REVIEW: Maybelline Magnum Volum' Express

Specs:
Color: Black
Wand: Curved
Water-proof
Price: P399

Since my birthday is near I decided to buy myself a tube of new mascara, apparently I wasn't able to save because I had to pay for school stuff but I just knew I had to buy one so I went to Maybelline and looked for one.(Impulse buying!!)

I saw Magnum Volum' Express, it was really cheap and I wanted to try Maybelline after hearing a lot of good reviews from my friends.


After 3 weeks of using Magnum here's my verdict :)

Design/Form: 8.5/10

• Brush Shape: Curved

Curved shape of the bristle makes it a lot easier for me apply mascara and the contour of this type of wand lifts and curls lashes better than any other straight wands I've tried.

• Densely packed bristles

Bristles that are densely packed are good for holding more material to make your lashes look fuller.

• Bristle type: Standard Brush Hair

Performance 7/10

Pros:

Oh lala.. long lashes!

• This mascra gives a lengthening effect which is nice especially for people with very short lashes
• Water proof even after stressful and emotional days at school, I'm sure I won't look like a mess with panda eyes. :)
• It's definitely long staying doesn't smudge.
• Holds my curl well. Unlike other mascara with straight wands, this one has a curved wand and this type of design is easier to use because it fits the contour of my eyes
• Very affordable and would be a good buy for people on a tight budget

No mascara vs With Mascara

Cons:

• The product claims that it gives Volume but it's sad  to say that it's NOT very volumizing.  ( I know what volume should look like after trying several other brands and this ain't volumizing)
• Doesn't give much drama to the eyes
• Little Clumps: If you apply lots of coats it tends to have clumps so when applying you have to wiggle really well and use lash comb or your finger to loosen and remove it.
• It can make lashes look wiry and stiff so I have to use lash comb or my finger to loosen it.
• Applying can be messy especially with curled lashes. I still haven't figured out how to deal with this so I just keep cotton buds and petroleum jelly at hand.

Overall: 7.75/10

I've been in a Love-Hate relationship with this mascara. Sometimes I think I won't buy another tube but as days pass by and as I get used to it I'm actually reconsidering since it's cheap and could give me good results depending on how I use it. Basically it's good for everyday use. (not much drama)

You guys could give it a try just make sure you start from the base of your lash, WIGGLE WELL as you apply, use LASH COMB or your fingers to loosen it and COTTON BUDS with make-up remover/petroleum jelly just in case you mess it up :)

*contact lens - Gretta gray

REVIEW: San San Eyebrow Pencil 03

"My Emergency Eyebrow Pencil"

Specs:
Color : Dark Brown
Price: P55.00

Since  Etude ran out of their retractable eyebrow pencil refills, i had to find a temporary replacement. I couldn't go out with bald, unkempt brows, that would be a major no no!
As I was walking at SM I saw this HBC store and tried my luck in finding a cheap alternative to Etude.








Pros:

• Price: very affordable (P55)
• Color: Five Stars for Color!
• I love the shade of this eyebrow pencil. It matched my hair color beautifully and didn't look harsh on my face, it's actually subtle and natural which is the look you would really want to achieve.
• Consistency: It has a creamy sort of waxy consistency that glides easily and blends well.
• Wear: long-lasting, it stays put even after a long sweaty day (as long as you don't rub it off).
• Others:
•  It comes with it's own sharpener
• Easy to remove with petroleum jelly/ make-up remover/ soap & water

pardon my drawing skills :p

Cons:

• Sharpener cap was brittle and the blade was a bit dull. After about a month use the cap crumbled as I was sharpening the pencil.
• No spoolie (a must!!!)
• Tip easily breaks, I noticed that the tip kind of melts. Maybe you have to store it in a cool place

Broken Eye-brow pencil :(

• You have to religiously sharpen every after use since it dulls fast.
• Not for on the go people since you need to sharpen it and the tip sometimes break, which becomes much of a hassle
• The use of this pencil requires a bit more dexterity especially when the tip starts to dull
• If you're a beginner I'd suggest you get a retractable one with a shaped tip like Etude Drawing Eye Brow, it's easier to use than this one.

Overall: 7/10

I'm pretty happy with this eyebrow pencil. It did meet my immediate needs it's cheap, long-lasting (as long as you don't rub it off), subtle, perfect for my hair color. However, i really got annoyed when the tip started breaking and the cap started crumbling.

It's a good emergency eyebrow pencil, but I'd still go back to my trusty ol' Etude Drawing Eyebrow Pencil.

If you'd like to experiment and is looking for the perfect eyebrow pencil, maybe you should give this one a try. Just make sure you have a good eyebrow pencil sharpener :)

Contact Lens: Gretta Gray