I recently got my hands on the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara for a second time. I had tried it in the past and remembered it being decent for a non waterproof formula, but really couldn't remember much else about it. So I thought it was only natural to try it out again with before and afters to document my thoughts here for you all! Let's break it down, shall we?
The Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara claims to be a 4 in 1 formula, lengthening, volumizing, conditioning and curling your lashes. It also claims to thicken lashes by up to 330 % for 'shockingly thick, sexy lashes'. Naturally I am always skeptical of brands that claim their product to do everything really well, and honestly find very few live up to all expectations. This would fall into that category.
Overall, I think it is a nice mascara and I like it, but does it live up to it's promises? No. What it does do is build soft looking naturally enhanced looking lashes with some length and definition. I would certainly not refer to it as a volumizing mascara in any sense. I found as I tried to layer it more (the picture above shows no mascara, one coat and then two coats) the drier formula just seemed to clump my lashes together a bit, as opposed to making them look more full and lush.
The brush itself is something I would seek out in a mascara; The thin wand and short bristles make it easy to get to the roots of the lashes and help against getting mascara smudges on the lid. I think in this case the actual formula is just a bit too natural for me, personally. It held a curl with some wilting, and though it didn't flake or smudge, it wasn't as black as I would like my mascara to normally be.
Having said all this, we know I like bold dramatic mascara that is super black and volumizing. If you are the type who just wants a bit of oomph to their lashes, or already have thick lashes but want some length and 'flutter' so to speak, this would work swimmingly for you.
Overall, its a lovely everyday mascara or something that would be great for someone who is new into makeup, or really likes the 'no makeup, makeup' look. At $24 CND I would say it is reasonable for a higher end brand price wise, and there is the peace of mind that Tarte is a cruelty free brand.
Have you tried the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara before? What were your thoughts?
