Friday, January 15, 2016

Volume & Definition: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

For whatever reason, I had previously never tried anything from Marc Jacobs Beauty. I think I'm quite biased against newer beauty brands; I tend to see them as trendy and fun but not very invested in making quality products. So I wasn't really expecting much when Influenster selected me for yet another of their VoxBoxes (you can sign up for a chance to review products, too! Here's my invite link), this time in collaboration with Marc Jacobs - apart from being excited to try out new high-end make-up for free, duh.
The Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara* ($26 for 0.32 oz, comes in just the black shade - Noir) is the third mascara to join the brand's line-up, forth if you're counting their Lamé Noir Ultra-Glittering Mascara (see what I mean by trendy and fun?). When I ripped open the box, I was immediately pleasantly surprised by the simple but weighty packaging; they used some really luxurious feeling plastic for the tube, lol. I actually like most of the brand's packaging - what can I say, I really appreciate black with silver accents.
Velvet Noir claims to 'create instant, smudge-proof length and volume in three strokes or less' with super-concentrated black pigment and a lash-maximizing curvy brush (from Sephora). The hourglass-shaped brush is quite large, which is usually not my preference, but I'm actually very impressed with the design. The rounded tip allows me to reach both inner and outer corner lashes and build up layers just where I need it, while the densely packed bristles grab every single lash and comb out any clumps. It's a combination of two things that I like the most in a mascara: volume and definition. I like.
Despite the size of the brush, I don't really have problems with smudging the mascara on my lids, although it is a bit difficult to maneuver on the lower lash line. The mascara layers easily, although I never really feel the need to dip back into the tube - one coat is perfectly enough for me. The pigment is a very nice matte black, and even without curling my lashes, they appear lifted and fanned out.
As for longevity, I'm pleased to say that this relatively dry formula doesn't crumble or flake throughout the day. On me, it does transfer ever so slightly onto the browbone - but that's a common problem if your lashes happen to touch the skin under your brows when looking up. It's not as bad as other non-waterproof mascaras though, and can be minimized with an eye primer and some powder.
All in all, I'm very impressed with this mascara; maybe it's because of all the mascara duds I've been trying lately, but I would actually consider repurchasing the Velvet Noir. You know you don't want to be without a product when you start thinking things like '$26 is not so bad for a high-end mascara, right?'. Uhm, right. What are your favorite products from Marc Jacobs? What was the last mascara you were really impressed by?

Disclaimer: Item marked with an asterix (*) is a press sample I received from Influenster for testing purposes. All links are non-affiliate. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the products featured were purchased with my own monies or provided free of charge. Thank you for reading!

8 comments:

  1. I have never tried anything from MJ before. A while back, I remember really liking the Diorshow New Look mascara. So, I picked it up again. I like that the wand is smaller, and flexible. It was soft so it didn't poke my eyes out. It grabs every single tiny lash of mine and it amplifies them - both volume and length. I will definitely repurchase it! I'm speaking for my very fine straight Asian lashes. It even holds curls!!!!!!

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  2. I like his Daisy perfumes, but never cared for his fashion or make-up until the Genius Gel foundation was the only one light for me at the small Sephora I visited, so I bought it and like it pretty much!

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  3. Wowza, look at that! Love the way this looks and sounds.

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  4. I actually like MJ eyeshadows, and the liquid liner is pretty sturdy. And the lipsticks are pretty nice, as well! I wasn't interested in the line much when it came out, but some of the interesting color stories pulled me in and I've been pleased with most of what I've tried so far. Your lashes always look amazing, so I'm very suspicious, Monika, LOL. But it sounds like a great option, if I could use anything besides fiber mascaras!

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  5. AHHHHHMAZING looking lashes, Monika! As Larie says, your lashes are always amazing looking. I suspect you can apply water on them and still get excellent looking lashes. ;D But the MJ does look really dark and gorgeous on you.

    I think I was in a bit of celebrity designer makeup brand fatigue when his line came up, so I must have had some sort of an emotional block agaisnt it. So far, I haven't seen anything I needed to puchases though I do play with it every time I go into a Sephora.

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  6. this one looks good! Agree with the others, your lashes always look good. My favorite mascara is literally twice the price of this one (Chantecaille Supreme Cils) which depresses me to no end lol

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  7. This looks pretty amazing and I'm tempted to pick it up. I love his eyeliners, liquid and I think kohl. Plus the blushes are nicely pigmented. I actually like his brand.

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  8. I'm often the same with new brands, I feel like I always give them time to settle before I drop cash lol. Luxe mascaras are over $50AUD here and it's so hard to part with that kind of cash for something I know I'll toss in a few months time, but lately I've been tempted by the Lancôme mascaras - they make my lashes look so darn good, it's hard to say no!

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