Do you guys believe in karma? I do and the fed ex package that arrived today certainly proves it. Back in 2004 my dear friend and beauty snob Jessica brought home, amongst many other beauty treasures, a tube of mascara from Tokyo that had me hooked from the first swipe. It instantly lengthened and thickened my puny lashes, making them flirty and long. The formulation has little tiny fibers that bind with your lashes and extends them for miles. It's also smudgeproof so you don't suffer from the Tara Reid raccoon eye syndrome at the end of the night. Of course I am able to only replenish this amazing mascara once a year or so when Asian relatives visit so I save it for date nights with my hubby or for parties.
So where am I going with this very long tale? (Kelly always says I am too long winded) Last week I received an email as I often do from cosmetic reps offering to send me a sample of a new mascara called Fiberwig. I of course accepted (without making the connection to my sacred mascara from Japan even though it has the same name- I have to admit I am so busy working and writing that I don't mentally process every email I read.) and it promptly arrived today. I opened the box and was a bit puzzled as to why the tube looked so familiar to me since it was new, I totally had feelings of deja vu but could not place it. I looked through the press kit and only then did it hit me that it was the same mascara that I've been hoarding for years!!! So my point is? That by sharing all my beauty tips and tricks on Beauty Snob, I've racked up good karma from the beauty goddesses and my favorite hard to find products are now finding their way to ME instead of me having to hunt them down!
Let's get back to the US version of Fiberwig mascara, I was so excited that I threw my toddler in my tub so I could curl my lashes to try it out. The packaging is exactly the same except it doesn't say "deja vu" as the Japanese version does (I know, it's as if the brand is speaking directly to me). The mascara is a bit thinner but that could be because my current tube is almost a year old so it has thickened. Other than that, it was the same fabulous lengthening and thickening mascara that I love. Imju Fiberwig mascara available through Sephora in the US for $22. You must try it!
Oops, forgot to include this photo- my tube from Japan and the tube that arrived yesterday (and yes, I am aware that mascara should be thrown out every 6 months but I only use this one or twice a month so its shelf life is longer).
I actually purchased some the other day while I'm in Taiwan. I'm so glad you mentioned it because now I'm twice as excited to begin using it!
I like you long-winded. You have a charming style.
This mascara has been a bestseller in Asia for years! Thank goodness it made its way here. For Kelly who lives in California, she'd be able to get it a little cheaper at places like Marukai or even Taiwanese stores that sell Japanese stuff:)
Thanks for the love mq!
This mascara makes MILLIONS in Japan each year. Can you imagine? Now I can use it daily without abandon! Especially since my other favorite, another Japanese mascara- Awake stardom is discontinued.
I have to hand it to the Japanese when it comes to mascara, they are totally lash obsessed. Walk down the streets of Tokyo and you will see flawless skin and 10 coats of mascara on almost every single girl!
I just ordered one. Tina has never steered me wrong before and I can't wait to try this!
Nice post
my url was wrong before! Thanks, this mascara sounds great!
Thanks for another wonderful recommendation. I did some quick searches online and found only black. Is it available in dark brown too? (Black is rather harsh on my complexion).
One of my favorites as well.
There are some asian online shops where you can order it, for a cheaper price!
Julia
try this one, the black is not very harsh- I don't think it comes in dark brown.. let me check for you.
Hi, actually your infrequent use of the mascara doesn't mean it's not as bacteria-laden, or that you should replace any less frequently. The very first time you open a tube, use it on your lashes, then re-insert, the bacteria has been introduced and will start growing in the tube.
Your eyes are worth spending money on! Eye infections are not sexy!
HI Margaret- I change my Awake Stardom mascara every month (trust me, no one pampers themselves like me). If you read the article- the reason I could not change Fiberwig monthly was becuase it was not accessible to me, thus I'd keep it 6 months - a year until I could fly to Japan to buy it. Now that it is in the US, I will be changing it every month as well. Thanks.
do they have their own counter in taiwan? i must get it...where where where!
Thanks Tina, I found it locally in Singapore (yay!) It comes in black and natural brown. And you're right, the black is not harsh at all. In fact the SA told me the brown is too light to stand out much and we do want our lashes to stand out (why else would we apply mascara in the first place right).
Btw, I was told the same producer has launched another mascara that has apparently taken Japan by storm as well. It’s called Miin and it’s suppose to be super voluminous and lengthening at the same time!
I tried something similar from the "Too Faced" line and LOVE IT! Here's what the website says:
"What it is formulated to do:
This exclusive, 3D formula actually builds tubes around each lash. This " Lash Injection " has unique elastic polymers that curl, fatten, and stretch far beyond the natural lash. This adds extreme volume, curl and length for that costly lash extension look without any of the hassle, pain or commitment. . You will no longer see clumps and lumps - but long, gorgeous, fluttering, new and improved eyelashes."
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P168368&categoryId=S10510&shouldPaginate=true
How much is your @Deja ve Fiber mascara ?
This product doesn't do it for me. I've heard great reviews and that it was the #1 seller in Japan so I bought it in Taiwan 3 years ago and tried it only to be disappointed. It made my lashes fall straight back down (I'm Asian - my lashes don't curl naturally). I tried it a couple more times to no avail. I gave up and threw it away. I'm always in search of the perfect voluminous mascara!