The Covergirl Bombshell Volume Mascara is a dual-sided mascara designed to volumize and intensify lashes with two distinct formulas and applicators. While some users have expressed disappointment with its performance and difficulty in removal, others have found it to be a valuable addition to their makeup collection. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the mascara, drawing from various user experiences to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
Understanding the Two-Step System
The Covergirl Bombshell Volume Mascara features a unique two-step application process. Each side of the mascara wand is intended to perform a separate function:
- Step 1: Extreme Volume Basecoat. This step utilizes a large, club-like applicator with short rubber bristles. The formula applied by this wand is described as inky pigmented black, aiming to add volume without making lashes feel stiff or crunchy.
- Step 2: Intensifying Topcoat. This step employs a smaller applicator with regular tapered bristles. The formula for this side is noted to be slightly more liquidy and dries quickly. It is meant to intensify the look of the lashes, potentially by separating them, adding glossiness, or setting the basecoat.
Performance: Volume, Curl, and Wearability
User experiences with the volume and curl provided by the Covergirl Bombshell Volume Mascara are mixed. Some reviewers report significant results:
One user enthusiastically states, "It delivers such great curl and volume. I use the #1 end to solidify the curl at the base of my lashes then the #2 to pump up the hair. My lashes stay up and fat all day! They look like falsies should I decide to layer on more than once per mascara wand."
Another reviewer found success by adhering strictly to the instructions: "You only need to apply one coat of side 2. I did try to add 2 coats and I ended up with super clumpy lashes."
However, many others did not achieve the desired volume or curl:
"I barely got any volume out of the first mascara," one user commented. "The second one didn't do much for 'intensifying'." Another reviewer, who has naturally long, strong lashes but lacks volume, found that the mascara "adds some volume but…nothing dramatic and no real length."
Regarding wearability, the mascara is generally considered long-wearing. Several users reported no smudging or flaking throughout the day, even after extended wear:
"The waterproof formula doesn't smudge on me. I've worn this for 12 hours and I have not experienced any smudging or smearing."
Another user noted, "I found the Bombshell Volume pretty longwearing. I think the longest I have worn it for was nine hours. I didn’t notice any smudging or flaking."
Conversely, some users experienced smudging:
"The short of it is, Covergirl Bombshell is not my favourite mascara. Not only does it clump if you’re not quick enough to apply both sides, but it’s a b!tch to remove AND it smudges, every. single. time."
Application Challenges: Wand Size and Clumping
A recurring point of contention among users is the size of the mascara wands and the overall application experience.
Several reviewers found the wands to be excessively large and the sticks annoyingly short, making application awkward:
"Both base coat and top coat mascara brushes are too big, and the handles are short making it awkward to apply."
The packaging itself is also noted for its substantial size:
"The packaging is massive. Has there been a larger mascara tube before? You could use this as a weapon in pinch."
The sticky nature of the formula can also lead to clumping, especially if not applied quickly:
"Bombshell also sticks my top and bottom lashes together, even after it’s dry. The formula is just too sticky and once it does fully dry, it starts to flake off."
"Not only does it clump if you’re not quick enough to apply both sides..."
Removal Difficulties: A Major Drawback
One of the most significant and consistently reported drawbacks of the Covergirl Bombshell Volume Mascara is the extreme difficulty in removing it.
Many users found that even dedicated waterproof makeup removers struggled to take off the mascara:
"When it came time to remove it, it was impossible. I used makeup remover for waterproof makeup and this was still giving me a hard time."
"It is hard to get off. Like seriously hard. of waterproof mascara hard. I had to let my oil makeup remover sit on my eye for 30 seconds before wiping off the mascara."
Some reviewers even reported lash loss during the removal process:
"As for the removal process, be prepared to a) lose some eyelashes, or b) leave traces of mascara behind on your lashes. Not even my best makeup remover, my most expensive oil cleanser, can completely remove Bombshell mascara. I swear to you it’s nearly impossible to get off!"
While the packaging notes that the mascara can be removed with CoverGirl's Makeup Remover, some users still found this challenging.
Best way to remove waterproof or any mascara
Scent and Formula Considerations
The mascara's scent was also a point of concern for some users. One reviewer noted:
"It actually stunk. The minute I took the wand out, I smelled it. It's not a normal mascara smell. It's something weird."
In terms of formula consistency, one user described the basecoat formula as "like the LashBlast formula," while the intensifying side's formula was "a bit more liquidy." Another reviewer mentioned that the mascara "doesn’t make my lashes stiff or crunchy."
Conclusion: A Polarizing Product
The Covergirl Bombshell Volume Mascara appears to be a polarizing product. While it offers the potential for significant volume and curl for some users, and is appreciated for its long-wearing, smudge-proof qualities, the difficulties associated with application due to large wands and the extreme challenge of removal are significant deterrents for many.
It seems that individual lash types, application techniques, and personal preferences play a crucial role in the overall experience with this mascara. If you prioritize intense volume and long wear above all else, and are prepared for a potentially arduous removal process, it might be worth trying. However, if ease of removal and a comfortable application are key concerns, you might want to explore other options.