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!