The search for the perfect mascara seems never-ending. Stumbling upon MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Aqua Smoky Lash in Black, it’s possible that it may have stopped here.

As the waterproof version of MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Smoky Lash, it promises volume, length and an instant curl for your lashes. “Its waterproof formula ensures that it will not run under the most extreme conditions, under a spray of water, at the beach, or in the swimming pool…” Very appealing traits for a waterproof mascara.

Like my hair, my lashes are pretty slick straight, with a tendency to point slightly downward naturally. So in an attempt to put that “instant curl” to the test, I tried it out on bare and clean lashes.

As always, pictures do not do these results justice. Though a curl didn’t really appear, I chalk that one up to my genes and don’t really blame it. But with taking a eyelash curler to my lashes…woah.

The volume, length, and curl were all accounted for, much to my pleased amusement.

Sporting it out for a whole day, in the hot sun, I came home to see that everything was still intact. Even after a three-hour nap…I woke up and my eyes looked the same as when I came home earlier. And splashing some water on my face (without rubbing my eyes too much), it handled it pretty well that nothing really came off onto my fingers, so waterproof-wise, it definitely seems to do well.

With the formula, it has the potential to be built up, so if you want to rock more than one layer, it can definitely handle it and give you even more volume and length - falsies level without the hassle.

At about $22, I think it’s pretty reasonable, since it lives up to its claims. For myself, it’s going to be one of the ones I turn to the next time I want sky-high lashes that will stay put and last. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone that is looking for the mascara that has it all.

Score: 5/5
(Disclaimer: MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Aqua Smoky Lash in Black sample was provided to me for review purposes. This review is purely my opinion.)