Review; Benefit's Eye Bright

Good evening, Ladies :)

So the other day when I had my eyebrows done at Benefit (see previous posts for review) I was having a little browse around the counter at all the make-up (as you do) and noticed this little eye pencil staring back at me. Then I thought... Hey! I have this! Where the hell have I put it? 

After a few days of searching around amongst my piles of products, I found the sneaky little thing hiding in a mascara box, god only knows why it was in there, but there it was! And there we have it, my love of Eye Bright was instantly rekindled. 

You can probably tell from the picture that it's a pre-loved piece of make up, I do apologise. But I hope that it reflects its brilliance. Although it does a simple job, it makes a huge difference to my face in particular. For anyone who, like me, gets quite dark circles under their eyes, this white eye pencil really gives your eyes a pop! You apply this pencil just like a crayon, drawing white in the inner and outer corner of your eyes. A bit like a highlighter for your eyes that does a little bit more than your concealer would. It can come out quite thick, so I normally draw in the corners (or anywhere I feel needs to look a little brighter) then blend it in with my normal concealer brush.

At £14.00 I wouldn't say its a must have product for everyone, but if you feel like late nights and even earlier mornings can sometimes show, its perfect for you! I personally love it and I am so so glad I have found it. Before I had my Cupid's Bow, I remember using this as a highlighter for my top lip, which I guess is a little beauty trick, using my normal lip liner underneath to create the natural pout I long for. I also found it looked good when I put some on my top eyelid, and a thin line under the lower lash line, for those days where I was a bit worse for wear!

I would highly recommend this product if you have a bit of spare cash lying around at the end of the month. You only need to use a very small amount when you apply so it could last for years if you treat it well, dont over sharpen or leave the lid off ect. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

PERSONAL RATING- 8/10

Review; Bare Minerals Face Powder and Powder Blush

Good evening, Ladies!

Today was one of those days when you wake up, rub your eyes, walk over to the mirror and oh hello there! A spot. This has inspired me to write a post about the Bare Minerals powders I own. You have probably realised the connection, but in case you are wondering what on earth I am talking about I shall explain. Bare Minerals (or Bare Escentuals) claim that their make up is good for you skin. Yes, that's right, good for your skin! Their make up is also advertised as skin care, as it contains minerals and lots of other lovelies that don't harm your skin like other make up can. 

What I love about these products is they enhance your skin, they don't make you look like a completely different person. Which is great for when my boyfriend stays over and on the one hand I want to look a little fresher, but on the other I don't want to crawl out of my cosy bed for too long. 

With the face powder you really only need a little bit of concealer and maybe a tiny bit of foundation if you like full coverage. But to be honest it looks so pretty without it you probably wouldn't bother.

I love to wear this powder when I feel my skin needs a bit of a detox, which is clearly now as the glorious weather we have been blessed with recently has taken its toll on my face. 

Now you are probably thinking that a pot of make up like that might not last all that long, but don't fear, this one I've had since February and its still going strong. Obviously it depends how often you use a product, but if you used it when your skin was in need of a little TLC (around 10 days in the month for me) it should last a while. 

This brings me to the blush. As you can see from the picture this blush seems very dark, and it is. But this is not necessarily a bad thing, this is because it is very pigmented. You only need the teeny tiniest amount of this blusher so be very careful when you apply, I have ended up looking a bit drag on the odd occasion! Make sure you are in an area with good lighting when you apply. Regardless of that, this blush does have a lovely subtle glitter to it that sparkles in certain lights and looks fab! I must admit these two products do go hand in hand, as they look best when they are used together.

I got these products in a starter set and it ended up being one of the best make up sets I've bought. It came with a lip gloss, face primer, eye shadow primer and eye liner. I think out of the set these two products and probably the primer are the only ones I will be buying again. I would recommend just going to the counter in your nearest department store and trying a few things out before you decide!

PERSONAL RATING

BARE MINERALS FACE POWDER- 8.5/10

BARE MINERALS BLUSH- 7.5/10

If your skin is in need I would really recommend this product to you! Think of it as an investment into healthy looking skin :)

Review; Urban Decay All Nighter Make-Up Setting Spray

Hello Ladies!

This is my very nearly empty bottle of Urban Decay's All Nighter face spray. This product aims to keep your make up on and looking fresh all day and all night, and indeed it does! I feel Urban Decay does a great range of long lasting make up, and this little one really puts the icing on the cake.

It sends a shiver down my spine every time I see a girl spraying hairspray on her face before a night out. It is SO bad for your skin, making it dry and clogging your pores with chemicals that are dangerous. The clue is in the name girls, hairspray. Please don't do it to yourselves again. This is not a "beauty trick" I will endorse, but All Nighter is.

This face spray comes out as a mist, quite wet in consistency but not at all sticky and will dry in seconds. When it hits your face it does make you jump which is quite funny, well my friends find it hilarious, so prepare yourself before you spray. The spray also has Temperature Control Technology (oooh) that keeps you cool and stops your make up from running or clogging throughout the night. This is also great for saving me from constantly nipping to the loo to smother my patchy face in powder!

I bought this initially in the travel size for £14.00 from Debenhams because I wanted to put it to the test before I committed myself to the big bottle. Even though it is the smaller version it has lasted me at least 4 months, which I think is great considering all my friends have borrowed it too because they love it so much!

It really does work, I've arrived home at the end of long days and even longer nights and my make up looks pretty much exactly the same as when I left, much to my surprise I will admit because I've always thought that a decent primer would do the trick. But no other product has impressed me (in terms of long lasting make up) as much as this.

I wouldn't go as far as saying I couldn't live without this product, but it just makes nights out and days in the sun that little bit more stress free, and I'm all for that!

PERSONAL RATING- 8.5/10

I hope you enjoyed my review! Don't hesitate to ask any questions if you want to know more ect.

Service Review; Benefit Brow Bar, The Benebrow Arch

Over the years I have experienced almost every eyebrow related disaster going; the wonky brow, the short brow, the too thin brow, the too far in brow (I could go on...). I don't think anything can be worse for someone's face than a bad brow, so you can imagine how happy I was when I heard of the new Benefit Eyebrow service. My first experience of the Benebrow was a few months ago, and now I am completely hooked. They only do one shape, which they call 'The Arch'. I initially thought this is quite restrictive, but they ask you how defined you would like the arch of your brow, and cater it to the shape they can create with the hair you have available. As it turns out she explained that this arch flatters nearly all face shapes, and I must agree I think they look great! 

Now, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to pain. When I have plucked/ waxed/ threaded in the past I've just ended up looking a complete state, eyes streaming, red, blotchy, just a plain disaster. So imagine how thrilled I was when I realised that a Benebrow wax does not hurt. Obviously you feel it a little, but I didn't even flinch, and that in comparison to how I've been in the past is nothing short of a miracle. Carly, the lovely girl who did my eyebrows in Basingstoke today, told me they use a very soft wax that is warmed to the perfect temperature as to not damage your skin! So no fear ladies, they've got that covered.

As soon as I got there Carly was an absolute babe, and explained what she was going to do, just like a mini tutorial. I found this really helpful as she explained to me I have been plucking my eyebrows too far in at the start of my brow. What is great about this is they really know their stuff, and have taught me a lesson I'll never forget! She spent about 30 minutes doing my eyebrows, which is a lot longer than you would expect (especially when my sister was waiting for me) but you cant argue with it because I really felt like she cared. My sister was so impressed she booked in straight after I was finished!

To put the icing on the cake, they don't let you leave looking anything less than perfect. For no extra price Carly put Benefit's amazing cream It's Potent on my skin to soothe it, followed by their new 15 hour Hello Flawless primer (which I hadn't actually tried yet, bonus) and then also put my personal favourite Benefit's industrial strength concealer Boi-ing over the skin. All this topped off with Brow Zings to define the lovely new shape of your eyebrows! After all that I looked good to go! 

You can also get an eyebrow tint which actually takes no time at all, but because I use Brow Zings every day anyway I didn't see much point to be honest. All together I paid £11.50 (£12.50 if you include the pound tip I gave her) which could be seen as a little on the expensive side for a student, but I think its worth every shiny penny. Oh and you get reward points on your Debenhams beauty card (another bonus).

Don't forget if you want to give it a try you need an appointment. They are very highly recommended by me, they have answered my eyebrow prayers! 

PERSONAL RATING- 10/10

My Top Tricks for Lovely Lips!

Step by step guide ^^^^

*sorry they are all different lighting the sun kept going behind the clouds

Close up of Benefits pout perfecting Cupids Bow! ^

I retook this today (step one) to give you a better look at it 

Hello Ladies!

We all know what a hassle lipstick can be. On the side of your glass. On the tips of your fingers. But never actually on your lips! This step by step guide will help you create gorgeous full lips that lasts for hours. Hope you enjoy :)

Products
Benefit Cupid's Bow
Topshop Lipstick in 'Innocent'
Estee Lauder Pure Colour in 'Black Cassis'
Rimmel Lipstick in 'Fancy' (210)
Benefits High Beam
Lipcote Lipstick Sealer
Bare Minerals Precision Eye Stick*
* I realise this is an eye stick, but it works wonders on your lips too! Promise! 

Preparation

Now, this may sound odd, but its a beauty trick I was told by a friend and it works a treat!

Take a new toothbrush and soak it in hot (not boiling) salty water. Rub your lips in a circular motion with the bristles of the toothbrush for no more than a minute per lip, depending on how dry/ chapped your lips are. Now all of the dry skin on your lips will be removed and you should be left with lovely soft lips, yay!

Step One

 Apply cupids bow lovely little lip shaping set. The bow maker highlights your top lip and the pout maker defines the bottom. Use this just like you would a lip liner. To my dismay they discontinued this product (silly, silly benefit) but you can still buy it on Ebay or Amazon!

Step Two
Use the thicker end of the Bare Minerals brush to apply a layer of a lip stick of your choice.
For the evening look I used Estee Lauder Pure Colour in 'Black Cassis'.
For the day look I used Topshop Lipstick in 'Innocent'.

Step Three
Take a different lipstick of a lighter shade and apply a thin layer to the bottom lip. Then apply another small dab to the middle of your top lip.
For the evening look I used Topshop Lipstick in 'Innocent'.
For the day look I used Rimmel Lipstick in 'Fancy' (210).

Step Four
Here is another beauty trick you may not have heard off. Apply a small amount of Benefits High Beam to the middle of your bottom lip and rub in lightly with the base of your finger. This instantly makes your lips look bigger and fuller, creating a gorgeous pout!

Step Five
Take your original base colour from Step Two, and the thinner end of the Bare Mineral brush, and apply a fine line of lipstick around the edge of your lips and blend blend blend!

Step Six
Apply a layer of Lipcote over your lips and your lipstick wont budge for hourssss! I adore this product as it saves me so much time, and once you've created your perfect lip look you don't want to have to keep touching up when you are out. Double yay!

I hope you found this helpful!
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask

**You're never fully dressed without a smile**

July's Goodie List

 

Good Afternoon, Ladies!

If you're like me and you've always spent your student loan/ wages/ savings before the end of the month, I'm sure you've already started planning what you are going to buy with next months instalment of cash! I know I spend hours day dreaming and surfing the web for next months treats (sad, but true). But this month my five products are things I have been desperate to own for agessss! Their sparkling reviews are so endearing and they have huge followings. So here are the little beauties... 

YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS BABY DOLL 

I tried this Mascara in Debenhams a few weeks ago and absolutely fell in love with it! Honestly, I was hypnotised by the make up artist who was wearing it because her eyelashes really stood out. I was quite sceptical at first because I've been using Benefit's fantastic best seller They're Real since it came out, and although this Mascara will always be my safety net, I've been looking to broaden my horizons with something new. I've been very blessed with my eyelashes as they are quite long, but they don't have the fullness that those lucky ladies with thick eyelashes have. That is why YSL's newest creation was an absolute god send. It gave me that eyelash flutter that all us girls crave, added length and even more volume that seperates each individual lash beautifully. However, it does you a false lash look, so wearing this on a day to day basis might not be the best idea if you prefer the au naturale look. I can't wait to get my hands on this product and will probably be singing its praises in a review in a few weeks time!

JO MALONE EARL GREY AND CUCUMBER FRAGRANCE

Every time I pass the Jo Malone store in Nottingham I always have a cheeky spritz of this scent! It comes from her Citrus range and I'll be looking at paying £39.00 for the 30ml bottle, but oh is it worth it. When I first heard the name Earl Grey and Cucumber I imagined walking around smelling like a salad dressing. But as it turns out it is a very unique, very feminine and fresh summer scent. Keeping you cool as a cucumber! (sorry I had to). One of the other things I admire about this perfume is the oh so elegant bottle. I definitely would not be chucking this one at the bottom of my handbag, it will be proudly displayed on my dressing table in all its glory.

YSL TOUCHE ECLAT FOUNDATION

After the worldwide success of the famous Touche Eclat concealer, it would have been a huge mistake to not make a foundation benefiting from YSL's revolutionary formula. I was given a 7 day sample of this foundation, alongside another sample of Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation, and ended up purchasing Double Wear. I am obsessed with Double Wear as it gives you such great coverage, but I have been thinking recently that Touche Eclat's thinner consistency will be much better for every day use.

This foundation gives off the same illuminating finish as the concealer, and enhances your skins natural glow instead of covering it over like other foundations do. It also highlights the contours of your face when the natural light hits your skin and does not budge all day long. Eeeek!

NARS LIGHT REFLECTING ILLUMINATING POWDER

Last, but by no means least, is the Nars Illuminating face powder. This product comes in the form of a pressed or a loose powder, I personally prefer loose powders as it gives you the freedom to pat any excess back into the pot. This powder has absolutely no colour and contains Photochromic Technology which diffuses light and makes your skin glow and appear flawless. This product is perfect  for those that like the dewy look of foundation but struggle to maintain it throughout the day. Those gorgeous Victoria Secret's models swear by this product, and if its good enough for them then it's definitely good enough for me!

Hope you enjoyed hearing all about these gorgeous products!

Review; Max Factor Lashfinity 3 Day Mascara

Hello Ladies!

When I first heard about this product I thought it sounded too good to be true.  I have always had a lot of trouble with my eyes (whenever I walk on a breezy or windy day, my eyes water constantly, like a leaking tap, it's not great) so when I heard about this I thought my life was about to change forever. It claimed to be shower-proof, sleep-proof and even resistant to a severe rub. Hallelujah? Hmm.

Let me explain... This mascara will either be your best friend, or your worst enemy. It all comes down to what you look for in a mascara. Personally, I like a bit of va va voom in my lashes, which I don't feel this product offers. I would describe it as more as a lash tint, not a lengthening and curling mascara. If you like the au naturale look, then this is a great buy for you.

This mascara admittedly does have true staying power, but I would not say it is indestructible. Although it did survive showers and a flood of tears, I did wake up with slight smudges underneath and above my eyes. Not a good look. 

Which brings me to the other issue I have with this product. Maybe I am alone here, but I by the end of a long day I am itching to take all my make up off and give my face a nice detox. I worry that prolonged use of this product could lead to eye infections and all sorts of icky soreness we just don't need. The remover does do what it says, it removes. Very well. So I have reached a fair conclusion to how I feel about this product. 

Its great for festivals

Its great for holidays

Its great for sitting by the pool

but it is not great for everyday use, or should I say, every three day use.

PERSONAL RATING- 7/10

http://www.boots.com/en/Max-Factor-Lashfinity-3-Day-Mascara_1340556/

Review; Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs- Leg Make Up

Hello Ladies!

Since discovering this product I have always left the house with a little extra confidence. In the past, I have wasted my precious concealer covering blemishes and bruises on my legs, and it didn't really make all that difference. However Hansen has answered all our prayers with this one stop solution. 

Although it doesn't cover the darkest of our skin sins, the Airbrush Spray evens your skin tone and gives a shine that your average fake tan fails to offer. As it comes in four shades, you don't run the risk of looking that burning shade of orange that we all dread. 

I personally wear 'Medium Glow', which is a great bronze for my ivory skin tone. I have found that 'Light Glow' is slightly yellow (but very slightly). 'Tan Glow' is definitely made for the girls that like the heavy-duty fake tan look, whereas 'Deep Glow' is for dark skin tones.

To apply I always ensure my skin is moisturised, but not sticky or wet (I suggest moisturising an hour before application). Instead of spraying straight onto the skin, I spray it on to a fake tan mit then rub on the skin in soft, blended sweeps. Although, it is very difficult to make this product streaky on the skin because of it's consistency.

The only downside to this product is that it is definitely not waterproof, so I keep mine in my bag on a night out in case of weather related emergency!

When wearing this product in the past I have fooled many friends into thinking I was wearing tights, because they looked so much more flawless than the other nights I would dare to bare these pins. You can buy this product in many health and beauty stores, but I purchase mine from Boots for £9.99 because of those fantastic advantage card points!

This makes it as one of my investment buys as its a great all-year-round product that has become one of my summer essentials and fantastic for any night out.

Sally Hansen saves our skins!

http://www.boots.com/en/Sally-Hansen-Airbrush-Legs-Tan-Glow-75ml_1154646/

PERSONAL RATING- 8.5/10

Review; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil

I absolutely HAD to tell you about these little treasures first. This eye pencil has solved every liner woe I have encountered. The days of constantly reapplying are officially over, and thank god for that.

With every other liner I have constantly had to keep checking for smudges, circles, or even if its still on all together, but this has real staying power. On those dangerous nights when I've arrived home after a big night out, and those make up remover wipes are just too far out of reach, I have woken up the next day to realise this eye pencil has somehow managed to last longer than I have! I have actually been shown up, by an eye liner.

This eye pencil comes in a fantastic range of fifty two shades. I have personally tried 'Perversion', which is perfect for a dramatic night look which has a real impact. And for a natural day look you cant go wrong with any of the brown shades, 'Hustle' in particular. 

The liner has a very soft, velvet-like texture which is perfect for creating a smudge, but will also dry in a defined line, it's very versatile, and... waterproof! Hurrah!

There are two aspects of this eye pencil that are not so great, and I feel it is my duty to inform you. 

It can run out quickly if you over sharpen it, because it is so soft. Be careful when sharpening this eye liner because you do not want to waste it!

And lastly, it is quite expensive at £14.00, but you cant really argue with the price once you've seen how fantastic it is, investment buys for pretty eyes! 

PERSONAL RATING: 9/10

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123932962099_-1