We all know by know that I’m a fussy old wotsit when it comes to mascara. My checklist includes: the ability to hold a curl and make my eyelashes not look like that of an elephant’s, something that doesn’t budge, crisp or flake and with a formula that adds a bit of oomph but still looks natural. In my makeup wearing lifetime there hasn’t actually been too many that fit this criteria. There was the long-discontinued L’Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara that sadly hasn’t been on the shelves for years, then I moved onto the Fairydrops Scandal Queen Mascara which too has become a tough one to source. What’s with me and mascaras, eh? Well I’ve found a new duo that fits my bill and is equally tough to find on these shores. What’s new?
Whilst in L.A, we headed to Little Tokyo and I stalked round all the beauty shops in search of a new lash lacquer. After a tweet for help and asking the assistants in store what they’d recommend, I settled for the Isehan Heroine Make Long & Curl and Volume & Curl mascaras. Of the three places we went to, all of the assistants said that these two were their bestsellers. All I wanted to do was go home, take off my current mascara and give this a go. So I did. It was totally worth the midday makeup refresh because boy is this stuff good.
Two mascaras might seem a little excessive, but the lovely lady in-store said it was all about layering them both. My research has lead me to believe that there is no right or wrong way to do this as some do lengthening over the volume and others the volume over the lengthening. It’s all gravy baby. Personally I like the volumising formula over the length-giving one, though more often than not I’m wearing one all on its lonesome.
The Long & Curl one reminds me of Estée Lauder’s Little Black Primer. It’s a thin texture and provides definition to the lashes whilst holding a curl to a tee. It’s what I dub a ‘weekend mascara’; something to throw on on days where you’re doing the whole no makeup thing. The Volume & Curl is a bit more beefy, giving more oomph and thickness to the lashes. If you’d asked me two days ago what one I wore most I’d say the Volume & Curl, but right now me and the Long & Curl are having a moment. I’d find it too tough to narrow it just down to one. The only negative are that both are bit of a beyatch to get off. Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover to the rescue!
As with all mascaras that I like, availability is not the easiest. In the U.K, it’s an online-only jobbie. I’ve found it on Amazon and eBay, but if anyone has any other stockist recommendations then I’m all ears because I’m not letting these ones get away this time.
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