Review: Boots No 7 Exceptional Definition Mascara

Disclosure: This product was sent as a PR sample.


I love mascara.  It's probably the one product I'd choose if I could only wear one product for the rest of my life (not that that's going to happen), mostly because of my pale and spindly lashes.  If you've read my mascara reviews before, you'll know that I look for VOLUME (in capitals), decent wear, and non-clumpiness.  So, when we were sent No 7's new Exceptional Definition mascara, I was a little bit apprehensive; non-clumpiness was promised by the Definition part of the name, but where was the VOLUME?  I was slightly worried.

The description, thankfully, cleared things up: this mascara, due to its conditioning formula and "magic wand" brush, is designed to give both definition and volume.  I think that the brush is indeed the star of the show with this mascara - it's a three in one affair, with two lengths of normal bristles, and a tip that's a little reminiscent of that crazy spherical Givenchy brush.  It's a rubbery brush, which I personally love, and it has that wonderful bendyness that makes it difficult to poke yourself in the eye, yet easy to manoeuvre.  The two bristle lengths really help to give excellent definition while coating every lash, and the spiky end helped me to target my very outer lashes, which I sometimes find hard to reach with a straight brush.

This photo shows my (spindly, pale) lashes with two coats applied.  As you can see, there is not a jot of clumping in sight, and the lashes are full, voluminous, and indeed exceptionally defined.  While the mascara isn't the most dramatic or the blackest thing I've ever put on my lashes, it looks pretty good - and my lashes felt good too, as the mascara dries soft on the lashes with no crispiness at all.  Wear was also good, with no flaking or smudging after a 14 hour day.

I really like this mascara.  The only criticism I could possibly make is that the spherical spiky bit on the end of the brush can over emphasise those little lashes close to the tear duct - but that's easily remedied by placing the brush further towards the middle of the eye, rather than starting further in.  I'd go as far as to say that I'd place this mascara up with some of my favourite high end ones.  Priced at just £12, it's a high performing bargain.  I rather think I'll be repurchasing.

If you'd like to try No 7 Exceptional Definition mascara, you can find it in Boots stores and online, in black and brown-black, where it will cost you just £12.