Monday, March 21, 2011

Lancome product updates & drugstore dupes! Part One

Some of you may remember that I took advantage of the Lancome gift with purchase promo in February.  See my post about it here.  Here is a reminder of what I got; 




So now that I've used most of these things for a while I formed some opinions.  My primary impression is that this is a good line with some really nice products.  But the biggest surprise was that some of their products that are very similar to drugstore items I already own.  In fact, a few of them were almost identical...in my mind.  So I thought I'd offer up my impressions, along with what I think are the drugstore dupes for these products.  


First up, 
Bi-Facil Eye Make-Up Remover
About the product: Shake it up to use, non oily eye make-up remover for sensitive eyes, removes even waterproof makeup
Results: Removes eye make-up with minimum effort, not oily, does not irritate my sensitive, contact lens wearing eyes, leaves a slight residue that dissipates quickly on the skin
Cost: $34CDN for 125 ml


Compare to this drugstore alternative.... 

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover
About the product: Shake it up to use, oil free eye make-up remover, aloe & cucumber extracts  to soothe the skin, removes even waterproof makeup
Results: This feels so similar to Lancome's bi-facial that one night I had to look to see which one I used, not oily, does not irritate my eyes, leaves a slight residue that dissipates quickly on the skin
Cost: Typically less than $13CDN for for 162 ml


My pick: Neutrogena!  These two products are just too similar to me, and did basically the same job in removing my eye makeup. There was just not enough difference to justify the cost of Bi-Facil.  


Next; 
Lancome Hypnose Drama
About the product: Unique S shaped wand that is meant to wrap your entire lash line, creating definition and volume for a fuller more intense look
Results: Definitely gives some drama to your eyes & lashes appeared to have more volume, formula is quite wet and applies quite a bit of product to the lashes, no flaking, non irritating
Cost: $31CDN 


Compare to this drugstore alternative.... 

Maybelline Falsies
About the product: Unique spoon brush that is supposed to create more visible lashes corner to corner, builds volume without clumping to make lashes appear fuller
Results: Also gives some drama to your eyes & lashes appeared to have more volume, formula is quite wet & also applies quite a bit of product to the lashes, no flaking, non irritating
Cost: Varies, usually less than $10CDN








My pick: To be honest I prefer a mascara formula that isn't quite so wet, so neither would actually be my pick but I know these are much loved by many.  These also both had a tendency to clump up on me if I wasn't careful.  If I had to choose I know I'd go with The Falsies, because once again it's just not different enough to justify the cost. 


Stay tuned for part two, where I offer one more drugstore dupe, give you my thoughts on the concealer, and tell you which product I loved best!



24 comments:

  1. This is a fun post for me to read; especially since I have all the same freebies =) I wasn't blown away by the make up remover either! I didn't like the residue it left, and I preferred my $6 bottle of clean and clear makeup remover. I LOVED the Hypnose mascara though, it worked SO WELL on my lashes! I"m not a huge fan of the Falsies, but for the price, it's not so bad =P
    Can't wait for your other comparisons.

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  2. Great post! I love that you compared Lancome with drugstore products!

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  3. Kim - Well you have those big beautiful eyes so i can imagine Hypnose worked great for you! I think it was just a little too much for my lashes ;)

    Supergirl - Thanks, I love to save money if I can...who doesn't love a good dupe :)

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  4. Hi Tracy,
    Great post! I was thinking the other day that I would like to know how you store your cosmetics. Do you have any tips about organization etc?
    PS: I got the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shaodw/Liner in Gossip, and I love it!

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  5. I got the same gifts with purchase : ) I'm not a fan of the makeup remover either but I do love the mascara!

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  6. Shawna - I'm so glad you love the creaseless shadow, I'll have to check out that color! I should do a storage post (or two)...great idea :)

    Marie - So many love Hypnose, I know it's such a popular mascara!

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  7. Love these high low comparisons. $34 for make-up remover seems ridiculous (although somehow not ridiculous for a good foundation) so glad you choose the lower cost one.

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  8. Interesting post, love the comparisons! I've ehard so many great things about Bi-Facil, I'm surprised you prefer a drugstore makeup remover... that's great I guess!

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  9. Thank you for this! I actually have an off brand make-up remover similar to the Neutrogena one and it does work great and it's so gentle on the eyes.

    It is true that you can get just about the same quality of beauty products for a lot less than the higher ended brands.

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  10. Laurel - For that money it really better do something special :)

    Gaby - They are so similar that I'm sure if I were to do a blind test it would be hard to pick which was which!

    Ninni - Thanks!

    Tiffyama - That's great, I'm sure there are quite a few products that are like the Neutrogena..and for a similar price :)

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  11. Hi Tracy,

    Here's the recipe for the Quinoa Salad:

    http://www.canadianliving.com/food/quinoa_and_chickpea_salad_with_tomato_vinaigrette.php

    It's soooo good! Enjoy!

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  12. Nice post!
    I love the Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover too-I never buy a high end one.

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  13. Thanks for showing us the dupey dupes. I have bought Lancome mascaras before but they didnt do anything for me

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  14. Thanks Marie..can't wait to make that!

    Tracy - Just not worth it is it? Or at least I haven't found one that is.

    Ling - Thanks for the comment, I love reading about dupes too..who doesn't love saving money :)

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  15. Interesting, I've never tried the Falsies mascara. Do you have ELF where you are? I was shocked, tried their eye shadow and lip gloss (which are $1US!) and I love them. So fun when something cheap works out.

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  16. Kerri - LOVE ELF! I did a two part favourite ELF products post a while back...I need to update it, but they have some great stuff in their line :)

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  17. Thanks for the review and dupe! I have not used any of my lancome items except the foundation and concealer. I feel so behind.

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  18. Pam - Don't feel behind because I was right there with you until this gift promo..it's been years since I've used any Lancome!

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  19. I'm almost out of my Bi-Facil and really wanted to find a cheaper dupe, so this post is excellent! Thanks! :D

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  20. Great review, I've been giving the falsies a try and it's not my favorite either! xo

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  21. Hi Taj - Glad to hear I'm not the only one, it was just to wet for me :)

    888 - Great, I hope you like the Neutrogena if you decide to try it!

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  22. I like how you've made comparisons with drugstore products! Very helpful. Thanks for sharing! Xo

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  23. Love the dupes and the falsies!!! As you know- it's still my fave mascara :)

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