16, 2012 at 6:19 pmWow! It really makes a difference! Okay will look out for this the next time I pop by a pharmarcy ^_^
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:09 pmWait for a sale!!! LOL!
Helen says
February 16, 2012 at 7:43 pmGreat review! Im very much impressed with most of the Maybelline’s mascaras too, however to my lashes they only add length but not much volume. For my typical short straight eyelashes, I rather have full volume lashes, than spidery long lashes
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:10 pmI try to make up for volume by concentrating the mascara at the root so it looks thicker at the base and then filling up the space with eyeliner. It works for me and I get length and volume 😀
bronzechiqz says
February 16, 2012 at 8:57 pmI love Falsies! Its one of the best mascara I’ve tried! Right now, Im loving Loreal 4 D Lash Architect mascara, equally good as the hi ends ones.
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:11 pmWow! I don’t think we have the L’Oreal one here yet (at least I haven’t noticed) but I”ll be sure to keep an eye out for it – anything that is as good as a high end mascara always gets my attention! 😀
Jyoan says
February 16, 2012 at 9:47 pmI am still stuck with the Maybelline magnum unopened! Not to mention L’oreal Double Extend also unopened.
To be honest, I’d rather Maybelline go back to their original big fat black and purple Intense XXL, the one with two sides.
That’s the only mascara that I’ve used down to dryness and digging for more (in my short 3 year makeup lifetime).
I was reaching for the Intense XXL even after I opened MUFE Aqua Eyes, and have been keeping my eyes wide open to make sure I don’t miss out should Maybelline relaunch the old Intense XXL.
Really sad that Maybelline has done away with double ended mascara (but L’oreal is high on it with their latest Double Extend).
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:13 pmOk you got me Jyoan. I don’t even remember the Maybelline mascara you mentioned! I didn’t know Maybelline did a dual ended mascara, only L’Oreal. I”ve heard a lot about the MUFE Smokey lash mascara but never got round to giving it a go because the MUA here are awful but perhaps some day I’ll give it a try 🙂
Jyoan says
February 20, 2012 at 1:56 pmawww, everytime I hear about the poor service at Sephora there, I wish they would open one more, because Sephora is really the door to Western most hyped products. Laura Mercier would be coming in to our shores end of March, and Philosophy end of April! Not sure if these are already available under other retailers in M’sia… … I do suppose it is an Asian thing, and M’sia Sephora should get it too.
Don’t mind I post an image url from Google, to show the Maybelline Intense XXL? =)
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvaq3QLujpl8_xfspm93erSuSJdWRNNOJ330rM7lrALh-JnjuIId__qUOSDg
Paris B says
February 20, 2012 at 5:07 pmWe do get Laura Mercier here, brought in by another company, not Sephora although I’m not sure if its also in Sephora. I did read about the big fuss about Philosophy entering Singapore which would be interesting. I have never been quite into Philosophy because the famed shower stuff smell too sweet for me but that’s not to say that I won’t be checking it out if I can 🙂
Lydia says
February 17, 2012 at 12:12 amHonestly, being Asian myself (which usually means, short, straight AND sparse eyelashes!!) I can relate to your problem. I had been using the same mascara last year, however, I personally don’t see much of a difference between the purple tube and the other ones e.g. the normal Volum’ Express. But the price is surely different! lol XD At the moment I’m using the One by One (red tube) in waterproof which I absolutely love, but it’s a bit hard to remove compared to the other Maybelline mascaras. >:(
Paris B says
February 19, 2012 at 1:15 pmUrgh! One by One doesn’t seem to be sold here 🙁 I think the difference in the mascaras lie in the brushes. The Falsies mascara brush works for me – fits my eye shape and so grabs most lashes at one go. Those straight brushes tend to need more work in my view but they cater to different people with different needs and expectations I guess 😀