Pretty Pretty Pretty

Free sample: Lancome Mascara May 27, 2008

I clipped a coupon from a magazine that let me get a 2ml sample of mascara from a Lancome counter. When I presented the coupon to the lovely Lancome lady, she generously gave me two to try.

The first is the Virtuose, which got good reviews on Totalbeauty.com. It promises 6 times the volume.

The other is Hypnose, which also got good reviews. It promises 100 Degree Lash Curve with Divine Length All Day. CurlGuard formula lengthens and holds a divine lash curve for up to 12 hours. The KeepCurl brush provides an outstanding eyelash curler effect.

So I road tested them for you. Here’s me with no mascara:

Here’s me with the Virtuose on the left and Hypnose on the right.

                                          LEFT: Virtuose                        RIGHT: Hypnose          

Method: I applied the mascaras to each side for approx. the same amount of time using the same application method (straight up from roots to ends, over and over), and under the same conditions (slightly steamy bathroom, clean eyes).

Verdict: The Virtuose certainly does curl lashes - I was surprised at this actually, because I’m dubious of such claims. And it goes on nicely, no clumping. The curved applicator is a bit hard to get used to though.

The Hypnose is a bit disappointing. It’s super clumpy, as you can see from the picture. So difficult to tell if the ‘6 times the volume’ claim is true (even if I could measure it). And it was a bit messy - I ended up with black bits on my eye lids.

I slept in both mascaras (in the name of science) and they both lasted really well - no smudging over night. The Hypnose is probably the most water resistant as it was difficult to remove even with eye make-up remover.

I like my current brand of mascara, but if I wanted curly lashes in a flash I’d go for the Virtuose.

Maybe you could be cheeky and ask for one of these samples without the coupon thing I clipped from a magazine. It’s worth try!