moonsista's Full Review: smashbox Lash DNA Mascara, Jet Black
I recently received a sample of one of Smashbox's newest mascaras, Lash DNA Mascara. I am normally not a big fan of Smashbox cosmetics, but I did appreciate the opportunity to try a trial-sized tube of this mascara. I'm very glad that I didn't pay for this little tube - because it leaves a lot to be desired. I'm sad to say that this was another disappointing experience with Smashbox.
Product Details:
Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara is a non-waterproof, black mascara that is billed as a lengthening and curling mascara. It has what Smashbox calls a "double helix" applicator brush that is supposed to lengthen and separate every lash. It comes in a standard black plastic mascara tube and contains .31 oz. of mascara.
The "double helix" applicator brush is large and is about .5" in diameter. The brush is sort of a "twisted" shape and does not taper at the tip of the applicator wand.
From Sephora.com: Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara contains a proprietary complex of proteins and amino acids that bind to lashes—creating mega-length and curl while conditioning and rebuilding former lash damage. The double-helix brush lengthens and separates every lash, no matter how small, for the ultimate fanned-out effect.
This mascara comes in just one shade, which is Jet Black.
I tried to figure out why Smashbox chose the name "Lash DNA" for this mascara, and I assume it's because of the "proprietary complex of proteins and amino acids that bind to lashes" - which makes sense on some level, I guess. However, they should have spent less time on that scenario and more time on making this mascara a better product.
When I first opened this tube of mascara and took out the applicator brush (this is always the first thing I do, because mascara brushes are always changing and it's interesting to see what new styles and types of brushes the cosmetics companies are coming up with), I was actually shocked at how HUGE the brush was. This is the thickest, fattest brush I've ever seen. It makes the fat Cover Girl LashBlast brush look puny! I had serious concerns about that from the get-go, because I knew there was going to be no way I could reach this big, fat heifer of a brush into the corners of my eyes to reach those tiny lashes that are hard to get to. And sure enough, I was right - this brush is so big that it's hard to manipulate to begin with, let alone into the corners of my eyes to reach those tiny lashes.
As I stated earlier in this review, Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara comes in just one shade, which is Jet Black. All the cosmetics companies want you to believe that their shade of black is the "blackest". But they are all the same - they are just black...period! This one is just like all the others.
This mascara's applicator brush does not pick up a ton of mascara when it comes out of the tube. This is probably because it's so huge that most of the mascara rubs off on its way out of the tube! There is plenty there, though, and this is probably why there isn't a lot of clumping with this mascara. The mascara applies pretty nicely and seems to be smooth. I very rarely get a clump when applying Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara to my lashes.
I feel like I have to apply several applications of this mascara to my lashes in order to get the look I want. This mascara doesn't claim to add volume to the lashes, but who has lashes that are already so fat without any mascara that they don't want added volume? So this mascara just doesn't add much volume and I find that I have to apply at least two coats in order to get a bit of volume. This mascara does lengthen a bit, but it isn't shocking length and isn't anything to write home about. It adds what looks to be maybe about 5 or 10% more length. Big deal - tons of mascaras do this these days.
Smashbox claims that this mascara curls the lashes. It doesn't - no matter how much I try to get it to curl my lashes.
I find that Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara wears away quickly. By lunchtime, my lashes look like they need another coat of mascara. I don't know if this mascara attracts powder eyeshadow or face powder or if it just wears away, but it does seem as though it wears away somehow. I don't think it wears away onto my other makeup, as I don't notice it on my eyeshadow or under my eyes.
This mascara does not flake off during the day, which is really good - and is about the only thing that is saving this mascara from getting a one-star rating from me. If it's one thing I hate about a mascara, it's flaking. I can't even tell you how much I hate coming out of a two hour meeting at work, going into the restroom, looking in the mirror and seeing mascara flakes on my cheeks. So luckily, Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara doesn't flake. It does remove easily with either a normal facial cleanser or a non-oily makeup remover.
Overall, I am highly disappointed in Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara and am very glad I didn't pay for my little trial-sized tube. I don't recommend this mascara at all, as there are tons of far less expensive mascaras (drugstore brands even) that are far superior.
Price and Purchasing Information:
Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara is $19 and can be found at Sephora brick and mortar stores and Sephora.com as well as QVC.com.
What it is:A lengthening and curling mascara.What it does:Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara contains a proprietary complex of proteins and amino acids that bi...More at Sephora
What is it: The future of mascara. Who is it for: All skin types. Why is it different: Its genetic fingerprint includes a proprietary complex of pro...More at QVC
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
Long lashes not in your genes? Our revolutionary new scientifically-engineered mascara is packed with proteins and amino acids that bind to lashes for...More at Amazon Marketplace
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