Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara Review

Are you looking for a new mascara or not happy with your current one?

I have been so impressed with the new Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara that I reach for it every day.

Lancome say 

Meet Monsieur Big. Forget all the others.

UP TO 12X MORE VOLUME:
Its volumizing brush provides big impact at first stroke, for bigger than life lashes, like never before.

BIG SOFT BRUSH :
Its bristles made of exceptionally soft fibres hug lashes with incredible softness and ensure a smooth application, while separating and lifting lashes effortlessly.

NO CLUMPS, NO SMUDGES, NO TOUCH UPS: The innovative formula easily glides on lashes and leaves them perfectly put for up to 24 hours. Its ultra-dark pigments create the blackest intensity possible.

It's a match!

My lashes with Monsieur Big Mascara applied 

My thoughts 

For me this ticks all the boxes.

The mascara lifts the lashes and thickens them with a nice rich black colour. The brush style wand picks up each lash, defines them and then lengthens them beautifully.

There is no flaking or smudging whilst wearing and it lasts all day.

For long, fluttery lashes I love this mascara.

10/10 from me.

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara costs £ 21

Lancome Hypnose Mascara Review

Day 4 of Mascara Week on BeautySwot.com sees me reviewing Lancome Hypnose Volume mascara. This is a mascara that was launched way back in 2004, although there have been a few spin offs, the original is still being sold as its classic formula is one that has clearly stood the test of time. 

Lancome say 

Turn up the look of volume of your lashes with Hypnôse!

Build up to 6 times more volume without clumping. The PowerFull™ Brush helps deliver volume that you control. Glides through for lash separation and even application from base to tip.

Benefits : made to measure volume, smudge proof, ultra-light

How to apply Hypnôse Mascara
Apply to lashes from the base to the tips. Use a zigzag movement to add thickness and separation.

My thoughts 

This is a sample sized mascara that was part of a GWP but the brush is exactly the same as if you were purchasing the full size version.

I really love this mascara, it provides lashes with a good rich black colour, it super lengthen the lashes and makes them look altogether luscious and plentiful. The brush is more like a traditional style of brush and it allows you to reach in and pick up every single lash with no mess. I like the fact that you can apply over and over if necessary and lashes are still soft to the touch.  As you can see from the after pic lashes are also completely clump free and I do not feel like I am wearing any mascara.

For real impact I have to say I love this mascara.

Before 

After 

Lancome Hypnose Mascara costs £22.50 and is available in black and brown.

Lancome Les Paillettes aux Yeux Christmas Collection 2012

Whilst out shopping at the weekend I spotted this gorgeous Christmas range from Lancome  - Tresor Colour Collection also known as the Happy Holidays Collection. 

It really is a truly beautiful collection, with traditional golds and reds and lots of sparkle - just what you expect for a festive range. I love the packaging of the eye shadows, sparkly tops and a knot design on the shadow.

The stand out product for me in the range was the Les Paillettes aux Yeux Christmas Collection  eye shadow powder £17.50. Available in 2 shades

10 A la Belle Etoile (light gold)
20 Lumieres de Paris (bronze/brown)

I have swatched both of the pigments above - these provide a pretty stunning wash of colour that glistens and glows and can be used alone or over the eye shadows  for a more intense colour.

Have you purchased.tried any of the Christmas Collection?

Sample Sachet Sunday - Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H - Review

Foundation is most definitely one of my 'things'. I love trying foundations and am forever on the look out for fabulous products that are going to make my skin look amazing and if it is without looking 'made up' then all the better...

One of my top foundations is Lancome's Teint Miracle so when I heard that Lancome had brought out a new foundation I popped along to a counter and took advantage of the offer of a 7 day trial sample.

Lancome says 

Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation

8 years of research to unveil a new idol:
A flawless looking, even complexion with a velvety-smooth, shine-free finish.
A new ultra-comfort texture that blends effortlessly.
24h retouch-free wear and comfort.

Suitable for all skin types

Swatches 

My thoughts 

I was matched with shade 01 - Beige Albatre which is actually a fantastic match for my skin. Teint Idole Ultra foundation smells heavily perfumed. The consistency of this liquid foundation is reasonably thick which makes it slightly stiffer than recent foundations I have tried and reviewed. The finish true to its word is velvety matte and coverage is medium and I find I need to add to areas that require it (for me this is the rosacea on my cheeks) to feel happy.

However, unfortunately this foundation really doesn't work for me.  On immediate application this looked really nice, even and flawless but after about half an hour it began to take a turn for the worse.Yes it is long lasting (in areas) but it clings and reveals dry patches I didn't even know existed! Also it is patchy on my nose and sits in the pores to only accentuate them, which is a big no no obviously. I found it hard to blend evenly. Sadly I was really disappointed by this foundation. From afar it looks OK but close up it was not a nice picture.

I wonder if this would be better for people with oily skins as it really didn't agree with my combination skin.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation is available in 18 shades and costs £27 for 30ml

Perfume Sample Saturday - Lancome La Vie Est Belle

La Vie Est Belle = Life is Beautiful

Lancome's newest fragrance was said to be three years in the making and over 5,000 versions rejected before finally settling on this composition.

Lancome says

Top notes of Blackcurrant and Pear, Heart notes of Iris, Orange Blossoms and Jasmine and Base notes of Tonka Bean, Praline, Patchouli, Vanilla

My thoughts 

When I first read the description on paper it seemed like this would be perfect for me, containing many notes that really appeal to me. However I found the reality to be somewhat different.

First off there isn't anything really special about the scent that sets it apart to immediately grab my attention and say 'wow.

This is an incredibly sweet mix of fruits and florals and coupled with the base notes of Vanilla, Praline and Tonka tones is just too sweet for me. I am not able to detect the Jasmine at all sadly. I find it far too intense and heavy, it isn't sickly but it certainly does something to me as I feel unwell from my chest to my head! It gives me palpitations and my head feels decidedly odd.

I am normally a huge fan of Lancome fragrances, especially the beautiful Tresor which I always get comments on when wearing but unfortunately La Vie Este Belle, although nice enough, wouldn't be one that I would go on to purchase.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum costs £39 for 30ml

Holiday Makeup By Night

You may have already seen my 'by day' holiday makeup, pictured above are the items that I wore in the evenings.

I didn't have much time from leaving the pool or beach, showering and getting myself and my 4yr old son ready for dinner to sit and apply makeup at my leisure. I had to choose items that I knew would create the look I wanted to achieve as fast as possible with as few items as possible.

The look I was going for in the evening was radiance, illumination and a flash of bright colour on my lips - not a million miles away from my day look but just ramped up with more definition :-) A sun kissed and healthy looking glow is always a winner when you are on holiday in my opinion.

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation - My current favourite foundation. Coverage is light but even and radiant. I popped some into a sample pot so that I didn't have to take the full size glass bottle with me.

Benefit They're Real Mascara - Rather than take the full size version, I took the rather travel handy mini version that came with the Anniversary set.. Another current favourite, love how black and defined it makes my lashes, real flutter worthy and they stand out a mile!

17 Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze This shimmer brick made it into my evening makeup as it is so versatile and multipurpose. I used the different shades as eye shadows, the second one really made my eyes pop. I also used the lightest shade as a highlighter on my cheeks. Best bargain product of the Summer by far!

I took two lipsticks with me as I wanted to have alternatives depending on my outfit!

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick 152 Rouge Mars This is a favourite Summer lipstick of mine, brightens the whites of my eyes and wakes up the whole face. Seriously, it is that good! It looks gorgeous with a warm tan too (I get mine with bronzer ;-))

Clinique Long Last Lipstick All Heart Such an easy to wear bright lipstick although it doesn't look that in the tube, it appears quite dark. In reality this is a very pretty and flattering pinky red toned shade.

Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer and Liz Earle Healthy Glow Powder Blush in Nectar I was sent these items just as I was about to leave for my holiday so decided to take them with me and use them every evening, full review coming shortly...watch this space!

Just a final and quick mention for my holiday nails - I used Rimmel London 60 Seconds Coralicious on my fingers and toes! Bright and cheery.

Holiday Makeup By Day

In the days running up to our family holiday I was umming and aahing about which make-up items to take with me whilst trying very hard to keep it light. To a beauty lover this is no mean feat, but in the event I think I managed to achieve what I had set out to do...

The majority of the time we were going to be either in the pool, by the pool or at the beach so I didn't want anything too heavy during the day.

5 items made up my daytime 'look' but obviously I alternated the gloss so in reality it took just 4 items to look lightly sunkissed and beach ready.

17 BB Blemish Balm

Absolutely love this product,it is light in product and packaging, evens out skin tone and contains SPF25, perfect for holiday.

17 Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze

One of my favourite products this Summer, so it was only natural this came with me on my holiday. Big brush, swirled across all the shades and applied across the cheeks provided a pretty and subtle beach glow.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara in Black (Waterproof version)

I didn't set out to buy this mascara, I was actually after a L'Oreal waterproof mascara but annoyingly Tesco pull down the shutters on their make up stands (who knew!) and the Rimmel London stand was the only one that remained open. 

This looked good from the description, came in bright orange packaging (won't get lost) and was temptingly cheap seeing as I was really only needing it for the week. It promises to have - Like the regular Scandaleyes mascara Max density brush is 50% larger to cover whole lash line and capture every lash. Triple collagen + Keratin formula plumps even the thinnest lashes -Waterproof- Lasts all day.

I really didn't like this mascara, the wand was so huge it wasn't ideal for my small eyes. I found it hard to coat each lash as I was just making mess everywhere, I found it clumpy and although it does provide volume, it didn't provide any length or definition which was disappointing but maybe unreasonable for me to expect it.. Most importantly it didn't perform well as a waterproof mascara. It smudged terribly and gave me panda eyes. Not good!

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Juicy Apple

I have done a post on this previously but this is a fab gloss, sheer, nice hint of colour, it lasts and contains SPF15 ideal to protect lips.

Lancôme Juicy Tube in Mangue

Every makeup bag should contain a juicy tube! I like this one as although it looks rather scarily bright orange in the tube it comes out far more subdued but really brightens the face - perfect for Summer! Sadly this shade is now discontinued.

Face Of The Day - Breakfast At Tiffany's, My Interpretation

Some of you may know I recently attended a Breakfast At Tiffany's themed Hen Do.

Dress code was a black dress and pearls. Now I am the first to admit I don't have Audrey Hepburn's figure or facial looks in any way,shape or form but I was willing to embrace her 'look' and after watching Lisa Eldridge's video tutorial I set to work on my own interpretation of Holly Golightly's make-up....

The key things I learnt and followed from Lisa's video -

Use a flesh coloured pencil in the waterline to give more of a wide-eyed look - I used Une Skin Glow Pencil Q01 . Honestly this is one of the best tips I have ever learnt and I now do this quite often, it instantly wakes the eyes up. I used to use a white pencil in the inner corners of my eyes but I love this far more, it looks really natural.

I used a black liquid pen liner to create the girly flick which seems to disappear when I put my eyes in normal position!

Lisa said not to use any bronzer or gloss, the look was to be fresh and flawless so I just used a foundation (Estee Lauder Double Wear) and blush (Nars Deep Throat) and used the centre of Mac Semi Precious Rose Quartz MSF to highlight.

The lips

I lined my lips with a nude coloured pencil and then mixed two lipsticks - MeMeMe Ava a dusty rose shade (review coming soon) and Lancome's Rouge Mars peachy/pink tone to get a really nice, pretty shade.

What do you think ?

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick 152 Rouge Mars -

 Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in 152 Rouge Mars is without doubt my favourite Summer lipstick.

I actually bought this lipstick instead of an Easter egg! I am so glad I did as it has lasted a lot longer than a bit of chocolate and has provided me with many more happier days. There is something incredibly satisfying of owning an expensive lipstick and pulling it out of your handbag in public.... I have long been a fan of Lancome products and when I swatched this lipstick I just knew I had to own it.

The L'Absolu range promises eight hours of hydration and contains Pro-Xylane®,.which apparently helps re-shape and replenish the lips. The sales consultant did mention that as I was young I had lovely lips which didn't need it but it is handy to know. It also contains an SPF12.

The packaging is lovely and the magnetic closure is great as it means that the lid of the lipstick won't come off in your handbag. The Lancome rose is imprinted in the lipstick, very pretty and a nice touch.

Rouge Mars is a rather wonderful and very wearable bright pinky/coral shade.The texture is smooth and luxurious. Rouge Mars Lipstick instantly brightens my skin and my eyes.

Note - this photo was taken pre-highlights and eyebrow threading! I hope you can see what I mean about brightening the face.

 Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick costs £18.90 from Lancome Counters and online.

Lancome L'Extreme Waterproof Mascara

This week on BeautySwot there is a holiday theme and what could be more important than a good waterproof mascara....

I have been putting a few waterproof mascaras to the test and L'Extreme WP from Lancome has really impressed me - for making my lashes look good and for lasting without any nasty smudges under the eyes, and of course surviving my watery hay-fever eyes. I do find it to be a dry formula which was odd at first to get used to but is not detrimental to the end result.

The packaging is sleek, the curves on the handle make it easy to hold

The brush is fantastic for separating the lashes

Fab for lengthening and thickening, Lancome L'Extreme Waterproof Mascara has been my go to mascara this Summer.

Before shot

And after

What do you think, great increase in length?

Lancome L'Extreme Waterproof in black is available from www.cheapsmells.com priced at £16.95

*sample provided for review purposes

My 'Mini' Current Obsession....

I have a teensy weeny makeup obsession this Spring/Summer. I am finding that when I am out shopping I am being increasingly drawn to all shades peachy, orange and coral and happily for me there is quite a selection for me to choose from as this is one of the Spring makeup trends ...  Funnily enough, as a clothing colour I really detest orange, I see this as a compromise :-)

In my collection -

Click to view full size

The find of the century - I absolutely love the NYC Color Wheel in Peach Glow. I am wearing it in both of my FOTDs linked to below. This is an absolutely super blusher for the princely sum of £4.09! I actually have to credit my sister with this find as she purchased the Pink Glow and I was so impressed with it that it prompted me to buy the peach.

Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Sand and Sea EyeShadow (from a couple of years ago) I use the shade Ginger Drop (furthest right on the palette) when I wear these colours. It is a lovely shimmery colour.

Lancôme Juicy Tube in Mangue - Looks a scary bright orange in the tube, looks fab on the lips. Will post picture soon of me wearing it.

Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Smoked Peach Lipstick - As seen on my lips in this FOTD.


My newest purchases -


Sleek Makeup from the Avoir la Pêche Collection - i-Divine Paraguaya Palette - 12 fabulous colours for me to play with, I cannot wait to try some eye looks out with this palette! I have been itching to get hold of it for some time now but all the Superdrugs I had tried previously didn't stock Sleek.

Sleek Makeup Pout Polish in Sugar May - I have used this already in this FOTD but I will no doubt be using this in future posts too, it smells amazing (Vanilla). Goes on beautifully and is non drying on the lips.

On my list to buy (sadly it wasn't in stock when I bought the above) Sleek Makeup Pan Tao Blusher

I am still on the hunt for other fab products in these hues so please leave me a comment with your suggestions.  I am particularly interested in a peach/orange gloss with shimmer.

What is your current makeup obsession ?

Lancome Ultra Lavande Spring 2011 Collection by Aaron De Mey

One Spring/Summer 2011 collection that has really caught my attention is this one from Lancome. It literally had me stopping in my tracks when I saw it at the counters - simply gorgeous and a few items that I really, REALLY want to possess. I felt it only right that I shared the loveliness with you of my favourite bits from the collection

OMBRE MAGNETIQUE - Spectacular Sparkle Long Wear Eye Shadow in Disco Gold £23.50

OMBRE MAGNETIQUE - Spectacular Sparkle Long Wear Eye Shadow in Ultra Lavande £23.50

Colour Fever Gloss in Rose Ballerine  £18

Butterflies Fever Mineral Blusher £32

Stunning Spring colours don't you think? The blusher is a versatile product that you can mix for a healthy flush of colour. Use the pink shade for a rosy flush, the beige shade for sculpting and the Lavande shade to balance complexion.

What do you think of this range, have you seen it in the flesh, which items are you coveting ?

BeautySwot's Best Christmas Gift Guide for under £50

I have trawled the shops, browsed online and magazines to bring to you my top picks of the most fabulous gifts to suit all budgets!


Lush Secret Santa - £5

Lush really have Christmas all wrapped up.  This is fantastic value and a great little gift for Lush fans or those who are looking for a 'Secret Santa' present. This  present is already wrapped and contains a Snowcake Star Soap and a Satsumo Santa Bath Ballistic. I love it!

This present and others to suit all budgets are available to purchase from Lush stores or online at www.lush.co.uk

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Limited Edition 150ml - £17.50

The multi award-winning Cleanse and Polish comes in a beautifully embossed metallic shell and includes a muslin cloth. Every woman should put this on their list or buy it as a gift.

Available from www.lizearle.com and selected John Lewis stores.

Lancome Juicy Tubes Gift Set - £16

Lancome's Juicy Tubes were my first lip gloss collection and I think this is a pretty gift featuring 4 cute miniatures (7ml) in great shades of Fraise, Lychee Toffee R&B and Marshmallow Electro.

Available from Lancome Counters nationwide

Sanctuary Skin Brightening Kit  - £16

Ideal for those who want to treat someone to a Spa experience. This is a 30 minute facial in a box containing everything you need for a radiant glow!

Available from Boots stores or online at www.boots.com

Frontcover To Go Eye Collection -  Usually £35 (currently on offer with a 1/3 off so now just -  £23.33!)

Beauty lovers will simple adore this amazing palette!
Featuring:

• Tips and Advice On How To Create Different Looks
• 10 removable domed baked powder eye shadows
• 3 removable domed baked twinkle powder eye shadows
• 5 removable fine line pressed powder eye shadow duos
• 2 removable pressed powder eye shadows
• Shadowline Liquid (turns shadow to eyeliner)
• Double ended applicator and an interchangeable compact.

Clarins Limited Edition Beauty Flash Balm  50ml - £26.50

This beauty booster instantly eliminates all signs of fatigue, promoting a radiant complexion.  This Christmas it comes with a gorgeous Swarovski crystal embellished cap. A real treat!

Available from Clarins Counters

Models Own Christmas Gift Set - £20 

Fans of Nail Polish will love this fabulous set of 6 Glitter Nail Polishes. Colours featured are Scarlet Sparkle, Mixed Up, Bluebelle, Magenta Devine, Emerald City and Disco Mix.

Available from www.modelsownit.com and Boots stores

Benefit Some Beauty To Love - £29.50

Benefit have come up trumps this year with some amazing gift sets, fun packaging and perfect products to boot! This one includes: CORALista coral–pink cheek powder with brush, 12g, Eye Bright instant eye brightener 1.4g, BADgal lash mascara deluxe mini 4g, ‘That Gal’ brightening face primer deluxe mini 7.5ml. You better be quick though as these sets are selling out fast!

Available from Benefit stores and counters.

L'Occitane Nourishing Shea Butter Collection - Currently £39! (Usually £55)

For a full body pamper pack this is wonderful. Shea Butter is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.

Also worth checking out, one I particularly love the scent of, is the Cherry Blossom Collection £46

Both are available from www.uk.loccitane.com

And finally,

Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Collection - £49.50

This indulgent miniature Bath and Shower Oil Collection contains 9 bottles, providing an effective and memorable aromatherapy experience

Available from www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Happy Shopping!