Drugstore Chic: MAX Factor Vivid Impact Mascara

I suppose in a world where multi-dimensional hair color is so popular, it should only come to follow that this beauty trick would be applied to the lashes as well.

I recently had the opportunity to sample MAX Factor’s new Vivid Impact Mascara, a creative new way to enhance your lashes.  This mascara is double ended.  One end contains the base coat, used to add volume and length to lashes.  But it’s the highlighting topcoat that is revolutionary.  The topcoat adds highlight and dimension to the base color.  I sampled the shade "Blushing Blue" (pictured at far left) with a deep blue base coat and a pink (yes… pink!) topcoat.  The pink highlight mascara mixed with the blue base to create a gorgeous mix of blue and purple lashes, with a tiny amount of pink highlights on the ends.  The look was absolutely stunning, and so perfect for any chic party you’ll be attending this holiday season!

Another product perk… the applicator brush used in MAX Factor’s Vivid Impact Highlighting Mascara is designed to prevent clumping, and does so beautifully. 

Not feeling so bold?  You can always use the base-coat alone.  But personally, I found the look subtle enough to wear in broad daylight.  The highlights are as subtle or in-your-face as you want them to be!  Check out this mascara at drugstore.com, where it’s regular retail price of $11.24 is currently marked down 10%!

MAX Factor Celebrity Makeup Artist Jake Bailey – clients include Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Kyra Sedgwick and Amy Adams – provided the following application and wearability tips. Since this is a more specialized product, you may prefer this mascara for the holidays or a special night out rather than as an everyday staple product.

Application:

Step One: Apply the basecoat from the very base of the top lashes to the tip, working the wand outwards.

Step Two: Wait for the basecoat to dry (Note: if you don’t wait for it to dry the highlighting top coat won’t show up as vivid and will blend with the basecoat as opposed to highlighting lashes)

Step Three A: Apply the top coat on the very tips of the top lashes and on the bottom lashes to create a highlighted look with a shot of color.

Step Three B: Apply a few coats of top coat from base to tip on lower and upper lashes for a lot of color

Step Three C: Apply topcoat on lower lashes only to create a multi-dimensional lash look.

Wearability:

For green or hazel eyes – try Burning Bordeux shade to make the color of eyes pop

For blue eyes – Try 24 Karat Brown to make Blue eyes pop and add a light, gold tint to lashes (need to emphasizes gold lightens lashes)

For brown eyes- All shades work, especially the black and pink combo to make eyes pop

For all – The most versatile is the black/silver combination when applied correctly above