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

My Lushest Lashes- New Secret Weapon

Using Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base

In my never-ending quest to find the perfect mascara, I have stumbled upon mascara base gold!  As I have previously mentioned here and here, I have barely visible lashes.  Therefore, I covet luxurious and opulent lashes to no end.  As it turns out, I am still on the hunt for THE ONE mascara, however, I am very impressed with the results of utilizing Shiseido's Nourishing Mascara Base under the mascaras in my current rotation.

Shiseido claims the product:

• Intensifies volume, length, and curl
• Conditions and makes lashes more supple
• Provides an elegant glossy finish when worn alone

After over one month of continual daily usage,  I concur with these statements (although I have never worn the product alone, it does make your lashes glossy prior to mascara application).  The base is a clear gel consistency- which I adore as other primer/bases that I have tried in the past have been white and often dilute the color effect of black mascaras to more of a gray finish.

When using this under my mascara, my lashes are full and long and the curl holds all day.   It makes my best mascaras appear more dramatic (which I LOVE).  I have paired this with a number of mascaras, including: YSL Faux Cils, YSL Singulier, Maybelline The Falsies, and DiorShow Iconic.  So far, I have discovered that I get the best, most dramatic results when I pair it with L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black (as used in my first shot above).

As far as my application technique, I simply swipe Shiseido's Nourishing Mascara Base all over my clean lashes and let it set for about 10-15seconds.  I then apply a second coat of the product and simultaneously push my lases into place.  At this point, I can visually see my lashes are curled and look much longer (and they are glossy).  I wait another 10-15 seconds and apply 2 coats of  L'Oreal Voluminous on top.  Shiseido's website does not specify if you should wait until the product is completely dry prior to mascara application.  I have tried waiting a minute or so and I ended up with crunchy lashes and therefore only wait 10-15 seconds before putting on my mascara.

The price for the product is $23 and I will happily re-purchase again and again.
Note:  I have never tried the original Shiseido mascara base and cannot offer a comparison.

I hope this review was helpful.  I do recommend you give this product a shot if you crave over-the-top lashes as much as I do!!  Has anyone else ever tried this product?

YSL Singulier & Maybelline The Falsies = WOW Lashes!

My favorite 5 words this week have been:  "Are you wearing false eyelashes?"  Well, no I'm not; however, I am THRILLED that you asked!!  So far, 3 people have asked me that in the last few days.  GLEE!  JOY!  LOVE!  My natural lashes are so non-existent, that for someone to mention my lashes is superlative!

I simply love to play around with mascara combos:  high-end, low-end, volumizing, lengthening, thickening- I try them all.  As a matter of fact, my first blog post was about mascara (read it here).  I covet bigger than life lashes.  It's a never ending journey to find THE ONE.

Here's my new favorite lash combo that garnered the false eyelash inquisitions:  YSL Singulier mascara paired with Maybelline The Falsies on top.  I think it has given me an almost perfect marriage of volume (thanks to the YSL) and length (thanks to the Maybelline).  The Singulier goes on a bit dry, but it is an outstanding base.  In contrast, The Falsies glides on wet and really adds to the overall effect.  Interestingly enough, I don't love either mascara on its own.  However, paired together, this lovely union of high-end mascara and low-end mascara really packs a punch!

I would love to hear some of your favorite mascara combos!

For The Love of Lashes!

I'll admit it...I am a MASCARA ADDICT. I simply adore extra long, massive, sumptuous, over-the-top lashes! I covet them, I crave them, I desire them. To me, perfectly dolled-up eyelashes are your best accessory. They flirt for you. They show off how polished you are. They. Are. A. Statement.

Now, having said all of this; I can tell you that my lashes are perfectly non-existent. Puny, weak, barely there; all accurate synonyms to describe my fringe. Hence, my love of mascara was born many moons ago.

As a little girl, I would watch my mother at her makeup vanity each morning transform herself with a few good swipes of a mascara wand. I was mesmerized. Maybelline Dial-A-Lash: that was her weapon of choice back then. I distinctly remember that she kept the number at the bottom of the wand to a 7 each day. I wanted to scream at her, to yell out: "Hey mom, why not bring the number up to 10- let those lashes explode!!" Alas, I kept my opinion to myself and secretly started concocting my own lash fantasies.

My own obsession to transform myself with a few good swipes of a mascara wand continues today. I have purchased hundreds of tubes throughout the years (both high-end and drugstore). I read the back of each package so meticulously. I talk to beauty advisers. I read endless magazine articles. I will try them all, hoping, one day..................I will find my own little miracle in a wand.

You might read this and suggest eyelash extensions. Yes, I have tried that too. While I love the look when first applied, they get hard and hurt after a bit. And yes, I do love my falsies, but I don't want to be enslaved to them everyday. So, I am stuck with my endless search to find a mascara that will deliver splendiferous lashes each and every day (yes, even just to go to the supermarket!).

Here are some of my top mascara picks that get me as close to my extravagant lash desires as possible (until, of course, the next tube catches my eye).

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils:

Essentially, opulence in a mascara wand. Stunning gold wand and beautiful aroma add to the luxurious essence of this mascara. I get thick, inky black, long lashes from this baby. No flakes, no smudges, and staying power are key here. Yes, it's expensive ($30 US dollars) and yes, it dries out pretty quick, but in my quest, it's worth it.

Covergirl LashBlast Fusion:

Here's the skinny on this fat mascara tube: Stick with it!! Don't give up after a few uses and proclaim it useless like I almost did. Give it a week or so, and I tell you- the results are worth it! I am pleasantly surprised at how this purple gem gives me a lash effect similar to YSL's mascaras. My lashes are lifted, long, and thick after using it. They don't flake or smudge either. And, hate to admit it, but I have fallen asleep wearing this, and when I wake up, my eyelashes look just-applied-fresh! Oh, and let's not forget the fact that this guy is much less expensive than my golden friend above!


NYX Doll Eye Mascara (Long Lash):

Aptly named. Results are soft, lush, and long lashes with a healthy dose of volume. The secret to this baby? Apply it s-l-o-w-l-y and use about 3 coats. Wand is a unique figure 8 shape that, in my opinion, adds to the fluttery eyelash effect. Did I mention the price? Let's just say Dirt Cheap!! Oh, and by the way, skip NYX Doll Eye Mascara in the volumizing formula- supreme letdown!

I look forward to all your comments and suggestions!!!
XO






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