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There’s a brand new mascara from NARS and I’ve been testing it ahead of its launch. NARS Notorious Mascara is designed to give lashes length, lift, volume and definition, and after trying it in the Brown shade, I have to say I’m rather impressed with the results.
Mascara is one of those products where I think the wand can make such a difference, and the slim wand on this one immediately caught my attention. I found it really easy to use and, as someone who can be a little clumsy with mascara application, I loved how much control it gave me.
Here’s my full NARS Notorious Mascara review.
NARS Notorious Mascara in Infamous Brown
I’ve been testing the Brown shade and I really like it.
It gives the lashes plenty of definition but has a softer effect than black, so I think it’s a lovely option for everyday makeup.
It’s definitely brown rather than simply being very close to black mascara with a slightly softer finish, which I think will appeal if you like a more natural-looking lash.
There is also a Black shade, which I’ll try soon and update the photos here.
Does NARS Notorious Mascara smudge or flake?
This has also been a real winner for me. I’ve been really impressed with the wear time and, importantly, it didn’t flake, smudge or move around.
My lashes stayed looking lifted and defined throughout the day and I didn’t end up with mascara underneath my eyes, which is always a bonus.
NARS describes Notorious as humidity-resistant and long-wearing, and based on my testing, I would agree that it has really good staying power. Despite this, it’s not difficult to remove. I used my regular cleansing oil, and it came off easily. I love a mascara that stays put when I’m wearing it but doesn’t require lots of rubbing when I want to take it off.
NARS Notorious Mascara Review: My Verdict
I’m really impressed with NARS Notorious Mascara. For me, the easy application is a big part of its appeal. The slim wand gives you plenty of control and makes it really easy to get right into the lashes, and I found I could create a really defined look without making a mess.
The results are exactly what I want from an everyday mascara: length, separation, definition and lift, without clumping. I also really like the fact that I didn’t need to use a lash curler to get that lifted effect.
I’ve been testing Brown, which gives a softer, more natural-looking finish, but I’m definitely interested to see how the Black shade compares. Stay tuned for that.
Overall, this is a very easy mascara to use and I think the combination of the clever wand, lovely lash definition and impressive staying power makes NARS Notorious one to watch.
NARS Notorious Mascara FAQ
Is NARS Notorious Mascara waterproof?
No, NARS Notorious Mascara isn’t a traditional waterproof mascara. It is designed to be long-lasting and resistant to humidity, while still being easy to remove with warm water and cleanser. NARS says testing showed 16-hour wear, including resistance to smudging and colour loss.
Is NARS Notorious Mascara a tubing mascara?
How do you remove NARS Notorious Mascara?
NARS Notorious Mascara can be removed with warm water and cleanser, so you don’t need a specialist eye makeup remover.
What shades does NARS Notorious Mascara come in?
NARS Notorious Mascara comes in two shades: Starstruck Black and Infamous Brown. I’ve been testing the Brown shade for this review, which gives a softer, more natural-looking finish while still providing plenty of definition.
Is NARS Notorious Mascara good for everyday wear?
Yes. I think the Brown shade in particular is lovely for everyday makeup. The slim wand makes it easy to apply precisely, while the formula gives lashes noticeable length, definition and lift without feeling heavy. I’ve also found it stays put well during the day without flaking or smudging.
When does NARS Notorious Mascara launch in the UK?
The new mascara will launch in the UK on 31st August 2026.
