Kissme Heroine
Kissme Heroine Make is the eye makeup sub-line from Japan's Kissme brand, built around one obsession: mascaras and eyeliners that hold through sweat, humidity, and long days without flaking or smearing. The line is best known in Japan for its Long & Curl mascaras, which combine film-forming polymers with a curved brush to lift and extend lashes without stiffness. Alongside the mascaras, the range includes liquid eyeliners with precision tips, eyelash serums for conditioning between heavy mascara days, and a speedy remover designed to dissolve film-type formulas cleanly. With 20+ products covering every step of the eye makeup routine, this is a focused Japanese collection for people who want serious waterproof performance.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
Buying guide
Kissme Heroine Make: Complete Eye Makeup Guide
Kissme Heroine Make has a cult reputation in Japan for one thing above all: mascaras that genuinely do not budge. The "Rich" and "Super Waterproof" formulas in the line use film-forming technology that has been refined over years to deliver long lashes that hold curl, resist humidity, and come off cleanly with a dedicated remover - not by scrubbing. This guide covers the full Heroine Make range, how the technology works, and how to build a routine from this collection.
What the Heroine Make line is built around
Kissme launched the Heroine Make sub-brand as a premium mascara line specifically engineered for Japanese summer humidity - a market where conventional waterproof mascaras were known to run on the subway or at the beach. The development focus was film-forming polymers that coat and seal individual lashes in a flexible film rather than just a wax-thickened layer.
A film-type mascara behaves differently from a conventional waterproof formula. It does not use waxes that soften with sweat; instead, it forms a breathable polymer film on each lash that is moisture-resistant but not sealed against removal. The dedicated remover (warm water, oil-based, or Heroine Make's own Speedy Mascara Remover) dissolves the film without requiring friction, which means less damage to the lashes over time.
The Heroine Make range has since expanded beyond mascaras to include eyeliners, serums, and removers - all designed to work together within the same eye makeup philosophy of performance-first formulas that protect the lashes rather than just coat them.
The Heroine Make mascara range: which to choose
With over 20 products in the Heroine Make collection on skinsli, several mascara variants stand out for different lash goals:
Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Super Waterproof
The most iconic product in the line. The name is accurate: the formula lifts, curls, and extends in a single pass, and the Super Waterproof designation means the film holds under swimming and heavy sweat conditions. Best for lashes that need curl retention throughout the day and resist the drooping that regular waterproof formulas allow by hour four.
Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Advanced Film
A newer iteration of the core formula with a refined brush shape and an updated film polymer. The Advanced Film dries slightly faster and the film is more uniform across the lash. Good choice for fine lashes that previously found the Super Waterproof formula slightly heavy.
Heroine Make Mascara EX (Long Volume Tack and Volume & Curl variants)
The EX line focuses on volume alongside length. The brush head is wider, depositing more formula per pass for a thicker result. Tack 1 refers to the grip level of the formula - it catches onto lash fibers more aggressively for building up volume in fewer coats. Volume & Curl EX is the rounder, more lifted version in the same EX family.
Heroine Makeup Mascara EX range
Note the slight naming difference: Heroine Makeup (with "up") vs Heroine Make. Both are from Kissme and use compatible technology, but the Makeup sub-line tends to have slightly different brush geometries and shade options. If you are starting with the line, "Heroine Make" with the classic Long & Curl is the safer entry point.
Eyeliners in the Heroine Make range
The eyeliners in this collection follow the same waterproof-performance priority as the mascaras.
Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner P
A felt-tip liquid liner with a 0.4 ml formula. The brush tip is tapered to a fine point, making it suitable for close-to-lash application and tight lines as well as bolder strokes. The "Smooth" name refers to the glide of the tip - it does not drag or skip even at the inner corner. Formula dries quickly and resists smudging on the upper lid.
Heroine Make Prime Liquid Eyeliner Rich Kiptack
A step up in intensity from the standard Smooth Liner. The Rich Kiptack formula has deeper pigment and a slightly tackier dry-down that grips to the skin rather than sitting on top of it. Better for oily eyelids or for liner worn without eye primer. The term Kiptack is Kissme's designation for this adhesion technology.
Eyelash serums: EX and Watery variants
Frequent mascara use - especially film-type waterproof formulas - removes more of the lash's natural moisture and lipids during the mechanical removal process. Kissme addresses this with two lash serums in the Heroine Make line:
Heroine Make Eyelash Serum EX
A 5.5 ml conditioning serum designed to be applied along the lash line and onto the lashes themselves before bed. Contains peptides and conditioning agents to reduce brittleness from mascara use. The EX label indicates a higher concentration formula than the original version.
Heroine Make Watery Eyelash Serum
A lighter-weight serum with a more aqueous texture, suitable for daytime use or under mascara as a conditioning base coat. The watery consistency does not affect mascara application or hold, but regular use between mascara days noticeably improves lash flexibility and reduces fallout.
Both serums are applied with a mascara-wand applicator to the base of the upper and lower lashes. They are most effective used consistently three to five nights per week rather than occasionally.
How to remove Heroine Make film-type mascara
Film-type mascaras require a different removal approach than wax-based formulas. The key insight: do not scrub. Scrubbing a film-type mascara spreads the polymer fragments rather than dissolving them, and the mechanical friction is what causes lash loss.
Using the Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover
The dedicated remover (6.6 ml) uses an oil-based solvent that dissolves the film formula specifically. Soak a cotton pad, hold it against the closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds, then gently slide downward. The film detaches in sheets rather than smearing. A single pass is usually enough; if residue remains, a second 20-second soak removes it completely.
Using warm water (film-only mascaras)
Some film-type mascaras are formulated to dissolve in warm water alone - check the product packaging. If the formula responds to warm water, a warm face cloth held against closed eyes for 30 seconds, then a gentle downward stroke, is sufficient. Do not use hot water, which can sensitize the eye area.
Using standard cleansing oil
A gentle cleansing oil or micellar oil cleanse also removes film-type mascaras effectively. Apply to dry eyes, massage lightly along the lash line, then rinse. Avoid oil cleansers that foam aggressively before the oil has had time to break down the mascara film.
Application techniques for Heroine Make mascara
Film-type mascaras have a slightly different application rhythm from conventional mascaras. A few techniques optimize the result:
- Start with a dry wand: wipe the wand on the inside of the tube neck before applying. Excess formula causes clumping with film-type mascaras more than with wax formulas.
- Base coat first for volume: apply the first coat horizontally from base to tip, let it dry for 15 to 20 seconds, then apply the second coat at a slight angle. Film polymers layer well between coats once the first coat has started to set.
- Use a lash comb between coats: separate lashes while the first coat is still slightly tacky using a metal lash comb. The film will not transfer to the comb if you comb from base upward in a single sweep.
- Do not touch before dry: film-type mascaras smudge easily in the first 60 seconds. Let the formula dry fully before blinking aggressively or touching the eye area.
A daily and night routine with Heroine Make
Morning eye routine
- Apply Watery Eyelash Serum as a conditioning base coat, let it dry fully (30 seconds).
- Apply Smooth Liquid Eyeliner P along the lash line.
- Apply Long & Curl Mascara Super Waterproof in two coats, comb between coats.
Evening routine
- Soak cotton pad in Speedy Mascara Remover, hold against closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Gentle downward slide - film detaches cleanly.
- Complete the rest of your cleanse, then apply Eyelash Serum EX along the lash line and onto lashes before sleeping.
The serum-on-nights strategy works because the lashes are undisturbed for six to eight hours after application, which is the optimal window for conditioning ingredients to penetrate the lash fiber.
Kissme in the context of Japanese eye makeup
Kissme is owned by Ito Cosmetics, a Japanese cosmetics company that has been producing eye makeup since the 1950s. The brand built its reputation on mascaras and eyeliners designed for the specific demands of Japanese consumers: high humidity resistance, fine lash applicators suited for almond-shaped eyes, and formulas that perform under the condition that Japanese summers impose.
The Heroine Make sub-line, launched in the 2000s, became particularly popular as the cult waterproof mascara for people who had given up on conventional formulas after repeated disappointments. The film technology it pioneered is now common across Japanese mass-market mascaras, but Heroine Make remains the reference product that others are judged against.
On skinsli, the Kissme segment is part of the J-Beauty collection - products from Japanese beauty brands that focus on performance rather than trend, and that have developed specific technologies for real-world wearability.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is film-type mascara technology and why does it matter?
Film-type mascaras coat each lash in a flexible polymer film rather than a wax layer. The film is moisture-resistant - it does not soften with sweat or humidity the way wax formulas do - but it dissolves cleanly with warm water or a dedicated oil-based remover. The practical benefit is mascara that stays on all day without flaking or running, then comes off with minimal friction, which means less lash stress and loss over time compared to scrubbing off a waterproof wax formula.
What is the difference between the Long & Curl Super Waterproof and Advanced Film mascaras?
Both use film technology and both provide strong waterproof performance. The Super Waterproof has a slightly heavier formula optimized for extreme conditions like swimming or heavy sweating. The Advanced Film uses a refined polymer generation that dries faster and distributes more evenly - it is often preferred for fine lashes that find the Super Waterproof formula slightly too much. If you swim or work outdoors, Super Waterproof; if you want everyday waterproof with a more comfortable formula, Advanced Film.
How do I remove Heroine Make waterproof mascara without damaging my lashes?
Use the Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover or a gentle oil-based cleanser. Soak a cotton pad, press it against your closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds to let the oil dissolve the film, then slide downward gently - do not rub. The film detaches in one piece rather than smearing. Avoid micellar water for film mascaras; it is not effective enough and you will end up scrubbing, which is what damages lashes. Some Heroine Make film mascaras also respond to warm water alone - check the individual product packaging.
Can I use the Heroine Make Eyelash Serum under or over mascara?
The Watery Eyelash Serum can be used as a conditioning base coat before mascara - apply, let it dry fully (about 30 seconds), then apply mascara on top. It does not significantly affect mascara performance or hold. The Eyelash Serum EX is a leave-in treatment designed for nighttime use only, not as a mascara base. Use the EX serum after removing makeup, along the lash line and onto the lashes, before sleeping.
What does Kiptack mean on the Heroine Make Prime Liquid Eyeliner?
Kiptack is Kissme's proprietary term for an adhesion technology in their eyeliner formulas. It refers to a slightly tackier dry-down that grips the skin rather than sitting on top of it. Practical effect: the liner resists transfer, smudging, and creasing better than standard liquid liners, particularly on oily eyelids. If you have trouble with liner migrating into the crease during the day, the Rich Kiptack formula is worth trying.
How many coats of Heroine Make mascara should I apply?
For most lash types, two coats is the practical limit before film-type mascaras start to feel heavy. Apply the first coat from root to tip, let it dry for 15 to 20 seconds, then apply the second coat. A lash comb between coats separates any clusters. If you want more volume, use the EX Volume variant which deposits more formula per pass rather than adding a third coat of a lengthening formula - extra coats of film mascara without drying time between them tend to clump rather than build.
Where is Kissme Heroine Make made?
Kissme is a Japanese brand owned by Ito Cosmetics, a company that has produced eye makeup in Japan since the 1950s. Heroine Make products are manufactured in Japan. All Kissme products on skinsli are sourced from authorized Japanese distributors and are the same products sold in Japanese retail. Packaging is in Japanese; product information on skinsli is translated for reference.
Are Heroine Make mascaras suitable for sensitive eyes?
Heroine Make mascaras are generally well-regarded in the Japanese market for eye compatibility - the film technology avoids some of the sensitizing wax and solvent combinations found in Western waterproof formulas. However, the brand does not make a specific ophthalmologist-tested or hypoallergenic claim for the Heroine Make line. If you have known sensitivity to fragrance or specific film-forming polymers, patch-test on the inner wrist before use, and check the full ingredient list on the product page.
The Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover is only 6.6 ml - is that enough?
For a single removal session you use roughly 0.5 to 1 ml on a cotton pad. At that rate, a 6.6 ml bottle covers six to twelve full removal sessions. If you wear mascara daily, a single bottle lasts one to two weeks. The small format is designed for portability - it fits in a makeup bag alongside travel-size products. For regular home use, having two or three bottles at once avoids running out, or pair with a standard cleansing oil as a backup remover.
Does skinsli carry other Japanese eye makeup brands alongside Kissme?
Skinsli focuses primarily on Korean beauty brands, but the J-Beauty segment includes a selection of Japanese performance-focused products like the Kissme Heroine Make range. The collection is curated toward products with strong wearability credentials rather than trend-driven makeup. If you are looking to expand your Japanese eye makeup routine, the Kissme collection on skinsli is a natural starting point - the Heroine Make line covers mascara, liner, serum, and remover as a complete eye system.