I have this mascara in Very Black. I am very picky about makeup and buy most of it from Sephora or department stores. I bought it on recommendation from a friend and was surprised at how well it worked for the price. I put a coat on both eyelashes the normal way. Then I dipped the wand back in and did another coat holding the wand perpindicular to my lashes, using the end to create more volume without clumping. The waterproof formula held my lashes curled all day. This mascara made my eyelashes look a significantly bigger, so it definitely lived up to the Volum' Express part of the name. The second time I bought this mascara, the top part that removes excess product broke off after about 3 1/2 months. I replace my mascara about every 4 months, but I think that is worth mentioning. It is also harder to take off with waterproof makeup remover than some other brands, and I sometimes lost a few lashes.