DiorShow Extase Mascara Is Here To Pump You Up!

Without cosmetic help, my lashes are pretty much nonexistent. They are so stumpy and sparse, I don't know why they even bother showing up. So when I'm in the market for a new mascara, I'm not satisfied with one that merely lengthens or volumizes. I only add a mascara to the collection if it delivers both...and if, in the immortal words of L.L. Cool J, it's "doin it and doin it and doin it well."

Recently, the beautiful folks at Dior sent me their newest mascara - DiorShow Extase - to try on for size. And let me tell you...not only is this getting added to the Spoiled Pretty collection, it's going in heavy rotation. This mascara performs so well, it's enough to make ole L.L. lick his lips. Allow me to describe what the latest DiorShow is working with...

First, Extase gave me lash volume where none existed. Dior chalks it up to "spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application." Now, I don't know nuthin' about no special pigments and powders...but I will say that the ingredients in their magical mascara formula fatten the lashes quite nicely. In fact, Extase pumps up the volume so well, it made me think of the old SNL skit Hans and Franz. If those two quit bodybuilding and got into the cosmetics game, this might be the mascara they'd concoct.

Lashes with DiorShow Extase (left); nekkid lashes (right)

Though Dior doesn't really advertise this, Extase does a fantabulous job of lengthening and curling lashes. I was actually more impressed with this than its volumizing abilities. It took even my tiniest baby lashes and transformed them into long and lithe versions of their former selves. As I type this, the lashes on my right eye (I left my left eye bare, to act as a control) are brushing against the lenses of my glasses.

Even after it dries, the formula is extra dark and glossy. My eyelashes are naturally black, and I noted how inky and lush Extase made my lashes look. So I can imagine that you gals with light lashes are really going to love it. It also wears very well; it doesn't flake or smudge. And the few times I absentmindedly rubbed at my eyes, it didn't do anywhere.

Finally, Dior promises that Extase's SR38 Patented Ceramid helps to reconstruct damaged lashes and promotes stronger and fuller lashes. I've only been using it a few days, so I can't say if there's any truth to that claim. But even if it doesn't rebuild and strengthen your fringe, its aforementioned perks are well worth the price of admission ($28).

Right now, DiorShow Extase Mascara is a Sephora exclusive, and only available to Beauty Insiders. The rewards program is free, so why not sign up?