The Loreal Bambi mascara is the latest addition to Loreal’s mascara family! Does it live up to bar set by its high-performing brothers and sisters? We shall see.

I’m starting to think that beauty reviews are a dime a dozen around these parts, but it’s actually been a LONG time since we’ve fully discussed a mascara here on Dream in Lace. Specifically, we haven’t approached the subject since this mascara showdown in August 2018 where Marc Jacobs faced off against ELF Cosmetics. I remember having a lot of fun putting that post together and vowing to do more like it in the future – and not.

Ah well, I guess the truth is when it comes to mascara I have my trusty favorites and tend not to branch out to the 50 or so new ones that launch every year. But given how well I’ve always gotten on with Loreal mascaras in the past, I decided to give their new Bambi mascara a try.

The Loreal Bambi Mascara

Having so many fabulous mascaras to choose from already, you might be asking yourself “Do we even need a new Loreal mascara?”

That’s a question I had too.

Say what you will about Loreal as a whole, but they really have delivered some of the very BEST mascaras on the entire market. Mascara is a game they know how to play incredibly well. So well, in fact, that it does make you wonder why they sought to expand their already fantastic line of mascaras. What does the Bambi mascara offer that makes it stand out? Here’s what they had to say.

The Claims

Instant eye-opening result
Volumizes and curls lashes, lash by lash
Black velvety formula
Defined lashes, without clumps
Wide-eyed brush with long and short bristles

To help you navigate if the mascara lives up to Loreal’s claims and is worth adding to your collection, I’ve been testing the Bambi mascara out for several weeks. (Literally every day.) Below, I share a full report on how well it performs and if it is in fact worth buying over Loreal’s other high-ranking mascaras.

Shop the Mascara

Loreal Bambi Mascara ($9.99 – $10.99)

Rite Aid * Target * Ulta

Great at Lengthening

Starting on a high note – the Bambi mascara is fantastic when it comes to lengthening. The brush really gets “in there” so to speak so you can easily maximize your lashes, extending each lash to its optimal height. And that length does last throughout the day!

Not Very Volumizing

In terms of volume, I’m a bit “meh” on the Loreal Bambi mascara. Because of the way the wand lifts and separates your lashes, I don’t think I ever felt like it really added much volume. It’s also a very clump-free and lightweight formula so doesn’t build up volume on your lashes the way others like the Lash Paradise mascara do.

Clump Free Formula

Round of applause to the Loreal team on this one. The Bambi mascara’s formula is quite slick and doesn’t clump or gunk up on your lashes. It also layers really well if you do wish to go in with extra coats for a more dramatic look.

Plastic Applicator with Mixed Bristles

As the packaging told us, the applicator of the Loreal Bambi mascara does in fact have a mixture of short and longer bristles. It also has a plastic wand, which I personally have always enjoyed because they tend to help with avoiding clumpy lashes.

A Butterfly Mascara Knock-Off?

If you’re familiar with the Loreal Butterfly Mascara, you might notice how the packaging Loreal put together for the Bambi mascara is basically identical. Both also have similar formulas and plastic applicators — although the Butterfly mascara’s wand does a much better job at fanning out your lashes. This is more than a comment than anything, but it really makes me wonder why Loreal released a near knock-off of a mascara they already make. Odd!

Loreal Bambi Mascara Review I Drugstore Makeup — **Taken Immediately After Application**

How Long Does the Mascara Last?

Let’s start with good news. The Loreal Bambi mascara DOES hold a lasting curl all day long. In the above photos, the first I took immediately after application — the later I took about nine hours after applying. As you can see, the mascara manages to nicely keep a curl in place all day long.

Mild to Moderate Flaking

The not so good news? The mascara does start to flake as the day goes on. It’s not TERRIBLE, but it’s there.

Bleeds at the Gym

Now, now. I know this is not a waterproof mascara — but it is important to note that if you’re going to the gym after work with this mascara on? You’re going to leave the gym looking like a raccoon. It is absolutely NOT water or sweat-proof. I mention this because Loreal mascaras have always held up pretty nicely throughout a work for me. The Bambi mascara? Definitely not.

Overall Thoughts:

Meh.

The Loreal Bambi mascara is a solid okay. I like it enough that I’ll continue reaching for it again and again until it’s gone — but then likely not bother repurchasing. The formula does hold a curl all day long and doesn’t get clumpy in the lashes. But, it does start to flake as it wears. Add to that the reality that Loreal already has several MUST-have mascaras…and it’s hard to justify why I’d ever buy this again over one of their other top performers. While using, I just keep thinking of other Loreal mascaras that do things like lengthen, volumize and widen the lashes so much better.

In conclusion, I’m left wondering a bit why Loreal bothered here. The Bambi mascara overall feels unnecessary against their stellar mascara lineup. That said, if you are a fan of plastic wand and are looking for a pretty natural looking mascara that holds a curl all day long…I think you’ll like it. It’s not a game-changer though.

Loreal Bambi Mascara Rundown

Pros:

Sleek applicator that nicely separates lashes
Very lengthening
Jet black finish
Formula does not clump
Holds a curl all day long
Affordably priced and readily available at drugstores and major retailers

Cons:

Not particularly volumizing
Flakes throughout the day
Can bleed/smear — especially if you wear to the gym
Does not “widen” lashes as well as other Loreal mascaras, i.e. the Butterfly mascara

Overall Grade: B

Loreal Top-Notch Mascara Alternatives:

Looking for Drama? You’ll love the Lash Paradise mascara.
Looking for Volume? Go for the classic Loreal Voluminous mascara.
Looking for Wide-Eyes? The Butterfly mascara from Loreal is your best bet!

Shop the Post

Loreal Bambi Mascara ($9.99 – $10.99)

Rite Aid * Target * Ulta

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