Wearing two coats of the new MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash ($16) mascara, available now at MAC counters, stores and online
Currently holding one of the top spots on my List of Silly Fears, right under 1) the inevitable zombie apocalypse, and 2) dressing like a cougar in a too-tight teenage girl’s dress?
Tarantula lashes.
You know what I’m talking about. The tipping point after which long, lush lashes venture into predatory hairy spider legs territory.
To be honest, mascara and I have totally gone there many times (accidentally, of course). Sometimes it happens when I get a little too enthusiastic with the layering…
If you’re as bothered by the idea as I am, let the new MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash mascara ($16 and available in a single shade called Intense Black) allay your fears.
Gigablack is the latest incarnation of MAC Extended Play (the “Blanche Deveraux” mascara from last spring), and the latest addition to MAC’s permanent mascara line.
It’s similar to the original Extended Play in how well it separates and lengthens lashes while ensuring that they still look natural — but not too natural, if you know what I mean.
No hairy spider leg-like lashes here. 
Wearing two or three coats, my lashes look long, smooth and dark, yet still feel soft and light, and they remain that way for 15-16 hours (!) without flaking or smudging.
So, what’s the big diff between this new version and its predecessors? Two words: carbon pigments. MAC added ‘em to the formula to make the black color more intense.
But that’s not the only thing…
No mascara on the left and with two coats of Gigablack on the right
Gigablack just seems to perform better than the old Extended Play in almost every way. With it, I think my lashes look longer and more dense, like I have more of them, perhaps on account of how good Gigablack is at grabbing, catching and lengthening even the tiniest, stubbiest hairs to create an overall fuller lash look.
Heck, I think it even holds a curl longer and better.
The only thing keeping it from earning two thumbs up and three snaps in a Z formation? — the drama, which it brings, but maybe not up to drag queen standards.
That said, if you and your lashes long for flirty length and fabulous separation, Gigablack has your back.
PRICE: $16 for a 0.20-ounce tube
AVAILABILITY: Available now in the MAC permanent line at MAC counters, stores and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-
Just when you thought it was safe to go outside…
Man, and here I thought I’d be safe from allergy attacks for at least another two weeks…
Achhooo!
Yup, guess who went for a quick walk this afternoon and had her first bad allergy attack of the season (I’ll give you a hint: it was me).
Other than that, though, no complaints from me. Any day you get to feel the sunshine on your shoulders while you walk your cat is a great day.
How’s it going out there? What did you do today? School, work, play?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
RiRi Hearts MAC Fall: Extended Play Lash in Gigablack 
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Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara Is Not for the Birds, but for Others Who Like a Feathered Fringe 
MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara: One for the Girls With Natural Lash Curls 
Nice lashes, but definitely not drama drama.
I woke up with a nasty cold, ugh! I also need to finish my graduate research fair project, but I think it’s bedtime…
Oh no! I hope you’re feeling better today. Have Quincy and Jiji baby you…
Your lashes are beautiful! Not super drama though. Very natural looking:) Carbon pigment is actually illegal in the US. So when cosmetic companies say they have carbon black in a product, they really don’t. It is just a selling gimmick. Still, I love the mascara. It looks wonderful on you!
Hi Christina,
Nope, not super drama!
Thanks for the info on the carbon pigment.
Man, wish the formula was a bit thicker. I have those forever nonexistent asian lashes and need all the help I can get!
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Hi Minsooky,
If you’re all about the thickness then you have to try Chanel’s Le Volume de Chanel. It’s great for that type of lash look!
Hmmm, it does look nice! Just not BAZINGA! which I like with my mascara lately!
I’m in love with Almay Get Up & Grow right now-stuff is AWESOME.
BOO to allergies. Luckily, we still have TONS of snow around so I don’t have to worry about that for quite awhile!
Tracy@Beauty Reflections recently posted … Is The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla The One Concealer To Rule Them All?
I’ll send some sunshine your way then, Tracy. It’s supposed to hit the upper ’70s here today!
It looks natural and pretty, but to be honest, I think I can easily find a drustore mascara that does the same job for half the price…
Lulle recently posted … I won’t dance for Nyx Life is a Cha Cha eyeshadow trio!
Hi Lulle,
You might like Covergirl’s Clump Crusher mascara, then.
It looks great on you. The lengthening effect is amazing. However, I tend to stick to drugstore brands when it comes to mascaras.
Hi Angela,
What are your drugstore makeup faves?
Ouch, so sorry to hear about the allergy attack! I’ve been having it a bit worse than usual. I’m not allergic to trees and grass, but the shedding felines have become the enemy from within
Your lashes ALWAYS look really good! I’d still prefer something that holds curl better though. Otherwise you can’t really see my lashes!
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Hi Sunny,
Darn those crazy cats!
As for the mascara, this actually does a great job of holding the curl.
That mascara looks great on you, and I LOVE your lipstick too!
Hi Emi,
Thank you! It’s one of the new pink shades from the NARS Satin Lip Pencil collection, Jardin Des Plantes.
Extended Play is my HG so obviously I need to try the Gigablack! Love it!
Hi Becca,
You’ll LOVE it, especially if you like the look of long lashes.
This doesn’t have quite enough drama for me. Lately I’m loving my sample of YSL Shocking but not sure if I want to shell out $30 for a full-size tube.
Hi Liz,
If you like drama, check out Chanel Le Volume de Chanel. It’s excellent for big lash looks.
I’ll check it out!
It looks fantastic! I’m currently using Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume mascara – its good but not as extreme as the name sounds!
Sorry to hear about your allergies Karen.
Ankita@corallista recently posted … Hair Makeover at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon & Spa
Your lashes look long very long! But thicker? I’m not sure. What did you think?
Jennifer recently posted … Drugstore Faves from the Prestige Princess
hmmm, the brush looks pretty small…
Hi Karen,
Would you say this mascara has a dry or a wet formula?
Hi Domestic Goblin,
I’d say it’s halfway between. I really like this mascara a lot. I use it all the time on my bottom lashes! Are you thinking about trying it?