I always drool over the makeup I see in stores and in reviews from Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. The packaging alone is enough to throw me into fits of longing. I love the silver or gold metal cases and the way the logo is wrought in metal. A big step up from most of the plastic cased makeup I own.
I was more than surprised when I got an email from Influenster, the social media organization, letting me know that I’d be receiving a special box, and I was amazed when I learned it was a YSL mascara. Thank you, thank you, Influenster and YSL Beauty!
Nevertheless, when it comes to mascara, I’m picky. I have sensitive eyes, so I can’t use a formula with fumes or a strong scent. I wear contact lenses so I can’t wear mascara that flakes. I hate mascaras that clump or that give me spider lashes. I don’t usually like weirdly shaped wands.
So regardless of the beautiful packaging, the YSL Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils (that means False Lash Volume Effect) had to deliver in order for me to use it. And it does!
YSL Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils arrived in a pretty gold box over the gorgeous gold metal tube. I received black mascara.The wand is fluffy, traditionally-shaped, tapers at the tip and is easy to use.
It has a faint floral scent that I didn’t notice until someone else who also received the mascara mentioned it to me. Many mascaras have a chemical scent, so the floral scent was quite a positive change, though I think most women would have to sniff the wand or the tube itself to actually smell it.
The thick, but not too thick, formula was created to provide a false lash effect. According to material I’ve read about it, the formula has “a triple-film complex: a coating film for intensity, a conditioning film for curve and a fixing film for long-lasting”. I can see that. One pass with the wand does give me amazing intensity, though I use the wand to go over individual lashes that need more mascara. I curl my lashes, but the formula does seem to help them keep the curl that my Shiseido Lash Curler gives them. And I am happy to report that there is no clumping or flaking.
I don’t like a thick lash look so I don’t go overboard in building up the volume with this mascara or any other. I like my lashes to still look natural-ish! But I have seen photos of other women who do build up their lashes to quite a thickness with this mascara. Not my taste, but doable if it’s yours.
YSL Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils has become one of my HG mascaras in the couple of weeks that I’ve owned it. I’m going to do a blogpost about my favorite mascaras, and this one will be at the top of the pantheon 😆
IMHO, I would say that YSL Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils is worth the $30 price tag for its superior formula, ease of application, staying power, and beautiful packaging. It comes in 6 shades:
- High Density Black
- Rich Brown
- Extreme Violet (looks like azure, a medium blue, to me)
- Fascinating Violet (purple)
- Burgundy
- Deep Night (dark blue).
When I get some extra cash, I will buy the brown one since the CoverGirl Lash Blast in Brown that I currently own doesn’t give me quite enough volume, and I like to have a good brown mascara in my stash.
YSL Mascara Volume Faux Cils is made in France, and the tube contains 0.20 fl. oz. It is widely available at fine stores including Nordstrom, Saks, Sephora etc. as well as on the YSL website here.
Ingredients: AQUA (WATER) . PARAFFIN . STEARIC ACID . CERA CARNAUBA . TRIETHANOLAMINE . CERA ALBA (BEESWAX) . C10-30 CHOLESTEROL/LANOSTEROL ESTERS . NYLON-12 . STEARYL STEARATE . PHENOXYETHANOL . HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE . EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX . DIMETHICONE . PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) . TITANIUM DIOXIDE . TOCOPHERYL ACETATE . METHYLPARABEN . ADIPIC ACID/DIETHYLENE GLYCOL/GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER . PANTHENOL . VP/ EICOSENE COPOLYMER . BEHENIC ACID . SORBITAN STEARATE . PEG-40 STEARATE . ALGAE EXTRACT . ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE . BUTYLPARABEN . ETHYLPARABEN . ISOBUTYLPARABEN . PROPYLPARABEN . [+/- MAY CONTAIN : CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES) . CI 77499 (IRON OXIDE) . CI 75470 (CARMINE) . CI 77491 (IRON OXIDE) . CI 77019 (MICA) . CI 77742 (MANGANESE VIOLET) . CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) . CI 77492 (IRON OXIDE) . CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE . CI 19140 (YELLOW 5 LAKE) . CI 42090 (BLUE 1 LAKE) . CI 77000 (ALUMINUM POWDER) . CI 77163 (BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE) . CI 77289 (CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN) . CI 77510 (FERRIC FERROCYANIDE) . CI 77288 (CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS) . SILICA . “3YY07-1“ . ]
Have you tried any of the YSL Mascaras yet? What did you think?
“I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes, but my opinions are my own!”
Yay, I’m so happy that you found your HG mascara!
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Review | Nivea Cellular Perfect Skin Overnight Essence (Nacht Essenz/Essence de Nuit)
Thank you, Melissa. I have never owned any YSL makeup before this so I was thrilled to get it 🙂
?HG This mascara sounds great! I may just order some!
Holy Grail=HG It is very luxurious and it does a great job, Lois!
Your lashes look great! I don’t think you need any more than one coat, really. I, too, am not a fan of spider thick lashes. Great review.
Kim recently posted…Hair Care Tuesdays: Simplicity Hair Oil Review
Thanks so much, Kim. I strongly feel that way 😉
Glad to hear you liked it, too! My Mom is a huge fan of this mascara 🙂
It’s the first YSL beauty product I’ve owned, so that was a treat. And the formula is wonderful
Your lashes look great. YSL was one of the first mascaras that I ever tried and they’re still one of my favorites. I should try this one out.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Dermalogica Precleanse Review
Thank you, Aleya! This is the first YSL beauty product I’ve owned. I really love the formula. So easy to apply!
Your lashes look great! I have one YSL mascara in blue .. hmm, I don’t wear that enough 😛
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Casual sporty outfit
You should break it out and wear it, Monica! I am amazed how great the formula is. Love it
I agree, this mascara is amazing! I have never tried a luxury mascara before but I was not disappointed!
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Best Eye Makeup Removers
I’ve only used Dior in the prestige range, and I still love it but don’t buy it as often as Too Faced and L’Oreal. But I adore the packaging on the YSL and the formula is amazing! Lucky break to get this!
Your lashes look absolutely amazing! Your review is so thorough and excellent, as always! Now I want this mascara! <3 Helen
Thank you as always <3 It is such a lovely formula, Helen! I have never used any YSL Beauty products before, though I have wanted to, and I just adore it.
This used to be my go-to mascara for ages. Cant remember why I stopped using it, I guess curiosity lured me away.
Thank you for reminding me!
LindaLibraLoca recently posted…When Daddy becomes a pack donkey – Deuter Kid Comfort III
We all go through phases with mascara brands, right? I used to be stuck on Dior for years, but I love this one as well as a couple of Too Faced mascaras, Benefit’s They’re Real and UD Perversion.
Looks nice! Doubt I’ll ever buy it though…I can never get myself to buy expensive mascara
Tess recently posted…Benefit Gimme Brow
My other fave, Tess, is L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza, and the price is far more budget friendly!
I’ve not tried this one – but I’m pretty stuck on Urban Decay Perversion mascara.
Destany recently posted…Barielle Bling It On Collection
Perversion is one of my favorites, too, Destany. I like the traditional shaped wand on the YSL Mascara Volume Faux Cils, but the formula is very similar to Perversion.
I wanted this box so badly! The results are spectacular!
Miranda recently posted…Body for the Busybody: Suave® Professionals Sea Mineral Infusion
I was surprised that I got picked for this one, but I am very grateful. It’s a wonderful formula, so easy to apply. Love it!
It’s too bad about the weird smell! The packaging looks really luxe.
Phyrra recently posted…How to DIY Your Foundation with Cover FX Custom Cover Drops
No, the scent isn’t weird! Instead, it is a very very subtle lovely floral scent but you really have to put your nose to the wand or the tube to smell it! 🙂
I was dying to review this mascara! However, i am glad you got to review it and try it out. It looks so luxurious and high end! I enjoyed reading your review:)
xox
Val
Valerie Bustamante recently posted…Dessange Paris Olea Miracle Treatment Review
Thank you, Val! I was surprised and lucky that I got picked to receive it. Finally! I really did love the YSL Mascara, it is all that!
I’m always afraid to look at YSL stuff because I know I’ll love it and it’s so expensive!!! Now I see you listed this mascara comes in burgundy…..I would love a burgundy mascara!!!
Kimberly recently posted…Pure Ice: Gold Peppermint with Cult Nails: Let’s Get Dirty
It does, Kimberly! Burgundy would be beautiful! I may pick up at brown one. I registered for their site, so I hope I’ll get a notice of the Friends & Family sale.
WOW, I am so happy that you loved this mascara. I just got mine in the mail today and I cannot wait to try it on my lashes. Thanks for sharing and I always look forward to your reviews xx
Brigette Ramos recently posted…What’s Coming: BH Cosmetics Signature Brush Set
Thank you, Brigette! I hope you love yours. I’ll be eager to read your thoughts 🙂
How cool is it that you were one of the lucky recipients of this mascara! Even better that it has become one of your faves. I had no idea that the YSL mascara came in so many different shades, I have blue, purple and green mascaras but that Burgundy is sounding quite interesting!
Kara recently posted…ColourPop Lippie Stix Review, Swatches & Possible Dupes???
I really lucked out this time, Kara! Next, Influenster asked if I’d be interested in reviewing feminine hygiene products, lol. Yes, the YSL Mascara comes in great shades. I agree the burgundy sounds gorgeous, and I bet it would look beautiful on you. As a matter of fact, I just threw out an old Benefit mascara that was a burgundy shade that I forgot I bought years ago. I’d love to try some of the other shades of the YSL.
Lovely review! So glad you liked this mascara, I’m in love with the packaging!!
Priyanka recently posted…Television Shows I’m Currently Watching + What I Want to Begin Watching
The packaging is stunning especially compared to all the plastic tubes I currently own 😉
Love your in depth review – I too have very sensitive eyes and wear contact lenses so I understand where you’re coming from when being picky about a mascara’s wear and performance! I just might have to check this one out – I don’t see a problem spending money when a product performs like it promises to. I just signed up for Influenster – hopefully I’ll get to review something as wonderful as this soon!
Savannah (@ItsOhSoSavannah) recently posted…Spring Statements Wishlist
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to review the YSL Mascara, Savannah. So far, I have only received one Influenster Vox Box, and I got some personal care products from P&G like deodorant and I got samples of a Vidal Sassoon shampoo and conditioner. This was a real step up! And I really did love this mascara. I did what it promised and the packaging is so gorgeous, especially compared to all the plastic tubes I currently use! 😉
YSL is one of the few I’ve never tried–glad you found your HG!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Review: L’Occitane Shea Butter Skincare Collection; Cleanser, Toner & Moisturizer
Well, it’s one of my HGs, Cindy, along with a couple of others! But this is definitely the most luxurious. And the formula really is wonderful.
Great box from Influenster. I’d be shocked to get it. I just tossed this mascara because it had dried up. If I didn’t have quite a few waiting, I’d rebuy it soon.
MarciaF recently posted…$350 Visa gift card Springtime Giveaway
I usually don’t get anything this wonderful from Influenster, so I am grateful. And so grateful, I told them I would do a fem hy product review for them, lol. I really am loving this mascara, and I hope I’ll use it up before it dries up! I’d like to get it in brown and maybe one of the colors too…someday
I’ve never tried it, but I’m glad you think it’s worth the price tag! It certainly is gorgeous packaging, and your lashes look great.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…I Arva Crazy ’bout Arvazallia #advancedhairrepair
I was so happy to get it for free. Usually I would not pay $30 for mascara, but it is an excellent formula and the packaging is gorgeous. I would love to get it in brown, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to get it during their Friends & Family sale, whenever that is.
Good to know you liked this mascara!!!!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Powder Duo | Review, Swatch, Photos
It’s a good one 🙂
So jelly, but happy for you that you got this awesome voxbox!! This sounds like a great mascara. I’d love to try out the different colors!
Amber recently posted…Top 10 Spring Eyeshadows
The YSL Mascara formula is wonderful. I would also like to try out the different colors…someday 😉
This looks beautiful!! Great review!
Jen @ Gracious Luck recently posted…Avon Color Indulgence Lip Color in Day Lily {first impressions}
The YSL Mascara is really beautiful. I was lucky to get it!
This mascara has such a cool wand!! It looks amazing for volume, and not to mention the beautiful packaging! x
Jasmine || blogsallbeautyy.blogspot.co.uk
Jasmine recently posted…Flawless Face Make-up Routine♥
The YSL Mascara Volume Faux Cils wand is pretty traditional, but it’s fluffiness makes it quite easy to get almost full coverage in one swipe. And the packaging is definitely all that 🙂
Oooh, what an awesome Influenster campaign! I don’t usually go for higher end mascaras, but I love the YSL formulas, so need to try this one.
Bailey recently posted…Mary Kay Eyeliner & Endless Performance Foundation
I think it’s worth the splurge, Bailey, plus they have some great colors too!
I have been seeing the photos posted for this voxbox, I didn’t get the notication that I qualified. It sounds nice, though I think the formula would be too wet for me itty bitty lashes and it would not work.
Honeygirlk recently posted…March Ipsy Glam Bag Reveal 2015 and Why I Unsubscribed
I wouldn’t say that it’s a “wet” formula but it is a thick formula. So it could overwhelm your lashes if they’re small. It is working well for me, but I have long blonde lashes. This gives them color and volume and helps even out the length since my lashes are lots of different lengths.
Sounds awesome, now I want to try it!
Justina recently posted…5 Orange Lipsticks to Try
The YSL Mascara certainly is worth a try, and all the colors, wow!
I just love the gold packaging 🙂
Danielle Did What recently posted…Interview With A Blogger…Malia Choudhury
The YSL packaging is gorgeous for sure!
Def want to try this!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…The Stila Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Gloss in Poppy Vinyl is Everything
I think you’ll love it!
That mascara looks really good on you! I too like mascaras that look more natural, and don’t like building it up too much, since it tends to look too obvious and a bit clumpy. I might try this one, but YSL is pretty expensive is Australia.
Mel recently posted…Pan that Palette March Update 2015
Yes, the prices on beauty products in Australia are crazy high! I’m sure you’d love it, Mel, but the $$$$ 🙁 Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
looks like it did a great job on you!