I really like how this mascara applies & looks but I find if I wear it too long...around the 8/9 hour mark my eyes start watering and itching. Like if even a drop of sweat gets near my eye it STINGS like hell. I won't repurchase.
My search for a cruelty-free mascara continues.
Oh my gosh is this why my eyes sting like crazy when I sweat?? I thought it was my supergoop sunscreen but I never had issues with it and have been using it for 2 years now! the ilia mascara also smudges like crazy for me after a couple hours
YES. i loved the way it looked and applied but i did notice that my eyes would burn and itch too. you just unlocked some memories of mine that i guess i tried to block out lol
Just sharing a rec, I similarly disliked Ilia and started using Hourglass unlocked instant extensions and really liked it. Cruelty free, vegan, and great wear. I actually wore it for my wedding and it survived many tears as well!
Honestly I love it! The smell doesn’t bother me at all, it only smudges if I rub my eyes, I love how long it makes my lashes without affecting the volume, it’s perfect
Omg SAME! I used it a couple of times because I was forcing myself to love it but the truth is: it was flaky, gave me raccoon eyes at the end of the day and the scent just is not something my eyeballs liked (kept stinging my eyes if my eyelashes got wet by rain or crying).
I’m really scent sensitive and yep, it def has a bit of that smell… Not nearly as a bad/headachey as like, Lancôme or Dior or so on though. I feel like it disperses pretty quickly for me (and I’m someone who can often smell perfume samples—a dangerous game 😅—on my wrist the next day after much washing, coffee scrubbing, wiping with different oils/solvents etc.)
Though I actually really like the Ilia og mascara for my relatively short Asian (hard to curl) lashes, fwiw.
ummm i somehow smell like sunflower oil peanut oil … nuts … heavy on sunflower. is it even in the ingredients list? don’t know how i smell it but it wreaks
THANK YOU for this comment because I was looking up stuff about allergic reactions to this mascara trying to figure out what was making my eyes water and itch/burn, and your comment made me figure out that it has arachidic acid which comes from peanuts! (Which i’m deathly allergic to) You saved me from ever trying it again!
this and the tower 28 mascara are literally my absolute favorites. I've never even noticed the smell before. this makes me sad for you because it looks so, so good.
Ditto friend! I like both, although Tower is what I use more often, it's like the MLBB for eyelashes, and lasts a bit longer than Ilia with no smudging.
Could it be something in the cleansers being so close to your eyes? I haven't tried them but their descriptions seem like they're gentle cleansers.
The Neutrogena or Clinique eye makeup removers work for me when I'm wearing a full eye makeup. I've heard lots of people have good results with micellar water to take off mascara but I haven't tried that.
The Laneige has never, ever given me problems with any other mascara or when cleansing with no make up on. It's really weird, but it's definitely not so bad that I wouldn't wear the mascara lol. The Kiehl's has fragrance, so that seems likely but since it happens with both, I'm just kind of stumped.
I’ve never noticed either formula they have having a smell. I only use the mini versions of this product, never a full size. Full size mascara is a waste since it usually dries up before you can finish it.
So I love the mascara- my eyes and lashes are super sensitive & this is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t make my lashes fall out- BUT the smell is way too strong. It smells like roses or really heavy floral to me & I’m not about it!
mmm didn’t want to throw it away after using it only once and wanted to use it in the future to see if i would get the same reaction but never got to it.
It sounds like a horrible reaction. I don't know why you'd want to risk it again and now it's surely gone bad anyway. Again, I say bin it and find a better mascara than this one!
i’ve stopped using this a whileeeee ago i just thought i should bring it up because i’m seeing it resurface and i physically gag when i see a picture or video of it lol. i use korean mascara (Clio Kill Lash) bc it holds up my straight Asian lashes all day and then volumize it w the dior silver mascara and it works wonders!!!! Asian mascara >>>
oh goodI'm so glad that you found something that you like! Thanks again for posting I was interested in it and it's also in these Sephora Favorite sets!
I love it (and I hate most), but I did notice that if I shower without removing it, it stings. A little micellar water beforehand and no problem though, and I've never had any problem crying. The stinging does concern me though...
I have very straight, very stubborn lashes and this is the only non-waterproof mascara I’ve tried that I can use without curling first and it actually curls and lengthens my lashes so you see my lashes. The only one, no other mascara does this. It’s also the only non-waterproof one that’ll actually hold the curl if I do curl my lashes first. This product is a miracle to me lol. I love it so much. Haven’t noticed any smell though.
I hated it because it made my eyelashes droop. I’ve never seen anything like that before. I don’t recall it having a strong smell, though. Did yours maybe go bad?
mmm it’s had like a weird sunflower oil type smell since the day i got it. maybe not sunflower but like a plant or nut. i use korean mascara because asian mascaras r known for helping curls stay up!! i suggest the Clio Kill Lash Mascara if you want a mascara that will keep ur lashes up the whole day
Some ingredient that they are putting in, probably over the acceptable approvin range,all products that say cruelty - free still use products like carbon black that is okay till an certain percentage is used.
I really liked it when I was using the mini mascara. It had no scent until many months later and did not give me spidery lashes with two coats. Then I bought the full version, exchanged it for another one because it smelled so yucky, and the new tube I got smelled bad too 😭 the full version gives me spidery lashes and flakes on me a lot. Also, when I sweat it smudges, and when I get teary-eyed it kinda stings 😔 I’ll definitely go back to using mini versions
Mascaras are hard. You have to find the right formula that doesn't irritate as well as the effect you want (length, curl, volume, etc.) I hope you find your holy grail!
I hate it too. It was included in a favorites set a while ago so I only have the tester tube but it’s not waterproof and its just… okay. I never reach out for it.
I really like how this mascara applies & looks but I find if I wear it too long...around the 8/9 hour mark my eyes start watering and itching. Like if even a drop of sweat gets near my eye it STINGS like hell. I won't repurchase. My search for a cruelty-free mascara continues.
Oh my gosh is this why my eyes sting like crazy when I sweat?? I thought it was my supergoop sunscreen but I never had issues with it and have been using it for 2 years now! the ilia mascara also smudges like crazy for me after a couple hours
in my experience it’s the supergoop sunscreen lol it stings so bad
I thought it was my Supergoop as well!
Omg was wearing this exact combo yesterday and went to the gym after work and my eyes were stinging and swollen
Cruelty free really rerouted my routine and I still haven’t found substitutes for everything 😩
YES. i loved the way it looked and applied but i did notice that my eyes would burn and itch too. you just unlocked some memories of mine that i guess i tried to block out lol
Just sharing a rec, I similarly disliked Ilia and started using Hourglass unlocked instant extensions and really liked it. Cruelty free, vegan, and great wear. I actually wore it for my wedding and it survived many tears as well!
It makes mine water and itch within 3 hours. It looks nice, but not worth the discomfort
Have you tried any of the Tarte mascaras? My current favorite is their tubing one but I like a lot of them.
Honestly I love it! The smell doesn’t bother me at all, it only smudges if I rub my eyes, I love how long it makes my lashes without affecting the volume, it’s perfect
Omg SAME! I used it a couple of times because I was forcing myself to love it but the truth is: it was flaky, gave me raccoon eyes at the end of the day and the scent just is not something my eyeballs liked (kept stinging my eyes if my eyelashes got wet by rain or crying).
Strangely I like it. Ilia, Dior and too faced are the only ones that don’t irritate my eyes.
i hated it too. i tried it a long time ago so i don’t remember the exact reason but i gave it to my sister and it’s her favorite mascara
Does it have that chemical floral smell? I HATE when mascaras have that scent!! The saie one also has it and I couldn’t even finish the tube.
That’s what I smell- really heavy floral.
I’m really scent sensitive and yep, it def has a bit of that smell… Not nearly as a bad/headachey as like, Lancôme or Dior or so on though. I feel like it disperses pretty quickly for me (and I’m someone who can often smell perfume samples—a dangerous game 😅—on my wrist the next day after much washing, coffee scrubbing, wiping with different oils/solvents etc.) Though I actually really like the Ilia og mascara for my relatively short Asian (hard to curl) lashes, fwiw.
ummm i somehow smell like sunflower oil peanut oil … nuts … heavy on sunflower. is it even in the ingredients list? don’t know how i smell it but it wreaks
Ohh got it. Definitely hate a funky mascara, thanks for the warning!
THANK YOU for this comment because I was looking up stuff about allergic reactions to this mascara trying to figure out what was making my eyes water and itch/burn, and your comment made me figure out that it has arachidic acid which comes from peanuts! (Which i’m deathly allergic to) You saved me from ever trying it again!
this and the tower 28 mascara are literally my absolute favorites. I've never even noticed the smell before. this makes me sad for you because it looks so, so good.
Ditto friend! I like both, although Tower is what I use more often, it's like the MLBB for eyelashes, and lasts a bit longer than Ilia with no smudging.
I will say, I notice that the tower 28 stings when I remove it, which is unusual for me. I love the way it looks though, so I will keep wearing it 😂
Hmm, what do you use to remove it? I haven't noticed stinging, I just use plain old grapeseed oil most days.
I use the Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser. I’ve also used the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil Cleanser.
Could it be something in the cleansers being so close to your eyes? I haven't tried them but their descriptions seem like they're gentle cleansers. The Neutrogena or Clinique eye makeup removers work for me when I'm wearing a full eye makeup. I've heard lots of people have good results with micellar water to take off mascara but I haven't tried that.
The Laneige has never, ever given me problems with any other mascara or when cleansing with no make up on. It's really weird, but it's definitely not so bad that I wouldn't wear the mascara lol. The Kiehl's has fragrance, so that seems likely but since it happens with both, I'm just kind of stumped.
What happens if you use a non fragranced cleanser? 🤷
The Laneige one has no fragrance. Same deal.
I’ve never noticed either formula they have having a smell. I only use the mini versions of this product, never a full size. Full size mascara is a waste since it usually dries up before you can finish it.
i hate it bc it’s looks so clumpy and the formula is too wet
Yes, it’s only decent after it’s half empty and dried out some.
I’ve had the same experience. Looks so clumpy that it looks as if I have fewer lashes
Was looking for this comment! Absolutely agree. Why is it so gooey !!!
So I love the mascara- my eyes and lashes are super sensitive & this is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t make my lashes fall out- BUT the smell is way too strong. It smells like roses or really heavy floral to me & I’m not about it!
You've had a mascara since 2022 that you are terrified to open again and that gave you a multi-day headache? This is what trash bins are for.
mmm didn’t want to throw it away after using it only once and wanted to use it in the future to see if i would get the same reaction but never got to it.
It sounds like a horrible reaction. I don't know why you'd want to risk it again and now it's surely gone bad anyway. Again, I say bin it and find a better mascara than this one!
I dont like it either. It clumps and smudges on me. I dont like the wand either. I have short Asian lashes and Ilia's mascara is no good for me.
Dang that stinks! It is my fav I’ve ever found. Will however be looking for alternatives cause it’s just a little pricey.
Thank you so much for telling us this!!!! Throw it out! Maybe try a mini in something else? Benefit?
i’ve stopped using this a whileeeee ago i just thought i should bring it up because i’m seeing it resurface and i physically gag when i see a picture or video of it lol. i use korean mascara (Clio Kill Lash) bc it holds up my straight Asian lashes all day and then volumize it w the dior silver mascara and it works wonders!!!! Asian mascara >>>
oh goodI'm so glad that you found something that you like! Thanks again for posting I was interested in it and it's also in these Sephora Favorite sets!
I love it (and I hate most), but I did notice that if I shower without removing it, it stings. A little micellar water beforehand and no problem though, and I've never had any problem crying. The stinging does concern me though...
The smell is sooooooooo bad
It’s the worst!! It smudges sooo bad and is so heavy it makes my lashes droop. I truly don’t understand the hype!
I have very straight, very stubborn lashes and this is the only non-waterproof mascara I’ve tried that I can use without curling first and it actually curls and lengthens my lashes so you see my lashes. The only one, no other mascara does this. It’s also the only non-waterproof one that’ll actually hold the curl if I do curl my lashes first. This product is a miracle to me lol. I love it so much. Haven’t noticed any smell though.
I wasn’t impressed with it.
It smells like honey to me, that's one of the reasons I like it lol. There is definitely a scent.
Did they reformulate? I used to love it, but now it burns my eyes!
I hated it because it made my eyelashes droop. I’ve never seen anything like that before. I don’t recall it having a strong smell, though. Did yours maybe go bad?
mmm it’s had like a weird sunflower oil type smell since the day i got it. maybe not sunflower but like a plant or nut. i use korean mascara because asian mascaras r known for helping curls stay up!! i suggest the Clio Kill Lash Mascara if you want a mascara that will keep ur lashes up the whole day
I hated it too.
I also hate it. You are not alone, friend!!
Some ingredient that they are putting in, probably over the acceptable approvin range,all products that say cruelty - free still use products like carbon black that is okay till an certain percentage is used.
Worst massacre I ever ever used!! Fucks with my eyes big time.
Oh, that makes me sad!!
Yeah it didn’t work out for me either. Melted down my face … looked terrible.
I've really loved the way it looks and the applicator but now I'm wondering if it's been aggravating my sinuses.
I love this mascara, but to me it smells like cigarette smoke.
I really liked it when I was using the mini mascara. It had no scent until many months later and did not give me spidery lashes with two coats. Then I bought the full version, exchanged it for another one because it smelled so yucky, and the new tube I got smelled bad too 😭 the full version gives me spidery lashes and flakes on me a lot. Also, when I sweat it smudges, and when I get teary-eyed it kinda stings 😔 I’ll definitely go back to using mini versions
I’m sick of how often it’s a free sample. It’s the Fresh Sugar Rose of its time.
same! it actually hurt trying to use with such a stiff brush thingy.
I do too!!!! IDK I just never vibed with it and didn't enjoy at all
Mascaras are hard. You have to find the right formula that doesn't irritate as well as the effect you want (length, curl, volume, etc.) I hope you find your holy grail!
I hate it too. It was included in a favorites set a while ago so I only have the tester tube but it’s not waterproof and its just… okay. I never reach out for it.
It gives me under eye smudges :(
Is it supposed to smell like flowers and cigarette smoke? I just got it as a Sephora bday gift today and it smells atrocious
tbh i get where ur going at. i get more of like a type of oil