REVIEW: MAC Zoom Lash & Maybelline Lash Stiletto

Hello! Here's my one post for November and I'm sorry I didn't do more this month. I have a double mascara review for you - one high-end and one low-end. Let me go over each product and then I'll compare them. All swatches were done with ONE COAT, which is the ideal application for everyone on-the-go.

By the way, excuse the bloodshot eyes. I have semi-insomnia or something. =)

MAC ZOOM LASH

• PRODUCT NAME: MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack; also comes in Lofty Brown
  
• PRICE: $13
• AMOUNT: 9 g or 0.31 oz (mine is a sample size)
  
• PACKAGING: Matte, plain round tube
  
• BRUSH TYPE & SHAPE: Skinny non-rubber/plastic brush that tapers at the tip; when viewed on end it's round in shape
• WATERPROOF: No
• TEXTURE: Wet (not too creamy but more gel-like), although Lash Stiletto is a wet formula as well, this is slightly more wet
• ODOR: Whew! I thought Lash Stiletto was stinky but this is probably the worst. I thought they smelled similar and I'm not fond of them. Funny thing is, I opened a new Lash Stiletto for this review and it didn't smell as bad as my first tube, so maybe Lash Stiletto doesn't stink after all. But I don't care for Zoom Lash at all.
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: "Instant volume; power lifts lashes into length; curls; smudgeproof; long-wearing."

ZOOM LASH REVIEW: This is definitely more of a lengthening mascara then a thickening one, and the "instant volume" claims don't ring true, as you can see my long but spidery lashes in the bottom-right quadrant. It doesn't curl my lashes but it holds the curl all day. I don't find it smudgeproof because it's not waterproof. There was no flaking when I applied it and there was very minimal flaking throughout the day. It applies very smoothly, though, and didn't clump my lashes together. I would not repurchase this because it was unimpressive, but if you're a diehard MAC fan looking for a natural-looking mascara that somewhat lengthens and defines your lashes, then you might want to try this. Otherwise, you can save your money and stay away from this.

FINAL WORDS: Where's the zoom, MAC?

MAYBELLINE LASH STILETTO

• PRODUCT NAME: Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Soft Black; also comes in Very Black and Brownish Black
• PRICE: ~$7 - $9
• AMOUNT: 6.5 ml or 0.22 fl oz
• PACKAGING: Square, shiny tube that resembles a stiletto heel
• BRUSH TYPE & SHAPE: Skinny, non-rubber/plastic brush that tapers at the tip; when viewed on end, it's square in shape, like the tube itself
• WATERPROOF: No, but there is a new waterproof version
• TEXTURE: Wet, gel-like formula
• ODOR: The first tube I've ever used was the stankiest mascara I've ever tried but my second tube didn't smell like the first. Hmm...maybe it's a hit or miss. (The second tube was my BOGO purchace.)
  
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: "Seductive length; shiny patent finish"

I definitely needed a lash comb for the outer lashes after one coat.

LASH STILETTO REVIEW: This did not give me the "ultimate" length I was expecting nor did it thicken my lashes. The spikey brush, although skinny, took me a little while to get used to because I was afraid of poking my eye with the bristles. It also clumped some of my lashes together and I had to bust out with my lash comb, which I hardly ever need to use. The patent finish is non-existent and I don't know how they can claim that on their packaging. There was no flaking when I applied it and experienced very minimal flaking throughout the day. It's not waterproof so it can smudge just a tad at the outer corners of the eyes.

FINAL WORDS: It's more of a low heel than a stiletto.

COMPARISON

Sorry for the bad picture

Looking at the above picture, I don't see much a difference between the two. Do you? They were both rather unimpressive. The good thing about Zoom Lash was that it didn't leave my lashes feeling stiff, like Lash Stiletto. Both products gave me the "natural lash look" and they easily wash off.

If you were to ask me which one I'd choose between the two, I'd say the MAC, but I would never purchase the full size. Instead, I'd stick with my absolute favorite mascara that I reviewed a couple months ago: Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof mascara.

Thanks for reading this review and I hope you didn't miss me too much. I missed you! ^_^
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Happy Holidays!

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