Lancome- Definicils

(Photo taken from Lancome-usa.com. Used without permission)


YAY!!!! Lancome's ever-popular, ridiculously awesome Definicils now comes in the darkest shade to date: deep black. I can't wait to try it! Frequent readers know I love mascara more than any sane person should, especially Lancome mascara (though M.A.C. is giving them a run for my money). I am not sure if the color is available at the counters yet but it is available on the Lancome-USA website. It is not offered (unfortunately) on their international site. Yet.

Lancome Does It Again

The Paris-based cosmetics house is hands-down the manufacturers of the best mascaras out there. I ordered their new Courbe Virtuose mascara and used it for the first time today. It defines, lengthens and lends the lashes a beautiful curve; it also volumizes and performs well when applying multiple coats, though you really only need two. I am totally in love with this mascara. I also received a 10-day sample of their best seller, Definicils.


Another sample I received was of the Juicy Tubes Smoothie in Pink Horizon. These little samples last me several months and during that time I am constantly receiving free ones with purchases so I have never bought an actual size. I would imagine one would last me at least a year. The great thing about the Smoothie is that a little quite honestly goes a long way. One little squeeze to get a drop, then use the applicator to smooth it over. Most of the colors are fantastic by themselves and give awesome shine and unique color to lipstick.



I also ordered the UV Expert 20 Sunscreen with Mexoryl TM SX. It is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology. The cream is a bit thick and I noticed that upon application my skin looked a bit...chalky. I'm guessing due to the titanium dioxide that is notorious to affecting any shade of brown skin in that manner. You're instructed to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and you need about that long for it to soak into the skin and not have that chalky look. It honestly worried me. So as it stands now, I probably won't order this again, but will go back to the Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF30.

It's All in the Wrist

I am oft complimented about my eyelashes in the most interesting manner: many believe them to be extensions. When I inform them that in fact Mama Nature and I made these the envy deepens and inevitably leads to, "How can I get my lashes to do that too?" I tell them, "It's all in the wrist."

Mascara is the one product I MUST apply on a daily basis. Not only does the lengthening and volumizing of my lashes act as a shield from sun and grit (as all lashes are supposed to) but it makes me look put together even when I look...horrible. Mascara is a product that cannot be put on in a rush. I get every last lash, which gives a panoramic look.

When applying mascara my wrist moves in a soft but deliberate circle. Almost like wrist circles learned in my belly dance class, my fingers delicately hold the mascara wand. With a hand-held mirror in my left hand and the mascara wand in my right, I hold the mirror underneath my chin and look down as I apply mascara to the right eye. The lashes on the upper eye are coated in this manner; then moving the mirror right in front of me, I apply mascara to the underside of the upper eyelashes. For fine tuning (ie. any missed or difficult to reach lashes) I use the tip of the wand. Repeat on the left side.

I do not always apply mascara to my bottom lashes, especially if I want a more doe-eyed effect. Since my lashes on the outer corners of my almond-shaped eyes are longer, getting the "doe eyes" is made easy by emphasizing those few lashes and skipping the bottom row altogether. When I do use mascara on the bottom I hold the wand horizontally and apply by moving the wand underneath the lashes, going up and out. Voila!

My lashes are already curly, a soft 30-45 degree curve so I do not need to use a curler. I know, lucky me! Using this technique will give anyone long, glam lashes regardless of the mascara used. However, a great lengthening or volumizing base coat works wonders as well.