Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H

My May 2014 Topbox came with a bit of a twist: A small, empty jar and a slip of paper that told me to head to the Hudson Bay for my free, 10-day sample of Lancome foundation. While this approach to disturbing beauty samples kind of sucks if you live out in rural Canada, it was fine for me, someone who lives near several Bays.

I ended up stopping by the Sherway Gardens Bay and there a friendly Lancome seller asked me what I look for in a foundation. When I told her I like coverage and a matte look, she recommended Lancome’s Teint Idole Ultra 24H and then picked the first shade for me (it’s, surprise, ivory). 

According to Lancome, this product is “a new idol of lasting perfection” that delivers “all-day flawless complexion” and “a shine-free and retouch-free complexion.” It does this by using “10 years of research” and a special polymer that “increase the feeling of freshness and comfort when applied.”

Lancôme New Advanced Génifique

While I did receive a fairly generous sample of this anti-aging serum in my spring Luxe Box, it wasn’t enough to last me the full eight weeks needed for this product to “Reactivate the 10 key signs of youth, day and night.” No, I’m not completely sure what that line means either however, Lancôme does add that 34 women who used this product for an eight-week period reported a real improvement in these areas: Fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, clarity, even skin tone and texture (I know, that’s not 10 areas, I have no idea what the earlier mentioned 10 is referring to).

Since I didn’t use this product for eight weeks I can’t comment on any claim related to the results generated by that length of usage. But I can comment on what six weeks of continuous use does. Since late May, I’ve been using this product at least once a day, and more often than not twice a day, on my forehead (it's the only part of my face that could benefit from an anti-aging product). According to Lancôme, users should see, “First results in just seven days” and those results should be “…smoother and more radiant skin that you can see and feel.”

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer & Lancome La Base Pro

Two primers, two sets of very similar claims, two very different price points. So which one is best?

Well, putting aside the differences in price, the answer is neither. Based on my experience, these two products perform identically. I wore both of these primers multiple times, usually under foundation and powder, but also occasionally on their own, and did both full-face tests and split-face tests (wearing one product on one half of my face and the other on the other half). Test after test, face after face, the results were the same.

And what were those results? Well, first let’s look at what these primers are supposed to do. According to Sephora, the Anti-shine Foundation primer will, “Keep a matte complexion for eight hours with this velvety smooth primer, specially formulated to mattify instantly while absorbing excess sebum. “ Lancôme, meanwhile, promises that its La Base Pro will, “Makeup glides on effortlessly and color stays truer and more vibrant for that right-off-the-runway, air-brushed look that lasts until you take it off. “

The Winner Of Mascara Week Is...

Mascara Week is wrapping up here on Stuff Lindsay Bought so, without any more fuss, here’s who came out on top as well as how the losers rank:

1. Tarte mascara in lights, camera, lashes!
2. Lancome Hypnose Drama
3. Stila Glamoureyes
4. Benefit They're Real

Now, I need to quickly add that this was a very, very tight competition and that the top three mascaras are all great products. While they’re not perfect, they will visibly enhance your lashes with minimal-to-no flaking or smudging. And actually, depending on what you’re after, the #3 mascara actually might be your #1.