Katie Jane Hughes’ Tiny New Mascara Makes a Big Impact

With new launches what feels like daily, it’s almost impossible to create a truly new beauty product. Sure, it doesn’t help that I’ve spent eight years looking at every new drop day in and day out, but I can honestly say I could count the times I’ve said “I’ve never seen anything like that before” on one hand. Which is why I was stopped in my tracks when I first saw celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes tease her brand’s very first mascara.

On August 21, KJH.Brand, launches Microscara, a tubing mascara with a micro wand. I can confidently say that I’ve never seen anything like it, which made me all the more eager to get it into my hands. And coincide with the launch, the brand will also be available to shop in Sephora stores and online on the same day.

Luckily, it was worth all the hype I built up in my head, and more. Read on for everything you need to know about Microscara, plus my honest review.

The Inspiration

Hughes’ brand often reflects her editorial background, but this time, she was inspired by something a little more practical: To make your mascara application easier. “Historically, big brushes have been marketed to make bigger lashes. That’s simply not true,” the artist tells Byrdie. “I wanted people to be able to reach every single lash and build their look as easily as possible. Big brushes have had enough airtime, it’s time for the micro brush to take center stage.”

While there are mascaras on the market with skinny, delicate brushes, I’ve never seen one shaped like this—think a classic fluffy mascara wand, just shrunken down to the size of your favorite brow product. Not only does this make it easier to grab every lash, it gives you more control over your final look. “[I love] how easy it is to control the lash size and definition,” says Hughes. “You can have a simple, clean and soft lash or a big, bold, defined lash.”

The Formula

While the brush is the headline-maker, the formula itself is also newsworthy. The ultra-black tubing formula wraps each lash with a smudge-proof coat, but comes off with warm water when you’re ready. The formula contains castor oil and shea butter to allow for a smooth, flexible application as well as nourish and condition lashes while adding length and volume. In a clinical study, 100% of participants agreed the mascara instantly volumized their lashes, and 97% agreed that it instantly lengthens.

Like many of Hughes’ products, Microscara was formulated and made in Italy. “Sometimes being far from the lab was tricky, but the team and I were very decisive about what we wanted,” says the artist. “The lab we developed this with was amazing and very understanding about our vision for this mascara!”

As for application, of course Hughes has some tips. “Start with clean lashes and apply the wand at the root of the lash. Gently blink to stretch the formula from root to tip, and maneuver the wand out to define the outer corner and in to define the inner corner. Be sure to hold the wand vertically to get the hard-to-reach inner and outer lashes.” The best part? Removal is just as easy as the application. “Just use warm water and massage with your fingertips to gently remove.”

My Review

I’ve been getting lash lifts this summer, so I’ve only been wearing mascara for special occasions or to distract from a really big zit. However, ever since I got my hands on Microscara, I’ve been wearing it nonstop. This formula is so special—it’s quite wet but not gloppy, and really grips right onto every single lash. Even with my lift, I have small, sparse lashes, so the tiny brush is key for making the most of what I’ve got. I love that the formula itself feels soft and natural (no spiky lashes here) but stays put all day until I’m ready to take it off. I like drama, and it definitely has that, but still feels natural and wearable. It’s truly such a beautiful product and I’m so happy to have it in my makeup bag.