Review: Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

Back when I was on my mascara kick, I made a few purchases that I was eager to test and review. At the time, this product was brand-new, and I hadn't seen any reviews of it yet.

Here's a look at Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara, the newest of the brand's mascara products. I bought mine in "black/brown," and it is available in three shades.

There's nothing particularly spectacular or eye-catching about the packaging, but I was interested in the "400%" volume claim and the formula with olive and almond oils. I figured it was worth a try.

Product Description: "This lash-enhancing mascara instantly builds lash volume by 400%. The patent-pending formula with a touch of olive oil penetrates and helps plump the core of each and every lash. The Visible Volume Brush coats and builds even the smallest lashes with rich, volume-building color. No clumps, smudging or flaking!" --Neutrogena.com

Price: $7.99

Results: The mascara wand is the traditional bristled kind; big, very thick and soft. However, because of this, it doesn't do anything for separating lashes or removing any clumps you could have - you'll likely need a lash comb for that.

The good news is that I experienced very minimal clumping and no flaking. Also, the olive oil formula is likely to be very healthy for your lashes, and would be a good conditioner for them over time.

The mascara brushes on clean, but lashes can stick together. Sadly, I saw no amazing volume here. There was a difference, but nothing significant. I was also expecting my lashes to be much softer than they were, since Neutrogena seems to be marketing this product as a more natural-looking, natural-feeling alternative to others. My lashes still felt a bit stiff, though, which was a turnoff. And without the volume promised, I felt a little cheated. It's definitely good for a natural look, but this seems contradictory to the advertised 400% volume increase.

My lashes don't usually respond well to volumizing mascaras in general, so I was underwhelmed by this one as well. It's decent, but nothing great if you're seeking a look that's natural AND full of volume. It just doesn't quite live up to expectations.

Again, on the up side, I imagine the olive and almond oil are very gentle and have heard they could help improve the condition of your lashes over time; so if you don't mind the lack of volume, this could be a great mascara choice for you. In general, it just didn't stand out much with its lackluster results. I will continue to try it, though, and keep you updated. :)

(Pictures will be available soon, when I'm not so busy, of course.)

Do you own this mascara? What do you think of it?

Image: drugstore.com