Asian lashes are usually described to be short, curl-less, and therefore stick straight. My own lashes definitely fit into that category and unfortunately am not the exception (unlike my male family members, ironically). Even though I can wish for long and lush eyelashes there is a limit to my dreams. Products like mascara and fake lashes can only do so much because I wear glasses every waking minute of the day and too much stuff would immediately be nothing but a bother. The ohii Mini Mascara is quickly changing my mind to see how nice the addition of define lashes could be without being a daily annoying chore.
Urban Outfitters's description:
Perk up your lashes with ohii’s mini mascara, perfectly formulated for daily use. Impactful, but still natural, this vegan mascara comes with a thin wand, perfect for catching even the teeniest lashes for a natural look. Leaves lashes dark and soft with no clumpy, spidery texture or messy fallout. Want a more dramatic look? Mini Mascara plays well with others - just wipe on a layer as a primer before following up with a volumizing formula.
- Plays well with others
- Darkening formula
- Non-clumping
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free
Directions
Apply to lashes on its own as a lightweight mascara or use as a primer for your favorite volumizing mascara
Ingredients
WATER/EAU/AQUA, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), SYNTHETIC BEESWAX, ACRYLATES/ETHYLHEXYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CIRE DE CARNAUBA/CERA CARNAUBA, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, GLYCERYL BEHENATE, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, TROMETHAMINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SORBITAN STEARATE, POLYSORBATE 60, MONTMORILLONITE, NYLON-66, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, LAURETH-21, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, SILICA, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), XANTHAN GUM, OCTYLACRYLAMIDE/ACRYLATES/BUTYLAMINOETHYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, PEG-240/HDI COPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH-20 ETHER, CETYL PALMITATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, SORBITAN PALMITATE, POTASSIUM LAURATE, BHT
Mascara 3.2 ml / 0.11 oz
Urban Outfitters: USD $16.00
Packaging
The slim tube of mascara has a very bright coral-pink exterior. It is slightly shorter than the length of my hand and a little bigger in diameter than a Sharpie marker. The longer cap allows for a more comfortable grip. I like that the distance between the cap and wand is short, which gives more precise control.
Obviously, the most unique aspect is the super slim mascara wand. The bristle-y portion is about the length of the top part of my finger but it is only about half the size of a typical brush. It is a pretty simple and straightforward design yet works well with the mascara formula.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
ohii Mini Mascara only offers a Black shade right now.
When I swatched the mascara on my hand, the formula is quite dry and not the deepest black mascara on the market. It applies onto my lashes on the drier side as well making it a quick step in the mornings even when layering. Interestingly, there is a sparse amount of fibers even though the brand doesn't mention it is lengthening. It has no added fragrance and generally unscented.
ohii doesn't market this as being water resistant or waterproof, but from my own "test" and experience it is slightly water resistant until rubbed and absolutely not waterproof. What I mean by this is that tears and running the mascara underwater will not cause the mascara to run down in black streaks. However, when the lashes with mascara are wet and subsequently rubbed or wiped the product will easily be removed.
How I Apply
Wiggle the mascara wand onto curled lashes. Layer twice if I feel like it.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Just to be clear...the ohii Mini Mascara is definitely not an affordable buy. It has half the amount of typical mascaras (drugstore and high-end), 0.11 oz versus 0.20's oz. At USD $16 it is double the price of typical drugstore mascaras. A closer comparison, size to price wise, would be the "mini" versions of full-sized high-end mascaras available at Sephora and Gift With Purchases.
With that said I have nothing but nice things to say about how the mascara performs. My natural, naked lashes don't have trouble holding a curl throughout the day. They are just so short and thin that even the curled lashes do not look drastically different.
ohii Mini Mascara adds the necessary definition without being heavy and clumpy. I think the light and dry formula really helps keep the curls up instead of gradually weighing down as the day goes on. Somehow ohii was able to make a dry mascara that is not crunchy. The small number of fibers lengthen a little without looking spidery and most importantly never leaves marks on my glasses lenses.
Besides the formulation, I really do think the skinnier wand does wonders for applying the mascara to my type of lashes. I can get to every nook and cranny easily. Each individual lash is defined because of packed yet evenly spaced out bristles.
My eyes never feel irritated when I use the mascara. It can last a long time if I don't cause physical disturbances (tears or rubbing). I also think it fairs pretty well against my oily eyelids. The mascara remains mostly intact after 12+ hours of wear. On bad days, there will be some stray fibers under my eyes. On super bad days, it will leave small flakes and smudges. Overall, I have more good (clean) days than not.
Call me crazy but I think this is the perfect natural, no-makeup makeup mascara for the polished and refined look. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for obvious length and volume. You will be sorely disappointed. Perhaps it would be a good base as ohii suggests? Until I find something better and more affordable, I will probably repurchase in the future. However! I am keeping my fingers crossed because I noticed innisfree and few other Korean brands have similar skinny mascaras.
Maybe the ongoing trend will be me purchasing makeup brushes and products for my feet at the end of one year and the beginning of another? At least that is how it has been 2017 going into 2018 and, likewise, 2018 going into 2019.
I go into my stash drawer more often now than ever. I constantly remind myself of all the stuff I have and don't need to buy. But old shopping habits die hard, I guess; less skincare means more other stuff like brushes and foot balms. At least this kind of purchases seems to only happen once a year at most and only because of sales & coupons.
Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blushed Brush
Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection
Real Techniques Perfect Crease Duo
Real Techniques Eye Smudge + Diffuse
Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief CICA Balm
Aveeno Crack Skin Relief CICA Ointment
The brushes were picked up from Harmon's Face Values in December when they were having a sale/clearance on Real Technique brushes. I believe the sets were 25% off and the Bold Metals blush brush was discounted.
In recent memory, the Aveeno CICA line is the only beauty-related TV ad I saw and was immediately intrigued by. It came at the right time when my heels were cracked and as centella asiatica gains momentum in America skincare. I have yet to try either balm or ointment but am excited about the promised outcomes.
I haven't qualified for an Influenster Voxbox in a hot while. I remembered the early ones I received were full of average products which were fun to try but nothing memorable or repurchase worthy. VoxBox's Rouge Signature edition, however, has blown me off my feet. As my first L'Oréal lip product, the Rouge Signature Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Create, I Rule, and I Am Worth It are quickly becoming my go-to formulas of choice lately.
L'Oréal's description:
Lightweight matte colored ink that delivers a stain-like feel with the color impact of a liquid lipstick. Imparts lips with a high pigment, matte finish, and lasting wear.
Less texture*, more color: Rouge Signature is a lightweight matte colored ink that delivers intense pigment loads with a weightless, bare-lip sensation. This ultra-comfortable liquid matte colored ink provides lasting matte color and infuses lips with a healthy, even dye of color. The no makeup feel of a stain combined with the color impact of a liquid lipstick. Find your signature shade from our captivating range. Use with our precision applicator to shape and lines lips for a precise and perfectly applied lip.
CAUTION: Flammable until dry. Do not use near fire, flame, or heat.
Directions
Apply starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to outer edges of your lips, following the contour of your mouth. Then glide across the bottom lip and fill in. To take off, use an oil-based makeup remover or our waterproof Micellar Water for best results.
Ingredients
AQUA / WATER / EAU, DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECANOL, ISODODECANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ALCOHOL, ACRYLATES/POLYTRIMETHYLSILOXYMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYL PENTAPHENYL TRISILOXANE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, ALUMINA, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, LINALOOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TOCOPHEROL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES, CI 45410 / RED 28 LAKE, CI 15850 / RED 7, CI 45380 / RED 22 LAKE, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE]
Lipstick 7 ml / 0.23 oz
L'Oréal (MSRP): USD $11.99
Packaging
A thick, transparent plastic tube with a twist-off cap and a petal-shaped applicator. The stopper inside the tube is just large enough for the applicator to come out easily whilst scraping off the perfect amount of excess product.
New tubes will have a sticker label for a security seal; if the perforated part is broken it probably has been opened already. The label for the name is placed on a very small sticker at the bottom of the tube.
I Create (No. 416)
"Nude," muted pink color in the tube. On my lips, it becomes a little peachy (warm pink) and is most similar to my natural lip color.
I Rule (No. 414)
Pink with blue undertones that is almost a dusty magenta. It applies true to the color in the tube.
I Am Worth It (No. 426)
Red with cool/blue undertones. Also applies true to the color in the tube.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The three colors I have tried are all highly pigmented yet lightweight and not tacky. Immediately after application, it is a bit wet with a slight shine but as the formulation dries it takes on a more velvety matte look.
The lipstick does transfer and wipes away but it also leaves stain my lips to a degree; the less bold colors are not as noticeable since it is similar to my bare lips.
There is a very slight sweet scent if I really sniff the applicator itself. Otherwise, it doesn't smell of much after I apply it nor does it taste of anything if licked.
How I Apply
Gradient lips // Point the applicator with the concave part facing my bottom lip. Spread a light layer starting from the center and then toward both sides. Lightly smack my lips together to put some color onto the upper lip.
Full lips // Start the same way as I would for gradient lips. Afterward, I add a layer or two extra to get more precise lines. I like to flip the applicator over so the concave part is facing up and then use the pointed tip to create the clean lip shape.
Thoughts & Recommendations
L'Oréal couldn't have been more accurate with their description of what the Rouge Signature Lasting Matte Liquid Lipsticks are. Everything that makes this lip product special is what I had hoped the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick to be. Having tried both now, I do hope something existed with the best qualities of both.
The Rouge Signature packs a colorful punch whilst being versatile. I love that I could wear a light layer or build up for a bolder look. The formulation is buttery smooth, lightweight, and most importantly not tacky. Layering and reapplying is a breeze. It doesn't seem to settle into my lines nor catch onto dry patches. Once it dries down, I barely feel like I have anything on my lips.
Perhaps the only questionable claim is this providing lasting wear. The brand chose their words very wisely. In a sense it does, the bolder colors do leave a noticeable stain. Those swatches on my arm lasted a good week's time despite cleansing oils and eye/lip makeup remover. On my lips, though, is a different story. The staining effect only lasts as long as the top layer of skin isn't exfoliated off. For me, that happens twice daily...once in the morning because of lip balms and another time at night because of cleansing. The actual liquid lipstick portion easily wipes off when eating or drinking—the oilier the foods, the more color is removed.
L'Oréal' offers slightly more product (7ml versus Maybelline's 5ml) but it has a higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing (USD $11.99 versus Maybelline's USD $9.49). I definitely prefer the see-through tubes of the Rouge Signature. I also actually find myself reapplying after the color fades because of how fuss-free it is; whereas I had no such thoughts with the SuperStay due to its tackiness, tendency to flake, and inability to layer. If only the liquid lipstick part of the Rouge Signature is as transfer-proof as the SuperStay, while keeping its non-sticky texture, we would have one huge gem of a drugstore matte lip product.
