JAPAN HAUL 2025 (REVIEWED IN 2026) | OPERA MASCARA + CANMAKE QUICK LASH CURLER

Everyone is on the hunt for the best mascara, at least I am. Years ago, I searched for "the best mascara for Asian lashes," and Opera My Lash appeared on several lists. When I saw it in Japan, I picked it up on a whim. I don't even remember what I paid for it, but I'm sure it's cheaper than the $17 it's listed for on Stylevana. Ah, yes, the weak yen of March/April 2025.

"This product is a mascara that enhances your natural beauty by creating standout, natural-looking lashes. It features a new formula that provides natural length without the need for a lash extender. The brush has been designed to be slimmer, allowing it to easily reach the root and crease of your lashes, separating them one by one. This mascara can be removed with warm water without smudging, ensuring a clean and quick look." -Google

Whoever put this on the list doesn't have Asian lashes, or at least, we don't have the same lashes. They must have elite Asian lashes that hold a curl even with non-waterproof mascaras. 

I've got my curl routine down pat. The secret is a portable lash curler. Here's a picture for those who don't know the marvel that is a portable lash curler. Thank you to my previous coworker for putting me on. She had great makeup, so she knew what was up.

The curve of the curler is flatter, which works well with my eyeshape. There are no bars on the side, so it gets all the lashes in my inner and outer corners. The only drawback is that the plastic (the part that is pressed against the pad) is sharp and hurts when you accidentally pinch your eyelid. It takes some practice and care to curl your lashes, but the results are excellent.

It's most definitely not the curl technique that's the issue. The curl technique works fine with all other waterproof mascaras.

One swipe and it looks like I used clear mascara. I get they're advertised as natural-looking, but this is too natural. I had to use the ol' blinking method to build up color, volume, and length. It coats the lashes fairly evenly, and there is decent volume, but having them sag defeats all these pros. I end up looking crazy. My lashline looks like uneven tightlining. I don't need a mascara to create a bad eyeliner look. I am perfectly capable of achieving that with my eyeliner skills!

The mascara wand coats the lashes without too much clumping. While each lash follicle looks thicker, it's not a sleek volume. My lashes look a little flaky and powdery. Since it's not a waterproof mascara, the powder on your lashes will fall onto your undereyes. Luckily, I didn't have raccoon eyes, despite having oily eyelids, so that's another pro. Another pro is that this mascara dries soft and fluffy. With certain waterproof mascaras, my lashes end up feeling super dry and crunchy. When I blink, I feel it: sensory overload. It feels like ripping velcro apart, and I don't apply mascara onto my bottom lashes! The lengthening effects weren't that noticeable. 

Super disappointed. Why are my Asian sisters lying to me?