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First Impressions with NatureLab Tokyo

September 8, 2020

Hi Everyone!
Today I’m reviewing some products I received from NatureLab Tokyo. Here’s a little bit about the brand from their website:

Through our own research and discovery, all NatureLab products use active Botanical Stem Cells to maintain scalp health, improve follicle strength and promote hair growth at a cellular level.

Free of harsh Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Mineral Oil and other harsh chemicals that not only damage hair, but the environment. Cruelty Free and Never Animal Tested.

Their shampoo and conditioner bottles are really cool. They sort of look like round-bottom flasks that you see in science labs. They also sell refillable pouches so you can reuse the bottles. The bottles are made of a harder plastic (not squeezable).

They have four different collections that target different hair types.
REPAIR – Healthy scalp, soft strands, revitalized appearance

For damaged, colour-treated hair

Fragrance – Inspired by Japanese bamboo forests with a hint of green tea and Cyprus

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment Masque, Leave-In Treatment
SHINE – Shine on

For dull, drab hair

Fragrance – A refreshingly light, soft scent with notes of violet and amber

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Clarifying Scalp Scrub
SMOOTH – Calm scalp; controlled, frizz-free hair

For dry, frizzy hair

Fragrance – Inspired by the warm, fresh scent of a freshly peeled Japanese yuzu

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Blowout Lotion
VOLUME – Healthy scalp, voluminous body

For flat, limp hair

Fragrance – Inspired by the light feminine floral aroma of Japanese cherry blossoms

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Blowout Jelly, Texture Mist

I chose to try products from the SHINE collection – Antioxidant-rich Stem Cells from Grape regenerate scalp papilla cells and revitalize shine. Hyaluronic acid seals in moisture while Pearl Extract stimulates enzymes for an iridescent finish. Shine on.

Perfect Shine Shampoo

Let your inner light shine through with a Platinum Fiber-infused shampoo that reveals hair’s natural reflective properties.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argan Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Butylene Glycol Laurate, Ppg-2 Cocamide, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Caramel

Perfect Shine Conditioner

Elevate shine to mega-watt status with a Platinum Fiber-infused conditioning treatment that delivers a weightless, glossy finish.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argan Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Butylene Glycol Laurate, Ppg-2 Cocamide, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Caramel
RATING: 4/5

When I first received the products, I obviously smelled them right away. The scent was a bit strong (sweet and floral) from the bottle, but once you rinse it out, it’s a lighter scent. In the past, I’ve used shampoos that gave me headaches because they’re too strong.

The shampoo and conditioner made my hair look so shiny and sleek. The violet scent is pleasant, but I prefer fruity scents over florals.
Perfect Shine Oil Mist

Enhance color and elevate shine with a Platinum Fiber-infused light-reflecting hair oil mist.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Eisenia Arborea Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Aqua (Water, Eau), Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Lecithin, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance)

RATING: 3/5

I don’t really like using hair oils because my scalp is already oily. It’s definitely easy to go overboard. The first time I tried it, I sprayed too much and it looked greasy instead of a healthy shine. The scent of the oil is stronger since you don’t rinse it out like the shampoo and conditioner.

Perfect Repair Treatment Masque

Get back to your roots with this deep conditioning treatment masque that restores dull hair from scalp to strand. Smart Keratin technology fortifies the hair cuticle and penetrates the cortex to rebuild body and revitalize shine. Potent plant Stem Cells from Bamboo strengthen the hair shaft and promote healthy hair growth while antioxidant-rich Argan and Prickly Pear oils add a protective luster. Damaged hair is visibly improved and new hair sprouts stronger.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Steartrimonium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Glutamic Acid, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Green 3 (CI 42053), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

RATING: 4/5

In addition to the shampoo, conditioner and hair oil mist, they also sent samples of the Repair Treatment Masque. I really like the smell of the Repair collection. It’s green tea and cyprus. It smells similar to the Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo (which is green tea and cucumber). I really liked the masque and it also made my hair look shiny and healthy. I don’t do much with my hair, so it’s not damaged. I’d be interested to see if it works well for someone with damaged hair.

Check out their Instagram!

Have you heard of NatureLab Tokyo?
Love,
*The descriptions and ingredients in italics were taken from website (as well as the ingredient pictures).
*None of the links in this post are affiliate links.

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First Impressions with Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

October 24, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m reviewing the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer that was sent to me for review.

The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer is a designed Hot Air Brush to deliver gorgeous volume and brilliant shine in a single step. The unique oval brush design smooth hair while the rounded edges quickly create volume at the root and beautifully full-bodied curls at the ends in a single pass, for salon blowouts at home.

Designed with Nylon Pin & Tufted Bristles for detangling, improved volume and control. 1100-Watt power provides just the right heat. Unlike conventional hair dryers, this volumizer can be placed closer to the scalp for lift. 3 Heat/Speed Settings for Styling Flexibility. Built with a genuine ION generator to promote faster drying and create styles full of shinier and healthier-looking hair. Ceramic Coating helps protect hair from over-styling with even heat distribution that penetrates hair quickly and dries from the inside out.

A quick fact about my hair: it’s straight and doesn’t hold a curl well. When I use the brush, it makes my hair look sleek, smooth and shiny. I haven’t gotten the volume that I’ve seen other ladies get from using this brush, but that’s because I need to work on my technique. I’ve seen awesome results on people who have curly hair.
RATING: 4/5

My initial thought when I took it out of the box was that it was big. Even though the brush is fairly lightweight, it does get heavy after a while. Since the brush part is lighter, it’s not perfectly balanced. Even though the handle is curved to fit in your hand easily, I feel like it’s still a bit big for people with smaller hands. I’d say my hands are average-sized. Someone with dexterity issues might have trouble gripping it. Maybe a silicone grip could be useful.

Sometimes when I use a round brush, I get it tangled in my hair. I haven’t gotten my hair tangled in the Revlon brush at all…yay! I probably wouldn’t travel with it because I’d be worried about the bristles getting squished. It would be nice if it came with some sort of protective hard case. I’m worried that over time the bristles will bend because I store it sideways.

I’ve found that the best way to use it is with slightly damp hair. You don’t want your hair dripping wet. The brush easily detangles hair, but I like to comb my hair out with a brush before I start using it.

Update: I’ve cut my hair short – now it hits my collarbone. When I first used the hair tool, it was a few inches longer. I like the hair tool a lot more now that my hair is short.

Whether you want a sleek, straight hair look or a salon-like blowout, this is a great tool. On the Revlon website, it comes in 3 different colours (pink, mint and teal) and if an oval brush isn’t your thing, they also have one that’s like a paddle brush.
Love,
*Product was gifted to me for review.

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January/February 2019 Faves

February 22, 2019

Hi Everyone!
Since I’m on a Low Buy this year, I won’t have a lot of new favourites for my weekly “Feature Fridays” on my Instagram. So, I’m going to do my favourites posts every two months from now on.
I really love both of these mascaras because they look very natural, but they also darken my lashes! I’ve used both on my lower lashes and it looks very natural (not spidery at all). Between the two, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) is great for keeping the lashes curled because of the curved wand and it makes my lashes look darker. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (read my review) is great for a more natural effect; it didn’t keep the curl on my lashes as well as the Maybelline, but it’s still a great mascara for adding a lil’ something extra to your lashes.
I have another Maybelline fave to add to the list. I am in love with the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder!! Earlier this month, when there was a snowstorm and I had to go out, I just popped on some concealer and used it as foundation and it was beautiful!! It can get a bit messy. I think next time, I will only pull off half the sticker when I’m opening up a new one. The powder is finely milled and the shade 15 Light is a beautiful match for me. As you may know, I love the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation, but that’s a bit dark for me right now. Maybe I will use a mix of the two to lighten it. I definitely want to try the pressed powder since that one is actually meant to be used as foundation. My sister uses the loose one because her skin is flawless and she just needs something to mattify and provide sheer coverage. I wouldn’t travel with this one though because it’s already a bit messy just sitting in my drawer, but if you haven’t picked this up yet, I definitely recommend giving it a try!!
I am looooving the Smashbox Primerizer!! It keeps my skin hydrated all day. Around my nose usually starts to look a bit flaky, but this keeps my makeup looking good. Once I finish this little guy, I’ll be sad I can’t repurchase it for a while because of my #NoRepurchaseRule (can’t repurchase any makeup products for the next year or two so I can see what’s out there).
I’m really liking this Lancôme Brow Powdery Shaping Pencil in 09 Soft Black. It made my brows look so natural. I had one of my best brow days wearing this with a brow gel. I need to test it for longevity, but this might be a new fave!!! It has a spoolie on the end which is great. You sharpen the tip which could be a bit of a pain if you’re travelling because you’d need a sharpener.
What were your favourites from this month?
Love,

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This Or That | CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara vs. Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara

January 14, 2019

Hi Everyone!

I compared two mascaras: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara and the Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara.

I really love them both because they look very natural, but they also darken my lashes! I will put up my review at the end of the day, but right after applying them, both eyes looked very similar- curled, lengthened and no clumps. I applied some on my lower lashes and both look very natural and not spidery.

You can check out my full reviews on both mascaras by clicking the links below:

Lash Blast Volume Mascara | Lash Sensational Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast’s patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. Instant volume and fullness. Smudge and wear-proof. Hypoallergenic and suitable for contact lens wearers.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Lash Sensational Mascara from Maybelline is the first patented fanning brush with 10 layers of bristles to reveal a full flourish of lashes. Liquid Ink formula coats from all sides for a sensational full fan effect.
WINNER: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

The Maybelline Mascara did a better job at keeping my lashes curled – especially because the wand is curled. Between the two, I think the CoverGirl is great for day time and the Maybelline for night time since it made my lashes look a bit darker and thicker.

Have you tried these two mascaras?

Love,

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Review | CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

November 21, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I’ve been trying out a lot of mascaras lately. I’m on the hunt for a drugstore mascara that lengthens my lashes and holds a curl (if it also volumizes too, that would be great).

Get a blast of bold, volumizing mascaras! COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara gives you full and voluminous lashes. 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. This amazing volume mascara is now available in waterproof, too!

I find the tube a bit slippery to open. Especially since the top is slanted, so there’s less surface area to open…is it just me?

I love the silicone wand on this, it separates my lashes nicely. From what I remember about the Buxom Lash Mascara, this one could be a dupe for it. Although, I don’t have the Buxom one to do a side-by-side comparison, so I’m not 100% sure.

There’s no clumps and my lashes look natural and don’t feel too stiff. The wand is good for my bottom lashes too, it darkens my bottom lashes without making them look spidery.

My lashes looked so natural that when I asked my mom if she could tell I was wearing mascara, she said she didn’t notice until I mentioned it. The mascara makes them look natural, but darkens my lashes. I have the shade Very Black.

Some time after the 4th hour mark, the mascara had transferred onto my eyelid. Hopefully, if you get the waterproof version, it won’t do that.

Weirdly enough, I was wearing this on a different day during Black Friday weekend. I was at the mall most of the day, I got hot and sweaty from wearing my coat and it was raining (spitting, not heavy downpour), my mascara didn’t smudge at all.
RATING: 4/5

I would prefer if the wand was a bit more tapered so I could get the inner corners of my eyes a bit better. So, I don’t think this is my new, absolute fave mascara, but it definitely goes into the top 5 drugstore mascaras I’ve tried.

I definitely prefer this mascara over the CoverGirl Total Tease (read my review).

If you have any drugstore mascara recommendations, I’d love to hear them! I’ve already tried the L’Oréal Lash Paradise one, and it’s not one of my faves.

Love,

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Review | Essence The False Lashes Extreme Volume & Curl Mascara

November 7, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing another mascara! I also have two more mascaras that I haven’t opened yet. Here’s my review for another Essence mascara!
Extra volume, extra curl! Essence’s The False Lashes Mascara Extreme Volume & Curl fiber brush ensures maximum volume and curved lashes with a false lash look.

My lashes feel very soft after using one coat and when I lightly rub my lashes with my finger, nothing transfers. It removes easily with micellar water without giving the raccoon eyes.

After about 3 hours, it was getting a bit smudgy on my under eye and I only applied the mascara to the top lashes. After 4 hours, the my left eye was definitely smudged and flaky. I don’t know why it was just my left eye…do I blink harder on that eye? Did I accidentally rub it without noticing? My right eye was a little smudged, but not as bad. While it did smudge pretty badly, it managed to keep the curl of my lashes better than other mascaras I’ve tried. I won’t be repurchasing this mascara because of the flaking.
RATING: 3.5/5

Comparing this to my review of the Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black Mascara, I think I prefer this one for the brush, but I prefer the other one for the formula.

Have you tried Essence mascaras? Which is your fave?

Love,

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Review | Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black Mascara

October 5, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I realized I haven’t done a review in a while. Oops! So, here’s my latest review on an Essence mascara.

After trying out the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension, I thought I would try other Essence mascaras to see how they compare. Essence mascaras are so affordable, they’re about $4-$6! This one that I’m reviewing was $3.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart. Essence mascaras, I believe, only come in one colour: black.

Although I love Essence mascaras, they don’t come in plastic packaging (like Maybelline and L’Oréal ones). So, that means they could easily be opened in store, exposed to bacteria and also dry out faster. I know some Shoppers have started to put tape on products that come without packaging to prevent people from swatching/using products which is good, but then you get that stupid tape residue and using oil doesn’t always get it all off. Anyway, I’ll stop ranting about the packaging, and get on to the review of the actual mascara!

Essence Get BIG! Lashes Triple Black Mascara

Black, blacker, triple black! This is the deep black mascara in the popular get BIG! Lashes family by Essence. The large, innovative fiber brush offers maximum volume and adds density to your lashes. Its carbon black texture ensures an expressive look with a triple black effect!
The brush on this is really fat. It’s a bit difficult for me to use (I definitely can’t use it on my bottom lashes). The mascara does darken my lashes and they felt natural. Some mascaras make your lashes stiff and I don’t like that. I wore it for 6 hours and it didn’t smudge at all. After the mascara dried, I gently rubbed my lashes to see if it transferred and it didn’t. It removes easily with micellar water.

RATING: 3.5/5

I’d rather pay $1-2 more and get the 18hr Lash Extension Mascara. I’m still searching for a mascara that will keep a curl once I use my lash curler. By the end of the day, my lashes are usually weighed down and go back to being stick straight.

Have you tried Essence mascaras? What’s your fave?

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 | Holika Holika Natural False Lashes

May 24, 2016

Hi Everyone!

I recently bought some false lashes from Holika Holika (a Korean beauty store). I have to say that getting natural ones made such a big difference! I bought ones at Forever21 and the bands weren’t flexible and the lashes looked unnatural. The ones I got this time were great- although you couldn’t tell a huge difference with them on, it added volume and a little bit of length to my lashes. In pictures, it was hardly noticeable, but in person, you could tell it added a bit of length if you compare one side with no lashes. Here’s a picture of what they look like in the packaging:

They were $4 and I figured that a Korean store would have lashes that would look better with Asian eyes because I don’t want the super long ones that look fake, but I just want to add a bit of length and volume, which these did. The band size of these lashes were so much more comfortable than the other ones. I think I would prefer the individual lashes or the accent lashes (where you put them at the outer edge of your eye) because I felt the band poking me in the eye even after I cut them to size. I think I will have to cut them a little more so that it doesn’t do this. I have the Shu Uemura lash adhesive from my sister.

So, there is my updated review on false lashes. It’s best to get the lashes that are more suited for your natural lashes. If you’re going for a natural look, the wispy ones are good, but if you’re going for a glam look, then you can get the super long ones to add length to your lashes. I have to say my opinion has greatly changed with the new set of lashes, and although I wouldn’t do it everyday like some people, I would consider getting false lashes for special occasions.

Update: April 21, 2017

Like I said above, the Holika Holika ones don’t really add anything to my lashes. My lashes are full, but not long. So the natural ones pictured above would be good if you want a natural look and have sparse lashes. I’ve tried the Ardell lashes, I went with the Natural Multipack 110 (4 sets). I think if I bought new ones, I’d get the accent ones or one of the glamour styles instead of the natural ones.

RATING: 4/5

I give it a 4/5 because they are super natural and flexible, but they didn’t add any length to my lashes. They’d be good for anyone whose lashes are sparse (mine are fairly full, so I need length more than volume).

Love,

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