REVIEW: MAC Zoom Lash & Maybelline Lash Stiletto

Hello! Here's my one post for November and I'm sorry I didn't do more this month. I have a double mascara review for you - one high-end and one low-end. Let me go over each product and then I'll compare them. All swatches were done with ONE COAT, which is the ideal application for everyone on-the-go.

By the way, excuse the bloodshot eyes. I have semi-insomnia or something. =)

MAC ZOOM LASH

• PRODUCT NAME: MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack; also comes in Lofty Brown
  
• PRICE: $13
• AMOUNT: 9 g or 0.31 oz (mine is a sample size)
  
• PACKAGING: Matte, plain round tube
  
• BRUSH TYPE & SHAPE: Skinny non-rubber/plastic brush that tapers at the tip; when viewed on end it's round in shape
• WATERPROOF: No
• TEXTURE: Wet (not too creamy but more gel-like), although Lash Stiletto is a wet formula as well, this is slightly more wet
• ODOR: Whew! I thought Lash Stiletto was stinky but this is probably the worst. I thought they smelled similar and I'm not fond of them. Funny thing is, I opened a new Lash Stiletto for this review and it didn't smell as bad as my first tube, so maybe Lash Stiletto doesn't stink after all. But I don't care for Zoom Lash at all.
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: "Instant volume; power lifts lashes into length; curls; smudgeproof; long-wearing."

ZOOM LASH REVIEW: This is definitely more of a lengthening mascara then a thickening one, and the "instant volume" claims don't ring true, as you can see my long but spidery lashes in the bottom-right quadrant. It doesn't curl my lashes but it holds the curl all day. I don't find it smudgeproof because it's not waterproof. There was no flaking when I applied it and there was very minimal flaking throughout the day. It applies very smoothly, though, and didn't clump my lashes together. I would not repurchase this because it was unimpressive, but if you're a diehard MAC fan looking for a natural-looking mascara that somewhat lengthens and defines your lashes, then you might want to try this. Otherwise, you can save your money and stay away from this.

FINAL WORDS: Where's the zoom, MAC?

MAYBELLINE LASH STILETTO

• PRODUCT NAME: Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Soft Black; also comes in Very Black and Brownish Black
• PRICE: ~$7 - $9
• AMOUNT: 6.5 ml or 0.22 fl oz
• PACKAGING: Square, shiny tube that resembles a stiletto heel
• BRUSH TYPE & SHAPE: Skinny, non-rubber/plastic brush that tapers at the tip; when viewed on end, it's square in shape, like the tube itself
• WATERPROOF: No, but there is a new waterproof version
• TEXTURE: Wet, gel-like formula
• ODOR: The first tube I've ever used was the stankiest mascara I've ever tried but my second tube didn't smell like the first. Hmm...maybe it's a hit or miss. (The second tube was my BOGO purchace.)
  
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: "Seductive length; shiny patent finish"

I definitely needed a lash comb for the outer lashes after one coat.

LASH STILETTO REVIEW: This did not give me the "ultimate" length I was expecting nor did it thicken my lashes. The spikey brush, although skinny, took me a little while to get used to because I was afraid of poking my eye with the bristles. It also clumped some of my lashes together and I had to bust out with my lash comb, which I hardly ever need to use. The patent finish is non-existent and I don't know how they can claim that on their packaging. There was no flaking when I applied it and experienced very minimal flaking throughout the day. It's not waterproof so it can smudge just a tad at the outer corners of the eyes.

FINAL WORDS: It's more of a low heel than a stiletto.

COMPARISON

Sorry for the bad picture

Looking at the above picture, I don't see much a difference between the two. Do you? They were both rather unimpressive. The good thing about Zoom Lash was that it didn't leave my lashes feeling stiff, like Lash Stiletto. Both products gave me the "natural lash look" and they easily wash off.

If you were to ask me which one I'd choose between the two, I'd say the MAC, but I would never purchase the full size. Instead, I'd stick with my absolute favorite mascara that I reviewed a couple months ago: Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof mascara.

Thanks for reading this review and I hope you didn't miss me too much. I missed you! ^_^
Scroll down the sidebar and check out my new TwitPic widget for bonus pics.
Happy Holidays!

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris

NOTW (Nails of the Week): Half 'N Half

The inspiration for this nail design came from watching one of mayparis' videos entitled "Day to Night Nails." I loved it so much because the design looks like you may have put some time into it, but it's actually really quick and easy to do. For me, though - since I'm so sloppy - I can't help to get polish all over my skin, but a Q-tip with a little bit of nail polish remover fixes that! I tried to avoid the cuticle area to get that nice edge but it's impossible for me. LoL! Mayparis' nails came out way better.

HOW TO DO IT

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Two opaque nail polishes (make sure they're not sheer) - one dark color and one light color (this makes for a nice contrast)
• A toothpick, needle, pushpin or any sharp object to do the slash marks (I like using a needle)
• And, of course, a base coat, top coat, and cotton swabs and nail polish remover to clean up the edges

THE TECHNIQUE:

1. Paint one side of your nail with one color. Make sure you apply it thickly or else the colors will not swirl together easily, and you may scrape down to your nail leaving a bare spot. (It took me four hands to finally get it down right. Don't sweat the technique...you'll get it.)
2. Paint the other half of your nail with the other color (Don't worry, you won't contaminate your polish bottle with the other color you used.)
3. Then quickly, before it dries, use the needle or toothpick to make horizontal slash marks back and forth where the two colors meet.
4. Voila! Let dry and apply your top coat.

My right hand was an epic failure and that's why I didn't include a picture of it. But my thumbnail came out awesome! It's the first photo. I used Hard Candy Envy - a dark, shimmery, blackened emerald green - and Carolyn New York Hangin' on the Stoop - a medium gray creme.

I used Pure Ice Taupe Drawer (#966) and Sally Hansen White On for these nails.

EXTRA DESIGN

I was playing around with my nail art polishes but I completely forgot to paint the tip white or gray before laying down the purple. Aghh! I went back in with the copper color on the thumbnail but decided I didn't like it. Then I was going to paint the bare tip white but decided not to mess it up even further. Oh, well...

Sketch effect is cool


I'm going to try a deep navy and peach, or orange, the next time I do the half 'n half nail design.

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris

REVIEW: NYX Luscious Lip Gloss Palette - The Nudes

I usually don't like lip palettes because most are sheer and they come with dinky brushes with short handles, just like my MAC Intriguing Scarlet holiday palette from last year. When I first got this NYX palette, I was very skeptical because the surface of the glosses looked dry and hard. Man, was I wrong! Let's get on with the review...

NYX LUSCIOUS LIP GLOSS PALETTE in THE NUDES

SPECS

• PRICE: $6-$8
• WHAT: A palette of 5 lipglosses
• WHERE: NYX Cosmetics, Non Pareil Boutique, Cherry Culture & other NYX sellers
• AMOUNT: 7.5 g total or 0.26 oz (1.5 g for each color)
• COLORS: Available in 8 different palettes
• DIMENSIONS: 10.2 cm x 6.7 cm x 1.2 cm (metric's so much easier, America)
• INGREDIENTS: Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Was, Ceresin, Polyethylene, Octyldodeanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipade-2, Isostearyl Isostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyisobutene, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHA, Mica, Pigment (C.I.)

Label: click to enlarge

"The Nudes"

COLOR DESCRIPTIONS for THE NUDES

1. Mid-tone warm brownish-nude creme
2. Mid-tone mauvish berry-pink creme
3. Light peach-orange creme
4. Light baby pink or Barbie pink creme
5. Light cool-toned nude beige or khaki creme

Other palettes available: Red Rediscovered, The Naturals, The Perfect Everyday Colors, Dance in Africa, Pinky Promise, Sweet Oranges, Champagne Sparkle
(MakeupGeek has great pics of these palettes at her store.)

Flash pics, above, are truer in color

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

PROS:

• Nicely pigmented (make sure you load up your brush)
  
• Creamy, moist, smooth texture
• Not sticky
• Glossy finish
• Coverage is just about opaque if you apply enough product
  
• Convenient, easy-to-open packaging with mirror and lip brush (it's better than no lip brush)
• Inexpensive/affordable
• Good range of colors
• You get 5 different colors in one palette

CONS:

• Lip brush bristles are frayed, not tapered, not stiff enough, not dense and too long. Make sure you use another brush that's stiffer for better application (the brush is basically the only bad & ugly thing)
• Fruity scent may bother some, but I don't find it offensive
• Not available in stores (you'll probably have to order it)

The Sephora brush is longer but the bristles are stiffer and of better quality than the NYX. See the little strays on the NYX brush?

PERFECT NUDES

The 1st & 2nd colors mixed together with a little of the 4th.


The 1st and 3rd colors mixed together. When you mix the browns with any brighter color, you'll get a perfect nude lippie. Love 'em!


The light pink first, then I added the dark pink.


The 2nd and 5th color mixed - my fave. I'm loving this palette more and more each day!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Despite the horrible lip brush, I love "The Nudes" lip gloss palette because it offers a nice range of colors in one palette - two nude browns, a berry color, a peach and a pink. It also comes with a convenient mirror and the glosses are well-pigmented, non-sticky and creamy. The best thing about it is that you get 5 colors for about $7. You gotta love that!

But I wonder how well-pigmented are the shimmery colors in the other palettes. Lemme know!

FINAL GRADE: A

Related Link: Swatches: NYX Lipsticks & Lipglosses

Thank you for checking out this review! =)

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris

Review: HARD CANDY Reawakens at Walmart

Remember when Hard Candy used to be sold in department stores or Sephora? Well, the line is now offered at Walmart at a more affordable price, and if you're lucky enough to find a display that isn't ravaged - like mine was - you'll see that they have a wide range of products, such as eyeshadow palettes, baked eyeshadow duos, lipsticks, glosses, nail polish, blushes, bronzers and eyeliners. They also had body glitter, a tinted moisturizer (?), a double-ended loose eyeshadow stick, and some metallic shadestick thingy. There was something called "Eye Tattoo" but I wasn't too sure what that was - something like an eyeshadow on a sheet that you rub onto your eye. The prices ranged from about $5 to $10 and Hard Candy does not test on animals.

JUST NAILS Nail Color

This deep and mysterious blackened emerald green with lighter green shimmer is called Envy, and I envy it so. The polish went on a little streaky on the first two strokes, but after that it was quite pigmented and very smooth (I used two coats in the swatch). All the nail polishes ($5) come with a plastic ring shaped either like a hemisphere or a puffed heart (I wish Envy came with a heart-shaped one). They have a small selection of glittery finishes, cremes and shimmers. Their polish contains Formaldehyde Resin, which some people like to stay away from so that can be a con. Each nail polish contains 0.35 fl. oz., which is less than your usual 0.5 fl. oz. =/

I have to go back and get this peachy-pink color with golden shimmer. I had it in my hands but decided to put it back. I hope it's still there!

MOUTHING OFF Sheer Lip Shine

• PRICE: $6
• AMOUNT: 7.5 g or 0.26 oz
• APPLICATOR: Sponge-tip
  
• OPAQUENESS: Sheer, as the product states
• TEXTURE: Smooth and moist without feeling oily; absolutely NOT STICKY like MAC Lipglasses
• SMELL: Vanilla, like MAC Lipglasses
• SHININESS: Almost as shiny as a MAC Lipglass
• PACKAGING: Cardboard handle and bottom, which I didn't notice at the store because it was shrink-wrapped, but it has a waxy coating. I don't like how the bottom of the tube is covered with the cardboard because I won't be able to tell how much product is left.
• LIPGLOSS FINAL THOUGHTS: If you like MAC Lipglasses minus the stickiness, then go and get these Hard Candy ones. But remember, these are very sheer (like a lot of MAC Lipglasses, anyway) and look better over lipsticks. I wish they were more opaque but I would definitely try out another color.
• FINAL GRADE: B, if it were more opaque, I'd give it an A. But I can't complain about something being sheer when it's advertised as such.

Gossip is a sheer peachy-pink with golden shimmer, like a light Expensive Pink eyeshadow in a tube. When blended out, the color is sheerer than in the pic.

IN THE SHADOWS Eyeshadow Collection

SPECS

• PRICE: $7
• AMOUNT: 8 g total
• PRODUCT: A palette of 5 shadows with a mini-sized primer
• PACKAGING: Cardboard with a shiny coating, hidden magnetic closure, small double-ended sponge tip applicator (the good kind like in NYX trios), see-through plastic film window, has small elastic band to hold primer to the palette
  
• PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: "This ensemble sizzles with five pigment drenched, blendable shades. Shadow primer is a superbly effective way to instantly eliminate creasing, fading and smudging." (Yeah, right.)

Ingredients (Click to enlarge)

Notice the embossed design

PRIMER REVIEW

• AMOUNT: 4.3 ml or 0.14 oz
• TEXTURE: Like a watery, starchy glob. It dries clear but basically leaves a sticky, tacky residue on your lid and takes a long time to dry.
• SMELL: Kind of like when you mix water and flour together, or water and cornstarch. I don't like it.
• INGREDIENTS: Water-based; click picture below
• CREASING: Definitely did not help with creasing because after 3 hours of wearing this alone on my lids, the colors creased and practically disappeared off my lids. It did not crease when I used it as a base over TFSI (Too Faced Shadow Insurance). That's why I love TFSI on my oily eyelids!
• MAKING COLORS POP: In the swatches below, it actually made the first two colors look better than on the other two bases, but I think that was only because it was still somewhat wet when I swatched the shadows over them. It's better than nothing but it's not the best base to make your eyeshadows pop. I used the primer under some other drugstore eyeshadows and it just did ok. I really don't like using it and it will probably just sit in my drawer.
• PRIMER FINAL GRADE: C, I'm not going to use it again

Click to enlarge

EYESHADOW REVIEW - VICE PALETTE
Pictured from bottom to top

• COLOR DESCRIPTIONS: 1) shimmery, taupey-silver, 2) shimmery mid-tone warm purple, 3) matte light beige, 4) shimmery light mint green, 5) shimmery dark steely gray
• TEXTURE: I love the smooth texture and the product easily gets into the bristles of your brush, but wait for the pigmentation comments...
• PIGMENTATION: A major disappointment for the first two colors, especially the purple. The matte light beige is what it is, so I can't really complain about that one. The most pigmented color is the dark gray, followed by the mint. It's a 2 out of 5 for me. You'll definitely need to use a better base like a cream shadow or shadestick to bring out the colors.
• VICE PALETTE FINAL THOUGHTS: I wish I could return it and get my $7 back. LoL! But since the dark gray was nicely pigmented, I wonder if the other palettes with the darker bronzey colors would be more pigmented than this palette. These colors are fairly light, you know.
• VICE PALETTE GRADE: C-, but if you like softer colors, you may like it. Otherwise, pass on by!
  

The HC Primer isn't that good, even though the first two colors look better than on the other two primers. The primer was still a little wet when I swatched the shadows, so maybe that's why. Plus, I kept packing on those first two colors to make them show up.

Even over my trusty Scandalous Eyeshadow Magnet, the first 2 or 3 colors are so washed out.

Finger swatches are so misleading. That's why I don't do them!

HARD CANDY OVERALL

Did I mention that I love the designs on the packaging? The lipsticks have tattoo-like designs on them and I was going to buy one called Perfect, but decided to wait on someone else's swatches before I buy more Hard Candy. I just wish that the Vice Palette was more pigmented because I love the packaging and the idea that it came with a mini primer. Most of the items on my display were completely gone, so I hope you find a well-stocked one. Well, for now, I'll be going back for more nail polish!

Have you tried any new Hard Candy stuff?

I found my old skool HC Jewel Box from 4 years ago...hardly touched. Tsk.

For updates, sneak peeks at upcoming posts and random pics, follow me on my new Twitter account: @lady_lostris

UPDATE: I got two more polishes...yay! I think the rings are size 7.

Copyright © 2009 Lady Lostris

Boot Crazy!: AMI Clubwear, Target & Ross

Let me take a break from makeup and spend some money on boots! I went boot crazy and I still want some more. LoL =) Enjoy all the eye candy.

AMI CLUBWEAR

I first heard of AmiClubwear (A-M-I) from reading Pursebuzz's blog, and if you haven't been on YouTube lately, everyone is raving about their shoes. I've been eyeing their boots for a while and decided to order shoes online for the first time, but I was wary because I didn't know how they'd fit. Well, if you want a straight up answer to: Do their shoes fit true to size? The answer is: YES (but read my Gray Boots review). I'm 5' 4" and I wear a size 8. All the shoes I bought were also size 8.

At the end of this section, I'll also list a price breakdown of my AmiClubwear order and the code I used to get 30% off. Yay!

Also, if you were wondering, they ship from the City of Industry (Los Angeles) and I received my package in two days. Be sure to click the green links for more info.

CHARCOAL SUEDE RUCHED ROUND TOE LOW HEEL FLAT BOOTS
(as described on their website)
(yang-01charcoalsu)

• PRICE: $12.99
• BRAND: AMI Clubwear
• MATERIAL: Smooth micro suede (as described on their website); I'd describe it as faux suede. The inside material is a soft foam and the bottom sole is a textured somewhat rubbery material. The outside is very soft.
  
• TOE SHAPE: Very blunt, round toe and not like a typical round toe (like the other two boots)
• HEEL: Flat
• TYPE: Pull-on; there's no zipper so it's hard to adjust your skinny jeans inside them. (Folding up the bottom of my jeans before putting on boots helps a bit.)
• COLORS: Also available in camel, black, brown and fuchsia
• FIT: Like most people's feet, one foot is slightly bigger than the other so I fit all my shoes to my right foot, since it's a tad bigger. I noticed my left foot fits perfectly but my right big toe hurts just a little because it fits very snugly. I tried it with socks and my left foot still fits perfectly but my right big toe hurts a bit. I'm thinking if I break these in they'll be ok, but I don't know if a half-size bigger would be too big. I can still wear them, though. You may want to consider going a half size up if you order these particular boots. I blame the very blunt, round toe shape for this problem because the other two boots fit absolutely perfect.
• QUALITY: These feel the cheapest of the three. The hard part that hugs the back of your heel feels like cardboard and the shaft is just the foam and faux suede sewn together, but it's very "cushiony." If I try to pull these on too roughly, it feels like something might rip. BUT, for the price, I still like them. Don't expect these to be the best quality - their quite "cheapy." But they're still cute.
  

TAN SOFT FAUX LEATHER KNEE HEIGHT FLAT BOOT
(tory-3tan)

• PRICE: $16.99
• BRAND: ALBA
• MATERIAL: Faux leather but the really squeaky kind. They're a little noisy when walking and if you rub them together, they sound like sneakers on a gym court. It has the same type of soft foam lining as the gray boots but not as cushioned. There's also a cute satin ribbon detail on the top of the shafts that run through four eyelets. It would be great to wear in wet weather.
• TOE SHAPE: Round toe
• HEEL: Flat; rubber non-slip sole
  
• TYPE: Pull-on; there's no zipper so it's a little hard to adjust your skinny jeans in them.
• COLORS: Also available in dark brown and black
• FIT: Fits comfortably, even with socks. The pointier toe - although still round - doesn't hurt my right toe like the gray boots. True to size.
• QUALITY: Better quality than the gray boots but if you hate squeaky faux leather, then you may want to pass on these. But I like them. EDIT: Actually, I really love them now. =)
  

BROWN SUEDE CUFFED BOOT

(as described on their website)
(cher-80brown)

• PRICE: $25.99
• BRAND: Breckelle's
• MATERIAL: Microfiber upper; I guess it's faux suede but it's not described as such in the description. It has a cushioned, soft, fabric lining.
• TOE SHAPE: Round toe
• HEEL: About a 3 1/4" stacked heel; slants toward the front of the foot so it may feel a little different from other boots with heels towards the back of the heel.
• TYPE: Has a side zipper that zips all the way to the top - easier to put on.
• COLORS: Note- This pair is dark chocolate brown, not black or light brown so don't let the flash pics fool you. Also available in gray (I want those!), tan, black, taupe, purple and light brown
• FIT: Fits perfectly, even with socks. True to size
• QUALITY: Good quality and the best quality of the three I bought. I'd recommend these and I like the split collar cuff on the outer side of the boot. What I don't like is the bottom sole because it's a little slippery on linoleum, tile and marble. Go outside and scuff the soles up when you first use them. Final words: Love 'em!

FINAL THOUGHTS ON AMI CLUBWEAR BOOTS

I'm HAPPY! I got three pairs of boots for a total of $42.80, which averages out to $14.27 for each pair. Good deal, right?

If you spend $50 or more you get free shipping and I suggest you spend at least $50 because shipping was around $15 before I used the code: AMISHIPPED. Then I used a 30% off code: AMIUSWEEKLY30 (check Retailmenot.com) for extra savings.

I would definitely order from them again, plus, they have NYX makeup so you can add that to your cart if you need a few dollars more to get free shipping.

ROSS

I was searching around two weekends ago for these exact style boots - scrunchy, split collar cuff, round toe, high heels, black, faux leather and under $25. I found these Nicole boots at Ross for $22.99. Yay for Ross! I freaking love these and they're my favorite of the bunch. The pleather material isn't squeaky like the tan boots, but I still love those, too.

TARGET

These Mossimo Kaylen gray peep toe booties are from Target and are really comfortable. It has a 4" heel (wrongly described on the website), a side knot, a side zipper and it's made from faux suede. It's a little pricey for Target shoes at $29.99 but they're really cute and the sole is so flexible.

Target also has these sexy Velicka peep toe pumps (pictured below in the Wishlist) that I want to get, also. Ah, so many shoes!

OTHER STUFF

Skinny jeans are not Badonkadonk-friendly but you gotta rock 'em with boots!

I went to Burlington Coat Factory - which is just like TJ Maxx, Ross or Marshall's, but bigger and often better - and I got this tunic length plaid top with a belt.

At Kohl's, I got a pair of skinny jeans at the lowest price of the season - only $13.99. I always passed up Kohl's So brand when it came to jeans, but they're actually pretty good; they're not thin at all.

FOREVER 21 ACCESSORIES

I can't find this bracelet on the website but they have a lot of other items. Oh, and this is the same bracelet but different sides. It has turquoise, red, orange, green, brown and white in it.

Shimmer Flower Ring
The green one is pretty, too, but I wish it was silver-toned rather than gold.

EDIT: I forgot about my really cheap leaf necklace. I think it was only $2.80.

WISHLIST

Make sure you protect your new shoes with a fabric protecting spray, especially for shoes with faux suede. I like to use Kiwi Nano Super Protector spray and it's about $6 at Walmart or Target. Test a small area first to make sure that it doesn't change the color of the material, but I've never had a problem with it. I even use it on all my handbags.

Thanks for reading! =) I had to bust out in some Yoga poses, trying to not take these boot pictures through a mirror. LoL.

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris

I Found a New HG Mascara! REVIEW: Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof

A REPLACEMENT

I've been looking for a replacement for my beloved Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof mascara, since they don't ever have BOGOs anymore, and Max Factor products will no longer be sold in the US early next year. Boo! I'm guessing Carmen Electra wasn't such a great help for their products?

Although 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash defines, lengthens and volumizes my lashes in one coat, the one con about that mascara is that it flakes, like many waterproof mascaras. But I found something better that knocks down 2000 Calorie a notch or two...

MAYBELLINE VOLUM' EXPRESS TURBO BOOST WATERPROOF MASCARA

• PRODUCT NAME: Pay special attention to the exact name of the product since there are 4 other Volum' Express Mascaras. Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof is packaged in a black tube with a gray cap and is only available in Very Black.
  
• PRICE: ~$7 - $8
• AMOUNT: 10 ml (0.34 fl. oz.)
• WHERE: Found just about anywhere
• BRUSH/WAND TYPE: Normal type of brush; not rubber or plastic
• BRUSH/WAND SHAPE: Fairly skinny with a slight taper at the tip. When viewed on end, the brush is shaped like a rounded-off triangle.
• TEXTURE: Smooth, creamy gel-like texture that's not as wet as Clinique High Impact and not thick, dry or gloppy.
  
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: Will give you "5X volume and builds instantly." "Speed Expand waterproof formula and Turbo Brush take volume up to 5x in one clean stroke." (NOTE: The washable Turbo Boost claims to volumize 7x.)
  

INGREDIENTS

THE RESULTS

One coat = one dip, several strokes (enough to coat all lashes). Can you see the obvious difference?

Again, with one coat. It looks a little blah here in this picture but the other pics do it justice.

Top view

One coat

THE PROS & CONS

PROS

• VERY MINIMAL FLAKING - This is the only waterproof mascara I've tried with practically no flaking. I'll get about 3 - 5 itty bitty dots upon application, but they're hardly noticeable and flick off easily with my fingernail or a small fan brush. That's a wonderful thing for a waterproof mascara. (Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof flakes like crazy - all over my nose and cheeks when I apply it, after I finish my makeup, before I leave the house, and while I'm out. I'll never buy that again!)
• DEFINES, LENGTHENS AND VOLUMIZES IN ONE COAT - One coat to me is one dip of the brush with several brushstrokes.
• WATERPROOF- You'll never know when you might bust out crying so I always use waterproof mascara. This holds up all day without smudging or flaking, too.
• AFFORDABLE- This is around $8 or less but even cheaper when there's a BOGO special. Drugstore mascara is so much more affordable than higher end brands.
• SKINNY BRUSH - This allows me to get close to the base of my lashes without poking my eye out, like with fuller brushes. I hardly get mascara on my eyelids, either.
  
• NO FOUL ODOR - Has a very nice, decent smell and it's not stanky like Maybelline Lash Stiletto
• BUILDABLE - One coat gives you nicely defined natural-looking lashes, but you can apply two coats for a more dramatic look. (See pics below)
• EASY TO FIND - You can find this at all drugstores, Target and Walmart
• DOESN'T CLUMP - Hardly ever applies a glob of product but if it does, just keep stroking the brush up and it will brush right off
• HOLDS CURL - Doesn't weigh down my lashes and doesn't curl down my lash tips like Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume (hate that one!)
  
• SOFT LASHES - Doesn't make my lashes feel stiff or too brittle
  

CONS

• CAP DOESN'T CLICK SHUT - On some mascaras, the cap will click into place when you've turned it to the right place. This mascara doesn't, and I feel like I have to really tighten it or else it might not be properly shut.
• LASH COMB - If you apply two or more coats, you'll probably need a lash comb to separate your lashes.
• ONE COLOR - This only comes in Very Black.
  
• NOT ENOUGH RECOGNITION - This wonderful mascara doesn't get props! I've never even heard of it, either, until I bought it on a whim.
• YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary because mascara is that one makeup item that gives different results for everyone. So I can't promise that you'll get the same results that I did.
  

DRAMA

Two coats applied for a more dramatic look.

My lashes look much thicker and darker with two coats than one. Compare this with the previous pics. I'm happy with just one coat, though.

NOTE: I had no eye makeup on before or after applying the mascara except for a light shimmery eyeshadow on the lids, inner corners and lower lashlines. No eyeliner, either.

A shout out goes to my $1 elf Eyelash Curler. I love this thing!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I LOVE Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof Mascara! The name is too dang long, though, and I don't see the wittiness in the name. Why not just call it Volume instead of Volum'?

Anyway, if you're looking for a waterproof drugstore mascara, with a skinny, non-rubber brush that doesn't flake and gives you length and volume, then you may want to check this out. Just remember, I can't promise you anything since everyone will get different results.

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If you have this or if you try this, let me know how it worked out for you. What's your favorite mascara?

My Favorite Mascaras Ranked in Order:

1. Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof
2. Clinique High Impact
3. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash
4. Maybelline Intense XXL Volume + Length Waterproof Microfiber

(Hope you ignored my bloodshot eyes.)
Copyright © 2009 Lady Lostris