The marketing has been everywhere, and I finally tested out this L’Oreal Voluminous Noir Balm mascara. I know… mascara-balm.. it’s weird. Just like lip oils are weird. Every time I use one that’s an oil, I get that sensation of eating pizza as a little kid and having oils all over my lips. I hate it.

Anyway, the idea of a balm mascara appealed to me… this would be nourishing and look good, no? I have a terrible time with normal mascara. it smears everywhere. I have oily lids, and lashes that end up touching my brown bone, so there’s always mascara everywhere, and most days I stick with tubing mascaras, so if I’m smart, this is something I should avoid, right?… well I just had to try it. I mean look at the glass tube. it’s really lux looking and just spoke to me.

I went into a drugstore to mail a package, and got this on my way out. I also smelled lots of perfume, but I also got this.

The wand also sold it to me. I love a rubber-bristled wand.

Turns out I don’t hate this! It goes on so easily. The formula is perfect and it does really remind me of a balm. It’s waxy and not too wet, layers well, and doesn’t flake.

Unlike a balm, this did not smudge and smear all over my face, and I think it looked pretty good at the end of the day, but there was a bit of flaking.

Have you tried this? Does mascara normally smudge on you? Drop your fav in the comments, please!