Review // Maybelline Hyper Curl Volum' Express Mascara (Waterproof)

This review is wayyy overdue :P

I bought this a few weeks ago because I was running low on mascara and really wanted to try this out. Needless to say, it is fast becoming one of my favourites (:

Claims:

- Instant Volume-Building Express Formula quickly thickens eyelashes.

- Patented Curved Anti-Clump Brush performs separated eyelashes.

- Ultra Waterproof formula ensures long lasting wear.

- Curly Fix Formula fixes and curls up the lashes instantly for 75º curl lasting 18 hours.

The ultimate mascara for me, as to curl and lengthen my lashes. Being waterproof is an added bonus cause no one wants black eyes at the end of the day! From the description, this mascara is looking like a winner.

Packaging & Wand

Your standard mascara packaging - I mean, how creative can mascara packaging really get anyway. I do love that the colour scheme is black and pink though :D

My favourite thing about this mascara is probably the wand because it has short bristles and is slightly curved which makes it wayyy easier to coat those pesky lashes and the very end of the eyes which out poking yourself!

Formula

It's waterproof which is great if you get teary-eyed easily, but not so great if you're planning on doing a full swim training workout with this mascara on! That being said, it's relatively easy to remove with makeup remover - unlike some waterproof formulas!

Final verdict

As you can see, it did lengthen and curl my pathetic short lashes which is great! *note: I did not use an eyelash curler* You can really see a difference and this mascara works to brighten up your eyes - especially when you're looking a little tired. The curl stays for a good 6 hours! Sometimes, application (especially if you're doing more than 2 coats) could cause it to get spidery but if you comb through, it should be fine

Overall, I'm really liking this!

What is your favourite mascara?

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Review // Baby Lips vs. EOS

I've finally got my hands on an EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balm - thanks to my lovely friend! - that I've wanted for ages! 

So today I'm going to compare and review - what most may say - are the two most hyped lip balms in the blogosphere. EOS vs. Baby Lips. Let the games begin.

Packaging

EOS: 

Possibly the cutest lip balm packaging I've seen. A lovely dome-egg shape. To open, you simply unscrew the lip and voila! To close, make sure the fingerprint indent aligns, and you hear a click! I love that it is such a unique shape so you will definitely be able to find it in your bag. However, due to its spherical shape, it could be quite bulky and not suitable to put in small clutches.

Baby Lips: 

The standard lip balm packaging with the iconic Baby Lips font along the sides - colours depend on the flavour (: You have to twist the bottom dial to get more product. This time of packaging is not that fancy, but ideal for everyday usage as it's slim and doesn't take up too much space. However, I've had my Baby Lips for quite a while now and have found that the bottom dial thing loosens! So if I put it in my pocket and take it out again, it will screw up by itself!

Scoreboard: EOS (1) - Baby Lips (0)

Scent

EOS:

 I got the scent 'Summer Fruits' which is a blend of strawberry, blueberry and peach (although I'd say more peach) and it smells so yummy!

Baby Lips

: This is the scent 'Anti-oxidant Berry' and it smells exactly like berries! Overall, I'd say that the scent is stronger and more empowering than the EOS.

Scoreboard: EOS (2) - Baby Lips (1)

Making this a tie - i love them both.

 Formula

EOS

"eos lip balm in Summer Fruit is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth."

I found the EOS harder to put on than the Baby Lips as it doesn't glide on as smoothly since the formula is not as creamy and it does just sit there. Sometimes, it feels like there's nothing on! However, if you're tlaking about smoothening and moisturizing, it does do that

Baby Lips
"Lips are instantly moisturised for up to 8 hours. 
• Contains active care ingredients, such as shea butter and centella. 
• Vitamin Complex delivering powerful anti-oxidants. 
• SPF 20 for protection against harmful UV rays. 
• After 4 weeks lips are deeply repaired, completely reborn. Guaranteed. "

Firstly, the 8 hour claim is definitely not true! This probably wears off after 3/4 hours of wear. I like that this has SPF for protection.  My lips are not super duper chapped so I can't comment much about the last claim, except that it does soften my lips. This formula is creamier than the EOS, leaves a thicker layer on your lips and leaves a subtle transparent glossy sheen.
Scoreboard: EOS (2) - Baby Lips (2)
Although  I love both formulas, I have to say that the Baby Lips one is just slightly better in my opinion!

Overall Verdict:  I honestly can't say which I like better since both has its pros and cons (yes, I know this makes me a bad reviewer!) I've had Baby Lips for ages and own 4 myself (Cherry, Energizing Orange, Mango Pie) and love them, but the EOS is just as good in its own way. Both would work just fine as a lipstick/lip gloss base (: However, the hype is wayyyy too big -they're just like any other lip balm!

Have you tried both? Which one (if any) do you like best?
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Review // Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free BB Stick (in 03 Radiance)

I don't own many face products i.e concealer, foundation, primer etc. as I've never been confident enough to apply them and finding the perfect shade has proven to be difficult. So in a bid to widen my horizons, I picked my Maybelline's Clear Smooth Shine Free BB Stick. The instructions and application process looked easy enough so I thought, why not?

They say:

Clear Smooth BB Stick is a multi-benefit product that combines the benefits of skin care, make-up, and sun block in a stick. It gives you the ultimate coverage in a soft smooth texture. It lets you stay shine-free for up to 12 hours! Dermatologically tested. Recommended for oily or combination skin. Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Product Information

8-IN-1 Benefits:

1. Controls shine: Mineral clay formula helps keep skin shine-free all day

2. Lasts all day: Powder finish resits sweat and sebum for up to 12 hours

3. Clears: Reduces the appearances of dark spots, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles

4. Refines: Reduces the appearance of pores

5. Conceals: Instantly hides flaws and imperfections

6. Evens: Corrects uneven skin tone

7. Smoothens: Makes skin feel smooth, soft and supple

8. Protects: SPF 21 PA+++ protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays

- Shades available: 01 Fresh; 02 Natural; 03 Radiance

- Net wt. 10g

Packaging

The packaging is simple yet convenient as it comes in a lipstick-like tube. It's light weighted and the lip can be easily removed without any hassle, yet it's still quite secure so there are no fears with liquid bb cream leaking! To obtain more of the product, you just simply twist the bottom.

Texture/Swatch:

In the tube and when swatched, the texture is thick and creamy, but when blended, it 'disappears' into your skin into a more powdery finish. For me, it's fairly easy to blend (with fingertips) as I have oily skin so for those with dry skin, you may have a difficult time applying this.

It provides light coverage.

Here, I'm using the shade 03 Radiance.

Scent:

I'm really not a big fan of the scent :/ It smells plastic-y and really does not smell good!

My verdict:

Although I got the darkest shade (I believe), after I've blended it (with my fingers), it seems to leave a white cast over my face which I dislike! It does not look natural at all! So I think that blending with a brush might reduce this problem. 

I have oily skin and I must say that this BB cream gives a matte finish, although it does not stay shine-free for that long. As for oil control, it works fine.

I have a few scars and pores and although this does cover them up slightly, it is very light so for me, I would prefer something stronger.

Would I re-purchase it?

Probably not... I think I'll still use it for concealing dark circles and minor problem areas as it works quite well for that but I'm still on the hunt for a good BB cream/foundation/concealer (:

Have you tried this product before? If so, what was your experience with it?

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Review // Maybelline Color Sensational Moisturizing Lipstick in 'Plum Perfect' + 'Cosy Tangerine'

That is one long post title O.o

Packaging:

The normal tube lipstick which you have to twist to get more (:

I think there are only 4 different coloured packaging for the 4 different 'main' shades - pinks, reds, nudes, coral

Plum Perfect: 

The first one I got out of the two. When swatched it looked like a deep 'plum' but on my lips, it's sort of a bright fuschia with tinges of purple. I was a little disappointed since it wasn't the colour I anticipated and I don't really wear bright lip colours (yet). However, I find that this makes a good stain if you just lightly dab some on your lips (:

Cosy Tangerine: 

I was actually reluctant to get this because the name had 'tangerine' in it which made me think - bright orange! But thank goodness I opened up the tester because I really like this now! It's coral, but leans more towards the pink side (in my opinion). I love this because it's very similar to my natural lip colour and just gives it a flush of pink! A perfect natural. day lipstick (:

Pigmentation/Colour

It's quite pigmented but of course, you can build up the intensity by putting more layers on. However, I have slightly pigmented bare lips so the colours may be slightly different depending on natural lip colour!

This lipstick lasted for about 3 hours before there was a need to re-apply.

Both shades have a teenie bit of shine/shimmer to it but it relatively opaque

Texture

It's quite creamy which makes it easy to apply as it just glides on to your lips. It's also quite moisturizing which means it won't dry out your lips!

Would I re-purchase it?

Yes I would! But perhaps in other shades. Right now, I'm eyeing Summer Sunset, Angel Rose and Toffee Cream!

Have you tried this product? What do you think?

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Mini Maybelline Haul

Dropped by Guardian pharmacy after school to pick up some little things from Maybelline (: 

In Vietnam, there aren't many makeup brands to choose from *sob* & Maybelline is BY FAR the cheapest! And I love their products so far (apart from their clear smooth shine free cake powder - which I will save for another day) so that is fine with me (:

Anyway, here's what I bought:

Volume Express Hypercurl Mascara

Ever since I've used up my Express Magnum (the yellow packaging one) mascara, I'm on the hunt for another waterproof mascara that adds a bit of drama to my short eyelashes. Excited to try this one!

 Color Sensational Moisture Extreme Lip Stick in 'Cosy Tangerine'

I got 'Plum Perfect' for my birthday and I'm starting to build up my lip stick collection! When swatched, 'Cosy Tangerine' seemed like the colour I wanted - natural looking with a hint of colour. We'll see how it looks on my lips!

Baby Lips Lip Balm SPF 20 in 'Energizing Orange' (FREEBIE)

I think they were trying to get rid of stock so if you spend over a certain amount on Maybelline products, they gave you a free Baby Lip lip balm! Now that makes 4 Baby Lips in my collection! Wheeeee, happy me (: But since I have 3 more lip balms to use and since I'm not such a big fan of orange scents, I may give this to my sister instead (:

Keep checking back because reviews will definitely be coming soon! (:

I'm contemplating getting Maybelline's Clear Smooth BB Cream and/or Clear Smooth BB Stick... what do you guys think/recommend? (:

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Maybelline: Baby Lips Pink Glow

Disclaimer: Picture from site but edited by me

Disclaimer: Image taken from the Maybelline official site

I didn't know that Maybelline released new products in their 'Baby Lips' range until I came across a print ad in a magazine. In case you do not know, I ADORE Maybelline's lip balm and have 3 in my collection! (shown HERE) So naturally, I am excited about this because the lip balms I currently have no colour and this one appears to give a nice, natural pink (: Anyway, here's what it says on the site:

Description:

Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Glow is a colour fusion lip balm: 

- Colour enhancing balm that reacts to the unique chemistry of your lips, to give your lips a natural, pink glow

- Protects and moisturises lips for a full 8 hours

- Lips are more moisturised, smoother, more supple and firmer in just 4 weeks

 She will let your lips glow with a healthy blush. How? She transforms your natural lip color to an irresistible pink glow by reacting with your unique lips chemistry. With her, it is always fun! What's more, she moisturizes lips for 8 hours long, perfect for a day out with your gal pals

For best results:

Apply as often as needed to achieve nourished lips with a pink glow unique to you

Available in 2 sprightly pink shades:

1. Pink Blast (darker shade)

2. Baby Pink (lighter shade)

The packaging is the iconic Maybelline Baby Lips kind of packaging only with more pink :P I actually really do want to get hold of this because a) to expand my collection b) because I'm a sucker for Maybelline's Baby Lips range. I would like to see how the 'pink glow' plays out on my lips and if it actually does moisturize for a full 8 hours - although I love Baby Lips, I must say that that claim is untrue because I often have to reapply every 2-3 hours.

Have you tried this product? Do you want to?

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"What's in my makeup bag?" Series: Eyes

1. Maybelline the Colossal Volume Express Waterproof Mascara: This mascara is perfect for a more dramatic look as it really does amp up the volume and length of your eye lashes. You just need one coat for it to define your eyes! I also love how with the brush, you are able to come in contact with those pesky lashes at the very ends. It's definitely waterproof, although it may give you panda eyes if you swim or wash your face with it so remove makeup first! Overall, I have no problems with this product, except for the fact that it sometimes clumps and makes my eyelashes look spidery :( However, a good wiggle with the wand would fix that (:
2. IN2IT Lash Xtra Mascara: I like this mascara because it gives more natural looking lashes (like the product claims) yet still manages to give it volume and length (after 2-3 coats). This is perfect for a 'i'm not trying hard' look or to school where you just want to look awake after pulling an all nighter but do not want to look overdone either. I would recommend using an eyelash curler afterwards cause this mascara droops after a while. Although it's a little flaky and not quite as waterproof as it claims, it does stay on all day & is super easy to remove! On special occasions, I would use this mascara AFTER my Maybelline one to try to get rid of the clumps and make it more natural & it works! Thumbs up for this product (Y)

3. IN2IT Waterproof eyeliner in All Black: Although I'm a bigger fan of liquid liners - my previous one dried up - this eyeliner isn't that bad (: It glides on really easily, which is always a bonus and is twistable which is great because there's no need for sharpeners! It claims that it is waterproof but although it does stay on for a good 6 hours (slightly smudged though), it's not as waterproof as I thought it'd be. Nevertheless, a good old eyeliner.

4. mik@vonk : Eyeshadow duo in Pink Beige Brown & Romantic Deep Wine: I stole this off my sister and I love it. It's quite pigmented and the colours are wearable! I use the baby pink for casual occasions as it gives a natural shimmer on my eyelids without looking overdone. I also love the deep purple colour which has sort of a matte finish and I wear it to more formal events or times where I want my eyes to look more intense. Sometimes, it's my substitution to eye liner! Or, you can wear the baby pink as a base & wear the purple over. Together or alone, these colours are beautiful.
5. Trend Chic Inc. Eyeshadow Palette: As you can see, the shades here are wearable and are fairly neutral. Since I prefer neutral eye makeup, I tend to stick to the browns (I've hit the pan on one of them :P) which I sometimes wear to school as it's similar to my skin tone and just provides a slight hint of shimmer. These colours aren't that pigmented & may need a few layers to build up intensity and has a slight shimmer to them
What eye products do you have in your makeup collection? Also in the 'What's in my makeup up bag?' series: What's NOT in my makeup bag Lips Perfume

"What's in my makeup bag?" Series: LIPS

1. Maybelline Color Sensational Moisture Extreme Lip Stick in 'Plum Perfect': This is probably the first lipstick I bought (: Overall, I like the formula - it's not drying (although I always put lip balm first), it seems to moisturize my lips & have sort of a creamy feel. The colour is slightly different from the swatch because it wasn't the deep 'plum' colour I envisioned in my mind, but a little brighter. Nevertheless, I believe I'll grow to like it (: As you build it up, it gets to more of a brighter pinkish purple (i'm not good at describing colours). Although in pictures it looks deep red... O.o Maybe it's because my lip colour is naturally coloured already. BUT, this colour is still wearable (:
2. Menard Lip Stick in 'Cherry Luster Pink': Stole this from my mum & although the colour is super bright/neon pink, it's not THAT pink on my coloured lips. Overall, it gives a subtle hint of colour - although I guess you can increase the intensity at will & go for Nicki Minaj-esque lips - and is actually quite nice and not scary (:

L-R: Anti-oxidant Berry; Smoothing Cherry; Mango Pie

3. Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 Lip Balm: As you can probably see, that is my go-to and favourite lip balm. I have this in, Anti-oxidant berry (which I'm currently using), Smoothing Cherry (unopened!) and Mango Pie. These lip balms are miracle workers. I use them everyday, before putting on any lip products... and they really do hydrate my lips and keep them moisturised... but not for the whole 8 hours like they claim though. When applied, it's colourless but leave a slight sheen. And the best part? THEY SMELL DIVINE. I would love to collect every single scent.

4. Candy Cupcake Lip Gloss: Simply a clear coloured gloss which I sometimes put over my lip tint or lipstick when I want them to look fuller or well, glossy :P What I love most about this is the smell because it smells just like VANILLA (my favourite scent of all time) & cupcakes! You can't beat that.
5. Marks & Spencers Lip Gloss: Probably my first makeup item that I got from a pen pal from England (: I adore this colour. It's a deep purply red/maroon and it's shiny! Together it goes super duper well with my skin tone (: I've been trying to find this exact colour in lipstick style!
6. Kaka Lip Tint: I really love this item! In the swatch it looks scarily bright pink/fuschia but it really isn't! I actually wear this to school my dabbing a small amount on my lips to give it a subtle hint of colour so it looks natural and not overdone - which is my favourite kind of look. This product is long lasting and you can put as many layers on as you wish to build the colour intensity- so it does actually become bright pink :P However, since it's a tint, it does dry your lips so don't forget lip balm!

I don't think that these swatches do the colour justice :(  & I purposely missed out the lip balm cause it's colourless - don't worry, I can count from 1 to 6 :P

What lip products do you have in your makeup bag?

Also in the 'What's in my makeup bag?' series:

What's NOT in my makeup bag

Eyes

Perfume