Review: MAC Pro Beyond Twisted Mascara

When I find something that works for me, I generally do not waiver, especially when it comes to mascara. My love for M.A.C's Opulash and Extended Play Gigablack, is well documented. So, when I ventured to the M.A.C. store and saw they had a new mascara displayed, I was tentative to try it. However, me being me, had to see what made this one special.

Wand -check, brush- check. However, on further inspection, M.A.C decided to be innovative and make the neck of the wand flexible. Yes, it bends up to 90 degree. It is comprised of a flexible metal-like neck with a fairly long brush head with very short bristles. The bristles are not plastic and remind me of Maybelline's Lash discovery.  Never really thought I needed a malleable mascara wand, but obviously it is an issue we face with mascara application. Who knew?!

So, I took it home, and gave my little genius friend a try. Here are my thoughts:

The formula is wet and very black. However, I have to scrape the majority off the bristles. Have I mentioned I am not a fan of the clumpy lash look? Not scraping this, will give you that if  you desire it. Pour moi, no thanks. It definitely defines the lashes and lengthens them a bit. According to M.A.C it is also suppose to lift and curl the lashes. Nope, cannot agree with that and in fact, it doesn't hold the curl I have. However, because of the spiffy new wand, I am able to apply product to the base of my lashes.

Price: $27 Cdn.

Mascaras

For those of us not blessed with long, lush lashes, mascara is that lovely little product that creates the curtains to our windows. Whether it be Bambi or Spider, to have longer and thicker lashes has always been coveted.Thank God for Eugene Rimmel and Helena Rubinstein.

History indicates that like most makeup,it was the Egyptians who started to use products on the eyes and face. They used concoctions of malachite, crocodile stool, galena, charcoal, honey and water. While aesthetically appealing, the dark lashes were to protect the soul and ward off evil spirits. 

My favourites:

M.A.C. Opulash Optimum Black - Teddy Bear brush for volume and a kaolin clay formula that is great for girls with oilier lids. It is a drier formula, think Dior Show without the crazy price.  I can wear this for over 12 hours without smudges, flakes or clumps. The problem with this and other volumizing formulas, is that it will dry out before 3 months.

Maybelline Lash Discovery - such a small brush for those tiny lashes, it gives more of a natural look.Unfortunately, I can't find the little bugger, so I think it is discontinued. Similar would be M.A.C. Extended Play Gigablack.

Cover Girl Clump Crusher - love this little one, as it has a curved brush and literally no clumps. The brush is plastic, which I generally do not like. However, this works really well for giving definition, and separation, while being clump free.

Tips:
- When taking mascara out of the tube, twist it out. Pumping it pumps oxygen into the tube and increases bacteria.
- Remove excess product either on the lip of the tube or wipe it on a tissue.
- Generally after 3 months, formulations will start to be ineffective and flake

Tell  me about your favourite mascaras
xo Megs

Loving Now: Opulash Optimum Black

Let me preface this by writing that I am not a MAC snob, I am an equal opportunity makeup junkie. So when I talk about MAC, I am coming from a honest place. MAC  is known for many things - Viva Glam, lipsticks, eye shadows, etc. However, for me, MAC mascaras have been meh. They are either too flaky, too wet, or smudge like I slept in my makeup. Until now........








MAC Opulash Optimum Black

For those girls/guys who have oily lids, Opulash Optimum Black contains kaolin clay, which is known to absorb oil. It keeps my curl, lengthens, adds volume and is the blackest black. Taking it off is a breeze and it is the only one I have tried that I haven't thrown out after 6 weeks due to it drying out.



The down and dirty:

• Brush- teddy bear
• Formula - slightly wet/dry
• Effect - volumes, lengthens and curls
• Price - $19 cdn.

Available at MAC stores