Purchase Review: Daiso Mascara, Volume Up Version

As I noted in my recent Japan Haul post, I purchased a bunch of mascara items from the 100 Yen Stores, both Seria and Daiso. It was recommended that I try it from someone who is currently living in the States but was born and raised in Japan. She told me it is her favorite mascara. Being that it costs only 100 yen (approximately $.80 November exchange rate), how could I not try it?

I was overwhelmed by the different manufacturers each store had and the different versions--there was lengthening, curling, volume, etc. I decided to just dive in and buy all the different ones. The one that I'm reviewing today is from Daiso., the Volume Up version but quite honestly, I have not noticed a difference between the different versions or the mascaras from the different stores.

Daiso Volume Up Mascara. It is supposed to add volume to your lashes to make them look fuller.

The English on the back of the packaging says that the uneven brush will coat each and every eyelash, creating extreme volume and and giving an impact look. (My own wording and interpretation because the Engrish was not up to par.)

Here is my eyelashes before mascara applicatlon.

I have typical asian lashes which are poker straight and difficult to curl and keep curled. I normally have to use a "drier" mascara because anything that is too wet and takes long to dry will uncurl my lashes if I spent the time curling them with an eyelash curler.

This next picture shows the mascara applied to one eye. In the picture it is the left side.

As you can see, my lashes have curled.

The next two pictures are of both eyelashes with the mascara on. The first picture is with my eyelids not fully folded so that you can see the mascara well for this review's purpose.

I only used the mascara and did not curl my lashes with an eyelash curler at all.

I am totally in love with this mascara! I am so impressed by what it does. It applies easily and it curls my lashes, which is pretty difficult to do. It lasts all day without flaking or transferring to the lower lid, creating a racoon look. This is also very important to me especially living in a humid climate. My lashes stay curled until I remove my makeup. The mascara is water resistant so while it doesn't run easily, it will wash off easily with warm water and facial cleanser, although I usually do use a makeup remover before washing my face.

Since I had purchased quite a bit of these, I gave a lot of them away to friends after I discovered how good it is. Mai, who has very sensitive eyes and can't stand when mascaras flake, has also been searching for a new mascara after the one that she loved has been discontinued--it was a L'Oreal or Maybelline brand. She also gives this mascara her seal of approval. She loves it too.

I'm so glad for the recommendation by my friend. More than it being extremely inexpensive, it is a mascara does all that I want it to do. The only con would be that we don't have a Daiso in our area. I will have to rely on friends who are traveling to Japan, or coming from Japan to pick some up for me. It also gives me incentive to have to travel to Japan again to do a Daiso haul.

Have you tried any mascaras from Daiso before? What are your thoughts if you have?

*Kat*