Somebody told me I look like a chipmunk in this photo. LOL!
When the last of my previous lash primer – Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base – dried up, I was in search for the next best eyelash primer, mascara primer, or mascara base, whatever you call it.
A mascara primer is applied before mascara to comb and coat each lash for smoother and more even mascara application. Just like how foundation primer, eyeshadow primer work.
After doing a ton of research, my search was narrowed down to Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Lancome Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base.
I was originally inclined to get the Lancome mascara base since the Lancome Oscillation Vibrating Infinite Power Mascara was one of my favorite mascaras. On the other hand, Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Extreme Mascara didn’t leave a good impression on me (dry and clumpy and flaky =__=”), yet despite that, I finally got the Dior lash primer. Simply because reviews on blogs and MUA seemed better. Reviews are so important! (That’s why you’re reading this heh heh)
Chic Packaging
The packaging is expected of a high-end brand like Dior and it stands out with its white tube in my stash of black mascara tubes.
I like that the exterior still looks very much like when I first had it, despite all the tossing and rough handling when I look for it in my mascara drawer. Not that it’s hard to spot though.
The Smashbox Lash Primer looked dilapidated with its peeled wording and faded texture; the Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base had scratches all over. I’m sure this Dior one has battle scars aplenty, just that the chic glossy packaging covers it all up nicely.
Does Not Weigh Down Your Lashes
Having a mascara base that does its job of priming, plumping, thickening, and lengthening without weighing down your lashes is so important.
The Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum is super lightweight and does not weigh down my lashes, making them look droopy and spidery. All I feel is my eyelashes being coated in a luxurious conditioner.
It is unlike a regular rich, creamy, mascara base. Instead, it is a nourishing primer serum treatment that promotes long-term lash growth, strength, and vitality, and manages to still be lightweight on top of all that.
Wear It Every Day But Not To Sleep
One of Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum’s selling points is that you can actually wear it on its own as a deep conditioner for your lashes at night, mentioned by Sephora Pro Beauty Team Member, Nathalie Bechard.
I wouldn’t do that, though. It might work if you reserve it for use only as a night lash treatment, but if you use it as I do, which is as a mascara primer, it’s going to look like this.
What are the black flakes, you ask?
Eyeshadow and eyeliner, of course!
Mascara is my last step for eye makeup, like a full stop to it. So it’s always eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows, then mascara. I know some people apply mascara first, then eyeshadow. It’s kinda weird to me, like washing your body first, then your hair. =S
Surprisingly, even though I’ve used this Dior lash primer for more than six months (mentioned in this makeup haul), it’s still performing very well. I was worried the white mascara base would turn grey when mixed with even more ‘cookies’ but it still looks quite alright (maybe all the ‘cookies’ have been pushed to the bottom) and performs brilliantly.
Learning How To Use Each Mascara Primer
It’s funny that for Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum, Smashbox Lash Primer and Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base, they each have different ways of using and I needed to play with them for a while before finally getting it right. Mascaras are not so much different, only mascara bases.
Is that the case for you as well? That different mascara bases work really differently?
So for this Dior eyelash primer, the trick is to do one eye at a time, and after I place the applicator back in the tube, immediately apply mascara overtop, while it’s still wet from the primer. It doesn’t work nearly as well if you wait for it to dry. Oh, don’t forget to curl your lashes first! Super important! I use my trusty Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler.
The formula goes on white but dries fast and doesn’t give you those crisp, ghostly white lashes like the Smashbox primer. Or turn your lashes grey like the Shiseido primer, when the once clear formula settles with bacteria over time and becomes slightly, erm, gooey?
I liked both the Smashbox and Shiseido ones when they lasted, but not as much as I LOVE this Dior one. It’s hard not to compare with past products, especially since this Dior lash primer surpasses their merits in so many ways.
Thickens and lengthens with each coat
One coat and this instantly adds length and volume. I cannot wear mascara without putting this product on first.
Just because I’m a curious cat, I might pick up the Lancome Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base next. Just to compare.
Where To Buy?
Dior DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum retails for SGD48.00 and Lancome Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base for SGD50.00. They can be found at your local Sephora, and other high-end cosmetic counters.
You can also find out more and purchase these products online by clicking on the links below:
Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum
Lancome Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base
Bun Bun rates Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum:
What lash primer do you use? Have you tried the Lancome one before? Or any to recommend? I’d like to hear your views!
