Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara Jet Black Review

Got another mascara review for you. This time I'll be reviewing Smashbox's Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black from Sephora's Lash Stash. The Lash Stash featured two mascaras that came in full sized tubes and Full Exposure was one of them (0.38 oz). Detailed product description and results below!

Product Description from Website Reads:

Inspired by the on-set technique of layering a lengthening fiber mascara over a volumizing formula, our new studio-tested mascara exposes your longest, fullest lashes. No clumps, no flakes. Just maximum-impact, scene-stealing lashes.

    • 104% increase in lash volume
    • 32% increase in lash length
    • 34-degree increase in lash curl

Starting at the base of lashes, sweep mascara up and out. Apply a second coat for added fullness and length.

Smashbox offers a replenshiment service where you can order to have them ship you a new Full Exposure mascara every 30 days to up to every 120 days.  Pretty cool considering it's a popular mascara and lots of people like it. 

I'm going to begin describing the results with a bit of a disclaimer. This very popular mascara falls a bit flat on me and that is really unfortunate. A ton of people have given it wonderful reviews on Smashbox's website and it even came in full size glory so I was really looking forward to trying it. I'm not a Smashbox hater either. I'm a fan of their original Photo Finish foundation primer which I've talked about as a Perfect 10! product and just recently bought their Photo Finish Hydrating foundation primer for when my primer ran out. Review on that one to come later.

You can make a decision for yourself once you see the photos. And if you can help it, try before you buy!

Full Exposure's mascara is formulated to give length and volume to lashes. I got some nice length out of it, but it was disappointing that there wasn't a noteworthy boost in volume.

I will say though, it's one of the best mascaras for leaving lashes nearly clump-free. I can see why it's such a hit in the market. It's also one of better mascara that came in Lash Stash. It didn't give me a lot of volume, but from comparing photos, I can see it faired better than Korres' Volcanic Minerals and Benefit's They're Real.

I found their wand applicator harder to control than the others. As you can see, it's cone shaped with bristles bunched together and distributed evenly in groups. I found the wand as a whole, too chunky, therefore you have to be extra mindful to not press too far onto your lashes. It's pretty easy to accidentally smear product on your eyelids. The mascara comes off easily with warm water so if you do get product on your eyelids, nothing a Q-Tip couldn't fix quickly, but who wants to deal with this during the morning rush.

Smashbox's Full Exposure Mascara didn't live up to the hype for me. Tarte's mascara remains as my favorite. Then again, if one mascara looked amazing on everyone, nobody would really have a need to try other brands. Try it out if you're looking for something new. It might just be an amazing formula for you.

Sometime in early spring, I'll be putting up a mascara comparison guide once I've reviewed all of Lash Stash's products and a few other mascaras so check back, Mascara Junkies! :)


Retails for $19 USD
Where to buy: Smashbox's official website, most major online and retail cosmetics stores.