I wanted to love CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara. Really, I did. With its bold promises of voluminous, fluttery lashes and a cruelty-free formula, it seemed like a drugstore gem worth trying. But after weeks of testing, I’m not sold. Smudging, clumping, and a finicky brush made this mascara more frustrating than fabulous.

 If you’re eyeing it, stick with me—I’ll walk you through my experience, break down the pros and cons, compare it to other brands, and share tips to make it work if you still want to give it a shot. Spoiler: there are better options out there.

My Experience with CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara

I’m no stranger to drugstore mascaras. My makeup bag is a treasure trove of affordable finds, and I’m always on the hunt for a budget-friendly tube that delivers high-end results. When I picked up Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara, I was drawn to its sleek silver packaging and the hype around its volumizing, smudge-free formula.

 The hourglass-shaped brush looked promising, and the claim of “bold, thick lashes with just one coat” had me hopeful. Plus, Covergirl’s cruelty-free status and vegan options made it feel like a guilt-free splurge at $11.99 for 0.3 fl oz.

My first application was a mixed bag. The formula felt lightweight, which I appreciated—no heavy, goopy mess weighing down my lashes. The brush, with its curved design, hugged my lashes nicely, especially the tiny ones in the inner corners.

 I went for the Very Black shade, and the pigment was intense, giving my lashes a dramatic pop. Two coats later, my lashes looked longer and fuller, though not quite the “lash extension effect” Covergirl promised. I was cautiously optimistic.

But then came the wear test. By mid-afternoon, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and—yikes—smudges under my eyes. Not full-on raccoon vibes, but enough to make me grab a tissue. I tried the waterproof version next, hoping for better staying power, but even that didn’t hold up through a humid day. The brush started to annoy me too.

 It collected excess product at the base, and if I wasn’t careful, I’d end up with clumpy lashes that needed a spoolie to fix. After a week, the tube seemed to dry out faster than expected, making application feel like a workout. I kept thinking, “Am I doing this wrong?” But no amount of technique could salvage the experience.

I even roped in a friend to try it, thinking maybe my lashes (fine but long) were the issue. She had thicker lashes and loved the initial volume but echoed my complaints about smudging and the brush’s tendency to clump. We both agreed: this mascara had potential but fell short in execution.

 Disappointed, I started comparing it to my go-to drugstore mascaras, and the gaps became glaring. Let’s break it down.

Read More:  My Thoughts on Glowiest Dream Glow Beauty Oil Reviews.

Pros of CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara

Despite my gripes, Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara isn’t a total flop. It has some redeeming qualities that might appeal to you, especially if you’re after a specific look or have certain priorities. Here’s what I liked, based on my weeks of testing and feedback from other users.

• Impressive Lengthening: The mascara delivers on length. My lashes looked noticeably longer, even with just one coat. The Black Brown shade (which leans more soft black) gave a fluttery, natural effect, while Very Black was bold and dramatic. If you’re after that elongated, defined look, this mascara gets the job done. It’s not quite a “lash extension” vibe, but it’s solid for everyday wear.
• Lightweight Formula: I hate mascaras that feel like they’re gluing my lashes together, and this one doesn’t. The formula is surprisingly light, so your lashes stay soft and flexible. It’s infused with peptides, biotin, and provitamin B5, which Covergirl claims strengthen lashes over time. I didn’t notice stronger lashes in a few weeks, but the lightweight feel was a win for comfort.
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Covergirl’s Leaping Bunny certification is a big plus for ethical beauty lovers. The Exhibitionist Mascara is vegan, free of animal-derived ingredients, and not tested on animals. If you prioritize cruelty-free products, this checks the box, unlike some other drugstore brands that lag behind on ethics.
• Easy Removal: Unlike some waterproof mascaras that require industrial-strength remover, this one comes off with minimal effort. A gentle micellar water or cleansing balm did the trick without tugging at my lashes. Even the waterproof version didn’t put up much of a fight, which is great if you hate scrubbing your eyes raw.
• Affordable Price Point: At around $12, it’s wallet-friendly. You can find it at drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, or Target, often on sale. For the volume and length it provides, it’s a decent value—if you can overlook the downsides. The 0.3 fl oz tube lasts about a month with daily use, assuming it doesn’t dry out prematurely.

Cons of CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara

I wanted to rave about this mascara, but the issues piled up fast. From smudging to a frustrating brush, here’s why I’m hesitant to recommend it.

• Smudging and Transfer Issues: The biggest letdown was the smudging. Both the regular and waterproof versions transferred under my eyes by the end of the day, especially in humid weather. I’m not talking a subtle smudge—think noticeable dark streaks that scream “I need a mirror.” User reviews on Walmart and Amazon echoed this, with some calling it a “raccoon eye” disaster. Even when I set it with powder, the smudging persisted, making it unreliable for long wear.
• Clumpy Brush Design: That hourglass-shaped brush? It’s a love-it-or-hate-it situation. While it grabs lashes well, it collects excess product at the base, leading to clumps if you’re not meticulous. I had to wipe the wand before every application, which felt like an unnecessary step. Some users on MakeupAlley complained about the “bulky and unwieldy” brush, and I get it—it’s not the most precise tool for the job.
• Premature Drying: After just a couple of weeks, the formula started to feel thick and goopy, like the tube was already running low. One Amazon reviewer mentioned their brand-new tube seemed “used or empty,” and I had a similar experience. It made application patchy and frustrating, especially for a product that’s supposed to last a month or two. This isn’t universal, but enough users reported it to raise a red flag.

• Not Truly Waterproof: The waterproof version was a letdown. I tested it through a sweaty workout and a teary movie, and it didn’t hold up. Smudges appeared, and the formula felt less durable than Covergirl’s own Lash Blast Waterproof. If you need a mascara for pool days or emotional moments, this isn’t your best bet.
• Average Volume: While it lengthens like a champ, the volumizing claims fell flat. My lashes looked defined but not “bold and thick” as advertised. If you want dramatic, falsie-like volume, you’ll need to layer multiple coats, which increases the risk of clumps. For the price, I expected more oomph.

Tips for Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara

If you’ve already bought this mascara or want to give it a whirl, don’t toss it just yet. With some tweaks, you can maximize its potential and minimize the frustrations. Here’s how to get the most out of it, based on my trial and error.

• Wipe the Wand Before Use: The brush’s tendency to collect excess product is a major culprit for clumps. Before applying, wipe the wand on a clean tissue or the edge of the tube to remove extra formula. This ensures a smoother, more even application and reduces the need for post-mascara lash combing. Keep tissues handy to make this a quick habit.
• Use a Primer for Extra Staying Power: To combat smudging, pair the mascara with Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara Primer ($10). The primer, packed with biotin, marajuca oil, and argan oil, boosts volume and helps the mascara adhere better. Apply one coat, let it dry for 30 seconds, then follow with the mascara. I noticed less transfer when I used the primer, though it’s an extra step and cost.
• Apply in Thin Layers: Resist the urge to glob on thick coats. Instead, apply thin, even layers, letting each coat dry for 10-15 seconds before adding another. This builds length without clumping and helps the formula set better. Two light coats worked best for me, giving a natural yet defined look.
• Store It Properly: To prevent premature drying, store the tube upright in a cool, dry place, away from heat or humidity. Make sure the cap is tightly closed after each use to keep air out. If the formula starts feeling thick, add a drop or two of saline solution to the tube and shake it gently. This can revive it for a few more uses.
• Remove Gently to Protect Lashes: Use a micellar water-soaked cotton pad to remove the mascara, holding it against your lashes for 10 seconds before wiping. This minimizes tugging and keeps your lashes healthy. For the waterproof version, a cleansing balm works better to break down the formula without excessive rubbing.

These tips can salvage the experience, but you’ll still need patience. Now, let’s see how it stacks up against other drugstore mascaras.

Comparison with Other Brands

I pitted Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara against three popular drugstore rivals: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High, L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise, and Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect. Here’s how they compare, based on my tests and user feedback.

• Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High: Maybelline’s Sky High ($13) is a TikTok darling for a reason. Its flexible, conical brush coats every lash, delivering insane length and decent volume. Unlike Exhibitionist, it rarely smudges, even after a long day. The formula stays put without flaking, and it’s easier to layer without clumps. Downside? It’s slightly harder to remove than Covergirl. If you want a mascara that lives up to the hype, Sky High outshines Exhibitionist for length and staying power.
• L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise: L’Oréal’s Lash Paradise ($12) is my go-to for volume. The fluffy brush pumps up lashes for a falsie-like effect, and the formula holds a curl better than Exhibitionist. Smudging is minimal, even in humid conditions, and it doesn’t dry out as quickly. Some users find it a bit thick, but I prefer its bold look over Exhibitionist’s subtler effect. If volume is your priority, Lash Paradise is a clear winner.
• Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect: At just $5, Essence Lash Princess is a budget superstar. The tapered brush adds dramatic volume and length, rivaling high-end mascaras. It’s not waterproof, but it resists smudging better than Exhibitionist’s regular formula. The only drawback is slight flaking after 10+ hours. For the price, it’s hard to beat, making it a better value than Covergirl’s offering.

Exhibitionist holds its own for lengthening but lags in volume, staying power, and ease of use. If you’re torn, I’d steer you toward Maybelline or L’Oréal for reliability and impact.

Also read: My Thoughts on Haute Beauty Tanning Gel Reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

I went into this hoping Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara would be my new drugstore favorite, but it didn’t live up to the hype. The lengthening is great, and the cruelty-free, lightweight formula has its perks, but the smudging, clumpy brush, and quick-drying tube were dealbreakers. Compared to Maybelline Sky High or L’Oréal Lash Paradise, it falls short in volume and staying power. If you’re curious, the maintenance tips might help, but I’d save your $12 for a mascara that delivers without the hassle. Your lashes deserve better—trust me, I’ve been there.