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What do you look for in a mascara? For me, it's all about a clump-free formula that adds tons of volume and length. As luck would have it, MAC Stack Mascara does just that.
The formulators behind MAC's new promise this mascara — which comes in two different brush sizes, Superstack Mega Brush and Superstack Micro Brush — can create "infinite layers" on the lashes without clumping. Chalk it up to the brand's new, stretchable formula, which coats each lash from root to tip. Jamie Lynch, MAC's executive director of product development, says the bristles "hug each individual lash from every angle, leaving no lash behind."
"The staggered bristles allow a uniform application against each lash for 360-[degree] mass coverage, while simultaneously building controllable, stackable volume — putting the power in your hands to create lash looks from natural to next level," Lynch adds.
Who doesn't want that? I needed to get my hands on the two black tubes, and once I did, I immediately noticed the unique, pearl shape of each bristle. There are subtle differences between the two mascaras, especially when it comes to the applicator size.
Superstack Mega Brush, which has pink bristles, has a large, thick spoolie that worked great on lengthening my upper lashes. On the other hand, the Superstack Micro Brush coated the shorter lashes on my bottom lash line as well as the inner corners of my eye. I found it did this with a clump-free, controllable application.
I tested this mascara out recently. Even with my oily eyelids, plus a day spent commuting to and from the office (with a face mask on), I saw no flakes or markings around my eyes. That's an extremely rare quality for mascara, and it makes me a fan of this formula.
Cosmetic chemist Ginger King credits silica and clay mineral kaolin for keeping the smudginess at bay. These two ingredients assist with oil absorption, decreasing the chances of the mascara smearing on one's eyelids. As far as the stackable fibers go, King says "the copolymers help with the adhesion of the product to the lashes." Thus, creating a stable building ground for long, flake-free, fluttery lashes.
For me, swapping between the Mega and Micro Mascara gives me the ability to add definition at my roots. It gives lots of volume all the way to the end of my lashes without creating a mess around my eyelids. But don't just take my word for it. I've asked two Allure editors to also give their first impressions, ahead.
"I'll be honest: I usually call it quits at one layer of mascara, and my max is two layers if I'm feeling extra dramatic," says senior commerce writer Sarah Han. She says it's just not worth the risk of clumps forming on her short lashes. However, the concept of infinitely stackable mascaras intrigued her. "I went straight for the Superstack Micro Brush, which utilizes a shorter, thicker brush to wiggle every bit of length and volume out of your natural lashes — and that it did," Han recalls.
Amazed with how lightweight each application felt on her lashes, Han didn't notice any fallout or flaking as the day went on. "While it's always been a struggle to capture my lashes on-camera, I can definitely see a big eye-opening difference in real life," she says. Han was so happy with the results that she had no hesitancy adding an extra coat with the Superstack Mega Brush, "for a touch of oomph," she remarks. The result: healthy and fluttery lashes — rather than dry and brittle ones that are obviously doused in mascara.
Given the ubiquity of MAC products, beauty editor Alaina Demopoulos says the brand hardly needs any endorsement from her… but she'll give it anyway. "This mascara is one of the easiest ones I've tried in recent memory in terms of buildability," she says. She notes that this mascara allows for repeat application without creating a clumpy mess. "You can just keep swiping it on and there are hardly any clumps," she adds.
At one point, Demopoulos had too much product on the spooley, but she was able to just shimmy the recesses off with her wand. No big deal. "It's jet-black, can be used for day or night, and really does have that coveted my-lashes-but-better vibe," says Demopoulos. Describing her lashes as "full but not long," Demopoulos thinks this formula works well when lengthening. Plus, she got none of that spider-look she knows some people love… but she detests.
Overall, we appreciate that MAC took into consideration that not every eye shape or lash length is the same, and gave us shoppers two unique wands to choose from. The only hard part is deciding which one to buy: Mega, Micro, or both.
You'll also notice this mascara was featured in the Allure February Beauty Box — because this is not your typical lengthening mascara. Subscribe to the Allure Beauty Box now to be one of the first to try products that have Allure's stamp of approval and our One to Watch seal, like this mascara.
MAC Stack Mascara's Mega and Micro are now available on maccosmetics.com for $28 each.
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