Review: Maybelline Hello Kitty X Volum' Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes Mascara Waterproof

Description: Now get stylized lashes with 5X the volume and not a single clump. Our waterproof Curl Lock Formula sets to a seductive 75-degree*** curl. For 18 hours of savagely sexy lashes clump-free.

Price: The HK-themed tube is Php499 while the regular is Php449. Try waiting for sales to get it even cheaper!

Packaging: Metallic hot pink tube with Hello Kitty prints. Very fierce-looking.

Review: Beauty bloggers have been singing praises for this mascara since it came out. I had been waiting for a sale (haha), but when I saw the Hello Kitty packaging in Watsons Megamall, I didn't hesitate and got it right away. Now I have a cute mascara in my stash!

The wand is scary-looking. It's two rows of spiky teeth that I promise will hurt you if you flinch during application, which I have done practically everytime I use this. (In fact, I flinch everytime I use mascara and I have to clean up bits of it from my lids afterwards. The things we do to look pretty...)

This is not to say that this is not a good mascara. It is. It's the most dramatic one I have and I go for this everytime I have a formal event to attend, or on days where I feel like adding more drama to my no-makeup look. It defines my lashes and makes them look thicker. Lengthening power isn't much for me, but then again this isn't a lengthening mascara to begin with, and I've been thankfully blessed in that department. It holds a curl (prepped with a lash curler) and wears incredibly well.

L - no mascara; R - with mascara (and a made-up eye).

Application is tricky and requires a bit of practice when you're not used to wielding a comb-type wand near your eyes. Instead of wiggling them up the lashes like you would normally do with a brush-type wand, you simply swipe it upwards. I do a bit of wiggling at the base for added volume to what the formula already provides and swipe the rest. It's clump city at the second coat, so I always have my spoolie from Marionnaud at the ready for added maintenance. Using the same lash comb (wiped down) should do the same thing, and a mascara guard always helps if you're used to it.

You can see the curl here. Sorry for the dead look! Need to learn how to "smile" with my eyes ;)

With the waterproof formula, you can expect this mascara to be a pain to remove. While it seems like I've removed everything using just cleansing oil, I can usually get a stray bit or two on my lower lids the next day. It's best to use a separate eye makeup remover (I use L'Oreal's) then use cleansing oil to clean up the rest. I'd probably repurchase this, but I'm thinking of keeping the wand when it's is dried up and try using it on other mascaras that I own to see what happens.

Now I'm eyeing that mascara with a wand that looks like a morning star... ;)

Review: Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor

Photo credit: Maybelline New York

Note: The Moisture Extreme lipstick is sold in the Philippines as the ColorSensational Moisture Extreme lipcolor. What a mouthful.

Description:

• Sumptuous satin lipcolor with built-in balm
• All-day, deep-down moisture nourishment
• Anti-chap ingredients repair and protect lips
• Contains Vitamins C, E, and Jojoba

Price & Amount: P299 for 4.0 g/0.14 oz. However, I managed to get mine in Singapore because the L'Oreal Beauty Sale was happening right in our hotel at the time. If I remember correctly, they were going for two for SGD$10 (around P330 at the time). Bargain!

Packaging: Shiny red plastic that stands out in your makeup bag. It feels very light and flimsy, but the cap is pretty secure. A con for these lipsticks when they were sold in Singapore is that all the shades have the same red packaging, which meant that to know which shade you were picking up you had to look at the bottom. Definitely not a grab-and-go lipstick here if you have more than one shade in your bag. In the Philippines, however, the packaging color is according to the color family the shade is in (pink, red, orange, brown), so it's easier.

Review:
Here are some of the shades, freshly bought and sitting on the hotel desk in Singapore:

I gave most of these away to friends, but was left with five pretty shades.

With flash. L-R: Pink Bloom, Light Berry, Coral Pink, Buff, Papaya Milk

Of the five shades, Pink Bloom is the only color that I can confidently swipe on. All the others pack a lot of color and require more precise application. Dabbing on the lips already gives an even layer of color and all the shades are very buildable. I reapply after a meal because they do transfer when you eat or drink; otherwise, they stay put and just look a bit faded at the end of the day. While they do feel a bit moisturizing, they emphasize fine lines and do not look nice on peeling lips. I still put balm underneath and regularly exfoliate. My favorite is Pink Bloom because it's perfect for everyday, but I also like how Light Berry brightens up the face due to its purple undertone. Coral Pink & Buff are perfect for those client meetings/trainings, while Papaya Milk... I've only ever worn it outside the house once, and that was to a 20's-themed party. I'm not sure if I can carry reds yet!

I recommend these for people who are looking for comfortable, pigmented lipsticks that won't break the bank. Maybelline regularly has sales as well so you can probably get them even cheaper. :)