I’m kinda like a Spartan when it comes to beauty shopping – armed with a shopping basket and my credit card, I mentally chant “THIS. IS. SPARTAAAAA” and off I charge, scooping everything from the shelves into my basket.muahaha. Scary much?
However, I do have some semblance of a conscience that reminds me from time to time that I shouldn’t be squandering so much on such stuff. I am super thankful that part of my hobby is also very kindly encouraged by brands who from time to time bestow upon me stuff to review, such as this mascara (that I would really have pondered, wondered, and hesitated to fork out SGD$60 for). For those of you who are still hesitating, read forth to find out mah verdict!
Lancome Grandiose Mascara – SGD$60
I say…
- Now like every other 999 ladies out there, I also claim to have poker-straight lashes that are too stubborn to remain curled. This mascara claims to curl, lengthen and voluminise – let’s put it to the test.
- Curling: YES it curls. I did not use any eyelash curler at all, and yet, even after 1 coat, you can see the lashes being lifted up. I’m very much impressed.
- Lengthening: YES it does lengthen – you can see (or rather, not see) my lashes before application. After just 1-3 coats, I went from being a Bald-Eyed Billiard Ball to Rambutan Lashes.
- Fanning: YES it does help the lashes to fan out (although not as much as I’d like it to be, especially at the inner lashes).
- Voluminising: YES it does add volume and make my lashes look thicker and more luscious. Beware of over-applying though – it can get a little clumpy. I went about 2-3 coats before it started to clump and weigh my lashes down.
- Beauty tip: Get one of those lash combs (or even those unused eyebrow brush/combs) to help comb out the clumps and separate the lashes in between each application.
- The Wand: Yes it does make application a lot easier – I didn’t have to stick my elbow out at a 90-degree angle to apply (so I can’t pretend to accidentally elbow my brother when he tries to share my mirror). However, what I love about the wand is that when you’re twisting it in the tube, it swirls around to pick up the formula in the tube (so that it’s thoroughly coated). This takes away the need to do that pumping motion of the tube when you try to pick up more formula. Note that because of the angled applicator, try not to yank it out of the tube forcefully, but instead, take it out slowly.
- The Applicator: Yes it does help in almost evenly applying the mascara on most of the lashes. I had a little problem applying it on the lower lashes cos it’s not eensy weensy enough.
- The downside: It’s not waterproof. Which means you’d better not be wearing this to watch some sad weepy Korean drama, or you’ll be the next goth chick in town.
- It also smudges pretty easily – I wore it for about 1-2 hours before I started going all raccoony. Now note that this is because I have oily eyelids, and cheekbones that make the corners of my eyes crinkle up when I smile (and thus increase the contact between the lash and the lower lid).
Should you pay SGD$60 for this mascara? I say yes, but only if:
- you don’t already own 10 other mascaras. This is one that’ll put the other mascaras you have out of commission (and thus, end up in wastage).
- you don’t mind the non-waterproof part. It removes pretty easily with the Innisfree Juicy Apple Emulsion, but not so easily with the Bioderma Sensibio.
- you want those lashes to be va-va-voom (and don’t mind combing out the clumps in between applications).
- you don’t like / are lazy to use an eyelash curler.
After all, it does live up to its claim to lengthen, voluminise, fan and lengthen out your lashes.
Psst: To find out what went out backstage at their recent launch at Sephora, check out my article here.
