My First MAC Mascara: MAC Studio Fix Lash.

Editor’s Note: I’ve updated this post with new side-by-side comparison pictures instead of the usual bare lashes / 1 coat / 2 coats, because I can’t photograph it fast enough before it starts drying up after 1 coat. Grr!

MAC Studio Fix Lash ($16.50) is one of MAC’s newest mascaras. When I first got this mascara, I felt that it was nothing to write home about. After sticking with it for several weeks, I found that I liked it more and more. To find out why, then read on!

If You Want These in a Mascara, You’re in Luck.

1. Super Lengthening. The best thing about this mascara is how well it lengthened my lashes. The first week I wore it, I received this comment from BF: “Are you wearing mascara? Your lashes look really long. I thought you were wearing fake lashes.” My BF is so clueless about makeup, but every now and then he pulls out a gem like that and I kinda wish it happens all. the. time. But I digress.
2. Perfect Definition. Besides the length, the wand separates and defines lashes very well, so rarely does the mascara ever clump. But work quickly if you like multiple layers.
3. No crunchy lashes. I hate crunchy lashes and I’m happy to report that this keeps mine soft.
4. Excellent staying power. This non-waterproof mascara keeps working its magic through a sweaty hour long cardio kickbox class. And I am one sweaty girl! No smudges, no flakes.
5. Easy to remove. This part baffles the heck out of me because the mascara stays on forever. This is the only mascara that washes off completely when I use my Purity Made Simple.
6. Pigment. It’s black! It’s shiny! It’s beautiful!

I’m Sad to Speak of Its Shortcomings.

1. Where’s the Curl? Curling mascaras are huge in my books, and unfortunately this isn’t one. It uncurls my lashes a little, and that’s the main reason why I didn’t like it initially. I found that I’d I curled my lashes up to my brow — LOL ‘kay, more like ’til they touch my lids — the resulting curl is almost acceptable.
2. Too Natural Volume. Studio Fix Lash doesn’t deliver a false lash like volume. What can I say, I really like a lot of volume. This gives a work week appropriate volume.
3. Hmm… Something Smells Funny. As this was my first MAC mascara I don’t know if all their mascaras smell like this. But it does have an apparent synthetic smell and I don’t like it. By the way, who else here sniffs their tube of mascara?

Photo Evidence

Side by side picture to show the length! (Bare vs. 2 coats)
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This one shows that because of the small uncurling of the lashes, it doesn’t look that long when you’re looking straight on. (Bare vs. 2 coats)
(click to enlarge)

The Low Down

All in all, I have to say that I like this mascara because of the length and separation it delivers. I find myself reaching for this when I’m going to work. If you have naturally curled and voluminous lashes (I hate you!) then you’ll probably strike gold with this one. I haven’t tried so myself, but if you really want a false lash effect I think this would be excellent layered over a volumizing mascara. Rating: B+.