e.l.f. Studio Mascara Primer and Mineral Infused Mascara

I debated on whether or not to do additional experimentation with this combo before blogging about it, but since I promised I'd have it up this week, I'm going to go ahead and give you my initial impressions of e.l.f.'s Studio Mascara Primer and Mineral Infused Mascara (which is also in the "Studio" line, and not in the "Mineral" line, as the name may imply).

I'll start with the Mascara Primer. According to the e.l.f. website, "Lengthen and volumize eyelashes instantly with this Mascara Primer. Revitalize lashes with Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat and Soy Protein-enriched formula. An excellent conditioning base for mascara. Coat each lash with this nourishing primer for lashes that appear naturally thicker, longer and stronger!" Mascara primer ingredients are listed on the e.l.f. website as well. They are: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cera Carnauba (Carnauba) Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PVP, Triethanolomine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Pantheno (Vb5), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.

The packaging is...interesting. The wand handle is really long in comparison to the part that actually contains the primer. It is the opposite of most mascaras, including the Mineral Infused Mascara (as you can see in the picture). I don't think it's that important, but I find worth mentioning that you seem to get a lot less product in the primer than you do in mascara itself.

The applicator portion of the wand is your typical spoolie-type applicator. It's not terribly dense. I would have preferred a silicone-type brush. The widely-spaced spoolie seemed to separate my lashes into little groups. Without an eyelash comb, I'd have about 10 big eyelashes instead of a several dozen thinner ones, if that makes sense.

Personally, I have relatively long lashes anyway, but mine are completely straight. No matter how long they are, with or without mascara, you cannot see them on my face unless they are curled. I did curl my lashes prior to applying the primer...and they fell completely flat as soon as the primer was applied, which was disappointing. It added length, especially when combined with the mascara, but didn't really add much volume.

I know this seems like a negative review, but I don't completely dislike this product. I think it is just going to take some getting used to, and perhaps, a change in the way I'm applying it. I like the ingredients list, and I want to give it a chance to perhaps work a little long-term magic, like the "lash-conditioning" claims describe. I am definitely not counting the Mascara Primer out and will keep you all updated on my opinion of this product after a few weeks of use.

On to the Mineral Infused Mascara. The e.l.f. website claims, "Mineral Infused Mascara creates fuller, healthier looking lashes. It enhances lashes for a naturally thicker and more volumized look. The long-wear formula and unique silicone brush creates clump free and defined lashes that last all day." The ingredients listed are: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cera Carnauba (Carnauba) Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PVP, Triethanolamine , Triacontanyl PVP, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491 , CI 77492 , CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

The packaging is nothing unique, in my opinion, but I like it. The silicone brush is good; the little silicone "fingers" are a bit shorter than my Cover Girl Lash Exact, but they do the job. It really defines each lash. The formula is slightly wetter than I prefer, but overall, it is a nice mascara. I tried it over the previously mentioned primer and also by itself. It doesn't really hold curl as much as I'd like, either, but it leaves my lashes very soft and natural looking. It adds length, but no real volume that I can see. The staying power is good, and while it isn't a waterproof mascara, I didn't have "raccoon eyes" by the end of the day. It was also very easy to remove with just facial cleanser and water. (CG Lash Exact Waterproof...not so much...but that's another blog entirely...)



Here is a picture of the combination of the primer and mascara on my eye. I have makeup on, but NO eyeliner, so you can clearly see the full effect of the combo.

I need to use them for a few more weeks to know for sure, but at this point, I'd say I would probably repurchase the primer, but perhaps not the mascara. Neither one really impressed me initially, but I would continue to use the primer, just to take advantage of its vitamin- and protein-enriched ingredients.

As far as appearance, even with the combination of the two products, I didn't get the "wow" factor for which I was looking. I'm planning on using this as a daytime combo for now. However, if you like lengthened, yet natural-looking, lashes you may really like it.