This vs That Lash Primers | Dior Maximizer vs L’Oreal Voluminous Base
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s much as I love primers for pretty much anything, lash primers are kind of the exception. I generally find them heavy on my fine lashes, wilting the curl I put into them. Of course, that doesn’t mean I haven’t tried plenty (#lifeofabeautylbogger)! When I heard that the infamous Dior Maximizer had been reformulated I was beyond curious to see if the formula had been improved (I reviewed the original here). Around the same time, L’Oreal launched Voluminous Base – they’re version of a lash primer. So, of course, I was left with the questions, “Do we have a dupe on our hands? Is one better than the other?”. One of these most definitely performed better than the other; Keep reading to see which one is worth your hard earned cash!
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L’Oreal Voluminous Base vs Dior Maximizer 3D
What Dior claims: “Enriched with Pure WhiteTM complex, this primer reveals the optimal colour and intensity of lashes. Its revitalizing oil serum concentrate improves thickness, curl, and the look of lashes for ever-increasing results, application after application. In instrumental tests on 21 subjects, comparison of bare lashes vs. lashes with Diorshow Maximizer 3D and Diorshow mascara:Â
– Subjects reported 90% more curlÂ
– Subjects said lashes looked 38% longer”
What L’Oreal claims: “Lightweight primer instantly creates a boosting effect, building dramatic volume and length on each lash.
-Conditions lashes over time for soft nourished lashes
-Use with your favourite mascara to amplify any lash look
-Instantly thicker, longer lashes
-Mascara amplifier
-Lash conditioner”
DIOR Maximizer 3D Review
Available at Sephora | NordstromÂ
So right from the get-go, the Dior Maximizer 3D has significantly bolder claims than L’Oreal Voluminous Base. Personally, I feel this means my critique might be a bit harsher – you know the whole make your bed now you have to sleep in it sort of thing. My original beef with this product was that I felt the white base affected the density of the black in my mascara, turning it a bit grey. I love super pitch black mascara so that was a big NO for me. The new 3D formula claims this Pure WhiteTM complex which supposedly reveals the true intensity of your mascara. Sadly, I still don’t find this the case! My lashes still ended up a bit grey.
I also find that the applicator of Maximizer 3D tends to clump my lashes together more than I would like, loading on too much product and ultimately wilting my lashes. So the concept of 90% more curl has me side-eyeing a lot. I stand by my original claim that if you have relatively thick, curled lashes to begin with, you will probably love this. However, fine-lashed ladies like myself will probably cringe that they spent the $$$ on this spendy product.
L’Oreal Voluminous Base Review
Available at Walmart | Target | Ulta
Styled with a traditional bristle wand akin to their famed Voluminous Mascara, Voluminous Base was a bit more user-friendly for me. I didn’t find the product as mousse-like in texture, and it didn’t cling several lashes together. Furthermore, it dried faster than the Dior 3D, meaning it hardly wilted the curl! The ultimate test was how my mascara applied overtop of course, and it really did give me a fuller lash effect, whilst not affecting the black pigment of my mascara. My only gripe here is that it didn’t add any length from what I can see, which really isn’t my personal concern but is a claim of the product.
Final Thoughts Dior Maximizer 3D vs L’Oreal Voluminous Base
You all know I’ve been on the luxury mascara train for a while now, but I can honestly say this is a case where I prefer the drugstore offering! While Dior Maximizer 3D is nearing the $40 mark, L’Oreal Voluminous Base can be picked up for under a tenner. I’m all about getting what you pay for, but I feel like in this case you get a lot more out of the drugstore product, which just proves that old saying isn’t always the truth.
Do you love or loathe lash primers? Which have you tried and which are worth the splurge?
