Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara... An InStyle Beauty Award Winner

It’s a dangerous time of year for me when the Instyle 100 Best Beauty Buys (aka The Bible) is launched. I frantically tear through the pages to check what I already have (smug pat on the back for discovering it first) before going back through to see what must-haves I NEED next. Lots of gems have caught my eye this year – CND Cuticle Oil, Parlux hair dryer, Laura Mercier Primer, to name just a few and Max Factor Masterpiece High Definition Mascara, Winner of “Best inexpensive mascara”. When InStyle’s said “this should be in every girl's cosmetics kit” you can guess what I did. Masterpiece mascara is all about the brush. The iFX brush delivers great precision and definition, cupping and separating every lash – even the hard to reach corner lashes. It coats them evenly and stretches them to new heights. For me, it doesn’t coat them quite generously enough, I feel like I have to dip the wand back in for some more “juice” but on the plus side, there’s absolutely no clumping. I’m using Rich Black, which is a jet black formula. It’s easy to work with, allowing enough “play-time” before is dries. No smudging, flaking or fall out, even when applying on the lower lashes and it lasts all day. One coat gives a naturally defined day time look that really emphasises the eye, and if you want a more dramatic evening look, just layer it up.

I’ve got one minor gripe. Max Factor has been a little sneaky when it comes to the size of this mascara. If you find it doesn’t last very long, that’s because it’s a super stingy 4.5mls. Compare this to Maybelline Falsies Mascara – 9ml, L’Oreal Lash Architect Mascara – 11ml or Max Factor’s very own False Lash Effect Mascara, a whopping 13ml you’re getting MUCH less bang for your buck. For that reason I’m not sure it deserves it’s best “inexpensive” mascara gone, because you have to buy twice as much. Still, it’s a very good mascara. If you want definition, sleek black lashes and a brush that makes the most of every lash, you’ll love this! Masterpiece £9.99/4.5ml here. If I was dishing out the awards, I’d give the “Best inexpensive mascara” gong to L’oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara £9.35/9ml – full review here. Have you tried this? Do you LOVE Masterpiece or do your favour another mascara?