I bought a tube of the new Lancôme Grandiose Mascara as soon as it was available. I wasn't sure if it was legit or another gimmick (remember the battery-operated vibrating mascaras from five or six years ago?), but I was willing to give it a chance because I usually like the formula of Lancôme mascaras, and find that they have a great balance of longevity/extensive wear and an appealing look for my lashes. They also tend to hold curl very well. So, why not?
I'm so glad I did.
The swan-neck mascara wand of Grandiose is the answer to every application issue I've ever had. My eyes are set very deep and in such an angle that I wasn't aware of the maneuvering effort I usually put into avoiding mess and mascara smudges all around the eye area. so many years of mascara usage have made rotating and directing mascara applicators a second nature. Apparently, the right brush makes a world of difference when it comes to ease and speed of lash painting. It's one of those things I never even thought I needed, but now that the curve of the wand and instinctive movement of the hand are in alignment with my actual face, I totally get it. who woulda thought?
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| A really bad camera phone photo (the only way I could get a meaningful closeup without wearing my glasses). I'm only wearing Grandiose on my top lashes. The bottom ones are left natural. Sadly, I'm only wearing powder to take away some shine, and no foundation, concealer, or blush, hence the red blotches and other unsightliness. Sorry! |
I can't be certain if and what is different in Grandiose's formula than other stellar Lancome mascaras. I tried using Hypnose Drama on one eye and Grandiose on the other, but the difference was in application, not in appearance. I can tell you that Grandiose seems to add curl to my lashes, but that can also be the fact that the wand makes it so easy to coat every lash from root to tip. In any case, Grandiose has the usual quality and longevity of Lancome mascaras, so if they tend to work for you, it's definitely worth your time to try Grandiose.
Bottom Line: for the first time ever, I'm considering signing up for Lancome's auto-delivery service.
Lancôme Grandiose Mascara ($32, black only) is available from the counters, Sephora and lancome.com.
We women have got to stop beating up on ourselves! In the caption to your photo, you pointed out everything you thought was wrong with your face. Your eyes were beautiful! No one's face is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm still on the fence about this, because the wand seems interesting but I'm not sure about the brush itself. Might try it though.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked the vibrating mascaras, I saved the battery-operated brush when mine ran out and I still use it sometimes with other mascaras.
Thanks for the review! I have been thinking of trying this mascara out. By the way, your skin looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteFoundation or not, you are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI wish this mascara worked for me. I loved the bent neck wand. On the other hand the brush and the formula did nothing good for me. It glued my fine, sparse lashes into clumps of lashes that I then spent twenty minutes trying to separate. After 3 or 4 hours I had major raccoon circles going on under my eyes. Sigh. I have to admit the bent wand really did make it easier to reach the inner and outer corners of my lashes.
Gaia, it is really great that you are posting your picture! This is really helps to get a correct impression. I'll really appreciate if you post your pictures while testing some lipsticks :).
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this review - have been curious about this one, but didn't realize until I read your review that it would be so effective for very deep set eyes, which I also have. And I like how it looks in that photo (which, by the way is great - have no idea why you'd not think so. Very beautiful, elegant).
ReplyDeleteAnna
Hello Gaia,
ReplyDeleteI think I may give this mascara a go. I remember being a loyal Lancome Defenicils user for many years and loving the results. My eyes are also deep set and inevitably I always get mascara on the upper portion of my lids. BTW, love seeing a full shot of your face :)
-Maria
I'm such a klutz, I'll readily admit I've always been terrified by vibrating and even curved mascara wands, too much opportunity for mishaps!
ReplyDeleteGaia, your skin is gorgeous, foundation or not; your consistency with skin care has paid off. What eye colors are you wearing? They look fabulous regardless.