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Should You Take the Plunge with Urban Decay’s New Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara?

May 17th, 2011 by Karen 51 Comments

urban decay cannonball review

I wish I could say I field tested the new Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara ($20) by leaping from the rock at Waimea Bay on Oahu, but the methodology I used was a little less glamorous than that.

To put the new lengthening, waterproof mascara to the test, I pit it against two super soaking challenges. First, I charged headlong into a downpour to run some errands without an umbrella-ella-ella. Then, I pushed a heavy vacuum around my house for more than an hour. 🙂

If waterproof mascaras that leave your lashes feeling heavy and cakey make you want to weep bitter tears, you can throw them in the trash. We have a solution: Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara! Rigorously field-tested in the ocean as well as sweat-drenched gym conditions, this exclusive Japanese formula refuses to budge. A special microcrystalline wax works with the dense, fuzzy brush to increase seductive length and volume, all while never flaking off and compromising your lashes’ natural feathery texture. Mermaids can now sing their siren songs with abandon, and high maintenance types can cry all they want.

—UrbanDecay.com

As soon as I applied two layers first thing last Saturday morning, I noticed a very cool doe-eyed effect. Not only does Cannonball dramatically lengthen and separate lashes, it also cures the curl from my Shu Uemura lash curler, locking it into place. It made my peepers look crazy big, like an anime puppy’s eyes when it begs for bacon.

With it on, I proceeded to vigorously vacuum the house, and by the time I finished, I was covered in a glistening, sweaty sheen. As soon as I finished that, I left to run some errands around town (it was raining cats and dogs!), first to Trader Joe’s, then the UPS store and finally to Target, before returning home to crank out three miles on the treadmill.

Covered. In. Sweat. I know that with what I put it through, I was expecting a lot, but no one wants to make excuses for a $20 mascara. Straight up — I was expecting a lot.

urban decay cannonball review tube

urban decay cannonball review brush

urban decay cannonball review before after
Before (top) and after two coats (bottom)

urban decay cannonball review before after k
Before (left) and after two coats (right)

Even after everything it went through, Cannonball held up well. No flakes, and my lashes still felt soft and feather-light. It delivers dramatic separation and length, and it really knows how to hold a curl…but (there’s always a but) it also appears to smudge.

Not the worst smudging I’ve ever seen, but still. For $20, it probably shouldn’t smudge at all.

NOTE: If you prefer volumizing mascaras, Cannonball doesn’t really thicken much at all.

PRICE: $20
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+

Game of Thrones: An obsession in the making

So, I’m three episodes into Game of Thrones, and I’ve already yelled, “OH, SNAP! Did that just happen!?” at least six times. 🙂

The show has it all — intrigue, betrayal, power struggles, monsters, mischievous imps with questionable motives. So far, it’s everything I could have asked for from a fantasy show.

I even watched 15 minutes of the fourth episode this morning while I had my coffee and toast… I’m already salivating about what might happen next!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Should You Take the Plunge with Urban Decay’s New Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara? / Originally published May 17th, 2011

There are 51 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: urban decay

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Comments

  1. Beatrice says

    May 17th, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    This will not be on my list because what’s the point of a smudging waterproof mascara? But I do have to say, your lashes look fab in the pics!
    Beatrice recently posted … Fairytale Inspired Tutorial- The Princess And The Pea

    Reply
  2. Ariana says

    May 17th, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Thanks girl for the review, been debating whether or not to buy it, because of the price really but if smudges a little not the end of the world but you’re for $20 that thing shouldn’t budge at all

    Reply
  3. SB_Sweetie says

    May 17th, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    What nail polish are you wearing in the photos?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 17th, 2011 at 7:19 pm

      That’s Urban Decay Superfreak from the Rollergirl Nail Kit. Here are swatches/pics:

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/nails/the-urban-decay-rollergirl-nail-kit-makes-the-claws-come-out/

      Reply
  4. Jessi says

    May 17th, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    I love mascara, but I love Game of Thrones more! I’m so obsessed now. I’m reading the books too and they are almost EXACTLY the same.
    Jessi recently posted … High Voltage Cosmetics Review and Swatches

    Reply
    • Vijaya says

      May 17th, 2011 at 6:09 pm

      I have to try reading those myself!
      Vijaya recently posted … Why I Wont Be Buying Nyx Anymore

      Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:04 am

      I have them on my to read list now.

      Reply
  5. Ada says

    May 17th, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Aw 🙁 I loved the name of this mascara but it sucks to hear that it smudges. I have oily lids so makeup slides off them like greasy glaciers, so this will probably be all over my forehead by mid-afternoon!
    Ada recently posted … Hanna review

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:04 am

      I know!

      Reply
    • michelle says

      June 13th, 2011 at 7:59 pm

      lol. dittoes.

      Reply
  6. KAREN says

    May 17th, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    My gosh Karen! your lashes are LONG!!! but I really don’t like wwaterproof mascara… does UD have it in regular??

    take care!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:03 am

      They do, but not in this particular version. Try their Skyscraper or Curling mascaras. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Tracy says

    May 17th, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    OMG we must be TV soulmates!! 🙂 I LOVE Game of Thrones!!!! LOVE!!

    DId you also watch Pillars Of The Earth?
    Tracy recently posted … DR JART Water Fuse Beauty Balm

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 am

      We must be! If we were neighbors I’d totally invite you over to watch, haha!

      I haven’t heard of Pillars of the Earth. What channel is it on?

      Reply
  8. dani@callitbeauty says

    May 17th, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    ooh, it lengthens beautifully! but i’m more interested in volume so this isn’t for me.

    i watched the first ep of game of thrones and was so intrigued! i keep missing it on tv, though :(.
    dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Liz Earle Cleanse &amp Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser- One-Step Cleansing At Its Finest!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 am

      It’s on Sundays. Mark your calendar!

      Reply
  9. Nina says

    May 17th, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    ohh seems promising!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 am

      Yeah! It might come in handy when things heat up in Texas!

      Reply
      • Nina says

        May 18th, 2011 at 9:31 am

        you mean like today? 😀

        Reply
  10. caelyn palmer says

    May 17th, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    you MUST divulge the name of that nail polish 🙂 do dish!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 17th, 2011 at 7:19 pm

      Hi Caelyn,

      It’s UD Superfreak!

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/nails/the-urban-decay-rollergirl-nail-kit-makes-the-claws-come-out/

      Reply
  11. Nina says

    May 17th, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Guh, why on earth does UD not come to where I live? I was just thinking to myself yesterday that I need a waterproof mascara that doesn’t make my lashes stiff, I hate that feeling! As for smudging it’s not a problem for me really since I have veeery very oily lids, everything smudges on me. Any suggestions for smt like that from other brands? Especially smt that will keep my lashes soft =/

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:01 am

      You might want to try Stila Lash Visor:

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/stila-lash-visor-waterproof-mascara-stands-up-to-stair-steppers-and-sweat/

      Or Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold:

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/does-estee-lauders-sumptuous-waterproof-bold-volume-lifting-mascara-pass-the-treadmill-test/

      Reply
  12. Bun Bun Makeup Tips says

    May 17th, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Smudgeproof mascara is important!! Especially in all-year-round hot weather countries like Singapore! US$20 is a little pricey for something that smudges.
    Bun Bun Makeup Tips recently posted … Difference Between Smudgeproof And Waterproof Mascara

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 am

      It is a little pricey.

      Reply
  13. productdoctor says

    May 17th, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Your lashes look so long!
    productdoctor recently posted … Giorgio Armani Gloss dArmani

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 am

      This is great for lengthening.

      Reply
  14. steph b says

    May 17th, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    And now stuck in my head is the fab blast from the past…

    I gave you a license to drive me up the wall
    I just can’t shake this spell that your love keeps me under
    The way you weave your magic, your brown eyes say it all
    I look at you and feel the thunder

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 am

      SO OF COURSE I had to look that song up on youtube and hear it again for the first time in like, 100 years:

      http://youtu.be/tFwZ4a5fZYE

      Reply
      • steph b says

        May 19th, 2011 at 5:20 pm

        They were the first concert I ever went to. Middle school, Radio City Music Hall. Fan-freakin-tastic!

        Reply
  15. Aida says

    May 17th, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    I just wanted to let you know that I’m loving your blog. Your pics are great as well as your writing! Thanks for posting!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 8:59 am

      Hi Aida,

      Glad you like the site. What do you think of the mascara? Will you be trying it soon?

      Reply
  16. BettyS says

    May 18th, 2011 at 5:06 am

    Well, that’s a shame. I was really hoping it would perform better. Looks like I’ll stick with my Makeup Forever Aqua Smokey Lash for now, though it is a bit stiff. I’m trying a sample of Tarte’s Lights, Cameras, Splashes right now. Not much on lengthening, but good on thickening.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 8:58 am

      I like that one for thickening too.

      It’s been a while since I’ve taken out my Smokey Lash… thanks for the reminder.

      Reply
  17. NeenaJ says

    May 18th, 2011 at 6:40 am

    Too bad! Your lashes look amazing in the photo but, for that kinda $$, it should perform better. The biggest problem I have is finding a mascara to hold the curl from my Shu. Only Maybelline’s Full n Soft Waterproof works in that aspect for me. But on the days I don’t feel like scrubbing off waterproof makeup, I end up with deflated lashes. Cest la vie!
    NeenaJ recently posted … Conversion to Eyebrow Threading

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 8:58 am

      I’ve tried that one before and really didn’t get a lot of volume/length. I do like its price, though.

      Have you tried Stila Lash Visor? It’s pretty good at curl hold:

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/stila-lash-visor-waterproof-mascara-stands-up-to-stair-steppers-and-sweat/

      Reply
      • NeenaJ says

        May 18th, 2011 at 10:52 am

        Yes and it was awesome but, I thought they stopped making it. Will check again at Sephora. Thanks!

        Reply
  18. Melissa says

    May 18th, 2011 at 7:21 am

    Darn…looking for a bulletproof, waterproof mascara for our vacay in Florida next month and it doesn’t look like this one will cut it. However, I am right with you on GOT! This is the best show I have seen in a looong time. Cannot wait for Sunday nights! By ep 5, the stuff is hitting the fan big time…and only 5 more eps to go! The only tv show I have liked as much would be True Blood, so it’s a good thing GOT will end before TB starts. I don’t think I can get so involved in TWO shows!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 8:57 am

      I just finished that ep last night. I must’ve yelled “WHAT THE HELL?” at least five times, LOL!

      Reply
  19. Linnea says

    May 18th, 2011 at 8:08 am

    The boy has read the Game of Thrones Series seriously like 4 times. So when we heard that HBO was making it into an (epic) show.. he was pretty excited.

    So I’ve been watching it as well. I’m finding HBO is doing a FAB job with everything, and I’m finding it really entertaining.

    It is hard to keep up with all the intrigue, so when I heard that HBO.com had like character bios/family trees, and what happened before the show.. I was SUPER excited. Great series!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 8:56 am

      I’ve never read the books and found the first couple of shows confusing (I ended up reading episode recaps to put the pieces together), but once the series started getting its legs underneath it it seemed to really take off.

      What I really like about it is that the characters are so complex. Nobody’s 100% good or 100% bad — well, with the exception of the bratty Lannister prince.

      Reply
  20. Kim says

    May 18th, 2011 at 8:09 am

    So, now I’ll have “want you, cuckoo, Cann-on-ball” in my head all day. That’s too bad about the smudging but, being a volume gal myself, that killed it for me. Actually, the waterproof part is also negative for me – I hate trying to remove that stuff. Isn’t it weird that regular mascara will run and smudge like crazy when it gets a little wet but it takes industrial strength cleaner to get all the darn stuff off? HAHA!

    I’m glad you’re liking Thrones – I’ll be very interested to see how they end the season (and everyone’s reaction). 🙂 I think it’s also cool that HBO is letting Go users watch episode 7 a week earlier. I’m sure I’ll be all over that. And, as someone mentioned above, it’ll be nice to roll right into True Blood. Well done, HBO!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 18th, 2011 at 8:53 am

      I am caught up — FINALLY! Things have started to get really good. I’m counting down the hours until the next episode, LOL!

      Reply
  21. Katrina says

    May 18th, 2011 at 11:14 am

    Ooooh I’m glad to hear you are enjoying Game of Thrones! I love it, but I am a huuuuge fan of the books too. You should pick them up if you are enjoying the show! Things have certainly started to pick up.

    Reply
  22. Hazel says

    May 18th, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    i’ve tried it at ulta AND sephora! it’s so dry! and flaky too, some got in my eye and it got irritated 🙁

    Reply
  23. Ana says

    May 18th, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    I have been looking for a good waterproof mascara since I live in Florida but haven’t found a good one.

    Reply
  24. Soo says

    May 20th, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    disappointing that this one smudges even though it’s supposed to be waterproof! although it doesn’t really surprise me much, I haven’t had much luck with Urban Decay mascaras and feel like they aren’t worth it at full price. :/
    Soo recently posted … Stila Color Wheel Eye Shadow Palette Product Shots

    Reply
  25. Linda says

    May 21st, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    I liked the story of Games of Thrones but … I have 4 dogs that all look like exactly like their pets. And when the started hunting them, then killed one of them- I had to stop watching.

    I’m such an animal lover that I can’t stand to watch those kind of things. I end up not being able to actually enjoy watching the show, even though I know it isn’t real.

    Reply
  26. Gabrielle says

    May 22nd, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Game of Thrones is the BEST! I’ve read all the books and am following the show right now! Who’s your favorite character so far? Mine’s Jon Snow. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Dr. H says

    June 13th, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    Thanks for the review, I was considering getting this one for the beach. I’ve been using Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous waterproof mascara for the pool. I think I want more length though.

    Try reading the Game of Thrones books. 😉 I’ve read them several times each, and I’m very pleased with the show. But of course the books are way more complex and in-depth. George R R Martin is amazing!

    Reply
  28. Danii says

    July 24th, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    I don’t care if it smudges!My Max Factor (had it for a while ^-^;; ) smudges when it’s really hot anyway so smudging doesn’t bug me.This is amazballs ~ Must have!Such a pretty tube too…I should expect that from UD by now,since I am a slave to the brand. X-X

    Reply

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About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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