The readers of The Daily Connoisseur give me the best recommendations. A few years ago, a reader suggested I try the YSL Faux Cils mascara in burgundy. It was love at first use and that has been my favorite mascara ever since. The only thing I don't love about the YSL mascara is the price. The mascara generally sells anywhere between $27 and $32. When I visit Sephora, I usually purchase two of them, and that carries a hefty price tag.



I was really excited when I heard from a few readers recently that L'Oreal put out their own burgundy mascara, with a much more affordable price tag. In today's video, I'm comparing the two mascaras and give you my thoughts. Does the L'Oreal mascara make a good dupe for the YSL? Find out in today's video.

I applied the L'Oreal Voluminous Primer Mascara first. This step really helps to make the mascara last and appear thicker on the lashes.



Then I applied the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous mascara in deep burgundy.



I compare this duo with my favorite YSL Faux Cils mascara in burgundy, which is an excellent mascara, but also very pricey.



After comparing the two, I am very impressed with the L'Oreal version. I wore the two mascaras on a very hot day when I spent a lot of time outside and neither one of them crumbled or smeared. For anyone looking for a more affordable alternative to the YSL mascara, this makes an excellent dupe.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
For more of The Daily Connoisseur, take my eCourses, Creating Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

On the Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse, Kathryn S. writes, "Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for being a great inspiration to me. As a fairly new wife and less than a year into motherhood, your advice has helped anchor my household in many ways including how to be a good steward of a thoughtful, well put together closet.
All the best"

Thank you, Kathryn! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the course!

On Instagram
Lessons from Madame Chic on Instagram...

I should say that I love most of the topic that written in this #lessonsfrommadamechic #book and I do like lots of nice quotes here. But here's what I pick for today, it's about cultivate your mind. There is so much to learn -new languages, new instruments, new skills. It doesn't matter how old you are. You are never too old to learn -Jennifer L. Scott

A post shared by Fauziah Hafidha (@fauziah_hafidha) on Oct 13, 2017 at 6:08pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Angela B. writes, "I have a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a Master's in Business and can tell you how important it is to have this discussion. The use of social media is more often times than not, a form of communication that people use to "frame" their lives in such a way they appear to be more ____________________ than what they really are. Fill in the blank - well off, well traveled, successful at parenting, educated, well liked, admired for their looks, etc. - when in fact, they are no better than anyone else. Bottom line - the beauty of our lives lies in the journey, the successes AND failures, the joys AND the sorrows, the triumphs AND the struggles - it is our ability to recognize that value and treasure each and every moment that results in true happiness and contentment. Each journey is unique and above all valuable...joy should come not in having others applaud yours, but in lifting others up and cheering them on through the difficult times."

Hi Angela, I really enjoyed your perspective on last week's social media video. I couldn't agree more!

Thank you for joining me today. I would love to know if you've tried L'Oreal's mascara. Have you heard of any other burgundy mascaras on the market? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.

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Today, I am so pleased to share the 9-Free nail polish collection from LONDONTOWN for summer 2017.



The Spring Summer 2017 collection are such beautiful colors...



Peach Pop


Dolly Mix



Candy Floss



Fruit Tella



I also review the cuticle oil, ridge filler and gel genius top coat. I hope you enjoy today's video!

Here is more on LONDONTOWN
from their website...

LONDONTOWN is the first and only nail treatment and color line that works synergistically to heal nails from within.

With a thoughtful and holistic approach in mind, LONDONTOWN developed a unique 5-step system that delivers noticeable, long lasting results. From root to tip, LONDONTOWN’s kur nail care system and bold lakur colours are formulated to provide the ideal balance between strength and hydration—leading to radiantly strong fingernails and nourished cuticles. Formulated with only the finest ingredients, LONDONTOWN is revolutionizing the nail care industry by offering an extraordinary high-fashion finish that nourishes deep down to the root.

With LONDONTOWN ‘s signature manicure, fingernails are stimulated and hydrated, nail growth is accelerated, the entirety of the nail is fortified and unsightly yellowing is prevented.

LONDONTOWN ‘s luxurious “9-free” lakur polishes deliver a stunning finish by combining rejuvenating ingredients with the season’s hottest colors. Lakur’s highly pigmented colors result in dramatically different long-lasting wear. Lakur colors are vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

Thank you to LONDONTOWN for sending me your summer collection! I truly adore these polishes.

News
A PARIS ALL YOUR OWN, the new anthology I'm featured in from Putnam books comes out next Tuesday, July 4th! Putnam are hosting a giveaway right now, giving away ARCs of the book to readers. Enter here.



On Instagram
I received my author copies of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic all the way from Japan...

My copies of POLISH YOUR POISE WITH MADAME CHIC have arrived from Daiwa Shobo ❤️#MADAMECHIC #Japan #AkikoKansaki #AnnikaWester #DaiwaShobo #polishyourpoise

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Jun 27, 2017 at 5:05pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Edna Grace C. writes:

Hi Jennifer!

I have to say that this is my first experience with a book club, and I am so thankful for it. It was just the thing I needed to get me back on track to #seekoutthearts. And to know that Georgie Pillson is your favorite character...he's mine too! One of my favorite parts in the book is when he thinks his sisters are burglars and he sneaks in on them with his toupee hanging off his head and his fire poker pointed at them like a gun, and they just laugh. I really like his sisters, too. They're the exact opposite of Riseholmites, loud and gruff, and they don't seem to care much about appearances. It's fitting that they're the ones who tell Georgie that the Guru is a fake--that in reality he's a cook in an Indian restaurant. And they laugh about that too!

I'm looking forward to the next book club video; I'm really enjoying it.

Thanks!

Edna Grace C.


Hello Edna, I'm happy that your first experience in a book club here has been a good one! I truly love Georgie's sisters, Hermy and Ursy. They crack me up! I do think it was fitting that they recognized the fake guru and weren't drawn in by his tricks!


Today, I would love to know what nail colors you are enjoying this summer. What is your favorite shade from LONDONTOWN's summer collection?

See you all on Monday for our discussion of Miss Mapp!



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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate. Londontown sent me their polishes to review.

Today, I am reviewing Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup by Gabriela Hernandez. Ms. Hernandez is the founder of Besame Cosmetics, and has created a guide to makeup all the way from antiquity to modern day, full of beautiful full-color images and pictures of vintage makeup.



The definition of a beautiful face has never been constant. See how political and social climates have molded accepted beauty rituals and the evolution of cosmetics from ancient times through today. This updated and refreshed reference book chronicles historic trends for the eyes, lips,and face, and offers in-depth aesthetic reviews of each decade from the1920s to today. Follow the fascinating history of cosmetic trends vintage ads; detailed makeup application guides;and profiles of famous makeup innovators, connoisseurs, and iconic faces. Over 450 images, timelines, and detailed vintage color palettes show the changing definitions of beauty and document makeup innovations(the first mascara, lipstick, eye shadow, etc.) that have evolved throughout the history of cosmetics. This is an ideal reference for the professional makeup artist, cosmetologist, educator, student, and general makeup enthusiasts.

This book will provide hours of interest to the makeup enthusiast. I particularly enjoyed the section on Victorian beauty as the Victorian era is my favorite in history! The two Victorian books I mention in my video are: How to be a Victorian and Inside the Victorian Home.

Please note: There is a discrepancy in the timeline on page 30, as Queen Elizabeth l died in 1603, but the timeline references her in 1630. I contacted the publisher about this and I have a statement from Ms. Hernandez on the matter. I asked if the timeline implies that Queen Elizabeth l 's influence for makeup came after her death.

"Yes, the idea is that makeup was popularized by her influence, not necessarily just during her life. These movements take time, and popular opinion and customs change very gradually, in decades of time. Thank you for pointing that out."

I appreciate Schiffer publishing and Gabriela Hernandez's response to my query!

I hope you enjoy taking a look inside Classic Beauty in today's video.


News
Off the Shelf lists Lessons from Madame Chic as one of 7 Books for Unabashed Francophiles.

Join our E.F. Benson Mapp & Lucia book club! It's not too late to start to read the books. Gather your questions as in an upcoming post I'll be taking your questions you'd like to discuss in the book club.



Comment of the Week

Regarding Monday's post, What I Look Like in the Middle of the Day, Lauren writes:
Hi Jennifer, This was honestly one of my favorite videos you've posted on The Daily Connoisseur. I have three very small children and have been wearing my hair lately in a top knot most days of the week. (So much so that my three year old started drawing my likeness with a top knot, haha.) I felt if I didn't have my hair or makeup done nicely, I couldn't put on nice clothing. This past week I've been trying a little harder and remembering that washed hair in a topknot and presentable clothes are better than the alternative. This video gave me so much encouragement in continuing. Also, thank you for the tip about the cookie batter!
Lauren

Hi Lauren, I loved your anecdote about your daughter drawing the top knot. That just goes to show that our children are paying attention to how we present ourselves, whether we know it or not!

Thank you to Schiffer Publishing for sending me Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup to review. My favorite era is the Victorian period. Today, I would love to know what your favorite time period is in history for beauty and fashion and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!


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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate.

Continuing the beauty theme this week, I have a "day in the life of a new mascara" video for you. When I went to purchase my favorite YSL faux cils burgundy mascara at Nordstrom, they were out, but they did have this new one called The Shock !



I try out the mascara in the morning and come back in the evening to let you know how it did. Plus, what is going on with my hair?! I hope you enjoy this fun video.

Yes, I loved The Shock, even more so than the original mascara. It is tricky when applying to your lower lashes, but other than that, I give it 5 stars!

If you have tried The Shock, let me know what you think. Or, if you know of any other mascara brands that have a burgundy shade, please let me know and I will try it out.

I will be going on spring break from the blog next week, so there will be no posts, but look for me back on Monday, April 17th for the long-awaited ten-item wardrobe video for spring/summer 2017!

News

Lucia from Cleaning in the Cold has written about The Daily Connoisseur in her new post, Get Cleaned Up Before You Clean. Thank you, Lucia!

@Jenneliserose shares a beautiful picture of the Madame Chic books and roses... She has such a beautiful Instagram account, you should check out her amazing pictures!

A post shared by Jennelise Rose (@jenneliserose) on Jan 14, 2017 at 11:20am PST

Question of the Week

Ann Martin writes: Watermelon is such a pretty shade on you! I haven't tried Benecos lipstick... have you found it to be long-wearing?

Thank you, Ann! I do find the Benecos lipstick to be long-wearing. I really love that color. It's become a favorite of mine. I'm wearing it again in today's video.

Today, I would love to know what mascara you currently love. Do you have another burgundy mascara recommendation for me? I will see you back on April 17th for the ten-item wardrobe video. Have a wonderful week!


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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate.

I've heard your requests for reviews of natural makeup, and today I have an exciting review for you from Benecos . Benecos is currently one of the number one makeup lines in Germany. This pure plant and mineral-based brand has won awards from OekoTest, Natural Solutions Beauty with a Conscience, and Yoga Journal, and more.



Benecos is gluten-free and cruelty-free. It has no parabens, PEG, silicones, petro-chemicals, synthetic preservatives, dyes or fragrances.

The Creamy Matte foundation (I wear the shade Honey) ensures a smooth, even complexion and provides medium coverage with a matte finish. This foundation is also vegan.

Natural Shimmery Eyeshadow in "So What?" is a champagne shimmer eyeshadow that is delightfully neutral. Organic macadamia nut oil and organic castor oil help to create a soft velvety texture. The beautiful pigments are created naturally from pure minerals.

Natural lipstick in "Watermelon" is a beautiful fuchsia shade. Organic castor seed and organic avocado oil provide deep moisture while organic babassu oil helps to protect the skin. Vitamin C and E provide gentle antioxidant protection.

FORMULATED WITHOUT: METHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, DIMETHICONE, POLYMERS, BHT, FORMALDEHYDE, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE, SYNTHETIC COLORS, MINERAL OIL, PETROLATUM, TRIETHANOLAMINE, MERCURY, CADMIUM, AND OTHER HEAVY METALS.

You can find the full range of Benecos at www.truenatural.com True Natural is a wonderful resource for natural beauty products!

Other makeup I used in this video: Benefit Fake up under eye concealer, Shiseido translucent pressed powder, CHANEL kohl eyeliner in ambre, YSL mascara in burgundy.



Please check out my video this week to see the makeup applied. They are very beautiful shades! Thank you to Benecos for sending me these products to review.

News

There are 2 giveaways going on right now for The Madame Chic Collection:

I was interviewed by Alexandra from The Graceful Life podcast. Alexandra is so lovely and we had a very fun conversation! To listen to the interview, be sure to visit her post, 4 Ways To Be More Chic. Alexandra is also giving away THE MADAME CHIC COLLECTION to one of her listeners! Be sure to stop by, listen to our interview, and enter the giveaway.

There is also another giveaway going on from Lauren @an_organized_life. She is also giving away a complete set of the MADAME CHIC COLLECTION. Check her out on Instagram to enter her giveaway. Thank you, Lauren!

A post shared by Lauren (@an_organized_life) on Mar 3, 2017 at 8:17pm PST

Nancy from Organized Luxury writes about the ten-item wardrobe in her post, I Have Nothing To Wear. Thank you, Nancy!

If you are a blogger and you ever write about The Daily Connoisseur, or Madame Chic books, please let me know and I will feature your article on my blog.

Comments of the Week
Last week's Teatime with Jennifer on the Oscars was a very popular post! People from all over the world weighed in. Thank you to everyone for doing so respectfully, even through differing opinions!

Dina writes: I left a comment on your YouTube channel about the Oscars and politics and thinking more about it, I wanted to add that it's not the politics I want to avoid. I don't mind discussing deficient spending or pipelines or even immigration. It just seems people can no longer have reasonable, respectful discussions about issues anymore. Politics today is about name-calling, bullying, humiliating, ridiculing and mocking. This tearing other people down over their political opinions has become a form of entertainment for some. I'm really quite tired of such mean-spirited behavior, even by people dressed impeccably, and I want no part of it.

Hi Dina, I think you are correct that the tone has become mean-spirited from both sides. I wish topics could be discussed civilly, without resorting to attacks. Thankfully, the readers of The Daily Connoisseur are able to find that civility in the comment section on this blog. I think the beginning of Patricia's comment really emphasizes that. Here is an excerpt from her comment:

Patricia writes: Jennifer, "The Daily Connoisseur," is by far my favorite blog. I have always looked forward to it on Mondays. I didn't think it could get any better, but viewing "Tea Time with Jennifer," has added even more to my experience of feeling encouraged that there is still a community, through your blog, which embraces basic civility to all...especially working against and rising above the devaluation of ourselves, our children, family and friends to the "lowest common denominator."

Rising above and beyond that means a commitment of "involvement" of ourselves "in our ourselves" (and I'm not referring to narcissism), just to elevate ourselves by our choices and behavior so that we not only elevate ourselves, but our children, and those others within our small sphere of influence...perhaps our spouse, family members, friends, neighbors, and even our community in some meaningful way.

Hi Patricia, Thank you for your comment. It is not easy to share our opinions sometimes, especially if they are unpopular. I do appreciate the poise and class with which our readers express themselves. We are so lucky to have each other!


Thank you to everyone for watching today's video. If there is any beauty review you'd like to see on The Daily Connoisseur, please let me know and I will do my best to honor your request.

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FTC: Benecos sent me these products to review. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate.

This year, as promised, I am bringing you reviews of affordable, high-quality, drugstore makeup. High quality is not always synonymous with a large price tag! On Facebook, I asked many of you for your favorite drugstore recommendations. Some of you recommended L'Oreal True Match Lumi as a dupe (comparable, affordable replacement) for Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation. You know I love my Luminous Silk, so I was intrigued! How does this drugstore foundation compare?



I let you know in today's comprehensive review. I initially purchased the foundation back in December, used it for over a month, and came back to let you know my findings.

The bottom line: it's a great foundation. With one swipe of the pad, you get very light coverage. Or you can build it with two or three swipes for more coverage. The biggest advantage of this foundation is the price. It is typically sold for around $17, but if you use a coupon (like I did at CVS) you can get it for a significantly reduced rate. You can also find it on Amazon for around $12.

The blush I'm wearing in the second half of the video is L'Oreal True Match super-blendable blush in subtle sable.

To see all of the shades for Lumi Cushion, visit the L'Oreal website here.

You can watch my video this week to see the whole review. I hope you find it helpful!

News


Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is going into its 4th printing with Simon & Schuster. Thank you, readers!

Comment of the Week
This comment comes from a review of Lessons from Madame Chic on Amazon.
Lynda M writes:
Oh I loved this book, but how to put it into practice? I am an English lady, living in the USA and married to a lovely, wonderful man who comes from a Minnesota Rural Farm background...there are cultural differences aplenty, as you can imagine...especially at the dinner time, where the 'plonking down' of a gallon plastic milk jug directly onto the dining table is an unfortunate regular occurrence (not to mention the roll of paper towels to be used as napkins, and the use of a tablespoon to eat most types of food) lol! Being of English origin, I have cupboards full of fine bone china, delicately embroidered linens, Crystal glasses, delicate tea cups...all of which languish unused. Ah well, I can read this book and dream of more gracious times...maybe sneak some of that gallon of milk into a crystal decanter?
On a more serious note, I realised that my own manners had deteriorated somewhat over the past 10 years or so...I was a nurse in a busy city hospital working night shifts for several years, and 'lunch' (when it existed) was eaten in 10 minutes on the run and consisted of microwave meals or hospital burgers...and my language and general manners were starting to mimic that of my patients (mostly detoxing alcoholics and drug abusers, sadly). Now that I have retired, I can work on bringing back some graciousness into my life and this book has reminded me of many things that I had let go. Time to get back to being the English Lady that I was born to be...maybe some of it will eventually rub off. Of course, not all the suggestions are practical for day to day life...I love to curl up on the sofa and relax, and cooking a three or four course meal every evening would tax both my finances and my sanity, but it's a fun read and nice to dream about.

Lynda, thank you for such a fantastic and interesting review of my book. Your image of the milk in the crystal decanter made me smile. I am so grateful to everyone who has reviewed my books online. Thank you!

This week I would love to know... have you tried True Match Lumi Cushion? Do you have any drugstore makeup favorites to share with us?


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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate.

This week, by popular demand, I am sharing my drugstore beauty favorites with you. Often when I do my skincare and makeup posts, readers ask for drugstore alternatives to the higher-end, more expensive products. This week I am sharing a handful of my favorites with you.

All of these finds I came across myself, and many have been very pleasant surprises! If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of the blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur



St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer
This drugstore facial moisturizer is such a find! After running out of my favorite high-end Eminence Age Corrective Coconut Moisturizer, I wanted to see if I could find a drugstore version that would compare. I have found it with this cream, which is very lightweight, and is priced at an extremely good value.

St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
This is a marvelous dupe for my favorite Epicuren fine herbal facial scrub, and is much more affordable. My only complaint is that the scent of the St Ives scrub isn't my favorite, but try it for yourself to see what you think.


Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash in almond cream with hisbiscus
This is the most luxurious of all the drugstore body washes. It is a bit pricier at around $9 a bottle, but you get a lot for your money and the quality, scent and texture is my favorite (and I've tried nearly all of them!)

L'Oreal Infallible longwear lip color in mulberry
I've talked about this amazing lip color before and can't stop boasting about this gem of a find. The color truly lasts all day long and does not dry out your lips. Mulberry is the shade I recommend.

News


Thank you to everyone who watched my Critics' Choice Awards red carpet fashion run-down last Thursday. What a blast I had with the entire Maker TV cast and crew! I am pictured above with host, Taryn Southern.

The Epoch Times discovers the ten-item wardrobe in a very humorous way.

The Neo-Trad lists both Madame Chic books as the Best Books for Francophiles.

Ruby's Musings discusses the ten-item wardrobe on French Girl Friday

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Don't worry if you do not have a big budget for skincare and makeup products. Contrary to what many women's publications will have you think, you don't need hundreds of products to keep up a beauty routine. Focus on clean and clear skin and a manageable le no makeup look and you will find yourself saving money and feeling inspired to appreciate your natural beauty. Also, for every high-end product you long for, chances are there is a less expensive dupe out there. Read reviews, talk to your friends and cultivate a beauty cabinet that works within your budget.

Comment of the Week

Julia G. writes:

Just a brief note to say that I followed your advice a few months ago and started eating lunch. As a teacher, this is generally impossible, but in so doing it has improved my quality of life 2 ways: bringing me a moment of peace and pleasure in a busy day, increased nutritional intake. I never dreamed I'd be listening to DeBussy's La Mer in the middle of the school day, but it is so nice. It's an island of calm. Thanks, again!

Julia this is wonderful to hear. Your job as a teacher is so vitally important, I'm glad that you are taking the time to nourish yourself at lunch!

This week I would love to know... what are your drugstore beauty favorites? Do you have any good ones to recommend?


FTC: All items were purchased by me. I have no affiliation with any companies represented. As always, my honest opinion is used.


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