L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Works

I admit that I'm enthralled with the new eye illuminating mascaras. One of the newest on the market comes from L'Oreal. It is their Double Extend Eye Illuminator.

The product makes several promises. First, it promises to extend and intensify eye lash length. Second, it promises to illuminate eye color with specially formulated coordinating color pigments made from pearls. It also promises mascara that won't smudge or budge until you are ready to remove it. Additionally, it promises clump free application. Finally, it promises mascara that is safe for even the most sensitive eyes.

The question is: Does it live up to these claims? Let's take a look.

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator contains a black base coat, no matter the eye color. Black allows for maximum amplification of lashes and the most intensity. While it lengthens slightly, it isn't the best mascara of that type on the market today. Therefore, on this claim, this product gets 4 out 5 stars.

The unique illuminating top coat is infused with colored pearls that are meant to capture and reflect light to magnify eye color. Illuminating colors include black/copper for blue eyes; black/bronze for green eyes; black/quartz for brown eyes and black/crystal that can be used for other eye colors.

I liked the copper color chosen for my blue eyes, at least on the brush. However, I didn't really notice that much difference on my lashes. My husband, on the other hand, insisted that my eyes had more sparkle. Therefore I'm willing to give this claim 4 out of 5 stars as well.

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator does stay in place. I tried smudging it will tissue and flaking it off with a lash brush. The mascara stayed put until I was ready to take it off. Therefore, it gets 5 out 5 stars on this claim.

Happily I had no problem with clumping while applying this product. I applied three coats because I have very thin, fine and sparse lashes. The end result looked absolutely authentic. I give it another 5 out 5 stars here as well.

I have very sensitive eyes, which tear at the slightest hint of chemicals nearby. L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator didn't cause my eyes to tear one bit. It gets a final 5 out of 5 stars.

With 23 out of a possible 25 stars, this mascara rates 4.3 stars. That is great any way you choose to look at it. This product is a real winner!

To apply, begin by sweeping the black part of the mascara from the base of the lash upward to the tip. Repeat as many times as you need until you achieve the desired length and thickness.

Next, apply the coordinating color to the lash tips. Covering just the outside corner of the lashes offers a great daytime look. Accomplishing an overall sweep of color is perfect for pumping up the nighttime volume.

Don't worry about waiting for the black mascara to dry before applying the top coat. The two are made to go together so you can apply the illuminating coat immediately after the base.

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator should be found wherever L'Oreal makeup products are sold. That typically includes drug and discount department stores, beauty boutiques and even some grocery marts.

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator retails for around $10, which is slightly higher than average for a regular mascara but about the same as other eye illuminating products.

Ingredients include, but are not limited to the following: beeswax, carnuba wax, cetyl alcohol, collagen, glycerin, hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenated palm oil, panthenol, paraffin, water and xanthum gum. It also contains acacia senegal gum, calcium sodium borosilicate, cire album, cire de carnuba, cire dabeille, disodium EDTA, ethylparaben, methylparaben, PEG/PPG dimethecone 17/18, potassium cetyl phosphate, propylene glycol, PVP and steareth 20. Finally, it contains alcohol denate, carmine, chromium hydroxide, chromium oxide, ferric ferrocyanide, iron oxide, lithium magnesium, mica, polyquanternum 18, silica, sodium dehydrateacetate, sodium polymethacrylate and titanium dioxide.

RATING SCALE:

5 stars - outstanding
4 stars - good
3 stars - average
2 stars - below average
1 star - poor