Listen up, mascara lovers! After trying COUNTLESS mascaras over the years (and spending WAY too much money on high-end brands), I finally decided to give the CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara a shot. I’ve been using it consistently for the past month, and I’ve got some THOUGHTS to share!
Quick Facts
- Product: CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
- Formula: Vegan, Clean, Cruelty-Free
- Color: Very Black
- Price Point: Around $8-10 (depending where you buy)
First Impressions
Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the “clean” formula. As someone who’s dealt with sensitive eyes for YEARS, finding a mascara that doesn’t make my eyes water or itch by midday has been a struggle. The chunky orange tube has been replaced with a sleek matte packaging that feels more premium than the price suggests.
The wand is THICK with short silicone bristles – definitely on the larger side compared to other mascaras. If you have smaller eyes, this might be something to consider since precision application can be tricky at first.
Application Experience
The formula is definitely on the drier side, which I actually PREFER since it means less chance of smudging. It applies smoothly without clumping on the first coat. For those with naturally light or sparse lashes, you’ll definitely need 2-3 coats to see dramatic results, but the good news is that it builds nicely without getting spider-leggy!
The best technique I found was to wiggle the brush at the base of my lashes and sweep upward. The wand’s size helps coat multiple lashes at once, making application pretty quick once you get the hang of it.
Performance Breakdown
Volume & Length: 7.5/10
Let’s be honest – this isn’t going to give you that “I’m wearing falsies” look from a single coat. However, it definitely adds noticeable volume after 2-3 coats, separating lashes beautifully without clumping. It lengthens moderately well, but excels more at defining and volumizing than extreme lengthening.
Staying Power: 8/10
This is where I was SUPER impressed! The non-waterproof formula holds up remarkably well throughout a full workday. I’ve worn it through 12-hour shifts without significant smudging. It’s not 100% waterproof, so crying or heavy rain will cause some movement, but for everyday wear, it’s reliable.
Some reviewers mentioned experiencing smudging under the lower lashes after several hours. I found this happened occasionally in hot weather but was minimal compared to other mascaras at this price point.
Comfort: 9.5/10
THIS is where the clean formula really shines! As someone who’s had to ditch countless mascaras due to irritation, I can wear this all day without my eyes feeling itchy or burning. No more feeling like I have something in my eye midday! If you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes, this is a GAME CHANGER.
The formula feels incredibly lightweight – I honestly forget I’m wearing mascara most days.
Removal: 8/10
Most reviewers (including myself) found this removes easily with regular face wash or micellar water. No aggressive rubbing needed, which means less lash loss! However, a few people noted they needed to use oil-based removers, so your mileage may vary depending on your removal method.
I did occasionally wake up with tiny black specks after thinking I’d removed it all – but nothing major.
Who Would Love This Mascara?
This mascara is PERFECT for:
- People with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers
- Those looking for a natural, defined look that can be built up
- Anyone wanting a cruelty-free, vegan option without the luxury price tag
- People who want day-to-night versatility (light application for day, build it up for evening)
- Those who prefer mascara that doesn’t flake throughout the day
Who Might Want to Skip It?
It might not be ideal for:
- Those wanting extremely dramatic, false-lash effects from a single coat
- People with very short lashes who need maximum lengthening
- Those who prefer super wet formulas
- Anyone needing truly waterproof performance for swimming/beach
The Unexpected Benefits
After using this mascara for a month, I’ve noticed my natural lashes seem healthier. Less fallout when removing makeup and they feel less brittle overall. Can’t say for sure if it’s the clean formula or just taking better care of my lashes, but it’s a nice bonus!
Comparisons to Other Mascaras
Many reviewers compared this favorably to much pricier options:
- Several noted it performs similarly to Glossier Lash Slick (which costs 3x more!)
- Others mentioned it’s better than Ilia and Milk mascaras for everyday wear
- A few mentioned it provides similar results to Tarte’s Maneater mascara
For the drugstore category, many felt it outperformed traditional Maybelline Great Lash and other non-clean formulas in terms of comfort.
Common Issues Mentioned
To be completely transparent, some reviewers had these complaints:
- The formula can dry out faster than other mascaras (usually after 2-3 months)
- The large brush makes application on lower lashes challenging
- Some found it difficult to remove without dedicated makeup remover
- A few experienced clumping after the mascara was a month old
My Personal Experience
I’ve been a high-end mascara snob for AGES, typically spending $25+ on prestige brands. I was genuinely shocked that this $8 option has become my daily go-to! While it doesn’t quite match the dramatic effect of some luxury mascaras, the comfort factor and clean ingredients make it worth the trade-off.
As someone with light blonde lashes, I need multiple coats to get the impact I want, but once applied, it STAYS PUT. I’ve cried through a sad movie (just a few tears, not full sobbing) and only had minimal smudging.
The brush takes some getting used to – it’s significantly larger than many prestige mascara wands. I accidentally poked myself in the eye the first couple of uses! But once I adjusted to the size, I appreciated how quickly it coated all my lashes.
Tips for Best Results
- Let each coat dry for 15-20 seconds before applying another layer
- If you need more precision for inner corner lashes, hold the wand vertically
- For maximum curl, use an eyelash curler BEFORE application
- Wipe excess product from the tip of the wand before applying to avoid clumps
- For lower lashes, use the tip of the wand with a light hand
The Environmental Factor
While CoverGirl has made strides with this vegan, cruelty-free formula, some reviewers noted the packaging isn’t particularly sustainable. If environmental impact is important to you, this is something to consider, though it’s pretty standard for drugstore options.
Value for Money: 9.5/10
This is where the Lash Blast Clean REALLY shines. At around $8-10, you’re getting performance that rivals mascaras 3-4 times the price. The clean, vegan formula makes it even more impressive at this price point.
Several reviewers mentioned they could buy 3-5 tubes of this for the price of ONE prestige brand mascara with similar results!
The Bottom Line
After putting the CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara through its paces, I can confidently say it delivers impressive performance for a drugstore price. It’s not perfect – you’ll need multiple coats for dramatic results, and the large brush takes some practice – but the comfortable wear, clean ingredients, and reliable performance make it a standout.
For those with sensitive eyes or anyone looking to switch to cleaner beauty products without breaking the bank, this is a SOLID choice that outperforms many pricier alternatives.
If you’ve been spending big bucks on prestige mascaras, give this one a try – you might be surprised how well it stacks up!
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Would I repurchase? ABSOLUTELY! In fact, I already have a backup tube ready to go.
Have you tried the CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara? Let me know YOUR experience in the comments below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
