I have really long thick eyelashes, and I have struggled for years to find a mascara that didn't clump, flake or make me look like I had spider legs attached to my eye lids. This is now the only mascara I will use on a regular basis (I use a Lancome Waterproof one when I need to wear a waterproof one). I've been using it religiously now for about 6 years.
I've found it's the brush that is really key and I need a thick bushy brush to really get the lashes coated evenly and not clump. This mascara is also quite a thin consistency which means it goes on really nice and thin and doesn't get too thick. I only need one coat but I have friends that use it too and can get two coats on.
I buy these duty free in 3 packs and that usually lasts me 9 months to a year - I find a need to start a new one every 3 months or so as it can dry out - if it starts to flake I need a new one.
I LOVE this mascara! I really have nothing but good things to say about it. I have been lucky enough to receive a couple of these as free GWP and I am so glad that I did, as I always assumed (incorrectly!) that Clinique's cosmetics would be a bit out of my price range.
The packaging is simple and elegant, as to Clinique's style. I find the brush tends to be the most important part of any mascara and this one doesn't disappoint - plenty of even-sized bristles to help coat your lashes and make them look nice and plump. Long enough to help define your lashes and separate them as you apply, so you don't get any of that nasty clumping, and with a tapered end to help get those pesky corner lashes.
The formula was nice and wet, allowing you to layer and build the mascara to get that high-impact volume. I also loved how very black it was, I think if a mascara says it is black then it better provide a rich, dark coating to your lashes to add to that impact.
Overall I think this is a really good mascara. I've had a few tubes of it so far because I find it really does deliver on it's claims, making it great for both a day or night look. I would definitely use it again and highly recommend it.
Tips: Apply a couple of coats of this, waiting in between slightly, to help build up the volume.
Also if you're interested in this, subscribe to Clinique's Facebook account as they often do free gift with purchases that includes skincare and cosmetics, a great way of trying out their range!