Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick and NEW Hypnose Palette

Lancome makes some of the best luxury makeup in the industry including high quality lipstick and beautiful eye shadow. I often gift their products to friends and family for special occasions and there have been nothing but rave reviews.

Today I’m introducing you to the L’Absolu Ruby Cream Lipstick because the formula is fantastic and the colors are sexy.

You can wear these shades to the office and reapply for night on the town - they are versatile and flattering on all complexions. The rich, velvety color is ultra pigmented, high coverage, bold, comfortable, moisturizing and gorgeous! There is a hint of satin sheen (but not too much) and the multi-faceted bullet shape allows for precise application around the lip contour.

Shades (right to left): 02 Ruby Queen, 03 Kiss Me Ruby, 481 Pigeon Blood Ruby and 274 Coeur de Rubis)

I love that the color glides on buttery and opaque with no drag or patchiness. The lipsticks retail for $42 each and come in 14 shades.

Lancome has made quite a few Hypnose Palettes but Blue Hypnotique  ($60) has the most striking colors in the collection. Each compact comes with 5 coordinated shades, 2 applicators and a small mirror.

You get a shimmery silver, matte royal blue, sparkling gold, iridescent cobalt blue and deep matte navy for a stunning smokey effect. The color payoff is good but the bright blue and navy are sheer and buildable. Use them to create a pretty faded crease so the others shadows don't appear heavy.

I always recommend using a base before applying shadow, especially during the summer when there is sweat and humidity to contend with. Lancome’s Prime It Boost It Intensifier Base ($33) keeps pigments in place all day (even during exercise). It also smooths, preps and prevents creasing but does not seem to amplify color or make them brighter.

Another great summer product is the Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Glow Liquid Moisturizer ($60). It is infused with a nourishing blend of amino acids, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and rose extract to protect against pollution, weather, dehydration, dullness and other visible signs of stress and fatigue.

The light milk creates a luminous, supple veil that makes skin appear healthy. It is 95% natural, eco-friendly and does not contain alcohol, silicone, parabens, mineral oil or artificial colors. Use it under makeup to smooth, hydrate and promote a healthy glow.

These products are available at Lancome counters nationwide and online at lancome.ca

Lancome L’Absolu Mademoiselle Shine Lipstick: Review & Swatches

Sometimes a girl just needs a gorgeous lipstick that she can swipe on quickly without worrying about smudging dryness or discomfort. Lancome seems to understand exactly what women want because the new L’Absolu Mademoiselle Lipsticks ($38.00 ea) are juicy, vibrant and incredibly hydrating.

The color selection is gorgeous! Your choices include a trendy collection of classic red, plum, pink, wine, nude and coral - something for every skin tone, style and occasion.

The first thing I noticed was how lush and lightweight the formula is. It contains rose oil, vitamin E, and a patented moisture lock complex that protects, nourishes and conditions for hours! The fruity scent smells delicious and the color glides on effortlessly with minimal transfer and no bleeding.

I usually prefer matte lipsticks but I’ve totally fallen in love with the glistening shine and plush finish of these bright hues. They make my pout feel soft, smooth and youthful with a sexy plumping effect.

As the pigment drenches parched lips in supple moisture it feels like a soothing balm with the buildable color of a satin lipstick. I don’t need to reapply often and the gold tubes are are super chic. 

During hectic workdays or long flights, the lipstick prevents skin from chapping or peeling and never feels sticky or slick. I always keep one in my purse to enhance my complexion right before a big meeting or event.

The best part – you don’t have to wait for a good lip day to wear them. The color looks great even when your pout is in bad shape and they actually make my skin feel healthier  – silky, resilient and completely replenished.

Swatches left to right: 232 Mademoiselle Plays, 368 Mademoiselle Smiles, 382 Mademoiselle Shine, 398 Mademoiselle Loves and 157 Mademoiselle Stands Out

Lancome is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, department store counters and online at lancome.ca

Lancome Monsieur Big Metallic & Matte Eye Shadow Palette: Review & Swatches

This September I will be celebrating my 10th wedding anniversary (I got married young) and as I reminisce about the last several years it reminds me of all the stages our relationship has gone through.

To celebrate love (past, present and future) Lancome has released the Monsieur Big heart shaped shadow palette ($65.00). This cute compact is divided into 3 sections with different intensities to help you create the perfect look for any occasion. Each shade is also labelled so you know which color to use as a base, highlighter, liner and outer corner contour.

The “liners” are no different from the eye shadows which make them impractical for their intended purpose. They blend into the other shades on my lid and end up looking messy around the lash line.

Use Big Crush if you want to keep things cute and casual. The tones are soft, pretty and subtle – great for a first date. 

When things heat up use the Big Date Shades to accentuate and brighten. The shimmery gold, bright pink and warm bronze are flattering on all skin tones and the highlighter is a sheer, frosty overlay.

For romantic occasions the Big Night look is my favorite! The satiny garnet is super sexy and the deep burgundy is great for crease definition. The browns look very similar but one hue is deep chocolate and the other has a hint of plum - perfect for crease sculpting and accentuating.

For some reason the bottom shadows have much better color payoff  than the other sections but with a good primer and a few layers they stay in place without creasing.

When it comes to cheek color less is more and the Blush Subtil Powders ($43.00) provide a natural flush. There are 27 sophisticated shades (nothing wild or unique) with an ultra fine, silky texture that blends seamlessly. Rose Liberte (on the left) has a smooth, matte finish while Make It Pop has a hint of radiant shimmer.

Lancome is available at department store counters nationwide.

Lancome Fall 2017 Olympia Le-Tan Collection

Olympia Le-Tan is well known for her edgy runway designs and eccentric accessories that fuse art, literature and pop-culture into interesting avant-garde fashion. This year she has teamed up with Lancome to create a makeup collection that represents her distinctive style and flare for color.

If you haven’t tried Lancome’s Matte Shakers ($30.00) you are definitely missing out and Olympia has created new custom shades for her collection. The cute martini shaker lip pigments have a moisturizing oil-infused formula with the intensity of liquid lipstick for durability and comfort. These pigments are some of my favorites from the brand because they cling to the lips like a second skin for optimal staying power and the cushion applicator soaks up loads of color for precise, saturated application.

Shades: 1980 (bright coral) and 1976 (purple)

As the color glides on it feels cool, moist and alleviating. The matte finish makes lips appear full and contoured while the oils seep in and condition to prevent dryness. The best thing about the Shakers (aside from the versatile shade selection) is the texture. It feels very light and almost undetectable so you can layer heavier to enhance the color.

I’ve heard of Cushion Foundation before but this is my first Cushion Highlighter. The packaging is very unique – featuring feminine pink fabric modeled after Olympia’s famous clutch book designs.

The highlighter ($55.00) is available in just one shade – sheer, luminous silver with a hint of sparkle. I don’t think the little sponge pad is ideal for blending so I use my finger for neater application. The undertone is quite frosty and may appear white on medium to deep skin so I use it sparingly for a subtle glow. The incandescent finish is very soft – perfect for the fall/winter season.

The L’absolu Rouge Le Bisou Lipsticks ($40.00) are available in 3 rich autumn hues suitable for all complexions. The hydrating, buildable color is creamy, long-wear and supple, with a lustrous satin finish. I love the puckered lip design on the application tip and the delicate rose fragrance is wonderful!

Shades: 1988 (deep wine) and 1955 (bright red)

Swatches: Juicy Shakers and Lipstick

For winter I like shimmery silver polish and the glossy lacquers ($22.00) compliment the rest of the collection so you can match your nails to your eyes or lips. The smooth, long-wear formula is easy to apply, fast drying and layers well for professional results.

The limited edition Olympia Le-Tan Collection is available at Lancome counters nationwide and online at lancome.ca.

NEW From Lancome: Advanced Génifique Sensitive Dual Concentrate, Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Rose Mask & La Vie Est Belle L’éclat Eau De Parfum

We’ve all suffered from bad skin days. It could have been seasonal changes, a nasty breakout, pollution, fatigue or in my case the sunny beaches, long nights and jet lag from my recent trip to Portugal, but occasionally we all need a little rejuvenation. Lancome has recently released new skincare dedicated to replenishing the complexion, correcting irregularities and promoting a youthful glow.

The new La Vie Est Belle Fragrance is opulent, sophisticated and intoxicating for a sensory experience that it truly decadent.

Advanced Génifique ($99.00) is a luxurious serum rich in probiotics that revive fragile skin, hydrate, protect against daily aggressors, soothe and deeply nourish when you need it most. What makes this formula unique is that the concentrate is kept isolated from the serum until you decide to use it so the active ingredients remain fresh and potent. The serum is viable for approximately one month which means that once you blend the two parts together, you must continue using it every day until the bottle is finished for best results.

Clear, unmixed serum

When you have a bad skin day simply push and twist the cap to release the blue concentrate, shake until mixed, unscrew and dispose of the cap (including the blue portion) and replace with the medicine dropper. The concentrate is composed of 98% pure antioxidants (Ferulic Acid & Vitamin C) to speed up healing and regeneration.

Mixed with concentrate

The serum feels refreshing, cool and soothing on parched, tight skin and melts in quickly with no greasy residue. I apply it in the evening after cleansing and layer it with the Absolue Night Precious Cells Recovery Cream to create the ultimate hydrating night treatment. If you suffer from dry skin and need an excellent winter moisturizer, read my review on the Precious Cells Collection by clicking HERE. It is my favorite skincare range from Lancome.

After a hectic week the Revitalizing Rose Mask ($185.00) enriched with rose water and nutritive extracts is the perfect way to energize, plump and hydrate the skin. You can actually see fresh rose fragments floating in the cool gel and in just 15 minutes my complexion is bright, clear, smooth and incredibly supple. Just sit back, relax and let the lush formula and amazing scent pamper and revive you.

After your skin is glowing and you’re ready for a night out, the new La Vie Est Belle L’éclat Perfume ($85.00) puts the perfect finishing out on any outfit. The elegant bottle is a masterpiece in itself featuring 221 twinkling facets designed by the best French glass maker. I love that the liquid appears to be encased in crystal and elevated by a solid base embellished with a simple pearlescent bow.

La Vie Est Belle is radiant, uplifting and boldly feminine with notes of delicate iris, sweet pear, ripe blackberry, luminous orange blossom, fresh jasmine and a base of patchouli essence. The fruit and citrus accords balance the robust undertones for the perfect blend of sweet and sensual. The aroma is elegant, long lasting and refined – ideal for daily wear and special occasions. It also makes a great gift for the ladies on your holiday list!

Lancome is available at department store counters nationwide, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora and online at lancome.ca.

Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Skincare Review

Recently I’ve been testing a few skincare collections from Lancome including Energie De Vie, Energie Multi-Lift and Visionnaire but the Absolue range is my new favorite! This collection targets dry, dull skin and rejuvenates the complexion with rich, conditioning formulas and potent anti-aging components for a fresh, youthful glow. 

After removing most of my makeup with a cleansing wipe and some sort of cream emulsion or micelle water, I use face wash to get rid of lingering residue. The Sublime Cleansing Foam is different from many formulas I’ve tried because it comes in a canister and dispenses as a smooth mousse. I like that it lathers right away with a light, fluffy texture that coats well and feels great. One small pump on my Clarisonic is all it takes to deep clean my entire face and eliminate excess oil, pollutants and pore clogging impurities without drying out my skin. The foam retails for $79.00.

The Absolue Precious Cells Moisturizer ($190.00) is a bestseller and after 20 years of research Lancome has perfected this luxurious formula. The lush texture melts in deeply to heal dryness, improve texture, smooth wrinkles, plump, firm, and rejuvenate with a radiant finish. Although the cream is quite rich, once absorbed it feels supple, refreshing and silky so you can wear it during the day and apply makeup on top. It doesn’t contain SPF but it does seem to help repair the effects of sun damage and alleviate sensitivity after exposure to environmental elements. If you have severely dry skin use a generous amount for an invigorating moisture boost that lasts all day.

There are a few night products in this collection and I’ve been testing 2 repairing and recovering formulas – one with French rose extract and one without. Both variations seem to yield the same results with a nourishing, buttery consistency that drenches skin in layers of suppleness and supports its natural ability to repair. The cream instantly smooths rough areas to improve texture, soften, reduce wrinkles, strengthen, enhance density and eliminate puffiness so you awake looking well rested. In just 7 days skin is supposed to appear more youthful with a beautiful dewy glow and my complexion is replenished, clear and velvety so makeup applies flawlessly and blemishes are minimized. The effect is like a re-energizing night mask and mini-facial all-in-one, similar to the results you’d experience after undergoing a reviving spa treatment. Absolue Night retails for $205.00.

If you prefer a gel moisturizer, the Absolue Advanced Youthful Lotion ($84.00) wraps skin in silky softness with a light water base that seeps in quickly with no residue. During the warm summer months this formula is refreshing, hydrating and less dense than the creams plus it plumps and creates an even canvass for makeup with a luminous finish.

Sometimes the delicate skin around my eyes becomes dry and sensitive so I look for products that can gently hydrate while fading dark circles. The Intense Revitalizing Eye Cream ($136.00) improves the eye contour, deeply moisturizes, reduces wrinkles and revives the eye area so you look well rested even when you aren’t. Although I haven’t noticed significant brightening, the infusion of shea butter and rose oil is just what I need to recover from the drying winter and when used under concealer there is no creasing. I experienced no irritation or burning and massaging the excess into my brows seems to condition the hairs.

The Nourishing Lip Balm smells like fresh roses with a hint of honey and other hydrating oils to replenish damaged lips. The creamy balm-like texture alleviates on contact and overtime chapped skin and peeling is smoothed away. Although the $50.00 price tag is in the high-end range, my lips feel smooth, supple and plush for a lot longer. It also shields against harsh climate and you can lightly layer it under cream lipsticks or gloss.

Lancome is available at department store counters nationwide, Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora

Lancome Matte Shaker Review & New Juicy Shaker Shades

When Lancome released the Juicy Shakers, makeup junkies everywhere became obsessed with the lightweight, radiant formula that nourished dry lips with delicious color. Now you can experience the same hydration in a bold new finish. 

The new Matte shades come in the same cute martini shaker packaging with a moisturizing bi-phase oil and the intensity of liquid lipstick for durable comfort. The luxurious emulsion clings to lips like a second skin for extreme coverage and optimal staying power plus the cushion soft applicator was redesigned to soak up more product and provide precise application. The pointed tip makes maneuvering around the lip contour and edges efficient so it's easier to reapply on-the-go. 

When the color glides on it feels cool, alleviating and moist but dries quickly. Even though the formula isn’t creamy and the color dries matte, the underlying oils seep in and deeply condition to prevent skin from becoming parched. My lips feel plush, silky and healthy with no residue or tightness and the tint creates a full, pouty effect. If you want to switch from matte to shine without compromising color, simply layer a sheer Juicy Shaker on top.

Shades from left to right: Kiss Me Cherie, Yummy Pink, Magic Orange & Pink Power

The pigmentation is wonderfully versatile! For sheer to medium coverage simply shake less to limit the amount of color on the applicator and apply a thin layer or two. For more vibrancy shake more and keep layering to achieve your desired saturation and intensity. No matter how much I use, the formula remains light and virtually undetectable while still providing enough hydration. The color lasts for hours and wears away into a pretty stain. You can also create fun ombre looks by using one shade on the top lip and another on the bottom. The pink - orange combo is perfect for spring!

I absolutely love these lip colors and there are 7 matte hues to choose from for $29.00 each.

The original Juicy Shaker Collection gained a few trendy new shades that are gorgeous and glossy! They provide subtle, translucent color with a light, smooth texture that melts in to heal and revive dry skin. Loaded with peach, cranberry and sweet almond oils the formula feels and smells fantastic without being greasy, sticky or slick.

Cloudy Candy, Bohemian Raspberry & Top Gum

Unlike the matte shakers, these separate into 2 layers – color and oil, so they need to be mixed prior to application to form the perfect blend of shine and hydration. They also retail $29.00 and come in a variety of flattering tints.

Lancome is available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora and lancome.ca

Update -

I have exciting news! I’ve recently learned that the Matte Shaker Collection is being extended to include even more amazing shades and I have 3 of the new colors (below) – Red’y in 5, Beige Vintage (my new favorite nude) and Energy Peach – a soft summery hue.

Lancôme Energie De Vie Skincare Review

Winter seems to be winding down but we are still in that awkward phase of seasonal transition where freak snowstorms can hit at any moment followed by on the onset of spring temperatures. Unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on the skin which is why I decided to enhance my daily routine and test out the Energie De Vie Collection from Lancôme.

The bright green packaging definitely reminds me of warm summer days and the range includes serums, lotion, a night mask, cream and cleanser to help revitalized dull, tired skin and boost vitality. The Smoothing & Plumping Pearly Lotion ($61.00) is infused with Goji Berry, Lemon Balm, Gentian (a flowering plant/herb) and illuminating pearls that refresh, energize and balance. At first I was a bit confused with the world “lotion” because the formula is a water based gel that absorbs quickly. I love how cooling it feels on parched skin and I notice immediate improvement in texture. Rough areas and pores appear smooth and my complexion is vibrant, healthy and glowing with no sticky residue. Although the lotion has an ultra lightweight texture, it still hydrates well and seeps in efficiently for long lasting dryness relief. If you have very dry skin you may need to layer it under a heavier moisturizer.

One issue I have with Lancôme bottles and packaging is the lack of directions, you may need to visit the website to learn how to use them. In the ingredient list I don’t recognize many of the additives and most products have a very strong perfume scent which tends to mellow substantially after application. The fragrance may be an issue for sensitive skin so I recommend doing a patch test or getting samples.

The Liquid Care ($60.00) is an all-in-one lotion, serum and cream that protects the skin from environmental assaults, nourishes to treat dryness, heals and recuperates. The light liquid melts in and makes my skin silky, youthful, bouncy and luminous! It works wonders when used with the Pearly Lotion and together they make a wonderful base for flawless makeup application.

If you like the results of a night mask but prefer a light formula then the Energie De Vie Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask may be just what you need. Like the other products, the consistency is gel-like and water based so it isn’t thick and doesn’t clog pores. The strong scent dissipates with wear so it isn’t bothersome and my skin feels dewy, resilient and moisturized. It is also light enough to combine with serums and night treatments. The mask retails for $90.00.

The Rénergie Multi-Lift Multi Action Gel-In-Lotion is not part of this collection but I’ve been using it as well. Along with hydrating the skin it also tightens, lifts and shapes to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and crows feet. The finish is matte, soft and velvety plus it helps improve elasticity while repairing the epidermis. Although I like the texture I don’t have any visible signs of aging so I can’t attest to all the benefits. The lotion retails for $61.00.

What impressed me most about these products is how instantaneous the results are! They rejuvenate my complexion and help reverse the effects of winter. Lancôme can be found at department stores, Sephora and lancome.ca.