I've never actually purchased this mascara (it's a whopping $48 AUD) but have tried it numerous times since it's often included in a gift with purchase.

First of all, not too sure why this hasn't received better reviews! I'm very fussy when it comes to mascara and this one is definitely a favourite!

I have very stubborn lashes which are short and point downwards. Even if I curl my lashes, it really depends on the mascara I use as to whether or not they will actually hold a curl. In fact, my lashes are so stubborn that I have to curl them one at a time otherwise the second one will start to droop as I'm applying mascara to the first!

Anyway, I find that one coat for each eye is enough for an everyday look. The colour is a true black which makes my eyelashes standout and hallelujah, they also hold a curl! I also find that this lengthens and adds volume but not extraordinarily so, just enough that it looks like I've got fuller, longer lashes : ). Great for when I don't want to wear any other eye makeup.

Another reason as to why this mascara is good, it doesn't smudge like crazy! And I have oily eyelids. In fact, this is one of the very few eye products I can use without using a primer (I love Nars'). However, there have been times when I've been out all day (8-9 hrs) and by the time I come home, there's a bit of smudging on my lower lash line. So if I know I've been out for a while, I'll just consciously wipe under my eye towards the end of the day and all good.

I can understand why some people wouldn't want to buy this cos at the high price, does it really perform better than other cheaper mascaras? Probably not, but for me, it satisfies all that I look for in a mascara which is why I love it. Though I don't think I'll ever buy a full size cos $48 for a mascara, that's just not gonna happen. However, I'm happy with just getting samples over and over again which is how I'd suggest anyone to try it : ).

This mascara does what it promises: lifts lashes up and adds volume. My lashes look thicker, longer, and curl without the need for an eyelash curler. Nifty! And, it does not smudge for the whole day I'm wearing it. Estee Lauder is very expensive, but I'm using a travel-size one, and will continue buying this size online. You should only keep mascara for a few months anyway to prevent eye infections, but getting the small versions of this will reduce the chance of wasted product. :)
**EDIT: If I accidentally put on a thicker amount rather than a light amount and feel too lazy to redo (which is always), it will start smudging after about 8-10 hours. But I'm a perfectionist with mascara, so if I see a few clumps, I HAVE to brush it out and end up adding more mascara than I originally had. So, if you're looking to apply thick layers of this because you want false-looking lashes, don't. I find that about 2 layers makes my lashes look nice and lush, anyways. Also, this mascara tends to clump more after 2 months. Maybe if I try the waterproof version, I won't have any of these problems. :o

It's a good mascara. Separates, gives volume, lengthens lashes. Not clumpy. My eyes are sensitive and this one works well.

With one layer, it separates my lashes and makes them longer and with a couple more, you can really see the volume starting to kick in.
It works wonders even for my short, stubborn asian lashes. I did buy this at an EL warehouse sale so the price wasn't too bad but otherwise, I think i'll just stick to my drug store mascaras.

Not bad. but i saw no lifting or any volume. it just coated my lashes. since it did nothing i won't buy again.

Very sexy mascara. Buildable coverage and long, lush, and thick lashes. The brush is good but I do get clumps. Only reason why I wouldnt buy it is because it s too expensive and many drugstore mascaras work equally well.

wow, i am so surprised at the negative reviews! i received this as a GWP. i didnt have high hopes for it since the reviews were so horrible but it turned out to be quite a great mascara! the formula is on the drier side but it does give volume (not as much as korres volcanic mascara but thats ok because the korres can be lumpy), gives fantastic length and definition, very black and doesnt smudge. how can i complain? my lashes look very lovely, long, lush and defined. i have been looking into EL's line more now since the gelee eyeshadows blew me out of the water. this is a great mascara. for a ds version, maybellines the mega plush is comparable, but a bit harder to work with because its a really wet formula. good job on this mascara EL! will buy the full tube to keep in rotation with my mega plush.

I was very disapointed with this mascara. Volume, they say? I only got smudges! The brush was not helping at all, neither!
I really don't recommend this product.

I don't love or hate this mascara. I'm extremely picky about mascaras. This one adds a decent amount of volume and length, and layers well. Unfortunately, it's nothing to write home about for the price. I will continue to use it until I find my hg.

Short version of this review: ICK! Little longer version of this review: I see mascara as a sort of necessary evil. Kind of like taxes-if I could find a way out of needing to do both, I would. Given that I can't, I would at least like to find a decent mascara. This is not it. Lumpy, clumpy, smudgey. Volume and lifting it says? Ummm...no. I did give it a solitary lippie because at least the color was a decent black. A serious Estee Lauder disappointment. I remember my mother wearing Estee Lauder when I was a child-I am in my 40s now and you mean to tell me in some 40-odd years they haven't figured out how to do a simple basic black mascara? The end...