Goodbye Panda Eyes

I was recently given a sample of Mirenesse Cougar Mascara 'Comb On 24 Hour Liquid Lashes'.

Mirenesse is the brain child of Irene Patsalides who invented the range after becoming frustrated with products that did not provide the results they claimed.

If you've not heard of Mirenesse, it's famous for its tubular, panda-eyes-preventing mascaras. Tubular mascaras form little tubes of mascara around the lashes, as the name suggests. At the end of the day (or the morning after if you came home sloshed) just add a touch of warm water and gently use your thumb and forefinger to slide the tubes down the lashes. They slide right off!

In theory, it's great. I'm quite partial to a panda-eye myself. Mainly because I'm lazy. After a long day of commuting to and from Sydney for uni, followed by work till 11 or 12 at night, I'm a little bit sluggish and just can't be bothered to spend all that time taking off the days makeup. I do a rush job, jump into bed and wake up in the morning looking like a racoon. (My hair also contributes to this overall effect).

In reality, however, its just all a little bit too good to be true. The major downfall is the mascara wand itself. It looks a lot like a one sided plastic comb.

I've always liked my lashes with lots of volume and length. I'm used to big, fat, volumising brushes which I wriggle through my eyelashes. I follow this with a lengthening mascara to make them appear even longer. With this plastic comb, it is virtually impossible to get my usual effect. Starting or ending with a coat from one of my regular mascaras would defeat the purpose as they are not tubular.

Mirenesse Cougar Mascara, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in very black, 17 Va Va Voom Volume Mascara

It's not all bad news, though. The removal of the Mirenesse is as simple and as panda-free as promised, provided you keep your patience and avoid rubbing. Two nights in a row, I've exited the shower free from black circles and smudges (I can't say the same for the first night, I learnt about patience the hard way). I've not yet tested the mascara for a full 24 hours, but its lasted at least 15 hours. From a nap on the train and absorbing knowledge at uni, to the Friday afternoon tradesmen rush hour at work and a few tears shed while watching a soppy girly movie; Mirenesse 24 hour liquid lashes withstood it all without any sight of a smudge.

I think it is also crucial to point out here that Mirenesse Cougar Mascara does not claim to be volumising, curl inducing mascara. This Cougar Mascara states on the packet that it "provides an intense winged lash with a "cats eye" effect to the eyes." It does just that and it does it well!

If you're after lengthened, defined lashes, a cats eye effect, winged lids, or just darker lashes regardless of any other effects, then Mirenesse Cougar Mascara: Comb On 24 Hour Liquid Lashes should be your first port of call.

For application into my own beauty regime, I rate this product ★★★☆☆

Miranda x