Christian Louboutin’s Les Yeux Noirs Mascara Is the Best Expensive Mascara I’ve Ever Tried

Then there's the wand: Again, it's similar to Benefit They're Real!, except that the bristles are about half the length (it also reminds me a bit of the CoverGirl LashBlast Volume mascara, the one in the orange tube). Because they're so tiny—and there are alternating rows of short and slightly longer ones—they not only catch and comb through every little lash, but they also don't pull out too much product, so you never run the risk of putting on too much. And by not doing so, you have less mess to clean up afterward and zero clumping, which results in an easier and faster application. Now I know it doesn't take all that long to swipe on mascara in the first place, but this fancy shmancy tube does seem to shave off a few seconds from the process.

And finally, this mascara is less beauty product and more miniature work of art. The weighty gold-and-black tube (you'll be surprised just how heavy it feels in your palm) is decorated with studs and acanthus leaves, the latter most closely associated with Corinthian columns than cosmetics. You'll have a hard time stashing it back in your makeup bag; like all of Louboutin's makeup, this maquillage was made to be shown off.

So is this $70 mascara worth it? If you're a mascara snob or neurotic about how your lashes look, then in my opinion yes, it is. Should you go broke trying to buy it? No. There are plenty of great options out there that cost one-tenth the price of Les Yeux Noir. But if you've got some extra spending money, would like to treat yourself, or think gorgeous lashes are worth dishing out the big bucks for, then I highly recommend it. And think about it—it's a heck of a lot less expensive than lash extensions and a whole lot easier than gluing on falsies every day. I'm already saving up for my next tube.