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Friday 8 May 2015

Veracious Product Review: The HotShop Long Lash Mascara from Born Pretty

Hi, everyone! I've never been a fan of drugstore mascaras. With very few exceptions, the majority of budget formulas have left my lashes looking flimsy and limp. I just haven't had luck! But once in a while I am tempted by some pretty packaging and put my prejudices aside. Such was the case when I snagged The Hot Shop's Long Lash Mascara** from The Born Pretty Store


The Hot Shop is a range sold at Born Pretty that is a pretty clear knockoff of Topshop's makeup line. While I could be a snob about the imitation, I instead am generally drawn to the aethetic and am able to reserve judgment. Plus, the Hot Shop items I've tried before have been quite nice, so I was extra motivated to try more from the line.

The Long Lash Mascara comes housed in a minty green box and is likewise packaged in a slim green plastic tube with black lettering and detailing. 


The wand is quite slim, flaring very slightly at the base. The bristles are short and fiber-based (i.e., not the pointy plastic ones) and actually grip lashes quite well. 



I could go into more detail about the design, but I think a more helpful pursuit is to see the mascara in action! Here are shots of my bare lashes, then with one coat and two coats of the Long Lash Mascara

Bare lashes

One coat of Long Lash Mascara, no eyeliner, lashes uncurled

Two coats of Long Lash Mascara, no eyeliner, lashes uncurled

And here is the mascara in the context of a completed makeup look: 


As you can see, this mascara gives some serious length- it really does not mess around! Here's a full breakdown of the pros and cons of the formula:

Pros:

  • Gives incredible length with a single coat! With two coats, you get some decent volume as well
  • Stays put all day, even in warm weather. No smudging, melting, or flaking
  • Bristles grip lashes easily, allowing for maximum lengthening effects
  • Incredibly affordable- this is less than $7!
  • Cute, sleek, trendy packaging. 
Cons:
  • Does not do much to curl the lashes, though it does not promise this
  • It's a pain to remove! It's not advertised as such, but it seems to be some type of waterproof, tubing mascara hybrid. Cleansing oil alone isn't enough to remove it, you need to massage the lashes gently to get it all off. 

Overall, this mascara was such a pleasant surprise! It imparts amazing length with minimal effort and does not budge or flake all day long. Yes, it is a pain to remove, but a small price to pay given that this packs a serious punch at an amazing price!


If you're interested in checking out cute, affordable goodies like this from Born Pretty, you can find their site, here! I truly have been impressed with the majority of products I've tried from the site. They have a discount code on at the moment for readers of the blog- just enter VIBH10 at the checkout to save 10% off your order. 

Do you have luck with drugstore mascaras? What are your faves?
Thanks for stopping by! :)


** This product was provided as a press sample by The Born Pretty Store. All stated opinions are 100% authentic, honest, and my own.

22 comments:

  1. Your lashes look nice and as if its feathered out. Reminds me of Topshop packaging.

    Nashia
    MakeupandBeautyMayhem

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, definitely a Topshop knock-off, but still great! Thanks :)

      Delete
  2. Wow! I love the after effect. Beautiful! I really like the packaging too. I want to try more from Topshop x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I was so pleasantly surprised at how it worked!

      Delete
  3. Wow! This mascara packs quite the punch onto your lashes - it's a keeper, no? Looks fab!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The after effect it's amazing!

    www.lam-style.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Maricruz- I'm really liking it! :)

      Delete
  5. woah lashes! yea i'm a fan of tubing and fibre mascaras but a lot of people don't like them b/c they're hard to remove but since i use oil removers anyways, it makes it /slightly/ easier.

    jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, i'm getting the hang of the removal- I just have to give my lashes a bit of a massage :)

      Delete
  6. Wow, that length is incredible!!!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I was so pleasantly surprised :)

      Delete
  7. HOLY CRAP! I love how separate it makes your lashes too!

    Glad you mentioned the Top Shop knockoff aspect. I was so confused when it said another brand name...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really does a great job at separating too! Yeah, a definite knock-off, but luckily the quality is there :)

      Delete
  8. such a great mascara! looking great! i will def have to try it! although I am a little hesitant when its hard to remove, im always scared of my lashes falling out :\
    thanks for sharing! xo
    Andrea
    www.phdfashionista.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Andrea! Luckily I don't think I've had any lash breakage/fallout as a result :)

      Delete
  9. ohh you're right about it looking so much like Topshops!! Looks great on you, pity it's so hard to remove, that would drive me crazy.xx

    www.jesskadenise.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A bit of a pain, but the formula is so good, it's a small price to pay ;)

      Delete
  10. Jealous! Those lashes are massive!

    ReplyDelete

All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)