RRP: £27.50 Number of shades available: 18 --What does the promo say?-- "Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation.
Lancôme`s Teint Idole Ultra 24H offers long-wear and comfort more than
any other foundation. Following 8
years of research, Lancôme unveils its first 24h wear foundation for
lasting perfection. For all skin types, it offers full coverage while continuing to hydrate. Teint Idole Ultra 24H remains retouch-free,
providing a flawless looking, even complexion with a velvety-smooth,
shine-free finish."
--Packaging-- An opaque glass bottle which gives a classy finish, making you feel that already you've got what you paid for. This is complemented by raised dark writing which doesn't fade from the bottle, and a tough black plastic lid that's topped off with the signature Lancome flower. The bottle is pump-action operated.
--Application-- One pump of the bottle will do your whole face with the 5p-size amount it dispenses. A little goes a very long way and your face will be camera-ready in no time.
--Appearance-- I use the palest colour available, and it works brilliantly for me. To be honest, the sheer range of shades available as you start to pay more is the main reason why I advise people to scale up and invest in their choice of base, regardless of what brand they choose. People simply get fed up with only having choices of 2-4 shades at the cheaper end of the market, and by offering a wide selection, Lancome ensures that it will keep its customers whose skin tones can prove trickier to match at times.
--Coverage-- Excellent. Despite being advertised as full coverage, it doesn't weigh heavily on the skin at all, and it lasts and lasts, generally covering blemishes very well while providing a natural finish that doesn't look caked on. It was my choice for my wedding day and it left me with no regrets. --Texture and consistency-- Glides on smoothly, is not sticky or overly runny, and does not irritate. A top product in every respect. --Value for money-- While the price tag may make you initially suck your teeth in, my bottle has lasted me well over a year, even with near-continuous use. This longevity along with the photo-ready finish that the product provides is what makes it worthy of repurchase. perfect partners Teint Idole Silky Matte, £26 Teint Idole Ultra Compact, £34
"Lancôme invents its 1st foundation that helps to recreate the aura of
perfect looking skin. Instantly complexion appears flawless and
luminous, as if lit-from-within. See yourself in a new light."
--Packaging--
The opaque glass bottle dispenses the product in a very controlled way so that application can be achieved with realistic amounts of foundation at a time. Sophistication is added to by the minimalistic black and white decoration and characteristic Lancôme flower.
--Application--
Once you've applied any requisite primers, use a foundation brush or your fingers to blend evenly across skin. There are no problems with blending at all and you can apply concealer before or after foundation as required.
--Appearance--
With 18 shades available it isn't difficult to get the shade that's right for you. Mine matched my skin tone perfectly and blended well for an even finish. Coverage is excellent, but if needed Lancôme's concealers provide the perfect match if you need to top up. Luminosity is definitely achieved as promised and yet the look still remains matte. Looks good in photographs too.
--Scent--
Nothing much is discernible; perhaps slightly chalky but nothing else of note.
--Texture and consistency--
On the runnier rather than creamier side maybe, but still pleasant and easy to use. Not sticky, watery or greasy.
--Longevity--
Lasted excellently even on my wedding day, so it's safe to say that it definitely survives plenty of tears and kisses on cheeks!
--Value for money--
While £27 sounds ouchy, the quality is faultless, a little goes such a long way, and a bottle subsequently lasts ages. Generally you get what you pay for with Lancome and it's certainly true of this product. Try purchasing online (with reputable retailers only of course!) or with store loyalty points though if you want to bring the price down.
"In Spring 2011, Dancing Queen turns into a Disco Ballerine with a selection of adorable pastel tones inspired by ballet slippers. Magnify your lips with a dazzling shine. The ultimate Color Fever Gloss has ingredients that are 96% of natural origin. Enriched with sweet almond oil and provides hydration. Lips are generously plumped with moisture. And the perfume... delicious lavender - 100% natural of course!"
--Packaging--
A slightly curved clear plastic rectangular prism suspends the violet gloss for all to see, topping the ensemble with a dark silver shiny lid and a small version of the Lancôme flower logo. All very pretty and in keeping with what has gone before within the company's lip product division.
--Application--
The heart-shaped applicator is supposed to ensure perfect application every time, allowing light or heavy results to be achieved and perfect contours to be drawn. However, this paraphrased bumpf from the Lancôme website is just making gloss application sound more difficult than it actually is, surely?
--Appearance--
The gloss I have (pictured above; #385, Lavande Ballerine) looks very violet in the tube, but on the lips gives a much paler, barely-there effect, which may be disappointing for those who were expecting something more full-on. However, its near-invisible shimmer can certainly be enhanced by wearing a light and similarly-coloured lipstick underneath (I use a Guerlain KissKiss lipstick with this).
--Scent--
Simply gorgeous; the price tag is rendered worth it for the scent alone, which for the Spring 2011 range (Beige/Rose/Lavande Ballerine) is a full, rich and totally natural lavender scent which transports you straight to the fields of France. Divine!
--Texture and consistency--
Nothing special or different compared to other lip glosses; it is a little bit sticky, but generally light and not bothersome.
--Longevity--
Holds up well against food and kisses; no complaints, but nothing miraculous either.
--Value for money--
£18 seems a little steep, but can seem acceptable given that you are buying into a world-renowned brand and given that the product is not scented artificially but with genuine lavender. However, if you want to make a small saving, Mistrys Pharmacy (online) sell it for £15 (£17.50 including delivery).
--What does the promo say?-- "This alcohol-free lotion enriched with soothing plant extracts is the perfect finishing touch to makeup removal for dehydrated skin. It gently tones and refines the skin, removing any remaining impurities, without depleting its natural oils. Leaves skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed and ready for your daily treatments."
--Packaging-- Modern, sophisticated and subtly voluptuous, the Lancôme flower logo is carved into the curved blue bottle, and the brand name can be seen adorning the clear lid. Would be a perfect match for any modern bathroom.
--Application-- After cleansing, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton wool ball and sweep over your face. Your skin is then ready for a face mask or your usual moisturiser.
--Appearance-- A transparent liquid. Nothing too unusual here.
--Scent-- While this contains papaya to hydrate, and pineapple to heal, my first impression of this was actually of violets. However, now that I'm aware of the description, I'd definitely say that it's the papaya that comes across more strongly.
--Texture and consistency-- Refreshing and non-irritating; just what you need to wake you up in the morning.
--Effects on the skin-- Again, this was just a sample trial, so any effects that I saw will have been highly limited. However, while it was pleasant to use, I think most of the legwork had already been done by Lancôme's Exfoliance Clarté exfoliator, so use of this toner lacked the wow-factor for me that my Clinique Anti-Blemish toner provides.
--Value for money-- If given the choice, I'd definitely plump for this over Molton Brown's toner, which at roughly the same price was extremely average. It also has the advantage of keeping your skin soft and supple without the tightness that comes immediately after using Kiehl's Blue Astringent Lotion. However, I'd need to see some seriously impressive results for me to opt for this over Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion and Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic (both of which are cheaper and deliver stellar results).
--What does the promo say?-- "Brighten up lacklustre skin with this refreshing gel formula for normal and combination skin. Formulated with white wax micro-beads, ultra-fine exfoliating grains and a cocktail of Pineapple and Papaya extracts to gently slough off dull skin layers and remove impurities. Leaves the skin clean, smooth and toned for a simply radiant complexion."
--Packaging-- The pale blue squeezy tube combines Lancôme's usual sophistication with practicality and prettiness, with the dark blue dots in the background proving a nice contrast to the brand's trademark flower logo. The brand name is also embossed onto the opaque white screw-top lid, and the overall effect is very pleasing.
--Application-- Mix a little of this in your palms with your cleanser and some tepid water, and rub gently over your face with your fingertips. Remove with a damp face cloth, gently buffing as you go.
--Appearance-- Slightly unusual: as well as artificial blue exfoliating beads, the clear gel is also populated by white lumps (the wax beads that contain spot-busting salicylic acid), which don't seem to stick to the skin after you've finished using the exfoliator (sometimes exfoliating agents can be difficult to be completely washed off the skin, but it wasn't problematic here).
--Scent-- Strangely, none: I was surprised to read of the presence of pineapple and papaya, since I couldn't smell them at all.
--Texture/consistency-- While the gel is mild, refined and comforting, you also simultaneously feel that the exfoliants are really doing their job (and all with no discomfort whatsoever). It washes off easily and there is no greasy, oily or otherwise unpleasant residue left on the skin after use.
--How does your skin feel afterwards?-- Squeaky clean! Really like all excess dirt and oil has been properly penetrated and removed without harshness. Smoothened and retextured.
--How does your skin look afterwards?-- Having only tried this on the basis of a tiny sample, it's tricky to tell, but given the depth of cleaning mentioned above and given the inclusion of salicylic acid, it's highly probable that visible improvements would be seen over time. Dry patches are also quickly banished, and this is something that can be seen more immediately.
--Value for money-- This is a tad pricey, yes. It's the most expensive exfoliator I've ever used, clearing the next most expensive (L'Occitane Almond Apple Sweet Peel) by about £6. While its efficacy is undoubted, it's a bit expensive for me to be able to use all the time, so I'd have to make do with it as a treat. Nevertheless, this is definitely one for the Christmas wish list.
perfect partner Hydra Intense Hydrating Gel Mask, £29.50
--What does the promo say?-- "Lancome presents the first vibrating lash booster to promote the natural growth of your lashes, improving density and length to show them at their best and improving the surface of the lashes. Every day lashes become visibly stronger, denser and longer; a unique step in beauty to immediately magnify the power of each mascara."
--Packaging-- As with all Lancome mascaras/lash products, it comes in a silver box, so is initially nondescript and indistinguishable from other Lancome products. However, the tube itself is white, with a gold streak leading to the button on the lid, which makes it much more unusual.
--Application-- Wiggle the wand through your lashes (the wiggling is important as it helps you to avoid clumps) as a primer for your mascara. As it dries quite quickly, though, I'd advise priming one eye with the Powerbooster, then adding mascara immediately afterwards, before treating the lashes on the other eye with both steps. This process also means that the white colour of the lash primer is less obvious as it blends better with the colour of the mascara, rather than appearing as two separate colours (though this does NOT turn your mascara grey, thankfully!). The button on the lid is quite sensitive, so go easy with it during application.
--Appearance-- The formula of the Powerbooster is white. Although this can to an extent be combatted by applying mascara immediately afterwards, I would really prefer the formula to be clear.
--Texture/consistency-- This is a difficult one to call. When I first started using this, I experienced clumping often, which doesn't say much for the formula, but this is greatly improved by wiggling rather than stroking the wand through the lashes, meaning that on the whole the experience of the formula's texture and consistency is more positive too. Doesn't weigh down your lashes.
--Sensation-- The sensation of the vibrating wand can be difficult to get used to, and obviously you must be careful when using it, as a vibrating wand can clearly cause more serious injuries than a non-vibrating one.
--Effects over time-- Immediately, lashes appear longer and fuller and a good base for mascara is provided as it gives even greater definition. Over time, you don't even have to be especially patient to see a difference in the length and thickness of your lashes - I noticed a difference in just a few uses, and wish I'd thought to take before and after pictures.
--Value for money-- This works really well with any high quality mascara, so you don't have to buy a Lancome mascara to go with it unless you want to. It also makes a visible difference that you can see in a relatively short space of time, which is more than can be said for some products. While the vibrating wand seems pointless for the actual mascara (Oscillation), I can see why it's needed for the Oscillation Powerbooster as it probably stimulates the lashes for all that natural growth that Lancome talks about. While it is slightly pricy, you know you are getting a product that works. Good job, Lancome.
RRP: £23/$34/€35 # of shades available: 3 + a waterproof version (black only)
--What does the promo say?-- "The first vibrating Powermascara by Lancôme: 7000 oscillations per minute. Press the button and experience a breakthrough sensation in application. In one easy new gesture, let the vibrating brush combined with an exquisitely smooth formula wrap every lash up to 360°. Instantly see a fascinating gaze: lashes appear ultimately extended, remarkably separated, and virtually multiplied in number."
--Packaging-- This is understandably a little heavier than most mascaras thanks to the motor battery system inside it. However, the weight is not prohibitive and it feels very ergonomically satisfying in the hand. The black shiny case is straight up and down with a subtle matte black button and a gold band for decoration. The button is very sensitive - you don't need to press very hard to set the vibration going, and the second you take your finger/thumb off the button, it stops. Surprisingly user-friendly.
--Application-- Just press the button gently and slowly stroke the wand through your lashes. Perhaps the only obvious proviso as opposed to other mascaras is the precaution that you shouldn't use this while on the move (e.g. while using public transport), but otherwise there's nothing different regarding the use of this mascara.
--Appearance-- While the colour is fabulous and delivers a definite wow-factor (it's also available in gun metal as well as the more conventional brown), there are definitely clumps, with the lashes not really separating properly. Nevertheless, this is pretty good if you like the babydoll look.
--Texture/consistency-- Smooth, and yet quite thick with it. It also seems very wet/creamy in its formula, which can make it difficult to apply (see the above comment about clumps). The brush tends to pick up too much of it thanks to the formula's thickness, which leads me to believe it may be easier to use once the mascara is a little more dried out/older.
--Longevity-- Perhaps due to the thickness of this mascara, this seems to take a long time to dry, and consequently there are smudges at the outset. However, once it's on and dry, it definitely lasts all day (and I'm not even talking about the waterproof version here).
--Value for money-- The price of this is obviously pushed up by the vibrating wand technology, and to be honest I just wasn't that impressed by the whole thing. While it's easy enough to use, and has encouraging staying power and great colour, it didn't really separate my lashes that well, and for this price I would pick one of Givenchy's or Versace's mascaras.
--What does the promo say?-- "Excellent definition of contours. Ultra-polished and even colour. Shine and intensity, maximized colour."
--Packaging-- Silvery, retro and jetsetting, complete with a band of fuschia pink and the matte Lancôme flower logo. The applicator is a little difficult to pull out from the tube, as the plastic 'sponge' is quite large and petal-shaped, but there's no mess and no fuss. Looks young and modern.
--Application-- Apply one coat of the lip colour to your lips, carefully following your lips' natural lines. Blot with a tissue if necessary.
--Scent-- None - not even that usual slightly chemical or waxy scent you can get with lip products. SCORE.
--Texture/consistency-- The best way to describe it is like paint; it combines the liquid of a gloss, but without the viscosity, and the smooth waxiness of a lipstick without the solidness. There are no drips when you take the applicator from the tube. Sadly, on the lips, it can feel slightly sticky, though it is in no way drying (you may wish to use lip balm to combat the tackiness, though you would then lose the lip colour's matte appearance).
--Appearance-- The colour is surprisingly bold and yet somehow still natural-looking (while the range of colours seems surprisingly limited, one of these will suit just about everyone). Blotting works well, however, if you feel it is too bold or that you will look washed out if you have paler skin. The finished look is totally matte with no shimmer or shine, but it unifies the face, draws attention to the lips, and looks great with a subtle shadow, a simple blush, and a wow-factor mascara.
--Longevity-- Excellent - withstands eating and drinking without feathering. Only two applications needed per day (perhaps even just one if you don't do like me and over-blot on the first go).
--Value for money-- The tackiness is the only disappointing thing about this lip colour. The colour range is great in terms of there being something for everyone, the colour itself is long-lasting, and the product is generally of a high quality (and all just for £4 more than a Benefit lip gloss). Good work.
perfect partners Lancôme Le Vernis Nail Colour in Piha Black, £14 Lancôme Pink Punk & Black Eyeshadow Palette, £30.50 Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black, £17
--What does the promo say?-- "The secret of youthful skin revealed, drop by drop. Beautiful skin for every woman at every age. Instantly, skin feels silky soft, smooth and supple. Drop by drop, day and night, skin appears breathtakingly beautiful, radiant, even-toned and more refined. Skin looks noticeably younger, as if infused with life."
--Packaging-- My mother (the 'control tester', if you like, for this product's target age group) and I both agreed that while the bottle looked nice (although difficult to see through the shaded bottle how much of the serum remains), it was heavy (being made of glass) and that the dropper was somewhat difficult to use as it lacked the controlled pre-measure of a pump applicator. The lid and dropper does look very space-age, modern and James Bond-ish though.
--Application-- Lancôme says to apply as a 'step zero' to your skincare routine, though I wouldn't say this is entirely accurate, as if you apply it before your cleanser and toner you'll just be washing it off (which at this price is stupid)! Apply after toner, but before moisturiser. 2-3 drops is sufficient for the whole face, and it melts into the skin easily (perhaps a little too easily, almost drying before you have a chance to rub it in).
--Appearance-- Opaque, clear, and leaves no visible marks on the skin. Disappears totally, from which you can probably infer that your skin really needs it and just drinks it up.
--Scent-- While Lancôme claims this is scentless, my mother and I both found otherwise. The product does have a very pleasant but MILD scent (nevertheless, a scent). Does not interfere with perfume.
--Texture/consistency-- Very runny, though the dropper holds it well, meaning wastage is minimised. Rubs into the skin very well.
--Does it do what it says it will?-- While this isn't one of the listed results, it does provide a temporary minimising of pores when first applied. It also gives excellent smoothness and softness to the skin, both short-term and long-term. However, the reduction of wrinkles was barely detectable. According to my med-student sister, the science behind this is apparently also very plausible.
--Value for money-- With one bottle lasting 10-12 weeks, this is longer than the projection by Lancôme, and would mean £5.20 a week if it lasts 10 weeks, £4.30 a week if it lasts 12 weeks, and £3.50 a week if it lasts 15 weeks, which could be better, but definitely could be worse. Even if it doesn't quite deliver on the anti-wrinkle claim, it definitely brings home the bacon when it comes to restoring softness and smoothness and minimising of pores. Although honestly, at this price, I'd just stick to suncream, water, eating well and not smoking for the anti-ageing part, and with Garnier's trusty £11.99 serum for the moisturising part.
Today Lancôme revealed their latest innovation under the gaze of many, many cameras at their store in Paris. Génifique is based on the science of genes (genomics) and the science of skin proteins (proteomics - collagen, keratin etc), allowing these two sciences to come together in a translucent white liquid that turns invisible on the skin. It scentlessly penetrates your skin cells to allow them, over time, to maintain and regain a maximal level of cellular jeunesse, using research into the protein structures of different ages of skin and research into how cells deteriorate over time in order to help. This not only emphasises repair of older skins, but also damage limitation of younger skins.
The whole promotional operation was very slick and lavish, with a Powerpoint presentation and short film presented to us by Lancôme's scientific director, Véronique Delvigne. The science seemed relatively well explained, although I could see one or two around me looking a little lost. As far as I can tell without actually being a scientist, it seemed like real science too, not all that pseudoscience so often associated with companies who put out a new anti-ageing product every minute. However, I will be checking up with my sister, who's a medical student, to get the real lowdown.
There were plenty of opportunities to try the new cream on our hands, ask questions, and take pictures of the bottles, even if my lack of update wire for my camera prevents me from uploading them, before we were given a full professional facial with the stuff and given a free bottle to take home. Other freebies included gloss, lipstick, and Lancôme's equally innovative Ôscillation mascara, a vibrating electric mascara rivalled only at present by an Estée Lauder equivalent. We were also met by the lovely German Moyano, Lancôme's chief makeup artist, and given full makeup treatment by him and his team. Add to this copious amounts of wine and macaroons, a professional photoshoot with photoblogger Benjamin Boccas, and a fully laid-on lunch at L'Eclaireur, and you have several happy bloggers. It was fun to finally meet some of my European colleagues, obsess over makeup with them, and not be looked at strangely for geeky conversations about HTML, choice of blogging platform, and even daft throwaway remarks about how much time we spend blogging and how we would all be straight onto our computers when we got home.
The icing on the cake, however, was the hospitality and charm that was oozed by Lancôme's personnel and the PR agency Balistikart. All were friendly, warm, and informative, and the interview I was granted with the scientific director was another bonus. While I lack a verbatim transcript owing to my lack of dictaphone, I can give a gist below of the interview questions and answers.
*** Interview with Lancôme's Scientific Director, Véronique Delvigne What was your specialism during your doctoral studies, and how do you apply this to your work at Lancôme? "I am a doctor of pharmacy, and have always specialised in the biology of the skin. I have always found the skin structures fascinating, including how the cellular structures work together with the body's circulation and defence systems. Skin is so simple and vital and yet so extraordinary."
Speaking of skin, I understand Lancôme uses the 'fake skin' technology in its labs. How does Lancôme plan to go beyond this already impressive level of technology? "Génifique is us going beyond it. In its ten years of development, we researched even further into the skin's structure, going right down to cell nuclei, and these techniques will inform our later work in the laboratories."
Given the large amount of scientific evidence that UVA has a significant impact on the incidence of skin cancer, and the recent EC directives in the EU, is Lancôme planning to roll out a UVA rating protection system globally on its suncare and related products? "Lancôme is already doing everything it can to conform to these regulations. Our skincare and suncare both protects the skin and fights against any potentially damaging external factors, and we already have a three-point system in place that not only indicates the level of UVB protection but is also intended for everyday use."
Moving to makeup, the growing popularity of mineral makeup is something that Lancôme surely cannot ignore. Is this something that Lancôme will also be expanding on in future? "Yes - we have been developing a mineral makeup collection, which will also come with a gloss and will be launched in March."
The Spring 09 Pink Irreverence collection is an unusual departure from Lancôme's usual audience, spectrum of colours, and general makeup image. Will we be seeing more of this in the future? "We have just appointed a new designer, Aaron de Mey, who designed this collection. He has great modernity and contemporary vision for the company and this is something that will inevitably influence future collections."
And finally, Lancôme has held onto its success for nearly 75 years. Who would you say the company's biggest competitor is? "It depends on the market, the culture, the people, and people's needs; the market is a very faceted place. However, I would say that Lancôme is still the world leader in the provision of makeup and skincare."
*** Lancôme's expertise grew very obvious throughout the day, and allowed us all to form a more rounded impression of the company. Lancôme's reputation is primarily formed through its anti-ageing products, but on closer inspection, it also provides innovative and modern mascaras, lip colour, and eyeshadows across the whole spectrum, allowing you to buy for anyone from your sister to your gran. And with my truckload of free products, including Génifique itself, I'm sure I'll soon be back here to give you the 411.
Génifique is out in Europe and the USA in March, and in Asia in September, retailing at roughly $70/€87.
--What does the promo say?-- "Naturelle Seduction contains 1 x Blush Subtil, 1 x Rouge Absolue, and 4 x Color Focus Eyeshadows. The perfect kit for a natural look. A universal range of colours to suit all complexions."
--Packaging-- Comes in its own black velvet pouch, which picks up dust quite easily, but in doing so keeps the palette itself clean and undamaged. The palette is made from shiny black plastic, and has a very small gold Lancome logo at the point where the palette opens. It's easy to open and close, and everything is laid out very nicely inside, including three different applicators, one of which is double-ended. It also has a very generously-sized mirror.
--Application-- The blush and lipstick are easy enough to use, but the four eyeshadows provided can make things more overwhelming. You can of course use them separately; if you wish to use them all together, however, the best course of action seems to be to use the yellow up to the brow bone, the pink up to the eyelid crease, the brown as a liner along the top lashes, and the white as a highlighter just at the outer corner of the brow.
--Appearance-- All of the colours combine beautifully to create a really natural look, no matter what your skin tone. In the palette, the colours are really shown at their best against the jet-black packaging. Depth is created around the eyes, a healthy rosy glow is given at the cheeks, and the lip colour is a very natural pinky red.
--Texture/consistency-- The blusher is not too powdery, which is good, as it means mess is minimised. The lipstick is really lovely and soft without being glossy. The pink and yellow eyeshadows are more powdery, but the liner and highlighter are more difficult to describe: they seem denser and less powdery, and travel across the skin much more smoothly (though they are more difficult to pick up with the brush).
--Longevity-- The lipstick puts up a good fight, but will need to be reapplied by lunchtime. However, the blusher lasts ages and the eyeshadow stays flawless all day.
--Value for money-- This is mostly available in airport duty-free areas, so is bound to be at a fairly attractive price (must be: it's how I got mine!). However, this is worth purchase alone for its top-notch eyeshadow and to-die-for soft lipstick.
--What does the promo say?-- "The exceptionally fine texture of COLOR FOCUS glides over your lids for easy application and blending, leaving an even, luminous film of colour. This long-wear shadow remains immaculate for hours and won't settle into creases. Available in a wide range of pearly, matte or iridescent shades. You’ll want them all!"
--Packaging-- A small, circular, round compact made from black plastic, with a see-through window and the Lancome flower decorating the bottom of the lid delicately in gold. Seems pretty secure and generally unbreakable and spillage-proof, unlike certain lower-priced high-street brands, whose packaging doesn't seem as sturdy.
--Application-- The brush they give you with this is really weird and only complicates application. I know they've only curved it so that it fits into the shape of the compact better, rather than to offer users of this product any direct benefit. The best way to hold it is so that it looks like a smile shape, rather than like a sad face shape, in order to ensure the most even and least complicated of applications. Like most eyeshadows, this can be applied wet or dry. Have only tried it dry so far, but will report back prontissimo on the minutiae of wet application.
--Appearance-- The colour in the compact is quite strong, even with the more subtle colours (I have 103, Moonlight). It's shimmery without being blinding. On the eye, it blends well with other colours and can take you from daytime to nighttime with ease.
--Longevity-- Frankly useless. Despite using my trusty Lola eye primer before application, this had creased by lunchtime. Seems it just couldn't cope with the commute. Don't expect to go from day to night with this - several reapplications will be needed, which is a shame. Odd, too, seeing as the eyeshadows in my Lancome travel set are quite robust.
--Value for money-- At this price, you're better off with MAC or Prescriptives.
