Pre-post note : This has got to be the fastest review I've ever done! LOL.
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Tagline : Lash curler no longer required
Description : New Lash Power™ Curling Mascara holds a curl for up to 24 long hours. Celebrate dramatic curl achieved through a formula that stretches lashes to their limits and a wand that scoops up, lifts up every last lash. Won't smudge, flake or smear. Lasts through rain, sweat, humidity, tears, yet removes easily with warm water. Ophthalmologist tested. Appropriate for contact lens wearers. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. Formulated for Asian eyes.
Colours : Black Onyx, Dark Chocolate
Packaging : 6ml
Recommended retail price : RM 75
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My review :
I got my hands on a free travel-sized sample of the Lash Power™ Curling Mascara in Black Onyx and immediately put it to the test.
The packaging for the travel-sized sample is a plain gray plastic tube, which does not resemble the real thing, which is a matte silver slim tube.
The brush head is small and slightly curved, which I suppose is meant to help you "catch" every last lash for the curling effect. I like that the brush is teeny enough to reach the fine lashes at the corners of my eyes, unlike previous mascaras which I'd used that had big chunky brushes. But of course, brush size is a matter of personal preference and also depends on what you want your mascara to do. If you're going for volume, then a bigger brush would work wonders. But if you prefer length (like me), then a smaller brush allows for better control. (Note: Since I received a travel-sized sample, I'm not sure if the original packaging brush size is the same - the Clinique counter I visited did not have an opened sample.)
The first few swipes of the brush resulted in lengthening of my lashes, but defining the curve took a little bit more work. A colleague who analyzed the end effect for me said that the curl was not as visible as she expected it to be, but I think it's because the major effect of this mascara on me is that of length rather than volume and curl. There is some noticable difference when I look closely in that my lashes are curling upwards but only towards the end. However, it did do a nice job of "opening up" my eyes without seeming overly mascara-d, which is a look I try to avoid at all costs, and looks very natural (I like!). I did find the first application to be a little clumpy right out of the tube and it required multiple swipes of the brush to even out the distribution on each lash. (Not sure if the reason is because it's a sample?)
This mascara dried nicely and instantly, so I did not end up smudging my lower lashes when I blinked. The staying power is commendable as even after 12 hours, my lashes still looked as they did when I first applied the mascara. Nice!
And for those who like me have found removing mascara (especially the waterproof type) a huge hassle even with make-up remover, I think I've found my perfect product. Like the claims say, it removes easily and simply with warm water. I used warm water from my shower, splash splash and voila, the mascara began to remove itself just like that. Of course you will have to rinse a few times to make sure that the last vestiges of mascara are fully removed, but this is the easiest time I've ever had in removing mascara (and oh yes, it removes cleanly - no stray lumps clinging onto my lashes at the end). Needless to say, I love this aspect of the product.
Yes factors : Nice length achieved, small brush head for reaching corners, excellent no-smudge staying power, easy to clean
No factors : Minimal curl achieved contrary to product claims, seems a bit clumpy when first out of the tube, careful application required (steady hand)
If you go to Clinique Malaysia's official website (it calls itself an official website but is strangely not listed if you go to Clinique.com) you can register yourself with them for a free sample of their famed 3 Step System here.
End-post note : The opinions expressed in this blogpost are purely that of the reviewer's own and she has received no monetary compensation to do this review.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Clinique's Lash Power™ Curling Mascara
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I want myself some Benjibox shoeboxes!
If you are an average woman, you probably have more than one pair of shoes. If you are a stereotypical woman, you probably have a love of shoe shopping.
Me? I wish I could be: a) Imelda Marcos (for her famed collection of shoes); with b) Mariah Carey's gorgeous walk-in closet that has space for her many pairs of shoes! and c) own a branded shoe shop so that as proprietress, I'd get to swipe a pair of every latest design that came through my doors. Wuahahaha. Okay, enough of my fantasies. Back to reality.
Now, I have so many pairs of shoes currently (about 20+ pairs, give or take a few) that there simply isn't enough cabinet space to display them and the majority is stored in the boxes they came in and stacked in the storeroom. It's not cluttered, but finding the right pair of shoes is getting to be a problem unless it happens to be one of a brand (which is rare because most of my shoes are from the same brands). So I often spend some time opening and closing shoeboxes every morning in an attempt to find the right pair. A bit frustrating and not the way I want to start my mornings!
Anyways, I read about these nifty shoeboxes on Karen Cheng's blog recently and they seem like the perfect solution to my shoebox woes.
See? Clear, see through shoeboxes that let you see which pair is inside which box and a sliding drawer function that makes grabbing the perfect pair to match your outfit a breeze.
Find out more about the Benjibox here, as well as a full price list. (Each shoebox costs AUD 9.95 and the price reduces according to the package you select.) The only thing that's stopping me from getting some for myself is the price (AUD vs my MYR at a multiple of close to 3x) and international shipping charges. :o(
I wonder if I can find a local alternative?
Monday, May 12, 2008
Clinique's Lash Power Curling Mascara sample - free
I just received an email notification from Clinique Malaysia promoting their latest product - the Lash Power Curling Mascara.
It promises dramatic curl that will last for up to 24 hours without smudging, flaking or smearing but yet is easily removable with warm water.
I must say, I'm intrigued enough to want to check it out!
Oh, by the by, if you go to this site and leave your details, you could possibly redeem a free travel-size sample of Lash Power Curling Mascara while stocks last. I just got the email like half an hour ago, so it should still be available. :o)
Go, ladies go!
Edit @ 18:33hrs - I just got my e-coupon in my email. I shall be off to get my free sample tomorrow afternoon!
Addendum on 13 May 2008 @ 13:00hrs - I have my sample mascara! Review to come soon here.
