Do I like this popular mascara? Hmppphhh…

Trust me when I say this mascara has a HUGE following. I have not heard or read a single bad blog review for it. It has even been compared to the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara which has its own loyal following (I’ve reviewed it, link here, you should read it, my review might surprised you). I speak of the Maybelline Lash Sensational waterproof mascara.
However, that doesn’t mean I’m going to like it right? Or do I like it? Keep reading…

The product…

The wand.

Bristles up close. They are like flexible rubbery plastic bristles. The wand itself has a very ergonomic shape that mimics the curve of the eye. The bristles are varied and, as the Maybelline website says, “fanning brush”. Definitely well thought out.

Description: Mascara that comes in 9.5 ml or 0.3 oz. I believe there’s only one colour available here in Malaysian drugstores. Rubber plastic wand with a very ergonomic shape.

Ingredients:
WATER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, STYRENE/ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, POLYURETHANE-35, CERA ALBA/BEESWAX/CIRE DABEILLE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, PEG-200 GLYCERYL STEARATE, ETHYLENEDIAMINE/STEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA/CARNAUBA WAX/CIRE DE CARNAUBA, STEARIC ACID, PALMITIC ACID, ETHYLENE/VA COPOLYMER, ALCOHOL DENAT., PARAFFIN, AMINOMETHYL PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, DISODIUM EDTA, TETRASODIUM EDTA, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, SILICA. [MAY CONTAIN : CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/IRON OXIDES, CI 77007/ULTRAMARINES, CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA, CI 75470/CARMINE, CI 77288/CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS, CI 77742/MANGANESE VIOLET, CI 77510/FERRIC FERROCYANIDE].

Price: MYR 39.90 (as I always say, WAIT FOR A SALE!)

Where to buy: Most drugstores/pharmacies in Malaysia, Guardian, Watsons.

Eyelash swatches.

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats… I will say, when it was freshly opened it performed a whole lot more dramatic than it did when I shot this picture.

Pros:
> As advertised, the fanning brush effect of the mascara is very evident and true to claim. It separates and coats every individual lash because bristles are positioned in a staggered configuration and have varying length.
> No smudging.
> Ergonomic shape of the bristles is very useful for mascara application. I’m definitely keeping the wand.
> Although a wet formula, it isn’t stringy or messy on the tube or upon application.

Cons:
> I get so much fallout with this mascara which has worsened in spite of the product in the tube not being dried out.
> This mascara (one of two mascaras I’ve tried so far) makes the end of my lashes droop drown (picture below).
> Volume is not very impressive, (even with the third coat).
> Such a pain to remove! This is my deal breaker!

Lashes drooping at the end… This happens every time. Only way to remedy it is to use it with another mascara but I don’t like doing that when there are mascaras that do everything without needing a companion.

Rating:
6/10
Not a bad mascara considering I’ve only heard positive reviews so far. BUT, definitely not for me… As for comparing it with the Too Faced BTS mascara, I don’t think its a dupe because both the formulas and the wands on both mascaras do different things. Don’t take my word for it… Do give it a go.

I was not gone silly! I didn’t have my makeup with me during quarantine!!! Back with a mascara review…

As the title says, here’s another mascara review! Yes, I love mascaras! This is the It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing mascara. As a disclaimer this was given to me as a door gift for attending a makeup workshop organised by It Cosmetics at a Sephora outlet in Penang, Malaysia (Lol! Only my bestie, Lakshmi and I turned up for the “workshop” so perhaps it was more of a personal consultation?!). I am not obliged to Sephora Malaysia or It Cosmetics to review this product. Opinions are 100% my own.

Just to briefly address the “elephant”, I was quarantined at my parents without any of my makeup. I ran out of pre-written and scheduled posts, all of which have been published… Hence the gap in new posts. 😀

The product. It is a travel size one. Wow, many bold claims!

So much information!

Some directions and description.

In French!!! Eh voila!

Ingredients.

The tube. IMHO the best means of testing out a mascara to see you’d commit to purchasing a full sized tube is to get a travel sized one first. Especially if it going to cost as much as this one does.

Wand.

Natural bristles wand.

Description: Mascara that claims to add volume and length to lashes. Comes in a single shade and in both 5 ml (0.17 oz) and 9 ml (0.3 oz). Doesn’t claim to be waterproof.

Ingredients:
WATER, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, ORYZA SATIVA CERA (RICE) BRAN WAX, HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL STEARYL ESTERS, ALCOHOL DENAT., PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, TRIETHANOLAMINE, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, CANDELILLA CERA/EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, VP/VA COPOLYMER, AMINOMETHYL PROPANEDIOL, POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, CHLORPHENESIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GLYCERIN, ASCORBIC ACID, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, BIOTIN, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PANTHENOL, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, SERENOA SERRULATA FRUIT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, BIOTINOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, IRON OXIDE (CI 77499)

Price: MYR 104 (9 ml/full size), MYR 55 (5ml/travel); the travel one is actually cheaper per ml!

Where to buy: Sephora outlets nationwide and online on sephora.my

Eyelash swatches.

Bare lashes. (If you’re wondering, hmmmphh, doesn’t this look exactly like the bare lash picture in all his previous reviews? And YES! You’re be absolutely right! I re-use this picture simply because age hasn’t caught up enough to see stark differences and my eyelashes have stayed pretty much the same although I am well aware that they do fall off and fresh ones grow back. I’d definitely shoot a new one if I begin to notice a difference.)

One coat. (I still look the same, don’t you think?) YESS!!! Them brows have gone native too!

Two coats.

Pros:
> Nice separation.
> Gives lashes a natural looking length and volume.
> No smudging.
> The tapered shape of the bristles are very helpful for application.

Cons:
> Formula becomes too dry and clumpy VERY fast.
> The drier the formula became, the more the fallout I got.
> Not a very dramatic effect to lashes (certainly no where close to its claims on the packaging).
>With regards to the previous con, it does work better initially and then goes downhill as the formula dries out.
> Pricey!

Rating:
5.2/10
Underwhelming is overstatement for this mascara. Not a downright terrible one but for the price and all that it claims to be, calling it “meh” would be a disservice to the expression “meh”. Would NEVER purchase!

Essence Volume Stylist 18Hr Curl & Hold Mascara Review

I’m back after a month’s hiatus… and… jumping right in!
Yes, mascara is probably the single most used makeup product in my collection. Which is perhaps why I have reviewed mascaras more than any other makeup products. In addition to that Essence is a brand I’ve reviewed over and over again simply because it’s perhaps the cheapest makeup brand available at Malaysian drugstores. This is the Essence Volume Stylist 18Hr Curl & Hold Mascara.

The product.

A little description.

As you will see later this is the shape of the brush.

Details.

The bristles.

Description: Mascara that comes in 12 ml or 0.4 oz. of product. Although it claims to hold curls that last up to 18 hours, it doesn’t claim to be waterproof.

Ingredients:
AQUA (WATER), CERA ALBA (BEESWAX), PARAFFIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE, STYRENE/ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) CERA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PALMITIC ACID, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM , POLYBUTENE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, STEARIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, TOCOPHEROL, DIMETHICONE, POLYESTER-4, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM LAURETH-12 SULFATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES)

Price: MYR 15.90

Where to buy: Watsons (if you can find it, certain department stores).

Wear test.

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:
> Very good volume.
> Very good lengthening.
> Curls hold up very well (can’t attest to the 18 hours claim but as long as I’ve worn it, it doesn’t loose the curl).
> Good lash separation.
> No smudging.
> As big and fat the wand it, it isn’t really problematic for getting even the shortest lashes because there are varying length of bristles.
> Affordable! God, SO AFFORDABLE!!!

Cons:
> Tiny bit fallout.
> In spite of varying bristle length, working with the brush can be a tiny bit problematic.

Note: It definitely isn’t waterproof! Do with this information what you will. 🙂

Rating:
8.9/10
Great mascara! Great price! I LOVE IT!

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara Review

Some of my past Essence reviews;

Essence Make Me Brow; link here.

Essence Longlasting Lip Liner; link here.

Essence Lip Liner; link here.

Essence I ❤ Stage Eyeshadow Base; link here.

This is the review of the Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara Review.

The product.

Description on the tube.

Wand. It has a very spoon like curved wand with different lengths in the bristles.

Description: Mascara that comes in 0.40 oz or 12 ml of product with a (sic) cobra shaped wand. This is supposed to be a volume mascara and there’s a another version called false lash effect in a green tube. NOT waterproof.

Price: MYR 18.90 (please wait for a promotion).

Where to buy: Watsons

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:

Pretty good at volumising.

Holds a curl pretty well.

Not a sticky or gloppy formula.

Separates really well.

The wand definitely helps. The longer part gets to the root of the lashes and for initial application the shorter bristles get the job done.

Doesn’t smudge on me (I don’t have oily lids).

 

Cons:

I experienced fallout with this mascara.

The formula tends to bit a bit grainy and balls up in places (even evident from the picture). This worsens as it dries.

 

Rating:

7.6/10

With the expansive availability of mascaras there’s little reason for any kind of shortcomings. Especially since affordable options are aplenty. So, not re-purchasing this one.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

I’ve done a Benefit product review before aka the Benefit Gimme Brow (link here).

This is the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review.

The product.

The tube (this is the travel size version). The wand handle is rubberised.

The box has information all around it. These are the claims…

Proof.

Product info.

Concept behind the wand.

Ingredients list.

More info.

Very little information on the tube itself.

The wand really is something!

Description: Mascara that comes in 4 grams or 0.14 oz of product and comes in two shades black and brown. The full sized one comes in more than twice the amount at 8.5 grams or 0.13 oz of product.

Where to buy: Sephora and Benefit boutiques and counters nationwide (a full list is available on the Benefit Malaysia Facebook page).

Price: Full sized; MYR 125, mini; MYR 65.

 

Lash swatches.

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:

Best curling mascara I’ve ever used! It curls and holds (I don’t have particularly stubborn lashes so this ought to be taken into account).

Lengthens pretty well.

No clumps or lumps.

Nice separation.

Didn’t run or smudge on me (although it does NOT claim to be waterproof).

The wand grabs and coats even the tiniest lashes.

 

Cons:

YES duh!!! PRICE!!!!

Not much volume.

 

Rating:

8.7/10

Much like the Benefit Gimme Brow, do I love this product? Heck yes! Will I ever buy it again! HELL NO!

Catrice All Round Mascara (Waterproof) Review

Catrice products are available exclusively at Guardian and are extremely affordable. Not dark skin friendly in terms of complexion products but where other products are concerned, there are winners.

This is the Catrice All Round Mascara; waterproof.

The product.

Description on the side.

Product info.

Wand; very standard natural bristle wand with a tapered end.

Description: Waterproof mascara that comes in 12 ml or 0.4 fl. oz. of product. Also comes in non waterproof version (purple tube). Code; 010 Blackest Black.

Price: MYR 18.90

Where to buy: Guardian pharmacy

Lash swatch.

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:

Lengthens and adds dramatic volume.

Nice separation.

Minimal clumps (this comes with a con, read further).

No fallout (this comes with a con, read further)

Pretty good at curling and the curls hold.

No smudging.

 

Cons

The formula drastically changes as it dries out and it worsens (referring to the pros above);

• As the formula dries out it becomes clumpy (the swatches bear evidence as my second coat picture shows a little bit of clumping).
• When the formula dries out there also seems to be fallout.

The size of the wand makes it a little hard to work with.

 

Rating:

8.3/10

I am giving it a high rating because the mascara blew my mind when I initially tried it out. This would have gotten a rating above 9 if the formula didn’t change as it dried out. But hey, for a MYR 20 mascara, 3 to 4 months use is more than enough although I kept using it until the 8th month mark! 😛

Missha The Style 4D Mascara Review

Update 17th June 2019: Prices have been revised for this product. Scroll down to see changes.

This is a new brand I am reviewing on my blog today. Missha is a Korean based skincare and cosmetics company. Their products can be found on certain online sites here in Malaysia. I got it off Althea Malaysia (link here), when the PR representative reached out to me during their first anniversary in Malaysia to offer me store credit in exchange for a shout out on FiercePaint. This was among one of the products I picked up.

The product.

Description on the tube.

I have no idea what this means but this is under the tube.

The wand.

The bristles.

Description: A mascara that comes in 7 grams of product. There isn’t an indication if it is waterproof or not. Standard mascara bristles.

Price:  MYR 16 (revised price, MYR 17).

Where to buy: I purchased mine via Althea Malaysia.

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:

Wand is slim and easy to work with.

Nice separation of the lashes.

No smudging.

No clumping.

Cons:

Dry formula which doesn’t dispense on the lashes easily.

Doesn’t hold a curl.

Doesn’t lengthen.

Not much volume.

Note:

I still don’t know if it is waterproof but it tends to flake off when removed or when in touch with water instead of dissolving.

Rating:

4/10

I did not like this mascara. But I’d use it up. Since it is so under-performing, I can get away with it.

Silkygirl Big Eye Collagen Mascara Review

Silkygirl, a homegrown makeup brand, has so many underrated products and is perhaps one of the most accessible makeup brands in Malaysia. It is also available in Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

The product.

Collagen for eyelashes?

Wand. Yea…. I know… I’ll address this.

Description: Waterproof mascara with slightly tapered rubber bristles.

Price: MYR 28.90

Where to buy: Most drugstores in Malaysia; Watsons, Guardian, Caring, etc.

 

Swatch

Bare lashes.

 

One coat.

Two coats.

 

Pros:

Lengthens and thickens very nicely.

The wand is pretty effective at separating and curling the lashes.

Doesn’t clump.

No smudging.

Wand is easy to use.

 

Cons:

The wand deteriorates at about the three month mark because the individual bristles break off (it can be seen on the up close bristle picture).

Doesn’t really hold a curl (not on me at least).

 

Rating:8/10

I guess the hype surrounding this mascara is true! It is pretty good. However, it isn’t a mascara I personally like because I prefer natural looking lashes. But it is a really amazing mascara.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Review

Founded by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, Too Faced boasts products that are paraben free, cruelty free and vegan although I’m guessing not ALL their products are vegan. Today I review the cult favourite Better Than Sex mascara.

This is the travel sized product and comes in this box.

Nice pink tube…

Big claims!!!

Description: Travel size mascara. Comes in 4.8 grams of product.

Where to buy: Sephora (stores and online)

Price: MYR 45

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:

Thickens and lengthens very nicely!

Holds a curl pretty well.

Formula isn’t sticky or gloppy.

Very nice separation.

Doesn’t smudge on me (I don’t have oily eyelids).

 

Cons:

I DO NOT like the wand. It always hits my eyelids! I can’t get close enough to the bottom of my lashes without the bristles touching my eyelid.

The formula is grainy so at the second coat it the formula kind of balls up in some places.

I get fallout with this mascara.

A full tube costs MYR 90! I would NEVER buy a mascara that costly.

 

Rating: 6/10

I didn’t really like this mascara because although the effects on the lashes are amazing I cannot deal with the fallout. No… PASS!

Elianto Activewear Mascara Review

Elianto is an affordable non drugstore makeup brand sold in Malaysia that sources it’s product from various other countries.

This is the Elianto Activewear Mascara.

The mascara.

The description was a sticker on the plastic packaging that could be removed. So I peeled it off and stuck it on the tube…

The wand is interesting because of the curve.

Description: It is a waterproof mascara in black that comes in 8g of product. The wand is tapered, narrower and curved towards the tip.

Where to buy: Elianto stores nationwide (however it is not available on their online store; funny….)

Price: I am not sure of the price because I purchased it at a discount and like an idiot didn’t ask for the original price. Since it isn’t even available online I had to find this info from other sources and one blog mentioned it to be MYR 33.

Bare lashes.

One coat.

Two coats.

Pros:

The wand is helpful for application and because the way it is shaped it does get into the inner corner lashes well.

Good separation.

Minimal clumps.

 

Cons:

Not really that lengthening.

Not really that volumising.

Doesn’t hold a curl that well.

Claims to be waterproof but isn’t really because it melts off with water.

 

Rating: 5/10

Although I gave this a low rating I actually like this mascara because I don’t have oily eyelids and because it is so under-performing it is perfect for me for creating a natural, no makeup makeup look. Just enough separation to give my lashes a little bit of visibility to frame my eyes well.