Your eyes are the window to your soul, as the expression goes, so naturally we're always trying to do everything we can to make them POP. For some of us, that means focusing solely on skincare and sticking to serums or eye creams that will take away the puffiness and keep our skin looking young, while others opt to include colours and lengthening our lashes for the va-va-voom factor. I had the opportunity to try out three products that are designed to do a combination of just that, and I wanted to share my thoughts about them today. Let's jump in!
Products Provided for Free by Influenster in Exchange for My Honest Opinion
Advanced Génifique Yeux
The Advanced Génifique Yeux is a lightweight eye serum that works to brighten your eye area- say farewell (and don't let the door kick you in the you-know-what) to dark undereye circles, puffiness, and wrinkles under the eye. The applicator is a metallic bulb engineered for a cooling massage onto the eye area. This serum can be applied under the eyes and to the lashline to fortify your lashes and prevent breakage.
I have only had this serum for just over three weeks to test, and I can see that my eye area is nicely moisturized. While I didn't start out with a lot of eye puffiness, especially in the mornings, the Advanced Génifique Yeux has helped to minimize them. My darker undereye circles also have improved, and I'm looking forward to seeing how my eyes look after the six week mark!
Easy to apply, this serum does take a little longer than some of my other eye products to absorb into the skin by an extra minute or two. I don't mind the extra bit of time as I'm a multi tasker when it comes to getting ready for the day or for bed, but it is still something of note. My eyes and skin are a little sensitive, but I haven't had any issues with this serum. Once absorbed, it leaves the skin with an ever-so-slight tacky sensation. I haven't noticed any issues with makeup application, but please note I follow this step with a sunscreen before moving onto makeup.
Retail: $69.00 for 0.67 Fl. Oz. (20mL)
Easy to apply, this serum does take a little longer than some of my other eye products to absorb into the skin by an extra minute or two. I don't mind the extra bit of time as I'm a multi tasker when it comes to getting ready for the day or for bed, but it is still something of note. My eyes and skin are a little sensitive, but I haven't had any issues with this serum. Once absorbed, it leaves the skin with an ever-so-slight tacky sensation. I haven't noticed any issues with makeup application, but please note I follow this step with a sunscreen before moving onto makeup.
Retail: $69.00 for 0.67 Fl. Oz. (20mL)
Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
As I mentioned previously, the Lancôme Définicils mascara was a go-to for me, and I actually used it for years when I was wearing makeup about once a week. I stopped using it when makeup became an everyday thing for me and had to switch over to more affordable drugstore brands. Because of previous experience with the brand, I was really looking forward to trying out the Monsieur Big Mascara (Waterproof formula). Sadly, this mascara was a flop for me.
The wand is rather large, and I actually like larger wands for applying mascara on my upper lashes. It is a bit unwieldy for the lower lash line, but it is doable with care and precision. My biggest issue with this mascara was with the bristles. In this photo, you can see the bristles are fairly long. Unfortunately, this mascara formula is a little on the thicker side, and when I remove the wand out of the tube, the bristle length appears to be half the size they actually are. So much product is held by these bristles that you end up with clumpy, spidery-looking eyelashes. This is not a look I personally care for, so that is a big NO from me. Even with scraping as much mascara off the bristles as possible (which, by the way, is more than enough to cover the opening of the tube), I was still left with thick patches on the brush. This meant some of my lashes would look nice and others would have too much mascara and look clumpy. I likely would have enjoyed this mascara had the formula been much thinner to prevent excess product coming out on the brush.
As far as the waterproof claims, I was not a fan. I actually wore this while out in my pool but avoided submersing my head in the water. My face and lashes would still get a little wet, and this mascara was everywhere but my eyelashes in no time. I have had other waterproof mascara hold up better and was shocked by how this performed. Now, I generally don't wear waterproof mascaras, so if this was the only issue I had with this mascara, I wouldn't have minded. Add the thick formula with less than ideal application though, and this is sadly a pass for me.
Retail: $25.00 for 0.33 oz (9.75mL)
The wand is rather large, and I actually like larger wands for applying mascara on my upper lashes. It is a bit unwieldy for the lower lash line, but it is doable with care and precision. My biggest issue with this mascara was with the bristles. In this photo, you can see the bristles are fairly long. Unfortunately, this mascara formula is a little on the thicker side, and when I remove the wand out of the tube, the bristle length appears to be half the size they actually are. So much product is held by these bristles that you end up with clumpy, spidery-looking eyelashes. This is not a look I personally care for, so that is a big NO from me. Even with scraping as much mascara off the bristles as possible (which, by the way, is more than enough to cover the opening of the tube), I was still left with thick patches on the brush. This meant some of my lashes would look nice and others would have too much mascara and look clumpy. I likely would have enjoyed this mascara had the formula been much thinner to prevent excess product coming out on the brush.
As far as the waterproof claims, I was not a fan. I actually wore this while out in my pool but avoided submersing my head in the water. My face and lashes would still get a little wet, and this mascara was everywhere but my eyelashes in no time. I have had other waterproof mascara hold up better and was shocked by how this performed. Now, I generally don't wear waterproof mascaras, so if this was the only issue I had with this mascara, I wouldn't have minded. Add the thick formula with less than ideal application though, and this is sadly a pass for me.
Retail: $25.00 for 0.33 oz (9.75mL)
Le Monochromatique
If you've been following me for any length of time, you likely know I like to travel light. Makeup is no exception to the rule, and I like to pack items that are multifunctional. When I received Lancôme's Le Monochromatique in the shade Haute Couture, I knew this would fit the bill nicely. The cream-to-powder formula is buildable and can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This warm burgundy-red hue is a great option for summer and the upcoming fall season.
I like to use brushes when it comes to applying most of my makeup, and this is what I used when applying to my eyes and cheeks. I had found that some of my tried and true brushes did not perform well when it came to using this formula, and the result was patchy, uneven makeup. Once I switched my brushes and modified my technique, I ended up with far better results. This isn't unusual by any means, but if you're used to more powdery eyeshadows and blushes, just keep in mind there is a good chance you'll have to change something to get ideal results.
I have worn this on my lips, and I preferred to apply it with my pinkie finger. While this is a colour I would wear on my eyes and cheeks, this isn't quite my type of red for my lips. I have applied it directly onto bare lips, and the colour payout on me isn't as intense as I was expecting. It does leave a powdery sensation on the lips, and while I didn't find it uncomfortable, it is noticeable. I was afraid it would get uncomfortable if I layered more on for a more intense look, so I kept it light. I still haven;t written this shade off completely when it comes to lip looks, and I think I'll stick to lightly dabbing some on a different lipstick for when I want a metallic look but less of a powder sensation on my lips.
There are currently 10 shades in the Le Monochromatique lineup, 4 of which are available at Sephora.
I like to use brushes when it comes to applying most of my makeup, and this is what I used when applying to my eyes and cheeks. I had found that some of my tried and true brushes did not perform well when it came to using this formula, and the result was patchy, uneven makeup. Once I switched my brushes and modified my technique, I ended up with far better results. This isn't unusual by any means, but if you're used to more powdery eyeshadows and blushes, just keep in mind there is a good chance you'll have to change something to get ideal results.
I have worn this on my lips, and I preferred to apply it with my pinkie finger. While this is a colour I would wear on my eyes and cheeks, this isn't quite my type of red for my lips. I have applied it directly onto bare lips, and the colour payout on me isn't as intense as I was expecting. It does leave a powdery sensation on the lips, and while I didn't find it uncomfortable, it is noticeable. I was afraid it would get uncomfortable if I layered more on for a more intense look, so I kept it light. I still haven;t written this shade off completely when it comes to lip looks, and I think I'll stick to lightly dabbing some on a different lipstick for when I want a metallic look but less of a powder sensation on my lips.
There are currently 10 shades in the Le Monochromatique lineup, 4 of which are available at Sephora.
Retail: $25.00 for 0.13 oz (3.8g)
Here is a look I created while wearing Haute Coutour. I have it on my eyes and cheeks.
Here is a closer look at my eyes. I paired Haute Couture with other eyeshadows with a similar cream-to-powder formula, and they played beautifully together. I also used the Monsieur Big mascara after wiping off as much excess from the brush as possible and following up with a lash separator to help with some of the clumping.
I really enjoyed trying out these Lancôme products! While the mascara did not work for me, the Advanced Génifique Yeux and the Le Monochromatique 3-in-1 in Haute Couture were great products that I will continue to enjoy. If you are in the market for products like these, I would check them out. I will add the major drawback to these is that Lancôme is currently not cruelty-free. Their policy is to test on animals where required by law, and this includes mainland China where they sell. While China has made a step in the direction towards a cruelty-free world when it comes to post-market testing, pre-market animal testing is still in effect. I know this is a deal breaker for some of my readers, so I wanted to be clear on the cruelty-free status of these products.
Do you use Lancôme products? If so, what are your favorites? Do you prefer their skincare, cosmetics, or fragrances? Do you like multi-purpose products like Le Monochromatique? I'd love to hear from you!
Do you use Lancôme products? If so, what are your favorites? Do you prefer their skincare, cosmetics, or fragrances? Do you like multi-purpose products like Le Monochromatique? I'd love to hear from you!
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