As a more mature woman, I’ve spent many years trying different makeup looks and curating a collection that’s pretty tried-and-true. No matter who suggested what products to try, I wasn’t easily persuaded–I had my favorite foundations and eyeshadows already in my arsenal, and I prefer to stick to what works for my aging skin.
One of my absolute favorite mascaras is Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve repurchased this mascara! I haven’t found one that even begins to compare, honestly. However, a friend recently recommended Prime Prometics’ PrimeLash Mascara, which is catered towards maturer women (but isn’t exclusively for them). So, of course I had to give it a shot for comparison’s sake. Here’s how they stacked up against each other:
Healing ingredients… Prime Prometics
Maybe it’s the way I remove my makeup or maybe it’s just stress, but at the end of the day when I wash my face, I notice an alarming number of lashes stuck to my face. I did some more research and found that a lot of the big-name mascaras we know and love can have harsh ingredients that aren’t the best for our eyes.
When I discovered that PrimeLash contained premium ingredients like squalane and is a water-based formula designed to give mature women’s lashes exactly what they need to grow thick and long, it quickly rose through the ranks for me–it’s great that there’s a product out there specifically designed for my needs as an older woman.
After a few weeks of using it, I noticed fewer loose lashes when I washed my face, and even some growth in the sparse spots. PrimeLash is hypoallergenic (so it eliminates that uncomfortable feeling of wearing mascara for hours), as well as pH-balanced, vegan, & cruelty free. Sadly, with Lancôme, I needed to apply a serum to help my lashes grow.
Effectiveness for mature women… Prime Prometics
There are a bunch of reasons why PrimeLash mascara works amazingly well for older women. First of all, it’s not waterproof, because waterproof mascaras contain harsh ingredients that can cause dry, brittle lashes later on. The neutral pH and clean beauty formula makes it a better option for women that have sensitive skin around their eyes, too. It’s also the most hydrating mascara formula I’ve used to date, and my eyes are looking healthier & longer than they have with Lancôme’s Lancôme’s Lash Idôle mascara.
Price and accessibility… Lancôme
If we want to be super nitpicky when it comes to pitting two mascaras against each other, one thing you need to consider is the price. Although these two could be easily tied because PrimeLash goes for $28 while Lancôme’s Lash Idôle goes for $27, that one dollar might make a difference when you’re buying a product every 3 months (as you should, because of bacteria accumulation!).
We also have to think about accessibility to the product: Lash Idôle can be bought in both stores and online, while PrimeLash can only be bought online. Because of this, you have to tack on shipping price. In this case, I’d choose the Lancôme because I can simply make my way to the nearest Ulta or Sephora to purchase it on the spot, whereas I have to wait for the PrimeLash to arrive at my door.
The best wand… Prime Prometics
The true test of mascara is in the wand. It doesn’t really matter if the formula is the most innovative if the wand doesn’t do its intended job! Fortunately, PrimeLash delivers with their wand as well. Because PrimeLash is formulated to help thinning lashes grow, their wand is made specifically to grip even the tiniest of lashes and coat them entirely with their unique shape. And the best part? My lashes never look clumpy, even when I do several coats.
On the other hand, the Lancôme wand is a pretty uniform size, so I have to really maneuver it to make sure it coasts the tiny lashes at the corners of my eyes. If you have thick, long lashes, this mascara wouldn’t be an issue but for someone like me, it’s a little too much work to get it just right.
Color choices… Prime Prometics
If you’re one of the people who prefer to rock blue mascara or a softer color like brown, Prime Prometics should be your go-to. PrimeLash comes in black, navy, and dark brown while Lancôme’s Lash Idôle mascara comes in just black.
The verdict
In my experience, Prime Prometics’ PrimeLash beats Lancôme’s Lash Idôle mascara by far.
PrimeLash is a lot gentler on the eyes and skin, and I can ensure that most of my lashes will remain intact when I take off my makeup at the end of the day because it’s made with healing ingredients. On top of that, if I feel like I want to play with colors, PrimeLash has those, too. Despite Lancôme being a touch more accessible than PrimeLash, PrimeLash’s benefits make it a must-buy!
