REVIEW: Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara Waterproof

Travel-sized Better than Sex Mascara

~AG~ Bought this travel-sized version of Waterproof Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara from Sephora for Euro 11-12 (SGD 18). This highly raved Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara is a volumizing mascara with an hourglass-shaped brush. It claims to volumize, lift and coat every lashes. This waterproof has water-resistant polymers for sweat-proof, waterproof and play proof wear. Since mascaras tend to smudge on me, I figured a waterproof version will be the safest one. This Too Faced mascara contains porcelain flower extract to moisturize and condition lashes. It also has unique peptides for deep, black lashes. 

I had high hopes about this Too Faced Mascara because I heard good things from friends. I tried using it for the first time last week. I curled my lashes and then applied two coats of Too Faced Mascara. This mascara does volumize my short Asian lashes. It held the curls well, compared to Tarte, CoverGirl or Maybelline mascaras. 

Unfortunately, Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara smudged to my lower eyelids in less than an hour. I was unpleasantly surprised by it. How could a waterproof mascara that claims to be sweat-proof and play-proof smudge to my lower eyes area in less than an hour? I wonder is it because of my under eye concealer? But I set my under eye concealer with a loose powder to matte it. 

In conclusion, I would not recommend this Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara because it is not smudge proof. Even though it does volumize and darken my laskes, wearing this mascara has resulted in unwanted raccoon eyes for me. So a big NO for this waterproof mascara.

REVIEW: innisfree skinny microcara

~AG~

innisfree skinny microcara costs S$14.78. The reason I bought this mascara is because of the unique brush head. Most mascara on the market have a brush head with visible bristles, but innisfree skinny microcara does not have any bristles. I was curious on how this innisfree skinny microcara would work. Since I have short and sparse lashes, I tend to go for mascara that has volumizing and thickening effects. The brush is tiny and is great for those with short lashes. The 2.55 mm diameter micro brush coats even your shortest lashes. It is easy to use, as you press the mascara to the roots of your lashes and apply it in a zigzag pattern.This mascara comes in a waterproof and non-waterproof option. I thought I had bought the waterproof formula, but it does not say that on the packaging. Note to self: Double check your beauty products before paying for it. I was afraid that this innisfree skinny microcara would cause racoon eyes on me. Read on to find out if this innisfree mascara is smudge proof.

Most waterproof mascaras smudge to my under eye area, but this innisfree skinny microcara did not smudge at all. It stayed on well in Singapore's hot and humid weather. The brush is flexible and you use it to reach the roots of your lashes.  Even when you apply two or three coats of this mascara, your lashes will not clump. With that being said, this innisfree skinny microcara does not give much definition to the lashes. It is like wearing no mascara at all. For those looking for a mascara to thicken and lengthen your upper lashes, this is not the mascara for you. This is for those that want a no-makeup look - which is what the Korean beauty industry tries to achieve. innisfree skinny microcara can work well for defining the lower lashes. Overall, I would not repurchase this innisfree skinny microcara because I need a mascara that will help define my short and sparse lashes. 

Picture Credits: Innisfree World

NEW BUY: Drugstore Haul

 My haul from Target

~AG~

My favorite place to browse through drugstore products in the United States is Target. It has a great selection of beauty products at reasonable prices. As I write this post, I miss Target beauty aisles even more. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara 

US $6.99 (S$10)

-- It is the first patented fanning brush with 10 layers of bristles to create a full fan effect.

EOS Hand Lotion in Berry Blossom 

US$1.99 (SS$3)

-- The palm-sized packaging is cute. This hand lotion contains shea butter, aloe and oats to keep hands soft and smooth. It is fast absorbing and also non-greasy. 

Aquaphor Lip Repair 
US$3.97 (S$4)
-- This drugstore favorite relieves dry and chapped lips. It provides long-lasting moisture for the lips. Formulated with Shea Butter and Chamomile for well-moisturized lips.

Physician Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush 
US$10.63 (S$15.50)
-- This blush is infused with Happy Boost Blend containing Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins (feel-good hormone) and protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. 

Physician Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum 
US$9.63 (S$14)
-- This special product enhances the appearance of lashes while providing definition an eyeliner. Lash Boosting Complex targets the base of the lashes where it is most effective. The eyeliner claims to be water-resistant and smudge-resistant.  

Yes to Miracle Oil primRose Oil Mud Mask 
US$2.50 (S$3.70)
-- This mud mask contains primrose oil to soothe skin and calm redness. The mask leaves skin feeling cool and hydrated. 

Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Waterproof Mascara 
US$6.99 (S$10)
-- I am a big hand of Covergirl mascaras. This is mascara has petal-shaped brush and soft mousse formula to create full lashes that are not stiff nor brittle.

REVIEW: Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara

Very girlish black and pink packaging 

Chic packaging of Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara

This mascara has a chic black and pink packaging. After reading online and YouTube reviews, I decided to purchase this Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara. This is a waterproof mascara that claims to give volume, curl and length to lashes. Sounds too good to be true? 

The first time that I wore this mascara, Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara smudged to my lower eyelids within 3 hours. I was rather disappointed with the lasting power. But decided to give it another try before tossing it into the bin. During the second try, Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara surprisingly did not smudge to my lower eyelids. The mascara stayed on well for more than 8 hours. You know how people always say third time is the charm? Well, during my third try, the mascara proved to be water-resistant but not waterproof. I wore this Etude House All Shockcara during my recent trip to Lombok, and put it through a swimming challenge. This mascara clumps up into fibers when it gets into contact with water. The good thing is that you do not get a raccoon-eye look, but rather random clumps of fibers on the under eyes area.

Short bristles wand

Bristles that are well separated to create definition

Besides that, this mascara does not provide dramatic lengthening properties. It gives my short and sparse Asian lashes some definition and volume. After curling my lashes with my HG Shiseido Eyelash Curler, Etude House Lash Perm All Shockcara holds the curl quite well. Overall, I would recommend this Etude House All Shockcara. It is relatively affordable at S$20, similarly priced to drugstore mascaras such as Maybelline and L'Oreal. For hygienic purposes, I replace my mascara every 6 months or so. So this Etude House All Shockara is easy on the pockets. I bought Etude House Shockara while I was in South Korea, but I can easily find it in Etude House stores in Singapore. For those in the States, you can purchase their products from Etude House website. 

REVIEW: Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara

~AG~

This was my impulsive buy while browsing through the drugstores in Tokyo. It retailed for only JPY 820 (S$10), a cheap buy for the usually premium Japanese cosmetics. However, this Heroine Kiss Make Volume & Curl mascara is the non-waterproof version. The packaging was all in Japanese so I could not differentiate whether it was waterproof or not. Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner is my HG eyeliner,  so I decided to try other products from the Kiss Me Heroine brand. 

The pink and black packaging

You can see the polymer fibres on the mascara wand

This mascara was contains polymer fibers which lengthen eyelashes by 120%. It is a lightweight, long-lasting and curl-maintaining mascara which is easy to apply. It also contains Chamomile Recutita Flower Extract and Camellia Japonica Seed Oil that won't dry out your eyelashes.

Brush type: 
It is different than the usual mascara wand because it has two different brush sides. One is curved-brush while the other is a comb-like brush. I

Curved-brush to coat each lashes with mascara

You apply the mascara this way to curl lashes 

Voluminizing power: 
This was the most disappointing aspect of the Heroine Volume & Curl Mascara. It did not thickened my sparse lashes at all! The voluminizing capability was lesser than that of CoverGirl LashBlast Volume. 

Lengthening power:
The polymer fibres does help lengthen my super short lashes. Though, the lengthening properties is not as good as Majolica Majorca mascara as the fibres are more fine, and less dramatic. 

Curling power: 
The specially-designed brush does not curl my stubbornly straight lashes. You cannot make do without the eyelash curler. Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes has a better curling power than Heroine Kiss Make Volume & Curl Mascara.

Staying power:  
It smudges slightly to my lower eyelids after about 4 hours, since it is a non-waterproof version. Though the smudging is not as bad as other non-waterproof mascara such as Maybelline mascaras. 

Overall, I would not recommend Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara. It does not provide enough volume and length to my short & straight lashes, which I desperately need. 
Please leave a comment below if you have any good waterproof mascara recommendation for short & straight lashes!

REVIEW: Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara

Mini-version of Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara

The densely-bristled brush

Medium-sized brush head

~AG~

Received a sample size of Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara from Sephora (USA) Beauty Insiders rewards redemption. I have been a BIG fan of Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara for years. Click the link for my review of it. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2013/10/review-tarte-lights-camera-splashes.html

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara contains active ingredients that treats the lashes while
creating a voluminous look. This Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara from Tarte is designed to treat your lash concerns while at the same time creating voluminous lashes. It promises to keep lashes hydrated, intact, healthier and stronger. The Amazonian clay balances, nourishes, hydrates, replenishes and repairs lashes. It claims to improve the overall health of your lashes. This natural clay also absorbs oil all-day to keep mascara lasting longer. Lastly, Amazonian clay's enriched pigments create voluminous lashes. 

THE GOOD

• Adds volume to my fine and straight lashes
• Does not clump
• Does not irritate my eyes 

THE BAD

• Not smudge proof, causes racoon eyes 
• Does not really lengthen my short lashes

I will not re-purchase this because I need to use waterproof mascara. This product does not come with a waterproof formula. There are way better performing high-end mascaras. I MUCH prefer Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara and Dior Iconic mascara.  

REVIEW: CLIO Professional Twist Up Waterproof Brow Mascara

~AG~

This CLIO Professional Twist Up Waterproof Brow Mascara is a replacement of my old-time favourite Benefit Cosmetics Speed Brow (older version). I bought while I was in Korea last April. 

In terms of pricing, I cannot remember exactly, but I recall it being cheaper than Speed Brow. Twist Up Brow Mascara should costs US$12-15 in Korea.

With that being said, both eyebrow gel/mascara does not harden and leave a residue upon application. Previously, I have tried a L'oréal brow mascara that left an unsightly residue on the brows when it has dried up. Below, I have compared the differences between the two eyebrow mascaras.

Differences between CLIO Professional Twist Up Waterproof Brow Mascara and Benefit Cosmetics Speed Brow (older version):

1. In terms of packaging, CLIO Twist Up is longer and wider than Benefit Speed Brow. For travel convenience, Benefit Speed Brow packaging takes up less space and is more handy to have in your travel makeup bag.
   
   
   
   
   
2. The CLIO Twist Up brush is wider than Benefit Speed Brow.
   
   
   
   
   
3. CLIO Twist Up is a tinted eyebrow mascara mascara while Benefit Speed Brow is a non-tinted eyebrow mascara. Thus CLIO Twist Up adds colour to your eyebrows while Benefit Speed Brow is essentially colourless. 
   
   
4. CLIO Twist Up thickens my eyebrow while Benefit Speed Brow just keep my eyebrows in place. On some days when I am not careful and apply too generously, I will end up having overly thick eyebrows.  
   
   
5. For fuss-free everyday use, I will recommend Benefit Speed Brow. The tinted colour of CLIO Twist Up requires a more careful application compared to Benefit Speed Brow.

REVIEW: Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Alber Elbaz

~AG~

This is quite outdated. This Alber Elbaz's designed Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes waterproof mascara was launched many seasons ago. But, I only bought it end of last year at Changi Airport duty free shop.    I cannot how much I paid for it. On Lancome.com, the Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof mascara retails for USD$27.50

The secret behind doll lashes, finally revealed!Lancôme's most flirtatious lash look. A volumized, extended and full lash fringe for a wide-eye look. 
The secret behind this amazing result?A new, unique, cone-shaped brush provides an extremely smooth and clean application, precisely defining even your hard-to-reach corners and lower lashes. Combined with the exclusively developed FiberShine formula, it sculpts, curls and loads each lash for the ultimate shiny lash fringe. Lift and thicken every single lash without weighing it down. Push up your lashes for your most flirty, wide open eye look.

Isn't the Alber Elbaz's design so cute? I especially like the red and black patterns running through the mascara. It makes it so fun. Unlike the usual boring monotone colours of mascara's packaging. It is definitely a collector's item.

The wand is narrower at the tip for easier application for my tiny lashes. The specially designed wand gives my short lashes length. The mascara formula thickens my sparse lashes. It defines my lashes and creates an wide-eyed look. This makes my eye area appear more awake.

Lancome really meant waterproof when they said it is a waterproof mascara. Sometimes, waterproof mascara still smudges on me and makes me look like a racoon. But I had no problem with this one.

I really like this mascara. It has to be one of my most favourite mascaras - the others being YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils and Tarte's Lights, Camera Splashes. I truly recommend this to those of you that have short or sparse lashes, and want defined lashes. It creates the volume and length of false lashes with its voluminizing formula and lengthening wand.

Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof

Get a blast of bold, volumizing mascaras! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting hypoallergenic mascara formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big-lash look. Now in waterproof, too!

~AG~

I have used this mascara ages ago, and I remember being quite fond of it. Decided to buy it again to try it. You cannot go wrong, it was only US$7.99 from Walmart. I chose the waterproof formula because I have serious issues with mascara smudging. I will let you readers know when I start using it :)

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Treat

~AG~

A mini Watt's Up and They're Real! mascara from Sephora USA for my birthday. Weee!! I <3 freebies!

REVIEW: Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes

According to Sephora, this mascara contain Skinvigorating ingredients such as beeswax which is known as a natural waterproof agent. It also contains mineral pigments that soothes and softens; and carnauba wax, which is an emollient that ensures smooth application.

I always have trouble finding a truly waterproof mascara. Even though the cosmetic company labels a mascara as waterproof, I often find that it will smudge to my lower eyelids. For example, I don't trust when Maybelline states that its mascaras are waterproof. In my experience, they are truly the worst waterproof mascaras that I've tried. They give me severe racoon eyes effects. But here are a few things that I like about Tarte Light, Camera, Splashes mascara. It is truly waterproof as it claims. It must be the beeswax that gives it its waterproof property. It adds definition and lengthen my short lashes without clumping. After curling my eyelashes with my trusty Shiseido eyelash curler, this mascara really holds up the curl for the rest of the day.

It is rather expensive for a mascara at USD $19 compared to drugstore mascaras. However, it is not as highly priced as other high-end mascaras such as Chanel and Lancome.

The only thing is that I wished that it was more volumizing. So, if you wanted more dramatic eyelashes, you would need to layer this mascara with one that gives more volume.

This mascara will be great for those that have naturally long lashes and wants a waterproof mascara that will keep their lashes curled all day.

WHERE TO BUY IT:

In the States, you can find it at Sephora and Ulta stores. 

REVIEW : Dior Iconic Mascara

Dior Iconic Mascara Waterproof

Diorshow Iconic features an oblique cut brush that gives an extra lash-curling effect. With its long, skinny teeth, the plastic comb brush allows you to precisely coat each lash one-by-one-creating a long, separated fan of lashes that usually takes the skill of a makeup artist. The extra-hold formula provides a 24-hour-curl with 100% smudge-proof results.

 ~AG~


THE GOOD

• It does keep my straight Asian lashes curled all day
• Does not smudge to my lower eyelids
• The brush head works well for my monolids
• Gives definition

THE BAD

• Does not give much volume
• Needs to layer on with a volumizing mascara
• Pricey @ USD $28.50

Overall, I would repurchase this mascara because of its smudge-proof and curling properties.

MORE SHARING SERVICES

REVIEW: DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping

DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping

 

DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum & Primer claims to instantly primes, plumps, and lengthens lashes with an ultra-light and quick-drying formula. The first “active serum” mascara primer also contains a unique cell-conditioning complex made up of hydrolyzed soy proteins that promote long-term lash growth, strength, and vitality.

~AG~

What is my take on this product?

• It improves the results of my low-performing CoverGirl Lash Blast Length and Fusion mascara.
• Holds curl better
• Adds volumes to my lashes
• No significant lash growth seen yet - been using it for 2 weeks
• Overall, I am satisfied with the purchase and would definitely re-buy it. 

REVIEW: YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Waterproof

 

This beguiling mascara creates lashes that stop traffic with the blink of an eye. Now available in a long-wear waterproof formula with 24-hour hold, the mascara also comes with a slim, inversed-spiral brush designed to work specifically to maximize lash volume with precision. 

A unique combination of four polymers combine to form a waterproof, flake-free coat, which adheres perfectly to the surface of the lash for instant volume. Pro-Vitamin B strengthens, conditions, and softens the lashes. 

~AG~

Bought this mascara because of a recommendation from a friend. So far, it works well. It is truly waterproof and does not smudge to my lower eyelids. I have had some problems with waterproof or smudge proof mascara. For example, Maybelline waterproof mascaras smudge on me.

YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils gives my short & sparse Asian lashes volume and length. Just two coats is enough to intensify my lashes. I can tell the difference when I wear this mascara. My eyes look more wide-eyed. I like it better than my other favorite high-end mascara, DiorShow Iconic.

It has a slight scent which I can describe as sweet and fresh ocean scent. 

The only thing bad I can say about it is that if you apply too many coats, it will be come clumpy.
Even though it is pricy @ USD $30, I will buy it again.