Hey beauty lovers! So I’ve been testing the COVERGIRL Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara for a while now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. I’ve also collected feedback from dozens of other users to give you the most comprehensive look at this drugstore staple. Is it worth the hype? Let’s dive in!
Quick Stats
- Product: COVERGIRL Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Black
- Claims: 20X More Volume, No Clumps, Long-Lasting Wear
- Price Point: Budget-friendly drugstore pricing ($8-11 depending on retailer)
- Cruelty-Free: 100% (COVERGIRL went fully cruelty-free in 2018)
First Impressions
The Clump Crusher comes in that recognizable green tube that stands out in your makeup bag. The first thing that caught my attention was the unique brush design – it’s curved and has these super short bristles that are arranged in a special way to prevent clumping. The wand is double-sided and slightly curved, which actually makes application SO much easier than traditional brushes.
When I first opened it, the formula wasn’t too wet or too dry – it was just right. No weird smell either, which is always a plus since mascaras can sometimes have that chemical scent that makes your eyes water before you even apply!
Application Experience
OK so this is where this mascara REALLY shines. The brush is seriously the star of the show here. That curved shape lets you get RIGHT up to the lash line and coat even those tiny lashes in the inner corner of your eye. The bristles are shorter than most mascaras I’ve tried, which gives you way more control.
One swipe gives a natural look, but you can definitely build it up without creating those spidery lashes we all hate. I’ve found you can apply 2-3 coats before it starts to look heavy, which is impressive for a drugstore formula!
What’s really cool is how it separates each lash as you apply. I have naturally fine lashes that tend to stick together with most mascaras, but the Clump Crusher actually separates them as I apply. This creates the illusion of having more lashes than I actually do!
The curved brush also makes it easy to coat your bottom lashes without smudging product all over your under-eye area. For those of us who are a bit shaky with application (morning coffee, anyone?), this is a HUGE plus.
All-Day Performance
I’ve worn this mascara through 12-hour workdays, gym sessions, and even a few emotional movies, and I’m pretty impressed with how it holds up. The regular formula (not waterproof) stays put surprisingly well but isn’t impossible to remove at the end of the day.
Here’s what I’ve noticed about wear time:
- Hours 1-4: Looks perfect, no flaking or smudging
- Hours 5-8: Still looks good, maybe a tiny bit of flaking if you’ve applied multiple coats
- Hours 9+: Some minor flaking possible, but NO raccoon eyes (which is my usual mascara fate)
The mascara doesn’t make lashes feel stiff or brittle throughout the day. They remain relatively soft and flexible, which means they don’t break off when you accidentally rub your eyes.
Living Up to Its Claims
“No Clumps” Claim
Does it live up to the “Clump Crusher” name? For the most part, YES! This is honestly one of the least clumpy mascaras I’ve ever used. Even when building up multiple coats, clumping is minimal. If you’re someone who is SUPER annoyed by clumps (like I am), you’ll appreciate how this formula goes on.
One reviewer put it perfectly: “You couldn’t get a clump out of this mascara if you tried!” And that’s pretty accurate in my experience.
“20X More Volume” Claim
Let’s be real – the “20X more volume” claim is a bit of marketing stretch. It definitely adds volume, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most volumizing mascara out there. It excels more at definition and length than pure volume.
If you’re looking for that false-lash effect, this might not give you the drama you want. But if you prefer a more natural, defined look with some added volume, the Clump Crusher is perfect.
“Long-Lasting Wear” Claim
The wear time is solid for a non-waterproof formula. It’s not completely budge-proof (few mascaras truly are), but it stays put better than most drugstore options I’ve tried. The fact that it doesn’t smudge into raccoon eyes by midday is a major win.
Who This Mascara Is Perfect For
Based on my experience and the feedback from other users, this mascara is ideal for:
- People who HATE clumpy mascara – This is obvious, but if clumps drive you crazy, you’ll love this formula
- Those with fine or thin lashes – The separating effect really helps make sparse lashes look fuller
- Everyday makeup wearers – It’s perfect for a natural, polished look that’s not too dramatic
- Contact lens wearers – Many users with contacts mentioned this doesn’t flake into their eyes
- People who want a buildable formula – You can go from subtle to more dramatic with multiple coats
- Those on a budget – You get quality performance without the high-end price tag
Who Should Skip This
While many people love this mascara, it might not be right for you if:
- You want major drama and volume – There are more volumizing options out there
- You need a truly waterproof formula – The regular version can smudge with heavy tears or swimming
- You want thicker lashes in one coat – This is a buildable formula that requires 2-3 coats for maximum effect
- You have very straight lashes – Some users found it didn’t hold a curl as well as other formulas
The Real-World Test Results
I’ve worn this mascara in multiple scenarios to see how it holds up:
- Office setting: Perfect! Looks professional and stays put through a full workday
- Gym workout: Minor flaking with heavy sweating, but no raccoon eyes
- Rainy day: Some smudging in heavy rain (the non-waterproof version)
- Allergy season: Handled watery eyes surprisingly well with minimal smudging
- Hot, humid weather: Performed better than expected with minimal transfer
Removal Process
Removing the Clump Crusher is refreshingly easy. Unlike some long-wearing formulas that require intense scrubbing (and lost lashes!), this one comes off with normal makeup remover or even just warm water and a gentle cleanser.
I noticed it didn’t leave that annoying black residue that sticks around even after you think you’ve removed all your makeup. My pillowcases have remained mascara-stain free since switching to this formula!
How It Compares to Other Popular Mascaras
Vs. Other COVERGIRL Mascaras
- Better than the orange tube LashBlast for clump prevention
- Less volumizing than COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume
- More natural-looking than most other COVERGIRL formulas
Vs. High-End Mascaras
- Comparable separation to Benefit They’re Real! but less dramatic
- Less volumizing than Too Faced Better Than Sex but with NO CLUMPING
- More natural-looking than most high-end formulas, but also less impactful
Many reviewers mentioned going back to Clump Crusher after trying expensive department store brands, which says a lot about its performance!
Common Complaints and Issues
No product is perfect, so here are some common issues users reported:
- Dryness issues: Some people received tubes that seemed dried out. This could be due to age or storage conditions.
- Not truly waterproof: Even the waterproof version isn’t completely bulletproof.
- Lack of drama: If you want really bold, thick lashes, you might find this too subtle.
- Needs multiple coats: One coat won’t give you maximum impact.
- Packaging concerns: A few users mentioned receiving tubes that weren’t properly sealed.
Pro Tips for Best Results
After extensive testing, here are my tips for getting the most out of your Clump Crusher:
- Curl your lashes first – This mascara defines and separates but doesn’t add much curl on its own
- Apply in thin layers – Build up gradually for the most clump-free results
- Wiggle the wand at the base – This deposits more product at the roots for a lifting effect
- Try it as a “topper” – Some users apply a volumizing mascara first, then use Clump Crusher to separate
- Store it properly – Cap tightly and store upright to prevent premature drying
- Replace every 3 months – Like all mascaras, it performs best when fresh
Value for Money
At around $8-11 depending on where you shop, the Clump Crusher is an AMAZING value. I’ve used mascaras that cost 3-4 times as much that don’t perform any better. One tube typically lasts me about 3 months before it starts to dry out, which is standard for mascara.
Many reviewers specifically mentioned coming back to this after trying high-end alternatives because it performs just as well at a fraction of the price.
Sustainability and Ethics
COVERGIRL is now 100% cruelty-free, which is a huge plus! The brand doesn’t test on animals and became Leaping Bunny certified in 2018.
The packaging is pretty standard plastic, so not particularly eco-friendly. However, the brand has been making efforts to introduce more sustainable packaging options across their product lines.
Overall Verdict
After using this mascara regularly and considering feedback from tons of other users, I’d give the COVERGIRL Clump Crusher a solid 8.5/10. It truly delivers on its primary promise of clump-free lashes, offers great definition and length, and performs impressively for its price point.
What keeps it from being a perfect 10 is the somewhat exaggerated volume claims and the fact that it’s not ideal for those wanting dramatic, high-impact lashes.
That said, it’s earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag, especially for everyday wear when I want my lashes to look naturally enhanced without the drama (or hassle) of false lashes.
Would I Repurchase?
Absolutely YES! I’m on my third tube already, and it’s become my go-to daily mascara. For special occasions, I might reach for something more dramatic, but for everyday wear, the Clump Crusher is perfect.
Final Thoughts
The COVERGIRL Clump Crusher isn’t just popular because of good marketing – it’s actually a genuinely good product that delivers on its main promise. In a world of overhyped beauty products, it’s refreshing to find something that does what it says it will do, especially at such an accessible price point.
If you’re tired of clumpy mascaras, looking for something that gives natural-looking definition, or just want to see what all the hype is about without breaking the bank, give the Clump Crusher a try. Your lashes (and your wallet) will thank you!
Have you tried the COVERGIRL Clump Crusher? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
