Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

I have been finishing up the last of my summer makeup and getting ready to pull all of my new products for fall out.  One of the first products that I wanted to try out was the newest mascara formula that I ordered from Sephora, I decided to return to Smashbox mascaras even though I haven't used any formula from them in quite a long time.  The last one that I used from this company was Bionic and that must have been about five years ago, I have been using other products from the company but not the eye makeup.  I have been using MAC and Urban Decay mascaras recently and wanted to try a different company this time around. 

Everyone that has read this blog for the past few years know that I love mascaras that build volume in my lashes and make them appear "fake".  Some of the best formulas are from Dior, Benefit, and Buxom and I am hoping to add a formula from Smashbox to my very short list of favorites.  Full Exposure is one of best rated mascaras on Sephora so I decided to go with this formula and see how well it compares with many of the others on the market.

I ordered the product from the Sephora website and I am pulling the product description and benefits from the same place.  "A volumizing and lengthening mascara.  Inspired by Smashbox's on-set technique of layering fiber mascara over volumizing mascara for the biggest, longest lashes on camera, Full Exposure Mascara creates a 104% increase in lash volume for scene-stealing lashes at every angle without smudging, clumping, or flaking.  This formula contains the natural properties of olive oil to keep lashes silky soft. A combination of synthetic and natural waxes creates softer and flexible coverage and keeps lashes from becoming brittle."

This is a nice mascara formula but it isn't anything special.  I tried this product out using one coat and then using two coats, there isn't much different between the two methods of usage but I do recommend the two coat application for the most increase in lash volume.  One coat will give enough volume to enhance lashes in a professional environment or for a casual lunch but two coats are needed for more drama.  This product is not one that will rival formulas like Diorshow or Buxom Lash but will provide a nice amount of definition and volume to the lashes.  The formula was also quite effective in the claim that it will not clump or flake during application and wear.  I had no problems with clumping even when using multiple coats and it had minimal flaking during normal wear.

I ordered this mascara in the only shade that it is available in, Jet Black.  This shade is a deep creamy black that I can make work with every makeup look.  With how dark this formula is, I was naturally afraid of what removal might be like at the end of the day.  However, one of my favorite aspects of this mascara is that is removes quite easily and I am not left with black marks underneath my eyes when I am trying to get it off .  This is a quite a plus for the formula and would make me likely to purchase it again.

I have decided that I am going to need at least two formulas of mascara in my collection at any time, I need one formula for major volume and then another formula that I can wear during the day for a professional, pulled together makeup look.  This is one of the mascaras that falls into the latter category (as are most of the ones that I have tried over the years) and this formula is worth the repurchase.  It is a simple volumizing formula that stays out once I put it on, lasts without flaking off on my cheeks, and then is easy to remove at the end of the day.  Overall a good quality formula from Smashbox but not one that will create mind blowing volume.

photo courtesy of Sephora