Let's talk mascara. Specifically? Gucci’s Mascara L'Obscur, £31, which has been doing the rounds on social media of late. The customer testing has been impressive. Massively so. 93% of users saw 'dramatic length on first swipe', and 95% raved about 'next-level definition'. But impressive stats aren’t exactly new when it comes to brands and their buzzy press releases either. Thankfully, a fresh sample has landed on the Grazia beauty desk, so what better time to put it to the test. Here, my full review of Gucci’s Mascara L'Obscur.
What does Gucci Mascara L'Obscur do?
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to choose between volume and length then this mascara is for you. The formula is ultra-rich and creamy, helping to layer up lashes with an intense coating of blacker-than-black pigment. The brush is responsible for the volume here - the tip is very thin, designed to catch the tiniest of lashes at the corners of the eyes. The end result? Incredibly long, fanned out volume with minimal effort.
Shop: Gucci Mascara L'Obscur
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Rachael Martin, Beauty Director says: 'I find this mascara works best when I wiggle the wand at the base of my lashes before gently pulling it through to the tips. I apply it the same way every time, and I can confirm - not all mascaras are made equal. From the first use, it’s clear this brush is a clever one. It’s a flexible elastomer design, which bends beautifully with my lashes, catching even the tiniest hairs - even the stubbiest at the corners are coated. It glides on effortlessly, without grabbing or tugging.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- No flaking
Cons
- Expensive purchase
How To Apply
Gucci recommend two specific application techniques depending to your desired look:
Classic Look: apply with the wand positioned horizontally for a sweeping effect that sees lashes separated at the root and subtly fanned out.
Bold Look: apply with the wand positioned vertically for a bold volumised finish where high definition meets a wing-like fan of lashes
Our verdict:
Rachael Martin, beauty director:
'I find this mascara works best when I wiggle the wand at the base of my lashes before gently pulling it through to the tips. I apply my mascara the same way every time, and I can confirm - not all are made equal. From the first use, it’s clear this brush is a clever one. It’s a flexible elastomer design, which bends beautifully with my lashes, catching even the tiniest hairs - a quick blink in the mirror confirms even the stubbiest are coated. It glides on effortlessly, without grabbing or tugging, and it's rather satisfying to see that doe-eyed look come to life.
The formula stays wet just long enough to build without clumping or dragging, which is ideal. I’m very much a ‘more is more’ kind of girl when it comes to mascara- and while this one delivers length and volume quickly, I like to take it up to around seven layers. For me, that's the sweet spot for real 'oomph.' It's long-lasting too - no flaking or smudging, even after a particularly long London commute.
And of course, it would be remiss not to mention the packaging. Dressed in Gucci Beauty’s signature soft pink with luxe gold ribbing, this is one mascara sure to elevate your dressing table as much as your lashes.
A beauty icon? Absolutely.'
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism