After trying the CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Volume Mascara in Extreme Black Frost for several weeks, I’ve got LOTS of thoughts to share! This clean, vegan formula promises volume without smudging, but does it deliver? Let’s dive into my experience with this sparkly black mascara!
First Impressions
When I first got my hands on this mascara, I was immediately drawn to the “Extreme Black Frost” shade. The packaging is pretty standard for CoverGirl – practical but not particularly luxurious. The wand has a decent size with medium-density bristles, and the formula includes some subtle sparkles which is a fun touch!
The clean, vegan formula definitely caught my attention since I’ve been trying to incorporate more conscious beauty products into my routine. For those with sensitive eyes, this claims to be a good option, which is always a plus.
Application Experience
Applying this mascara is straightforward enough. The wand picks up a good amount of product, though I noticed it can sometimes grab too much at once. The bristles do a decent job of separating lashes, but you need to work quickly as the formula starts setting faster than other mascaras I’ve tried.
One coat gives a subtle boost to lashes, but if you’re after that dramatic volume effect, you’ll definitely need 2-3 coats. Be careful though – waiting too long between coats can lead to clumping! I found that working fast and building layers quickly gives the best results.
The “Extreme Black Frost” color delivers good pigmentation with subtle sparkles that catch the light nicely without looking over-the-top or teenage-y. It’s a nice twist on classic black mascara!
Performance Throughout the Day
Here’s where things get… complicated. 😕
For the first few hours, this mascara looks GREAT! My lashes appear fuller, longer, and the formula holds a curl reasonably well. The subtle sparkle effect is actually quite pretty in different lighting situations.
However, after about 4-5 hours, I started noticing flaking – little black specks under my eyes that gradually increased as the day went on. By hour 7 or 8, I had significant crumbling and flaking, which was both annoying and uncomfortable when particles fell into my eyes.
The formula doesn’t smudge much (it prefers to flake instead), but this isn’t really an advantage when you’re constantly checking for mascara fallout beneath your eyes!
Removal and Formula Longevity
On the plus side, this mascara is SUPER easy to remove! The clean formula washes away easily with just warm water and facial cleanser – no need for heavy-duty makeup remover. This is definitely one of its strongest features.
However, the tube seems to dry out quickly – I noticed changes in the formula’s consistency after just 3-4 weeks. Several reviewers mentioned the same issue, with some tubes drying out completely within a month. At this price point, having to replace it so frequently is frustrating.
Who Might Like This Mascara
This mascara might work well for you if:
- You only need your mascara to look good for a few hours
- You prefer clean, vegan formulas
- You have sensitive eyes but still want some sparkle
- You value easy removal
- You’re looking for something for special occasions rather than everyday wear
Who Should Probably Skip It
You might want to pass on this if:
- You need all-day wear without touchups
- Flaking is a major deal-breaker for you
- You want a mascara that lasts several months in the tube
- You need serious volume that lasts all day
- You don’t want to risk irritation from flaking product
Value Assessment
At around $13-15 depending where you purchase, this mascara sits at a mid-range drugstore price point. However, considering how quickly it dries out and its performance issues after a few hours, the value isn’t great. You’ll likely find yourself replacing it more frequently than other mascaras, which adds up quickly!
The Verdict
CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Cleantopia Volume Mascara has some promising features – the clean formula, pretty sparkles, and easy removal are definite pros. However, the significant flaking after a few hours and quick dry-out time in the tube make it hard to recommend as an everyday mascara.
I’d give this mascara a solid 2.5 out of 5 stars. It starts well but just doesn’t go the distance! If you’re attending a short event or don’t mind touching up throughout the day, it could work. Otherwise, there are better options available at similar price points that offer longer-lasting wear without the flaking issues.
Tips If You Do Purchase
If you decide to try this mascara despite its flaws:
- Apply quickly between coats to avoid clumping
- Consider setting with a clear mascara topcoat to reduce flaking
- Keep it tightly sealed when not in use to extend its lifespan
- Consider it for short events rather than all-day wear
- Store it upright to prevent it from drying out too quickly
Final Thoughts
The concept behind CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Cleantopia is great – a clean, vegan mascara with volume and sparkle sounds perfect! Unfortunately, the execution falls short, particularly in terms of longevity both on the lashes and in the tube.
While I appreciate the direction CoverGirl is going with cleaner formulas, they need to improve the staying power significantly before this becomes a go-to recommendation. The flaking is just TOO annoying for daily use, and having to replace it monthly makes it less economical than it initially appears.
If you’re committed to clean beauty products, there are other options worth exploring that might offer better performance. And if the sparkle effect is what draws you in, consider a clear sparkle topcoat over your favorite reliable mascara instead!
Have you tried this mascara? I’d love to hear if your experience was different from mine!
Buy on Amazon: Here
