"Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses, cuz we were born this way…!" Lady Gaga


Monday, January 10, 2011

Review: Guerlain Le 2 Volumumizing Mascara

Imagine my excitement when I found this mascara...being the mascara addict that I am...I was simply overjoyed at the prospects of what this sleek black wand had to offer.

Here's what the company claims:

Guerlain Le 2 Volumizing Mascara 
"An innovative, two-brush mascara that contains polymers instead of traditional waxes for a dramatic, intense result." 
What it does: 
"Outrageous volume, dramatic curl! Le 2 de Guerlain Volumizing Mascara, the most innovative two-brush mascara on the market, has two polymers that replace traditional waxes for a dramatic, intense result. The first polymer has spherical balls which wrap lashes for amazing volume and the second polymer allows for maximum coverage without smudging or clumping. In addition, the exclusive main brush has hollow fibers for a multi-dimensional volume effect and the second foam-tipped wand acts as a "Lash Gloss", coating lashes in rich color and creating captivatingly curled lashes." 

MY REVIEW:
Here's a view of the two different brushes at either end:
Brush #1

Brush #2
 
Cost$36 USD

Application method (according to box directions):
Step 1:  Use this brush for generous volume and extravagant curve
Step 2:  Use this brush for a vinyl effect lacquer to fix and intensify

My thoughts:  I have used this mascara for one solid week each day.  To say that I am utterly disappointed would be a huge understatement.  This mascara delivers lackluster results on my lashes.  Curl?  Outrageous volume?  No way, not here!

Having tried numerous methods to apply it (i.e. juxtaposing steps 1 and 2,  using a lash primer-not using a lash primer, curling my lashes first-not curling my lashes first, etc, etc), none of them delivered results that justified the $36 price tag.  

Pros 
  • Delivers great length to my lashes.  Ironically, this product was designed for volume.
  • Smell- Not as glamorous to me as YSL's rose fragrance that emanates from the tube,  this mascara does deliver a soft smell (reminiscent of baby powder).  I realize this may not be a pro for some. 
  • Did not smudge or flake at all during wear.
  • Easy to remove at night.
Cons: 
  • The price!  At $36, I believed my lashes were going to look about as good as it gets (I imagined my fluttery, come-hither doll lashes were going to bring my husband to his knees...NOT!)
  • My lashes looked clumpy each time I used it.
  • Non-existent volume.
  • Brush #2 is a complete farce (no vinyl effect, no intensity- it seems to do nothing and is really more of a marketing gimmick).
  • Overall results.  For comparison, I am including a photo of my lashes using L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black (with Shiseido Nourishing Lash Base underneath- for a complete review of these two together, read HERE) and the Guerlain Le 2 Volumizing (with Shiseido Nourishing Lash Base underneath). 

Using L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black

Using Guerlain Le 2 Volumizing Mascara
The proof is in the photos, my $4.99 L'Oreal Mascara outperformed my $36 Guerlain mascara by a mile (and then some).  
I know mascara is such a personal thing, but I certainly don't recommend this one at all.  

Have you tried this mascara?  If so, I would love to know your thoughts.

XO
Jolene

10 comments:

  1. Goes to show how the store bought brand wins out in this one!! xxoo

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  2. I like this review! nice masc


    http://inpalace.blogspot.com

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  3. I want to try this!!! OMG love your lashes. I need to try brand new stuff rather than stuck in one brand LOL. Love YSL but its time to move on ;)

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  4. Dollface- Yes, drugstore won on this one!! :)

    Rinz-I am not sure if you mean you want to try the Voluminous with the Shiseido or the Guerlain- I would def save the $36 and not buy the Guerlain! You are so pretty that whatever you use looks hot!!

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  5. Sheesh... What a total letdown!

    I think you're gorgeous no matter what looks you're creating!

    Also, I wanted to let you know I've given you The Stylish Blogger Award over on my own blog :)
    The Eyes Have It: The Stylish Bloggers

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  6. Yikes for $36 I would want BAM, POP, WOW lashes. I don't even want to think about how expensive that mascara would be here in Canada! Thanks so much for the great review. I love your comparison pics with the Voluminous vs Guerlain mascara!

    xo

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  7. Snarky P-Thank you so much for the award! You are right- the mascara is a total letdown!

    Elise-Yes, save the $ on this one sweetheart!

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  8. WOW THANKS FOR SHARING!! that is crazy!! I love that u compared it to a 5 buck mascara! I love the YSL one!

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  9. I want it!!!
    Hi!my name's martina and I come from Italy... I'd like you visit my blog and if you want, follow me! I wait you and your tips! kiss kiss ;D

    marti
    Glamour Marmalade
    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2045731/glamour-marmalade

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  10. Hershley's Sweet Kiss-Thank you!! I am a new follower of your blog.

    La mi- your blog is beautiful- I am now following!

    ReplyDelete