Lancôme’s innovative formulas have garnered a fanbase that spans generations.
Founded in 1935, Lancôme has dominated the beauty industry for over 80 years. The luxury cosmetics line continues to flourish, creating innovative makeup and skincare products that people of all generations adore. (Need proof? Take a look inside your grandmother’s makeup bag, and you’re sure to see at least one Lancôme product.)
Although almost everything from Lancôme deserves a moment in the spotlight, we were able to narrow down the top 16 formulas with the help of Ingy Milad, a Lancôme global makeup artist. Whether you’re new to Lancôme or have been a fan for decades, these are the best products from the brand.
Most Universal: Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
Though Lancôme offers an array of makeup and skincare products, Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum stands out from the rest. The reason? This supercharged serum houses its active ingredients — hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and ferulic acid — in separate chambers to keep them fresh and potent, ultimately allowing them to better penetrate the skin for enhanced results.
Once dispensed, these actives mix together to create a powerful multi-tasking serum. On top of improving moisture retention and plumping the skin, it also works to brighten complexions, lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles while protecting from free-radical damage caused by pollution. Though strong, the formula is compatible with almost every skin type — the one exception is sensitive skin due to the slight fragrance.
Best Moisturizer: Lancôme Absolue Rich Cream Moisturizer
With its innovative, effective formula, Lancôme Absolue Rich Cream Moisturizer has been one of the brand’s bestsellers for years. Made with luxurious grand rose extract sourced from the south of France, this rich moisturizer deeply hydrates and prevents moisture loss, ultimately plumping skin and lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to rose extract, this lavish formula includes nourishing coconut oil and creamy shea butter to soften and smooth skin.
Best Serum: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
If you want to address multiple skin concerns, an all-in-one serum can make a major difference. One of our favorites happens to be this editor-approved pick from Lancôme. Made with a variety of hydrating and plumping ingredients, like glycerin, castor oil, and hyaluronic acid, it helps skin retain moisture and keeps your complexion looking smooth and bouncy by minimizing fine lines. Like many of Lancôme’s products it has a slight rose scent, so we recommend bypassing this if you have sensitive skin.
Best Eye Cream: Lancôme Rénergie Lift Under Eye Correcting Cream
While Lancôme has almost a dozen eye cream formulas, the Rénergie Lift Under Eye Correcting Cream produces the most dramatic results, especially when it comes to moisturizing and reducing wrinkles and puffiness. It acts like a cup of coffee for tired under-eyes thanks to two powerhouse ingredients — energizing caffeine and plumping hyaluronic acid. Plus, it also layers well with other products, making it a great base for concealer and other makeup.
Best Face Mask: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask
When skin feels a little dull, Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask can boost radiance in just 10 minutes. Infused with glow-enhancing ingredients like Bifidus extract and glycerin, this single-use sheet mask (which is one of InStyle’s favorites) repairs and strengthens the skin barrier to reveal a soft, supple complexion.
While many sheet masks can leave skin feeling sticky or slimy, this one feels refreshing as the excess serum sinks into skin. Though, keep in mind that because it has a jelly texture the mask tends to slide down the face. We suggest laying down so your skin can fully absorb all the goodness.
Best Anti-Aging Product: Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream Skin Rejuvenating Treatment
Lancôme is known for their anti-aging skincare products, but the Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream Skin Rejuvenating Treatment is one of the most effective, addressing a multiple of aging concerns with one potent formula.
Made with linseed extract which contains powerful peptides, this rich cream works to firm, lift, and brighten skin. It’s also infused with a slew of other age-defying ingredients, like plumping hyaluronic acid, hydrating shea butter, radiance-enhancing apricot kernel oil, and brightening black tea. After just one use, skin feels softer and smoother, and with continued use, it looks brighter, tighter, and more luminous.
Best Toner: Lancôme Tonique Confort Hydrating Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
Complete with a calming, milk-like texture, this toner is packed with ingredients that fortify and hydrate the skin — including hyaluronic acid, acacia honey, and sweet almond oil. A quick swipe instantly boosts hydration and improves elasticity, all while soothing skin.
To use, carefully dispense a few drops to a cotton pad (emphasis on carefully, as the formula comes out quickly). This application method is best to effectively cleanse the skin — the cotton pad will pick up leftover makeup while simultaneously cleaning out impurities.
Best Face Primer: Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting and Smoothing Makeup Primer
For the best makeup application, face primer is a must-have in your makeup kit. This one doesn’t just create the ideal base for makeup, though — it perfects skin, giving you an airbrushed appearance (you may not even feel the need to wear foundation after applying!).
The oil-free formula has a smooth and velvety texture that quickly absorbs into the skin, refining textured areas and reducing the appearance of pores. Plus, it actually doubles as an eyeshadow primer. It clings onto eyeshadow just as well, if not better than foundation.
Best Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation
Just like Lancôme’s anti-aging products, the brand has a vast collection of foundations. I’ve tried almost every formula, but none compare to the Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long-Wear Matte Foundation. I rely on this foundation to give me an airbrushed finish for special events, and I always feel my best when wearing it. I’m not the only one who loves it, though — we also named it one of the best liquid foundations after testing it in our lab.
This foundation is the full package: It’s buildable, lightweight, and comes in an impressive shade range. With 50 shades to choose from, it covers a wide spectrum of skin tones. That said, because this foundation is very popular, many of the shades often sell out. So if you find the perfect one, buy it while you can.
Best Concealer: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer
To go hand in hand with the bestselling foundation, Lancôme also created the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Concealer. “It’s lightweight, full coverage, so easy to blend, and it covers imperfections without caking,” Milad says. So whether you want to mask tired under-eyes or cover blemishes, this pick has you covered.
What keeps this product from caking and flaking is simple: It’s formulated with hydrating ingredients that nourish delicate skin, including rose and water lily extracts, which lock in moisture and soothe redness.
Just like its sister foundation, the concealer is extremely blendable and buildable, so you can build coverage to fit your needs. Once it dries down, it stays in place for 24 hours, too — no need for touch ups or reapplication. We’d be remiss not to mention the product’s chemical-like scent, though. While not strong, it can make application a little less enjoyable.
Best Mascara: Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
If I could only use one beauty product for the rest of my life, I’d have to go with Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara. I first discovered this mascara years ago in my grandmother’s makeup bag, and since then, I haven’t looked back.
I prefer a less-is-more makeup routine, even though I’m constantly trying new products. However, when it comes to mascara, I rarely ever stray from this Lancôme bestseller for two reasons: One, it gives me exactly what I need in terms of length and volume. My lashes don’t look spidery or clumpy, thanks to the innovative brush that separates and lifts them from the root. And two, it doesn’t transfer onto my eyelids, clump, or flake — my fringe looks just as fluttery after a full day’s wear as if I had freshly applied it.
If you’re still not convinced, InStyle also named it one of the best lengthening mascaras because of its dramatic lash-enhancing capabilities.
Best Eyeshadow: Lancôme Hypnôse 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette
Available in nine color variations, including multiple neutral options with different undertones, this five-pan compact has become my go-to everyday palette. With a mix of matte, shimmery, and glitter shadows, it allows you to create endless eye looks. “This palette can give you a day-to-night eye makeup look, it’s very easy to apply, and it’s the perfect size to take everywhere,” says Milad.
It’s rare for any palette to come with one brush, let alone two, but this also comes with two sponge-tipped applicators. If you’ve never hit pan on an eyeshadow before, you very well might with this pick, as we’re sure it’ll become a staple in your vanity.
Best Eyeliner: Lancôme Drama Longwear Liqui-Pencil Eyeliner
This unique eyeliner is the ideal blend between a liquid liner and a pencil — it’s like creamy gel that effortlessly glides onto the skin around the eyes without any tugging. Similar to a liquid liner, it delivers a dramatic, highly-pigmented swatch of color, but, like a pencil, it can create both smudged and super precise wings, making it one of the most versatile eyeliners in our makeup bag. Plus, because it’s waterproof, it can withstand water (duh), humidity, sweat, and more.
While we truly do love this eyeliner, we are sad that it only comes in eight shades. However, these shades are offered in matte, metallic, and glitter options. We would love to see a wider range of hues including pastels and golds, but for now, we’ll (happily) take what we can get.
Best Lipstick: Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick
Bright, bold lips are one swipe away when you have this weightless lipstick. Offered in 13 vibrant hues, this lippie delivers a high color payoff that lasts all day. (Choose between eye-catching reds and corals or opt for show-stopping pinks and berries.)
Infused with rose extract to keep lips soft and supple, this lipstick doesn’t dry out lips. Plus, Milad notes that it’s also made with hyaluronic acid, which aids in providing all-day hydration and comfort. “I love it,” she says. “It’s very creamy and soft on the lips.” We also appreciate that the the application is pretty much mess-proof thanks to the arrowhead-shaped applicator which erases the need for a lip liner.
Best Lip Gloss: Lancôme Juicy Tubes
They’re back, and they’re better than ever. Meet the reinvented Lancôme Juicy Tubes. After being a beauty staple in the ‘90s, the brand discontinued the production in 2018. However, due to popular demand, the Juicy Tubes came back on shelves in 2020. The brand relaunched the classic shimmer and sparkle finishes (our personal favorites) in addition to two new ones: Jelly and cream.
Juicy Tubes are beloved for a range of reasons — namely, they deliver a high-shine finish that’s hard to compete with. Just one swipe, and lips will be coated in a deliciously glittery formula that gleams from every angle. Compared to other glosses, these stay on lips for up to four hours. That’s because they’re a bit sticky – which most ‘90s babies will appreciate. However, because this, hair can often get stuck to lips (pro tip: Don’t wear Juicy Tubes on windy days).
Despite being a little tacky, the formula is very hydrating thanks to vitamin E. Because of the moisture boost, lips don’t just look glassy, but they actually appear plumper and fuller. We’re not ashamed to admit that we own all 11 shades — mainly because we stocked up just in case the brand ever tries to discontinue them again!
Best Perfume: Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum
Lancôme fragrances are ultra-feminine and each one almost instantly becomes a classic. Idôle is a relative newcomer, only launching in 2021, but its dreamy balance of fresh and floral notes makes it ideal for just about every season and occasion.
A single spritz can instantly elevate your mood: It opens with a bright burst of fresh citrus, then gives way to airy, sweet jasmine and bold rose. As the scent settles, hints of warm vanilla peak through, giving it an unexpected heady edge — I find it light enough for days in the office, but still a great pick for date nights, too.
Your Questions, Answered
Is Lancôme cruelty-free?
According to L’Oréal, which is Lancôme’s parent brand, the company does not test its products or ingredients on animals. Lancôme itself has not been testing on animals since 1989.
