Lancôme has just launched Le 8 Hypnôse Serum-Infused Volumizing Mascara (that’s a mouthful), and as a self-professed mascara aficionado, I couldn’t wait to test it out. In fact, I’ve always felt that with a bit of lash definition I’m good to go … so if that product also comes with beneficial ingredients, then I’m 100% on board.
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Calling this the lash trifecta
Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum (CAN $64.00) | Housed in what looks like a golden test tube, this comes with a tiny flexible precision brush for application. You can think of this serum as the first step in you lash routine (yes, that’s a thing), and a product that’s best used in the evening as the last step of your nightly ritual. If you really think about it, having a serum for your lashes makes perfect sense; we use face serums as part of our daily routine, so why not something specifically made for lashes — especially when you factor in the beating that said lashes take on a daily basis (mascara, lash extensions, false lashes, lash curlers, lash heaters, etc). Inspired by hair science, this ‘kerasolution’ formula is infused with a blend of 4 revitalizing amino acids: Serine, Proline, Glutamic Acid, and Arginine that condition damaged lash hair follicles. As this features a lightweight formula, this serum sets within 2 minutes, meaning you can even apply it in the morning (or go the whole hog and use it morning & night) before going in with your lash primer and/or mascara.
Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Primer (CAN $37.00) | Dispensed like a traditional mascara, consider this the second step of your lash routine. A conditioner and primer in one, the creamy formula contains Vitamins B5 and E for nourishing benefits and is also infused with micro fibres for increased volume. This product applies white — which makes it easy to see that you’ve actually coated all lashes, and in my experience it’s best to work one eye at a time for application, since it does set fairly quickly and you’ll want to ensure you get enough time to properly coat your lashes with mascara. I do find that it stiffens lashes up, but that’s not a deal-breaker for me as I’m quite impressed with both the volume it provides along with the protective qualities it gives my lashes.
Le 8 Hypnôse Serum-Infused Volumizing Mascara (CAN $40.00) | The newest mascara to join Lancômes storied history, this is the brand’s first serum-infused mascara. The innovation doesn’t stop there; housed in an organically & ergonomically shaped glass tube designed by historic French glassmaker Pochet du Courval, each bottle is crafted with 15% recycled glass and also features an innovative ultra-soft vegetal fibre brush made from 100% renewable resources, basically making this the first ever fully recyclable mascara. That last statement deserves a major round of applause. The formula is another standout: made without any waxes, it is instead powered by 91% active black balm (for conditioning), 8 revitalizing amino acids (for strengthening) and 5% shea butter (for nourishment). According to the brand, it’s recommended that you fully extend the brush in & out of the bottle 8 times before first use, to help activate the formula. Bonus points scored for the fact that this mascara can be removed using only water.
I’m very particular about mascara, and while I have fairly strong & decent-sized lashes, I look for several features: I want it to be a true deep black shade, give major volume, leaves no under-eye smudges, does not flake off, and can be easily removed at the end of the day. Le 8 Hypnôse checks off every single box. I decided to take things a step further and tested it out on an insanely hot & humid day playing tennis outdoors and I was literally stunned to note that this mascara did not budge. My biggest surprise, however, was that it actually does come off with just water and a cotton round — without excessive pulling or tugging, either. Now THAT’s mascara magic right there. It should be noted that while I was also able to use just water for removal wearing both the mascara & primer underneath it, I prefer using my usual dual-phased remover for when I wear both.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the swatches above give proof of that; while Le 8 Hypnôse is impressive on its own (more so when you factor in the easy-peasy water removal), it becomes positively jaw-dropping when paired with the primer. The glass bottle threw me at first as that’s something I’ve yet to see in a mascara — and if truth be told, I’m also a little nervous to drop it on a hard surface so I always make sure to have a towel underneath it, but I love the fact that it’s both made from recycled and renewable sources and that it can be fully recycled — plus it looks so good on my vanity. Well done, Lancôme … well done, indeed.
Available at Lancôme counters & online
Kindly provided by Lancôme for my unbiased consideration
