Salma Hayek Nuance Full Effect Ultra-Volumizing Mascara Review

So I am sure most of you know that CVS recently had a big introductory sale for the Salma Hayek line, Nuance. It's a fairly extensive line, and exclusive to CVS. She has cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and body care.  Although the cosmetics range isn't huge, she still has everything from primer to lipstick and translucent setting powder. Basically, everything you need from head to toe. Naturally, with a buy one get one free sale, I had to stock up. I got a little from each of the 4 areas, and overall I was impressed with her products. And I love Salma, and I enjoyed the reason she was inspired to do the line. 

"My line is inspired by my grandmother, who dedicated her life to keeping women beautiful. My products are designed to help every woman enhance the nuances that define her individual beauty, and make my grandmother proud."

She used very interesting ingredients in her line, like agave and meadowfoam.  If you have not had a chance to pick up anything, I would definitely recommend several items. I will post more reviews soon. There were also some samples on some displays. I managed to get some for tinted moisturizer, body cream and firming body cream. And the body products came with a  $2 off coupon. Nice!  And I have to comment on the packaging. She really paid attention to detail on the packaging she used. She kept the design consistent throughout and it is very understated yet elegant.


Onto the review. Unfortunately I am starting with a negative review.  I am a mascara fanatic, and the more volume the better. I typically do not prefer a light, day look. My current fave is Maybelline the Falsies mascara. 


Salma had two mascaras in her line, a defining and volumizing. So I went straight for the volumizing in Black.  It seemed to be a pretty good formula based on the information on the CVS site. 

"Silk powder thickens and strengthens your lashes without clumping. Vitamins A, C & E condition and nourish. Meadowfoam, chamomile, sweet almond oil, sodium hyaluronate & panthenol prevent your lashes from becoming dry and brittle."

The packaging was nice, seemed pretty sturdy and pretty.  Sadly, this is where my being impressed with this mascara ended.  I could tell by the brush that it would not deliver on the volume claim.  The bristles were just too far apart. I do like that it's not the increasingly popular molded brush, and is the traditional bristle.  I also like that its on the shorter side. I don't really like really long brushes. My eyes are not that big! lol. I digress.

The formula seemed nice, not too thick or dry, and it did not clump at all. I applied three coats, and still could not build up this formula. The brush did provide some length and definition, but this is a volume mascara.  It is nice for someone looking for a light day look. On the plus side, it did not flake, and was easy to remove.  Sorry for the creepy eyeball but I didn't pluck the brows.

Overall I would give this mascara a C. It has a nice formula (didn't flake or smudge and easy to remove) and package, but it did not provide the volume I was expecting even after 3 coats. My lashes looked sparse. If you like a lighter mascara that does not give that full on false lash look, then this is for you.  Otherwise, this was a pass for me. 


Luckily, there were way more positives to her line than negatives, so look forward to reading more!


This mascara retails for $9.79 on cvs.com.