Trying NARS mascara and tossing my favorite false lashes

When you’re mastering the art of a smoky eye and seeking perfect lash definition, patience is a luxury you simply don’t have. We all know the struggle: achieving obvious length and clean separation without creating five chunky spikes that defy gravity. Enter the quest for the perfect mascara—a product that promises everything from lift and volume to humidity resistance. It’s this high-stakes beauty balancing act that makes every new formula a serious contender.

The NARS Notorious Mascara stepped onto the scene, promising an ambitious package: lift, length, volume, definition, and impressive wear time. While many mascara formulas rely on flashier ingredients, the appeal of Notorious lay in its performance, not just its flashy claims. It’s a formula that aims to redefine what mascara can achieve under demanding conditions.

Under the hood, the magic isn’t found in reinventing the basic structure, but in clever engineering. The product utilizes film-forming polymers and conditioning oils like Argan and jojoba to coat and lock down the lashes. This water-first base creates a flexible coating that helps hold the hair in place, similar to tubing technology. Crucially, this design allows the formula to resist humidity—it remains intact in muggy air—but it is designed to be removed effortlessly.

The secret to its performance also lies in the formulation’s unique blend of waxes, which build actual body and volume without the heavy, crunchy feeling often associated with traditional tubing formulas. This balance ensures that the definition you crave is present, yet weightless.

Beyond the formula, the application tool plays a crucial role. The brush for Notorious is thoughtfully designed, featuring slim, slightly wavy bristles with varying lengths. This structure is perfect for combing through the lashes to ensure total separation while still laying down enough product to build lift. It allows users to coat the roots without obscuring the eyelid, making the process of defining the lashes a true grooming experience.

When applied—and a little time is allowed for setting—the result is beautifully separated and lifted lashes. The layers build definition rather than excessive clumpiness, providing an enviable fanned-out look. Users found that two coats provided excellent hold, successfully navigating even the most humid days without compromising their look.

Perhaps the most satisfying test came at the sink. For a mascara promising humidity resistance, the removal process was unexpectedly simple. The formula washed away far more easily than anticipated, eliminating the need for arduous rubbing around the delicate eye area. This effortless cleanup proved to be a major win for those prioritizing gentle care for the skin around the eyes.

Ultimately, while some may have wished for even more volume, the true triumph of the NARS Notorious Mascara lies in its longevity and ease of use. It quickly became a favorite go-to for achieving minimalist, flirty eyelashes that look long, lifted, and defined, making it an immediate contender for anyone seeking a high-performing mascara for summer and fall.

By Mason Carter