Review: Maybelline Volume Express Falsies FLARED Mascara!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
• Patented Spoon Curler Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping.
• Unique flexible wand lifts and separates lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, lashes.
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested.
• Washable, also available in waterproof formula.

To be completely honest, I have no idea what the difference between the "flared" version and regular version are. I looked on the Maybelline website and the product description for both were the same. If you do know, please let me know in the comments!

Some of you may already know, my favorite mascara for the past couple of years has been Covergirl Lash Blast (the regular orange tube - although the purple and red tubes are fine too) But as of lately, I've been a bit bored with the same mascara for such a long time. Recently I picked up a few Maybelline mascaras to test out, and I've been using The Falsies Flared daily for a couple of weeks now.

First things first, the packaging and wand. The packaging is pretty simple, but I think it's really pretty, especially with the wings design on the cap (I suppose they're supposed to represent long, curled lashes), but it is a much prettier tube to have in my clear cosmetic bag rather than the bulky orange tube of Lash Blast. I personally love the wand. It's not plastic, which is a nice change and is large, fluffy and slightly curved. It makes applying mascara very simple to the top and bottom lashes. **bear in mind that if you have very short or sparse lashes, this wand may give you a bit of trouble as it is pretty large.

The actual formula of the mascara is quite good too. It does seem to lengthen my lashes (nothing too dramatic though) and it's easy to build volume with continuous strokes of the brush. It is a little bit of a drier formula, so I find that it works best to apply a second coat right away, because if you wait to long, the first coat may be a little too dry, resulting in flaking or clumping. I think this mascara does a great job separating, and I rarely have to use a lash comb to separate any clumps.

Here are my lashes with two coats of mascara. Looks great!

Lastly, throughout the day, there are no smudges/transfer below my eyes - which is a total score for me because most mascaras I end up trying will transfer throughout the day. My only complaint about this mascara is that IT FLAKES! It's nothing horrifying, but I do have to check my mirror every few hours because there will for sure be a few little tiny flakes that have landed on my cheeks. Definitely not a mascara you want to take a nap in and then plan on going out afterward, because flake city will be sitting under your eyes. *sigh*

I can deal with the very mild flaking because I really do like the appearance of this mascara on my lashes, and I will re-purchase if I find it on a sale that's too good to pass up - but I will be exploring my other options. 

I purchased the regular version of The Falsies, and haven't tried it yet, but I will post a review for it as well (if the formula is any different? As of now, I don't know if it is).

Have you tried this mascara? What did you think of it?