Hi,

I would say that the Sephora on the champs elysees is far better than the US ones I've been in (Vegas and San Francisco) but, the staff in the Paris one all seem to be employed by each brand. This means that you don't get, as I've had in US branches, guidance from a staff member who will recommend from across the ranges (apols if this is just my experience and not actually the case) Nevertheless, I adore Sephora and there are so many brands there that I'm sure you'll find something suitable, but, if you are keen on trying Boi-Ing by BeneFit, its a damn sight cheaper in the states (I stcok up majorly on BeneFit when I'm there - I'm in the UK)

Happy shopping!

Well, we spent over an hour in Sephora on Saturday night. While my friend K worked her way through her shopping list, I decided to test many of the concealers mentioned above, using the two freckles I have on near one eye as the guinea pigs. If the concealer covered them without being too heavy, success.
First up at bat was the Touche Eclat. It didn't work. Then a new MAC concealer, which turned out to be the worst of all those tested. Not only did it not really cover the freckles, it also had such a glowing effect that it was as if a spotlight was shining on them. The opposite of what was intended. Went through several other brands including YSL, Lancome, Chanel, Benefit, etc (thank goodness for the little containers of makeup remover and cotton pads scattered about). The only one that really worked either on its own or with foundation blended on top was old reliable untrendy Clinique's creamy concealer wand. Covered them perfectly. Didn't settle into a crease, etc. AND it was the cheapest of all the concealers tested.

Can't say if it works the same for everybody, but that was my experience.

We did make some purchases: I turned my friend K onto Giorgio Armani's Liquid Silk foundation, we both bought that, we both bought YSL's Rouge Pure Shine sheer lipstick in Number 3, and we each bought a Giorgio Armani lipstick, mine being the sheer transparent version, color no. 21, I forget which one she bought.

Our free samples included Burberry London and Burberry Week-end and also Dior Fahrenheit scents, none of which we liked, so they were left behind in our hotel room. As were the foundation samples from by Terry (too dark). We kept the eye cream samples from Dior and the generous sample tubes of foundation for Armani (wrong color but we both knew someone who might be able to wear it).

So...happy shopping!

BTilke - Thanks for performing as the "tester" for everyone who has been reading this thread! Hope it wasn't too arduous!

I too am a big fan of the GA Luminous Silk. I also love my Touche Eclat but not for concealing (it's not a concealer) - it's best for bringing light to certain parts of the face.
The best concealer I've used is by Laura Mercier.

I am curious about people's experience with "by Terry" products. They are fiercely expensive but are they worth the extra cost?

Neither K nor I were impressed with by Terry. We didn't think it was any better (and in some instances worse) than several other lines and it is, as you noted, quite expensive. They have a shop on the Ave. Victor Hugo and the staff seemed to have more attitude than their products merit.

My friend K also bought some Chanel lipsticks at au Printemps as well as a few other things on Saturday afternoon and we enjoyed a very good lunch at the newly renovated Brasserie Printemps on the 6th floor. It was very stylish.

We had fun poking around, things I never get to do while in Paris with my husband. Our sojourn in Sephora Saturday night was a nice change from an episode earlier that evening when we got caught up in a violent demonstration near Sacre Coeur and got tear gassed!

Was the MAC concealer a fat pencil? It's supposed to be used with the cream I mentioned.

BTilke, you got caught in the middle of tear gas? Were you alright? How awful!!

I work very close to the Sephora on the Champs Elysées, but I never set foot in it, because the salespeople jump on you the moment you walk through the door and won't leave you alone. I very much prefer the other Sephora stores (of which there are many all over Paris) where at least you can look at things and only get assistance if you need it. You may also want to visit the Marionnaud chain, Sephora's main competitor in France. It was recently bought out by a Chinese company, which is an indication of things to come.

I have set foot in that Sephora many times and have never been "jumped" by salespeople who "won't leave me alone." I have had salesgirls greet me and ask if I needed help and offer guidance, but no big pressure. We certainly did not have an experience anything like kerouac's description Saturday night.

I must look like someone badly in need of assistance -- or else simply they don't have much to do at lunch hour.

topping for jetset

The best remedy for my under-eye circles is a good night's sleep ... preferrably more than just one! Come to think of it, this has never been a problem when I've holidayed in France! LOL

First, let me say that I don't want to assume anything or possibly offend anyone, but going a different direction with this-

Sometimes under-eye circles are caused by an allergy to sugar. I had a friend who used several products to cover up her circles for years before finally being diagnosed and treated by her doctor. No more dark circles She feels better too.

First, let me say that I don't want to assume anything or possibly offend anyone, but going a different direction with this-

Sometimes under-eye circles are caused by an allergy to sugar. I had a friend who used several products to cover up her circles for years before finally being diagnosed and treated by her doctor. No more dark circles. She feels better too.

If I recall correctly, the most critical variable in covering under-eye circles is the color of the concealer: it should be more yellow in color to counter the dark/purple rings.

Estee Lauder used to make something called 'Uncircle' which was said to be brilliant for dark under-eye circles. Don't know if it still exists but it might be worth asking at their counter.

Personally, I like Shiseido Future Solution Eye/Lip cream. (Both of these are preventative/repair type treatments rather than cosmetic cover ups.)

Cosmetic-wise, if you really don't like Touche Eclat (which I think is great), you might be better off going for something more pink toned - Benefit do a sort of eye wand in this shade which is pretty good, but I can't remember the name.