🖌️ Focallure vs Pinkflash: My Honest Winner
Image Credit: Jeokda Official
It was a humid Tuesday morning, the kind where the air feels heavy enough to wear. I was staring into my bathroom mirror, clutching a receipt for a high-end brow pencil that cost more than my weekly coffee budget. As I applied it, the tip snapped. Just like that, twenty dollars down the drain.
That was my breaking point. I love luxury beauty—the packaging, the weight, the prestige—but my wallet and my practical side were screaming for a truce. I needed products that could survive a sweaty commute, a chaotic workday, and a sudden downpour, without requiring me to take out a loan.
Enter the world of C-Beauty (Chinese Beauty). specifically, two names that have been dominating my social media feeds: Focallure and Pinkflash. They are often seen as sister brands, yet they have distinct personalities. Focallure positions itself as the sleek, professional minimalist, while Pinkflash is the energetic, vibrant, and ultra-affordable younger sibling.
But are they actually good? Or is it just clever marketing and cute packaging?
For the past month, I ditched my luxury staples. I committed my face to the Focallure Eyebrow Pencil and the Pinkflash Mascara. I wore them to the gym, I wore them on dates, and yes, I even wore them during a tear-jerking movie marathon. Today, I am sharing every gritty detail. No filters, no sponsorship bias, just the raw truth.
🕵️♀️ The Contenders: A Deep Dive
Before we get into the performance, let's understand what we are dealing with. In the vast ocean of affordable cosmetics, knowing the nuances of the brand helps us manage expectations.
1. The Focallure Philosophy
Focallure has been around long enough to establish a reputation. They aren't just a "cheap" brand anymore; they are a "dupe" factory. Their branding often mimics high-end aesthetics—think matte black packaging, rose gold lettering, and formulations that prioritize skin-like finishes. The vibe is sophisticated economy.
2. The Pinkflash Energy
Pinkflash is loud. It’s unapologetically pink. It targets a younger demographic or those who just want makeup to be fun again. Their price points are often shockingly low, sometimes costing less than a bottle of water. This raises the question: Can something this cheap be safe and effective? (Spoiler: We will get to the ingredients later).
✏️ Round 1: Focallure Eyebrow Pencil Review
Brows are personal. Some like them fluffy and natural; others prefer carved and architectural. I sit somewhere in the middle. I want definition where I have gaps, but I don't want to look like I used a Sharpie.
Ready to try it yourself? Check the current price here:
👉 Click Here to Buy FOCALLURE Eyebrow Pencil
Texture and Application
The Focallure pencil I tested features a triangular tip. This is a crucial design choice. A fine point is great for individual hairs, but a triangular tip allows for versatility. You use the flat edge to fill large areas and the pointed corner to define the tail.
The "Wax" Factor: The texture is the most important aspect of a brow pencil. Too creamy, and it slides off your face by noon. Too hard, and you scratch your skin trying to get pigment.
Focallure hits a sweet spot, but it leans slightly towards the "harder" side. This is actually a good thing. It means the pigment is buildable. You won't accidentally draw a thick black line. You have to sketch, which mimics natural hair growth.
Longevity Test: The Gym Session
I wore this to a HIIT class. I sweat—a lot. Usually, my brows are the first casualty of cardio. Post-workout, I checked the mirror. The tail of my brow (the part drawn on bare skin, not hair) had faded by about 20%, but the main structure was intact. It didn't smudge or run down my face. For a non-luxury product, this is impressive retention.
The Shade Range
One common issue with affordable brands is the "red undertone" problem. Brown shades often oxidize into a rusty orange color. I used the Dark Brown shade. Upon application, it was a true, cool-toned brown. After six hours, it warmed up slightly but didn't turn orange. If you have jet black hair, I highly recommend going for the Grey or Ash Brown options to avoid any warmth.
👁️ Round 2: PinkFlash Mascara Review
Now, let's talk about lashes. I have straight, stubborn Asian lashes that refuse to hold a curl. Most mascaras weigh them down instantly. I went into this expecting very little from the PinkFlash Mascara.
The Wand and Formula
The PinkFlash mascara (specifically the "OhMyWink" variant) usually comes in two types: Day (lengthening) and Night (volumizing). I tested the Night/Volume version because that's the real challenge.
The wand is curved, designed to hug the lash line. The formula is fiber-rich. When you pull the wand out, you can see the tiny fibers clinging to the bristles. These fibers are meant to attach to your lashes to create artificial length.
The "Spider Leg" Situation
Here is the honest truth: You have to be careful. The formula is wet. The first coat is magic—instant lift and darkness. However, if you go in for a third coat without letting it dry, you will enter "spider leg" territory. The fibers can clump if you aren't precise.
My Tip: Wipe the excess product off the wand onto a tissue before applying. It feels wasteful, but it guarantees a separated, fluffy look.
Waterproof Claims
Is it waterproof? Yes, aggressively so. I splashed water on my face, and it didn't budge. However, this is a double-edged sword. Removing this mascara requires a dedicated oil-based makeup remover. Micellar water alone will not cut it. You will lose lashes if you rub too hard. You need to melt it off.
⚔️ The Head-to-Head Battle: Comparison Table
For those of you who skim (I see you), here is the breakdown of how these two products stack up in key categories.
| Feature | Focallure Eyebrow | PinkFlash Mascara |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Minimalist, White/Clean | Cute, Bright Pink |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 (Beginner Friendly) | 7/10 (Requires steady hand) |
| Longevity | 8 hours+ | 12 hours+ (Indestructible) |
| Removal | Easy (Cleansing Balm) | Difficult (Needs Oil) |
| Value for Money | High | Very High |
🎥 Watch It In Action
Sometimes, reading isn't enough. You need to see the pigment payoff and the wand action. Here is a fantastic demonstration that mirrors my experience with these products.
🧖♀️ My Routine: How to Make Them Last All Day
Over the weeks, I’ve developed a specific protocol to get the best out of these budget gems. If you want them to perform like luxury items, follow these steps:
For The Brows (Focallure)
- Powder First: Skincare products make your brows slippery. Before applying the pencil, dust a tiny bit of translucent powder over your eyebrows. This gives the pencil something to grip onto.
- Brush Down: Use the spoolie to brush your brow hairs downward. This reveals the upper root line.
- Define the Top: Sketch the top line of your brow first. This creates the arch.
- Fill and Fluff: Fill in the sparse areas, then brush the hairs back up to blend the pigment.
For The Lashes (Pinkflash)
- Curl Aggressively: Curl your lashes at the root, the middle, and the tip. Hold for 5 seconds each.
- The Zig-Zag: Place the PinkFlash wand at the very root of your lashes and wiggle it left and right before pulling up. This deposits volume at the base, which holds the curl up (like a scaffold).
- Focus on Tips: For the second coat, only touch the tips of the lashes to add length without adding weight to the base.
🏆 The Verdict: Who Wins?
After weeks of testing, comparing, and wearing, I have a conclusion.
If I had to choose only one product to take with me on a deserted island (assuming I want to look good for the seagulls), my winner is...
✨ The Focallure Eyebrow Pencil ✨
Here is why: While the PinkFlash mascara is incredible for the price, mascara is a product you replace every 3 months. Brow pencils are the backbone of your face structure. The Focallure pencil offers a level of control and natural finish that rivals my $25 pencils. It doesn't look cheap. It doesn't feel cheap. It is a genuine staple that I will repurchase.
However, the PinkFlash Mascara wins the "Best Bang for Your Buck" award. If you are a student or someone who goes through mascara quickly, buy three of them. Keep one in your bag, one at home, and one at your partner's place. You won't regret it.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Focallure cruelty-free?
Focallure states they are cruelty-free and do not test on animals, which is a major plus for ethical consumers looking for budget options.
Will Pinkflash mascara irritate sensitive eyes?
I have sensitive eyes and wear contact lenses. I experienced no irritation. However, because of the fibers, ensure you don't rub your eyes vigorously, as flakes falling into the eye can cause discomfort.
How long does shipping take for these products?
Since these are often shipped from overseas warehouses (China/Indonesia), it can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days depending on your location, but the savings are worth the wait.
Finding the right makeup doesn't have to bankrupt you. It's about finding the formulations that work for your skin and your lifestyle. Both Focallure and Pinkflash have proven that you don't need a luxury logo to achieve a luxury look.
Have you tried these brands? Let me know your experience in the comments below!