I’ve tried literally hundreds of mascaras. Some promise "length," others promise "definition," and most just end up giving me greyish-black smudges under my eyes by 3:00 PM. But then there is Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara. It is big. It is loud. It is very, very black. Honestly, if you are looking for a "no-makeup" makeup look, you should probably just stop reading right now because this isn’t that. This is the mascara you wear when you want people to ask if you’re wearing falsies.
It’s been around for years, and in the fickle world of beauty where new products drop every Tuesday, that’s saying something. Lancôme launched it back in 2017, and it immediately shook up the market. Why? Because it actually did what the marketing claimed. It gave up to 12 times more volume than natural lashes. That sounds like one of those fake beauty statistics, but when you see the pigment hit your lashes, you realize they aren't kidding.
The Science of the "Big" Brush
Most people think the magic is in the tube. It isn't. Well, not entirely. The brush is a massive, soft-fiber beast. Unlike those plastic, spikey wands that feel like they’re trying to poke your eye out, this one is plush. It’s made of wavy fiber bristles that act like little reservoirs for the formula.
When you pull the wand out, you’ll notice it’s loaded. Maybe even too loaded for some. But those fibers are designed to wrap around every single lash. It’s a game of surface area. More surface area on the brush means more product on the lash in a single swipe. If you have thin, wispier lashes, this is your holy grail. If you already have thick lashes, one coat might be all you can handle before things get theatrical.
Why the formula doesn't just flake off
Ever wonder why some high-volume mascaras turn into black snow on your cheeks? It’s usually a wax issue. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara uses a mix of supple waxes and polymers that adhere to the lashes immediately. It stays flexible. That’s the key. When a mascara dries down too "crunchy," it breaks. This stuff stays somewhat bendable, which is why Lancôme can claim 24-hour wear. I wouldn’t suggest sleeping in it (please, for the love of your silk pillowcases, don't), but it survives a long workday and a sweaty dinner date without blinking.
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Is Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara actually worth the price?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. This isn't a five-dollar drugstore find. You’re paying for the formulation research and the brand heritage of a French luxury house. But here is the thing: a lot of "dupes" fail because they lack the deep, ultra-black pigments Lancôme uses. They use carbon black, but it’s the concentration that matters.
It's dark. Like, "staring into a void" dark.
If you’re someone who spends twenty minutes layering three different mascaras to get a specific look, you’ll actually save money here. This is a one-and-done product. You don't need a primer. You don't need a topper. You just need the wand.
The Smudge Factor: A Real Conversation
I have oily eyelids. It sucks. Most mascaras migrate to my brow bone within two hours. With Monsieur Big, there is a learning curve. Because the formula is so creamy and wet when it first goes on, you have to give it a solid thirty seconds to "set" before you start blinking like crazy or sneezing.
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If you find it smudges, you might be applying too much to your bottom lashes. Honestly, just skip the bottom lashes with this one or use a tiny bit of translucent powder under your eyes first. It’s a high-pigment product, so once it’s on, it’s on.
How to apply it like a pro (and avoid the clumps)
Because the brush is so big, it can be intimidating. Here is how you actually handle it:
- Wipe the tip. Always. There is always a glob of extra mascara at the very end of the wand. If you don't wipe it on the rim of the tube, you'll end up with a mess in your inner corner.
- The Wiggle. Start at the very base of your lashes. Wiggle the wand left to right as you pull upward. This "locks" the pigment into the root, which gives the illusion of eyeliner and makes your lashes look thicker at the base.
- Don't wait for the second coat. If you want a second layer, do it while the first is still slightly tacky. If you let it dry completely and then try to go back in, you’re asking for clumps.
- Vertical flick. For those tiny lashes on the ends, turn the brush vertically and use the tip to "paint" them.
Comparing the Waterproof vs. Original
Lancôme makes a waterproof version of Monsieur Big, and it’s a beast. If you live in a humid climate—think Florida or Singapore—go waterproof. It’s much harder to remove (you’ll need a bi-phase oil remover like Bi-Facil), but it will not budge. The original is easier for daily use and comes off with standard micellar water, which is better for the health of your actual lashes in the long run. Constant rubbing to remove waterproof mascara is the fastest way to lose lashes.
What most reviews get wrong about this mascara
You'll see people online complaining that it "clumps." I’m going to be honest: most of those people are using a tube that is six months old. Mascara has a shelf life of three months. Period. Because this formula is so wax-heavy, it will thicken up over time as air gets into the tube. If your Monsieur Big is starting to look like spider legs, it’s probably time to toss it and get a fresh one.
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Also, some critics say it’s "too heavy." This is a valid point for people with very straight lashes that won't hold a curl. If your lashes point downward, the weight of this volumizing formula might pull them down further. In that case, use a lash curler first and perhaps opt for the waterproof version, which tends to hold a curl better because it contains less water.
Actionable Steps for Your Best Lashes Yet
To get the most out of your Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara, stop pumping the wand. Every time you pump the wand in and out, you’re forcing air into the tube, which dries the formula out and introduces bacteria. Swirl it instead.
If you are on the fence, buy the travel size first. It’s a cheaper way to test the brush size against your eye shape. Some people find the full-size wand too big for smaller almond-shaped eyes, and the travel size actually offers more control.
- Prep your canvas: Ensure your lashes are completely free of oil or leftover makeup from the night before.
- The "Z" Motion: Apply using a "Z" motion from root to tip to ensure every side of the lash is coated.
- Clean up: Keep a clean spoolie (a dry mascara wand) nearby. If you do get a clump, brush through it immediately while the product is wet to separate the hairs.
- Removal: Use a dedicated eye makeup remover. Don't scrub. Soak a cotton pad, press it against your closed eyelid for ten seconds, and let the product dissolve before wiping away.
This mascara isn't about subtlety; it's about impact. It has remained a staple in makeup kits for nearly a decade because it delivers a specific, high-drama result that few others can match. If you want volume that people notice from across the room, this is the tube you reach for.