I must say that I was hesitant to try this mascara because, one, the price is pretty steep. But I'm very glad I gave it a try. First off, the brush is fantastic and it works great. I now look like I have eyelashes when I use this mascara. Second, I have experienced zero stinging or irritation. That's huge for me because I couldn't go a full day with regular chemical-laden mascara due to the redness and irritation and stinging. I have not noticed smudging at all. If I place on bottom lashes, do I have to be careful when doing so in order to not get some transfer during application? Yes. But a little finesse and I look like I have bottom lashes too. I have worked out while wearing this mascara and noticed some smudging, but I workout pretty hard, sweat quite a lot, so a little mascara smudging is not a surprise. Nowhere in the product description did I see the words waterproof or hard workout proof, but I feel comfortable keeping this mascara on during workouts. Removal is a breeze also. I use one of those eye makeup removal washcloths and my mascara comes right off. I'm very pleased with Omiana's product formulation because, well, it really is a strong-hold mascara for me and I'm pretty excited about that.