EXCELLENT
I'm SUPER picky about mascara ... I have to admit. I have very short, very blond eye lashes that need even awful lot of help so I am constantly trying mascaras to help me get the job done right. I have SO many in my makeup bag that have been used once, I can even count. BUT ... this mascara, is INCREDIBLE. My lashes are super long, separated beautifully, last all day without smudging, and best of all - it is SUPER cheap. It is probably one of the least expensive mascara's I have ever bought. LOVE IT. I should have bought a few extra as gifts. Please don't discontinue this item - EVER. :-)
—Danielle
Very Nice
This is a really nice mascara that applies and wears well. A lot of people are complaining about the liquidy feel, but in my opinion that's part of what makes this mascara good. You can't get glossy, smooth lashes with a thick, gunky formula. My only complaint is the brush. Eye contours are curved, so a long, straight brush is pointless and only gets in the way (i.e. you're more likely to bump yourself with the tip and get mascara on your skin or in your eyeball). I think that's part of why people still like Great Lash (Despite Paula's personal opinion, thousands of women and top makeup artists are not crazy for loving this old standard). The original Great Lash has an unusually short brush, so every section of lash can be meticulously groomed. Paula's mascara formula MIGHT be better, but it's hard to tell because of the inferior brush. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments! We will be sure to share your experience with the product to Paula and her Product Development Manager. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Robin H
Love It But It Doesn't Love Me
I love all of Paula's products and just recently tried this mascara. Unfortunately, I find that it irritates my eye lids and my eyes. I'd like to try one of the other mascaras but I'm afraid that the formulation may be contain the same irritants. Bummer! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. We will credit you for this product and please contact customer care with any questions.
—Cheryl
Good-bye expensive mascaras!
This is the first time I've actually written a review for any of the many Paula's Choice products that I use and just love, but after using this mascara I had to write one. I spend way too much money on top line mascaras, they always seem to disappoint in one way or another. I want a mascara that gives me long, well-defined and separated lashes without clumping or flaking. This mascara does all of that...it's fabulous! Thanks you Paula's Choice!!!
—Gina
clever formulation!
I love the fact that this mascara has lash-priming property (its ingredient list tells us Paula included ingredients that usually be used in lash primers). My lashes feel smooth and moist initally and then pigments clings to my lahes so well throuout the day! What a clever formulation and beautiful results! (and inexpensive price, too!)
—kelly
TOO WET!
I love this mascara because it does not smudge or flake, BUT it is TOO WET! I hope that Paula's Choice reformulates the consistency. Each time I use it I have to wipe off a lot of the mascara onto a paper towel. The brush still holds a lot of mascara that it makes my lashes stick together. If they could make the mascara thicker it would be perfect - maybe it's the brush that needs to be changed. It is the only mascara that I've found that does not smudge or flake, but I'm probably wasting half of the tube wiping off the excess off the brush! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to share your experience with the product to Paula and her Product Development Manager. Feel free to contact customer care with any questions.
—Mignon
Pleasantly Suprired
I have tried just about every smudge resistant mascara, drug store brands and designer brands. All but one smudged on me. I will not mention the brand that did not smudge since they test on animals and I am not willing to give them any ink. Paula's Illicit Lash is my second favorite. I like the ease of use and the natural look. I only used a couple of swipes since I do not like my Asian lashes to get too heavy.I did not notice the "wetness" that others have written. To me, it felt like all other mascaras that I've tried. I did not notice a longer drying time. After I put on a quick coat of mascara, I move onto my eyebrows, which takes about 20 seconds. My lashes were dry by the time I finished my brows. I did return the mascara because it did smudge on me a little after wearing it for 4 hours, but it wasn't too bad and was easily cleaned up with a cotton swab. I have tried more smudge resistant brands since then, but they also still smudge on me. I will purchase the Illicit Lash mascara again and just accept that I will need to clean up the slight smudging after a few hours. I do like how the mascara makes my lashes feel and look, the price is reasonable and she doesn't test on animals, so I will accept dealing with a slight smudge that I can easily clean up. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to share your experience with the product to Paula and her Product Development Manager. Feel free to check www.beautypedia.com for other mascara options to try and see how they work for you. Feel free to contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Mia
Still My Fave
A suggestion to the people who complained about the drying time or clumping: I use a lash brush after applying, while the mascara is still somewhat wet. It evens it out, and the slightly longer dry time is an advantage if you want to use a lash brush. It's still my all time favorite. Expanding color selection to include dark brown would be great.
I appreciate greatly having a fantastic mascara that is reasonably priced, and that delivers a very satisfactory result. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review and your suggestions!
—cari
Why no brown/black?
Please offer this product in brown/black. Since Revlon discontinued Colorstay mascara I haven't been able to find a mascara I love. Maybe Illicit Lash would be the one IF it was available in brown/black. I have light brown hair and am over 50, so can't wear black mascara. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to share your feedback with the product to Paula and her Product Development Manager. Feel free to check www.beautypedia.com for other mascara options. We hope you like our brown/black shade within the Great Big Lashes Mascara which you recently purchased! Feel free to contact customer care with any questions.
—Amanda
Compant
I am very fair, almost white eyebrows, and blonde lashes, black is too harsh for me, please add soft browns, and taupes to your line. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We will certainly pass along your suggestion to Paula. We do carry a dark brown shade within the Great Big Lashes Mascara; we will send you out one to try. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Dale
Doesn't Smear
I have so much trouble finding a mascara that doesn't leave me looking like a raccoon by noon. Until I tried this one, the only mascara that worked for me was a department store brand. This one works just as well and at half the price! Thanks Paula for saving me money!
—Margaret
Disappointed
This is the first Paula's choice product that I've been disappointed in. For me, it clumps badly, takes a long time to dry, flakes and doesn't make my lashes look good. I hate to give a bad review as I have loved all the other many products I have bought from Paula's Choice. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear that this product did not fully meet your expectations and we will be sure to pass along your comments to Paula and her team directly. We will credit you for the product promptly and please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help.
—Sharon
Staying Power!
I tried the Illicit Length mascara and was shocked at it's great staying power. I gave it a "test" at the eye doctor: eyes had drops put in, pressure checked, more drops, eyes dilated, more drops, eyes examined, lids pulled around, etc. I'm sure some must have come off on the tissue I was dabbing at my eyes, but when I left and looked in the car mirror I was shocked that my eyes and mascara still looked good! What a pleasant surprise for PC's mascara!
—Alice
Not as great as I had hoped
I was hoping for something amazing when I bought this mascara, because I heard Paula and her team raving about it. I didn't find anything special about it. In my experience, it clumps just as much as other mascaras. Applying more than one coat just doesn't work for me because it just causes bigger clumps of product. I use it, but I won't be buying it again. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. We will pass along your comments to our Product Development Team and will leave an in house credit you for the product on your account to be used toward a future phone order. In the meantime feel free to check out Paula's review web site at: Beautypedia for other mascara options.
—Alyson
Needs to go back to the drawing board
Tried this mascara because I was curious. Not only did it go on quite wet and took a long time to dry, but it also clumped my lashes together. Too bad. I wanted it to be perfect... I am going back to my "Maybelline Colossal Volume Express" mascara in the yellow tube. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this mascara did not work well for you but are happy to hear you have found another one! We will credit you for this product and please contact customer care with any questions.
—Christina
THE BEST!
The BEST mascara I have found, period. I have Chanel, Dior, Lancome, MAC, you name it, and this one tops them all for a fraction of the price. It's clear that not everyone has the same lashes and that different mascaras meet different needs, such as thickening vs. lengthening or merely defining. I have good lashes but light in color, and this is my FAVE of all the brands I've tried. Also, as one person mentioned, Paula's Choice Illicit Lash is the only one that stays on (even oily skin) and doesn't make my eyes red and allergic-looking. You can have even long, full lashes and it still won't look good if your eyes are screamin' red! Thanks Paula! This product tops them all!
—cari
Excellent mascara
I have tried tons of different brands of mascara and I am rarely happy. This mascara is fabulous, FABULOUS!!!!
The price is great, the color is very black, love the brush, it rarely flakes or smudges, it's PERFECT!!!
Thanks Paula, I no longer have to constantly return $30.00 mascaras from Sephora and others. I feel like crying with happiness.
I didnt like Paulas other mascara Great Big lashes mascara, BUT she created MY HG mascara, thank you, the search is over for me.
—Karen
Love it...but takes practice!
This was the first makeup product that I tried from Paula's Choice. I am a long time PC skin care user, and the name of this mascara alone was enough to make me want to take the plunge into the makeup line. For the most part, I am happy with my purchase. This mascara is jet black and really does make my usually wimpy lashes look long and "fluttery" like the description says. This is not a super volumizing formula, so look elsewhere if volume is your goal. Be cautioned though, this mascara is very wet! I use an eyelash curler daily before I apply mascara, and if I'm not careful about how I apply this, I will completely wilt my curl. I have found that if I do a very light first coat and let that set, I can then apply subsequent heavier coats without wilting my curl. The application instructions on the product page say not to let it set, but I find that doing the opposite (at least for the first coat) works better when you have hard to curl lashes like mine. I have also found that because of the way the brush is designed, the shorter bristles at the end of the wand tends to pick up a lot of mascara the first few applications. once some of the mascara is used up, this is far less of a problem. Overall, I am a happy Illicit Lash user and just recently purchased my second tube.
—Jennifer
I'm torn
Once this mascara dries it doesn't go anywhere. It's great to have a mascara that doesn't smudge. But it takes FOREVER to dry. Make sure your eyeliner is where you want it because if you try to change it after your mascara is on, your mascara will more than likely still be wet enough to clump like crazy. Also, when applying on my bottom lashes, the brush always smudges onto my skin no matter how careful I try to be.
—Leslie
Love it!
I love this mascara! It does go on wet, but that is how I prefer it. Builds fast. The brush keeps my lashes separated. No clumps. It also wears great - no dark smudges, even after exercising (sweating) or sleeping all night with it on (I know...). Fantastic mascara.
—Katie
Does not hold curl
My eyelashes are pin straight and I absolutely have to use an eyelash curler. Well, this mascara "uncurls" them due to the very wet formula. I actually used a small fan in front of my eyes, (one at the time) to speed up drying time before the curl disappeared, but it did not work. In addition to returning my eyelashes to the flat position, this mascara clumps up a lot. Because I like a natural look, I made sure not to over apply it. I practiced a few times, but got the same result. I really wanted to like this mascara because there aren't many mascaras that work for me from companies that don't test on animals, but unfortunately it did not work. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with this product. Please contact Customer Service for assistance with a refund or exchange.
—Maria S.
Blinks onto cheeks!
I really wanted to like this, but the reviewers who say it's wet and hard to apply are right. It seems to go on OK (even though there's a lot on the applicator), but (and I try not to blink right away!) it ends up spotting my under-eye area. Every time. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with this product. Please contact Customer Service for assistance with an exchange or refund.
—Wendy
Racoon eyes!
I had great success w Paula's Great Big Lashes mascara. When this went on sale I eagerly jumped at the chance only to be disappointed. For starters it broke down due to my oily skin despite my religious use of EVERY shine control oily skin formulation Paula has to offer. I didn't have this problem when I used her Great Big Lashes mascara. When I used this the first time I looked at my face mid-day in horror! Dark black blotches under my eyes. How could this be?! I also found the wand accumulated too much mascara leaving a messy application. Even when wiping it off I found it clumpy. My lashes were longer, but still thin & sparse. I will use it reluctantly as I bought 2 of them & don't want to hassle with return shipping costs. So disappointed. I don't recommend.
—Caroline
Please Offer In Brown/Black
Would love to try this mascara..in fact, ANY of Paula's mascara but I am blond and fair skinned and really need brown or brown/black mascara. Black is very harsh on many of us! Please offer your mascaras in light shades! Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We will be sure to pass this along to Paula and her team.
—Deanna
I Like it!
And so do my eyes! Other mascaras make my eyes horribly red, but not this one. It goes on fairly smoothly with little clumping.
—Christi
made my lashes stick together
the worthest mascara that i ever used
—Oksana
The Almost Perfect Mascara!
This mascara gives beautiful lash definition and length, but I didn't give it a 5 because I wasn't happy with the volume. So I now use my favourite volume mascara, Cover Girl Lash Blast, and finish with Illicit Lash for length. If this mascara had more volume, it would be the perfect mascara!
—Gayle
Stays Dark Black & Glossy
I have short, thin, straight lashes. I decided to try Illicit Lash, and I'm fairly pleased. I need a couple of coats to get the to make my lashes noticeable, and more coats for them to look pretty. 1-2 coats creates only a lash tint. This mascara is very wet, and it takes so long to dry. The bristles on the brush make some of my widely spaced thin lashes stick together. The best part is it's very very black and it doesn't fade. After 10 minutes of application, not including drying time, my lashes look defined and neatly curled. When this dries it holds curl well. Not much lengthening or thickness, but my lashes are below average to begin with! This would be great on naturally long lashes. I'd like this formula with some fibers added.
—SBA
All Length, No Volume
But, it certainly did not smudge, flake, or clump. Excellent staying power. The hubby and I went for a late supper the first time I wore this and despite yawning all night (which makes my eyes water profusely) I had no smearing. It came off fairly easily with an extra pump of my Resist cleanser. I found it did create abundant length, but not much volume (I used 2 coats). If like me, you need a bit of both get the Great Big Lashes formula instead.
—Krista D.
Illicit Lash Maximum impact Mascara
I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this mascara,it is everything it claims to be,long lashes with just a few strokes, a beautiful deep black color, great brush! I will never buy another brand of mascara again!My only wish is for a water resistant one in the future, thanks Paula!
—Christine
Perfect for My Lashes!
This is my favorite mascara of all time. My lashes are acceptable length-wise, but I do not have that wonderful thick fringe of lashes like some women do. This mascara joins forces perfectly with its applicator to give my lashes a uniformity and definition I have never experienced before. I LOVE IT. I will be heartbroken if it is ever discontinued! Is there a volume discount? :)
—fistfulofcaviar
New Favorite!!!
I had been using Cover Girl Lash Blast for several years after seeing it recommended by Paula. I tried this and entered a whole new world of awesome lashes!! Long, dark, thick, perfectly fanned out. Takes a little getting used to application and would perhaps not be a good starter mascara, but is perfect for those like me who like their lashes big and bold!
—Elizabeth H.
Not for short sparse lashes
I wasn't blessed with beautiful lashes - my lashes are on the short side and not very thick and are stick straight and have never curled with just applying mascara. While the formula is true to Paula's word - doesn't clump or flake and gives great separation, I think this is only for those with naturally lush, long lashes that need definition. This separated my lashes so distinctly but didn't look good on me because I don't have full lashes. I agree with other reviews that this does not add any volume. Great for a natural look to darken short lashes, but not the look I am trying to achieve.
—Mel B
Illicit Lash Mascara
Will not continue to use this mascara. Goes on very clumpy. Too much trouble to return, so will throw it in the trash. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that you are unsatisfied. Please contact our Customer Service Team for further assistance.
—Lynn
Not For Me
I love all your products Paula but I found this mascara very clumpy and it went on very thick. The brush wasn't able to define the lashes like specified. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to learn this product wasn't a fit for you. Please contact our offices at 1-800-831-4088 for processing an exchange or refund.
—JenTav
Seriously wonderful
This mascara is the real deal--no flaking or wear over the whole day. Really great looking lashes. Thanks, Paula!
—Victoria
Must have!
This is the best mascara I've ever used, and it's now a staple of my makeup routine. I have never had such long lashes, and I enjoy the lasting effects - until I remove it at night!
—Peggy
Nothing special
The wand enables exact application (also to lower lashes) but the mascara itself is so thin that there is no day without smearing and lashes sticking together. Also the effect is nothing special, it colours lashes but does not give any remarkable volume or curl. I have seen much better products - this one is a disapppointment.
—Katja
whoa!
This mascara is for real. I have very deep-set eyes, so mascara rarely makes a difference on me. This stuff, however, makes loooong lashes. Maximum impact, indeed! I am very impressed.
—Francie
Love this mascara!
This seems to go on wet, but it dries fast and a couple of coats gives me length and thickness and no clumping. Also, no flaking, which is great for us contact wearers! Great new product, Paula!
—Kim
Maximum Impact Mascara
I love the mascara & the applicator BUT I swim laps 4 times a week & it rains here alot & I have found the mascara comes off. Really disappointing & I wish you had a water proof version.
—Charlotte
disappointed
I have used Paula's products for many years. I love some of them and will continue to use them as long as they are available. But Illicit Lash Mascara is the worst mascara ever! I hate the brush! It applies the extremely thick mascara in big clumps that just stick the lashes together. No length - no thickening - just a sticky mess that won't spread out even with a clean mascara brush! I honestly do not understand how reviewers can rated this mascara highly! Unfortunately I will have to return this product. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that you are unsatisfied with this product. Please feel free to contact Customer Service if you need furhter assistance with your return.
—Karen
Great Mascara
I purchased this mascara about 1 month ago and just love it. It goes on well, you don't need to apply to much to get the results you are looking for. It doesn't smudge or flake.
I will buy this one again.
—theogala
amazing!
I don't know how she does it! This mascara goes on smooth and clean, and actually does make my lashes look like they've been curled!
—Clare
The best mascara ever!!
This is by far the best mascara I have ever had! It adds an insane amount of length! It does not smudge or flake. No clumps. I love the intense color also. My search for a great mascara is over. Thank you Paula!
—Isela
Best Mascara Ever!
I'm a long-time fan and have used most of your products with great results, but your other mascaras have not worked for me. This one is amazing! Long, thick,intense well-defined lashes and no under-eye smudges-even at the Chiropractor's after laying on my face. Thanks! I will be stocking up!
—Michal
simply great
i have 2 say i wasn't expecting much from this mascara, cause i've tried so many.i thought well i'll give it a try. it's really good, and 4 the money it's great.i've easily spent a fortune on mascara.it does clump a bit but maybe i have 2 learn how 2 apply it alittle better.over all it's thick and doesn't take very much application.u can't beat the price.
—beverly
THE BEST Mascara EVER!!!!
Love it! Just love it! Gets every single lash and makes them look fuller and longer! So impressed!!!
—Kiran
very good
over the holidays i've purchased more of paula's choice. everything i've tried has been great so far. the mascara was the biggest surprise. it's good 2 watch her video 2 pick up the pointers on application. my right eye seems 2 do better with application, which is thought was the fault of the mascara. i watch the video and it helps.love this product.
—beverly
Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara
The product is nicely fluid and defines lashes well. The wand however is very awkward to use and spreads the mascara unevenly. I'd prefer a regular wand.
—Zhenya
Lasts, Length, no smudges
I really love this mascara. The length is awesome and the application is fast and flawless. No spikey lashes. I will be buying again and again!
—Annie
Subtle Lashes
I love all my skin care products from Paula but I don't love this mascara. I bought this based on others' reviews so I feel the need to supplement here. While it is true that I had no flaking or smudging, I did not get any fullness with this product. If you like a more subtle or natural look, you will probably be happy with this.
—Bree
Katieqr
My first review of a Paula's Choice product and I must say I am wowed by this mascara! This is a Holy Grail product for me from now on. I have to use waterproof mascara due to my allergies and watering eyes, and this is the first waterproof mascara that can truly stand up to my chronic watering eyes and look great all day...thanks Paula... Please don't ever stop making this!
—LouAnne
Please make a brown version.
Not all us can pull off black very easily! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We will share this with Paula and her Product Development Team.
—Desiree
Good mascara.
I like this mascara. It lasts all day and makes your lashes look amazing. My only problem with it is that the lashes on my left eye are slightly thinner and shorter than the other eye and this mascara really highlighted that. I had to use a different mascara on my left eye to build up the lashes so they looked equally as long and thick as my right eye.
—Stacy
Illicit Lash Mascara
This mascara is the best ever! No flaking and no smudging--none! I've tried lots of mascaras and even the water-proof ones would smudge. I am very impressed with all your products that I've tried and I'm most impressed with your new magic mascara!
—Peg
What makes this product unique?
Get ready for sexy, flutter-worthy lashes! Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara instantly defines, separates, and lengthens your lashes. Its specially designed rubber brush easily reaches every lash for perfect coverage, while dramatically emphasizing the base of your lashes. The lightweight formula contains plant-based conditioning agents that keep lashes soft with a subtle, fringed curl.
This mascara is 100% fragrance-free, and won't smudge, flake, or clump.
Who is this product for?
Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara is for anyone looking for long-wearing mascara that beautifully defines and dramatically lengthens lashes to create a natural, soft curl.
How should this product be used?
Stroke successive coats of mascara on the upper and, if desired, lower lashes. For the most dramatic lash look, place the wand as close to the base (roots) of the upper lashes as possible. Hold the wand there, and carefully wiggle it back and forth to deposit extra mascara prior to brushing the wand through your lashes. For maximum impact, proceed with at least two full coats. Don't let the mascara dry between coats!
If you opt to use an eyelash curler, use it BEFORE applying mascara. Squeeze the curler gently with even pressure, hold for a few seconds and then release slowly as you move from the base of the lashes to the tip.
What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?
Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun
Proven effectiveness based on hundreds of published scientific studies
Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more
Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals
Mascara is typically the last step in makeup application because you do not want any of your powder-based products to cling to wet lashes.
If you opt to use an eyelash curler, use it BEFORE applying mascara (or you will absolutely end up with broken, strangely bent lashes). Squeeze gently with even pressure, hold for a few seconds and release slowly as you move from the base of the lashes to the tip.
Stroke successive coats of mascara on the upper and (if desired) lower lashes. Over-applying mascara to the lower lashes can result in a spidery look and will lead to flaking later in the day.
For the most dramatic lash look, make sure you place the wand as close to the base (roots) of the upper lashes as possible. Hold the wand there, and carefully wiggle it back and forth to deposit extra mascara at the base prior to brushing the wand through the lashes. Proceed with at least 3 full coats for maximum results. Don't let the mascara dry between coats!
How is Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara different from Great Big Lashes Mascara?
Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara is designed to lengthen lashes while adding dramatic color, an uplifted curl, and fine separation. It goes on a bit wetter and does not supply as much thickness as Great Big Lashes. Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara is best for those who want a lengthening mascara that perfectly defines every last lash.
Is Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara waterproof?
No; however, like most regular mascaras, Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara is water-resistant. That means a minor splash or getting caught in a light rain won't cause the mascara to break down. Getting drenched or going swimming will have that effect, so for those occasions, waterproof mascara is preferred. Paula recommends several waterproof mascaras in her books and on Beautypedia.com.
