Hey beauty lovers! Today I want to share my detailed thoughts on a mascara that’s been getting a lot of buzz lately – the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara. As someone who is always on the hunt for the perfect mascara to give my lashes that wow factor, I knew I had to put this one to the test. I’ve been using it daily for the past few weeks, so I feel I can give you the full lowdown. Plus, I’ve pored over tons of customer reviews to see how my experience compares to others.
Let’s dive into the nitty gritty – the good, the bad, and whether this mascara is worth your hard-earned cash. I’ll cover how it performs in terms of volume, length, staying power, ease of application and removal, and any potential drawbacks to watch out for. By the end, you should have a clear idea if the MAC Extreme Dimension mascara deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Let’s get started!
First Impressions & Packaging
When you first lay eyes on the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara, it looks sleek and luxurious as you would expect from a high-end brand like MAC. The tube is black with red metallic lettering – it definitely catches your eye and looks attractive on your vanity. However, looks aren’t everything, so I was eager to unscrew the lid and check out the brush.
The wand has short, spiky plastic bristles that are densely packed. It reminds me of the type of wand you often find in volumizing and curling mascaras. The tip of the wand fans out slightly, which could be handy for grabbing those hard-to-reach lashes in the inner and outer corners. Off the bat, I had high hopes that this brush would help coat every lash for a bold fringe.
Application & Formula
On first swipe, I immediately noticed this mascara has a very wet formula. The product loaded heavily on the brush, so I had to be careful not to overdo it. I definitely recommend wiping off the excess on the lip of the tube before applying. If you go in with too heavy a hand, you’ll end up with clumpy, spidery lashes.
Speaking of clumps, that’s one area where this mascara seems to be hit or miss based on reviews. Some people said the formula glided on smoothly without any clumps, while others struggled with the product clumping up and sticking their lashes together. In my experience, I had to take my time and work quickly while the formula was still wet. Running the wand through my lashes with light, even pressure gave the best clump-free results.
As for the actual application process, I had no problems maneuvering the wand from root to tip and corner to corner. The slightly fanned tip did make it easier to wiggle into those hard-to-reach spots for a complete coating. However, this brush is on the larger side, so you may need to be extra cautious to avoid smudges and blunders if you have smaller eyes. A few reviewers mentioned accidentally poking themselves in the eye with the spiky tip, so steady hands are a must!
One coat delivers noticeable definition and color, but I preferred the look of two coats for more oomph. The black shade is very rich and inky, which makes your lashes pop. Just be sure to let the first coat dry for 30 seconds before adding another to prevent the formula from getting too thick and gunky.
Volume, Length & Curl
So how did the MAC Extreme Dimension mascara perform in the volume, length and curl departments? Let’s break it down:
Volume: This is definitely a volumizing mascara, no question. It substantially thickens your lashes, making them look fuller and more dramatic. If you have naturally thin or sparse lashes, you’ll love the plumping effect. Just go easy on the coats or you’ll venture into spidery territory.
Length: I was pleasantly surprised by how much length this mascara added to my lashes. They looked significantly longer and more fluttery, especially after a second coat. The formula didn’t weigh them down, so my lashes still looked lifted rather than droopy.
Curl: As for curl, I’d say this delivers a nice, natural-looking curve. It isn’t a miracle worker that will hold stick-straight lashes in place all day, but my naturally average lashes looked noticeably more curled after applying this mascara. The curve lasted well throughout the day without falling flat.
Staying Power & Smudging
A mascara that looks amazing when first applied is one thing, but how does it hold up as the day goes on? No one wants to deal with smudges, flakes and disappearing lashes, after all. Let’s talk staying power.
I found the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara had impressive endurance and lasted all day (10+ hours) without flaking off or smearing. My lashes still looked just as long, dark and voluminous at the end of a long workday. However, it’s important to note this mascara is not marketed as waterproof. So while it held up well to typical daily activities, watery eyes and rainy days resulted in some smudging and running. This isn’t the best pick if you live in a humid climate or have permanently teary eyes.
In terms of flaking, I didn’t have any issues with the mascara shedding off in annoying specks throughout the day. However, a handful of reviewers did mention that they experienced some flaking, particularly after a few hours of wear. This wasn’t a major complaint though, so your mileage may vary.
Removal
At the end of the day, removing this mascara was relatively easy – no excessive rubbing or tugging required. It came off well with my standard makeup remover or cleansing oil. However, because the formula is so richly pigmented, I did have to do a second cleanse with micellar water to remove all traces and avoid racoon eyes in the morning. It’s not the most effortless mascara to remove, but it’s certainly manageable with a proper double cleanse.
A few reviewers mentioned they found the mascara difficult to remove completely and it would leave some residue behind. If you have sensitive eyes, you may want to use an dedicated eye makeup remover to thoroughly melt away the formula without irritating your eye area.
Comparing to Other Mascaras
Many beauty lovers can’t help but wonder how the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara stacks up against other popular options on the market. While I haven’t tried every tube out there, I can offer my thoughts in comparison to a few other cult favorites:
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: In my opinion, MAC Extreme Dimension provides similar volume and drama, but with a less dry and clumpy formula. The MAC option is a bit easier to work with and builds up better with multiple coats. However, Too Faced BTS has the edge in terms of curl and is less prone to smudging.
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara: They’re Real! is another great pick for length and separation, but I find MAC Extreme Dimension delivers slightly more volume. The MAC brush is also larger, which could be a pro or con depending on your preferences. Both have great all-day staying power in my experience.
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara: Many beauty gurus consider this a budget-friendly dupe for Too Faced BTS. In my experience, Lash Paradise has the most natural look of the bunch, while MAC Extreme Dimension is more bold and dramatic. MAC also layers better without getting crunchy.
Ultimately, mascara is such a personal thing and what works for one person may be a total miss for someone else. It really depends on your natural lashes, the look you’re going for, your eye shape and your lifestyle needs.
Potential Drawbacks
As with any product, there are some potential cons to consider before shelling out for the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara.
The most common complaint I noticed in customer reviews was that the formula can lean clumpy if you’re not careful. Because it’s so wet and pigmented, it’s easy to overdo it and end up with spidery, stuck-together lashes. There’s definitely a learning curve to figuring out the right amount of product to apply. If you’re a mascara newbie or prefer a very natural look, this may not be the best pick.
Some reviewers also found the large brush tricky to maneuver, especially on the bottom lashes. If you have small eyes or short lashes, you may make more mistakes and need more cleanup with this biggie brush.
Another thing to note is that a small number of reviewers experienced irritation from this mascara, reporting symptoms like burning, stinging and watery eyes. It’s hard to say if they got a bad tube or have an allergy to one of the ingredients, but it’s something to be aware of if you have highly reactive eyes. Always patch test a new eye product first before putting it near your precious peepers!
Lastly, while many reviewers were happy with the staying power, a few folks said they experienced smudging, especially in hot weather. And because it’s not a true waterproof formula, you can expect some running if you get caught in the rain or your eyes water.
All in all, while this mascara has a lot of positives, it does have some quirks that may be dealbreakers for some people. It’s up to you to weigh the potential cons against the juicy lash results.
Price & Value
Let’s talk money. A tube of MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara will set you back $24. That’s definitely on the pricey side as far as mascaras go, especially when you can pick up great drugstore options for less than $10.
However, I personally think the cost is justified if it performs well for you and delivers the look you want. I’ve paid more for luxury mascaras that were total duds, so I don’t mind forking over a bit extra for one that actually makes my lashes look amazing. Plus, MAC is a trusted, high-quality brand known for their top-notch cosmetics.
The full-size tube contains 0.44 oz of product, which is slightly more than many other high-end mascaras. For example, Too Faced BTS contains 0.27 oz and Benefit They’re Real! has 0.3 oz. So while the $24 price tag may seem steep, you are getting a generous amount of mascara.
As for how long a tube lasts, it really depends on how often you use it and how many coats you apply. With daily use, I typically get through a tube of mascara in about three months, which is the recommended time to replace mascara for hygiene reasons. Some reviewers said their tube started to dry out after a month, but others had no problems with the formula staying fresh.
At the end of the day, price and value are highly personal. If you’re on a tight budget, there are definitely more affordable mascaras out there that can get the job done. But if you don’t mind spending a bit more for a luxe option and like the look of bold, fluttery lashes, the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara may be worth the price tag for you.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
After putting the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara through its paces for several weeks and reading through dozens of customer reviews, here are my final thoughts:
This mascara is an excellent choice if you’re looking for serious volume and length without having to fuss with false lashes. The rich black formula makes a big impact with just a coat or two, delivering bold lashes that last all day. While there is a bit of a learning curve to getting the formula just right, the end results are very glam and eye-opening.
However, this may not be the best mascara for you if you prefer a very natural look, have small eyes that are easily irritated, or live in a hot and humid climate since it’s not sweatproof or waterproof. The wet formula can get clumpy if you’re heavy-handed, and the large brush requires some finesse.
When deciding if MAC Extreme Dimension deserves a spot in your makeup bag, it really comes down to your lash goals and lifestyle. Here’s who I think will love this mascara:
- Drama queens who want to max out on volume and length
- People with sparse or short lashes who need a ton of oomph
- Glam girls who like their eye looks bold and notice-me
- Those who don’t mind spending a bit more for high-performing, long-wearing results
On the flip side, you may want to pass if:
- You’re a mascara minimalist who prefers an understated, natural fringe
- Your lashes are prone to drooping, since this can weigh them down
- You have sensitive eyes that react to most eye makeup and cosmetic ingredients
- You’re on a tight budget and just can’t bring yourself to drop $24 on a single tube of mascara
As for me, I’m quite happy with the results I get from MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara and plan to keep using it for big, bold lashes. The volume and length it gives is unrivaled in my collection and I don’t mind taking an extra minute to ensure a smooth, clump-free application. While it may not be an everyday staple for me, it’s definitely my go-to when I want to add major drama to my lashes and make my eyes the center of attention.
I hope this comprehensive review helped you decide if the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara is right for your needs and preferences. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this mascara and what your thoughts are! And if you have any other burning mascara questions, I’m happy to help however I can.
Until next time, lash enthusiasts! Keep batting those beautiful lashes and embracing your unique brand of eye glam. XOXO
FAQ
Is the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara waterproof?
No, this mascara is not marketed as waterproof. While it holds up well to everyday activities, it can smudge and run if exposed to water, sweat, and high humidity.
Does the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara come in any other shades besides black?
Currently, this mascara only comes in a rich black shade called “3D Black”.
Can I use the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara if I wear contact lenses?
Many contact lens wearers use this mascara without any issues. However, a small number of reviewers mentioned experiencing some irritation. It’s always a good idea to patch test a new mascara first if your eyes are sensitive or you wear contacts.
Is this mascara hard to remove at the end of the day?
While it’s not the easiest mascara to remove, the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash comes off with a standard eye makeup remover or oil cleanser. You may need to do a double cleanse to remove all traces of the pigmented black formula.
How long does the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara last before drying out?
With daily use, most reviewers found their tube lasted around 2-3 months before starting to dry out. Of course, this will vary depending on how frequently you use your mascara and how many coats you apply.
Can I layer this mascara with other formulas for more lash effects?
While I haven’t personally tried it, several beauty gurus recommend using the MAC Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara as a topper over other mascaras for even more length and volume. Let a coat of your base mascara dry first, then layer this one on top for extra oomph.
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