Hey beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of MAC’s most popular mascaras – the Extended Play Gigablack Lash. As a self-proclaimed mascara aficionado, I’ve tried my fair share of wands promising to lengthen, volumize, and beautify my lashes. But does this tubing mascara live up to the hype? I combed through pages of customer reviews to bring you the full scoop. Let’s get into it!
The Positives
Long-Wearing Formula
One of the most raved about qualities of Extended Play Gigablack is its incredibly long-wearing formula. Dozens of reviewers gushed about how well this mascara holds up throughout the day without flaking, smudging, or giving them dreaded raccoon eyes.
Reviewer AdrienneG, a former detective, put it to the ultimate test, sharing:
“I am a former detective and had verrrrry long days…..like in the 50 some hours and this mascara never budged. It didn’t flake, smudge or move. Even when stuck outside on a scene in rain, snow or super humid days, this mascara stayed in place.”
Other reviewers echoed this sentiment, with many mentioning how well it withstands sweaty gym sessions, humid weather, watery eyes, and even a good cry! As someone who lives in a humid climate, this is music to my ears. There’s nothing worse than leaving the house with a fresh face only to catch a glimpse of smeared mascara in the rearview mirror.
Natural, Defined Look
If you’re into a more natural, “your lashes but better” look, Extended Play Gigablack could be your new go-to. Many customers complimented the way this mascara defines and separates lashes without looking clumpy or overdone.
Reviewer Princess Sara described it as her “holy grail for a natural look,” while Matey appreciates that it’s “effective without being too much for the day time.” Amanda summed it up nicely, saying it “defines your long lashes and looks so so natural.”
I love a bold lash look for a night out, but for everyday wear, I prefer something more subtle that enhances what I’ve got without verging into falsie territory. It sounds like Extended Play Gigablack strikes that perfect balance.
Ideal for Short, Sparse Lashes
Raise your hand if you’ve ever battled stubby, straight lashes that seem to defy the laws of gravity. Well, you’re not alone, and apparently Extended Play Gigablack is coming to the rescue.
LoveMac! raved, “I have short and thin lashes, and I LOVE the wand since it’s easy to handle and get to the shorter side lashes. No other mascara that I’ve tried can get into the corners or bottom lashes so well.”
Meanwhile, SuperLess shared, “I have blonde fine lashes and a lot of mascaras go on clumpy and messy due to the oversized applicators. This mascara has the perfect delicate brush for my baby lashes and it goes on smooth!”
As someone who has spent years searching for a mascara wand slim enough to grab every last tiny lash, I’m seriously impressed. Sounds like MAC nailed the brush design on this one.
Easy Removal
We’ve all been there – you’re ready to wash the day away, but your stubborn mascara has other plans. Cue the excessive rubbing and waking up with lingering raccoon eyes. But not with Extended Play Gigablack, according to reviewers.
Venus “loves how beautifully it applies and how weightless it is,” while also noting that it “washes off so easily.” KW agrees, saying it “lasts a long time without going all clumpy and gross” and “washes off with soap easily.”
Gan sums it up: “It coats your lashes well and does not move. Nothing comes close to this. And easy to remove without damaging my lashes.”
As someone who values a quick and painless nighttime routine, an easy to remove mascara that doesn’t sacrifice performance is a huge win in my book.
The Negatives
Not Truly Waterproof
Despite some promises of a waterproof formula, a significant number of reviewers complained that Extended Play Gigablack did not deliver on this front.
Laura lamented that it “is not waterproof like it is stated on the label,” explaining that “it smudges all over the face at the slightest dampness and gives you panda eyes constantly.”
George had a similar experience, saying “Going out in drizzle? It’s running down my cheeks. Cutting onions? Mascara has completely gone.”
As someone who appreciates a good beach day and the occasional tearjerker movie, a mascara that can’t withstand a little water is definitely a dealbreaker. It seems that while Extended Play Gigablack excels in the longwear department, its purported waterproof abilities may fall short.
Disappointing Tube Size
Another common gripe among reviewers was the size of the Extended Play Gigablack tube. Many felt the mascara was overpriced for the amount of product you actually get.
MrsJro “ordered to arrive before finally leaving to see my mom in our post-Covid world,” but was left “extremely disappointed in this product,” saying “it’s so tiny, it’s not going to last a week, let alone the three weeks I’m going to be gone!”
Marcela echoed this sentiment, saying she was “super disappointed on the size of this product. The formula is ok so I feel it doesn’t compensate how tiny this is.”
Personally, I’m willing to shell out a little extra for a high quality mascara, but only if I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. It’s a bummer to fall in love with a product only to feel like you’re using it up at lightning speed. MAC might want to consider bumping up the size of this tube.
Lack of Volume
While many reviewers adored Extended Play Gigablack’s natural, defining look, others felt it fell flat in delivering oomph and volume to the lashes.
Tama0606 shared her disappointment, saying “I feel like I don’t get much volume and the container seems empty not enough mascara on the brush.”
Celeste, who admits she loves MAC products, still felt this mascara fell short, saying “it does separate and extend my lashes to perfection,” but ultimately, “do better MAC.
As a gal who loves a full, fluttery lash look, I can understand the letdown of a mascara that doesn’t quite deliver in the volume department, even if it excels in other areas. But hey, maybe Extended Play Gigablack could be a great pick for the first coat in a layered lash look?
Quality Inconsistency
Perhaps most concerning were the reviews indicating that Extended Play Gigablack’s quality may have declined in recent years. Several once loyal users noticed a difference in formula that left them less than thrilled.
Sara shared, “I have been a religious Extended Play customer for YEARS. My go-to, nothing compares, smudge-proof mascara…Something has changed over the last year. Every tube I get lasts only a couple of weeks before it seems to feel dry and empty…I’m so so disappointed and will have to find my mascara elsewhere.”
NOOOOO TO EXTENDED PLAY GIGABLACK LASH had a similar experience, saying “I use to wear it religiously back in my 20’s I’m in my 30’s now, and honey, it’s just not the same.”
This is such a bummer to hear, especially from longtime devotees of the product. While MAC has clearly struck gold with the original Extended Play Gigablack formula, I sincerely hope they haven’t fallen victim to the dreaded product “reformulation” that so often tanks beauty favorites. Say it ain’t so, MAC!
The Bottom Line
Overall, MAC’s Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara seems to be a hit for those seeking a long-wearing, natural lash look, especially if you’re working with short, fine lashes. The slim brush and clump-free formula make it a great pick for defining and separating lashes without an overcomplicated application process.
However, those with an appetite for serious volume and a truly waterproof mascara may want to keep looking. The lack of smudge-proof staying power and mini tube size were definite sticking points for many reviewers.
Of course, mascara is one of those uber personal beauty products – what looks incredible on your BFF could leave you feeling majorly underwhelmed. My biggest takeaway? If Extended Play Gigablack’s natural look and tubing formula tickle your fancy, it may be worth snagging one of MAC’s mini tubes to test before fully committing.
And MAC, if you’re listening, maybe bump up that tube size a smidge and work on developing a truly waterproof version? Just a thought from your friendly neighborhood beauty blogger.
Well dolls, that’s the tea on MAC’s Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara, as told by the beauty lovers of the Internet. Have you tried this tubing mascara? Did it live up to the hype? Sound off in the comments below! Or better yet, head to a MAC counter and try it for yourself.
Until next time, may your lashes be long, your under-eyes smudge-free, and your makeup removing routine effortless.
Buy on Amazon: Here
