Review: Kiko Ultra Tech Waterproof Mascara

Just like my other Kiko Cosmetics, the Kiko Cosmetics Ultra Tech Mascara came in last April (read here). I have not tried any mascara except from those of Avon and Maybelline. So far, I am in love with Maybelline mascaras and I am in a love-hate relationship with the ones from Avon. So imagine how excited I was to see this in the package. I get to try a new mascara, free of charge, and from a brand that is very new to almost all of us. 

Nothing to be giddy about the packaging. It came in a normal box and a normal tube. Actually, it appears more like the mascaras from Avon. 

The brush is, of course, plastic. The spaces in between its bristles are enough to separate the lashes. Since the formulation is a bit liquid compared to that of Maybelline Volum' Express Hypercurl mascara, the brush  holds more product than what is needed by my lashes. I hate the instances wherein the tip of the brush would catch my upper lid and leave uneasy to remove mascara on my gorgeously done eye makeup. *ehem!*

See the excess product of the tip and in between the bristles?

Actually, 'too much' product on the brush is not much of a problem for me. I could always wipe it off first with a tissue paper. I know, it is kinda wasting the precious product but that is the least I can do to not ruin the entire eye makeup just because of a smear. The liquid formulation bothers me, honestly. It takes a little longer to dry and that makes my undereyes messy after application on my lower lashes.

Product description from Kiko Cosmetics: Description are in Italian and were only translated in English through Google Translator. Please forgive the grammar inconsistencies.

Ultra Tech, sculpted volume mascara, lengthening and definition, with a flexible elastomer brush.

 Its short bristles, a balanced distribution, offer larger and thicker eyelashes. The longer bristles comb effect make the lashes longer, more defined and separated.

The texture, created specifically for this p[articular application, it optimizes performance, ensuring a perfect fit and extreme shine.

Availabe in black. 

This is what it looks on my lashes:

Normal lashes

Curled lashes

The result after one coat of Kiko Ultra Tech!

It looks very promising, right?  It obviously lengthened and separated my upper lashes. For the volume, it did not do any difference. I find it hard to apply on the lower lashes. The brush does not catch most of my not-so-many lower lashes.



What do I like:

• I got this for free! -- Actual price is 7.20 Euro or about Php455! This may be inexpensive for some, but for me, it's somehow fine!
• It's VERY black! -- I swatched it on my hand and this was how it looked with just one swipe.

• Waterproof -- I even tried removing the swatch above with running water. After some rubbing, it left my hand with this:

• Lengthens and separates my lashes
• Keeps the curls -- This is a huge plus since my lashes are normally pointing downwards.
• Easy to remove with an oil-based makeup remover

What I don't like:

• Not available locally
• The brush holds too much product that makes application messy
• Does not give my lashes the volume I expect -- It actually claims that it is volumizing!
• I find the brush hard to maneuver -- The description actually says that the brush is flexible which I don't feel at all!
• Very liquid formulation -- I actually like the liquid texture over the wax but this is TOO liquid!
• Smells like plastic/chemical

Will I repurchase?

No! Good thing, this is not available locally. I still love the Maybelline mascaras.

Notes:

1. I am still on the process of still giving it a chance to prove itself. It might 'work' after some more use. And giving it to others will never be an option because that is an unhygienic move (unless she will be using a disposable applicator).
2. I wipe off the excess with a tissue.
3. The drying time is about 30-45 seconds so I have to have my eyes halfway close until it dries, or else, it will leave me mascara marks on my upper and lower lash line areas.
4. Wiggling the wand when applying will further help separate the lashes.

For more information about the Kiko Ultra Tech Waterproof Mascara, click here or just visit their website at http://www.kikocosmetics.com.

What mascara do you use? :)