Benefit - they're real mascara.

Okay, I'm late to the party with this one. I'm not the type to run out and buy something during its hype period - I need a lot of convincing. It just so happens I got a sample size in a beauty box. 

And it was worth the wait! 

As you can see the brush is really defined to get inbetween those lashes, it really separates and 

lifts your lashes. The colour is very defined and really makes those lashes stand out, it could be a liner and mascara in one. Another major pro; it does not budge. I have to say, I've read so many reviews but for me personally this almost looks like I have fake lashes on. 

It isn't the cheapest - but I imagine it would last quite a long time. If you're a minimalist on make up this will seriously make your eyes stand out with hardly any need for anything else.

Plus! They're real mascara has a sista coming! - a gel based eye liner pen. This is a totally new product to the forum and I cannot wait to see if it's like the mascara. Perfect cat flicks with wide eyes coming up! 

Thank you Benefit! X

What's on my face #2

I went to a Rugby dinner as a proud WAG recently.. can I get away with that title? 

I wanted a simple make up look that mainly relied on a pop of colour on my lips, so here it is:

Face - Benefit, porefessional; Laura Mercier primer (radiance), Collection concealer, Rimmel match perfection foundation (classic ivory 101). Topshop cream blush in head over heels, Topshop highlighter glow stick, Laura Mercier bronzer in Dune Bronze. 

Applied with :- Real Techniques, expert face brush. 

Eyebrows - Rimmel 002 hazel brow pencil. 

Eyes - Collection work the colour eyeshadow pencil in vintage blush 3. B. precise long wearing gel eyeliner in black. 

Applied with : Real techniques, fine liner brush. 

Lips - Burts bees lip balm & Topshop lip cream in Sweetie. 

R x

BB cream

BB cream is one of the new 'in' products, there are so many to choose from, different brands, prices etc where do you turn?! 

If you're like me and really think hard before you buy a product then maybe this budget find will suit you. 

This BB cream is from... the 99p store! 

So as you might have guessed it was 99p - it also boasts a SPF of 15.. can this get much better? the answer is yes!

I can honestly say this is a dream find, it glides on brilliantly, I have very red cheeks and sometimes a quite uneven skin tone, this is like a cross between a tinted moisturisor, foundation and a silky goddess. My mum recommended this and she's quite fussy about what she's uses and has sensitive skin so this may well suit you too! 

I haven't yet tried a more expensive BB cream so I wouldn't be able to recommend if they are any better for the higher price tag but I do urge you grab this even if its for the days you don't wanna use your best stuff!

R x

Pink Lipsticks.

I needed a pink lipstick for a dinner, I wanted the gel liner eye, shocking pink lips look.

So I decided to scout around for a budget version. 

Firstly, I popped to Boots, their collection range is usually a fail safe and has so many amazing items (for example the concealer) 

I got this from the Collection Deluxe range, it's in the shade Speakeasy 04 and was £3.99. It's a lovely creamy texture and is probably the least sticky out of the mini haul but isn't as pigmented on the skin as I thought it would be. Didn't suit for my occasion but I will definitely be using it. 

I then popped to Superdrug and had a nose at the MUA stand, has anyone else noticed these are a bit.. destroyed every time you go in? So popular. This is their pinkest lippie in shade 3, it was the brightest I could find in their budget range (£1) but they did have their Luxe glosses which were practically neon. I've found this is a bit more berry colour on me but for £1 it's going to serve me well no matter how pink or berry! 

Did anyone else know about the dipping pot on the end?!

I got this in the MUA sale not that long ago but I can't find it now! I think it was about £1.50 and is a shocking pink and probably the best pigmentation from stick to face of all the purchases. The shade is Ultra Pink if it comes back into stock. 

And finally, I had picked up a little while ago another Collection lasting colour lipstick (baby pink packaging) but the shade appears to be discontinued. The nearest to it now are bubblegum or pink shock.. I'm sure they'll find their way into my collection in my hunt for the ideal pink lipstick. 

Benefit - Porefessional

Hello! I'm Back. Sorry for the absence, work,  life general etc.

But this product has been on my mind for blogging, every time I use it I feel I have to put my words across about it. I know there are a lot of reviews out there! 

Firstly, if you've used this you will have noticed the incredible texture this has, it's as light as air (no exaggeration) it blows my mind every time I pop some on my face. 

I have the biggest pores in the universe, seriously.. and I've found this to be a great base product underneath my foundation. 

I've read and heard many reviews from those who were sent this, bought it or had a sample with a beauty box and there are some varying opinions. My advice would be treat it as it's meant to be, an aid for your make up to look more flawless. 

There are a lot of products out there for pore minimisation these days, so try a few and find the perfect one for you (if you can). For me personally, I keep going back to this for my full make up days and if you have quite good skin in summer you could use this with a bit of tinted moisturisor and you'll definitely be satisfied. 

R x

Subscription boxes.

A new craze is taking the beauty, fashion and jewelry world by storm; monthly subscription boxes.

I thought it might be helpful to do a post on what boxes are available (the ones I've tried), what you'll get and where to look! 

So firstly, beauty! 

The glossybox.

Self described as the 'ultimate beauty experience' you will receive an array of beauty, skincare and sometimes lifestyle samples or full size products. You can expect brands you were completely unaware of and will never want to be without again & well known beauty gurus. The products will be tailored to a survey you fill in on your preferences and skin/hair types. You will gain 'glossy dots' to then put towards free boxes, provided you are on a rolling subscription. 

Dependent on the type of subscription you choose it will be £10 plus p&p. 

The Birchbox. 

The Birchbox is a similar experience to that of glossy, they may hate me for that; but one box I had recently was virtually identical, I believe there are some spy's in one or the other! They do however, use different brands to glossy so although the products may be the same type the brand probably won't be. Holidays and seasons are represented within the boxes too which is a nice touch. You'll collect points with Birchbox that you can then spend in their shop, this box probably has the best perks in rewards sense. 

Again, £10 with p&p.

The Love me beauty.

The Love me beauty box is a little different in approach, you can choose the products you receive from a selection of three 'menus' if you aren't comfortable with the thought of paying for a box of products you're not sure you'll even use, then this is for you. 

The pricing is again the same £10 plus p&p, again there is a reward scheme for completing reviews. This box isn't as main stream with their products, there's a different feel to this box, I don't quite have the words but it feels more natural. I've never been disappointed with this box, ever!

Jewelry. 

Astrid & miyu

A secret concept box but with jewelry! This looks so cute, I can't speak from experience with this service but the pieces I've seen have always been so lovely. Again, you can be assured by the survey you complete on your style and preference to avoid any major disasters. This is a great way to keep on trend, have something unique (everyone has the same rings etc from primark don't they?) and the packaging looks like a real treat! This subscriptions is a quarterly one of £39 with free postage and packing. 

Food.

Graze 

(Images from GoogleImages)

If you're like me, eating healthy is a bit tough when the snacking demon takes over me! Here is your answer, the graze box. At £3.89 you can choose to have them delivered as much or as little as you like, you can choose an eating plan if you're trying to be extra healthy and you can rate or bin anything you know you won't like. So completely tailored to you! It's an exciting feeling when the box comes and you can't wait to try the amazing concoctions these geniuses come up with! 

I hope this gives you a little in-sight into these services, and if they would suit you! 

R x

Whats on my face.

Going out for a Tapas meal the other night I decided for a subtle pastels make-up look.

Foundation - Rimmel Match Perfection, Eyebrows - Rimmel , Concealer - Collection 2000
Eyes - H&M Nudes (pink) palette, Mascara - H&M, Bronzer - Benefit Hoola,

Lips - E.L.F - Sparkling wine. 

My dress is from Primark & I think it compliments the light blue pastels in my make up perfectly. 

R x

Also, I just got blog lovin :) 

(<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11827859/?claim=u6j43tcxswx">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>)

Currently loving..

Here's what I'm currently enjoying or.. Obsessing over!

This album is a girls anthem, a feel good sing along array of songs. This will probably be my soundtrack to summer.. Corny right? 

This tv programme is almost a sec and the city for your 20s although a little more gritty and less designer influence. It's hard hitting, sometimes too relatable and quite graphic but I'm completely hooked. 

You name it, I've tried it! I even begged my partner to fork out for Elizabeth Arden's eight hour balm, quite expensive for what it is and not overly remarkable (for me personally). But, Burt's bees have always been there for me, always in my handbag on stand by for my poor terribly chapped lips. 

Finally, I love any anatomicals product and this is so cheap, cheerful, smells great and I can't wait to try more. Has anyone tried their shampoo or conditioner? Or the lip balm? Let me know! 

R x

H&M palette

I picked up one of the H&M palettes in a light nudes colour recently, I've had an amazing mascara from them before at only 99p! So I had reasonable hopes for this.

The colours are quite sweet and good for a transitional time such as spring! Okay so here goes there really is no pigmentation to these. I attempted to do swatches but frankly was too embarrassed to put up a photo where you can't see anything! I've used it quite a few times and you really have to work to get some colour. So I guess I'll just use them as a base for better shadows. If you're looking for very light colour all over the lid and a bit of eye liner it might work but I wouldn't repurchase. 

Sorry H&M! I still love your mascara. 

R x

Japonesque

Before I got the opportunity of a little make up tutorial at John Lewis by Japonesque I have to admit I'd only vaguely heard of the brand. It turns out, I've been really missing out! They're a company 30 years in the making who specialise in tools and accessories and their products are exclusively available through John Lewis.

Here are Japonesque's make up artist to the stars top tips!

Foundation.
Start from the center of the face and blend outwards - if you're looking for a professional make up look the tools are the answer. Let the brush do the work over the face! (Also, Japonesque's foundations are buildable coverage!)

Concealer.
A little goes a long way with concealer and use it to tone down the pink undertones that may be apparent in your complexion.

Powder.
The softer the brush, the less product it will hold onto and therefore allowing you to control how much is being applied. Nobody wants an over caked looking face! (Japonesque have a one colour powder that suits all skin tones!)

Eyes.
Tap off the excess from your brush, don't go straight from palette to eye. A top tip for coverage and precision is to tilt the head back and blend whilst keeping your eyes open. This will give a realistic position to the product.

Bronzer.
Use it to shape the face, and use a rounded brush to sculpt and give definition. Forehead, chin, cheek bones allows for definition.

We did ask what would be the one brush the make up artist couldn't live without and she answered the smudge brush.

This beauty is £12.00 at John Lewis and for its versatility and recommendation from a make up artist to some top celebs I think that's a bargain!

Overall, Japonesque's message as a brand is use the correct tools and you will have the professional look you lust after. You should only have to invest in these once and then if you take proper care of them (gentle shampoo and warm water once a week!) you could have them a lifetime. 

R x

Wish list!

Here's what I've been drooling over recently,

First up is a divine perfume from Jo Malone 

It's the peony and blush scent - it's a sweet and fresh smelling perfume. It's not too heavy and I would say more of a daytime wear, a lot of the Jo Malone scents can be strong and domineering but this is delicate. The small version here pictured is £39, you can layer the scents as well. 

*I also found out recently that if you pop in store they will provide a complimentary hand and arm massage with the scent you would like. That way you can make sure it suits your skin and needs.

I have two real techniques brushes, they are brilliant I have to say. I know you've probably heard that a million times and read it a million times too. I was sceptical as well as a lot of bloggers know each other very well or were gifted, I am neither so I hope that fills you with faith! This pack is a good starting foundation and works out about £4.50 per brush. They're out of stock on feel unique at the moment so I'm biding my time. 

 I recently picked up a black gypsy skirt from eBay, and I love it. You can style these skirts in so many ways and I'm thinking perfect for the in-between weather we're having. This is one of my picks to style with it, simply type into eBay Celine tshirt and this bad boy will come up for £5.99. Simply style tucked into the skirt and werk the look! 

And finally, 

I've seen this bedding on other blogs and isn't it the cutest? Asda have really stepped up with their bedding recently. At £12 for a double it's a true bargain, I can't wait to cwtch up into it! 

Do you like any of these? What's on your list? 

R x

My go to hair product.

I recently went for a 'full head' of highlights .. You know when you look like an alien with foil stuck all over your head? One of those. 

Anyway my hair sucks up conditioner like you wouldn't believe, I've been known to use three bottles a week... Bad right? So my hairdresser recommended once a week 'treatment' 

So I immediately got to Superdrug and picked up this Herbal Essences bad boy, it was on offer at £1.96 .. Quite the bargain! 

I have to say I use very little, although I do have long thick hair this has really made a difference in my regime. It claims to maintain the ends from splitting so far so good for mine, the smell is divine and it only takes five minutes to do its thing. So no uncomfortable sleep with soaking hair! 

Also, I just have to mention my nail Polish is Ciate which came in my glossybox, I love it! 

R x

ELF Sale.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, ELF Cosmetics are a bargain, quality make up brand so the thought they're having a sale.. are they giving the stuff away?! 

I thought I'd let you know what I've got my beady eye on!

(http://eyeslipsface.co.uk)

First up is the little black festive book in glam holiday, this was £8.00 and is now £4.00 which works out 0.08p per eye shadow.. unbelievable! 

I think the colours in this palette are so versatile for day or night and any occasion. If you're a little wary of daring colours this is the one for you, just a hint here and there as you build your confidence. 

(http://eyeslipsface.co.uk)

A tinted moisturizer - I can't believe the price of this! 75p! It's had really good reviews on the website and you could get one for winter and one for the summer at this price. Particularly good if you're trying to give your skin a little breather from heavy make up. 

And finally, something out of the sale but an amazing price 

(http://eyeslipsface.co.uk)

How amazing is this colour? It's called fearless! and you're going to be looking it rocking this lipstick. It's £1.50 at full price, incredible. Also, I just love the packaging. 

All in all I've spent £6.25 - what a bargain.

ELF - you've certainly impressed me!

R x

Candle love affair.

Hello Lovelies! 

Now most of us have a love affair with scented candles, I'm forever buying a pack and smelling my house out with my latest find. 

You'll also know I have a love of Jo Malone.. the two combined is heaven!

But no! I have not bought one of Jo Malone's candles, although they are a dream; the price puts me off completely and utterly. 

(matalan.co.uk)

Enter Matalan's answer to all my problems! Here is their large pomegranate and amber glass candle.. oh Wow!

It smells so much like my Jo Malone perfume I could cry as the price of this bad boy is (drum roll please?)

£10!

I can't stress how much you need to buy this the bluebell and peony or the orange flower and mandarin. I will for one be finding it hard to resist buying them all. 

R x

Real Techniques expert face brush.

Yello!

If you haven't heard of the real techniques brushes, where have you been? These are huge in the beauty world at the moment. 

(superdrug.com)

I was bought the expert face brush for my birthday and have literally forgotten my previous foundation brush. I absolutely love the way it glides my make up onto my face. They are a reasonable price, particularly if you pick up a pack. Keep an eye out for an offer in boots or superdrug! 

I'm on the look out to buy some more, I've heard so many good things about these, it's worth the investment. 

R x

I said I'd let you know!

Hello everyone!

A few posts ago I said I'd let you know about a few products I've been trying out recently, so first up is;

(JohnLewis.com)

The Laura Mercier bronzer (in the colour Dune Bronze.) This brand is fast becoming a hot favourite of mine, the packaging is a sophisticated purpley mauve number. It's a matte blend, that glides on and can easily add so much definition to your make up. I seriously love it. It's a handy size to fit in your handbag for a touch up on those cheek lines! 

This bronzer is on the slightly higher price level of £26 but it'll last you forever. 

I can't tell you how much I recommend sampling the Laura Mercier products, you'll definitely find something you love. 

I love you, Laura!

R x

Lipsy - glam

Hello!

I love the handbag size perfume samples! And recently got one from Lipsy's range. They're such a good way of finding a new scent, saves money making sure you definitely like it! 

My new find is the Glam perfume from the lipsy range. 

(Boots.com)

What a nice bottle! I'd say this is an everyday perfume for me, it's a strong scent and quite floral. I definitely suggest you have a sniff! 

Particularly as boots have an offer of 30ml for £12 at the moment. 

R x

What I'm going to try.. and will let you know!

This is a preemptive blog in the sense these are products I am going to buy/try and will let you know about! 

First up is a teeth whitening kit :- 

(superdrug.com)

This is from Superdrug and it's the fourteen day kit, it's on offer at the moment at £5.99 but out of stock, so hopefully it'll be back on that price! (normally £8.99) and the reviews online are 5 star! 

(johnlewis.com)

I've been trying out Liz Earle's nail colour in Grace.

(johnlewis.com)

This primer is fast becoming my go to staple for nights out or day to day! 

(superdrug.com)

The real techniques expert face brush came from the birthday fairies for me this year and I've used it everyday since.. I'll be letting you know what I think!

and finally the other product I've been putting through its paces is.. 

(johnlewis.com)

This little number, a bronzer in Dune bronze.

R x

The blogs I read

I'm always really interested to see what blogs other people read, I love looking at other people's lives and seeing what they've bought/styled like. 

Here are a couple of my favourites :- 

1. First up is Zoella 

A youtuber/blogger/vlogger/designer - her CV is getting bigger by the day, it's very inspiring to see what someone can do just being themselves. Although I have quite different fashion tastes to Zoe - I just enjoy seeing what she's been out to buy and what her opinions are on things. Being the same age I guess it's just me being plain nosey! Anyone who already follows Zoe's every move via various social networking will already know once you start following her there's a whole group that comes along with it. There are lots of other things I could waffle on about, but I guess what keeps me coming back is; she just seems a genuinely nice person.

2. Chic and Cheerful

Now, I'm going to be honest here, I'm biased. This is a very good friend of mine so naturally I just love this blog but I'll still try and tell you as honestly as possible why..

If you are the type of person or like the type of person that is to the point, witty, a dry sense of humour, an eclectic taste but still remains the girly girl we all are inside you will love Ruth's writing style. You will find high end make up, fashion and accessories contrasted with the bargains that look like high end from local stores. 

I wouldn't go as far to say that Ruth is hard to please but she certainly knows a good product from a bad, you're in safe hands here guys! 

3. Milk,bubble&tea.

 Everything on Becky's blog is appealing, the clear cut pristine images, her choice in about absolutely everything and her ability to make me want it all! 

Becky is very high up on my list of those bloggers you look at and are a tiny bit green with jealousy, but she's definitely worked for her stake in the bloggersphere. She shares her shopping, her baking, her family, her boyfriend and her day to day life with us and we're all on tender hooks to see what's next. She even shares my love of white Roses, Primark and Lauren Conrad. 

4. SecretDiaryofaFashionJournalist

Laura is exactly what she says in her URL! a fashion journalist; you can expect a great contrast from the high street to high end on Laura's little spot of the internet. I've managed to snag a great Celiné lookalike handbag from Ebay thanks to Laura and fantasize over her ever growing collection of handbags and shoes, I do love a mulberry! Expect pink lipsticks, bargains from Primark that are similar to those pesky designers who want to charge us £££ and a good old fashioned wish list.

5. SprinkleOfGlitter

This is Louise, a youtuber/vlogger/blogger who covers any topic you can think of, fashion, beauty, babies and more! She's part of the youtube group that also homes Zoe (above). I like Louise's honesty, if something is poop she damn well tells you so and considering a lot of companies gift to Louise - they're very willing to take the risk she won't write about it or worse she'll tell you the truth! Similarly to Zoe I don't have the same tastes in everything as Louise but her honesty and down to earth approach is refreshing. 

This is just a snip-it of what I read and I'll fill you in again soon on more! Enjoy!

R x

What I'm obsessed with right now..

Just a little post on what I'm obsessing over or loving in life right now, 

Golden Girls - An 80's TV programme from America, four ladies in their 'prime' living as room mates - it's hilarious and they're pretty filthy! 

My dog Ruby - I can't stop buying her treats and I'm so excited to get her a stocking for Christmas, she's naughty as anything though! Here she's trying to drive my car ;) 

Dawn O'Porter's book - I saw this recommended by Caroline Flack and that it reminded her of growing up in the 90's .. Although she's nearly ten years older than me I reckon it'll be nostalgic for me too. 

Ted Baker's Ipad cases - I am loving everything Ted Baker right now, I think this is a classic colour and sophisticated. 

Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream - I'm obsessed with getting my paws on this, my lips are terrible at the moment !

Katy Perry - Killer Queen, I had this in a Glossybox and I really like it, it's a deep pungent fragrance, it lingers and I'm disappointed I've finished my sample. I normally don't buy into any celebrity fragrances, they're usually rubbish but this just so happens to have hit the right notes! 

R x