As a dedicated mascara enthusiast, I approach testing new mascaras with high expectations. The ideal mascara should excel in lifting, curling, volumizing, lengthening, defining, and enhancing lashes without causing clumping, flaking, smudging, drooping, or irritation. Despite being a staple in most makeup routines, achieving high performance in a mascara requires significant innovation. Given that many quality mascaras come with a substantial price tag, understanding their capabilities is crucial before purchasing. This review focuses on one of the offerings from the esteemed Estée Lauder brand, specifically examining the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara.
Estée Lauder Mascara Line-Up: An Overview
Estée Lauder offers four core mascaras, each designed with distinct formulas, wands, and intended results. This review aims to determine if these products meet the rigorous demands placed upon them.
1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Mascara
The Double Wear formula is praised for its ease of application, non-clumping nature, and ability to impart an incredibly fluffy finish to the lashes. It delivers a "your lashes but better" effect that can be easily built up for a more dramatic look. A single coat provides noticeable lift and significant length, effectively separating lashes without causing them to clump together. The ribbed tube offers a comfortable grip, reducing the risk of slippage during application. Furthermore, the mess-free design dispenses the ideal amount of mascara, eliminating the need to wipe excess product from the rim. This mascara is an excellent choice for daily wear, offering added length without an overtly made-up appearance.
2. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (Review Focus)
The primary claim of this mascara is to deliver extreme volume. While it does provide a decent amount of volume, it may not be the absolute best for volume compared to other mascaras tested. However, this is not necessarily a drawback. Many volume-focused mascaras can be overwhelming in a single coat and lack buildability, which is a significant limitation. The Sumptuous Extreme mascara, in contrast, coats lashes effectively from the first application without the clumping often associated with other formulas. It can be layered to achieve the desired level of volume. Although only one coat was applied for a specific test, the reviewer notes that one or two additional layers would have significantly enhanced the look. It possesses a wet formula, which can lead to some messiness in the tube. The brush is notably large, a characteristic that may appeal to some users while deterring others. The tapered design of the large brush does allow for application to the inner corner lashes. Despite being ophthalmologist-tested, indicating it's deemed suitable for sensitive eyes by an ophthalmologist, it may still cause irritation for individuals prone to dry or watery eyes.
Packaging and Initial Impressions
The Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara comes in a shiny gold tube with matte black lettering and a shiny black ring. The packaging prominently features the Estée Lauder logo. While the shiny surface is prone to fingerprints, this is a minor concern for the reviewer, as the tube is promptly returned to a makeup case after use. The mascara is available in "Extreme Black" and "Extreme Brown."
The Brush Wand
The brush wand is described as extraordinarily large, initially intimidating the user. The reviewer is more accustomed to rubber wands and notes that this mascara features a synthetic wand, a type that has historically been advised against. This particular wand is exceptionally large, though its tapered tip does allow for reaching inner corner lashes.
Application and Performance
The first coat of the Sumptuous Extreme mascara provides a natural appearance, adding length and volume without being excessive. It coats the lashes effectively and is considered ideal for those seeking a natural look. The second coat reveals a noticeable difference, with lashes appearing longer and thicker. A third coat further enhances thickness, though the difference between the second and third coats is not dramatic. The reviewer found that applying more than two or three coats yielded minimal additional impact, with the primary change being a deepening of the black color and a more "spider-like" lash appearance.
Wear Test and Longevity
Applied around ten o'clock in the morning, the mascara was subjected to various activities, including cleaning, light exercise, and walking dogs, to test its durability. Throughout the day, which concluded around 12:30 AM, the mascara held up well. The reviewer noted that the mascara lasted for approximately twelve hours without flaking. A significant positive aspect is that it did not smudge on the upper eyelids, which is highly valued by those who invest time in their eyeshadow. The mascara also effectively separates lashes.
Removal
The mascara was removed using The Body Shop Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. Approximately 95% of the product came off, though it required a little effort.
Potential Downsides
A potential issue observed is that the mascara appeared to smudge on the lower eyelid area, suggesting it may not be suitable for application on bottom lashes. Additionally, as mentioned, the benefits of applying more than two or three coats are minimal.
Overall Verdict on Sumptuous Extreme
The reviewer generally likes the Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara, finding that it lengthens and provides some volume. The twelve-hour wear time without flaking and the lack of smudging on the upper eyelids are significant advantages. The mascara also separates lashes effectively, and the user frequently receives compliments on their lashes when wearing it. After testing the product for several months, it has not dried out, retaining its original wet formula consistency. Despite its relatively high price point of $26.00 USD, the reviewer would repurchase this item.
3. Estée Lauder Mascara (Third Product)
This mascara was found to be the most disappointing. The formula is excessively thick, and the dispensing mechanism is inefficient, resulting in an excessive amount of product on the wand and tube, creating a mess from the start. The reviewer was surprised by the natural appearance in the photo, as a significant amount of excess product had to be wiped from the wand before application. While it does deliver on drama and volume as promised, it is not particularly buildable, as it tends to clump rather than apply additional product evenly. The mascara does maintain its volume and does not flake or smudge, which are positive attributes. The handle's shape makes it difficult to grip, a factor to consider for those with dexterity issues or who are prone to clumsiness. Given its polarizing nature, trying a travel-size version before committing to a full-size tube is recommended. The reviewer concluded that better, easier-to-use volumizing mascaras are available.
4. Estée Lauder Mascara (Fourth Product)
This mascara is not recommended for those who prefer a dramatic lash look. It is best suited for individuals who favor a natural-looking lash appearance. The reviewer, who prefers a more natural aesthetic for daily wear, found the wand and formula to be very enjoyable. The small wand offers enhanced control and minimizes clumps, contributing to a natural, barely-there look. The formula contains fine fibers, which the reviewer typically dislikes due to the heaviness and discomfort they can cause. However, in this mascara, the fibers were unnoticeable, which is considered a significant achievement.