02 Oct 2012 
Posted by Lil 
A few weeks ago I bought a ticket to an event at the Lancôme counter of my local Debenhams. I’d heard about the event from Elly (author of my favourite outfit of the day posts - go to her for some serious texture and colour inspiration) and I knew very little about it except that it was in aid of local charity Healthy Living Network Leeds.
The evening started with some extremely informative and detailed demonstrations packed full of facts and tips I could apply to my own skin type and skincare regime. While watching, we were given charts to fill out so we could find out which Lancôme products would be best suited to us and it was really interesting to see the whole range of both skincare and make-up offered by the French cosmetics house who, quite frankly, I’ve always associated with my mum. Lancôme are part of the L’Oreal family and are known for being a luxury, department store style brand, which is perhaps why I have wrongly been considering them a bit err… old-fashioned since I got into make-up.
While a portion of Lancôme products have anti-ageing properties and therefore may attract an older fan-base, I was really excited to see that there were plenty of products to float my boat too, especially the Midnight Roses Fall 2012 make-up collection which is packed full of rich reds, plums and purples. After the demonstrations we all got to browse the counter and see what tickled our fancy, along with getting matched for a specific skincare plan or foundation. I was pretty taken with some of the products just from testing them on my hand, especially the serums which had a rich, hydrating and velvety texture without feeling heavy.
The Midnight Roses collection, Elly and I getting colour matched and made up (looking good!)
The fact that all this was in aid of charity made the evening all the more worthwhile. Healthy Living Network Leeds are a charity who aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in and around the city. They organise and fund all sorts of great projects such as community regeneration, exercise classes and fruit and veg delivery. At the event we were told that the £2.50 coming from our ticket would buy a bowl of soup at community centre the charity are in the process of setting up. I felt pretty good that my usually frivolous spending could be put to some good use for a change and I’m planning on keeping up with HLN Leeds activities in the future. Read a full interview with Steph who works for the charity at Elly’s blog.
So, what did I come away with? Well well well. A hefty bundle, that’s for sure. I splashed out on the L’Absolu Crème De Mat Lip Colour in 300 Magie Pourpre, a gorgeous vivid pink matte lip creme that applies and wears like a dream. I also got the Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation, a long-wear foundation which gives medium to full coverage. Buying 2 items meant I got a full goody bag packed full of samples and a few full sized products, so you can expect some Lancôme reviews coming up soon around these parts.
L-R: Galatéis Douceur (Cleanser), HydraZen Neurocalm Day Cream, Tonique Douceur (Toner), Génifique Serum, Visionnaire Serum, Hypnôse Mascara, Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation, Colour Fever Gloss in Dangerously Pink 321, L’Absolu Crème De Mat Lip Colour
Having tried most of these products out for a few weeks already, it’s fair to say that my view of Lancôme has already started to shift, and I will be keeping an eye out for any new product launches in the future. As mentioned, I’m going to do individual reviews of the products but I can tell you that most of the skincare items are a real joy to use and I have seen a difference in my skin since I started using them. Keep your eyes peeled for an event at your local Lancôme counter – I promise you, it’s worth a visit!
Have you tried any products from Lancôme? Have any beauty or clothing brands challenged your preconceptions?
Lil. 25. Loving life in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Living for make-up, fashion and the next meal. ♥ 
