I have been a Loreal Voluminous loyalist for years and years. But I admit that I've been tempted every now and again by all the claims from highbrow brands. Basically, I am a beauty marketers dream.
So when I saw the signs at Sephora for the new Diorshow mascara with curved brush, I took one for the team. This is how it compares to my beloved drugstore staple.
Diorshow Iconic ($29) versus Loreal Voluminous in blackest black ($6)
These are my bare lashes. Yes, I used the soften photoshop tool. Because: pores and wrinkles. On the internet. Forever. I think in science they call this "irrelevant data."
This is after one generously applied coat of each mascara on each eye. During application, Diorshow seemed a little drier, while the Voluminous was goop-ier. Decide for yourself which is a plus and which is a minus.
There wasn't a huge difference in the way they looked. The Diorshow seemed a touch darker black, and when closed it seemed like the lashes were plumper.
I waited a few moments, then applied the second coat. This is where the drier consistency of the Diorshow became more apparent. It wasn't uncomfortably dry, just stiff. So applying the second coat was scratchier.
I also think Voluminous looked smoother, less-spider-y.
It's harder than you would think to describe mascara application and still sound smart.
With eyes closed, the Diorshow definitely looks darker and plumper. With eyes open, I don't think there is humongous difference. As I went about my day, I asked a couple of people if they could tell a difference between the two. Everyone either said they couldn't tell a difference or that the Diorshow eye looked like a darker black.
When I took the mascara off in the shower later, Diorshow was noticeably flakier in the removal. On the one hand, it seemed like it would stay longer. On the other hand, taking it off was harder because I had to be super careful. And this wasn't even the waterproof formula.
Ultimately, I satisfied my curiousity over the pricey mascara. But to me, there wasn't a $23 difference between the two. I wanted to love Diorshow, I wanted it to be a miracle in a tube.
But it's still you, Loreal Voluminous. It's always you.
