Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been burned by "big" mascaras that promised the world and delivered nothing but raccoon eyes by 2 PM. It sucks. You spend thirty bucks hoping for lashes that hit your eyebrows, but instead, you get clumps and a messy smear across your eyelid. Enter the Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof. It’s been around long enough to be a staple, yet it still sparks heated debates in Sephora aisles and Reddit threads. Is it actually the holy grail for volume, or is it just a high-end heartbreaker that’s impossible to scrub off?
Most people go for the original version first. That’s the pink-lettered tube everyone knows. But if you have oily eyelids, live in a swampy climate, or—let’s be honest—cry at every dog commercial, the waterproof version is usually where you end up. It’s meant to be the heavyweight champion of the Lancôme lineup.
The Chemistry of 12x Volume
Lancôme claims this stuff gives you up to 12 times more volume than natural lashes. Honestly, "12x" feels like one of those marketing numbers cooked up in a lab that doesn't always translate to real life, but the formula does do something different. It uses supple waxes and polymers that adhere to the lash immediately. Unlike thinner, "wet" mascaras that require four coats to see a difference, Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof is thick. It’s chunky in a way that’s intentional.
The brush is a huge part of the story. It’s a large, soft-fiber brush—not those plastic spikey ones that poke your eyeballs. The fibers are wavy, designed to hold a massive amount of product and deposit it in one go. If you like a "clean," "your-lashes-but-better" look, stay far away from this. This is for the people who want their lashes to look like they’re wearing falsies without the glue.
You’ve got to be careful with the application, though. Because it’s so pigmented and the formula is so dense, it can go from "wow" to "spider legs" in about three seconds. The trick is the wiggle. You start at the base, wiggle the wand back and forth, and pull through once. If you keep layering after it starts to dry, you’re inviting the clump monster over for dinner.
Does It Actually Stay Put?
Waterproof is a bold claim. Some "waterproof" mascaras are really just "water-resistant," meaning they’ll survive a light mist but crumble during a breakup. This one is different. The Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof is notorious for its staying power. It uses a specific hydrophobic solvent system that basically shrink-wraps your lashes in pigment.
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- Humidity Test: If you’re walking around NYC in August or living in Florida, your face usually melts by noon. Users consistently report that this stays put. No smudging on the brow bone, which is a common complaint for people with hooded eyes.
- The Pool Factor: It’s pool-safe, mostly. You can swim, but don't go rubbing your eyes while they're wet. No mascara survives a vigorous eye-rub.
- The Sweat Equation: Great for the gym if you’re that person (no judgment), but the oils in your skin are the real enemy here. Even though it's waterproof, if you have extremely oily skin, you might still see a tiny bit of transfer because oil breaks down the wax.
The downside? It’s a nightmare to take off. Seriously. If you try to use a regular foaming cleanser or a makeup wipe, you’re going to lose three eyelashes and end up frustrated. You absolutely need a dual-phase oil cleanser. Lancôme obviously wants you to buy their Bi-Facil, which works great, but any decent cleansing balm or high-quality micellar water (the blue cap one, not the pink) will get the job done if you let it sit on your eyes for thirty seconds first.
Why People Get It Wrong
The biggest mistake people make with Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof is treating it like a lengthening mascara. It’s not. If you have short lashes and you want them to look like stilts, you should probably look at something like Lash Idôle or Definicils. Monsieur Big is about girth. It’s about making each individual lash look three times thicker.
Another misconception is that "waterproof" means it’s better for your lashes. Actually, the drying agents that make it waterproof can make lashes brittle over time if you wear it every single day. Expert makeup artists often suggest using a lash primer—like the Cils Booster XL—underneath. Not just for extra volume, but to create a barrier that makes the removal process less traumatic for your follicles.
Comparing the High-End Rivals
When you’re dropping this much cash, you’re comparing it to the big hitters. How does it stack up?
Better Than Sex (Waterproof) vs. Monsieur Big: The Too Faced classic is iconic, but it’s famous for flaking. You’ll look great for two hours, then find black specks all over your cheeks. Monsieur Big tends to be creamier and stays "flexible" longer, which prevents that dry crumbling.
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Diorshow vs. Monsieur Big: Diorshow is the "fashion" choice. It’s a bit more refined and builds more slowly. Monsieur Big is the "rockstar" choice. It’s louder, darker, and more aggressive. If you want drama, Lancôme wins. If you want elegance, go Dior.
Chanel Le Volume vs. Monsieur Big: These two are actually very similar in terms of impact. However, the Chanel brush is plastic/elastomer, which some people find easier to control. The Lancôme fiber brush is better for those who want that soft, fluffy volume rather than defined, spiked volume.
The Reality of the "Big" Brush
Let’s talk about the wand size. It’s huge. If you have small eyes or very short bottom lashes, this wand is going to feel like a giant club. It’s very easy to accidentally hit your nose or your inner corner. Honestly, many people keep a "clean" spoolie or a smaller mascara wand on hand just to comb through the bottom lashes after applying Monsieur Big, because the main brush is just too much for the lower lid.
It’s also worth noting that the formula changes slightly after the tube has been open for about three weeks. Many fans actually prefer it when it's a little "older." When it’s brand new, it can be a bit too wet. Once a little air gets in there, it reaches that sweet spot of being thick enough to coat perfectly but dry enough to hold a curl.
Is it worth the price tag?
$30 for a mascara is a lot when you can get a decent one at the drugstore for $12. But here’s the thing: cheap waterproof mascaras often feel like literal paint. They make your lashes stiff and crunchy. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof manages to stay somewhat soft to the touch. It doesn't feel like you have plastic shards attached to your eyelids.
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If you are a "one coat and go" person who wants maximum impact, it’s worth it. If you’re someone who likes to spend ten minutes meticulously separating every single lash with a needle, this will drive you insane. It’s a high-impact, high-speed product.
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Warm it up: Stick the tube in your pocket or waistband for five minutes before applying. The heat thins the waxes slightly, making it glide on smoother and reducing clumps.
- The Tissue Blot: When you first pull the wand out, blot the tip on a tissue. The "blob" at the end of the wand is the #1 cause of messy application.
- No Pumping: Never pump the wand in and out of the tube. You’re just pushing air in, which will dry it out in a month. Twist it instead.
- Bottoms Last: Apply to your top lashes first. By the time you get to the bottom, the wand has slightly less product on it, making it easier to manage those tiny hairs without a mess.
Final Verdict on Monsieur Big Waterproof
This mascara is a specialist. It’s not an all-rounder. It’s specifically for the person who wants intense, blacker-than-black volume that won’t move until they decide it’s time. It excels in weddings, rainy days, and long shifts where you can't check a mirror. It fails if you want a natural look or if you don't have a high-quality oil cleanser at home.
If you decide to try it, don't be afraid of the brush. Embrace the drama. It’s called "Monsieur Big" for a reason; it’s not trying to be subtle. Just remember to be patient during the removal process—your lashes will thank you.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your current makeup remover. If it isn't oil-based or a dual-phase (oil and water) formula, buy one before you buy this mascara. Start with a single coat to find your "clump threshold." If you have hooded eyes, wait 10 seconds after applying before looking up to ensure the product has "set" and won't transfer to your brow bone.