Product Review: L.U.C.I Lancome Spring collection 2008

Lancome’s spring collection consists of three eyeshadow duos, a couple of pretty average lipsticks, glosses and some complextion enhancers.

For Gucci Westmans last collection for Lancome, I with a breath of disappointment, say she could have done a tad better. Its called L.U.C.I., which stands for Luminescent Colourless Colour Intelligence; sounds impressive right? As the company states, “Colourless colour: a landmark discovery....Makeup of the future.” Hrmm, sounds a bit like a load of fudge, especially when i seem to recall my grandmother owning a white lipstick that somehow turned into a very unflattering shade magenta when put on the lips. Well, what do you know, Lancome has put it in a pretty package, added glitter and called it the makeup of the future. Riigght.

The lipsticks, glosses and complextion enhancers are pretty average and not worth a mention. The eyeshadow duos, however, are worth a mention as they are probably what will attract people the most. The beautifully packaged but, oh so complicated to use eyeshades are just that; pretty to look at but not practical to use. If you buy just one of the duos, which will set you back a hefty $89, you will also additionally need to buy one of the Ombre Glacee $44, which is what gives the white shadow some colour. Soo basically your paying $133 for two eyeshades & a pretty crappy highlighter colour. Inventive? Yes, an inventive way to make somebody spend so much on so little. Yeah, you go Lancome.

What’s even more disappointing, the colours are not as vivid or anything close to how great they make them seem. Oh, and as for the look on the ad? Looks amazing but will probably give you a migraine from trying to recreate it.

So, overall not a great buy. The range isn’t completely tragic, but considering how much you would be paying it falls very short. Unless you’re willing to buy it just for the packaging I wouldn’t bother going any further than just having a play with it at the beauty counter.

What not to do: Marinade yourself in fake tan.

Deep, bronze sun kissed skin and summer go about as well together as cookies and cream. In winter though, the cooler weather calls for a more subtle golden approach. During, apply a 50-50 mixture of your trusted fake tan and your favourite moisturiser. There is, of course the option of the gradual tanner of your choice. Either summer or winter, it is absolutely crucial to get your application spot on. When buying and applying, keep this in mind.

- Look for a fake tan that has a tint within it so you can see where your applying it. Also look for one with a greenish tinge. Sounds yuck but it prevents the tan from turning a scary Donatella Versace-esque tangerine brown.
- Before every application you obviously cannot forget to exfoliate. Concoct a cheap but brilliant exfoliator by mixing your regular cleanser or body wash with enough Bicarb Soda to make it into paste consistency.
- Rub a bit of moisturiser into dry skin areas such as ankles, elbows and knees. When applying, use tight surgical gloves and buff the tan in with your palms not fingers to avoid streaks.
- If you prefer not to use gloves, and you kinda screw up your palms into an orang-y mess, nothing works better than smearing your palms with WhiteGlo toothpaste and scrubbing them with a toothbrush. Weird but true. You can also use this on any parts of the body where you make any doo doo’s (just not the face!)
- Don't go overboard with re-application when it starts to fade a bit. All that will happen is that you will go tragically overboard Wait at least about 3 days to reapply, unless it’s a gradual tanner.
- It goes without saying, but ill say it anyway. Don’t forget to moisturise everyday after a shower to keep your tan for longer.
Here is Lindsay Lohan to visually demonstrate what will most likely occur if you choose not to follow these tips. I think the face expressions say it all.

The Mineral Takeover.

Lately, you can’t bat an eyelash without seeing a new mineral range of makeup by every Tom, Dick and Harry brand name on the market. Those inexperienced with minerals can, and mostly probably will, assume that they are all quite similar, posses the same skin benefits and general long wear. Wrong. Unfortunately, (this may not come as a surprise) many cosmetics companies lie to get your money. Often products labelled “mineral” or “mineral rich” tend to be not very pure. A good example of such con-artistry is CoverGirl’s so called mineral makeup. Their powders say “mineral enriched”, yet they contain mostly the same ingredients as normal powders and only tiny amount of minerals, just so they can say “mineral” on the packaging and hence people will flock to the product. Clever. Very clever. Just not enough for those who know how to read an ingredient label.
Pure mineral makeup should only contain 4 to 7 ingredients, none of which are talc, or oils. They give very good sun protection are quite opaque. If you like the texture and feel of hybrid mineral powders (those with pure mineral and synthetic components), than feel free to purchase them and use them to the last particle. If, however, you are looking for 100% pure minerals and their skin friendly benefits, these are two of the best in the industry;

Jane Iredale was the first brand to base their products on minerals, and funnily enough, still has probably the best mineral bases and most natural looking colours you will find. They’re quite pricey but if they suit you and you like the feel, they are worth the money. Another bonus is that Iredale has a pressed powder which is a lot less messy than the usual loose one. There is also a liquid mineral base for those with dry skin.

i.d. BareEscentuals have loose powders similar to the ones from Jane Iredale. Their shades can sometimes be too peachy or pink for the skin, but otherwise give a nice glow.

..oh and fyi, big cosmetic companies such as L’oreal etc.; mineral makeup has been around for years, so don’t claim its the newest technology just because you only now are bothered to make them.

The blue and red light at the end of the tunnel.

Here’s is a random little fact: Dermatologists and professional spas have used red and blue light therapy for over 35 years to treat conditions such as acne and premature ageing.

Here is another little fact that actually, makes the first random fact not so random indeed: This magnificent technology is available for you to use right at home; Whenever Wherever to put it in Shakira talk.

Here are lots of little facts in a big jumble, with a few opinions chucked into the mix: Tända Skincare is the maker of at home light therapy systems or LEDs as they call them. The machines emit both blue and red light onto the skin. Let me explain before you knock it. The blue light kills ‘P.Acnes’; basically it kills the bacteria that causes mild to moderate acne while, at the same time, the red light, heals any existing blemishes and any signs of ageing. Its 100% healthy (I know they once said that about tanning beds but trust me on this one; its healthy and safe with no UV light used.) It might set you back a bit at around $400, but if you think about how much more it would be at the dermatologist, it becomes a worthy investment.

So here is tiny visual to put it all together.