When shopping for beauty products, the excitement of discovering something new and appealing is a common experience. However, some product names can evoke less desirable feelings. For instance, the name of Lancôme's Monsieur Big mascara, along with others like Too Faced's Better Than Sex or Urban Decay's Perversion, might be considered by some to be overly suggestive for a cosmetic product. While not puritanical, the association of mascara with sex raises questions, as it's an item applied to eyelashes, not an adult toy.
Despite initial reservations about the name, after observing how extensively beauty YouTubers like Allana Davison raved about the Monsieur Big mascara and its ability to create a "bombshell" look, the decision was made to try it, especially when found on sale. This review aims to determine if the mascara lives up to the hype.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
The Monsieur Big mascara is marketed as a volumizing product designed to deliver "big" lashes that are also long-lasting, with claims of 24-hour wear and maintaining its appearance even the morning after. It is available in black. The retail price is typically $25/29€, though it was purchased on sale for 14€. L'Oréal, Lancôme's parent company, is renowned for producing high-quality mascaras across various price points. The name "Monsieur Big" might be a subtle nod to a character from the romantic comedy-drama "Sex and The City," adapted to avoid copyright issues.
Packaging and Brush
The mascara tube itself is described as simple, sleek, and notably "big." Unlike the typically luxurious and sophisticated packaging of other Lancôme mascaras, Monsieur Big's design suggests it might be targeted towards a younger demographic who may not be familiar with "Sex and The City." The pink logo is present but not overly bright. A satisfying, small click is heard when the wand is rolled back into the tube, providing a sense of security that the mascara will not dry out prematurely.
The brush is also on the thicker side, featuring densely packed bristles. While the brush design is considered fairly generic, this is not necessarily a negative attribute if the performance is satisfactory. The reviewer expresses a preference for simpler brush designs over overly complex ones, stating that a "robot hand" is not needed to comb lashes. Despite its large size, the Monsieur Big wand and brush effectively apply mascara to the shortest lashes, including those in the inner and outer corners of the eyes, without issue.
Wear and Performance
While the reviewer does not use false eyelashes, the desire for dramatic, voluminous, and defined lashes remains. Monsieur Big is said to live up to its hype, delivering very big, full, fluttery, and voluminous lashes. The tips of the lashes appear "fat" rather than elongated, and the reviewer appreciates the occasional "spider leg" effect. The preferred application method involves focusing the product on the lengths and tips of the lashes, rather than wiggling at the roots, to achieve maximum volume and drama.
A critical factor for the reviewer is a mascara's resistance to smudging. While Monsieur Big is not waterproof, it is described as mildly water-resistant, holding up well even when experiencing slight tearing due to cold weather. Contrary to expectations of panda eyes with a wet formula and dramatic lashes, only a minor touch-up of the lower lash line was necessary. However, the claims of 24-hour wear and looking good the "day after" are considered false, as the mascara does flake slightly after a nap. For truly water-resistant or waterproof mascaras, Japanese drugstore brands are recommended.
With naturally mediocre lashes that require curling to appear noticeable, the reviewer demonstrates the mascara's effect. After curling, a single coat of Monsieur Big mascara is applied. While a second layer is typically used for more drama and separation, these steps were omitted for the demonstration. The initial results show noticeable enhancement, even with just one coat.
Final Thoughts on Monsieur Big
The reviewer expresses a strong willingness to repurchase the Monsieur Big mascara, albeit not at its full retail price of 29€ (~$36) in Finland, considering that mascaras should be replaced every three months and the general reluctance to spend over 20€ on a single mascara. However, purchasing it on sale or in duty-free shops would be a definite option, and a backup would be acquired. It is recommended as a suitable option for those satisfied with their natural lash length but seeking to add more drama and volume.
Other Lancôme Mascara Reviews
Some users find that Lancôme products, often due to their high price tags, do not frequently feature in their makeup collections. Previously, the Lancôme Definicils mascara was not particularly favored. However, after trying the newer Monsieur Big mascara, a more positive impression was formed. The Definicils mascara, often perceived as a lengthening mascara, was revisited and found to be more impressive when paired with Monsieur Big.
The Definicils mascara was received from Influenster and is available in department stores, Ulta, and Sephora for $28 for 0.23 oz of product. This price is considered high, especially given the smaller quantity compared to average. Lancôme offers three shades of Definicils, including a waterproof version, but the original black was tested. The mascara features traditional bristles that are spaced apart, in contrast to the preferred, easier-to-work-with rubber bristles. The wand is considered the least favorite aspect, with application of three coats resulting in noticeable product on the first layer, but minimal difference between subsequent coats. Clumping became more apparent with the third coat, and building volume was not successful. Despite this, the mascara did provide more noticeable, fairly dark, and longer lashes compared to bare lashes. However, it lacked the desired drama, volume, and a darker color payoff. The Deep Black shade is suggested as a potentially better option. When used in conjunction with Monsieur Big, applying two layers of Monsieur Big followed by two coats of Definicils, the combined effect yielded the desired intense lashes.
Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
For those looking to narrow down their choice of Lancôme mascaras, the brand is known for creating high-quality lash products with a wide variety of formulas, shades, and brush shapes. Lancôme mascaras are considered a safe bet for effective lash enhancement.
1. Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
With a RRP of £30, available in Black and Brown shades, and featuring an hourglass brush, with a waterproof formula option. This mascara has garnered significant praise from celebrities, makeup artists, and beauty editors. After a period of not using it, the results were found to be impressive, living up to its stellar reputation. It provided super-lengthened, slick lashes with minimal effort, described as a dream to apply, effortless, and clump-free. It has secured a permanent place in the reviewer's makeup bag.
2. Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara
Priced at £28, available in Black and Brown, with a curved brush and a waterproof option. This mascara is considered a very close second to Hypnôse, with a case for them being joint winners. It is highlighted as one of the best mascaras for straight lashes due to its impressive curling ability. The bristles push lashes up with minimal effort, grabbing each lash to create a fanned-out, open-eye effect. The brush shape is also ideal for lower lashes. It did not smudge or clump, even when layered. This mascara is recommended for long, straight lashes but is also considered a brilliant all-rounder.
3. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara (Revisited)
Retailing at £28, available in Black, with a chunky brush and a waterproof formula option. Its unique selling proposition is big, dramatic lashes, which it delivers effectively. The chunky brush provides impressive volume in just a few sweeps. While the formula can be a bit wet initially (a common trait of new mascara), its performance improves with use, becoming less smudgy. Despite the instant and effective volumizing effects, it does not clump, which is noted as particularly impressive.
4. Lancôme Definicils Mascara (Revisited)
Priced at £29, available in Black, with a slim brush and no waterproof formula. This mascara is designed for defining lashes rather than providing full volume or length. Its smaller brush allows for precise application and surprising efficiency, achieving notable length. A few coats result in nicely separated, defined lashes, suitable for a natural look. It is described as the best natural-looking mascara by Lancôme.
5. Lancôme Hypnôse Le 8 Mascara
With a RRP of £30, available in Black, featuring a curved brush and no waterproof formula. The twisted wand design is intended to grab even the tiniest, stubbiest lashes, fanning them out while lifting and coating them. The bend in the brush allows for close application to the lash line, lifting lashes from the root with minimal effort. Its shape and size also make it perfect for bottom lashes.
6. Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara
Priced at £30, available in Black, with a conical brush and a waterproof formula option. This is presented as a newer version of the bestselling Hypnôse mascara. The conical wand allows for precision in areas like bottom lashes, while the wider base builds volume and length on outer lashes, creating a doll-like, open-eyed look. While the classic Hypnôse is considered the best all-rounder, this version is surprisingly liked for its dramatic yet pretty end effect.
How to Choose the Best Lancôme Mascara
To select the best Lancôme mascara, it is advisable to first consider the desired effect and finish. Lancôme offers a comprehensive range of mascaras, catering to various needs such as lift, lengthening, or a subtle everyday tint.
Testing each mascara over several weeks allowed for a thorough evaluation of their performance. To ensure fairness, each mascara was tried multiple times to experience its full wear potential, and no eyelash curlers were used to assess their performance independently. Key evaluation points included ease of application, wand shape, comfort of wear, longevity, and ease of removal.
A notable observation is that many Lancôme mascaras are not available in brown shades, which may be a consideration for those preferring a more natural look.
Further Lancôme Mascara Reviews
The reviewer, who typically has a love-hate relationship with mascara due to short and sparse natural lashes prone to smudging on hooded eyelids, has found a new appreciation for Lancôme's mascara formulations after being encouraged to try them. Whether seeking longer-looking, separated lashes, volume, drama, lift, or curl, Lancôme offers a suitable mascara.
1. Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara (Layering)
This mascara is praised for its buildable formula and suitability for both daytime and evening wear. It is comfortable to wear, enriched with ProVitamin B5, and prevents lashes from feeling crispy or brittle, even with multiple layers. While described as volumizing, its customizable finish is a key highlight. One coat provides a fluttery, defined appearance, while layering creates a thicker, more dramatic lash look.
2. Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara (Thickening)
The unique "s" shape of the Hypnôse Drama brush is designed to coat every lash from root to tip. Although it may take some getting used to, the results are impressive, making even sparse lashes appear thicker, fuller, and glossier, ideal for evening wear.
3. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara (Fluttery Lashes)
This mascara is ideal for those desiring feathery, fluttery, and pretty lashes. The curved brush glides through lashes, distributing the formula evenly without clumping. While shorter bristles might benefit those with very short lashes, the overall result is a wide-eyed, curled lash finish suitable for most occasions.
4. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara (Volumizing)
Considered a "night out" mascara due to its intense volumizing effect, Monsieur Big is a great alternative to false lashes. The soft fiber brush applies the formulation to boost volume and thickness. However, applying more than a couple of coats can lead to a slightly spidery look.
5. Lancôme Defencils Mascara (Lengthening)
This is described as a brilliant everyday mascara. The moderately sized wand is suitable for hooded eyelids, preventing messy application, and is perfectly shaped to extend and lengthen each lash. It avoids clumping, even with multiple coats, providing a naturally extended finish with well-separated lashes.
6. Lancôme Hypnôse Le 8 Mascara (Sensitive Eyes)
This wax-free, serum-infused formula is comfortable for sensitive eyes, easy to remove, and cares for lashes. It provides impressive volume and fullness, leaving lashes looking good and feeling soft.
7. Lancôme Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara (Dramatic Length)
The newest launch from Lancôme, this mascara supercharges lash length for an effect similar to lash extensions. It shares the original Lash Idôle's ability to define and separate lashes but focuses on extending them for a dramatic effect. The slim, precise brush with tiny bristles grabs every lash, including those in the corners. The formula is super black and lightweight. It offers a natural-looking, fluttery effect and is easy to apply, wear, and remove. It is described as a lighter, more fluttery sister to the original Lash Idôle, focusing on length and lift for a subtle yet elegant look.
LANCOME LASH IDÔLE FLUTTER EXTENSION MASCARA REVIEW
The Lancôme Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara is a new take on the original Lash Idôle, launched in 2021. Testing this new product revealed a positive impression. The brush is notably slim and precise, differing from the original Lash Idôle wand, and features short bristles that capture every lash, even in the corners. The formula is super black and feels light on the lashes, which is appreciated. It provides a natural-looking, fluttery effect and is easy to apply, wear, and remove. Compared to the original Lash Idôle, which offers more volume, the Flutter Extension is focused on length and lift, providing a more subtle and elegant finish suitable for understated looks. This mascara is considered a valuable addition to the Lancôme line-up.
