Sunday 28 July 2013

Benefit - Sun Beam Highlighter

How does that song go now? Oh yes....
I've got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine! 

How apt for me to talk about this product from Benefit which is literally sunshine in a bottle. 



It's summer time, and how many of us can honestly say that they don't long for the golden glow that summer time brings!? 

Me!? I love having a tan - and I've been trying to catch as much as possible while we've had the nice weather (although it is meant to rain the rest of this week *boohoo*) 

I'm a big fan of certain Benefit products, in particular their highlighters and cheek and lip tints. My favourite being Cha Cha tint which compliments Sun Beam perfectly. 

Most beauty fans will know that High Beam is a staple Benefit beauty product, which offers a subtle pink highlight - some may also be familiar with Moon Beam - which was in fact my first ever Benefit purchase! (many years ago now) 

So why Sun Beam? 
I am a fan of bronzer, and where most bronzers a contain glitter pigments - I am not a fan of this finish, I much prefer a matte look to my bronzer (my favourite being Hoola by Benefit) with all that matte finish on my face I need something to highlight my cheek bones and brow bones and that's where this product comes in! 
It's perfect for adding a subtle golden glow to your skin - even if you chose not to wear make up on holidays adding a little highlight never hurt anyone and this product is perfect for that! 
If your anything like me, I favour coral lip and cheek shades during the summer and this product really makes those colours pop. 


It retails for £19.50 - which is a big investment but it will last you a long time, as anyone that has previously purchased High Beam will know. 

I first picked up this product in an issue of Glamour magazine and I fell in love - so keep your eyes peeled if they run this promotion again! 

Rhian Xx





Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow

I'm sure we would all love a cream eyeshadow that didn't cake or fade away in to the creases on our lids... Step up Maybelline's Color Tattoo 24 hour gel-cream eyeshadow. 

I purchase this product a while ago, but for one reason or another it's never been at the top of my blogging pile, which is a shame because it is in fact great! 

It is a highly pigmented cream eyeshadow that sticks like no other cream eyeshadow I have tried before. 

It can be worn in a number of different ways; 
Alone - the product offers a lovely sparkle which can be as intense or subtle as you make it. Perfect for anyone who isn't sure about applying eye shadows - and quick and easy as you can apply with your finger. 
Base - this product is great for applying a loose pigment on top of. Especially if the pigment is of a similar shade. 
Eyeliner- there is no reason why this product can't be applied as a gel eye liner for a small hint of colour. 


Now whether this product actually lasts for 24 hours is something I will never have to worry about as my make up never stays on that long - however I have applied in the morning and the colour is still there before I remove it for bed - Maybelline claim this product to be "Fade Resistant" but after 12 hours the shade is slightly faded. 
The colour I opted for was 35 - On and on Bronze. But it is available in 12 shades from intense blues and purples to more subtle natural shades such as the one I selected. 

This product usually retails for £4.99 and is available nationwide. 

Rhian Xx


Collection Gel Liner - Brown

It's a rather bleak looking Sunday morning... so what better to brighten your day than to tell you about a great product that won't hurt your bank balance! 

For those unfamiliar with gel liners, this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to them at a budget price. 
In typical Collection style, this product sells for about £4-£5. I purchased mine in Tesco, on offer for £4 and for that it also includes a mini brush for application. 


I opted for brown, as I already have a black gel liner from Bobbi Brown but this range is also available in; Black, Gold and Teal. 
Application may require a little practise the same as any eyeliner, but a gel liner can provide a smoother and softer look to a liquid liner and also a more intense finish than a kohl liner - I find them perfect for applying on top of eye shadows to complete a look. 

This product promises 12 hour wear, I wore mine for about 10 hours and it held up pretty well. The colour wasn't as intense as it was after first application but then that's normal.

(I will say for anyone looking to invest more in a gel liner that the Bobbi Brown one I wear does not budge but retails for about £17.50 and the brush would be an additional cost) 

I opted for the brown shade for a softer day time look. 
The brown has a slightly reddish tone to it which is perfect for my eye shade. 
The brush isn't half bad either! The product applies very well and with great instant coverage.

I have found that even when ensuring that gel liners are tightly closed at all times they can tend to dry out, so will be keeping a close eye on this one. But for £4 this product is an absolute bargain! 

Rhian Xx






Wednesday 24 July 2013

The Body Shop Natural Lip Roll On - Coconut

This is going to be my first of a few Coconut based posts....

Now to give a little background as to why... If Craig David were to ask me "What's your flavour" my immediate answer would be coconut. 
I love anything coconut fragranced from candles to sun cream! 

And it was upon a recent visit to The Body Shop that I really filled my boots! 

I picked up this 100% natural lip roll on because I am always conscious of getting dry, cracked lips. Also it being a roll on, it's easy to apply with no sticky mess. 
The product is super moisturising and smells delicious! Being 100% natural it is also non tacky.. But leaves your lips fabulously smooth and soft! 
It's also great for anyone who normally opts for a clear lipgloss as it gives that finish, with added moisturising benefits and your hair won't get stuck to it! 

It retails for £4 in Body Shop Stores and online and is available in other flavours if coconut isn't for you. 
-Berry
-Rose
-Mint
-Orange

The Body Shop are also running an online promotion on this line at the moment where two can be purchased for £3.50 when entering LIPS at the checkout. 

Rhian Xx

Saturday 20 July 2013

Illamasqua Precision Ink in Glister

Illamaqua is renowned for it's bold looks, but they also do subtle very well too.

I am a huge fan of Illamasqua products, and this is one of the first Illamasqua products I ever purchased, and thought it was a great time to talk about it as I noticed it is currently featured in the Illamasqua online sale for £10.00 - which is a bargain!
 http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/products/sale-10-1/precision-inks/glister-precision-ink



Precision Ink in GlisterPrecision inks are liquid eyeliners, and they are amongst the easiest to apply that I have ever used - it has a fine felt tip which makes application simple. - they are also waterproof!

Glister is a nude liner, with subtle hints of pink and purple sparkles, which catch the light perfectly for subtle glamour.

This shade is great for anyone who doesn't like a lot of eye make up, or any one that just loves a little added sparkle. It also makes your eyes look brighter....



For my make up look today I have used Glister on my eyes along with Mac eye shadows in Espresso, Embark and All That Glitters. Teamed with Illamasqua lipstick in Obey.


Snap this product up for £10 while you can - you will love it!

Rhian Xx

Benefit Stay Flawless - 15 Hour Primer

This is a slightly delayed post.... Unfortunately I missed the Stay Flawless blogging event in Bristol for the launch of this product as I was away sunning myself in Portugal.... Nevertheless I have finally got my hands on it.

Before I reviewed this product after one days wear, I thought it would be better to review after a few days, and it couldn't have gone through a tougher test because for the days I trialled it, I was in a sweltering hot office and then London town in 32 degree heat!

So how did it stack up?

Great! I have tried loads of primers, particularly because I have combination skin and I also do not reapply my make up throughout the day so I like to buy product that will last.

The product comes in a stick format, which is very handy for quick application, when applying I draw a number 3 on my face - starting at my forehead, round to my cheek and then back out to the chin. I then buff out using a brush to ensure an even coverage.
The product applies transparently to the skin and unlike other primers I have used it doesn't feel heavy or like a mask on my skin.
Using the primer means that I use a lot less foundation while still achieving the same level of coverage.

Now as I mentioned I wore this product on some of the hottest days we have seen for years and I was still impressed. My foundation stayed put and it improved the overall appearance of my skin. However I would say, that if you are looking to this primer to prep the skin and minimise pores you are looking in the wrong direction as the product does not target pores. For that I would recommend Benefits Porefessional. The two products combined together make for near perfect skin.

Being Benefit the Stay Flawless primer isn't the cheapest around at £24.50 (15.5g) but a little goes a long way.

Would this product be a regular feature to my make up collection? Yes, at the moment it is my favourite primer.

Do you wear a primer? If so what is your go to product?

Rhian Xx