Is the Iconic £9.99 Mascara Still Worth It?
Rediscovering Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara
Since my childhood, my mother has been a loyal user of Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara, a product that has always fascinated me. I vividly remember watching her apply it, amazed at how her lashes transformed with each stroke, becoming longer and thicker, pointing upwards until she removed her makeup at night.
She firmly believed it was the best mascara out there, and her unwavering loyalty to it inspired me to try it as my first mascara. Over the years, I experimented with different brands and types, finding ones that suited me better. However, recently, I felt compelled to revisit this classic favorite.
Jones Road Mascara Review: A Comparison with Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara
Unable to afford my beloved Jones Road mascara due to high delivery costs, I turned to my mother’s trusted Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara for a quick fix.
Is Max Factor Still Competitive?
I questioned whether Max Factor could still hold its own against modern formulas and brushes or if I had outgrown it. Here’s my experience:
Product Specifications
The mascara is advertised as being resistant to smudging and free of fragrance, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive eyes. The manufacturer also states that it provides ‘up to 300% more volume than natural lashes.’
Revisiting the 2000 Calorie Mascara
The 2000 Calorie mascara features a standard brush without any unique design elements. It has a basic shape with medium-sized bristles on one end and a tapered point on the other.
Upon opening the tube after years, the simplicity of the mascara brush was a bit surprising. I wondered how it would coat all my eyelashes like the curved brushes I’m accustomed to. Additionally, the uniformity of lash coverage with a slightly tapered brush end was a concern.
Unlike the chunkier brushes I usually use, the 2000 Calorie mascara brush felt less substantial. This contrasted with my teenage experience where it felt like a larger tool for my lashes.
During application, I noticed that the mascara took longer to thicken my lashes compared to my usual product, although it did provide immediate lengthening. It seemed like multiple coats would be necessary for desired results.
After applying the mascara to both eyes, I found the results underwhelming, leading me to believe that I would not choose to use this mascara again. With my regular mascara, I can achieve a full-lash look quickly, and efficiency is key for my busy schedule.
Rediscovering the Power of Mascara
After initially being unimpressed with the mascara, reminiscing about my mother’s stunning lashes motivated me to give it another chance. The subsequent application was much more satisfying, reminding me of the formula’s smoothness and layering capabilities. The second coat effortlessly enhanced the thickness of my lashes, making them appear more substantial and less fragile.
Achieving the Desired Look
Despite encountering a few clumps during application, they were easy to address. With each coat, my lashes began to resemble my mother’s, eventually achieving the desired outcome after a quick third coat. The end result was long, thick, and well-separated lashes with a touch of individuality, all for just £9.99/$18.99.
My Findings – Am I Reverting Back?
Despite my staunch loyalty to Jones Road The Mascara, which I consider the top-notch product globally, I must admit that its steep shipping fees and limited availability can be quite frustrating. Nevertheless, I have found an excellent alternative in this one, easily purchasable at Boots. It serves as a convenient solution for those tight on budget and in immediate need of mascara replenishment.
Furthermore, I have not encountered any issues of smudging or flaking with this substitute. Even during moments of allergies, where my eyes tend to water excessively, this option proves gentle and non-irritating – a stark contrast to the stinging sensation I recently experienced with the Jones Road variant.
Despite the passage of time, Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara continues to deliver satisfactory results, albeit at a slightly slower pace compared to more modern formulations.
Public Opinion on the Product
Other users have also expressed their satisfaction with the product. Tanya 111 shares, “After trying various mascaras, both expensive and affordable, I have found this one to be the best after using it for over a decade. Nothing else comes close.”
Similarly, Kiki01 remarks, “I have been a loyal user of this mascara for many years, and it truly stands out as the top choice for me! I have never found another mascara that can match the length and volume it provides. People often mistake my lashes for falsies when I wear this mascara.”
While some users have reported issues with the product drying up quickly, Nett comments, “I have noticed that mascaras tend to dry out fast nowadays. Even with this one, the remaining product in the tube dries up within a few days.” To prevent this, it is advisable not to excessively pump the wand in and out, as this introduces air into the formula, leading to quicker drying. It is also recommended to store the mascara in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Value Proposition
Refilling my preferred Jones Road mascara would come to nearly £30 including delivery. Conversely, purchasing a similar alternative locally costs only £9.99, offering a more budget-friendly option despite a slightly longer application time.
Key Points to Remember
Long-standing products often have their own charm. This mascara, despite lacking extra features like fragrance, offers a basic yet satisfactory experience. The applicator is standard, and the formula delivers desired results after multiple layers.
Maybe simplicity is all that matters, and overly flashy mascaras are trying too much. While a curved, bulky brush is appealing, the convenience of affordable prices at local stores cannot be overlooked.
