First, the mascara side.  The wand is a basic bristle brush, and the formula is that of a lengthening mascara.  This isn't clumpy, dry or thick.  Instead, the formula is quite light, and allows for the brush to do the work to pull the product across the lashes and lengthen.


Next, the Illuminator side.  From the packaging on the outside, I would have thought this was a version of the L'oreal Telescopic Explosion mascara - you know, the one with the ball brush?  Well, upon closer inspection, this is actually a hybrid of the really thin bristle brushes that are used for either your lower lashline or the random glitter mascaras on the market, and that of a normal spiral bristle that has been cut into a ball shape.  I know, a crazy explanation, but take a look at the picture above...I think that about sums it up!  The actual mascara isn't a glitter, but instead looks like a metallic mascara.  The picture above doesn't do the color justice at all - in the Black Bronze set I bought, this portion looks like liquid copper - it's absolutely gorgeous!  The next question would be...does it actually show up on the lashes?


I really wish I could figure out my camera, because these pictures are not reflecting what the mascara actually looks like in real life.  First of all, I have to say I was impressed with the formula of the Double Extend black mascara.  I don't typically go for the lengthening mascara because as much as I would love long lashes, I would rather be able to *see* mine, and a volumizing mascara is required for that!  With that said, the formula on this was nice and buildable, clumping was minimal, so I was able to get a nice effect.  The metallic side was exactly how I would want one of these to be - actually visible once applied!  Unfortunately my camera's flash washed out any of the color, so there is barely any notice in the pictures.  My lashes looked metallic, had sparkle, and you could see it in every day light, directly on, from the side, etc.  There was no fall out, it wasn't chunky, and it didn't clump on the ends of my lashes.