PRODUCT REVIEW: CHANEL EXCEPTIONELLE MASCARA IN SMOKY NOIR

Here's an initial review on CHANEL EXCEPTIONELLE MASCARA IN SMOKY NOIR

PRICE: 1850PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: ONLINE

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTANS MAKATI; SHANGRI- LA MALL

WEBSITE DESCRIPTION: A dream mascara is one that is VOLUMIZING, CURLING and LASTING. EXCEPTIONNEL DE CHANEL achieves these three feats in perfect harmony. Its exceptional brush provides lash-by-lash application and creates an intense volume effect for precise makeup from roots to tips. Ideally distributed on the brush, the creamy and resistant formula stretches perfectly over the entire length of lashes and curls them to the extreme with no clumps in sight. Its texture ensures resistance to humidity and provides lasting hold: EXCEPTIONNEL DE CHANEL does not run or flake.

THE VERDICT:

Okay, I just bought this at 600php, since this is almost new, accdg. to sis Char, the one who sold this to me. The original price of this baby is 1850php, 100php more expensive than the Inmitable so let's see how it lives up to it's product description.

This is the weirdest brush I've ever seen. It has plastic bristles and in the middle, as you can see if you look closely, there are natural bristles, those that you can see on traditional mascara wands. I don't know the reason behind this but one thing's for sure, I'm having quite a hard time distributing the mascara on my lashes.

The formula is creamy and mousse- like. It gives off a matte- finish to your lashes and it dries off easily, which I like.

Chanel Exceptionelle on my lashes

If there's one thing that you're gonna love about this product is how it gives you that VERY natural looking false lashes effect. My lashes look fuller and softer, as compared to using volumizing mascaras that give you roach legs- like lashes. And my lashes also look fluffy without feeling fluffy at all.

In terms of the curling promise, well, it does help in making your lashes obedient if you curl it. But with the staying power of the curl, well, not so impressive.

The volume promise is quite nice, but I would have to say that Chanel's Inmitable gives a better volume shock to your lashes. This one gives at least 80%. I think the wand should be blamed for it.

Staying power is awesome though, it never did give me any streaks on my lids nor it smudged on my under eyes. My lashes are still soft and fluffy the whole day and are easy to curl whenever I'm going to give it a pinch.

Overall, Exceptionelle is not that Exceptional. Let's put it this way: this is a SO- SO product. Another thing, it's overrated. Good thing I got it at a cheap price. But if there's one thing that you have to experience is how it makes your lashes look naturally thick. I've never encountered a mascara like this before that gives such an effect that you yourself can even hardly tell that you're wearing any mascara! TIP: If Inmitable dries up a bit in the tube, it'll give a softer look to your lashes too.

Maybelline colossal can somehow do the same trick, but with a much better volumizing ability and at a fraction of the cost. Exceptionelle does give a hefty amount of volume, if not for the stupid wand design. I just wish they change the freakin' wand design.

SPEND VS. SAVE: VOLUMIZING MASCARAS

For this edition of Spend vs. Save, let's look at volumizing mascaras.

I eat mascara. So every mascara product out there, I've already tried. Some are great, some are not and some will always be a classic favorite.

Volumizing mascaras are my favorites because I love how it thickens my lashes. I'm not really a fan of wearing false lashes. Besides, the glue promotes eyelash loss.

Volumizing mascaras also have lengthening effects though they're formulated to give volume. Maybe because my lashes are quite long though sparse.

I have two volumizing mascaras in my stash:

CHANEL INMITABLE WATERPROOF MASCARA IN BLACK

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH IN BLACK

TOP: CHANEL INMITABLE WATERPROOF MASCARA

BOTTOM: MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA

Maybelline's great lash will always be a cult fave and is used by the heiress, Paris Hilton herself. This mascara by Maybelline has catapulted them to being the brand that formulates the best mascaras in the cosmetic industry. It's other contender, the Chanel mascara which is highly recommended in all the salons I've been to when I needed my hair and make- up to be done.

Sadly, Maybelline's Great Lash was pulled out from the Philippines. It was priced around 350php before but I got mine for 150php each only from the USA. Chanel's Mascara was priced around 1750php.

They say that the wands make a lot of difference in creating a great false eyelashes effect to the natural lashes. Mascara innovations claim that their precise brushes are equally aligned altogether to provide good and even coverage, separate lashes and reach every single lash.

Chanel claims that: in a single stroke, CHANEL sets a new standard in mascara with a formula that does it all. A sophisticated formula and unique brush design combine to lengthen, plump and curl, delivering lush, long-wearing colour so precisely that each lash, even the finest, is perfectly defined and separated.

While Maybelline says: The mascara that conditions as it thickens.Lash-doubling formula glides on smooth to build great-looking lashes Lash building brush makes it easy to get a full lash look without clumps or globs Contact lens safe and hypoallergenic Washable; also available in waterproof formula and with curved brush.

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA ON MY RIGHT LASHES

It has always resulted to this, thick and fluffy looking lashes. Snufflelufugus type :) And I love it! But the problem with great lash is, the tips of your lashes have the tendency to curl and if you're not able to apply a good amount of coating, your lashes will look clumpy because the mascara has clumped. But nevertheless, it gives you your money's worth and it's the best cheap mascara out there in the market. But unfortunately, it's unavailable locally. It smudges a bit but it doesn't necessarily results to raccoon eyes. A bit of smudge can be easily remedied with a dash of powder. :)

Chanel Inmitable Waterproof Mascara on my left lashes

Now see that gorgeous sky- high lengths and natural- looking volume. The texture of the wax is not sticky. It has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly on your lashes so clumping is out of the story. It dries quickly and the staying power is impressive. It stays all day and doesn't smudge at all!

Can you notice that I've used different brands on each of my lashes? :) In terms of volume, both will give you an amazing effect but Chanel's new formula is really good. But I wouldn't forget Great Lash because it's equally good as well. Both have good volumizing effects but Chanel's new formula provides a more natural- looking effect. But if you're willing to purchase Chanel, go ahead! It's worth the buy. For those who want to try Great Lash, it's also a good buy so make sure you get to haul when you visit the states or when you know someone who'll go there.

FOR THIS ISSUE, I SUGGEST:

SPEND OR SAVE! UP TO YOU! :)

RECENT HAUL

My mom and I share an infinite passion on shopping. Our recent hauls yesterday were shoes and I, cosmetics. Sohere's what I got:

CHANEL WATERPROOF EYELINER IN ESPRESSO AND CHANEL INMITABLE MASCARA WATERPROOF IN BLACK

BOBBI BROWN LIPSTICK IN VINTAGE ROSE

AND M FAVORITE, MAC EYESHADOW IN CONTRAST AND MAC LUSTRE LIPSTICK IN TOUCH

I'LL PROVIDE EOTDS, REVIEWS AND SWATCHES LATER. YAHOO! :)