Review: Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing

This mascara is the one from Fall 2008, and would be the newest MJMJ Mascara if they didn't launch a Neo Expander Frame Plus this spring. It's the first non-fibre Majolica Majorca mascara that they've launched as well.

Retailing for about 9USD, I'd waited with high hopes for this one. The Lash Expander Neo had been OK, doing a better job of lengthening than volumizing as it then gave me clumped up lashes. So when I received this, I immediately chucked the Neo in the bin as it was impossible to get off.

In comparision to the Neo, it's vastly different. Firstly, the Neo has a comb applicator, while Lash Gorgeous Wing (LGW) has a regular, 'old school' spoolie wand.



And with a different wand comes a different application technique. While with Neo I had to keep 'combing' my lashes with the wand, I apply LGW the 'normal' way. Unfortunately.....It doesn't do much. It's the most natural mascara ever. Well, that would be OK for natural days, I thought. I kept layering...and layering...

My lashes just looked like normal, with maybe a tiny bit of definition. I didn't even bother taking a picture of *that*. But, over the Majolica Majorca Lash Base with a white cap and tube, its a whole different story.

Bare lashes:



Curled, With Base, With LGW:



As you can see, it is definetly better with the base. Application using base:
1. Curl Lashes.
2. Comb base over lashes, one or two coats.
3. Without letting the base dry, wiggle LGW's wand up and out through lashes.

Voila! It was pretty fancy this way. And the curl did hold up well through a 12-hour day! Bonus points.
Although, it is quite the hassle. I only bother to wear this mascara (because it only works with this application) when I have the time. On weekdays, I much prefer Imju Fiberwig (review coming soon!)

I think the main focus of this mascara was more for length than volume. As you can see from the pictures, there's more length than volume anyways--so if they were going for volume they should tweak the formula. I don't mind though, since I prefer length over volume.

This mascara is housed, like the other MJMJ mascaras, in a black tube, with gold / bronze patterns on it. I really like that they make the effort to have it look pretty, (Cough Maybelline) and the wand isn't hard to hold at all (COUGH Lash Blast!) while you apply. I also have to note that the first time I pulled the wand out, I thought there was nothing in the tube! It really is a dry mascara.

Now, the part that I was praying would be easy: The removal!
Well ladies (and gentlemen?), it's really easy to take off! Sigh of relief! I just rub Shu cleansing oil, keep rubbing, and little by little add water until its gone. MUCH better than Neo!

All in all, if you are willing to go the distance and use this over a base, it's for you. Or, if you've been looking for the most natural mascara ever, this is also for you. Me, on the other hand, I'll use it up faithfully, but won't repurchase.