Tricky New Tool: Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Effet Extension Mascara

August 21, 2009 by Storey
Filed under Product Reviews

Givenchy’s Phenomen’Eyes Mascara has been so popular that Sephora’s often sell out of it. Based on it’s popularity alone, I’ve been curious to try it out. Add in the strange spiky ball tip applicator, that looks like mini-medival weapon, and I was downright intrigued. Givenchy added a new version of this new cult classic to Sephoras exclusive offereings with the Phenomen’Eyes Effet Extension Mascara. Luckily, I’ve gotten to try it before it sells out.

Let’s start with the formula. The mascara itself is pretty glossy looking. The Effet Extension formula has an elasticity that draws the formula beyond the tip of your lashes, giving them a bit of added length. Once applied it takes a second to dry, but doesn’t dry so fast that you can’t move it around first. I didn’t have any problems with smears or smudges, but the formula did some how wear off by the end of the day. On my lashes it felt fexible – not stiff or dry. It washed off super easily with soap and water – saving me the much dreaded step of using makeup remover.

Now for the brush. This spiky ball takes some getting used to. They even include instructions with the mascara (you can also watch a tutorial on Sephora). You hold it in an upright fashion and the push it from the base of your lashes to the tips – a scary prospect for your eyeballs. As nervous as I was, I didn’t come close to poking my eye out. The small shape of the applicator did help me get the lashes in the inner corners of my eyes without adding unwanted extra to the center, which was nice. The directions say you can also sweep the brush along your eyelashes in an arc-like motion, but I found this to cause huge clumps. After using this mascara for a week, I still have trouble with clumping. Brushing upward also takes a longer time to apply. This isn’t one sweep mascara – you have to devote a little time to it. I’m starting to get the hang of it – even of separating the clumps.

Once applied, my lashes do look a smidge longer – a plus for you ladies with stubbier lashes. My lashes were well individually coated, but lacked volume. They also didn’t get any curl. In fact the additional length made it look like they were sticking straight out. Curling beforehand is necessary for me.

One cool thing about this formula is that it is offered in blue, khaki and plum beyond the usual black. The khaki and plum are an unusual new offering. Khaki is an olive green meant to help enhance green or brown eyes and the plum deepens the color of green or blue eyes. Blue is more typical these days, but most brands offer a navy blue and this is a brighter blue. It looks really natural on – you can’t really even tell close up. Blue is suited for all eye colors and is supposed to help your whites look whiter. I’m not sure I really noticed a difference in my white or irises, but I do like wearing blue as a softer alternative to black.

Have you been lucky enough to snag one of these coveted mascaras? What do you think of it?

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