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!

Lancome update!

As you might remember I was off to the Lancome counter last weekend.  I had to spend $34 to qualify for the gift with purchase, which had a few products I really wanted to try.  So what did I end up with?

I went with the Effacernes Waterproof concealer!  Exciting right?  I know it isn't some beautifully colored flashy product, but I am still happy with my choice.  I have only worn it twice now, so not long enough to give a full review, but I'll keep you posted.  Of course the concealer was $31, just shy of the required amount for the gift.  I told the salesgirl that I was on a strict budget so she suggested a sharpener for $5, to take me past the $34.  I was impressed by that, because typically the salespeople won't offer those kinds of suggestions & instead try and sell you another full price product.  

Here is what was in my gift bag

Shadow quad - tiny shadows, can you see the dime for comparison!; High resolution cream; Bi-facial eye makeup remover; Lipstick in Love it! - there is a darker one you can chose if you like; Genifique serum - tiny at .25 fl oz; Hypnose drama mascara; 
Eye Kohl in black ebony; plus the two bags

All in all, I think that you get a fair number & amount of products to try.  I'm hoping not to fall in love with the Genifique because it is quite an expensive line, even though the salesgirl told me I would.  We'll see.  This promo is on until Feb 14th at Sears while supplies last. 

I'll post an update down the road & let you know my thoughts.  

Calling all Lancome users!

So here's what I know.  I have too much make-up & other beauty products, but I can't help but want more.  Every time I read a review or see a new product release, I'm convinced I have to have it.  I also know that I rarely finish anything.  How can you when you're always buying newer, shinier stuff?  

You may remember this kit I bought at Sephora, when I was in Florida.

What drew me in to this particular one, was the Lorac Perfectly Lit powder in Spotlight that I was dying to try.  (So dramatic)  The bonus was I also got to try a few products that I had been wanting, like the NARS illuminator and found some new loves as well.  

What is perfect about kits like this, is the size of the products.  I have been using a number of things from this and I'm not anywhere near finishing any of them.  

So here's what I was thinking.  I have quite a few items on my wish list or want to try list. But instead of buying them in full size, where I can I'm going to try and find these items in a kit like this.  So that not only do I get to try what I want, but I get to try other items along with it.  That way if I don't like it, or it doesn't work for me, it isn't such a hit.  

The first thing that caught my eye was this Lancome set, that comes free with any $34 purchase.  For the Canadians out there, this promo is on at Sears from Jan 21-Feb 14th, as supplies last, and the free gift is said to be valued at about $142.  

What I've wanted to try is some of the Genifique skin care & the Hypnose Drama mascara, which are both in this kit. 

What I need, is some suggestions on what to spend my $34 on.  Kim, over at Kim's Vanity just got this kit and bought the Effacernes Waterproof concealer and the Artliner eyeliner.  I don't need an eyeliner right now but I was looking at getting a concealer & wondered if any of you had also tried Maquicomplet or Flash Retouche?  

I was hoping to head over to Sears tomorrow so please forward any and all your Lancome product suggestions my way as soon as you can.  I'll do a blog post about what I end up purchasing!