REVIEW: Forever 21 Love & Beauty VOLUME & LENGTH Mascara

 

 Color: Black
Brush: Straight,
Features: 1 brush 2 effects
regular water-based mascara
Price: P280


I bought this mascara from Forever 21-SM Fairview branch (Last stock!!! whew good thing I saw this), along with my F21 Baked Eye shadow, as Christmas gift for my cousin and we both wanted to try it out and make a review.


So here's my first impression :)










Wand
It appears to magically have 2 wands, one for volume and another for length. Apparently upon further examination the mascara has only one wand but claims to deliver 2 effects in 1 brush.

So how does this thing work? Well, when you pull out the "first" wand for length, it passes through a slimmer tube (the tube that holds the wand for volume) making the product less, which I think is better for adding length to you lashes. The "second" wand ,which is for volumizing the lashes, picks up more material since it picks up mascara directly from the tube and there's no slimmer tube to remove excess material.


Design/Form:
Brush & Formula

• Thick sort of large straight wire brush with moderately spaced bristles
• large brushes picks up more material for the lashes
• A little taper in the end for reaching tiny lashes at the corner of your eyes

• Active formula : Agua, Candellila Wax, Candellila
• Not water proof (since the formula contains Agua on the top of the list)
• Wax for Volume

Basically the type of brush as well as its active ingredients spell VOLUME

Performance
Pros:

• Super Affordable :D (P280!) and value for money
• nice packaging which spells I'm sorta expensive (Gift item)
• Performs well as it gives my lashes leeeeeength (good for people with short and sparse lashes)
• Gives my lashes some volume (i think i had to wiggle my wand more)
• Stays put even after more than 8hrs of wear (cool January weather, not humid)

Here are some photos I took using my Face Shop Luxury Eyelash Curler and F21 Mascara

See how it makes my eye pop:)

Cons

• Doesn't maintain my curl. I think it would be better if they made the wand curved
• Does not give very defined lashes as its brush is traditional wire brush 
• Not very volumizing (compared to Maybelline Falsies, Magnum & Etude Lash Perm)

Overall: 7/10
I think this mascara is true to its claim that it is both volumizing and lengthening, maybe i could compare its performance with Maybelline Magnum Volum' Express, well except that it is not water-proof and Magnum gives more defined lashes. I could say that this mascara is perfect for a regular day with no sweat and drama plus it's one of the cheapest mascara out in the market that has a reputable brand:)

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