It has excellent curl retention! I use the blue-gray as my mascara. It's a mascara base, but it doesn't look out of place when used alone. It gives a slightly looser finish than black mascara. The brush shape is also good and makes it easy to apply. When applying, it doesn't get on your eyelids or around the eyes at all, so the brush is easy to apply and not too big, which is just right. This is my second bottle, and I'll continue to buy it because it's good value for money, easy to use, and I like the color.