The great Annie Lennox once said, “Sweet dreams are made of this.”
Coincidentally, that’s also how I hoped I’d feel about Fibre Rich Lash mascara ($13, available in one shade called All Black).
The product promises extreme volume and density, effortless extension and a smudge-resistant, creamy formula.
Just thinking about all of those things together makes my tummy rumble (like it does for Nutella and Ryan Reynolds)…
Ever since a wave of high-fibre mascaras struck a few years ago, they’ve been all the rage. Tiny fibers embedded in their formulas cling to the ends of lashes making them appear longer and fuller. Several lines sell ’em today, with one of the more popular ones (and most fun to say!) being Imju Fiberwig ($24).
MAC Fibre Rich lives on counters as part of the MAC permanent line. Its black tube looks sleek and minimalist, concealing a compact brush head with a combination of long and short bristles designed to magnify and separate lashes.
So how does it work?
Well, it makes a wonderful first third impression…
The creamy formula feels lighter than air (no crispy, heavy lashes here), the black applies nice and dark, but here’s the thing — you know the saying, “Patience is a virtue”?
Fibre Lash takes it to heart.
Even though there’s no mistaking the length it lends to lashes, with a staggered, wispy look that reminds me of MAC’s falsies in Number 2, it takes at least three layers to get there.
With three layers of Fibre Rich Lash
Nekkid lashes
Luckily, it’s easily to build in layers because it doesn’t dry so fast that I feel like I have to hurry between coats. The smooth, non-clumping or bumpy formula leaves a lot of leeway to lay down several layers at leisure.
Its strength is length, and in that regard I think it’s a strong contender, but Rimmel Glam Eyes Lash Flirt may have it beat.
Where Glam Eyes virtually launches lashes into orbit, Fibre Rich only sends them up to 35,000 feet.
As far as volume, I’d characterize Fibre Lash as being above average — maybe not as extraordinarily volumizing as YSL Faux Cils — but it’s certainly no slouch.
Toward the end of the day, it starts to smudge a tad, but that’s probably offset by the fact that it’s quite easy to remove. A cleanser and water — no separate eye makeup remover required — easily does the deed.
Mo’ MAC Mascara…
Fibre Rich shoots and scores in terms of price, texture (so light and soft) and length, but even among other MAC mascaras (Pro Longlash and Opulash), it may not be the best of the best. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
You might like MAC Fibre Rich Lash Mascara if…
- You like easy-to-remove mascaras
- Ultimately, you’re looking for more lash length than volume
- You don’t like crispy lashes
- You don’t mind having to apply several layers
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Julia says
May 25th, 2010 at 7:03 pmThis is the best mascara ever, I always go back to it no matter what. It works best if you let it dry between coats and then build it that way. 🙂
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:57 amThanks for the tip, Julia. I’ll try that!
Amber says
May 25th, 2010 at 7:31 pmHaha, I love your metaphor about Fibre Rich and Glam Eyes!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Spring beastie babies =-.
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:56 am🙂
rachel says
May 25th, 2010 at 7:35 pmthat is impressive, but it looks so scary on the brush!
.-= rachel’s last blog post… Project 10 Pan – PRODUCT THE FIRST =-.
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:56 amDoesn’t it though?! The fibers kinda freak me out.
Eryn* says
May 25th, 2010 at 8:23 pmi hope this isn’t like the zoom fast black mascara.. its crumbles terribly throughout the day! i love the way it makes my lashes stand out but the crumbles irritate my eyes.
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:56 amI didn’t have any issues with crumbling with this one. There’s a little bit of smudging, but not too much.
Lindsay says
May 25th, 2010 at 8:32 pmGreat review Karen! Still gotta try that Rimmel mascara you like
.-= Lindsay’s last blog post… Wet N Wild Lust FOTD =-.
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:55 amI hope you give it a go! For a cheapie mascara it’s really good.
Ewa Linsey says
May 26th, 2010 at 12:22 amI agree with Rachel: it does look scary on the brush! When it comes to mascara “I still haven’t found what i am looking for”. Karen, I will try the Rimmel one you recommeded. Has anyone tried False Lash by Factor?
Rachael says
May 26th, 2010 at 1:11 amI love the bit about nutella and Ryan Reynolds. I’m eagerly anticipating the Green Lantern movie just for him. I liked the very short bit we saw of him as Deadpool in Origins. I’m excited for an entire movie that I can stare at his muscles 🙂
.-= Rachael’s last blog post… License to Thrill: I Wanna be a Bond Girl =-.
Ewa Linsey says
May 26th, 2010 at 2:31 amRyan Reynolds does have lovely muscles. Agree on that completely. Ewa@LoveSmokeyEyes.com
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:55 amYup, I don’t mind when he’s shirtless, heh!
Lisa says
May 26th, 2010 at 4:45 amone of the worst mascaras I’ve ever owned. I’m currently loving Clinque High Impact Mascara. now THAT is a great one!
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:55 amI remember trying that a while back and liking it, too.
Kim says
May 26th, 2010 at 5:35 amI used the Clinique High Impact for years but changed to Lacome Hypnose and haven’t looked back. My only issue is that my lashes are already pretty long so I would really like to find something that gives max thickness. Karen, you’ve mentioned YSL Faux Cils before – do you think it’s the best volumizer you’ve tried (and did it dry out quickly like others found)?
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:53 amHi Kim,
Right now I’m about a month in with Faux Cils and haven’t had any trubs (I’m extra diligent about screwing the cap on tight because I’m paranoid about dry out). I figure if I do have any issues with thickening, I can just blast the tube with a hairdryer for a few seconds to warm up the formula and loosen it up a bit.
It’s a really good volumizer, but I don’t know if it’s the best because it’s so expensive! I’m on the hunt to find something cheaper and will let you know when I do. 🙂
Kim says
May 27th, 2010 at 6:07 amThanks Karen – that’s a great tip about the hair dryer. I’ll keep an eye out for more of your volumizing reviews!
Nina says
May 26th, 2010 at 6:47 amHm. I do like all the bullet points you listed above. That might be a good alternative to buying a tube of the Dior mascara I like. For the life of me, I cant make myself spend that much on a tube of mascara that I will discard after three or so months.
The Rimmel is working really well for me but there are times when I want an extra oomph to my long-ish but thin lashes, like when I didnt sleep too well the night befor and blue eyeliner doesnt help open up my eyes!
Karen says
May 26th, 2010 at 9:51 amI totally hear you. I really hope MAC keeps these at their price point! It’s one of the major reasons why I like them.
Nina says
May 26th, 2010 at 12:09 pmI always worry that MAC will get horribly expensive like some other brands — at least for the products I like and buy / rebuy. I hope it doesnt happen! Scary thought!
Ewa Linsey says
May 26th, 2010 at 1:38 pmKaren, I was having a look around your blog and read the Rimmel mascara haiku. It’s brilliant! Such a joy to read! And very informative too. Had a very happy laugh. Waiting for more haiku from you. Ewa@LoveSmokeyEyes
Amanda says
May 26th, 2010 at 11:53 pmI have been using this mascara for almost 6 years !!! I’ve tried sooo many others and nothing quite compares. Also it seems to age nicely… after a couple uses I find it has a stronger look! Might just be me tho!