FOTD

 

Okay so Saturday I got a hair cut, and of course like anyone else I took a selfie to mark the occasion. Now, I'm going to put it to good use for my face of the day post. I don't really know why these posts exist "face of the day"... like what, you're going to change your entire makeup look every day? I don't this so. But as I cant think of another name for this post, i'll go with it.

  So firstly, which products am I using?   Rimmel London lasting finish foundation- 201 classic beige   Rimmel London Kate Moss mascara- 004 Eye Rock Jet Black   Rimmel London (are you spotting a trend here) Stay matte pressed powder- 002 Pink Blossom   Rimmel London lasting finish mono blush- Live Pink   Benefit Brow Zings eyebrow shaping kit- Medium   Benefit bronzer- Dallas   MAC lipstick- Velvet Teddy  

As you probably spotted, Rimmel London products make up the majority of my makeup bag. In my opinion, why spend double if not triple the amount of money on a high end product, when you can get the same result for less? My makeup routine has basically stayed the same since I started properly wearing makeup at the age of 15, with the addition of a MAC lipstick or two along the way. This tends to be my day time look, so I like to keep it quick and simple, always adding a dash of lipstick to mix my look up from time to time...

 

I would love for you to tell me all about your favourite products and makeup routines, so leave me a comment below! :)

 

BLOGMAS #16- BENEFIT ADVENT CALENDAR

Okay, I am on day 3 of my Benefit advert calendar- Party Poppers 12 days of Christmas, and I have already been surprised with a miniature Oh la lift, Highbeam & Total moisture face cream...

 

For  £34.50, the set is actually worth £79.17 and includes some Benefit favourites including; POREfessional, lollitint, watt's up! and BADgal. Although the calendar is supposed to play a 'bene-song' when you open it each day, mine was faulty :( however I think this is such a cute addition.

 

If you saw my post the other day you will be aware of the huge array of beauty advent calendars that are on the high street at the moment, and this one is definitely my favourite. Although the Benefit calendar is only 12 days, the gifts inside are fab!

   Have you got a beauty advent calendar this year?

FAUXMANCE| BENEFIT ULTRA PLUSH LIP GLOSS

Benefit Bella Bamba Ultraplush lipgloss- shade 'Fauxmance'- £14.50- Boots  

I'm not usually a fan of lip gloss, as I tend to find it ends up a bit slippery or sticky... anyone else experienced the hair in lip gloss situation?

 

I got this one a few months back from Boots, it is by Benefit and comes in 6 different colours, this one in particular is 'fauxmance'; a sultry pink tone with ultra plush gloss and a subtle hint of shimmer. The tip is designed for easy application, and is super smooth without the sticky effect. It is very easy to end up applying way too much gloss so I tend to apply it with my finger, once set it gives a lipstick like appearance.

 

I tend to find with a lot of lip glosses they tend to be colourless or wipe of straight away, this one surprisingly stays put (to some extent). The sheer, bright watermelon hue gives a plumping effect and has a fresh scent which I absolutely loved! Even the tube and packaging itself is super cute...

 

The only thing I would say is that at £14.50 this is way out of my budget, considering there are so many drug store alternatives! Although I would absolutely love to try the bright shade of pink 'Lollibop'...

 

What do you think? Have you tried the other shades? Leave me a comment below! :)

 

REVIEW: BENEFIT BADGAL MASCARA

I have been meaning to do this review for quite a while- as you can see from the mucky mascara tube, this mascara has been well used! I actually won 9 mascaras from Benefit during their Roller Lash campaign, so I have been very lucky to have been able to try all of their mascaras over the past few months.

  Does it work?

Bad Gal has always been a favourite of mine as I find the issue with my lashes isn't the length- its the volume, and Bad Gal is just perfect for this. I would say Roller Lash and They're Real do both, so it really does depend on what look you want to achieve.

  The brush

The brush is a topic of huge debate when it comes to mascara- big, small, plastic, bristles, shape... the list goes on. This one has a medium sized brush with a simple shape, so although you may not be able to get right in the corners, it still does the job.

  Is it really waterproof?

Yes. 100%. Although many mascaras claim to be waterproof, lets be honest, the majority aren't. But as I wore this mascara on holiday whilst on a jet ski ride I was astonished to find my mascara stayed well put, I need no more convincing.

  How long does it last?

If I am honest, I do wear quite a lot of mascara- and this one has lasted me a month (daily wear). Otherwise I would say this mascara would last you 2-3 months, it really just depends on how often and how much of it you are applying.

  Price

Okay, Benefit isn't cheap- but we all know that, right? It retails for £17.50, although slightly cheaper if you buy it from Feel Unique, which is still hugely pricey for a mascara. However if you would like to use it for a special occasion or a holiday perhaps it is definitely worth the investment- as for me I use way too much mascara to even think of buying this on a regular basis.

    Overall I was pretty impressed, so if its in your budget, go for it!   What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment below!

FOTD

I have really been struggling recently to think of blog post ideas, but since I have been trying some new makeup products recently, I thought I would do a face of the day post! A lot of the make up I use is really inexpensive, as I am not a huge believer of spending a lot of money on expensive makeup which just gets used up within a few months! The only pricey products in this post come from the Benefit celebutante pallete, the benefit brow zings eyebrow pallete, and the MAC cremesheen lipstick, the rest is mostly Rimmel London. As it is spring time, I think it's time to alter my daily makeup and start using some pinker, lighter shades of lipsticks, primers, highlighters and a little bronzer! Here are the products featured in my look...

RIMMEL LONDON LASTING FINISH FOUNDATION 201, £7.99, Boots

This will always be my favourite foundation, it works just as well as a high end foundation, it stays put all day, it's heat/sweat resistant, transfer resistant and it really does what it says it will, it gives you 25 hour coverage. All of that for just £7.99! This is quite a popular foundation and I have been using it for years now!

NYC 649 PROSPECT PARK ROSE CHEEK GLOW, £2.99, Superdrug

Cheap and cheerful. I love this blusher because I found it's the perfect shade for me, it has a shimmery tint to it so it also acts as a highlighter for your cheeks!

RIMMEL LONDON STAY MATTE POWDER 003 PEACH GLOW, £3.99 Boots

Again, this Rimmel product is very popular. It is so hard to find a good powder but I always find that this one works wonderfully, it gives a light covering and sets your make up so well!

RIMMEL LONDON WONDERFULL MASCARA- £7.99- BOOTS

I never ever usually go for plastic brushes as I never find that they actually volumise my lashes, but with this brush I feel like it gives the best of both worlds, length and volume! Although I usually opt for Scandeleyes, I will definitely be buying more of this mascara! 

BENEFIT BROWZINGS, £24.50, Boots

I have only ever used one brow product, but this one has last me years! I only ever add just a little colouring to my brows so this powder and gel like duo work perfectly for adding a touch of colour and setting with the tinted gel.

LEGGY AND DANDY BRANDY BENEFIT VELVET EYEHSHADOW, (part of celebutante set)

I love to combine these colours, applying the shimmery pale 'leggy' shadow all over the eye lid and then adding a touch of 'dandy brandy' to the outer lids and blending. A very neutral but beautiful look!

BENEFIT DALLAS FACE POWDER, (part of celebutante set)

This bronzer is so amazing, benefit have so many different bronzers which are all lovely. I particularly love this one as it isn't too dark but it also adds a lovely shimmer. A great bronzer if you're just getting started with bronzing and contouring.

CREMESHEEN CREMECUP MAC LIPSTICK- £15

This has been my favourite lipstick for so long, it adds a lovely pinky colour to your lips and is so soft and nourishing. The cremesheen lipsticks are a definite favourite of mine!

SLEEK LIP CONDITIONER (POUT POLISH)- £4.49- BOOTS

I always apply this before wearing any lipstick, as it ensures your lips are conditioned and ready for you to smoothly apply your lipstick, you can also use this balm on its own as it is tinted with a pinky/nude tone.

What do you think of my face of the day look? What are your favourite makeup products at the moment? Leave me a comment below! :) 

BENEFIT COSMETICS- ROLLER LASH MASCARA

When I heard that the new Benefit 'roller lash' mascara was making its debut in Elle magazine this month I was so so excited! I couldn't wait to go out and buy Elle to see what all the hype was about, however I must admit my first impressions were not good.

If there is one thing I hate it's plastic mascara brushes, I literally never ever buy a mascara unless it has proper bristles as otherwise I never find that they volumise my lashes, despite adding more length. But when I tried it, despite being a bit sceptical, I found that the mascara actually works fantastically. I had absolutely no issues with the brush and found that it does exactly what it says it will. My eyelashes were instantly more curly, longer and volumised! 

The 'roller lash' mascara claims to visibly lift lashes, gives long lasting curl and makes eyes look more wide open, I can honestly say it did all of that for me! I think personally I will always prefer the 'bad gal lash' mascara as it really does volumise your lashes which is my aim, but I seriously do reccomend you give this one a try!

You will never convince me to pay around £20 for a mascara unless it's for a special occasion, the amount of mascara I go through I think I'll stick to my high street alternatives. However for just £4 you can get a copy of Elle and a tester size of this wonderful mascara! 

I absolutely loved the roller lash mascara, have you tried it yet? Would you like to try it? Leave me a comment below! :) 

FOTD| My Everyday makeup

I haven't done one of these posts in quite a while, so I thought I would share with you a little post about my everyday makeup routine! Recently I have been becoming more bothered about how I look after my skin and I am keen to try new makeup products (I have so many reviews coming up soon), as before I felt like I was stuck in a makeup routine rut. Honestly, I used the same foundation since I was 14 and I had never even tried bronzer, now I'm trying out a range of cleansers and toners, I attempt to contour, I now actually use eye shadows, and I even bought my first primer yesterday! Anyway, here is the list of products I use, half of my makeup actually originates from an old Benefit 'Celebutante' makeup set which I got for Christmas one year, yet it is absolutely perfect for playing around with new products, and then I can go and buy the full size versions! The rest of my makeup also tends to be by Rimmel  London, I just love how high quality it is, yet so affordable! 

RIMMEL LONDON LASTING FINISH FOUNDATION 201, £7.99, Boots

This has always been my go to foundation, it provides full coverage and is skin perfecting. I completely stand by its 25 hour claims, as for all the years I have been using this product, it is genuinely transfer proof, sweat resistant and lasts all day, unless your sat out in 30 degree heat of course. I use either shade 200 or 201 classic beige, and I have never even had the urge to splurge on a £27 ish high-end foundation as this works just as well, for a fraction of the price.

SCANDALEYES RIMMEL LONDON MASCARA, £4.99, Boots

It may not be high end, but it's amazing, the amount of compliments my eyelashes get is ridiculous, all for just £4.99! There are many versions of this mascara depending on the effect you want to achieve, but I find this 'rockin' curves' version has a curved brush and is perfect for reaching your inner lashes, plus adding length and volume.

NYC 649 PROSPECT PARK ROSE CHEEK GLOW, £2.99, Superdrug

I always find it ridiculously hard to find a good blusher, they are either disgustingly matte and dark or over the top shimmery, this one has the best of both worlds. This powder blush is highly effective at adding some colour and a little shimmer that adds a little highlight to your cheeks as well, perfect!

RIMMEL LONDON STAY MATTE POWDER 003 PEACH GLOW, £3.99 Boots

This powder is one of the most popular choices for powder, it's lightweight touch, shine control and pore minimising effects make this a great choice for setting your foundation or simply for touch ups throughout the day.

BENEFIT THE PORE FESSIONAL, (part of full glam ahead set) £9.99 Boots

At the moment I only have the miniature version to try out, however I am definitely planning on buying the full size version! The product effectively reduces the appearance of pores, leaves your skin feeling extra soft and makes the application of foundation smoother than ever.

BENEFIT BROWZINGS, £24.50, Boots

This pallette combines a powder eye brow filler with a gel like setting product for your eyebrows, despite the high price, I can honestly say this product is great for preening, styling and defining your brows perfectly.

BENEFIT HIGH BEAM HIGHLIGHTER, (part of full glam ahead set) £9.99 Boots

Again I have only recently started using this product but I am very pleased with the results, I apply on top of my foundation and blend across my cheek bones, to my Cupid's bow, and along the top of my nose to ensure a highlighting effect to certain areas.

LEGGY AND DANDY BRANDY BENEFIT VELVET EYEHSHADOW, (part of celebutante set)

These two shadows combined create a neutral and everyday look for the eyes, I apply the shimmery Leggy velvet shadow all over the lid and the the brown Dandy Brandy shadow to the outer eyelid and blend together, which creates a beautiful neutral smoky eye, the product stays put all day and doesn't get caught in the creases of your eye lids.

BENEFIT DALLAS FACE POWDER, (part of celebutante set)

I absolutely cannot wait to buy the full size version of this bronzer, I absolutely love it! I usually find that sometimes bronzers can be too dark, however this one is perfect for adding a little colour and definition to the cheekbones.

THE BODY SHOP FROSTED CRANBERRY LIP BALM, £4.00 The Body a Shop

This product is not featured in the images above but I absolutely love this lip balm because not only does it smell divine, like all Body Shop products, but it also moisturises your lips leaving them soft and supple even in the cold winter months. It also adds a little colour to the lips which is beautiful, for only £4 this is 100% my number one handbag essential.

As you can see, besides using a range of Benefit products at the moment, my daily makeup routine is highly inexpensive, infact my entire routine comes to just around £20, which tends to last me around 4 months, bargain! I would love to know about your daily makeup routine, what are your everyday products? Leave me a comment below! :) 

Benefit| Full Glam Ahead

Benefit FULL GLAM AHEAD, Boots exclusive, £9.95

When it comes to high-end cosmetics I have never really seen the point in spending a hell of a lot of money on makeup which you can most certainly find at a much cheaper price by high street makeup brands. Although I won't be splashing the cash on foundations and mascaras, I do like he occasional treat, for example MAC is my go to place to grab a new lippy (I just bought one of their Dazzleglass lipgloss which I will review soon) and when it comes to makeup brushes I would consider investing in some real techniques brushes, so when I saw this handy little kit of mini benefit favourites I just couldn't resist!

The set consists of 3 miniatures of some of the most popular benefit products, the PORE fessional, BADGAL LASH mascara and High Beam highlighter. If I am completely honest I had absolutely no idea how to use the pore fessional or High beam so I had to do a little bit of YouTube searching for some tutorials, I have however used their BADGAL lash mascara before and I can 100% say it is the best mascara I have ever used. So, at just £9.95 I thought this was an absolute bargain if you just want to have a little play around with these products and see what you think of them before splashing out on the full size versions. Here's a little more info about these products and how to use them.

HIGH BEAM

High beam is a highlighter which aims to enhance your complexion. To apply, I reccomend you use around 3 small dabs of the product spread evenly along your cheek bones, this is the area you need to highlight most, you can also apply this along the top of your nose, Cupid's bow or anywhere else you wish to highlight! Simply apply when you have applied your foundation and blend, however don't apply  on top of powder as it can get a little caked up.

THE PORE FESSIONAL

The pore fessional is a pro balm which minimises the appearance of pores. I was very sceptical about this product as I just didn't understand how it could possibly work, however there has been so so much hype about this product so I gave it a go. It seriously does not disappoint, although I think the effectiveness of the balm really does depend on the severity of your pores, it really does work! Simply pat the product into any visible pores, for example at the side of your nose/ cheeks, nose or chin and then sweep away any of the excess and blend into your skin. Not only just it make your skin feel super soft, but it smooths out your complexion and really does minimise your pores, then when you apply your foundation the application is a lot easier and looks so much better. The product has a light fragrance and is a skin tone colour which differs from High street alternatives which have a more gel like consistency.

BADGAL LASH

BADGAL lash is literally the best mascara I have ever used, despite retailing at around £17.50 it is expensive, but is perfect for keeping it for special occasions or when your eyes need more definition. It is so great for volumising and lengthening your eyelashes, whereas some others do either or, the brush is also highly effective, I much prefer bristle brushes for my eyelashes as I usually find plastic ones are absolutely useless. Highly reccomend this one, but keep an eye out for their brand new Roller Lash mascara which will be available in the March issue of Elle magazine (available next month).

Overall I have found all 3 of these products highly effective, however I am yet to decide whether to invest in the full size versions, I absolutely love these affordable miniature versions however as now I can get used to using them and it will only set you back £9.95 for all 3 of the products, a lot cheaper than the full size products which can cost anything between £17 and £28. For the miniatures bought individually the value would be £20.33 which saves you a massive 50%, definitely grab this one while you can!

Are you a fan of high end makeup? Do you use Benefit? Leave me a comment below! :) 

PRODUCT REVIEW| Benefit Browzings

Honestly this is my new favourite product at the moment, best thing is I didn't even need to pay £23.50 for it as my friend has kindly let me have it as she isn't too keen on it! Usually I am not a big fan colouring in eyebrows as I think some people take it a little too far with the 'scouse brow', nobody likes big pencilled on eyebrows do they?! However I recently tried this on a wim to see what I thought of it and was pleasantly surprised. The wax and powder combination makes it not only perfect for filling the brows in with colour and shaping and taming with wax, wax is particularly good for adding colour and the powder for setting. The kit also comes with tweezers and two brushes, the first for shaping and the other for blending, ensuring perfected brows! The product also comes in different shades, so having medium brown hair the medium shade was perfect for me, but I am sure anyone will be able to find a suitable match to their actual hair colour. Although the kit comes at a high price of £23.50, which compared to other eye brow pencils/ crayons/ powders and gels is very expensive, however I really do highly recommend this product even if you have to do some saving! The brows are left looking full, tamed, and shaped perfectly and most importantly, they look natural! :)

Benefit Browzings- £23.50- Boots