IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara Review!

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara ($29/two tubes) is a QVC exclusive mascara that is promised to provide some seriously dramatic lashes with added volume, length and separation. It even mentions on the box that it's clinically proven (but we all know clinical trials aren't always a trusted source) to increase lash volume by 430%! Yes girl, 430 percent.

Developed with leading plastic surgeons, Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Treatment Mascara revolutionizes and takes the place of five products--volumizing mascara; conditioning, hydrating lash primer; lash-enhancing serum; lash tint; and a lash comb/curler! Hello Lashes offers the blackest of black color that lasts and doesn't flake or fade. The triple-brush lengthens, curls, and separates lashes while the innovative Magic Wand lash ball detailer tip is designed to reach every last inner and outer corner lash. 

Combines a blend of lash-enhancing and conditioning ingredients, including peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5.

•Paraben-free •Fragrance-free •Phthalate-free •Sulfate-free •Cruelty-free

Wearing 'It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara' on my lashes

The Brush Design

The stand-out factor of the mascara is the unique wand applicator. It has a plastic/rubber brush with long, spread apart bristles for separation. At the tip of the wand is a little ball with additional bristles, used for defining the lashes, and getting to every corner.

Effectiveness
The brush design is somewhat effective, as I'm able to reach the tiny lashes that often get missed with other mascaras. With any new brush design it takes a little bit of time to get use to the application, and applying this mascara was a bit awkward for me at first, but it became much easier. The reason I say it's "somewhat" effective, is that the ball catches a lot of mascara, so it can cause clumps and it also causes me to get mascara on my lower lashline (as seen in the above photo). To avoid any mess, wipe off any excess product on the opening of the tube, or on a tissue.

*** I've read several reviews where the reviewer mentioned the actual tip of the wand falling/breaking off, so be careful when handling the wand!

For the Best Results: 
Wait for the mascara to semi-dry between coats. If you continuously apply the mascara without waiting between coats, I've found that it doesn't coat my lashes evenly, applying too much mascara at the base of my lashes, and not enough at the tips. What works best for me is applying a very thin first layer, waiting around a minute or so, and then continue applying the mascara until I reach my desired look.

I have found that using a lash primer yields much better results than applying directly on bare lashes. My favorite primer is Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base.

Final Results: 
The mascara adds slight length to my lashes, and builds volume exceptionally well. I find that I usually need a lash comb because if too much is applied, it can get a little clumpy. It's important to comb through them soon after application because once the mascara dries, it makes the lashes firm - making them difficult to comb through and add additional mascara.

The color is a very rich black, so my lashes are a bit more noticeable.

It hold up well throughout the day, while still maintaining a curl. I'm prone to eye smudging with whichever mascara I use, and I get very minor under-eye smudging under my eyes after a few hours. Some mascaras give me worse smudging than others, and this mascara is one of the much better ones.

Overall, I really like this mascara. I really like the way it makes my lashes look, and the fact that the smudges are only very minor. I will continue using this, but time will tell if I end up purchasing it again. I'll update this review if any of my opinions change.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Slightly lengthens my lashes
• Builds volume easily - you can get some serious volume with several coats!
• Holds a curl well throughout the day
• Makes my lashes look more noticeable because of the dark pigment
• Easy to remove
• Vegan
• Fragrance-free

Cons:

• Application is a bit awkward with the ball tip, and it can make application a little messy - especially if you have short or fine lashes.
• Can sometimes be a little clumpy - a lash comb is good to have on hand.
• Minor smudging under eyes - but this factor will differ from person to person. Like I said, I'm prone to it. 
• When purchasing on QVC, it's only available in a two-pack. So, if you don't like it, you're stuck with two tubes. 

Price: $29 (Two tubes), QVC.