As a makeup enthusiast always on the hunt for the perfect mascara, I was intrigued to try out the Maybelline New York Total Temptation Washable Mascara in the shade Brownish Black. Maybelline is a well-established drugstore brand known for their affordable yet high-quality products. The Total Temptation line promises lush, thick, soft lashes with a creamy, whipped formula infused with coconut extract.
I scoured through numerous customer reviews to get a well-rounded perspective before purchasing this mascara myself to test out. The product seems to have garnered quite polarizing opinions – some absolutely swear by it as their new holy grail, while others voice disappointment and frustration. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share both the pros and cons of the Maybelline Total Temptation mascara, along with my personal experience, so you can decide if it’s worth the hype and a coveted spot in your makeup bag.
Packaging
Let’s start with the packaging. The Total Temptation mascara comes in a metallic pinkish-nude tube with a black screw-on cap. The tube itself has a slight hourglass curve which not only looks sleek and feminine but also makes it easy to grip during application. However, some reviewers noted that the plastic casing felt a bit cheap and flimsy compared to other mascaras at the same price point. A sturdier tube construction could perhaps help better preserve the creamy formula and prevent it from drying out too quickly.
While the packaging is attractive and eye-catching, what really matters is the brush and formula inside. The wand has a medium-sized, traditional bristle brush. The bristles are densely packed to grab and coat each lash evenly. I personally prefer bristle brushes over plastic or rubber ones as I find they provide better separation and less clumping.
Formula & Application
Now onto the star of the show – the mascara formula itself. Maybelline describes it as an ultra-creamy, whipped formula that delivers a soft, full-fan effect with no gaps from corner to corner. The mascara contains coconut extract which is supposed to nourish and condition the lashes.
Upon unscrewing the tube, I immediately noticed the pleasant, sweet scent – almost like a subtle hint of chocolate or coconut. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, this is something to keep in mind, but I found the scent undetectable once applied on my lashes.
The texture of the formula was indeed quite creamy and not at all dry or fiber-y like some other mascaras I’ve tried. It glided smoothly onto my lashes without any tugging or pulling. I was impressed with how evenly it coated my lashes from root to tip in just one stroke.
However, I can see why some reviewers complained about the formula being too thick or clumpy. When pulling the wand out of the tube, a lot of excess product came with it, so I had to wipe it off on the opening to avoid overloading my lashes. I found that using a light hand and wiggling the brush gently from base to tip yielded the best results. Applying too much pressure or adding too many coats did cause some clumping.
That being said, the overall effect after 1-2 coats was quite stunning. My lashes looked significantly longer, thicker, and more voluminous without appearing spidery or over-the-top. The rich brownish-black color added depth and dimension to my eyes while still looking natural and suitable for everyday wear. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the mascara held a curl and didn’t weigh down my lashes as the day went on.
Longevity & Removal
One of the biggest selling points of the Total Temptation mascara is that it’s washable and easy to remove. As someone who dreads scrubbing my lashes raw at the end of the night, this was music to my ears. The brand claims that the mascara removes easily with just soap and water – no dedicated makeup remover necessary.
Throughout the day, I experienced minimal flaking or smudging, even on my oily eyelids and lower lash line. The mascara stayed put and held up well through sweat, tears, and even a light drizzle.
Come evening, I was eager to see if the washable claim held true. I wet my lashes with lukewarm water and gently massaged some regular facial cleanser on them. To my delight, the mascara broke down effortlessly and slid off my lashes without leaving behind any stubborn residue. There was no stinging, irritation, or lost lashes in the process. My lashes actually felt soft and nourished after removal.
However, some reviewers with more sensitive eyes noted that the mascara caused itching, redness, or irritation even with gentle removal. As with any new eye makeup product, it’s always a good idea to patch test first and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
Comparison to Others
So how does the Maybelline Total Temptation mascara stack up against other popular options on the market? Many reviewers compared it to the brand’s iconic Great Lash mascara and felt it was a step up in terms of volume and length. Others noted similarities to the L’Oreal Lash Paradise or Too Faced Better Than Sex mascaras but at a fraction of the price.
Personally, I think the Total Temptation offers impressive results for a drugstore mascara. It may not be as mind-blowingly dramatic as some high-end options, but it definitely rivals them in terms of everyday wearability and ease of use. If you’re someone who prefers a more natural, fluttery lash look, this could be an excellent affordable option to try.
Pros:
- Creamy, whipped formula that feels conditioning on the lashes
- Provides noticeable length, volume, and curl without looking overdone
- Rich brownish-black color that complements various eye colors and skin tones
- Stays put throughout the day with minimal flaking or smudging
- Easily removable with just soap and water – no rubbing or tugging
- Pleasant, subtle coconut/chocolate scent
- Sleek, easy-to-hold packaging
- Affordable drugstore price point
Cons:
- Can be clumpy or spidery if too much product is used
- Some reviewers found the packaging cheap and flimsy
- Bristle brush may not be ideal for those who prefer rubber or plastic wands
- Formula is on the wet/creamy side, so not the best for holding curl on straight lashes
- May cause irritation or sensitivity for some people
- Product can dry out quickly if not stored properly
Conclusion
Overall, the Maybelline New York Total Temptation Washable Mascara is a solid drugstore option that delivers on its promises of soft, full, fluttery lashes. The ultra-creamy formula, while prone to some clumping, applies smoothly and creates noticeable length and volume in just a coat or two. The fact that it stays put all day yet removes easily with soap and water is a huge bonus for those who hate tugging at their delicate eye area.
However, no mascara is one-size-fits-all, and the Total Temptation does have its drawbacks. The thick consistency means you have to be careful not to overload the brush and may need to comb through any clumps. Those with super straight lashes may find it doesn’t hold a curl as well as some other formulas. And while the washable formula is gentle enough for most, some sensitive eyes may still react to it.
Ultimately, I think the Maybelline Total Temptation mascara is worth a try for anyone seeking an affordable everyday mascara that provides natural-looking volume, length, and definition. Its chic packaging, pleasant scent, and easy removal are added bonuses. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way with the creamy formula and don’t expect it to be a dramatic false-lash effect in a tube.
As with any mascara, results will vary depending on your natural lashes and personal preferences. But for around $8, the Maybelline Total Temptation is a solid bet and a great example of how far drugstore mascaras have come in terms of quality and performance. While it may not dethrone high-end favorites for everyone, it’s definitely a strong contender and a great option to have on hand in your makeup collection.
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