I love mascara. I think it is my favriote product and with that I expect a lot from a mascara. I don’t just want a “nice” mascara, I am high maintenance and I want volume, curl, length, lift, and drama all in one. I also want something that will last from running errands to a night out without turning me into a panda. Oh gosh, I hate panda eyes so much.
So when I saw Charlotte Tilbury had launched the Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara, promising exaggerated curl, intense volume, and smudge-resistant wear, it went straight into my shopping basket. I picked up both the full-size and the mini because I’m the sort of girl who has one mascara in her main makeup bag and another in her handbag for top-ups (just in case). I don't really mix up my habits when it comes to mascara, as I have a few favourites, but the hype had me with this one, and I thought it was time to give Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volume mascara a really good try.
My lashes are blonde, which is very annoying as I rely on mascara to make me look alive, and I like that fake lash kinda style of lash
es. With lashes, less is not more for me, more is more darling. I want volume and curl, and I want it to last and last, no matter what I am doing. I always want that false lash effect mascara. It is one of my favriote products. So is this one worth the hype?
What is the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara?
This mascara is designed to give you wide-awake, full lashes without having to mess around with falsies. So, just my dream product then. Charlotte Tilbury describes it as “lifting and amplifying every lash for instant impact.” The curved bristle brush is meant to hug your lash line, grab every lash (even the tiny ones) on every application, and fan them out for a more open-eyed look.
It’s part of the wider Pillow Talk family, so if you’ve tried the Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara, this one is a step up in the drama department. While Pillow Talk gives lift and definition, Exagger-Eyes focuses on thickening, curling, and adding that wow factor from the very first coat. If I am honest, Pillow Talk never really resonated with me, so I never bought it. But when Charlotte Tilbury created this one, I was more intrigued. It comes in one colour at the moment Exagger-black which is a really nice dark black colour. I do hope a few more colours are added to her collection soon.
Key Features and Benefits
What makes Exagger-Eyes stand out is its formula + brush combo. The brush has a gentle curve that follows the natural lash line, meaning you can coat the base of the lashes without jabbing yourself in the eye. The bristles are arranged to pick up and deposit a good amount of product, so you get impact quickly without having to layer endlessly.
The formula itself is rich and creamy, not too wet (which can lead to smudging before it dries) but not overly dry either. This means you can work it through your lashes, build up the volume you want, and still get that curl hold without it collapsing after an hour.
On my lashes, one coat gives a defined, lifted everyday look, and two coats give full, volumised drama that’s perfect for a night out. It doesn’t flake on me, though after about 9 hours, I notice a faint transfer on my oily eyelids, nothing dramatic, not really an issue, but worth noting. It also passes the smudge-proof mascara test I rub my eyes alot when I bike, and i dont even realise I am doing it and it held up really well.
How Does It Compare to Other Mascaras?
In the Charlotte Tilbury mascara lineup, I’d place this one firmly in the “drama” category. Here’s how I think it stacks up:
- Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes: Great for separation and lift, but less volumising.
- Full Fat Lashes: Softer, more natural volume for day wear.
- Exagger-Eyes: The most impactful — bigger, bolder, and with a stronger curl hold.
Against other brands, I’d compare it to Too Faced Better Than Sex in terms of volume, but Exagger-Eyes has a less clumpy finish when applied carefully. I would put on a pair with the benefit of their real magnetic, which is one of my faves. They are both volumising mascara that lasts all day and cause me no irritation what's so every.
How to Apply for the Best Results
The trick with this mascara is in the first coat. Start at the roots and wiggle the brush through the lashes, letting the curve of the wand hug your lash line. This deposits the product where you need it most at the base for that thicker, fuller look.
For extra curl, apply from underneath the lashes and roll the brush upwards. If you’re layering, give each coat about 20–30 seconds to set before going in again; this helps avoid clumping while still building drama.
If you find it clumpy (especially on the second or third coat), keep a clean spoolie to hand and comb through while the mascara is still damp.
I set all my make-up with my Charlotte Tilbury setting spray, and I find this really does help with mascara too, just wait until it's dry before spraying your face.
Wear Test: How Long Does It Last?
On me, Exagger-Eyes easily lasts through a full day and into the evening without flaking. The curl holds impressively well, even after a slightly sweaty gym session, and I still had lifted lashes. On very oily lids, you may get a touch of smudging after 8+ hours, but a quick blot or setting powder on the under-eye area helps. I completely agree with the claims of 9x more volume this take my lashes to another level.
The biggest test I put any product through is mountian biking, and this one held up to a really sweaty, hot and muddy ride. Which is no mean feat I wear glasses when riding and this had no effect at all. My lashes looked just as good at the start of the ride as it did at the end.
Is Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara Really Smudge-Proof and Flake-Proof?
One of the boldest claims about the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara is that it’s smudge-proof, flake-proof, sweat-proof, clump-proof, and humidity-proof. That’s a lot of promises for one tube of mascara, so I put it to the test in real life, from long bike rides in the Scottish mountains to busy days running errands in unpredictable UK weather.
- Smudge-proof: I wore it for 10 hours without any panda eyes. Even after a light, misty rain, it stayed in place.
- Flake-proof: No tell-tale black specks on my cheeks — even after rubbing my eyes out of habit.
- Sweat-proof: Survived a post-ride coffee stop after a long mountain bike session without melting or smearing.
- Clump-proof: The curved bristle wand applies evenly, separating each lash so you get drama without chunky build-up.
- Humidity-proof: Tested it on a warm, muggy day in Glasgow, and it held its curl and volume until I took it off.
For anyone living in a place where the weather changes every five minutes (hello, UK), this mascara ticks the box for all-day wear without the mid-afternoon mirror check panic.
Formula & Key Ingredients
We all know I like to know what is going on in my product that I use, so Charlotte Tilbury’s Exagger‑Eyes Mascara here is the blend of ingredients and design
Here's what you'll actually find inside:
- Water (Aqua) – the base that makes everything spreadable.
- Synthetic Beeswax & Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax – helps structure and volumise lashes, holding lift and shape
- Acrylates Copolymer – a film‑forming agent that locks in the look for long wear
- Jojoba Esters – conditioning agents that soften and nourish lashes without weighing them down Lash‑Vinyl Black Wrap Tech (Vinyl‑Black inspired polymers) – wraps each lash to give that “double‑lash” illusion and dramatic curl
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – adds a protective, antioxidant finish that cares for your lashes
Is the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara Worth It?
If you love full, dramatic lashes and you’re already a fan of Charlotte Tilbury beauty and makeup, I think this mascara delivers on its promises. The price (£26 full-size, £15 mini) is premium, but you’re getting a long-wearing, buildable formula that’s versatile enough for day and night.
For me, it’s one of the best curling and volumising mascaras I’ve tried in a while and I test a lot of them. If budget allows, I’d recommend grabbing the mini size first to see how you get on, then investing in the full-size if you fall in love.
I should also mention I have watery eyes. especially when I am on the bike. That's why I wear glasses on the bike, and I had no smudging or clumping or fall out with this at all i think this might jsut be the best uk false lash effect mascara
Packaging & Presentation
Like all Charlotte Tilbury products, the Exagger-Eyes Mascara oozes glamour from the moment you pick it up. The sleek black and rose-gold tube feels luxurious in your hand and looks gorgeous on any dressing table or in your makeup bag. It is made from glass and it is so heavy. The packaging screams high-end luxury. This is nicer than my actual high-end product.
The wand design is just as lux. The bristles are shaped to hug and lift each lash, making application easy and precise. It’s lightweight enough to travel with, and the secure click-close lid means no messy leaks, even if you throw it in your handbag for on-the-go touch-ups. The photos doesn’t do it justice the wand has a really obvious curve to it and I love this style of wand.
Where to Buy Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara
Exagger-Eyes Mascara retails for £28 for the full-size (10ml) and £16 for the travel-size (4ml), making it a mid-luxury mascara investment.
In the UK, you can pick up the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara directly from the Charlotte Tilbury website, where you’ll often find exclusive bundles, free samples, and limited-edition packaging.
It’s also available from trusted beauty retailers including:
- Cult Beauty – Free delivery options and loyalty points
- LookFantastic – Often has discount codes and multi-buy offers
- Selfridges – In-store and online if you want to swatch other Charlotte Tilbury products at the same time
- John Lewis & Partners – Great for click-and-collect or next-day delivery
- Sephora UK – Sometimes offers mini sizes so you can try before committing to the full 10ml
Remember to look for discount codes and try the mini to make sure you like it.
Top tip: If you’re travelling, check airport duty-free stores, Charlotte Tilbury mascaras can be noticeably cheaper, and you might even find the mini 4ml version to test before buying full size.
Final Thoughts and Review
The Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara is a brilliant choice if you want to add instant drama and curl to your lashes without the fuss of falsies. It’s long-wearing, bold, and works beautifully for both everyday glam and full evening makeup.
If you’ve got naturally straight lashes, you’ll especially appreciate the curl hold, and if you’re a fan of a glossy black finish, this will tick that box too. Pricey? Yes. Worth it for the confidence boost it gives? In my opinion, absolutely.
I really am impressed with this mascara. It gives the right balance of long lashes with a false lash effect without clumping or making your eyes dry. Even after my initial coat, I knew I was in love with the exagger-eye. I wasn't really in the market for a new faveriote eslcailly not at this price, but it really is good bang for the buck. It stays put the entire day without any fallout. It definitely gives me the look I am after and it is a lovely product to use. Dame another must-have from this amazing beauty brand.
Who Will Love the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara?
If you love bold, dramatic lashes without the faff of falsies, this mascara is going to be right up your street. It’s perfect if you want volume, curl, and lift all in one, and you don’t want to be topping up every few hours. If you’ve got blonde, straight, or fine lashes like mine, you’ll really appreciate the instant “wide-awake” look this gives.
It’s also a great choice if you live somewhere with unpredictable weather (hello, UK) because it’s smudge-proof, flake-proof, sweat-proof, clump-proof, and humidity-proof. Whether you’re working, commuting, or heading out for the evening, it will hold up beautifully.
Who Should Skip It?
If you’re all about a natural, barely-there lash look, this might feel like too much drama for you it’s definitely not a “no-makeup makeup” kind of mascara. Those with very sensitive eyes or who struggle with any mascara might want to patch test first, even though it’s ophthalmologist-tested and fragrance-free.
And if you’re on a tight budget, at £28 for the full-size it’s a luxury purchase, so you might prefer to try the mini version first to see if it’s worth the investment for you. If you are on a budget try Maybelline Sky High Mascara,
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara FAQ
Is Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara waterproof?
No, the formula isn’t fully waterproof, but it is smudge-resistant and holds up well against humidity and light rain. If you need a mascara that can survive a swim or tears, you’ll want a dedicated waterproof version.
Does Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara clump?
When applied correctly, it’s surprisingly good at avoiding clumps thanks to its curved bristle brush. If you layer more than two coats without letting them set slightly, you may see some clumping — a quick comb-through with a clean spoolie fixes this instantly.
Can you use Exagger-Eyes on lower lashes?
Yes, but go lightly. The formula is rich, so I recommend just touching the tips of the lower lashes to avoid transfer under the eyes.
How long does Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara last during the day?
On me, it lasts 8–10 hours without major smudging or flaking. Those with oily lids may notice a faint transfer after 8+ hours, but setting the under-eye area with powder helps.
Is the Exagger-Eyes Mascara good for sensitive eyes?
It’s ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, but if you have very sensitive eyes, always patch test a new mascara. The formula is fragrance-free, which is a plus for avoiding irritation.
What’s the difference between Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes and Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara?
Pillow Talk gives more lift and separation for a soft, fluttery look, while Exagger-Eyes is all about bold, voluminous lashes with dramatic curl.
Does Exagger-Eyes Mascara lengthen as well as volumise?
Yes while volume is its strongest point, the formula also contains film-forming agents that give the lashes extra length and a lifted appearance.
Is it worth buying the mini size?
Absolutely. At £16 for 4ml, it’s a great way to test the mascara before committing to the full-size. The mini is also perfect for travel or keeping in your handbag.
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