If you trawl the pharmacy aka drugstore shelves enough, you may have noticed the party packaging that is the Revlon Lash Potion Volume & Length mascara. Admit it, with the packaging that looks like someone went and did some serious photographic bokeh (not a bad word!) in a nightclub, you might imagine that this would make your lashes look like they are ready to head downtown and par-tay!
The Revlon Lash Potion comes in one shade for now – Blackest Black, which is great. I love black mascara. I don’t see the point of brown mascara (sorry if you like it) nor coloured mascara. Black mascara makes my non-existent lashes look a little more visible.
I also liked the Revlon Grow Luscious mascara. It was one of the better ones that I’d tried, that gave me fluttery lashes. I’m not sure if the lash protecting and lash growth enhancing formula really worked, but it was a good one while it lasted. So, realising that Lash Potion uses the Grow Luscious formula, I was quite interested.
BUT… and there is always a but….
… this one smudges like a mofo 😛
I had experienced it a few times while trying this out, and each time, I told myself it wasn’t the mascara. But then to really test it, I went without eyeliner one day. It was the day I had an unexpected meeting followed by a lunch meeting. I didn’t get funny looks, nor funny stares, and everything was as normal as far as I could tell.
But when I got back to the office and went to the bathroom, much to my horror, there in the mirror staring back at me was a racoon. I had these lovely black smudges under my eyes, all the way around. And all this time, throughout the meeting, NO ONE SAID ANYTHING! Men, I tell you 😛
So this tells me one thing. This isn’t a waterproof formula. Let’s not even talk about crying. This doesn’t even last past blinking! EDIT: It also comes in a waterproof formula! NOW I KNOW! 😛
The brush is something of a monster. There are 2 levels of bristles. One longer one and one shorter. But because it’s so large, I can’t really brush it on. I have to dab on the mascara with the tip of the brush, then follow up with a sweep of the bristles over my lashes.
When I get it right, it looks creditable. Something like this.
Before Lash Potion on left. Barely noticeable lashes, even up close. After a coat of Lash Potion mascara on right. Not exactly skyscraper length lashes, but visible. Lash Potion promises volume and length. As far as I can tell, it delivers. Just about. I’m realistic about my lashes 😛 It isn’t “crispy” and spidery either.
When I get it wrong, I smudge mascara all over my top lid thanks to the large brush. But I’ve gotten used to it so it isn’t such a messy affair anymore. Removal is easy but then, it isn’t waterproof so it doesn’t stick onto lashes like super glue.
But still, despite it looking fairly natural on my lashes, I can’t get over how smudgy it gets after a couple of hours. I can’t bear looking like a racoon or a panda and I don’t always have the luxury (nor habit) of checking myself in the mirror every hour or so. And, I’ll be damned if I sit through another meeting, being professional and social… as a panda. Wake me up when this comes in a waterproof formula. I might give it a go then.
In a nutshell
The Revlon Lash Potion mascara comes in Blackest Black and has a lash enhancement formula similar in the Grow Luscious formula. The brush is rather large and I think works better on someone with longer lashes, or larger eyes. On my small eyes and short lashes, it’s quite a challenge. The biggest downer however is the fact that the one I tried isn’t waterproof. So, after a couple of hours, I end up looking like a panda. Pandas are cute. Me looking like a panda? Less so. Pity about that.
Pros: Affordable, Very black formula, Formula isn’t too wet, Enhances lashes and makes them look more visible, Easy to remove, Not waterproof (if this is something you like) or also available in waterproof versions
Cons: Smudges incredibly well in the non waterproof version, Brush is very large
Who will like this: Anyone who doesn’t like waterproof mascara, Anyone who doesn’t have oily lids nor live in a humid climate
Still, the unconventional mascara packaging takes top marks for design! Pity the formula didn’t work better or it might really be a party for the lashes.
Have you tried the Lash Potion mascara? Do you prefer waterproof or non-waterproof formulas?
I usually go for waterproof formula because in our local humid weather, non-waterproof is quite disastrous. I don’t have oily lids, so at least that’s something to be thankful for! That said, some waterproof formula work better than others. I’ve had some high end waterproof mascaras smudge as me too. Another I like is the tube formula like the one in my unavailable locally HG, Australis Voluptulash. I got 2 tubes as backup from my Aussie mule! Thanks, Geek! 😀
Paris B
Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious mascara comes in Blackest Black in waterproof and non-waterproof formula Price: RM33 (or watch for sales) Availability: All Revlon counters in most pharmacies
Hanny Daforcena says
September 25, 2013 at 8:47 amI have the waterproof one and it works fine on me! ^.^ I got it in a promo set that came with an eyelash curler too!
But as you said, the volume and length part of it is only decent (actually only so-so). It does hold up pretty well, a few more coats will make the lashes look like spider legs. >.<
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:42 pmThanks Hanny! I just found out there’s a waterproof version and I have a feeling it will fare much better on me! I think this is a decent mascara. Nothing earth shaking, but good for day to day 🙂
Applegal says
September 25, 2013 at 9:27 amAhahaha!! Smudges like a mofo! Must have made you so mad!! Men are so clueless, even if you were to point out that your mascara has smudged I don’t think they would have noticed!
I hate it when my mascara/eyeliner smudges, really hate it. So this is a no for me! Surprisingly the only mascara that didn’t smudge was that Silkygirl green and white one, where on one side you put on the white mascara to make your lashes longer, and then the black one to cover it. Covers very well, won’t show any trace of white after you’re done. Only BUT in this is that it doesn’t hold curl. Hmm, I wonder whether they’re still selling it, might pick it up again!
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:44 pmLOL!! Yes! When I looked into the mirror I was like “WTF! Why didn’t anyone say so?!” >.< I just found out that it comes in a waterproof version so that might fare a lot better. I have heard a lot about Silkygirl mascara but I tried one and was underwhelmed. It takes a lot to get my puny lashes to sit up and be noticed >.<
Lily says
September 25, 2013 at 9:33 amI think I’m really lucky because mascaras don’t seem to smudge on me at all… even though it’s not waterproof. Either that, or I haven’t had an experience with a really bad mascara. LOL! I haven’t tried this though 😛
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:45 pmVery lucky indeed! I don’t usually have a problem with smudging once I have a waterproof or smudgeproof formula in my hands, but boy, when I don’t get a waterproof version is when I go to a meeting dressed as a panda 😛
Shieja Rahim says
September 25, 2013 at 9:56 amGotta skip this n wait for waterproof version.. If u hv any news.. tell us k..
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:46 pmI just found out its available in 2 formula, Shieja – Waterproof and Non Waterproof, so make sure when you check it out to get the waterproof version! 😀
Isabel says
September 25, 2013 at 10:11 amLOL at the fact that no one points out smudged mascara! That happened to me recently too when my navy Stila eyeliner smudged so badly that I looked like I inked my fingers on the stamp pad and rubbed my eyes. :/
My current favourite is Clinique’s Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula. For once, my mascara actually doesn’t smudge my lower lids throughout the working day. The “long-wearing” part is definitely true -at least for me. I also really love the brush and formula because my lashes get separated really well and I don’t get clumps with this particular mascara. I bought this in trial size on a whim from Sasa in HK (where they sell trial sized products that I think are not supposed to be for sale O.o). Now, I think I’m going to buy the full size once my current MUFE Smoky Lash runs dry.
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:48 pmRIGHT?! What was so hard to say “Excuse me, I think you’re starting to look like a panda” LOL But maybe they thought it’s how women look these days. Smokey eye, you know LOL! It’s great to know the Clinique mascara works for you. I can’t remember if I”ve tried it but if I did maybe it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me… I am thinking of going back to my Shiseido Perfect Defining Volume mascara. That was da bomb!
Firn says
September 25, 2013 at 10:53 amAll the waterproof mascaras smear slightly under my eyes because of my sunscreen. But I find using a light hand for my lower lashes and not applying it all the way to the tips helps. And this is with Japanese bomb-proof mascaras like Kiss Me Heroine Make and Majolica Majorca.
But to be fair, I can take showers with my beloved Kiss Me Heroine Make and it does not move! My lashes uncurl a bit but who cares?!
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:49 pmSorry to hear that Firn, but good to know the Kiss Me Heroine Make mascara survives a shower! I still haven’t used theirs despite the raves. I can’t use Majolica Majorca because it irritates my eyes, but I hope Kiss Me doesn’t!
Firn says
September 26, 2013 at 9:08 amOMG! You HAVE to try Kiss Me! It’s like a less fibre-y version of Majo Majo’s Lash Expander Plus and it looks more natural too (the Long&Curl version). The Volume&Curl one is good too for a night out.
I wear contacts on a daily basis so Majo Majo’s fibres were irritating. I do use a lash comb and a magnifying mirror when applying mascara and it helps so much because I’m not straining my eyes and I can really attack any clumpiness.
Paris B says
September 27, 2013 at 10:18 amOk sounds like a must try! I’ll go look it up. I bought a mascara once from a Japanese brand on a whim, and I can’t remember now if it’s the Heroine Make one LOL The fibres in MM mascara don’t irritate my eyes per se, but the formula makes my lids feel uncomfortable and heavy. Those with fibres totally kill me. Horrible things 😛
Firn says
September 27, 2013 at 10:37 amThe Heroine Make formulas for the two mascaras I mentioned are lighter and thinner than Majo Majo’s EXCEPT for the Heroine Make’s Impact Frame mascara which is so heavy and gloopy.
Paris B says
September 27, 2013 at 11:26 amThanks for the tip Firn! I’ll be sure to check it out 😀
Nurul Aisyah Lim says
September 25, 2013 at 12:41 pmI am quite surprised about the smudging. Because I have this and have used this numerous times and mine has never smudged. And i prefer non-waterproof because they’re easier to get rid of. lol
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:51 pmMaybe it’s just me Nurul 🙂 It’s good to know it doesn’t smudge on you though! At least you rest easy in the knowledge you don’t look like a panda 😀
Denise says
September 25, 2013 at 3:13 pmThe packaging looks so fun and hip 😀 I like waterproof mascaras too because yes, in a tropical, humid climate, you can’t NOT go waterproof.
But seriously, I think that real friends, male or female, will tell you when you start looking like a panda or have lipstick on your teeth. I don’t take offence when people tell me my make up has smudged or whatnot. I thank everyone who tells me.
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:52 pmRight?! That’s what I thought too. With all the heat and humidity in the air, it’s no wonder it smudged on me LOL! Then again, another reader said it works fine on her so maybe I’m just weird 😉 You’re so right about having people tell you if your makeup is off. I try to let people know especially about lipstick. While with eye makeup it might just be a smokey eye gone wrong, I bet few people intentionally apply lipstick on their teeth! 😉
S. Drama&Makeup says
September 25, 2013 at 3:37 pmToo bad it smudges, the final result it’s pretty good!
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:56 pmIt is! But I’ve learned there is a waterproof version available so it’s now promising again!
gutkacia says
September 25, 2013 at 4:24 pmI’m from Poland soo my weather is different but more waterproof mascara I hv in my life was a MF False Lash Effect 24 Hour did you try this? I like Revlon cosmeticks but not mascaras for me they not gv any effect at lashes :/
And btw you even try a condicioner for lashes?
Paris B says
September 25, 2013 at 6:57 pmYou made a good point about the weather playing a part in the smudge factor 🙂 It’s hot and humid here and I was out in the sun so maybe that’s why? I didn’t like Max Factor’s False Lash Effect mascara either. It just didn’t do it for me and the brush was HUGE! LOL I think Revlon’s strengths lie in their foundations and lip products, less so in their eye stuff.
Jennifer says
September 25, 2013 at 11:13 pmYou are just too hilarious! The raccoon part got me in stitches hahahaha. Even so a raccoon was staring back at you, I am sure that was a very pretty and cute raccoon 😉 While this potion thingy sounded so magical, such a pity it was a letdown. Once I went for a makeover at KLCC and drinks before the Philharmonic concert. As I was heading to the orchestra hall, I noticed some people were staring at me. Feeling uncomfortable, I told my girlfriend about it. Did anything from my flat chest just popped out or was my hair out of place? She dismissed me and told me it must be the wonderful job during the makeover. Oh yes…during intermission, yet another raccoon was staring back at me, not amused. I don’t use eyeliner at all and have not mastered the skills without gorging out my eyeballs.
Paris B says
September 27, 2013 at 10:10 amIt was a horrified looking racoon haha! It does come in a waterproof version, as I subsequently discovered so I think that is definitely better in terms of longevity. Oh dear did your friend not notice that your liner/mascara had smudged? Maybe she thought it was intentional but I do wish people would tell me when they see lipstick on my teeth or smudged eyeliner or mascara. Not all of us want to look like we put on our makeup in the dark! 😛
Ika Roseworn says
September 26, 2013 at 12:57 amAhhhh, thanks for this! I have been curious because I LOVE the Grow Luscious mascaras. I think I’ll give this a miss as I have too many tubes to finish up 🙂 And I prefer waterproof, although many regular mascaras work fine on me.
Paris B says
September 27, 2013 at 10:10 amIt’s the sister to the Grow Luscious formula which I too like!
Ting says
September 26, 2013 at 9:58 amHAHAHAHA! Bokeh and mofo!!!! I have to google up these words! Mofo is too polite! :p
OK. Back to the topic. Useless men. Perhaps they thought you were rocking a smokey eye? Again, they cannot differentiate ANYTHING. But plus point is… at least you know the men you are working with are straight… HAHAHAHAHAHA
Yes definitely water-proof formula all the way. And I do quite like the previous version (in green tube, called Grow-luscious or something). I even find that after using mascara especially on bottom lashes, those barely noticeable bottom ones are looking longer and has more volume (clean lashes, I mean). But I stopped using grow-luscious after it’s used up and I’ve moved to something else. My bottom lashes seemed to have grown even with other mascaras.
Paris B says
September 27, 2013 at 10:21 amHAHAHHAAH! Go look up the words. I swear Bokeh isn’t a bad word LOL! 😀
I know right? Men have no clue and you’re right, they probably thought this is what makeup should look like. Sigh… I’ve told my colleage to let me know next time 😛 I too like Grow Luscious in the green tube! *high 5* It gave me soft fluttery lashes even if it wasn’t breathtaking and like you I’ve moved on. So many mascara out there, so few eyes 😛
Ting says
September 27, 2013 at 12:04 pm*high 5*
Love your saying “so many mascara, so few eyes”! 🙂
I just read somewhere today that research shows a woman uses up over 1000 eyeliners in her lifetime. Take this with a grain of salt of course. So those eyeliners in our possession should lasts us a century, if not more. Hmm… Time to stop buying them? :p
Paris B says
September 27, 2013 at 6:09 pmHaha that saying is equally applicable for anything 😛 For me now, it’s cleansers. I’m obsessed with cleansing balms! Seriously? Do women use up 1000 eyeliners? I have barely even used up my one! 😛 I better get to work
Wendy DeShaw says
October 23, 2013 at 5:17 amI just bought this in waterproof… I love it except I can’t get it off! I’ve tried soap & water. Eye makeup remover and baby oil. Any suggestions?
Paris B says
October 23, 2013 at 10:50 amHave you tried using a cleansing oil? I haven’t tried the waterproof version so I don’t know how stubborn it is, but for the most part, everything melts under a cleansing oil and I usually don’t have a problem using just an eye makeup remover either. Just make sure you are using a bi-phase eye makeup remover meant to remove waterproof makeup. L’Oreal does a good one from the drugstore.