I'm kicking off summer with a very sweet smackdown! Because it involves macarons (or as MM staff calls them, "fancy French cookies"), I've selected the Museum's education specialist, Cookie Dreamer Babo, to serve as referee. I also needed to keep an eye on him and the others to make sure they didn't eat the makeup as I was taking pictures. 😉
Given LM Ladurée's fight with Bésame, you can guarantee that she's one of the feistier combatants the Museum has had in the ring despite being a relative newcomer to the makeup world. But more importantly, the current battle is not the first time LM Ladurée has squared off against Lancôme…and now it's time to see which of these venerable French brands wins their second bout. Let's get ready to rummmmbbbblllllle! *ding ding*
LM Ladurée gets off to a strong start with eyeshadows and cheek colors encased in illustrated macaron packaging a variety of delightful shades. While they are mini sized – although not with a mini price tag, mind you, which is why there are only 3 compared to Lancôme's quartet – LM Ladurée's prowess lies in the details.
Blammo! That's the sound of the adorable border of macarons on the side of each box delivering a sharp upper cut to Lancôme.
In addition to macarons, there are what appears to be profiteroles in the lineup. LM Ladurée is really bringing the heat!
Finally, each color is embossed with LM Ladurée signature "merveilleuse" silhouette.
But what Lancôme lacks in detail it makes up for in size and authenticity. This blush set comes in a cheerful patterned box with two generously sized cushion blushes and two macaron-shaped application sponges.
Ka-pow! Lancôme's very realistic packaging packs a strong left hook to LM Ladurée's daintier collection.
Looks like LM Ladurée is getting a tad bit overcome with the size and durability of Lancôme. While the sponges are soft, the plastic packaging of the blushes is way sturdier than LM Ladurée's cardboard.
LM Ladurée is down! Cookie Dreamer Babo is giving the count…six, seven…no, WAIT! There's been a breaking development! LM Ladurée is getting up and retaliating with quite the unexpected weapon: a beautiful face powder shaped like an elaborate pink cake, complete with delectable embossing.
Another development! Lancôme just called for a timeout and claimed LM Ladurée was fighting dirty since the cake is much bigger than the other items, but Referee Cookie Dreamer said it's fair play because it looks so tasty. Not sure I agree with his rationale, but Babos aren't known for being bright and he is the referee, so back at it they go.
We have a fight for the ages on our hands! Will Lancôme's incredibly realistic and more economical set come out on top? Or will LM Ladurée's attention to detail and last-minute cake surprise triumph over her fellow French foe? Tell me in the comments!