Byredo Astronomical Mascara Review: This Mascara Survived Both a Blizzard and a Heatwave

Saying that I’m picky when it comes to makeup is an understatement. But some products feel like they were designed in a lab just for me, and the Byredo Astronomical Mascara is one of those rare occasions. 

I’m a huge fan of Byredo’s line in general, the packaging, branding, and products themselves are truly unmatched when it comes to creativity and overall vibe. The brand isn’t afraid to take risks, and pushes the definition of beauty beyond what we’re used to seeing on department store shelves. In a world where brands are so focused on being “attainable,” Byredo pushes it so far in the other direction that it feels like the brand is closer to marketing to aliens than women—and I mean that in a good way. 

The Byredo Astronomical Mascara is a continuation of this vibe, down to the product’s name. It has the same distinct curved packaging as the brand’s other two mascaras, this time done up in a bright slime green. Experimental electronic musician Arca is the face of the mascara—which feels like a match made in heaven—and her pencil-thin eyebrows and lush lashes are equally on display in the campaign photos. 

That being said, a product could be beautifully designed and wrapped in a bow, but if what’s inside isn’t good, it’s useless in my book. Luckily, that’s not the case here, and the Astronomical Mascara has quickly become one of my daily essentials. It promises both length and volume, and delivers on both fronts. One coat gives you a more natural look, but I prefer to build it up to three or four coats for a little more drama. 

Not only is the packaging curved, the wand itself has a curve so my lashes are lifted and fanned out, even when I skip the lash curler. The bristles vary in length, so each and every lash is coated, and closely packed enough to stop clumps in their tracks—which is crucial if you like to layer as many coats as I do. 

The most impressive thing about this mascara has to be its staying power. It effortlessly makes it through an eight hour workday with no flaking or smudging, but I’ve also tested it in more extreme conditions: a walk on Coney Island during NYC’s biggest blizzard this year, and on a recent trip to LA during a heatwave. It survived both with zero flaking, smudging, or running. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take photographic evidence (I’m trying to live in the moment), but I wouldn’t lie about a $46 dollar mascara.