Lancome Eau de Bienfait: Rosewater Revisited
Written: Apr 09 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Heavenly rosy smell, thoroughly effective at makeup removal
Cons: Rumored repackaging will hopefully not include product reworking
The Bottom Line: A wonderfully pampering addition to my nighttime cleansing routine.
|
|
|
| tjarnold's Full Review: LancÔMe Effacil Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover |
I had finally decided to indulge in my love affair with Lancome's Effacil Eye Make-up Remover after several months of completely adequate, but thoroughly uninspired makeup removal by Clinique's Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent. Presenting my simple request to the representative behind the Lancome counter at my local department store, I almost flipped when she gently explained that this favorite product of mine was being discontinued, along with its cousin Bi-facil. Realizing that I might die of a broken heart right there in front of her glistening display case full of lotions and potions, she quickly suggested Eau de Bienfait, a Cleansing Water with Vitamins for Face and Eyes. I was immediately suspicious and began quizzing her on the similarities and differences between this apparent impostor and my beloved Effacil.
As it turns out, the only significant difference is a bonus: Eau de Bienfait, with its similarly divine, rosy scent, removes face makeup just as wonderfully as it removes eye makeup. The only thing it doesn't do, my salesperson pointed out, is remove waterproof mascara. Since I rarely wear waterproof mascara, this is not a problem for me, and I quickly shelled out the $25 for a 6.8 fl. oz. bottle. I must be in a sorry state, because ever since my purchase, I look forward each evening to slipping away to complete my nightly cleansing ritual with its new added step, Eau de Bienfait. Never mind the fact that slipping away also includes removing myself from the maelstrom known as a 3-year-old and a 1 1/2-year-old quickly spiraling toward bedtime; this stuff is heavenly.
Packaging and Appearance:
The packaging of Eau de Bienfait is trademark Lancome: cloud blue plastic bottle, slightly tapered in shape, with white lettering and embossed gold Lancome rose. The screw-off white lid with gray band and white bas relief rose reveals a wafting rose scent of the most heavenly variety and a delicate, completely non greasy, colorless liquid. Rubbing a bit of the product between my fingers, I'm struck by how soft and gentle it feels. After its absorbed into my skin, my fingers are left feeling slightly moisturized and softened, and of course, there's that captivating fragrance again. Used on the face, Eau de Bienfait is equally pleasant.
Product Claims and How They Fare:
~ Cleanses away face makeup and impurities
~ Gently removes eye makeup
~ Tones skin
~ Enriched with skin-softening rose water—plus Vitamins A, E and B5 to energize, protect and soothe
Yes, yes, yes! Inasmuch as a bottle of makeup remover can be a delight to use, this product is it. The first time I tried Eau de Bienfait, I skeptically examined my used cotton pad after each sweep across my face. Without giving you a blow-by-blow description of the contents, I can tell you that I was very impressed with the thorough manner in which it did its job. Not only was all my face makeup (concealer, foundation, blush, and powder) removed, but there was much more mascara and eye shadow on my cotton pad after using Eau de Bienfait than after using Clinique's Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent. Score one for Lancome.
During my initial interrogation of my Lancome representative, I was careful to ask whether the product should take the place of a regular facial cleanser. The answer, not surprisingly, was no, though she did suggest that it would be fine to use Eau de Bienfait for touch-ups during the day. Though I have not used the product in this way, my sense is that it would leave the skin leaving pleasantly refreshed, prepped, and ready for any necessary makeup reapplication. The product would also be great for use at the gym or away from home.
While Eau de Bienfait is colorless, it is not fragrance free. If your skin is particularly sensitive to added fragrance, you may want to be extra careful in testing this product on a small patch of skin away from your face before beginning regular use.
Directions:
From product packaging:
Saturate cotton pad. Wipe eyelids, face and throat gently to cleanse.
This may be a no-brainer, but I strongly suggest wiping the makeup from your face, particularly if you are prone to sensitivity and breakout, before wiping your eyelids. This way, you won't be wiping mascara and other strongly adhering eye makeup ingredients all over your face.
Availability:
Lancome products, including Eau de Bienfait if you're lucky, are widely available at department stores worldwide, including Nordstrom, Filene's, and many others. The brand can be purchased online at the Lancome website (www.lancome.com), and Eau de Bienfait, specifically, can be viewed at http://www1.lancome.com/x4/product.asp?
mscssid=XK0JW3BT5BS92LSV00A3HBP5RH7FACP8&pf_id=003
Ingredients:
Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Poloxamer 184, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dihydrocholeth-30, Sunflower Seed Oil, Panthenol, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, B4549.
I am posting this review under the Lancome Effacil category because there is no category for Lancome Eau de Bienfait, and it seemed a fitting tribute to a dearly beloved product that is no more. If and when the proper category is added, this review shall be moved to the appropriate location.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
tjarnold
|
|
Location: Connecticut, but I'm a Hoosier at heart
Reviews written: 83
Trusted by: 87 members
About Me:
Mother of two, manager of many. Whatever happened to the myth of "The Total Woman"?
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.