Confession of An Addict: on the Mend

I've been wanting to tell you this for ages. Now that I'm feeling brave, the picture (taken last night) should make the story clearer.

On the left are the new/un-opened mascaras: Rimmel Max Lash, BeneFit Get Bent, Barry M Intense Black Mascara, and Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Smoky Lash.

On the right are the ones I'm using: Rimmel Volume Extend, Rimmel Volume Flash, Rimmel 100% Waterproof, Clinique High Definition Lashes (thanks, Jayne!), and YSL Effet Faux Cils.

I opened and used the MUFE this morning (which by the way is really good) - total mascaras being used = 6. Afterwards I felt guilty for having so many on the go, so I binned the Volume Flash (time to go) and 100% Waterproof (didn't like it anyway).

What say you, am I being excessive in having that many on the go? To put it in perspective, I've had more on the go in the past... (I'm not telling you how many)... so I really am on the mend... I think... At least I'm using them and not leaving them to rot in the cupboard. Thinking about it, tomorrow I might open another one, for "research purposes"...

Big Flirt Thickening Mascara

I bought Big Flirt Thickening Mascara in 6 Fuchsia Fusion when I wanted a purplish mascara.

I like:

- the funky tube.

- the vivid fuchsia makes my dark eyelashes stand out prettily.

- the mascara adds a little bit of length and volume to my eyelashes, though not dramatic enough to produce a false eyelash effect mentioned on the blurb on the website.

The one thing that I don't like: it smells awful! Whenever I opened the tube the strong smell gives me headaches. It's not a "mascara going bad" smell, it's more like strong chemical-ey scent, if it makes sense. The smell has always been there since I got it from the shop. The only reason I haven't thrown it away is because the colour intensity is so good I couldn't bear to throw it away. Well, not yet anyway.

Verdict: I love the colour intensity, pity the strong smell puts me off. :(

Edit: hubby said the smell reminds him of very strong ink. As I couldn't stand the smell anymore it's in the bin as of today (16 Sept 09).

Exceptionnel de Chanel

I've just realized that as a self-confessed "mascara addict" I haven't written anything about mascara whatsoever! Too much playing with them, not enough time to write about them... :)

Well, it's about to change now. I'm pleased to report that I've just finished my third tube of Exceptionnel de Chanel - Intense Volume and Sensational Curl Mascara. It comes in four dense and intense colours: Smoky Noir, Smoky Brun, Smoky Marine and Smoky Violine. Smoky Noir is my favourite as it makes my black eyelashes blacker.

The very first few times I used it I didn't like it. I can't remember exactly why. I think one of the reasons was I didn't use it properly. Once I learnt how to use it I became addicted to it (click here for Chanel's own instruction video).

The advert says that it's supposed to be "volumizing, curling, and lasting mascara". Here is my assessment of the claims:

- Volumizing: the effect is very noticeable - my eyelashes look thicker, as if I've had added some extra lashes. My long eyelashes look longer and I don't need to use eyeliner when I'm using this mascara.

- Curling: no curling effect whatsoever. I don't mind though as the consistency is so good compared to other mascaras I've used.

- Lasting: yes, it doesn't give me panda eyes, able to withstand humidity. Can only be removed with oil-based cleanser.

My only complain: it's so expensive, I can't bear to throw it out after 3 months (the recommended time span for keeping a mascara after it's first use). So I don't throw this mascara away until it starts to dry out in the tube or starts flaking on my eyes = definitely more than 3 months! LOL.

Verdict: my HG mascara to date.