This review dives deep into the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara and Subversion Lash Primer duo, a limited-edition offering promising dramatic lash enhancement. Priced at $22 for the set, the value proposition is immediately questioned, given the mascara's individual retail price of $20. We explore whether this seemingly free lash primer justifies the cost, and if the combined performance lives up to the hype surrounding Urban Decay's popular products. This analysis will dissect both products individually, examining texture, application, longevity, and ultimately, whether they deliver on their volume and length claims.Our investigation scrutinizes the Perversion mascara's thick wand and creamy formula, assessing its ability to coat lashes precisely and build volume without clumping. We also delve into the performance of the Subversion lash primer, a creamy alternative to fiber-based primers, and evaluate its impact on lash volume, thickness, and its compatibility with other mascaras. The conclusion will weigh the pros and cons of each product, ultimately determining if this duo is a worthwhile investment or if one element significantly overshadows the other.
Pros And Cons
- Ultra black
- Good wear (minor flaking on some days)
- Soft wand doesn't grip lashes well
- Requires multiple coats to build thickness, leading to clumping
- Doesn't volumize, lengthen, or separate lashes effectively
- Adds thickness and volume to lashes
- Doesn't alter mascara wear time
- Creamy texture
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Packaging and Price Point
The Urban Decay Perversion mascara and Subversion lash primer duo comes in a sleek, limited-edition packaging. The mascara itself retails for $20 individually, but this duo is priced at $22. Urban Decay claims the lash primer is a deluxe size and included for free; however, the value proposition remains slightly unclear, especially if this specific mascara is to retail at $22 even after the duo is gone.
It's important to note the pricing strategy. This raises the question: is it really worth the price difference compared to purchasing the mascara alone?
Mascara Wand and Formula
The Perversion mascara features a thick, fibrous wand. While soft to the touch, this softness hinders its ability to precisely coat each lash effectively. The formula sits between wet and dry, described as creamy but not overly glossy.
The unique texture presents a challenge. It requires multiple coats to achieve the desired volume and length, which unfortunately leads to clumping instead of the desired effect. This isn't ideal, as the main goal is to enhance the appearance of the lashes without clumping.
Mascara Wear and Performance
Despite the application challenges, the Perversion mascara does deliver an ultra-black finish. While wear is generally good throughout the day, minor flaking was observed on some occasions. It does help with lash hold, but the shape and volume it provides is minimal; it didn't significantly add length or volume.
Overall, the wearability is decent, but the performance falls short of expectations. The lack of volumizing and lengthening capabilities are significant drawbacks for a mascara.
Subversion Lash Primer: A Game Changer
The Subversion lash primer, retailing individually for $20, completely changes the game. Unlike many fiber-based primers, this has a creamy texture similar to the mascara. Application is surprisingly effective; it significantly adds thickness and volume to the lashes.
The before-and-after transformation is dramatic. The primer provides a fantastic base for any mascara, enhancing its overall performance. The primer does not impact mascara wear time or increase smudging
Final Verdict
The Urban Decay Perversion mascara, on its own, is a let-down. It struggles to deliver on its promises of volume and length, while producing more clumps than desired. However, the Subversion lash primer is a star performer. It significantly enhances lash appearance and improves the overall performance of any mascara used on top.
I wouldn't recommend the Perversion mascara. However, the Subversion lash primer is a worthwhile investment, especially for those seeking a creamy, non-fiber alternative to boost their favorite mascara's performance. The duo is a mixed bag but the primer’s performance makes it a worthy purchase for many individuals.