This is the first Dr.Hauchska product I've ever tried. Here people are raving about the Glossier Lash Slick, but have heard almost nothing about Dr. Hauchska makeup products. This was kindly gifted to me by the brand upon request, and later despite them already knowing I had negative thoughts on the product, they still wanted me to write a full review. So shoutout for their respect and encouragement even though this didn't work out.

Specs:

Color: Black (there is also brown and blue)
Size:6 mL
Packaging: Triangular, traditional plastic twist up mascara
Wand type: Short, rubber bristles
No: mineral oil, silicones, synthetic fragrance and PEGs
Not tested on animals
Fair trade
100% Organic

Claims:

From their website: "Mascara separates and defines each lash for a naturally expressive look. The formulation combines mineral pigments with nourishing ingredients such as eyebright and beeswax to soothe and protect delicate lashes."

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Sorbitol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Hectorite, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Rosa Damascena Flower Wax, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Xanthan Gum, Lysolecithin, Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

*from natural essential oils

Note: Originally I was concerned that alcohol was #2 in the ingredient list but this is what a Dr.Hauchska representative told me:

"The product contains a very low concentration of alcohol along with hydrating, soothing and moisturizing plant extracts to ensure you will not dry out. Additionally, the percentage of alcohol used in this product does not approach a concentration that would be harmful in any way. It is derived from grains such as wheat, rye and barley but it is steam-distilled so no gluten is found in the finished product."

That last sentence put me at ease a little bit, but I was still a bit skeptical even though yes, there are other extracts (such as castor oil) to moisturize the lashes.

ABOVE: NATURAL LASHES ONE COAT

Performance:

Chances are if you're reading this review, you're probably looking for a mascara that is natural looking-that was what I was going for when I found out about this product. In a mascara, I typically look for lengthening, definition, staying power, and ability to hold a curl. I hate spider-y/clumpy lashes just for the record. If you like volumizing mascaras or naturally have short lashes, just stop reading right now.

This mascara has a thin rubber wand that has tiny bristles that are great to really get all those lashes in the corners. The wand is a bit stiff and not as flexible as I would like it to be, and if you accidentally poke your eye...good luck.The consistency is on the waterier side and only seems to define which, I guess, is the only claim. But honestly I was expecting a little more, perhaps more length, or a little tiny bit of volume? But one thing I do appreciate is that there is ZERO clumping on the wand and on your lashes so that's a huge plus for me since I hate spider-leg lashes. Nuh-uh, not into that. I also didn't experience any flaking or fallout during the wear time of this mascara. There was no problem layering the mascara except that it weighed down my lashes and couldn't keep my lashes curled the way I wanted them to. My lashes are usually cooperative with keeping curls, so to the girls who struggle with down-ward pointing lashes, this just won't work out for you.

I haven't reached for this product that much (besides the minimal effect) to be honest out of paranoia that the formula over time is going to make my lashes drier, brittler, and weaker over long term use since the alcohol content is so high.

In terms of removal, this comes off super easily with oil cleansing or eye makeup remover so there's no tugging of the eye area.

Verdict:

Nope, I really felt like I might as well not go through the hassle of even applying it. And for $26 I was expecting a little more oomph than juuuust definition even though that's the only claim. Man, am I being unfair? But dang, even though this is a natural brand, there are too many good drugstore brands that beat this price. Since mascaras go bad much faster than other makeup items, $26 really isn't worth it for the barely-there effect it gives.

Save Some $:

This isn't much cheaper, but the Benefit Roller Lash does a GREAT job at grabbing and separating the lashes while maintaining the curl. It's a couple bucks cheaper at regular price, but there are so many retailers, you're bound to save some cash if you keep an eye out for deals.

And if you really really JUST want definition, go for a clear mascara! Or try out the Glossier Lash Slick.

Dr. Hauchska Defining Mascara-Retail $26