Mascara Volume Test (MVT)
The Mascara Volume Test (MVT), devised by Dermatest®, is the first system ever to be developed for the purpose of measuring increases in eyelash volume. It employs a measuring system of evaluating volume increases in eyelashes, which is both objective and independent of test persons. It consists of the application of mascara to real-hair eyelashes in accordance with a standardised application procedure, which are subsequently subjected to photo-optical measurement. From the objective data thus obtained, it is possible to calculate the eyelash volume and the amount of mascara applied and to document the optical effect attained.
The photographic evaluation first of all determines the visible, two-dimensional area (see arrows) of the eyelashes, before (T0) and after (TX) each application. After wards, the area is multiplied by the average diameter of an eyelash to obtain a value for the volume.

Fig. 2: Test series performed on normal-length eyelashes
The photographic evaluation of the mascara applications T0-6 reveals a significant increase in eyelash volume for each application, culminating in saturation. With each successive application, the eyelashes display an increase in both intensity and volume. Saturation is attained after 5-6 applications; beyond here, the individual eyelash hairs are strongly prone to sticking.

Fig. 3: Comparison of some evaluated products
The above diagram shows the percentage increase in eyelash volume following each mascara application conducted during the test. The percentage is obtained from (TX-T0)/T0 x 100. Product A showed a steadily increase in volume and reached the highest value. In contrast the products E and F decreased at the beginning. This is the result of a sticking effect of single eyelash hairs already from the very beginning.