Sunday, June 1, 2008

GUERLAIN DOUBLE-WAND MASCARA

Despite the wide range in price, all mascaras are essentially created equal. A narrow tube, a (usually dark, thank you) liquid, a single brush -- whether you are paying $4 or $40, that tends to be what you get.

Guerlain is trying to change that with the new Le 2 de Guerlain. The shapely, if surprisingly chintzy-feeling, metal-tone tube contains two brushes: one fairly standard, the other short, delicate and slightly angled. Apparently, makeup artists often use two brushes to reach those fine corner lashes. Guerlain calls the mascara "an essential tool that women have long dreamed of." Such are not my dreams, but with the help of the easy-to-handle brushes and the smooth, un-clumpy mascara, my straight, shortish eyelashes looked much longer and thicker -- all the way to the corners. If this isn't the revolution Guerlain seems to believe it is, it's certainly a useful evolution.

-- Hannah Schardt

$35 at Sephora stores, http://www.sephora.com and

fine department stores.

GROOMING LOUNGE BEARD MASTER SHAVE OIL

Let's take a moment to rage about how much it costs to shave in America in 2008.

(Curses.)

And I shave only once or twice a week. I can't imagine how many razors and foams and balms are used by my more frequently groomed peers.

So why, then, should you add a small $25 bottle of pre-shave whisker-lifter to your shopping list? It works. When a few drops are rubbed onto a warm, wet face, the clear glaze slicks skin with essences of meadow foam (to lift whiskers) and peppermint (to lubricate). The ensuing shave is easier, the newly bared skin fresher. For scruff more than a day or two old, the oil needs to be augmented with traditional shaving cream. But for people who shave daily, you can get by with just a few drops of the oil.

Do you need it? No. But if it's in your budget and you want to perfect your shaving regimen, the Grooming Lounge's pricey product is worth considering.

-- Dan Zak

$25 at Grooming Lounge, 1745 L St. NW, 202-466-8900; Tysons Galleria, Upper Level, 1732-U International Dr., McLean, 703-288-0355; and http://www.groominglounge.com.