Packaging: The “Advanced Genifique ” by Lancôme comes in a fancy-looking glass bottle that gradates from a silver anthracite-grey to black with the brand name and details about the product written in white. The bottle comes with a self-loading silver pipette to dispense the serum. The pipette works by pumping the right amount of product which facilitates use as it allows for the serum to be squeezed out. Type of skin: This serum is appropriate for all skin types. Smell: This product does not have any particular smell. Effect: We tried this serum for a month on normal skin in the morning and at night. Given that the serum does not contain oil, it works smoothly on the skin and does not make it greasy. The unique blend of ingredients moisturized the skin deeply and improved how it looks: the skin appeared more illuminated. The most significant change that we noticed was that the face looked less tired and some fine lines around the eye and mouth area were reduced and the face looked more rested. The “Advanced Genifique’s” texture is lightweight, so the skin absorbs it instantly and does not leave any feeling of heaviness on the face or any layer of product. Lancôme claims that after 7 days of “Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum” daily use the skin will be “smoother, more radiant.” While we did notice some change on the skin after one week of daily use, the glow started showing after two weeks of use. So, this serum should be considered as an addition to any anti-aging routine and should be followed with a day or night moisturizer. Application: This serum can be used either once a day or in the morning and the evening, as the brand recommends. After cleansing the skin thoroughly, twist the bottle cap and apply the amount of serum in the pipette directly on the face and press gently. After it dries, apply a moisturizer and massage onto the skin. The serum can also be applied on the neck if desired. Price: The “Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum” serum comes in 5 different sizes from travel size to large bottles that last for several months: the $52/19.1 mL; $78/29.6 mL; $105/50.3 mL; $142/74 mL; and $178/100.5 mL. The serum’s price is similar to other products in the same range, such as Filagora’s “Time Zero Multi-Correction Wrinkles Serum” which retails at $79/29.6 mL. On a different scale is Caudalie’s “Premier Cru” which is an anti-aging forum that retails at $150/30 mL.  

Packaging: This mascara comes in a shiny black tube, giving it a very sophisticated and classy feel, with gold “Lancôme” marked on it from one side, and gold “Hypnôse” on the other. The wand is long and thin with a handle that is easy to grip for application. As for the brush, it is narrow enough to get into the corners. Color: There are 3 colors available: brown, black and deep black. Effect: This mascara gives a natural look to the lashes. Its fluid and creamy formula provides length more than volume, so if you prefer a bold look, this might not be your best option. It does not smudge, and assure a smooth application, usable on both upper and lower lashes, with limited clumping. However, once applied, the product dries fast on the lashes, making it hard to maintain the curls of the lashes. When applying the mascara on your lashes, bear in mind that the product comes out in a large quantity on the brush of the mascara, so make sure to wipe a little of the product off the wand back into the bottle before placing it on your lashes. This mascara lasts all day long, without having to retouch, although it is not waterproof. It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contains Vitamin B5 famous for its moisturizing, soothing and rejuvenating effects. You can remove it easily with a little bit of baby oil and if you prefer to use wipes, it will get off gently. Price: 27.5$ on the official website of Lancôme, with a capacity of (6.5 ml). This price is similar to the price of high-end brands mascaras that have a smaller capacity. On the other hand, the Hypnose mascara has a higher price than drugstore mascaras which have a larger capacity as well.  

Packaging: This foundation comes in a transparent glass bottle displaying the brand name and some of the characteristics of the product. The bottle has a pump that enables the distribution of the right amount of fluid. The black cap closes firmly and prevents leakage of the foundation especially if placed inside a makeup pouch. Available Colors: The foundation is available in 40 shades, from the very light tones that are adapted to fair complexions to the darker tones for the tanned skin. It is always important to test several colours on your skin before buying to make sure that it blends with your carnation. Tested Colors: - Beige Diaphane, a light colored shade that works for fair skin - Beige Nature, a medium colored shade Scent: The foundation has a strong perfume; if you tend to dislike strong scents in makeup we recommend that you test it ahead. Effect: The claim on the bottle is that the Teint Idole lasts for up to 24 hours, which we found excessive. When we tried it, we noticed that the foundation works well to cover imperfections of an oily skin however it was not long lasting and required the use of blotting papers throughout the day. We noticed the same effect for combination skin, as it was not able to keep the  T-zone matte for a long period; and we had to re-apply another layer of the product on the zone. For a longer lasting effect, it is best to use it on dry skins; although it has a mattifying effect we did not notice any dry patches following its application. However we noticed when using it on combination to oily skin that it tends to make the T-zone shiny during the day and will only effectively last for a couple of hours. We felt the need to set it with a powder to extend its wear-time or to use a mattifying primer on the oily zones before applying it. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, it is always best to apply the foundation on your skin in thin layers during a certain period. In case there is no evidence of rashes or worsening of the acne this would mean that the foundation is suitable for your skin type. Application: Shake well the bottle before using then press the pump to apply a small amount on the back of your hand. Use the foundation brush to spread the product on the face and make sure to begin with thin layers. You can further increase the coverage progressively to prevent the foundation from settling into fine lines. Price: The foundation comes in a 30ml bottle and retails at 47 USD (official price on Lancome website). The price is comparable to that of other foundations of same container size from brands such as Shiseido, Yves Saint Laurent and Kat Von D. However if you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, you can find a wide range of products between 20 USD and 30 USD from brands such as Clinique, Vichy and La Roche-Posay.  

Packaging: The Lancôme Hypnose Drama comes in an elegant packaging in shiny black color, marked with Hypnose Drama on the side. The silhouette of the tube which resembles the old Hypnose is designed to fit tightly in the hand. As for the brush, it is a medium-sized S-shaped curve. The bristles are soft and lenient, not tough or prickly at all. Color: The Hypnose Drama is available in three colors: black (tested color), deep black and brown. Texture: The texture of this product is creamy and soft, not sticky. Effect: Like its antecedent Hypnose, the new Hypnose Drama encloses Pro-Vitamin B5 known for its soothing effect. It has a coating system which gives lengthy lashes that won't batch or chip during the day. This mascara is perfect for those with small lashes. It gives them size and precision in a single stroke without clumping. However, if you wear contact lenses and you are allergy-prone your eyes might react to this fragranced product especially that mascaras get close to the eyeballs. Directly after applying one coat of this mascara, you will notice an increase in the curl of your lashes, much more than what the curler gives you, in case you use it before applying your mascara. This mascara also seems to hold the curl in place and keep the lashes nice and parted. We also noticed that it quickly dries when exposed to air. Actually, after the second coat, you might see a slight loss of separation but the volume, full coverage and fullness remain specially at the base of the lashes. The black is really so black that it can give the eyes the same effect as if you are wearing an eyeliner. Price: 27.5$ on the official website of Lancôme, with a capacity of 6 ml. The price is fair compared to other luxury brands. Nonetheless, you can still choose a cheaper drugstore mascara having a larger capacity for around 10$ such as the Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express (10.7 ml ) or L'Oréal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara (8 ml).  

Packaging: Lancôme’s “Mr. Big” mascara comes in a sleek black tube. The regular mascara comes with an electric pink logo on it, and the waterproof option, with electric blue inscriptions on it. The size of the mascara is very convenient as it can fit easily into a purse or bag. The mascara also comes in a smaller travel size, so it can fit an evening wallet on chain or a clutch. The brush is delicately designed with rubber bristles that make it easy to apply. Color: The “Mr. Big” mascara is available in “Monsieur Big is the New Black” and in “Monsieur Big Brown”. We tested the black non-waterproof mascara. We found it to be highly rich in color as it is deeply pigmented. Effect: “Mr. Big” adds volume to lashes and a thick deep black finish. The brush along with the creamy mascara liquid ensures smooth and smudge-proof application. The website claims that Mr. Big adds “12x more volume than bare lashes”, while this cannot be tested, the mascara does give the effect that you are wearing false lashes, however, the intensity of this feature depends on how many layers you apply. For a simple every day look, one application is more than enough. However, for a more dramatic evening look, applying 2 or even 3 layers is recommended. The mascara gives an edgy look and works very well on its own for a day look, or with a smoky eye for the evening. The product also dries fast once on the lashes and does not clump up or smudge. Once applied, this mascara truly has a long tenure as it lasts all day long. It is also light and there is no feeling of heaviness on the lashes. What is a really distinct feature is that the mascara helps the eye look bigger as it elongates the lashes and enriches them with a deep black that helps eye colors pop up. Price: The mascara retails at $25 on the official Lancôme website and has a capacity of 0.33oz/10ml. This price is considered the average mascara price for this brand type. For example, the MAC “In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash” mascara is officially sold for $24 and the Estee Lauder “Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting” mascara retails at $27.50.