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

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. 

New discoveries - Topshop make up.

Yello lovelies! 

I've been hunting for a highlighter for some time, I wanted a mid market one for a change. I've heard a bit about the budget MUA one that's £1.50 and apparently that is good, stonkin good price! 

But I decided Topshop needed to be graced with my presence in the make up department. 

So I picked up the Glow Stick in 'Play Up' it's £10 and just so easy to use. So convenient just bam up the cheek bones and down the nose and you've got a bit of structure to your face, particularly if you're like me with hamster cheeks. 

Then I picked up a cream blush.. I have to be honest, I am one of those people who sticks there fingers into the testers just to feel the consistency.. this is amazing. 

I couldn't quite describe the texture of Benefits Porefessional and neither can I for this, it's light, airy, smooth and creamy. 

I got it in the colour 'Head Over Heels' it's a corally orange, perfect for Spring/Summer tones and especially if you're not short of a bit of redness in the cheeks anyway this adds another dimension. I'm using it quite subtle at the moment but if you're brave enough you could make a real statement. This was only £7!

At the time of me popping into TopShop they were doing an amazing free Lip Gloss offer so I got this 

Bold lips are in ladies! and this will certainly make you stand out. I LOVE it. It's in the colour 'Sweetie' and is £7, it stays on all night (even after a glass or two!) and I can't say enough good things about it. 

R x

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

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>)

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