Is It Weird to Have Highlighting Mascara? Not So Much

Don't go thinking that this is a traditional colored mascara. It's really not - it is a highlighting mascara. It offers an interesting top coat over a traditional mascara color.

Interesting, no? Max Factor Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara is certainly interesting! I've tried both 24 Karat Brown and Blazing Black and actually really like them both. Here is how it works: you apply the basecoat (black, brown, or blue base) to your liking (you know me, I personally do about three coats), then use the highlighting top coat which adds dimension to the lashes with it's iridescent pearlescent formula. You can make the highlighting color as dramatic as you like, although I find that just a hint of color is really all I need.

The basecoat mascara is a good one. The brush is typical of what we're seeing on the new mascaras - a plastic brush with short bristles for maximum seperation and minimal clumping. Max Factor is calling this their iFX brush, and claiming that it helps make your lashes look 70% longer than no mascara at all. I don't know about that statistic, as I think most of those are just about unprovable, but it did add a great deal of volume AND length to my lashes, which is very important for me.

The highlighting top coat is fun to play with. It's lighter, not as pigmented, and truly meant to add highlights versus color, so don't be afraid of the crazy shades that you see on the package. Like any new product, you will have to play with the highlighter a bit to get exactly the look you're going for - increase the highlights for a dramatic look, or just lightly brush it on for an everyday look. I haven't used it for dramatic looks, but I can tell you that I've received a lot of compliments on my eye makeup when I brush just a bit of highlighter on it. Not enough to change the color of my mascara, just enough to add a bit of interest.

My favorite is Blazing Black, because I'm all about an inky mascara, although 24 Karat Brown will work well for those who usually go for a more neutral look. I find that 24 Karat Brown mixes well with my brown shades such as my LORAC Croc Face Palette.

While it won't replace my daily Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, I will be keeping it around for those fun looks that you always seem to need every now and again.

Max Factor Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara is easily removable with soap and water or a good eye makeup remover. You will be able to find it at most mass retailers for about $8.99.