Mascara | Hits & Misses

June 10, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing mascara! Find out which ones I love, like and wouldn’t repurchase.

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

HITS

Buxom Lash Mascara – I really loved this mascara when I tried it and seeing the cost per ounce, it’s actually a better price than other high end ones.

Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara – This is an expensive one, but I bought one of those Sephora Favorites kits and redeemed a full size tube of this mascara. The mini size had such a short wand, so I look forward to using the full size wand.

L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara – This was one of the first drugstore mascaras I tried. I know the first mascara for everyone would probably be the Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, but I skipped straight to trying this one. It’s still one of my faves.

Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara – Here’s another mascara that I tried a mini of, but the curve of the wand made it easy for me to apply to my lashes. I would purchase the full size of this one.

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – I really loved the wand of this mascara and it separated my lashes nicely for a natural look (but with an extra oomph). However, this is the most expensive mascara on this list (cost per ounce).

Essence Volume Stylist 18 hr Lash Extension Mascara – I tried this one out because Tati recommended it. If Tati, someone who tries out tons of mascaras, likes this then you know it’s a pretty good one.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) – This is a great mascara that lifts the lashes. I tried the washable one, but I’m sure the waterproof one would be even better.

Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review) – I know there are probably better fiber mascaras out there, but this is one that I’ve tried and enjoyed. It easily washes off with warm water.

LIKES

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara – I tried this mascara before I started reviewing products. From what I remember, this was a great mascara. I’d have to try it again to see if it would get bumped up to my HITS list.

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara – Maybelline mascaras are some of my faves. This one isn’t my fave out of the ones I’ve tried, but it’s still a good mascara.

L’Oréal Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara – My friend recommended the telescopic mascara, but I bought the wrong one. I think she likes the black one and I bought the gold tube. This one has a nice, thin wand that’s great for bottom lashes.

Essence The False Lashes Mascara (read my review) – This mascara is not my favourite. While I rated it 3.5/5 in my review, I probably wouldn’t purchase it again. Even at its low price.

Essence Get BIG! Triple Black Lashes Mascara (read my review) – This brush is too fat for my lashes.

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara (read my review) – While I liked this mascara, I would prefer if the wand was a bit more tapered. It’s quite a fat wand and my lashes aren’t that long.

Clinique High Impact Mascara – I think this was one of the first mascaras I tried. My mom used to buy mostly Clinique makeup and she would buy the makeup during the bonus makeup bag at Hudson’s Bay. The ones that come with eyeshadow, lipstick, perfume and mascara.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Smart Gifted Mascara (read my review) – This is a great mascara for a natural look.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara – I liked this mascara, but I probably wouldn’t buy the full size. There are ones I prefer more.

Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara – The makeup artist for my sister’s wedding used this one. If a makeup artist uses this, then you know it’s a good one.

Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara – Benefit mascaras and brow products are some of the best. I enjoyed this mascara and would get it again.

Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara – I’d say this one is my least fave of the Benefit mascaras, but it’s still a good mascara.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – This makes your lashes look darker and not clumpy at all. This is one of the few mascaras where I’ve tried a mini that has a fairly long wand.

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara – I was excited to try this one because I know a few people who really like it. It wasn’t anything special for me. I’d rather buy a drugstore one that I like more.

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara (read my review) – This one is cool because you can get two different looks by twisting the brush. It’s not my favourite though.

MISSES

L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara (read my review) – I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like the shape of the wand. I need a cone-shaped/smaller wand because I don’t have long lashes.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (read my review) – This mascara dries out too quickly (the tubes I’ve tried at least) and I don’t like the shape of the wand.Covergirl Total Tease Mascara (read my review) – While I did like this mascara, I didn’t like the tip of the wand.

Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara – I didn’t love the smell of this one (not that it really makes a difference because you can’t smell it on your eyes). The brush was quite hard and there are better mascaras for a similar price.

Product	Price in CAD	Size (oz)	Cost per ounce
Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black	3.99	0.41	9.73
Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension	4.99	0.4	12.5
Covergirl Lash Blast	9.99	0.44	22.7
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies	9.49	0.31	30.6
Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect	10.49	0.32	32.8
L’Oréal Voluminous Original	10.49	0.28	37.5
Revlon Mega Multiplier	10.99	0.28	39.3
Burt’s Bees Nourishing	15.99	0.4	40
Maybelline Total Temptation	11.49	0.27	42.6
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise	14.49	0.28	51.8
L’Oréal Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original	13.99	0.27	51.8
Buxom Lash Volumizing	28	0.37	75
Urban Decay Perversion	32	0.4	80
Bourjois Twist Up The Volume	23	0.27	92.9
Clinique High Impact	26	0.28	92.9
Hourglass Caution Extreme (mini)	18.5	0.19	97.4
Lancôme Monsieur Big	33	0.33	100
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay (mini)	16	0.16	100
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 (mini)	16	0.16	100
Too Faced Better Than Sex (mini)	17	0.17	100
Hourglass Caution Extreme	36	0.33	109
Benefit BADgal BANG!	33	0.3	110
Benefit Roller Lash	33	0.3	110
Benefit They’re Real!	33	0.3	110
Too Faced Better Than Sex	32	0.27	118.5
Benefit BADgal BANG! (mini)	17	0.14	121.4
Benefit Roller Lash (mini)	17	0.14	121.4
Benefit They’re Real! (mini)	17	0.14	121.4
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay	30	0.24	125
Lancôme Monsieur Big (mini)	17	0.13	130
Urban Decay Perversion (mini)	18	0.13	138
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye	41	0.2	205

What are your favourite mascaras?

Love,

Review | Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara

October 8, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians!! I have another mascara review for you today! This was my first time trying a Bourjois product. My friend gave it to me and I assume she got it as a free gift with purchase or something.

It’s really interesting because you twist the top and the wand can go from long and straight to shorter and coiled like DNA ← this is probably the extent of ‘science-y talk’ that I will have on my blog.
Twist Up The Volume Mascara in Ultra Black

1 TRANSFORMABLE BRUSH WITH 2 RESULTS: DEFINED LENGTH + OVERSIZED VOLUME Two transformable brushes in one! Use position 1 to lengthen and separate lashes. Use position 2 to volumize and intensify lashes. Its ultra black formula quickly builds full coverage and volume on every single lash.

It’s kind of funny. The fact that you can twist the top part so that the wand is straight or coiled makes me think of going to the eye doctor. Is it a 1 or a 2…1 or a 2? The mascara coats the lashes nicely and it doesn’t look clumpy. The mascara will transfer a bit if you rub your lashes. When I applied the mascara, my lashes were curled. After a few hours, the lashes on my left eye were straight and the lashes on my right eye were a bit curled, but not as much as when I initially applied it. For some reason, the lashes on my right eye can hold a curl better.

The wand definitely give you two different results. When it’s in position 1 (straight), it separates the lashes and makes them look very natural. In position 2 (coiled), you can definitely tell that it intensifies the lashes and gives you a thicker coat of mascara. So, you can get a natural look or smokey look with just one mascara. I think I prefer the natural look on myself. I don’t like when it looks like I’m wearing mascara or when I can feel the mascara weighing my lashes down.
RATING: 4/5

I like the silicone brush and I like the fact that you can get two different looks in one mascara. I think this would be worth splurging on because it’s the same as buying two cheaper drugstore brand mascaras.

Have you tried Bourjois products?

Love,

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YouTubers Made Me Buy It

July 27, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Have you ever watched a beauty YouTuber review a product and they rave about it so you have to go buy it too? Or read a beauty blogger and saw swatches of the prettiest highlighter that you had to get? Well, there have been quite a lot of products that I’ve purchased over the past two years because I saw a cool video or I watched/read reviews. I’ll let you know if I liked the product and if I’d repurchase.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – I love these, but I kind of wish they had different packages for different sizes. Sometimes I have a ton of the smallest size left over until I get a teeny, tiny whitehead.

Repurchase? Absolutely!!

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – I bought this last year and don’t know if it was working that well. I had to stop because my skin was reacting to something I was using.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I quite liked this cleanser and it didn’t dry out my skin too much from the salicylic acid.

Repurchase? Yes.

CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask – This is kind of messy. If you put too much on, it can drip. It’s very hard to wash off your hands and clothes. The best way is to let it dry and then peel it.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather try a Biore Pore strip for the face.

Essence I Love Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base – I haven’t put this through testing yet, but I like the formula and I have noticed that it does intensify eyeshadows.

Repurchase? Yes.

Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara – This mascara is like $5 and it’s great! It does dry out fairly quickly, but it’s not as painful as buying a $30 tube and having it dry out on you.

Repurchase? Probably. I just bought two other Essence mascaras to see how they compare.

Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover (read my review) – It removes hair pretty well and I like the light it has attached when you turn it on.

Repurchase? I’d get the rechargeable one if I get another one.

Garnier All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Water – Originally, I was like, “why does everyone love this water? Isn’t it just water?” Oh, how wrong I was to think that. I love this stuff!

Repurchase? Already have!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review)- I love the smell of this. It smells so fresh and feel so nice on the skin.

Repurchase? Yes.

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is very finely milled and comes with a cute little puff. I’m not a huge fan of the mint smell, but it sets and mattifies my makeup nicely.

Repurchase? Possibly.

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise (read my review) – I compared this to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I’m sad to say that I’m not a fan of either one.

Repurchase? No.

Makeup Eraser The Original Makeup Eraser (read my review) – I saw this in a BuzzFeed video, I believe and had to see if it really worked. I really like it because it’s so soft.

Repurchase? I bought a dupe that was a 4-pack, so it’ll take me a while, but I’d repurchase when I need to.

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter (read my review) – This is a beautiful highlighter that gives that wet, metallic look.

Repurchase? Yes, I really want some of the other shades.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – I’ve tried the Matte + Poreless and the Hydrate + Smooth, I preferred the Hydrate + Smooth because it gave a dewy finish.

Repurchase? No. No more drugstore foundations for me.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – I read that the Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, uses this (don’t know if she still does) and I had to try it for myself.

Repurchase? I bought this, but haven’t tried it yet.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – This smells like chemicals to me.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation – This was the first drugstore foundation I got. I bought the wrong shade and back then, I didn’t know what primer was or that you had to wet the sponge. Knowing what I know now, I could probably get a better match and get a more beautiful application, but no more drugstore foundations for me.

Repurchase? No. I didn’t love the smell of this.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – If you read my Mid-Year Inventory on Foundations (click here), you’ll know that I’m looking to find high-end foundations with different finishes and coverage. I didn’t love this one and I’d rather get the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation as my sheer foundation.

Repurchase? No.

NYX Setting Spray (Matte) – I think I’d rather pay a little more for a better quality setting spray. I don’t know if this helped a whole lot, but it made my eyes water.

Repurchase? No.

Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter – Why pay $50 when you can pay a fraction of that for a gorgeous, butter highlighter?

Repurchase? Absolutely!! I need more shades!!!

Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Blends like a dream and smells so good (which is surprising because I’m not a huge fan of scented things!!)

Repurchase? Definitely!!

Pixi Glow Tonic – I got a pack that had a travel-size bottle of this and I will definitely be picking up a bigger size when I’m done my current toner.

Repurchase? Definitely!! (UPDATE: I think I’m allergic to witch hazel which means I can no longer use this).

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (read my review) – I love Pixi and it smells so good and keeps the face hydrated.

Repurchase? YES!

Pixi Peel & Polish (read my review) – I liked this, but it smells like paint to me and I’ve found other brands I like better.

Repurchase? Probably not.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read my review) – This sponge gets huge when it’s damp and I love that it has a flat side. I bought this at Winners (4 pack for $20) which was cheaper than at the drugstore.

Repurchase? Absolutely! At Winners though.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – I didn’t know what I was missing until I bought this eyelash curler. Previously, I’ve used a Tweezerman, Revlon and Sephora lash curler, but this one beats all of those.

Repurchase? When I need to buy a new one, yes!! Although I hear that the Shiseido one is good too and you can buy just the refills for that.

Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – So pretty!! I wish I could get more shades, but Wet N Wild is hard to find in Canada and Rexall only has a selection of Wet N Wild products.

Repurchase? If I can get my hands on it, yes!!

A lot of the products on this list, I would repurchase. For most of these, I heard more than a few good reviews, which made me buy them. So, it’s no surprise that I love them too.

What products have you bought because of a YouTuber’s recommendations?

Love,

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New Products I Want to Try

March 15, 2018
Hi Everyone!

There are so many products on my wishlist, here are some relatively new products that I hope to try:
- Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Shameless Youthful-Look 24H Foundation
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
- Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF 21
- Boscia Charcoal Imperfection Corrector
- ColourPop Lux Lipstick
- Hourglass Arch Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel
- CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara
- Ardell Magnetic Lashes
- OPI Chrome Powders
What’s on your wishlist?

Love,
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Worth It? | 3-Step Fiber Mascaras

March 8, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I’ve always seen 3-step fiber mascaras and one of my friends bought one off Amazon and her lashes looked amazing, so I thought I’d try it out myself. I’ve seen the fiber mascaras at the drugstore, I got mine from Amazon, but it’s no longer available. For unknown reasons, it’s no longer available on the brand’s website either. Most 3-step fiber mascaras retail for $15-20 CAD. I’ve seen one on sale at Rexall or Shoppers Drug Mart for $12.

In this post, I will be sharing my thoughts on whether 3-step mascaras in general are worth it, I won’t be reviewing the specific brand or mascara that I bought because let’s be honest, they’re all kind of the same- there aren’t any name brands that have 3-step mascaras out there.

Sealing Gel- Steps 1 & 3, Natural Fibers- Step 2

Step 1- Curl lashes and apply generous amount of the mascara

Step 2- Immediately apply natural fibers to lashes

Step 3- finish with a second coat of the mascara to seal the fibers to your lashes

For best results, do one eye at a time to prevent Step 1 from drying before fiber application.

To remove the mascara, you just use warm water and it comes off easily. Make sure not to open your eye until it’s completely off because the fibers can get into your eye.

RATING: 4/5

It does make my lashes look longer and fuller. To be honest, the sealing gel by itself makes my lashes longer. For me, I just think it takes too much time to do the 3 steps and I could do the same with a regular mascara or a fiber mascara like the Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review). Also, I don’t like how you use the sealant after using the fibers because then the natural fibers get into the other tube.

Have you tried 3-step fiber mascaras?

Love,

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Review | Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara

June 23, 2017

Hi Everyone!

I received a complimentary VoxBox from Influenster Canada with the Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara in Blackened Brown (803)!

I prefer using the darkest shade of mascara that they offer. So I would get the black or blackest black mascara from this line. A few times when I looked in the mirror, it almost looked like I had powder on my lashes or in certain lighting, my lashes looked gray because the blackened brown shade is too light for me. This is my first time using a Revlon mascara, but right away I liked the fact that it wasn’t a silicone brush and I liked the shapes of the mascara tube and the brush.

The mascara tube is sort of almond shaped, so it’s easy to open (unlike the round ones which can be hard to grip). The top part with the wand is shiny while the bottom part is a matte black and feels a bit textured.

My lashes look natural and there are no clumps. I like slightly tapered brushes that aren’t silicone for my top lashes. This is a great brush and I would definitely keep it to apply other mascaras. Since this is a (fiber) mascara that coats your lashes with tubes, I can definitely feel that there is something on my lashes.

I prefer non-fiber mascaras for my everyday makeup look, but the fiber ones are good for some extra oomph for a night out.

Are the claims true? Let’s see!

Flake-free? I ran my finger along my lashes and no flakes or residue on my finger! (It does flake if you rub your eye, but if unprovoked, it shouldn’t flake just from blinking)

Smudge-proof? I rubbed my eye and nothing smudged, although a few fiber flakes came off on my finger.

Water Resistant? It doesn’t claim to be waterproof, but if you get caught outside when it starts raining lightly, you should be okay. As long as it’s dry, it won’t smudge if you use a setting spray. I splashed some cold water on my face and squeezed my eyes shut to see if any mascara would come off, it didn’t smudge. I splashed some more on my face and this time it smudged a bit, but easily came off with a qtip.

Removes easily with warm water? No eye makeup remover needed! Using warm water, it came off with little effort and unlike other mascaras, I didn’t get raccoon eyes trying to wash it off. I would avoid hot tubs or anywhere with steam.

Plump and extend lashes for mega volume and extreme length? My lashes aren’t very long to begin with, but I can definitely tell that this mascara has added length and volume. Would I say MEGA volume and EXTREME length? No, but it’s definitely noticeable (the only way I will have long enough lashes to be noticeable in pics is if I wear false lashes).

RATING: 5/5

I give it a perfect score because it’s easy to take off and I love the brush. I just need to buy the darkest shade and I will love it even more!

Thoughts: I really like this mascara! I like that it doesn’t flake and that you don’t need to use makeup remover to get it all off (I hate when I thought I took off all of my mascara and then after a shower, I find that I have raccoon eyes!)

I always like to have a mix of high-end and drugstore products. I prefer to spend more on the skincare products like primers, moisturizers, toners, foundations and concealers. Since mascara can dry out fairly quickly and you’re not supposed to keep them for too long, I prefer to buy drugstore brands for mascaras. I tend to like drugstore brand mascara more anyways and this way I can buy a few for the same price as one designer brand. I only have high end mascaras because they were deluxe samples or a birthday present. Two of my favourite mascara brands are Maybelline and L’Oreal and it looks like I’ve just added Revlon to the mix!

What are your fave brands of mascara? Do you prefer high-end or drugstore brand mascaras?

Thanks to Influenster Canada for sending me this Revlon VoxBox!

Have a great weekend!

Love,

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