This Mascara Is Like a Lash Lift and Lash Extensions Rolled Into One
The Ilia Limitless Mascara is considered one of the best mascaras around, so we put it to the test.
I'm a beauty editor who has probably tried upwards of 50+ mascaras in my lifetime, and I'm incredibly fussy about them. I want a lengthening mascara, but I also want a curling mascara formula that lifts and holds my stubbornly straight lashes. Most don't make the cut, so it takes something special to have a permanent spot in my makeup bag.
But, one of the few mascaras I really do swear by is the Ilia Limitless Mascara (£29). In fact, I'd say that it's one of the best Ilia makeup products I've tried, and I love a lot of its products. Scroll ahead for everything you need to know.
Ilia Limitless Mascara Review
Key ingredients: Beeswax, shea butter, arginine and biotin
Pros
- Lengthens, defines and curls
- Nourishing ingredients
- Doesn't smudge or flake
- Also comes in brown
- Easy to remove
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons
- Not the most volumising formula
- On the more expensive side as mascaras go
The Formula and Brush
Coming in both black and brown mascara formulas, it boasts an array of lash-nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and beeswax that help to soften and condition the lashes as you wear it. And whilst it's not technically a tubing mascara, it does remove easily like one with some warm water and your usual cleanser.
The wand features a flexible comb brush, which has two different lengths of bristles. One side features short bristles, which help to lift lashes up from the root, and the other side has longer comb-like bristles, designed to lengthen and separate the lashes. This makes it super helpful for customising your lash look, whether you want a natural-looking flutter or want to layer up for a bolder effect.
The Application
After curling my lashes with an eyelash curler, I find that this mascara does a great job at keeping my lashes lifted and curled throughout the day. After just a few sweeps through my lashes, it does a great job at lengthening and separating for a fanned-out effect. I'd say that one coat gives a natural-looking result, but if you require more drama, you can get more volume if you layer it up. But what I love the most is that it feels lightweight and soft to the touch on the lashes; it never feels heavy.
Before and After
Here are my lashes with just one coat. I'm amazed at the lengthening and defining effects in just a couple of sweeps through my lashes and, to my surprise, it actually held my curl in place right until I came to take it off in the evening. It's quite a feat for my stubbornly straight lashes, as I find so many mascaras make my lashes flop halfway through the day.
My Verdict
Overall, I'm so impressed with this mascara. It lengthens, curls, separates and holds my lashes in place all day without smudging or flaking, and it never feels heavy on my easily irritated eyes. The comb wand makes it easy to achieve a natural look, but is easily layered up if you want more drama from your mascara. It's not the most volumising formula I've tried, but if you're after a great everyday mascara that's also a total dream to remove at the end of the day, this might be the mascara for you. I've been wearing the black formula; however, it also comes in a brown shade if you want a more subtle hue on fair lashes. In short, I'm very impressed.
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