Category: Girl Stuffs

I’ve always heard of Max Factor but have never used its products before. I got the Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara as one of the products in its Christmas cracker. It was given as free gift when you fulfilled a certain purchase requirement from Boots UK. Here’s the unboxing of the Christmas crackers for 2022.

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OK, let’s start with the review. The Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara is being marketed as high-volume and definition mascara. The mascara is formulated with a volumizing formula that is able to provide your lashes 4 times their volume. It is also smudge-proof and provides a clump-free finish.

I’ve not used mascara for God knows how many years because I’m just being lazy haha… My makeup routine is very basic now. Quite excited to have mascara now and will try to use it as much as possible so that won’t waste it. It’ wa’s not cheap. In the UK, it’s selling at £11.99. I’ve seen it in Watsons Malaysia before but I’m not sure about it now. I tried looking for it on Watson’s website, but there’s none.

Anyway, I’ve used it twice since opening it. It has the typical mascara smell.

Big Wand

I’ve never seen such a chunky mascara wand haha! Look at the brittles. It’s rather sharp, hard, and the design isn’t that ergonomic. It’s painful when it touches the rim of the eyes. This is my first time experiencing such an unpleasant mascara application. I don’t have big eyes, so the brush isn’t that user-friendly for me. It’s too big for my eyes making the application quite difficult. Furthermore, the fear of having it touch my eye isn’t making it any easier to use.

I read people’s reviews on their official website and found that the majority are not happy with the new wand design. Apparently, it was different back then. I do agree with the badly-designed wand it’s having now.

Comparison

Left: With one-layer application. It’s fast-drying.
Right: Original lashes.
It does look promising. Can see my lashes clearly now.

I applied it to both eyes in the photo above. Two coats of mascara. Nothing dramatic. Great for those who want a natural look. It does curl the lashes. It’s not too obvious in the photo below because I have hooded eyes.

It does add volume but definitely not 4 times for me. Maybe if I apply more layers but I dislike applying so many layers. 2 is the maximum for me.

Smudge-proof, Waterproof, and Easy Removal?

I used it for over 8 hours. I didn’t get any irritation. There were no smudges. However, it’s not waterproof. I tried to apply some water to my lashes and it stained the tissue paper. In other words, it can be removed with water but you’ll need more effort I guess. Just use a makeup remover to save all the troubles. It is very easy to remove. There is no need to pull and tug your lashes or eyelid to clean it.

Conclusion

Pros	Cons
Smudge-proof Smooth formula Adds volume Easy removal Curls the lashes Dries fast No irritation	Not waterproof Big wand Not ergonomic Sharp and hard brittles Expensive

If the wand is not this big, not painful to use, and waterproof, I would say that it is a good mascara to use. I won’t buy this for sure because I need a waterproof one. However, for now, I don’t mind using it until it’s time to toss it out. Don’t waste. Not cheap ok? Besides, I can always get a cheaper mascara that performs better than this that I used last time (Maybelline Volum’ Express Hypercurl is no longer in the market but the Hypercurl is still available, should still work the same).

Rohto Deoball Deoderant 24H is one of the best Japanese deodorants I have used. I tried stocking it up when I was in Osaka in 2019 but couldn’t find it. It was so hard to find. I ended up buying Deonatulle Soft Stone Double Deodorant instead. However, I did find Deoball in one of the Donki there but not the fragrance I wanted. I did buy it for the sake of stocking up. I have friends who are in Japan using Deoball and were also having problems getting it in Japan. I’m not sure about now. Maybe it’s discontinued.

Here’s my review of Deonatulle Soft Stone Double Deodorant.

I don’t remember how much I got this from Japan. I bought it at one of the pharmacies near our hotel. The whole rack was displayed with various variants of Deonatulle. I decided to just go for the most basic. The packaging I’m sharing here is the old packaging. The new packaging is similar.

Dryness Control

Many claimed that it can help in keeping your armpit dry but that’s not the case for me. I don’t really mind that. For the record, no deodorant or antiperspirant can do it. I gave up on this part already haha…

Odour Control

This is more important. I found out that it can keep the odour at bay for at least 48 hours even after showering (of course cleaning the armpit as well). I didn’t even need to apply it daily. I applied it once every 2 to 3 days or whenever needed.

Staining

It doesn’t stain my clothes. It does leave white marks if your dark-coloured clothes rub on it but you just need to dust it off. It also doesn’t darken my armpit or leave any residue on my skin.

Texture & Smell

The texture is soft and waxy. No wetness at all. Hence, you can just apply and wear your clothes immediately without waiting for it to dry.

As for the smell, it has a minty smell to it but it’s not overpowering. The smell doesn’t linger. It’s gone almost immediately after the application.

Overall, I think I will stick to Deonatulle now. Have been using it since 2021 (bought in 2019 *LOL*). It is easier to find than Deoball and works the same way.

You can easily get it online these days. Here’s the link if you want to buy it:
Deonatulle Soft Stone Double Deodorant https://invle.co/clc6zvf

I do use a peel-off mask once in a blue moon. The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Impurity Removing Nose Pack is my second tube. I didn’t finish the first tube(bought in 2019), of course. Still had half tube I think because I didn’t use much. Not even once a month. It had expired so I decided to get a new tube.

Since I didn’t do a review on it here and I’ve been using it for so long. I’ll share my experience with you. I usually used it around my chin, nose, and forehead area. Apply it to the area you want after washing your face. Then wait for it to dry off. It usually took about 1/2 hour or so for the product on the sides of the nose to completely dry off. Other areas took about 15 minutes.

Once it’s all dried. Peel it off. Be sure to support the skin around it while you peel it off. It’s painful as you all know if you’ve experienced using such kind of product before. Then again, do it fast, it’s not too bad once you got used to it. At least it is less painful than extractions which I hate so much. Had bad experiences with the procedure and left some damage on my face.

The result

Anyway… Back to the peel-off mask.

Here! The one on the nose. Can you see those gunk? Mind you, these are not blackheads as many people had claimed. It is actually sebaceous filaments. I have plenty of these and it annoys me more than blackheads *LOL* It is a natural part of your pore that keeps your skin healthy and moisturized.

However, removing them once in a while does no harm at all because sometimes it just makes the skin looks rough and makeup won’t be able to go on smoothly. I only used the nose pack when I feel that my skin feels and looks rough. Just don’t overdo it. Once in a blue moon will do.

Here… From the chin(left) and middle of the forehead(right).

The mask actually pulls out those annoying and unsightly fine and black facial hair too. The one on the right managed to get rid of fine hair in between my brows aside from the gunk.

Remember to tone and moisturize the area thoroughly after you used the peel-off mask. The best is to follow with a sheet mask that contains soothing properties then proceed with your usual skincare routine.

Whatever that was pulled out from Jeju Volcanic Lava Impurity Removing Nose Pack wasn’t too bad for not doing it for half a year. Check this post (https://irenelaw.com/elizavecca-black-head-solution-3-step-nose-pack-warning-gross-look-at-those-gunk/) out if you want to see the crazy one that I did a few years back.

Where to buy it?

The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Impurity Removing Nose Pack (https://invle.co/clbxfce)
Elizavecca Black Head Solution 3-Step Nose Pack (https://invle.co/clbxft1)

I ran out of Biore UV Perfect Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50+ PA++++. I’ve been using this for over a decade. Sometimes, if it’s out of stock, I would get Biore UV Bright Face Milk SPF 50+ PA++++. Basically, it works the same as Perfect Face Milk except it claims to correct dullness but I didn’t see much difference. I don’t really bother, the price is affordable and it offers the same kind of UV protection. That’s good enough. I’m using it as my makeup base too. Here’s a simple review that I did on my Instagram back in 2018.

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Biore UV Colour Control CC Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ is another variant found in the Biore UV range. I never wanted to get this because I am not into CC. I just want a basic daily sunscreen for the face. However, when I ran out of Bright Face Milk a few weeks back, I wanted to get Perfect Face Milk yet there wasn’t any stock in all the major pharmacies that I went to. Even Bright Face Milk was not available.

Seriously?!?! Only one bottle of Biore UV Colour Control CC Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ left on the shelf at Watsons! No choice because I used up the last bit, it’s empty!! I ended up with this and praying that it will be as sheer as Perfect and Bright.

When I got home, I read the packaging. OMG! Oh dear… This is totally not the kind of sunscreen that I want for daily use. “Beige Make Up Base”! Oh boy… I was still hoping it is the very sheer type but…

The Result

Left: Look at the colour! OH NO!!! Not sheer. My skin doesn’t work well with liquid-based makeup. All my makeups are powder-based. I don’t use liquid foundation or even concealer. It will always go cakey on me and got stuck in the nook and cranny of my face. My pores, my fine lines, my facial hair, and so on. I don’t even use lipstick/lip tint/lip gloss. Just lip balm.

Right: Here! I applied it to half of my face. Can you see the difference? Not that obvious in the photo but the one with the CC Milk looks a bit brighter. You can compare the colour at the side of the nose to see the difference as it is more obvious. In real life, it does even out my skin tone and provides light coverage to those spots on my face. It does conceal some of my visible pores. Can achieve a no-makeup look with this. However, I don’t think it will suit those with darker skin tones.

However, just like any liquid-based makeup, it does get stuck here and there, especially on the drier part of the face but not as bad. Luckily it doesn’t break me out. It is lightweight and easy to spread but not as light as Perfect and Bright. At least, this is very lightweight compared to a liquid foundation or BB. There is no need to use a sponge or brush. Just your hand will do.

It’s a little bit sticky and takes a bit more time to absorb. You might want to dust some finishing powder on your face if you want. Usually, I just leave it as it is unless I’m going out which is what I usually do anyway. The upside is that my skin looks nicer with this compared to using Bright or Perfect. It does not go cakey at the end of the day which is a good thing.

One thing for sure, I cannot apply it all the way down to my neck and chest anymore or else I’ll get my clothes stained.

Now, let’s talk about how lasting it is. No joke! The word “Very” on the packaging is true. Very water-resistant indeed. The usual ones, I can just wash it off with soap and water easily. My goodness! This one needs a lot of soap and water to wash off. Hence, using a makeup remover is crucial to remove this at the end of the day. I do use a makeup remover daily before washing my face so it’s no big deal. Will just need to be more thorough and need a bit more time to do it.

Overall, it is not too bad if you are looking for cosmetic sunscreen and you don’t want to fiddle with all those conventional liquid makeups. I would make this my daily makeup base if I have to use makeup daily but I don’t. The price is quite affordable. I got it for less than RM30 (was on offer). After finishing this bottle, I won’t get it again because I just want a basic sunscreen for daily use.

Where to buy it?

You can purchase the mentioned products from the links below:
BIORE UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50 PA++++ (https://invle.co/clbx5zp)
BIORE UV Bright Face Milk SPF50 Daily Sunscreen (https://invle.co/clbx61x)
Biore UV Colour Control CC Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ (https://invle.co/clbx652)