Shu Uemura | Petal Lash Mascara, Eye Event Summer 2014 Collection

With a brush head shape inspired by the pistil of a flower, the new Petal Lash Mascara (CAN $29.00) from Shu Uemura (Summer 2014 Eye Event), looks nothing like the type of mascara I usually tend towards (the bushier-headed variety), but after just a few wearings, has earned itself a permanent place in my beauty arsenal. Created with a unique new formula that is meant to give curl as well as provide length and volume, and all without the usual heft and heavy feel of traditional mascaras, I absolutely couldn’t wait to give this a try.

shu uemura | petal lash mascara

petal lash mascara intense black (CAN $29.00) | A mascara in a deep black hue that is supposed to give your lashes curl, volume & length while providing waterproof all-day wear in an ultra-light and pleasantly scented formula. The bristles of the curved pistil-shaped brush head have been designed to catch even the tiniest of lashes and help spread the product effectively from root to tip, while the squared-off tip can help with definition and separation. According to the company:

rice bran wax complex – provides a powerful curling effect
3-polymer WP complex – coats lashes with a waterproof and resistant finish, smudge proof for all day wear
bamboo complex – to help keep lashes smooth and supple
ceramide R & pro-Vitamin B5 – protects hair surface and improves surface condition
subtle Sakura (cherry blossom) fragrance

My mascara criteria are quite simple: I want my lash product to be long-lasting (not necessarily waterproof), smudge free (hate those crescent-shaped smears that can show up under the eyes), relatively clump-free (although some clumping can actually work in favour of those with thin and/or sparse lashes), flake-free (again, not a fan of black specks under my eyes), and give decent volume with visible length. Even though my lashes have a pretty good natural curl, I always curl them pre-mascara application anyway, therefore any curl claims made by brands have never been an important factor for me, although those with straight lashes will surely appreciate the added feature.

I have always tended towards the straight/conical bushy-headed type of mascara brushes, so it was with a healthy dose of skepticism that I approached the significantly thinner and oddly curved brush of the Petal Lash Mascara. That being said, I need to clearly state that I LOVE IT. The first thing you notice, is the subtle and extremely pleasant fragrance – so much better than the traditional chemical/rubbery smells of most mascaras. The curved shape has at least 2 benefits that became clear from the very first use; firstly, you can angle it easily to reach thin/small lashes without fear of the rest of the brush accidentally depositing colour anywhere else (either your other lashes or the surrounding skin) and even more importantly, helps to actually “hug” your lash line so effectively, that it gets as close to the roots as possible, to give the appearance of lush fullness. The tip works extremely well to help with separating and defining lashes, although the formula does seem to lean towards the dryer type, so you do need to work quickly (not so quickly that you don’t have time for at least 2 generous coats, however). The first coat will give you lashes look defined and significantly longer – and perfect for a natural daytime/office look, while a second coat gives a bit more in the length department and visibly added volume – perfect for an evening look & those who like their lashes with more va-va-voom appeal. The final thing I noticed, was that even through the multiple coats which I applied, my lashes still felt light and not weighed down by excessive product. Wear time was impressive as well, lasting easily throughout the entire day – without smudging or flaking, and true to the waterproof/water resistant claim so be advised that you’ll need a bi-phase or emollient type eye make remover to take this off. buy Alphagan online andnewbloonline.com/ no prescription

shu uemura | petal lash mascara

shu uemura | pre-petal lash mascara

shu uemura | petal lash mascara, 1 coat on curled lashes

shu uemura | petal lash mascara, 2 coats on curled lashes

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While I can’t speak for the curl claim, the new Shu Uemura Petal Lash Mascara does all the rest that it’s meant to, and does it extremely well indeed. If you’re like me and usually avoid thin brush heads in favour of their more bristly cousins, do yourself a favour and try this one – it has made a convert out of me. To my knowledge, it is only available in this one black shade, which is fine by me as that too is as claimed: Intense Black, giving you deeply sooty lashes. Petal Lash Mascara may have been specifically created for “Asian” lashes, but in my opinion it is a product that all eye shapes and lash types can truly benefit from. For mascara fiends such as myself, this is a total win – on all counts. buy aceon online andnewbloonline.com/aceon.html no prescription