L'Oréal Telescopic Explosion

RRP: £8.80
# of shades available: 2 (brown & black)

--What does the promo say?--
"In yet another mascara first, L'Oréal Paris introduces Telescopic Explosion Mascara, the first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every little lash. This breakthrough mascara revolutionises the mascara application process, making it possible to apply from every angle to reach every last lash for a completely fanned-out explosive effect. Truly, size does matter: this small brush yields big lashes! Contains paraffin, jojoba oil, palm oil, and vitamin B5 for lash conditioning. Outstanding consumer test results show no clumping, flaking or smudging; ophthalmologically tested, it is sensitive for sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers."

--Packaging--
Mascara manufacturers have become more daring with their packaging concepts in recent years in order for the tubes to stand out on the shelf: Maybelline's Great Lash was probably the first, but recent others include Rimmel's Sexy Curves and some Barry M and Bourjois mascaras, as well as Maybelline's Define-A-Lash. L'Oréal's Telescopic Explosion continues to buck the trend with its bold red and black ensemble, and the spiky globular brush is pretty snazzy too. However, it's wrong of L'Oréal to claim in their PR that they're the first to do this: Givenchy was the first brand to pioneer this type of brush over a year ago. Nevertheless, I don't blame them for latching onto Givenchy's technology. Having had a good experience with Givenchy's version (Phenomen'Eyes), I was keen from the moment Telescopic Explosion came out to try it and see how it compared. I just hope that the main part of the wand, which is much longer than Givenchy's, is strong enough that the ball part doesn't ever break off in the tube.

--Application--
Application is easier than you might think, but anybody who has experienced Givenchy's version will already be a pro at this. Carefully stroke the balled brush over the lashes, and don't be hesitant to go for tinier lashes at the corners of the eyes. Perhaps don't try this while in motion (e.g. on public transport) unless you're feeling especially confident, though.

--Appearance--
A professional and defined appearance. Perhaps not completely perfect (a few tiny clumps were present on application), but nevertheless much more detailed and far better than many other mascaras in the same price bracket.

--Texture--
Can't argue with this: the texture is smooth and luxurious.

--Longevity--
I took a shower without removing my makeup (and without having needed to retouch my mascara even once throughout the day) and it didn't even smudge. Score.

--Value for money--
This is an excellent, affordable alternative to Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes, combining quality with innovation (even if it isn't theirs) and with value for money. And with such eye-catching packaging, it's hardly any wonder that it's already flying off the shelves in Europe and the UK.

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