My Honest Review of the Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven Black Mascara

I'm always on the lookout for a great mascara to add some extra oomph to my everyday look. In fact, I often find myself skipping the rest of my makeup routine and just going for a swipe of mascara. It instantly makes my eyes pop and gives my face a fresh, awake look.

I used to swear by Max Factor mascara, but when it suddenly disappeared from our local stores, I was left high and dry. That was until I stumbled upon a great selection of Max Factor products at Zolotoe Yabloko last year. I picked up a few different mascaras from their False Lash Effect line, including the Clump Defy and Deep Raven Black.

I started with the Clump Defy, which I'd give a solid 4 out of 5. But the Deep Raven Black really stole my heart. It's a dead ringer for their classic False Lash Effect mascara, which is what initially got me hooked.

Mascara Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven BlackFull name: Mascara Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven Black.

The bottle itself is made of sturdy black plastic, complete with a winged design that catches the light. I'm guessing the name is meant to evoke the rich, dark color of a raven's wing – maybe even a deep, inky black.

Volume: 13.1 ml.

The packaging has a sticker with the ingredients and whatnot in Russian.

Info on the mascara, ingredientsDescription:

A classic mascara that's become a bestseller returns with even bolder pigments for a dramatic look. This mascara gives your lashes an extreme volume boost thanks to its liquid lash formula and wide applicator, which coats every lash.

Ingredients:

AQUA/WATER/EAU, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, GLYCERYL STEARATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, STEARIC ACID, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA/COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CIRE DE CARNAUBA, TRIETHANOLAMINE, POLYETHYLENE, LECITHIN, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, SYNTHETIC WAX, OLEIC ACID, ALCOHOL DENAT., BENZYL ALCOHOL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, PANTHENOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHEROL, METHYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, PROPYLPARABEN, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, TRISODIUM EDTA, XANTHAN GUM, SIMETHICONE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, METHYLCELLULOSE, BENZOIC ACID, SORBIC ACID, SULFURIC ACID, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-:IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007)].

I was really hoping to try the classic Max Factor False Lash, but unfortunately, it was out of stock when I made my purchase. So, I had to get familiar with its successor, Deep Raven Black.

I bought this mascara from the official Golden Apple store and I'm pretty sure it's the real deal. So, I'll be reviewing it as if it were the original.

The bottle opens easily, and it closes with a gentle click, so I know it's securely shut and won't leak unexpectedly.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven Black MascaraIt's a silicone brush with a straight shape, smooth edges, and a decent size – just the right amount of volume for me.

The extra mascara on the brush handle doesn't collect or get all clumpy.

The scent is your standard, run-of-the-mill cosmetic smell – nothing too out of the ordinary for a product like this.

Eyeliner Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven BlackMy expectations from Max Factor eyeliner were pretty high – easy to apply, a noticeable effect in one coat, buildable coverage, voluminous lashes, lengthened lashes, no clumping, all-day wear, and no flaking.

I had a lot of expectations, but you can only really understand what works and what doesn't once you've used the product for a while.

First things first, I did a swatch on my hand.

Eyeliner Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven BlackThe texture is creamy – it's not dry at all.

The color is a deep, rich black.

I tested how easy it was to remove.

It's not waterproof, so I used a micellar water to take it off.

I applied a cotton pad soaked in micellar water and gently wiped it across my skin a few times.

The eyeliner came off completely, leaving no residue behind.

RemovalThe cotton pad had some eyeliner residue on it, but my skin was completely clean.

After removalA quick word about my lashes: they're a normal length, but they're pretty light at the tips, which makes them look shorter than they actually are.

No makeupI apply mascara to my lashes with a gentle twisting motion.

The brush is super comfortable, it doesn't get caught in my upper lash line.

I find that the mascara glides on easily and gives my lashes a full coat from roots to tips on the first try. The color is a perfect match, too.

Mascara in one coatMy lashes look noticeably longer, although I'm not sure if it's actually changed their length. I think it's just because the clear tips of my lashes are now tinted with the mascara.

Top: no makeup, Bottom: Mascara in one coatI was expecting a super dark, almost black color like a raven's wing, but the Deep Raven Black is more of a dark brown. I'm no expert, but I think the real magic of a raven's wing is the way the black shines and shimmers in the sunlight. My lashes just look like a dull black.

I'm really happy with the results in one coat, though. It's not like false lashes, but it adds length, volume, and color. Perfect for a natural everyday look.

I like to apply two coats for a more dramatic look. I apply one coat, let it dry for about a minute, and then apply the second coat.

Mascara in two coatsThe effect is even more impressive now.

Mascara for Lashes in 2 LayersLashes look noticeably fuller, and my eyes appear brighter and more open.

Top: No makeup, Bottom: Mascara for Lashes in 2 LayersThis mascara withstands snow and frost without smudging. It stays put even when snowflakes start to melt on my lashes.

I haven't experienced any flaking throughout the day. It's only in the evening, when I remove my contact lenses, that I notice a tiny bit of fallout.

I've been able to remove it easily with micellar water or just regular face wash. Warm water and a gentle cleanser also do the trick.

My sensitive eyes haven't reacted to this mascara, and I haven't had any allergic reactions.

Mascara for Lashes Max Factor False Lash EffectI've really enjoyed using the Max Factor False Lash Effect Deep Raven Black mascara. I think the dramatic name with its reference to raven wings is just a marketing ploy. The actual shade is a standard, dark black that doesn't have any glitter or shine to it. If I'm being honest, the name didn't live up to my expectations, but the product itself has been a great value for money.

Not the best option from the Max Factor False Lash Effect line. My review of the Clump Defy mascara, including what I didn't like about it and the benefits it offers. Before and After photos of my lashes