XXL Curl Power Mascara: A Review of the New Mascara by Maybelline

Maybelline's new mascara, XXL Curl Power promises to deliver volume plus lengthening of your lashes with "xxtreme curl" and "xxtreme hold". This new mascara by Maybelline promises to deliver to your lashes a 45 degree angle (xxtreme curl) and 12-hour wear (xxtreme hold). The XXL Curl Power is the newest addition to their XXL line, including Intense XXL Volume and Length Washable Mascara and Intense XXL Volume and Length waterproof mascara. All mascaras from this line, includeing the newest addition, XXL Curl Power have revolutionary applicators with microfiber wands.

Maybelline's XXL Curl Power mascara comes in a black and white colored tube and requires two steps for application. The first step for curl and lengthening is using a white colored basecoat mascara, which is then followed with the second step, the colored topcpat (in my case it is Very Black) which will provide the hold and color. Other colors included in this line are Soft Black and Brownish Brown. There is no waterproof formula on the market for XXL Curl Power as of yet, but if Maybelline continues with this line, they will surely add a waterproof version as they have with all their other mascaras.

Maybelline's XXL Curl Power package directions state to first sweep the basecoat through lashes and then follow with the topcoat. There are no directions with regards to using a second coat of this product. Maybelline's XXL Curl Power is contact lens safe, and ophthalmologist tested. Maybelline suggests this product removes easily with soap and water or their eye makeup remover.

Maybelline's XXL Curl Power mascara's wand applicator is different from other mascaras. Not only is it made of microfiber, but the PowerCurve brush is designed to give lashes extreme curl and hold. There are two mascaras in this product, each designed to do a different job. You have to unscrew each section in order to apply the two different coats. The sections are clearly labeled so you know which one to use when.

To test this new mascara out, I have reviewed different aspects of it under separate headings, including cost, package attractiveness and ease of application, curl, volume and lengthening ability; color; smudge factor; lash hold (wearability) and washability.

Ease of application/cost/package:

Maybelline's XXL Curl Power was about seven dollars at Target. The mascara tube is in two sections, so you basically have two mascaras in one. Applying the two different coats can be a bit of a pain because you have to unscrew two different caps. The package also does not say whether you should let the basecoat dry before applying the topcoat. I tried both methods and found it is easier to directly apply the topcoat prior to the basecoat drying. Otherwise, there is a loss of curl. The package also does not indicate which way the brush should be used-curl up or down. I tried both ways and it seemed curl up provided slightly more curl, but the difference was negligible.

Curl/volume/lengthening ability:

Maybelline's XXL Curl Power mascara has an immediate effect upon application. Lashes are curled in a nice upward curling motion and are given both length and volume. Lashes appear to be closer together using XXL Curl Power which makes the curl effect nice and even. However, I found there is more curl effect when using a lash curler and without it there was some difference in my lashes, but more so with the curler.

Color:

I used XXL Curl Power mascara in very black and was pleased with the deepness of the black and the color given to my lashes.

Smudge Factor:

Maybelline scores low in the smudge factor department for their XXL Curl Power mascara. I had smudges underneath my eye moments after using this product and had to check it throughout the day for smudges.

Wearability:

Maybelline XXL Curl Power mascara provided great curl immediately after application of this product but I did not find that this product provided long lasting curl throughout the day. Within a few minutes after application there was slight droop and I had to reapply the mascara several hours later before going out to have good curl. Even when initially applying the mascara in two coats as opposed to one, you still have to reapply later in the day.

Washability:

Maybelline's XXL Curl Power mascara was not easily removed from my eyes without a lot of scrubbing. While it did come off the lashes fairly simply with water and cleanser, there was a lot of smudging under my eyes that I had to rub hard to remove. If you use this mascara, invest in eye makeup remover specifically designed for mascara rather than rely on water and cleanser alone.

Overall, I liked the initial curl of this product as well as the volume and length it provided. However, I do wish that it would be long lasting and not smudge leaving me with raccoon eyes at several periods throughout the day. You also have to be sure to do a complete top coat over the basecoat which applies white, otherwise you will have white lashes. Cleaning up after using XXL Curl Power was difficult as it left hard to remove smudges underneath the eyes. I do not recommend this product at least until Maybelline comes out with a waterproof version and perhaps works a little bit more on this line.