Lash Primers

Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum

7/10/13

It took me quite some time to buy into the whole "lash primer" thing before I decided to give it a try. I'd received a deluxe sample of Lancôme's Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base, and what better time to try something than when it's free? While my go-to mascara is by Dior, I figured it was worth a shot. I noticed that my mascara actually stayed put with the Lancôme primer! I managed to get through a hot day without mascara anywhere it shouldn't be. You know, like under your eyes or on your eyelids. Not a good look. 

Since I liked the results so much, I ordered Dior's Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum. That's a mouthful. I read the information and it's essentially Dior's primer with "extras," which include a laundry list of promises, including promoting long-term lash growth, strength, vitality, priming, plumping, and lengthening. Those are some pretty lofty promises. Frankly, I really just want a primer that will give something for my mascara to bind to, and provide extra staying power. That said, I wouldn't mind longer, stronger, plumper lashes! Bring it. 

(click photo to enlarge)

I never leave home without mascara and under-eye concealer, so I took my new miracle lash primer/serum out of the box and began my routine. First, the under-eye concealer and curling my lashes with my beloved Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I then opened my new primer and pulled out the wand. Like the Lancôme sample I'd tried, the brush and product were both white, but I immediately notified that the Diorshow Maximixer had a pointy tip, unlike their mascaras. The brush tip doesn't have bristles, so it appears to suffer from poor design. 

I then began application utilizing the same method I did with the Lancôme sample primer as well as years of mascara application. The goal is to apply evenly, while concentrating on the base of the lashes for added volume. To my dismay, the new primer/serum/eyelash wonder didn't apply evenly or easily. I actually found myself combing the product through my lashes before applying mascara. I generally comb through lashes between mascara coats but never with a primer, albeit my second try. I allowed the primer/serum/mystery product to dry and applied two coats of my usual favorite mascara (Diorshow BlackOut). It didn't go on at all smoothly, and I'm sad to report that mascara did most definitely not stay put. This was incredibly disheartening since I'd had such success with a free sample. 

My verdict? I'm buying a full-size bottle of Lancôme's primer. It glides on and keeps my mascara, well, on my lashes - unlike Diorshow's primer. I'll be sticking with Diorshow Black Out mascara for now, and am sad to have paid for a useless and pricey product. Use those samples! You never know when you'll discover a great product. 

Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum is $28.50 a bottle. 

Lancôme Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base is $24 a bottle. 

Diorshow Black Out Mascara is $25 a bottle. 

All are available through Sephora and Nordstrom. 

Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector
5/24/13

Ah, anti-aging products. My friends used to make fun of me for wearing eye cream when I was 16. My obsession with skincare has only grown throughout the years, and then my mid-30s knocked on the door. I came to the realization that I needed the heavy artillery to combat the scary, line-inducing years ahead. Thus began my hunt for the perfect serum/s. 

Visionnaire was incredibly well advertised on both television and in print, and I picked up a bottle with healthy skepticism. While I've taken fine care of my fair Irish skin, I'd begun to notice things like enlarged pores and those dreaded fine lines. I also had some unevenness and sun damage I'd attempted to correct with various spa treatments and moisturizers alone. Visionnaire's LR2412 technology is at the forefront of their promise to correct wrinkles, pores and uneven skin texture. They basically threw their other serum under the bus, calling this their first advanced skin corrector AND their first skin-correcting serum. Glad I never tried Génefique! 

I've been using this product every morning for the past month after cleansing and toning. The texture is soft and soothing with a pearlescent sheen, and a light and pleasant fragrance. Instructions indicate that the serum can also be used on the delicate eye area, which rocks! Easy, pleasant application with zero irritation. I use three pumps, or about the size of a quarter. After smoothing over my entire face (including my eye area), I wait a moment or so for the serum to dry, then follow with a moisturizer. I love their Rénergie daytime moisturizer with this serum. When it's humid, I've simply worn Clarins SPF over the serum. The results? See for yourself! (click photo to enlarge)

My skin has changed drastically since I began using Visionnaire. The first thing I noticed were tightened pores and that my skin tone had remarkably improved. Old acne scars and random spots faded and have virtually disappeared. Note that I don't wear foundation, and both before and after photos were taken with bare skin in natural light. No Photoshop here. I used to spot-cover my old marks with concealer, and barely have the need these days. Even my old nose ring scar (ah, those teen years) has practically vanished. Better still? My under-eye area has lightened and my fine lines are nearly non-existent. Lancôme indicates you can use this serum day and night, but I have a night-specific serum (review soon) so this is my secret weapon in the a.m. I've already ordered my second bottle because I'm not willing to chance running out! I think this is a fabulous product for those of us in our 30's-early 40's. 

My verdict? Can't live without it. Hurray for science & technology!

Price: $69 for .67 oz., $89 for 1 oz., $109 for 1.7 oz., & $150 for 3.4 oz.

Available at: Lancôme, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, & Bloomingdales.