Lancome Hypnose Noirs Perles Swatches

(on the right, Black Green Ombre Absolue and Noir Perle Green mascara, on the left Noir Perle Purple Mascara and Black Purple Ombre Absolue)

I love black shadows on eyes, so the Lancome Ombre Absolue eyeshadows and Hypnose Precious Cells mascaras in Noir Perle Purple and Noir Perle Green are right up my street. Basically, they are slightly illuminated blacks with a hint of purple, blue or green – and be warned, they are subtle as you’ll see from the swatches. I think you have to be a real black officianado to appreciate the nuance, because that’s what it is – a nuance. However, Lancome recommend that if your eyes are brown, opt for the Black Purple shadow (and mascara), if your eyes are blue enhance the depth with Black Blue (and Noir Perle Green mascara) and if your eyes are green, they’ll seem clearer with Black Green. Given that my eyes are brown, I can’t vouch for whether these colour tricks work – I wore Black Green lastnight and loved it though, so you can basically choose whatever you want..they aren’t rules, as such.

The collection launches in March (which I wonder if it’s a little bit late for blacks when the spring/summer collections really kick in), with Precious Cells Mascara costing £22.50 and Ombre Absolue shadows at £16.50. There is also a super black mascara (extra carbon pigment) coming, with a subtle blue version as well.