Totally Unsolicited, Completely Uncompensated Product Review (Wait– what am I doing this for again?)
Ok, I’m stepping out of my usual bloggy boundaries a little bit today, but hey, it’s Friday, the weekend is looming and all bets are off.
I never do product reviews for several reasons, most of them having to do with complete disinterest er, lack of motivation, lack of quality free stuff being shoved at me on a regular basis AND an unfortunate habit of being, as my friend Lynne says, ‘honest to the point of recklessness.’ But every once in a while I do come across something that I know that if we were just sitting around a table at Starbucks I would totally tell you all about it. Not because I have any area of expertise or because my opinion means any more than anyone else’s, but because I just kinda want to share the wealth, so to speak. I am also someone who spends a ridiculous amount of time Googling stuff and in the world of product reviews, that basically means PRESTO! I’m an expert!
(I’m now going to add a small caveat here for you readers of the male persuasion– this will probably bore you silly and you might want to take a brief break and go watch a violent movie or some ESPN or something. And yes, I’m aware that is a completely sexist stereotype, but whatever. I would love for you to stay. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you nod off and become all slack-jawed and drooling.)
Ok, how many of you have seen those commercials with Brooke Shields for that new stuff they have out that is supposed to make your eyelashes grow long and thick and luxurious? You can put your hands down now. If you’re like me, you may have perked up your ears the first time that commercial came on and Brooke is batting these huge eyelashes that are so wonderfully furry it almost makes you forget about her caterpillar eyebrows– at least until they mentioned that whole “by prescription only” part. They also have a whole lot of warnings and possible side effects information written in print so tiny only someone with super powers could read it that they send flying across the screen at the speed of light. Both of those factors pretty much scared me away. I mean, I love long gorgeous lashes as much as the next woman, but not enough to spend $130 a month to risk things like redness, irritation and oh, I don’t know, PERMANENTLY CHANGING THE COLOR OF MY EYES! Eww. (Unless you could pick your eye color change… That might be cool, like, to match your outfit or something. But apparently that’s not possible, so just forget I mentioned it.) Anyway, after seeing all the scary stuff, I just went back to reading my magazine and figured that unfortunately, like so many other rude surprises about getting older like saggy knees and muffin-tops, I would just have to make my peace with the fact that those lovely lashes I used to receive such nice compliments on and bat about with wild abandon are gone forever.
But then I was at the grocery store, or Walmart, or one of the other glamorous places I visit on a regular basis, and I saw this:
Now, I use lots of L’oreal products, including their mascara which I love, so I figured I probably wouldn’t get any weirdo side effects with this. But being the big ol’ skeptic I am, I also figured that it probably wouldn’t work that well either because it wasn’t prescription strength and full of scary warnings. However, I am always a sucker for new beauty products, and at $12 and change (which is still a lot of money to risk wasting, if you ask me), I figured the worse that could happen would be that it would end up in my wastebasket like so many other products I’ve gambled with over the years that didn’t follow thru on their promises. (See: every under-eye concealer I EVER BOUGHT.) So I decided what the heck, and I brought it home. The packaging is very careful not to WAAAAY overstate the possible benefits, and uses a lot of terms like ‘booster’ and ‘conditioner’ and ‘less lash fallout’ instead of stuff like ‘You will grow 4-inch lashes, become magically taller and younger and your life will now be perfect!’ (Which is totally the approach I would take if I wrote advertising copy, which probably explains why I don’t.)
The applicator is sort of like a curved mascara wand except without any bristles on it. You ‘brush’ it on your lashes with that part, and then flip it over and use the outside tip of the wand to draw a line at the base of your lashes like you’re putting on eyeliner.
You might have to re-dip it a couple of times to do both eyes completely. The serum is slightly cloudy and a little viscous. (I started to say ‘a little mucus-y’, but I’m trying to be professional here and nobody wants to get a mental picture of brushing snot onto your eyelashes, am I right? High five!) It didn’t irritate my eyes at all, though my extensive Googling research did find some anecdotal evidence that indicated it sometimes slightly did with a few people.
You can use it in the morning and at night, and you can put your mascara on right over it. Actually they sell this product alone OR in combination with their “Double-Exend Lash-Boosting Mascara and Primer”, but I had just bought a brand new tube of their mascara as well, so I just went with the serum. They don’t suggest it for bottom lashes, but I’m gonna reveal a deeply personal weird secret here, folks– for some inexplicable reason the bottom lashes on my right eye have developed a, for lack of a better term, ‘gap.’ It’s like male pattern balding, except that I’m female and we’re talking about eyelashes here. Like, if you were scanning down the row of my bottom lashes on that side, all of a sudden you hit this tiny little speed-bump gap and you’d be all, “Whoa! What happened here? Why are there little stubby, spaced out eyelash hairs here instead of normal ones?” I have no answer for this. I can’t even blame it on something exciting like a chemical burn or a tropical disease. And yes, I do realize we’re actually only talking about a few tiny millimeters of sparseness, and I do also realize that most (ok, all) people looking at me would probably not notice and would certainly not care, but still. I’m a girl and I don’t want weird eyelash gaps, OK?
Anyway.
So I’ve been using it faithfully for a few weeks now– which of course, for me translates into “most nights, except when I forget and occasionally in the morning as well”– and you know what? I REALLY AM SEEING A DIFFERENCE! It’s not like, an Alert-The-Media HUGE difference, but it is most definitely not just in my imagination. The idea behind the product is that it extends the life span of your lashes, which is usually about three months. Since your lashes are hanging in there longer, ipso facto, there are more of them on your face. And also? It does seem to condition them, so they aren’t quite as dry and brittle feeling as lashes can sometimes get what with all of the mascara, makeup removal and face washing, blah de blah blah. But here’s the best news– my gap? It is closing! Those weirdly-angled little stubby lashes are now most definitely weirdly-angled, slightly longer silky lashes. And of course, the biggest indication that this is indeed a pretty dang good product is the fact that my teenage daughter Madi immediately tried to steal it. I finally went out and bought her one for herself, which she uses daily and ALSO highly recommends.
So, my final review:
L’Oreal Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum does indeed work, within reason. It is well worth the price, and with regular use will slightly-though-NOTICEABLY increase the thickness, length and durability of your lashes. You may not end up with ridiculous batwing lashes like Brooke Shields is sporting in that Latisse commercial, but then again, you won’t be spending frillions of dollars on a freakin’ eyelash product for crying out loud, AND your eyes will stay the same color they started out as, so win/win!
I give it …
**(SEE, guys-that-stuck-aound-anyway– that wasn’t too bad was it? And also, now when you’re around women/your wife/ female co-workers/random female strangers on a bus you can casually throw out something like, “You know, I have it on good authority that the new L’Oreal Lash Serum is actually a very effective product…” and they’ll think you’re all metrosexual and everything, which women love. Or they’ll think you’re a drag queen, which women kinda love too, so once again– win/win.)
**(Now tell the truth– do you want me to promise I will NEVER IN THE NAME OF ALL THINGS HOLY review a product again, or did I possibly just stumble upon a whole new Babybloomr category for my reader’s occasional enjoyment and enlightenment?!)
**(WHOA! While I was ‘acquiring’ a photo to use in this post I just found out that L’Oreal is doing a Lash Serum 4 Week Challenge thingy, so I just jumped on that bandwagon too! They’re still not paying me anything, though, so you know. I’ve still got my integrity and all.)
39 Responses
Leave a comment
If you have already registered an account with us, log in to post a comment.
If you do not have an account, please setup a username to confirm you aren't a devil-spammer-from-Hell. A password will be sent to the email address you provide.
I appreciate the review. The $12+ would be more than I would spend had I not heard from someone that had tried it. Thanks! Keep the reviews coming!!
I will have to go and give it a try. Thanks for the info.
What??!! Eyelashes go brittle and short and uneven with age?? This is one sign of getting older that I just haven’t prepared myself for. It’s gonna take a while to sink in. When does the deteriation start? I might have to go and look in the mirror to see if it already has. I don’t have that many good features, but I’ve always kind of liked my eyelashes, and I am now discovering that soon even they will change. Thanks for depressing me Tori, although at least you alerted me to the fact that there is hope when the time comes!
Well, that certainly was informative, as well as intertaining! =) I have ALWAYS had problems w/ lashes, and as a child pulled mine out, thus believing that had something to do w/ thin blonde lashes that dont show up anyway. Will probably try that stuff, but for now – i love the salon that glues mine on and off I go! In fact, curiously – just left there today! Gotta YFC Jubilee to attend on Florence, SC tonight and tomorrow. Back to dentist on Tuesday for implant screws to be screwed in – yippee, right? And, just for the record, chick – I keep checking my POB – NO PACKAGES, YET. =(
How’s our heart patient doing these days?
Peace
LOL, rachelbaker!! I’ll try and remember to keep your few good features left in my prayers!!
And, I agree with D, it was informative as well as entertaining for at least one male who stuck aound. See, I actually got a little editing eye-candy along the way, “**(SEE, guys-that-stuck-aound-anyway– that wasn’t too bad was it?”
Actually, my eye-lashes have been one of my more complimented, envy provoking, features as well. I just may have to keep this in mind when I get as old as Tori there = )
oohhh….I have my 20 year high school reunion this summer. I should start using this product now. Maybe my eyelashes will be so full and glorious no one will notice the muffin top settling around my middle.
-Colleen
I wondered what “muffin-top” refered to!!
This was such a fun respite in my day.
Hubby will now have a mission and will be grateful that a picture was posted. That he braves Wal-Mart in my stead is a huge blessing. I’m sure he’ll have a tale to tell when he returns.
…and I’ve always pondered why the male folks get the beautiful lush lashes! Smiling that jonny stuck around for the full post…kudos!
“…and I’ve always pondered why the male folks get the beautiful lush lashes!”
Your not the only one who’s sung that tune, sister! Hmmm, just thought of something. If you are flesh from our flesh, a rib apparently, maybe you are also lash from our lash… one of the bottom lashes… hhmmmm*
And, if I didn’t stick around to the bitter end of a post with all of you, how in the world would God ever prepare me for the woman of my life!?! There’s soooo much to benefit from here = )
* Above lash remark made under the duress of male sexist comment made by original topic post-er = )
Oh my goodness! Tori! We are leading parallel lives……..sort of. I just Googled “Latisse” last week and checked it out because……….well……because I want to look like Brooke Shields! OF course, minus the gorgeous long hair, the creamy alabaster skin, the tall willowy figure………..okay, time to wake up! But long eyelashes is good. But I also began reading the litany of side effects and this is the one that worried me——-“There is a potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with skin surfaces.” OMG! I’m rather clumsy……especially when putting on make-up! I could get some of that stuff and soon have hair growing on my knuckles! (Ya know, I do have a thinning hair problem on my head. Do you think that stuff would grow hair there? And my husband is almost bald! Is there hope? Oh no, forget that. I didn’t take into account the cost of that stuff! No way, no how! )
But thanks for tellin’ us about the L’Oreal eyelash fertilizer! I’m gettin’ some of that soon as I can get up to WalMart! You are always thinkin’ ’bout us, aren’t ya? If I get that stuff and it really works, and suddenly I have thick lush long eyelashes, which I’ve never had in my whole life BTW, what will I do with the rest of me??? My eyelashes will disown the remaining body parts! But it’s worth the risk! Thanks again.
Thanks for the laugh again! Rachel don’t worry too much I still have eyelashes at my great age!! Must admit I don’t often wear mascara but still enjoyed the review.
What a nice idea. Keep telling news of this sort, Tori, because we will be sure it’s about your conviction. In fact I’m also using L’Oréal mascara though I always have some difficulties when putting on eye-makeup…there’s such a small gap between me (with eyeliner or mascara in hand) and the mirror ! I’m a tiny bit short-sighted
OK, Walmart cosmetic department is on my list for the day, right after:
1. Macy’s – more Spanx in various sizes and colors
2. New bras – underwire, industrial strength, lets-keep-the girls-in-their-place-and-off-the-floor brand
3. Another box of Essence (L’Oreal?) for the hair – medium brown
4. New bathing suit – full body contouring
5. Bathing suit cover up
6. Underwear with tummy control
7. Pantyhose – super tummy control
8. Blouse – long sleeved – what are those wings under my arms?
9. Arch supports
10. Anything else I’ve forgotten?
A will???
Got it, LindaB!
LOL Me too! In fact, at my age, I shouldn’t be even thinking about my eyelashes! I’m too tired to bat them if I had them! (But I’m tryin’ that stuff anyway! Hope lives eternal.)
I’ve been thinking about my present eyelashes and their short lifespan! And that they are falling out all the time! I’m feeling sad about it now.
I wonder if Poli-grip makes an eyelash product? Something to help them hold on a little longer?
I mean……….I’ve got a $1 off coupon for any Poligrip product. And a dollar is a dollar.
Tori, HERE’S the product you should be testing for us! It’s called “Slendertone” and it uses electrical impulses to make your muscles contract and they get toned up in the process. No kidding! Or at least, that’s what they say. Sort of along the lines of my dog’s shock collar. (I have noticed that his neck is getting very toned and lovely.) I suppose, to save money, I could duct tape the thing to my problem spots and then push the remote button for twenty minutes, the required time to see results, according to the website and commercial. In fact, I bet my hubby would LOVE to push the button for me! I wouldn’t have to do a thing!
Just think, Tori, you could sit at your computer writing blog entries and reading other’s blogs, and exercise your muscles at the same time! Not that you need it—–you’re young and perfect—-but to check it out for us. And according to them, it would help you STAY young and perfect.
Here’s the link to their website:
http://www.slendertoneusa.com/
Apparently, I’m the only one here that has no life on Saturdays! It might have something to do with my sparse eyelashes, I’m thinkin’. Dang!
Sick in bed, sleeping all day! Good to see you were able to carry on whithout us, though = )
Get well soon, Jonny.
I haven’t laughed so much in a long while that while reading these comments.
Have a good Sunday everyone.
jonny, are you talking ‘pluralis majestatis’ or is your sickness a handicap for writing ? Anyway, I hope and pray you’ll soon feel better.
Jonny! You still have that cold??? Vitamin C and zinc! And lots of water. Silver, if you can find it at a health food store. Get well!
Oh Betty, thank you! I will.
You’re the pastor’s wife, aren’t you? No excuses for you to miss church, huh? Can you come out and play after the service tomorrow? I’m lonely and bored. And I’m putting off doing something I should have done weeks ago—–take my Christmas tree down. You don’t think it’s too early, do ya? And at what point in time is it advisable to just leave it up for next Christmas? July?
Sorry Linda can’t make it tomorrow after the service as I have to babysit my grandson. Maybe another time. It is a bit far to come however.
As to when to take the tree down. Well, I presume it isn’t a real one or it would have dropped all its needles by now. I guess you could just leave it up all the year and enjoy the prettiness.
Betty said, “I guess you could just leave it up all the year and enjoy the prettiness.”
GREAT! I’ll just tell my husband that the pastor’s wife told me to leave it up! It makes a spiritual statement! (He won’t go for the “prettiness” factor.)
Thanks for the advice, concern, prayers and witt (that last one is for delighted)!! It seems to be a vicious head cold also effectig my respitory (sp?) area. It’s been about a week now. Resting a lot, drinking lots of liquids, drinking hot cold/flu medicine and taking lots of vitamins and minerals!!
please tell us more ab your shampoo, conditioner and everything you use. looking as good as you do…we really need it. and yes, you have talent…they should be paying you…
jonny, hope you are well on the mend
Tori, nothing could have prepared me for saggy knees!!!!!! what a shocker at what age should I be preparing myself for this, does it creep up on you slowly!
Yoer review was fab had me smiling all the way through
VA-Cathy: Thank you, I just might!
mimix6boyz: Let me know how it goes.
rachelbaker: Yeah, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The *good* news is, it kinda sneaks up on you!
DELIVERED: Give me a little time to get myself together– it’ll come!
jonny: What is the deal with God wasting luxurious eyelashes on boys, anyway?! And yes, you should always stick around, this blog is TOTALLY preparing you for the next woman in your life… And I sure hope you are feeling better now.
chillybean: I’m hoping that’s true, too!
Stribet Kat: Yes, my experience is that pictures ALWAYS help where husbands are concerned.
LindaB: If the L’Oreal execs had a brain in their head they would immediately change the name to Lash Fertilizer! And that Slendertone thing is more than a little scary…
bettyrwoodward: Congratulations on your wonderful eyelashes– and I totally think you and LindaB should get together as soon as possible!
delightedabroad: It’s good mascara, isn’t it?
MostlySunny: HAHAHAHA! Yep, that list sounds just about right!
anna: OK, how sweet are you? (Actually, Russ is the one with the really good hair in the family! And he uses Nexxus products. And way too much hairspray.)
heffa: Well, my knees have not exactly started sagging– yet. But in my 30’s, my godmother told me all about it and I’ve never been able to get it out of my head. I fully expect to wake up some morning and find out they’re hanging down somewhere around my ankles. *shudders*
Had me at Brooke and her eyelashes…lost me around the commercial part. But…enjoyed it while it lasted.
OH, TORI – PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE – TRY OUT & GIVE US A REVIEW OF THE SLENDOR TONE THING – IF YOU BEGIN TO STUTTER, WE WILL STILL LOVE YOU! I HAVE WONDERED HOW/IF THAT WORKS! I MIGHT EVEN TRADE A SLIGHT TWITCH/JERK IN PLACE FOR A EASY-TO-GET SLENDOR BODY. BUT, IT SEEMS THAT THE DENTIST IS ALSO HELPING IN MY WEIGHT LOSS – BEING THAT I HAVE BEEN ON JELLO/PUDDING FOR 2 WEEKS NOW, W/ STITCHES IN MY MOUTH. GETTING SCREWS INSERTED TOMORROW FOR THE TOOTH IMPLANTS. GOING HOME TO MAKE YET MORE JELLO/PUDDING. BY THE TIME I GET EVERYTHING FIXED/RESTORED FROM YEARS OF ADDICTION – I WILL BE TOO OLD TO FLAUNT IT! OR ELSE, ALL THE ONES TO FLAUNT IT FOR WILL BE ALREADY MARRIED!
I love this blog!
You guys and girls have totally cracked me up! Thanks I needed the laugh, it is Monday ater all
I will be buying this (Loreal Product)! Tori, remember the time you totally sold me on the Food Saver? I told you they should hire you to be their spokesperson because their sales would sky rocket. I drove Troy crazy until I finally bought one
So, I totally trust you when you recommend something. I have watched those commercials Brooke is on and the side effects just are not worth it.
Jonny hope you are feeling better. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
Slender tone thing? hmmmm I think I might have to pass on that one?
Saw my doctor this morning. It could be a week to three weeks before I’m better again. Apparently it’s a stubborn virus. Thanks for the well wishes and prayers!!
jonny
This is truly an amazing product! After brushing some on my upper lip and chin, I now have an award-winning mustache and goatee. As a result, I also got the part of Alcindoro in “LaBoheme”.
One thing I would like to stress. DO NOT get this on your hands, or you will be trying out for “cave man” parts for Geico.
Thank you! Now, back to my violent movie and ESPN.
~ Bob
Bob, if this product can indeed rapidly produce a decent soul patch, I say we go halves-y on the idea, open a kiosk in the hotel lobby during the upcoming Dove Awards week here in Nashville and we will MAKE A FORTUNE!
“Dear L’Oreal,
You are missing a huge opportunity for product placement, here. It’s like we’re doing your job FOR you. And you’re welcome.
Love, Tori and Bob
Marketing geniuses behind the new L’Oreal ‘Gospel Star Wannabe’ Facial Hair Generater”
aaaahhhhh – TOO FUNNY!
AND, HELLO – BOB! DON’T RECALL SEING YOU HERE, BUT THEN AGAIN, I HAVE BEEN ON ALOT OF PAIN MEDS!
Hey Tori, I was at Meijer’s yesterday, and they now have L’Oreal Lash Boosting Mascara packaged WITH the Lash Boosting Serum! It was $22 for both, but also packaged separately. I didn’t buy it because, well, you know, it was $22, but based on your review of the serum, I think I will go back and buy both! Hope to see you at Family Fest, I’ll be the one batting my drop dead gorgeous eyelashes!