lash primer

It's been interesting to read your comments to yesterday's post about the no mascara trend. It seems like many of my readers already skip mascara, though just about everyone agrees that some sort of eye defining is absolutely essential. Apparently, the people at Dior aren't worried we're going to stop worrying about our lashes as they just released a new lash primer, DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum.

I admit lash primers, Dior or not, don't top my list of must-have products. But many brands now offer these mascara enhancing items and several of them have been finding their way into my dressing room. That was the case with DiorShow Maximizer, and I have to say I really like it.

While I can't support or rebuttal any of Dior's claims that this is an active serum with long-term results of extra lash growth and vitality, I like the way DiorShow Maximizer works under any of my mascaras and give them an extra oomph- just a little more length and volume, while the brush/comb keeps the lashes separated and ensures an even coating. So really, it might be mostly about the applicator, at least volume-wise, but there's a clear difference and that's what matters.

One thing I wouldn't do is apply the primer and then leave the house without mascara. The product is white and clearly visible even when dry, so it's not a good leave-in lash conditioner.

Bottom Line: Not essential but nice to have.

DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28) is available from Dior counters at various department stores and Sephora. A press sample was provided for my consideration by the company.

All photos are mine.

I was a bit hesitant before applying Youngblood Mineral Lash Primer to my eyelashes. The runny texture and milky white color looked worrisome, but the promise of fuller and thicker lashes was tempting. And besides, I try stuff so you don't have to.

The way this works, you apply one coat of the primer and immediately, while your lashes are still wet, the first coat of mascara. The polymers in the primer helps the mascara cover each lash separately and gives some plumping. It's especially helpful if the mascara you're using is a lengthening one, as in the case of Youngblood's Mineral Lengthening Mascara.

This mascara is quite good. Nothing dramatic and thankfully I don't end up looking like Veruschka above. My eyelashes are nicely defined, seperated and look polished without clumps, smears or flakes. The finish is natural, not glossy (I have the black mascara). It's a clean, office-friendly look. I also tested the primer with other mascaras. It worked the same way, with the most impressive results for volumizing mascaras. The primer seems to enhance whatever the mascara was doing. Drying time doesn't seem to be affected.

Bottom line: Easy to apply and foolproof. Not revolutionary, but solid results and a nice look.

Youngblood Mineral Lengthening Mascara ($24) and Lash Primer ($22) are available at Henri Bendel in NYC and directly through the company's website (ybskin.com). I received both as PR freebies.

Photo: myvintagevogue.com