Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara

I had quite a shock at work the other day when, on a bathroom break, caught site of myself in the mirror. After only five hours I had already developed some serious panda eyes! With my top notch researching skills, I then proceeded to waste the rest of my break researching the best waterproof mascaras (and by top-notch skills I mean typing 'best waterproof mascara' into google). On every list I came across, Lancome's Hypnose range was always at the top. Even the lovely lady I spoke to at the Lancome counter claimed they had the best mascara's in the world (and the best selling). Those were some impressive claims, so I couldn't resist putting it to the test. 

Firstly, the packaging is lovely. Although it's plastic, the unique shapes gives it a very sleek, luxurious feel, and the exterior, adorned with the brand's iconic roses, is a nice touch. The mascara itself defines and lengthens the lashes, and leaves them with little to no clumps. The wand is the perfect vehicle for defining and lengthening the lashes. While the tip of the wand focuses on those pesky little lashes in the corners, the thicker part defines and extends the outer corners. Check out the photo's below:

This is by far the best waterproof mascara I have ever used (and also the most expensive, but definitely worth it). It lasts all day long without any flaking or smudging, which is all you can really ask for. I usually prefer a little bit more volume, but I honestly don't mind with this one. If you are after something more volumising, Lancome's Hypnose Star & Drama sound like great options (it was very hard for me to decide between the three at the time), and they both also comes in a waterproof formula.

L'oreal's Butterfly Wing Mascara

L'Oreal False Lash Wings Mascara

After hearing Estee from Essie Button raving about this mascara I immediately added it to my wish list. This is just another case of 'the blogger made me do it.' It's a common problem in my life. I had no need for a new mascara but when I heard Priceline had an introductory offer on it for $18 my resolve crumbled.

I've always been impressed by L'Oreal Mascara's. I don't buy them often because they are expensive. They usually range from  $20-30 but sometimes you can get them for under $20 on sale (which is when I buy them).  The new butterfly wings mascara claims to add instant volume and length, giving a 'winged eye-look'. Here's a photo of the wand:

It definitely has an interesting shape. The top sides of the wand slant slightly, which helps catch those pesky small lashes that you always seem to miss. And then there are the arches at the bottom which help stretch out the outer corners. You can see this in the before and after shots:

Wow. Please excuse the post-assignment eyes.

I think this mascara really lives up to its claims. It's been a while since I've been excited about a mascara, and it's nice when you buy one that actually works. I've noticed a huge difference in the volume and length of my lashes when using this, and I love the curved winged look at the edges, it feels very classic and feminine.

Anyone else tried this mascara? What are your thoughts?

Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara Review

I bought this mascara months ago during my 'little' Priceline haul, and it's been my go-to mascara since. Simply, it's great for everyday use for these three reasons: a) it doesn't clump! b) it defines and c) it lengthens the lashes in a way that (almost) looks natural.

This is a more defining mascara than anything, it elongates the lashes with minimal clumping, and with the mix of short and long bristles, it's now easier for the wand to coat those pesky little lashes that hide between the longer ones, giving the illusion of more  lashes. I do experience minor flaking later in the day but that's usually because I have a tendency to rub my eyes, otherwise it's quite long lasting. I have quite fine lashes so my camera struggles picking them up, but check out the photo's below:

I bought mine on sale for $10 from Priceline so I definitely recommend waiting for the sales. It's usually priced at $17.95 otherwise. Overall, a great, affordable mascara!

Bourjois Beauty'full Volume Mascara

Boujois Beauty'Full Volume Mascara

Lucky for me, Priceline were giving away some freebies when you spent over $20 on any Bourjois Product. So as well as a foundation I received some sunglasses (Really?) and a full sized Beauty-Full Volume Mascara (Yay! That's more like it). I've never tried a Bourois mascara before so I was pretty excited. Here are some before and after shots I took:

It gives volume, leaves hardly any clumps and does what it claims in delivering well held, silky, smooth lashes. The product has also been ophthalmologically tested on sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. I have quite sensitive eyes myself and haven’t experienced any irritation, so this is a huge plus for me. Overall, not a bad mascara at all. Anyone else tried this mascara or any others from Bourjois?

YSL Shocking Volume Mascara

Volume Effet Faux Cils (Shocking) - # 01 Deep Black

I've only tried this mascara a couple of times and I already consider it an all time favourite.

Despite this, there's really nothing much to say. To sum it all up it gives great volume, great length that's lasting, gives you a beautiful doll eyed look and, I never knew this was possible for mascara, but it smells really nice. Like butterflies and rainbows. Seriously.

Although I don't think it's the most 'shocking' mascara I have ever tried it's definitely the only of its kind that can boast great length and volume and still look good; and at $34 AUD I believe it's worth every penny.

Missha's Mega EX Volume Mascara Review

Mega EX (Cat) Volume Mascara by Missha

During my most recent Yes Style haul I decided to try out a couple of South Korean cosmetic brands. Missha's Mega EX (which I am going to assume means 'EXTREME') mascara was one of them. I picked up the Cat Volume one, but they also have a Doll and Fan volume; but what really intrigued me about this mascara was the packaging. As a visual design student I tend to have a weakness for sleek, shiny things and when I saw this mascara, I don't know why, but I couldn't help myself.

The packaging is, well, plastic and looks even more so in real life, and the brush looks so hairy  it looks like I stuck it in a pile of dust, which I probably did now that I think about it. After going over my lashes 4-5 times it starts to clump a bit too much for my liking, and although you can work it to give your lashes quite a bit of length it lacks that 'MEGA EXTREME' volume the name implies. Its staying power is pretty decent though, in fact, even after my regular eight hour shift there was no smudging and the length hadn't dropped off either.

Before | After

Overall, it's not a bad mascara. It almost looks natural from afar, so It's great for those lazy days at home or when you just don't feel like dealing with your messier, high-end mascaras. Considering that I only paid $14 AUD for it, I think I got my money's worth, but if I had the cash to go back and buy another one at its regular retail price ($19) I'd probably put it towards a better mascara for a few dollars more.