REVIEW = MASCARA

Products reviewed =

Left to right:

1. Opera Volume Control Mascara

2. Revlon Double Twist Waterproof Mascara

3. Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing Mascara

4. Maybelline New York Volum' Express Cat Eyes Waterproof Hypercurl Mascara

I purchased the Opera mascara at Parkson Shenyang at RMB59. Majolica is available at Watson's at RM35+.

1. OPERA VOLUME CONTROL MASCARA

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PROS: The name says it - volume control. On the tube itself there is a small dial with numbers 1 to 10 that enables you to set the volumizing power of the mascara to suit your makeup look. Setting 1 for subtle lengthened lashes, slightly volumized and setting 10 for dramatic lashes. The brush is designed is such a way that it separates the lashes perfectly, giving the eyes a nice doll-eyed look. The mascara also features an easy removal technique - just wash with warm water, no makeup remover required.

CONS: The brush doesn't have a nice taper at the end that doesn't enable you to reach into those little areas like the inner corners, etc. After application, the lashes go back to their normal state even after curling the lashes perfectly. I think this is because of it's auto-curling feature which doesn't require you to curl your lashes before application.

RATING: 7/10

2. REVLON DOUBLE TWIST WATERPROOF MASCARA

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PROS: Double twist feature - ultra curling function. The specially designed tapered brush enables pretty good application and separation of lashes. The mascara stays on all day and gives that really nice volumizing and lengthening effect.

CONS: The mascara needs a special technique of application (though not so special for makeup pros) - the brush has to be twisted (hence 'double twist') once put on the base of the lashes to achieve application and separation. Since this mascara is a heavy duty waterproof mascara, it needs an equally strong makeup remover to remove it.

RATING: 10/10

3. MAJOLICA MAJORCA LASH GORGEOUS WING MASCARA

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PROS: Brush designed for lash separation and subtle lashes (just for holding the curl). Though I think it's subtle because mine is drying out. =P Subtle enough for lower lash application.

CONS: Overly subtle in some ways. No volumizing, lengthening, etc.

RATING: 6.5/10

4. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK VOLUM' EXPRESS CAT EYES WATERPROOF HYPERCURL MASCARA

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PROS: Comb like brush for easy application even in inner corners, etc. Hypercurling, super volumizing and extreme lengthening ability. Stays on all day and gives doll-eyed effect.

CONS: Clumps. Due to the fact that it hasn't a brush like the other mascaras, the clumps just stay there, although this is because of the volumizing feature. Super powerful waterproof mascara, so it needs an equally strong makeup remover for removal.

RATING: 7.5/10