Haul: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation + Gift with Purchase (value up to $136)

 

Von Maur is offering a 7-piece gift with purchase when you spend $39.50 or more on any Lancome products. There are 3 gift bags that you can choose from and I chose the High Resolution Mix gift bag because I wanted to try the pressed powder in the shade Bisque. The pressed powders that come in the other gift bags are too light for my skin tone. If you have any Lancome products on your wishlist, then this would be the perfect time to purchase them because of all the extra goodies you'll be getting. This offer expires March 18, 2012. Also, Von Maur always offer free shipping with no minimum order.

 

Absolue Mix Gift Includes:

• Absolue Premium BX Cream SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Color Design Lipstick in Curtain Call
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Ivory
• Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad
• Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 7ml
• Nutrix Royal Body Repair Cream 2oz
• Black Cosmetic Bag

High Resolution Mix Gift Includes:

• High Resolution Refill 3X SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector, 0.5oz
• Juicy Tube in Moulin Rose, 0.33oz
• Flash Bronzer Leg Gel, 2oz
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Bisque, 0.12oz
• Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black
• Pink Cosmetic Bag 

Renergie Mix Gift Includes:

• Renergie Lift Volumetry SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate with dropper 8 ml
• Color Design in All Done Up
• Flash Bronzer Leg Gel, 2oz
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Ivory
• Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black
• Pink Cosmetic Bag

The gift with purchase definitely lured me into buying the new Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation ($44 for 1oz), which I ended up liking, but not loving. Lancome labels the shades using a number and letter system. C denotes cool, which is suitable for those who have a pink undertone. W means warm, which is suitable for those who have a yellow undertone and N means neutral, which is suitable for those who are neither cool nor warm. I went to get color matched at 2 different Lancome counters and both SAs recommended 320W, so that's the shade I chose when I placed my order online, but it ended up being too dark for my skin tone. For reference, I'm an NC30/35, L'oreal True Match W4, Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031, and MUFE HD 127. 

The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra foundation has a thick creamy consistency that glides onto the skin like butter and feels silky smooth. It blends easily and offers buildable, medium to full coverage. It does not emphasize dry spots if you exfoliate and moisturize well. Also, the finish is neither cakey nor fully matte, but looks natural and like skin. However, I still need to set with a powder on my forehead and nose area because my t-zone gets oily throughout the day. 

The main reason why I don't love this foundation is because it's not as long lasting as it advertises. My t-zone starts getting oily after about 4 hours of application. This also happens when I wear my L'oreal True Match and Make Up For Ever HD foundation. The biggest difference between these 2 foundations and Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra is the texture. The L'oreal True Match and the MUFE HD foundations have a more runny consistency and feel more moisturizing, which is why I prefer them over Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra, for the winter months. (For the summer months, I prefer a more mattifying foundation, such as Dior Forever, which keeps my oil at bay for at least 6 hours.)

One thing to keep in mind is that I never wear primers underneath my foundations except when I wear my MUFE HD foundation because I've had no luck with most of the ones that I've tried, including CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free, Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer and many others. The MUFE HD primer is the only primer that lengthens the wear time of my MUFE HD foundation; however, I see no difference with the longevity of my makeup when used with my Dior Forever or L'oreal True Match foundation.

One thing that I am loving about my order is the gift with purchase. The pink makeup bag is cute and great for travel because it's so spacious inside. It measures 8.25" x 4.25" x 3.25".

Bottom Line: I would still recommend Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation because it applies smoothly onto the skin, blends well, has good coverage and doesn't look cakey. My reasons for not loving it is strictly personal. (It doesn't feel as moisturizing as my other foundations and the shade is too dark.) Also, just because the foundation doesn't last long on my oily t-zone, it doesn't mean you will get the same result. We all have different textures, skin types and complexions. However, those with normal skin may benefit more from this foundation.

Here's a list of products that I packed in the bag (I don't carry all these products with me when I'm travelling, but this is just to show you how much stuff this bag can hold.):

• MAC Vera Flower Fantasy Face Powder
• MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
• Lancome Flash Bronzer Leg Gel (travel size 2oz)
• Dior Forever Foundation
• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation
• Lancome Pressed Powder (travel size 0.12oz)
• Lancome High Resolution Refill (travel size 0.5oz)
• 2 L'oreal Lip Balms
• Lancome Juicy Tube (travel size 0.33oz)
• Dior DiorShow Mascara (sample size 5ml)
• Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara (sample size 4ml)
• MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
• Lancome Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector (travel size 0.5oz)
• 2 Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

Bloomingdales is also offering the same Lancome gift with purchase; however, you get to choose the products individually. This is definitely a better option for those who plan on making a $50 purchase or more, especially if you use Mr. Rebates to get cashback. However, Von Maur's gift with purchase was a better deal for me since they didn't charge tax and offered free shipping for my $44 order.

Are you a sucker for "gift with purchase" offers?

Have you tried the new Lancome foundation?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

DermStore Coupon Code 2012: $20, $30, $40 OFF Orders

DermStore* March Deals:

• Mar  5 - 11                 15% off Sonya Dakar Drying Potion

• Mar  12 - 18               15% off entire La Roche Posay brand

• Mar  19 - 25                20% off entire Obagi brand

• Mar  26 – Apr 1          15% off entire Vichy brand

March 8 through March 12:

$20 off $100 purchases - use coupon code DSSAVE2
$30 off $150 purchases - use coupon code DSSAVE3

$40 off $200 purchases - use coupon code DSSAVE4

Also, receive free standard shipping on ALL orders with NO MINIMUMS and free 2-day shipping on all orders over $100. 

*affiliate link

DHC 2012 Coupon Code: $10 OFF + 15% OFF Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC is offering their worldwide bestseller, Deep Cleansing Oil, for 15% off. Plus, receive $10 off orders of $50 or more. No coupon code needed, but offer must be activated by clicking this link*. Both offers expire April 30, 2012.

*affiliate link

Clarins Coupon Code 2012: Free Shipping With Any Purchase (no minimum)

Clarins is offering free shipping + 3 free samples* with any order. Enter coupon code MARSHIP at checkout. Also, receive an exclusive Best Sellers Kit* for free with any $85 purchase. Enter coupon code SPRPREP12 at checkout. Both offers expire March 9, 2012.

The kit includes travel-sized samples of:

• Pure Melt Cleansing Gel
• High Definition Body Lift
• Super Restorative Replenishing Comfort Mask
• Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch 

I've recently tried a sample of Clarins' new Ever Matte foundation in 110 Honey. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031, MUFE 127, and L'oreal True Match W4. Ever Matte offers buildable, light to medium coverage. I prefer Clarins' Everlasting foundation* more because it offers better coverage and lasts a little bit longer on my oily/combo skin. Unfortunately, it made me break out. For those that don't have sensitive skin and want a long-lasting foundation with buildable, medium to full coverage, then I highly recommend checking out the Everlasting foundation.

*affiliate link

Swatches + Review: L'oreal Infallible 24 HR Eyeshadows

Top Left to Right: 899 Endless Pearl, 888 Iced Latte, 997 Eternal Sunshine, 890 Bronzed Taupe

Bottom Left to Right: 333 Golden Sage, 555 Perpetual Purple, 889 Midnight Blue, 891 Continuous Cocoa

A few months ago, L'oreal released the Infallible 24HR eyeshadows* in 12 different shades. More shades are available outside the US. L'oreal claims the product to be 24 hour lasting, crease resistant, fade resistant, and to have "intense, maximized color." Currently, it is one of the most raved about products in the blogging sphere, but does it live up to all its claims and hype?

Pros:

• texture feels silky
• blends easily
• good pigmentation when layered & used with a primer (except Endless Pearl)
• doesn't crease when used with a primer
• lasts 11 hours before it starts to fade (Endless Pearl, Iced Latte, Eternal Sunshine, Bronzed Taupe & Continuous Cocoa)
• Endless Pearl does not have fallouts during application
• no chunky glitters

Cons:

• Golden Sage, Perpetual Purple, & Midnight Blue look muddy (on my NC30/35 skin tone) when blended
• minor fallouts during application (except for Endless Pearl)
• application can be a little tricky, depending on what tool you use
• currently, there are no true matte shades (most have a metallic finish)
• they don't have a plastic seal wrapped around them

Top: 899 Endless Pearl, 888 Iced Latte

Bottom: 997 Eternal Sunshine, 890 Bronzed Taupe

899 Endless Pearl is a pale beige shade. When swatched on my arm, it looks like it has a satin finish with teeny tiny specks of sparkles. However, the sparkles are barely noticeable when applied on my brow bone. It doesn't have a true matte finish because under direct lighting, it has a sheen to it. MAC Blanc Type is a pale white beige with a hint of pink and has a matte finish. I find that it applies more smoother than Endless Pearl. Regardless, I still like using Endless Pearl as a highlight color. It might look a bit chalky when applied, but once I start blending it, it looks fine. As a lid color, the color payoff is not as good as the other eyeshadows. I need to layer the product in order to get decent pigmentation.

888 Iced Latte is a champagne beige shade with a metallic finish. I love wearing this all over the lids with MAC Swiss Chocolate in the crease and MAC Carbon on the outer v.

997 Eternal Sunshine is a yellow gold shade with a metallic finish. Urban Decay Blunt is lighter and warmer, while Half Baked is darker and also warmer. For those who found Half Baked to be too orange, Eternal Sunshine may be a better option to look into. On my NC30/35, I find Half Baked to be a true gold color without being too yellow or too orange. 

890 Bronzed Taupe is a medium taupey brown with silver shimmers and a metallic finish. 

Top: 333 Golden Sage, 555 Perpetual Purple

Bottom: 889 Midnight Blue, 891 Continuous Cocoa

333 Golden Sage is a metallic sage green with gold shimmers.

555 Perpetual Purple is a rich violet purple with a metallic finish.

889 Midnight Blue is a navy blue with a metallic finish.

891 Continuous Cocoa is a charcoal grey with a hint of espresso. Just like Endless Pearl, this has a satin finish with teeny tiny specks of sparkles. However, the sparkles are only noticeable under direct lighting. I prefer MAC Carbon because it has a true matte finish and it's darker, which makes it better as an outer v color for my NC30/35 skin tone. 

Packaging: Although the jars are made of plastic, I don't find them to look cheap. However, they don't have a plastic seal wrapped around them. So, it's difficult to tell if anyone has tampered them with their grimy fingers. 

When you unscrew the cap, there's a little "flattener" that's supposed to secure the product in place and prevent it from going everywhere. Do not discard this because the product will get loose the more you use it and you will then have to use the "flattener" to re-press the eyeshadow. 

Application: The L'oreal Infallible eyeshadows are essentially pressed pigments with a creamy texture to them. When I use my MAC 239 brush (full review) to pick up the product with a heavy hand, the pigments clump together. So when I apply it, the product is concentrated on one area and it doesn't apply smoothly. When I use my MAC 239 brush to pick up the product with a light hand, it does apply a little bit smoother, but I have to layer the product in order to get intense pigmentation. I also tried applying it with my fingers and they do apply more smoothly and evenly, but the pigmentation was not as intense as when I used a brush. I still prefer to use a brush because it's more sanitary, it gives me better control and I get better color payoff. As for blending, I use my Sonia Kashuk blending brush (mini review) and it's a piece of cake.

The 3 eyeshadows that I had the most issues with were Golden Sage, Perpetual Purple and Midnight Blue, especially when I applied them as a lid color. They apply with intense pigmentation, but the intensity easily blends away (even with a light hand and a fluffy brush), and it turns into a "muddy" look on my NC30/35 skin tone. I have to reapply the product to bring back the intensity, however, about 5 hours after application, it starts fading into the "muddy" look again, even when worn with a primer. Endless Pearl, Iced Latte, Eternal Sunshine, Bronzed Taupe and Continuous Cocoa give me at least 11 hours of wear before they start fading. 

As for fallouts, Endless Pearl was the only eyeshadow that didn't give me any issue. I didn't experience any fallouts with Iced Latte during the 1st 3 weeks of use; however, I do get minor fallouts now, even though I keep pressing the product with the "flattener." As for the rest of the eyeshadows, they do fall under my eye area a bit during application, but it's not a huge problem for me because I usually do my eye makeup before I apply my foundation. So, I can easily wipe away the mess.

Top Left to Right: 899 Endless Pearl, 888 Iced Latte, 997 Eternal Sunshine, 890 Bronzed Taupe

Left to Right: 333 Golden Sage, 555 Perpetual Purple, 889 Midnight Blue, 891 Continuous Cocoa

Bottom Line: I would steer away from Golden Sage, Perpetual Purple and Midnight Blue if you're an NC30/35 and if you plan on using them all over your lids because they get muddy looking when blended. However, I recommend grabbing Endless Pearl, Iced Latte, Eternal Sunshine, Bronzed Taupe and Continuous Cocoa if you're a fan of those colors and don't mind getting minor fallouts during application because the pigmentation and lasting power beats other drugstore eyeshadows by a mile when used with a primer. Hopefully, L'oreal has plans to expand their color range and will release some true matte shades in the future.

Note: Each L'oreal Infallible 24 HR eyeshadow contains 3.5g of product and is available at Ulta, Target, and drugstore.com for around $7. 

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Which shades have you tried?