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.
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.
Before (top) and after two coats (bottom)
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
Beatrice says
May 17th, 2011 at 4:43 pmThis 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
Ariana says
May 17th, 2011 at 4:51 pmThanks 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
SB_Sweetie says
May 17th, 2011 at 4:51 pmWhat nail polish are you wearing in the photos?
Karen says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:19 pmThat’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/
Jessi says
May 17th, 2011 at 5:01 pmI 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
Vijaya says
May 17th, 2011 at 6:09 pmI have to try reading those myself!
Vijaya recently posted … Why I Wont Be Buying Nyx Anymore
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:04 amI have them on my to read list now.
Ada says
May 17th, 2011 at 5:04 pmAw 🙁 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
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:04 amI know!
michelle says
June 13th, 2011 at 7:59 pmlol. dittoes.
KAREN says
May 17th, 2011 at 5:06 pmMy gosh Karen! your lashes are LONG!!! but I really don’t like wwaterproof mascara… does UD have it in regular??
take care!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:03 amThey do, but not in this particular version. Try their Skyscraper or Curling mascaras. 🙂
Tracy says
May 17th, 2011 at 5:20 pmOMG 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
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 amWe 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?
dani@callitbeauty says
May 17th, 2011 at 6:06 pmooh, 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 & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser- One-Step Cleansing At Its Finest!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 amIt’s on Sundays. Mark your calendar!
Nina says
May 17th, 2011 at 6:54 pmohh seems promising!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 amYeah! It might come in handy when things heat up in Texas!
Nina says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:31 amyou mean like today? 😀
caelyn palmer says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:10 pmyou MUST divulge the name of that nail polish 🙂 do dish!
Karen says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:19 pmHi Caelyn,
It’s UD Superfreak!
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/nails/the-urban-decay-rollergirl-nail-kit-makes-the-claws-come-out/
Nina says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:17 pmGuh, 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 =/
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:01 amYou 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/
Bun Bun Makeup Tips says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:32 pmSmudgeproof 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
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 amIt is a little pricey.
productdoctor says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:51 pmYour lashes look so long!
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Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 amThis is great for lengthening.
steph b says
May 17th, 2011 at 7:53 pmAnd 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
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 amSO 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
steph b says
May 19th, 2011 at 5:20 pmThey were the first concert I ever went to. Middle school, Radio City Music Hall. Fan-freakin-tastic!
Aida says
May 17th, 2011 at 8:05 pmI just wanted to let you know that I’m loving your blog. Your pics are great as well as your writing! Thanks for posting!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:59 amHi Aida,
Glad you like the site. What do you think of the mascara? Will you be trying it soon?
BettyS says
May 18th, 2011 at 5:06 amWell, 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.
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:58 amI like that one for thickening too.
It’s been a while since I’ve taken out my Smokey Lash… thanks for the reminder.
NeenaJ says
May 18th, 2011 at 6:40 amToo 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
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:58 amI’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/
NeenaJ says
May 18th, 2011 at 10:52 amYes and it was awesome but, I thought they stopped making it. Will check again at Sephora. Thanks!
Melissa says
May 18th, 2011 at 7:21 amDarn…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!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:57 amI just finished that ep last night. I must’ve yelled “WHAT THE HELL?” at least five times, LOL!
Linnea says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:08 amThe 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!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:56 amI’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.
Kim says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:09 amSo, 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!
Karen says
May 18th, 2011 at 8:53 amI am caught up — FINALLY! Things have started to get really good. I’m counting down the hours until the next episode, LOL!
Katrina says
May 18th, 2011 at 11:14 amOoooh 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.
Hazel says
May 18th, 2011 at 4:10 pmi’ve tried it at ulta AND sephora! it’s so dry! and flaky too, some got in my eye and it got irritated 🙁
Ana says
May 18th, 2011 at 5:22 pmI have been looking for a good waterproof mascara since I live in Florida but haven’t found a good one.
Soo says
May 20th, 2011 at 5:22 pmdisappointing 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
Linda says
May 21st, 2011 at 10:56 pmI 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.
Gabrielle says
May 22nd, 2011 at 2:40 pmGame 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. 🙂
Dr. H says
June 13th, 2011 at 9:24 pmThanks 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!
Danii says
July 24th, 2011 at 7:43 pmI 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