Almost every woman I know is on the hunt for the perfect mascara. And even though “perfect” is slightly different for every one of us, volume and length without making the lashes stick together will come close for the majority.

After patiently using up my L´Oréal False Lash Effect Butterfly mascara (review here), the next one I wanted to try was Artdeco´s Ultra Effect mascara.
I used Artdeco mascaras some time a go and really liked them, so when I discovered a 10 ml trial size, it went straight into my basket.

Artdeco Ultra Effect Mascara in black

But is it as good as it sounds?


What Artdeco claims:
Gives maximum volume and length without making your lashes stick together.

Facts first:
To this point, it is only available as 10 ml trial size, retailing for 5,95 € here, and this was the only place I could find it online.
The mascara has been around since 2011, always as trial size, with different colored packaging, and it comes in one color: black.

The wand is of normal size, with short bristles, and the formula isn’t too wet. I notice a faint chemical smell, but as you apply it to you lashes, it won’t bother you throughout the day.

If you are prone to mascara flaking, you might have issues with this one. Mascara seldom smudges on me, and this didn’t either, but it did on a friend who tried it.
There was no problem with taking it off in the evening, even if I used just my Bioderma Eau Micellaire.

Now lets have a look at my lashes:
1. No mascara, lashes curled.
Blond at the tips, straight and fine, my lashes are almost invisible without mascara.

No mascara, lashes curled

2. Two coats of Artdeco´s Ultra Effect Mascara.
My lashes look longer, they are separated, but I am missing the volume. In fact, I miss it a lot when looking at this picture.

Two coats of Artdeco Ultra Effect Mascara

Does it live up to its claims?
Half of them.
It lengthens my lashes a lot, they are separated, but there is absolutely no volume added. If I add more coats, my lashes start to stick together.
On me, the mascara lasts all day, no flaking, and holds the curl well.

Will I rebuy?
No.
I need more volume, so I will keep on searching for “the one”. But I will happily use it until it dries out.

Who would I recommend it to?
If you are looking for a lengthening mascara that holds the curl, that might be “the one” for you.
If it is volume you are looking for, or if you have watery eyes or tear up easily, keep searching somewhere else.
If you are unsure, give it a go. You can’t really go wrong with a trial size, can you?

What is your favorite mascara at the moment?
Are you looking for volume or length or EVERYTHING?
Let me know in the comments.