REVIEW: Fairydrops Platinum Mascara (Waterproof)

Mascara was something I knew I wanted but was always hesitant to buy because of its short shelf life. I tried putting up with the Clio O'Tank Mascara that came with the Clio Kill Brown Brush Liner but it didn't do much except leave flakes all over my skin after about 3 hours. I was initially planning to buy the Maybelline The Falsies until I saw that Beauty Bar had their Fairydrops items on 50% off. After my success with their BB Cream (which I have talked about in practically every other post on this blog since it started), I knew I had to try their mascara next. Easy to say that despite my shopping ban then, I took the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara home with me.

Packaging and Wand

Can we take a moment to admire the designs on the packaging? It's a long, slim metallic pink tube decorated with jewel and pearl designs in white. It's more portable compared to mascaras with thicker tubes. You can easily place it in your handbag and take it anywhere with you if you need it!

The wand design is exactly what makes this mascara so famous and unique. It's a teardrop-shaped wand (a 'peanut' shape according to my friend Ren, which cracked me up) and curved slightly so it's able to really grip and coat the lashes when you wiggle the wand through them. It's also a brush-type wand rather than one with plastic bristles. I like it better than the straight brush-type wands because I find that I need to work the mascara in more to get every lash coated. I would recommend wiping off the excess, because the brush tends to hold a lot of product. It makes the lashes look a little clumpy this way, but it can be fixed easily with a few brushes or with a lash comb if you have one. 

Formulation

I apply it by getting as close to my lash line as possible, and wiggling the mascara wand up to the tips. I wouldn't recommend getting too close though, because it can go on your waterline and might irritate your eyes. The mascara doesn't take too long to set - it gives you enough time to work with it and build it up if you want to. I wouldn't recommend using it for touch-ups though (not that you need to, anyway) because by then, it will come off as clumpy and will start to flake.

You can easily get a very clean lash look - one with defined, slightly lengthened lashes due to tiny microfibers. It separates lashes well, which is exactly what I've been looking for in a mascara. You can also build it for more of a voluminous look, but not so much since it will lead to more spidery lashes. If you're a fan of that, then great, but I'm easily peeved by it so I try to avoid adding too many layers.

The formula isn't too wet that it doesn't hold a curl, but isn't too dry that the product doesn't last long. In fact, I've had this since November and it has shown no signs of spoilage or drying out! I think this helps justify the price tag a little bit more, since most mascaras I know of last for only 3-4 months. 

Before - no mascara, curled lashes

After - 4~5 coats of mascara on top lashes, 1 coat on bottom lashes

Lasting Power

I usually wear this mascara to school, where I stay for about 5-8 hours depending on my schedule. The mascara doesn't take a long time to set, but when it does, it does not go anywhere. I find that at the end of the day, it's still able to hold its curl from when I applied it. The one important thing I noticed is that it did not smudge, fade, or flake on my upper lashes. On my lower lashes however, I noticed that there was some colour transfer, making my eyes look a tiny bit darker.

Since it does last as long as it does, you do need a good waterproof makeup remover for this. I've found that the only way I can remove this without too much rubbing or tugging is with my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil and The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover, which is in a dual phase solution. Cleansing waters like Bioderma won't be enough.

Price and Availability

I got it for P595 at Beauty Bar, but that was during their 50% off sale. It's normally priced at around P1100+ but on the packaging it indicates that it costs 2750 Y = P1375. The mark-up isn't too bad, but I do admit it is a little expensive for a mascara. I inquired last week about a restock, but it turns out that Beauty Bar won't be carrying Fairydrops anymore, which is really disappointing. :( I'll definitely update this with sites that stock this if I find any, but for now you can only get it if you go to Japan, Hong Kong, or Singapore from what I know.

If you'd like to see a comparative review with their other mascaras, my friend Alex from The Red Eyeliner has one here!

Summary:

(+) Waterproof
(+) No flaking
(+) Holds a curl
(+) Buildable
(+) Long-lasting
(+) Versatile
(-) Brush holds too much product
(-) Smudges slightly for lower lashes
(-) Not good for touch-ups
(-) Not widely available
(-) Expensive

Recommended for: those looking for an all-rounder waterproof mascara that lasts all day

Repurchase? Yes! I can't see myself not owning a back-up of this.

That's it for my very lengthy review! If you've tried this mascara, tell me if you liked it or hated it in the comments below! Also if you have any mascara recommendations, I'd love to know about them!

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