Canadian beauties, you’re in for a treat. Lancôme has partnered up with Corno, one of Canada’s most sought-after artists originating from Quebec.  This Lancôme Corno Collection for Summer 2012 truly marries beauty with artwork, a long time philosophy of Lancôme.  This limited edition collection features special sleeves adorned with Corno’s artwork (that she painted specifically for the collection), and were hand chosen by Corno and Lora Spiga (Lancôme’s official makeup artist) to compliment the season’s trends.

The collection includes a variety of products for lips, eyes, cheeks and nails- as well as a gorgeous messenger bagthat can be purchased for $35 (along with any two collection pieces) and it is filled with over $170 worth of Lancôme products.  I’m really in love with the bag itself- I wish that it could simply be purchased on its own.

Lancôme Corno Collection for Summer 2012 Special Packaging

Eyeshadow

The collection features the Lancôme Color Design 5-Shadow and Liner Palette ($54 CAD) in Golden Frenzy.  This palette includes five different shades with varying textures, that coordinate nicely to create beautiful neutral looks.

The palette states which shade goes where on the transparent protector, but I didn’t really like its chosen spots- the all-over highlighter was way too shimmery for lash line to brow bone and the highlighter was too dark and glittery. I chose to use it my own way (using my instincts on what color should go where) and it turned out much nicer.

The eyeshadows are really nice quality- pigmented and easily blendable.  The only one I had a bit of trouble with was the Highlighter shade, and like I said, its more of a mid tone antique gold with glitter…so I used it on the lid instead. I found the colors to go on darker than they did in the palette, and because the lid shades were so shimmery, I wish there would have been a matte highlighter instead. The palette comes with sponges which do work well in a pinch.

RATING: B+

Lancôme Color Design 5 Shadow and Liner Palette in Golden Frenzy

Lancôme Color Design 5 Shadow and Liner Palette in Golden Frenzy

Lancôme Color Design 5 Shadow and Liner Palette in Golden Frenzy

Lancôme Color Design 5 Shadow and Liner Palette in Golden Frenzy Swatches

Blush

Two Lancôme Blush Subtil ($38 CAD) compacts are featured in this collection, one in Cosmopolitan Pink (which I have here) and another in Tangerine Tint.  I’m a huge fan of Lancôme blushes and always have been… and this shade is a gorgeous pop of pink, perfect for summer.  It looks natural, but can be built up for a focal point if you want.  I love how it just blends into the cheeks and gives a natural glow.

The blush itself is a satin finish, and I love that- no visible shimmer or glitter!  Probably my favorite item in the collection.

RATING: A+

Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cosmopolitan Pink

Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cosmopolitan Pink

Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cosmopolitan Pink Swatches (heavy on left, soft on right)

Lipstick

Two Lancôme Color Design Lip Colors ($27 CAD) are also featured in this collection, one in SOS Pink and one in Natural Beauty (which I have here).  This is my first time trying out Lancôme lipsticks, and although I wouldn’t necessarily choose this shade for myself, I love the formula! It’s creamy, pigmented and feels super comfortable on my lips. It leaves a light sheen that I love.

The color is a neutral, mid-tone beige that looks a little to brown on me, but I think on deeper skin tones it would look fabulous.

RATING: A-

Lancôme Color Design Lip Color in Natural Beauty

Lancôme Color Design Lip Color in Natural Beauty

Lancôme Color Design Lip Color in Natural Beauty Swatch

Lancôme Color Design Lip Color in Natural Beauty Lip Swatch

Nail Polish

The Lancôme Vernis in Love Nail Polish ($16 CAD) in Jolie Rosalie is the only nail polish in the collection, and it’s so cute! It really matches up nicely with the blush for a cool, pop of pink.  The nail polish has an extra wide brush, that literally covers my petite nails in just one stroke (awesome!), but it’s not cumbersome to use. The formula is nice, and took two coats to achieve the perfect opacity. Another favorite item of the collection!

RATING: A

Lancôme Vernis in Love Nail Polish in Jolie Rosalie

Lancôme Vernis in Love Nail Polish in Jolie Rosalie Swatched

Brush

The Lancôme Powder Foundation Brush ($40 CAD) is also included in the collection, which I found a little strange considering there is no powder foundation in the lineup. Having said that, the brush works amazingly for the blush… but really it’s meant to buff in powder foundations. It’s not quite a kabuki, but not as fluffy as a regular powder brush- it has found a happy medium in-between (and it’s going to make the perfect companion for my beloved Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation)! I don’t own many luxurious brushes, but this one makes me want more. I forgot how silky the fibers feel (and continue to feel after washing and using them). It’s a fantastic brush, and although I do prefer more affordable, professional brushes…this one is quickly becoming one of my go-to’s!

RATING: A

Lancôme Powder Foundation Brush

Lancôme Powder Foundation Brush

See More

LOOK BOOK
Look Book: Corno

Summary

• Price: $54 CAD (Eyeshadow Palette), $38 CAD (Blush), $27 CAD (Lipstick), $16 CAD (Nail Polish) and $40 CAD (Brush)
• Availability: Lancome.ca & Canadian Lancôme Counters
• Selection: All collection products shown here (except Tangerine Tint blush & SOS Pink lipstick)
• Overall: I’m loving this collection because its simple, sophisticated, and I’m always a fan of great collaborations. I love seeing Lancôme shine a light on Canadian talent.  The packaging is beautiful and all the products are of top quality. The eyeshadows weren’t the best combination in my opinion, but the blush and nail polish stood out as clear winners.
• Rating: A- (for the collection as a whole; individual products rated above)