MAC mascara review

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I’ve made clumpy mascara my signature look, but some days I want something a little less extreme. So when MAC introduced the new MACStack Mascara, I was amped to try it since it promises all the drama I love with none of the clumps. 

It sounds too good to be true—MACStack promises both volume and length, and is specially formulated to be “infinitely layered” with no clumps. That means you can swipe on coat after coat for as much drama as you please without verging into tarantula territory. The mascara took more than two years to develop and is possible thanks to a mix of Fibre Melt Technology and a Lash Flex Polymer, which grabs and coats each lash without bunching up. 

To further emphasize the customizable aspect of the mascara, MAC launched two different brushes with the same formula. The MACStack Mega Mascara brush has longer bristles made for longer lashes, while the MACStack Micro Mascara brush is better suited for shorter or lower lashes. Both brushes are made of a flexible plastic to grab and separate each and every lash. 

Given that the launch is all about personal lash style, we had four Glamour staffers with varying preferences put it to the test. Read on for our honest thoughts on the MAC Stack Mascaras. 

Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor

I’m very particular about my mascara. My eye shape tends to transfer product to my undereyes and lids, so I need something that doesn’t budge and is long-wear. Not only did this MAC mascara stay put, but it also gave me that really flirty, doe-eyed look that I love. The rubber brush coated every lash, and the formula is very buildable, without flaking or clumping. I didn’t get the dramatic volume, but I definitely got extra length. I was expecting the formula to build up and get heavy, but my lashes stayed fluttery and soft. If you’re looking for a good everyday mascara, I highly recommend. 

Talia Abbas, commerce editor

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I love natural-looking lashes for daytime, so for obvious reasons I was drawn to MACStack Micro Brush mascara, which is supposed to allow for a super-precise application on the top and bottom lashes thanks to the ultrafine petal-shaped bristles. Since I rarely apply mascara to my bottom lashes, I focused all my efforts on the top—and went in with multiple coats to get the desired length and lift. The result is super subtle, with a gentle fanning of the lashes that’s best appreciated up close. (If want precision with little drama, you’ll probably love this mascara.)  I also have a tendency to rub my eyes a lot throughout the day, but luckily there was minimal flaking. Removal is also easy—a little micellar water does the trick. 

Ana Escalante, editorial assistant

Courtesy of subject

I have a love-hate relationship with mascara. I love the look it provides me, but I’ve also poked my eyes way too many times to count with big wands that leave my lashes feeling saggy and clumpy. Over the years, I’ve tried far too many mascara tubes that ended up being lackluster—so when I was offered the chance to try MAC’s latest mascara, I took the challenge. I’ve been obsessed with the micro-wand tube with bristles specifically targeting hard to reach areas, like my inner and outer corners. I was honestly amazed at how longer my lashes appeared while I was swiping on product without my lashes becoming spider-like. It’s not entirely smudge-proof (so I can’t listen to Mitski while wearing it), but life is all about trade-offs, isn’t it?

Bella Cacciatore, beauty writer 

For me, when it comes to mascara, more is more, so I was excited by the fact that I could layer as much as I wanted without clumps or crunchiness. Rubbery bristles like the Mega wand don’t always work for me, but I really love how this one grabbed each of my tiny lashes and stretched them up and out. The inky formula didn’t get crunchy or hard; instead it keeps my lashes feeling fluttery and soft, and I didn’t deal with any flakes or smudging. I was also able to skip the lash curler, but I still look awake even after one too many espresso martinis. I usually like a little bit of an intentional clump, so I would have liked a little more oomph from the formula, but it’s a great middle ground between natural and dramatic, if that’s what you’re after. 

MAC MACStack Mega Mascara

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty writer at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.

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