Tried and True: Lancome Mascara

**UPDATED**

All my life I’ve gotten compliments on my long eyelashes.  But while they are long, they are NOT dark or thick.  At least not until I apply about thirteen coats of mascara.  Okay, so
it’s more like three.  My mother always told me I had a flair for the
melodrama.

All that to say, I rarely leave the house without mascara.  If I’m in a rush, that may be all the makeup I wear, but without it I feel naked.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve worn Lancome mascara. The formulas have changed over the years, but it doesn’t seem to matter; they’re all fabulous.

That magical
little wand grabs the lashes like no other as it separates, lengthens,
and thickens.  And no matter how many
coats you apply, three or thirteen, it doesn’t clump.  The
trick is to let it to dry for about 10-15 seconds between coats.

Try
it.  You will not believe your eyes eyelashes.

Over the years I have tried cheaper mascaras, but I always
end up throwing them away in frustration and disgust.  Lancome
mascara rocks!

I’ll update this post throughout the day with answers to the questions in the comment section.

Mamacita says: I tried the Hypnose mascara by Lancome recently, but I wasn’t that
impressed. I thought it added length but not the necessary volume.
Which formula is your favorite of Lancome’s?

I am surprised.  I would have suggested Hypnose for thickening.  I’ve been using Flextencils for years, but it has been recently discontinued.  (I was buying them on ebay* to save a few pennies and didn’t even realize they had been discontinued!!) 

My suggestion would be to apply the mascara in two or three thin coats, waiting 10 seconds for it to set between each coat so it doesn’t clump.  I also apply mascara on the top and bottom of my upper eyelashes.  Does that make sense?  I find that my eyelashes look thicker that way.  That may work for any mascara,  but it’s definitely the way to get the best results with Lancome.

Alyson asks: What kind of eyelash curler do you use?  Does it matter if you use it or not with your Lancome?

I have a love-hate relationship with the eyelash curler.  I like the results, but I find it difficult to maneuver so that my eyelashes are curled and not crimped.  And it always seems to grab some lower eyelashes in with it, giving them an awkward crimp as well.  And on top of all that, I always seem to develop a sty when I use an eyelash curler on a regular basis.  SO!  I’ve given up on it. 

That said, I find that I can use the mascara wand in such a way that it gives my lashes some curl.  Of course, they are long.  That might help.

In looking at the new mascara formulas available from Lancome right now, I plan to give Courbe Virtuose a try.  Here’s what they say about it:

> CurlGuard™ formula lengthens and holds a divine lash curve for 12 hours.
> The KeepCurl™ brush provides an outstanding eyelash curler effect.
> Long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.

And that reminds me of one more reason I love Lancome mascaras.  Even the non-waterproof formulas do not smudge or run.  They stay put all day long.

*Buy makeup products on ebay with caution.  It is really not a good idea, but I’ve had pretty good luck with Lancome mascara.

**UPDATED to add: I bought Lancome Courbe Virtuouse when I was at the mall today.  Tomorrow I’ll let you know how I like it.