Benefit They're Real.

The theme of the week is most definitely 'Products Worth The Hype'. I almost have a love/hate reaction when a product not only lives up to, but exceeds the hype. But this time I can't do anything but rave on like the rest of us. It's real love.

I must point out however, this is a massive U-Turn in opinion for me. I initially tried this last year and wasn't bowled over. It may have been to do with the fact that I popped it on over another mascara and only did it very half-heartedly, but the first impression stuck. 

I picked up this travel sized version on a whim when I went nuts in Boots a couple of weeks ago, it was a complete "well if the whole world loves it, surely it can't be that bad" moment. 

So, what made me change my mind? 

Before, behold the majesty of my naked lashes. Just slightly curled. 

Enter They're Real. 

One coat achieves wide awake, full but not clumpy, perfectly curled lashes. It truly is one of those "look at them, loook at themmm" mascaras. 

Personally, for daytime wear, one coat is enough. If you really want to up the ante, two coats gives you mega lashes. 

I took these photographs as I was doing my make up for work this morning (shoving a camera in your face at 7:45am will make you eternally grateful for the crop tool) and I can safely report there they still look as fresh as a daisy. The rest of my face may have slid off, but I've still got my lashes! 

The plastic wand wouldn't usually be my weapon of choice, but the 'torture ball' end really gets those corner lashes and gives a great cat eye effect. 

I'm sold, it's the real deal, even if my lashes aren't! 

RRP £18.50 (full size)

xx

Shopping the Stash Take Two.

It's my favourite kind of shopping, the free kind. 

Products I've Been Loving: 

Vera Wang Princess

Benefit Benetint

Prestige My Blackest Lashes

Barry M Lipgloss in No 11

MAC Fleur Power Blush

The Lowdown: 

First of all, I am a big fan of mini perfume rollerballs & this mini Vera Wang Princess is no exception. It was lost in a handbag for a little while but it's now back with a vengeance. It's a pretty, no offensive scent that perks me up throughout the day. I've also managed to find a bargain 100ml bottle AND a rollerball for £33.14, here, amazing!

Now, me and Benetint have a long standing relationship. Along with High Beam, they were amongst the very first make up products I possessed. I often forget about this old favourite, I mean it is the right of a beauty blogger to stray isn't it?! But, I've been reaching for after work if i'm going straight on to something else just to perk me up. Similarly it's been a gem for a quite post gym spruce up. I can never be bothered to put on a full face after showering/hair drying at the gym, but similarly I don't want to look like the living dead if I have a quick coffee after. My only gripe is that is it not the friend of the chapped lip. Looking like you've been scoffing raspberries isn't something I strive to achieve...

Moving onto a sad tale. Prestige My Blackest Lashes has to be one of my all time favourite mascaras, and they only went and discontinued Prestige in the UK didn't they!? So sad. Therefore I rave about this cautiously, I adore it and I rue the day this runs dry.

MAC Fleur Power Blush has won a place in my heart thanks to the recent purchase of the Real Techniques Blush Brush as it applies like a totally different blush when coupled with such a soft, feathery applicator. I've really been shunning lots of shimmer recently and sticking to soft matte shades, it's a trend I can see continuing! 

Finally, Barry M Lipgloss in No11 is firmly back in the mix thanks to a bit of friend envy. One of my lovely friends whipped it out the other day and I was instantly cooing over how nice it is. Low and behold I definitely had it in my collection. It's a soft coral pink that leaves a subtle shine without being too sticky or gloopy, the fact it smells like pineapple only elevates it further up the rankings, yum. 

What have you been rediscovering recently? 

xx

'No Make Up Make Up'

As the weather gradually warms up, I always find myself drifting away from la slap. 

I rely on a few lifesaving products whenever I want to look polished, but not 'done'. It's the perfect look if you're on holiday, having a relaxed day, or even if you want to pull off the "I'm just this naturally beautiful" look when you're with that special someone. 

I wear this look a lot, It works for me and it's a quick and easy cheat. 

SKIN:

Benefit Porefessional

Origins Vitazing

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection

BROWS:

HD Brow Palette*

HD Brow Beater*

Spoolie

EYES:

Curl!

Blink+ Go Mascara*

LIPS:

MAC Calm Mode

CHEEKS:

YSL Creme de Blush No2. 

Laura xx

*PR Sample

Finding Mr Bright.

If like me, you feel like you're on a constant quest to achieve perfect glowing skin, Benefit have come up with a nifty little kit to send you in the right direction. Enter - Finding Mr Bright. 

I've always been a fan of Benefit sets. One of my first ever make up products was the cult Benetint with High Beam thrown in for good measure. I'm glad to see High Beam making an appearance in this set, and love the small deluxe sample size, as it's so perfect for travelling. 

I've already got the cheaper 2True version of Posie Tint so I was never that inclined to spend my pennies on it, but it's a lovely subtle pink flush that compliments High Beam well. 

Girl Meets Pearl is an interesting product, whether you mix it with moisturiser to give you an extra dose of radiance, or apply directly to the areas you want to illuminate, it appears to be an all over glow giver. 

My one gripe? Erase Paste. It always seems to be a gamble when you put in a foundation or concealer into a gift set. Shade 2 is just about OK for my skintone, although I think I'll save this for summer...read too orange. I feel this may alienate some people from picking up an otherwise adorable set. 

RRP £28.50

Do you like to glow or do you prefer to stay matte? 

xxx