Showing posts with label Benefit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benefit. Show all posts

My Current Skincare Routine (Part 1)

Friday, 4 September 2015

Hello loves,

As I'm off on holiday quite soon, I've been assessing the skincare products that I may need. I don't like to overpack, because generally I don't use everything and I do not want to have to lug heavy bags around. Luckily I'm not flying this time round, which I'm happy for. Rather, we'll be driving and using the Euro Tunnel to go to France.

However, this post is to look at my current skincare routine, which I'll have to break up into a few posts. I do use quite a few different products, however this is some of my basic day and night moisturisers. I'll discuss my cleansing routine in part 2 next week.

Benefit's Triple Performing Emulsion, The Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Mist, The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion and The Body Shop Drops of Youth Serum.


On a recent shopping trip I purchased Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion on recommendation from one of the girls that worked on the counter. I was looking for a skin brightener that doubled as a good moisturiser as well. I was skeptical, I shan't lie. In the mornings I'll cleanse and tone my face to get a cleared canvas to work on and straight away I'd apply this Facial Emulsion all over my face and neck. It has a very faint fragrance, but it is not overpowering. The emulsion melts into the skin beautifully and is really moisturising. My skin had been suffering from dry patches and this emulsion with daily use just totally eradicated that problem. This had been on going for a year, and no other skincare products would sort this issue out. So I'm completely thankful for this beaut. I just can't wait to try some of the other skincare products from this range. You've done remarkably well here Benefit. I'm looking at the daily moisturiser and eye cream to buy next.


Next on my list of daily-use products is The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist. I use it as a secondary toner in some ways but it really is a multi-use product. You can apply the spray to your freshly cleansed skin before you go to bed or in the mornings before you apply your moisturiser. It can be used as a make-up setting spray, which works well. Or you could just use it to freshen up your bare skin on holiday.  Again, I was a skeptic - however with prolonged use, it made a huge difference in the moisture levels of my skin. I also think that my skin enjoys the added Vitamin E levels that are offered with this mist. If you are wondering whether to add this to your skincare routine, I'd say yes go for it. You can also make your own by adding rose water to a spray bottle. The rose water has very similar properties and feels really nice and fresh on your skin. Rose water can often be found in the baking section of your local supermarket.


In the evenings I like to alternate between products. Sometimes if my skin is quite clear, I'll just use Benefit's Facial Emulsion to moisturise. At other times when I'm looking for a healing and deeper moisturising product, I opt for The Body Shop's  Drops of Youth Serum. This serum is very light on the skin, however the moisturising properties of this is amazing. It leaves the skin smooth and beautifully soft the next morning. This serum contains plant cells (which incidentally is also used in La Mer's highly sought-after - yet pricey - skin care products). These plant cells help to rebuild your skin's own damaged cells and restore the youthfulness of skin. Just a small amount of serum goes a very long way, and I've had my bottle for at least a few months. This means that even though it is a bit more expensive, it is well worth it. By just using this for a month, I noticed again that my skin was plumper and more hydrated.



My final product of choice here is The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion. This is the step that I may or may not have to use during my usual skincare shenanigans. Obviously if I have a spot, I'd dab the lotion onto the area and it usually kills off any remaining bacteria to ensure the area dries out and heals as quickly as possible. This is personally a hero product for me, as it is just on the right side of gentle yet powerful. Some tea tree inspired products can be extremely strong and my skin often reacts to these types of lotions/serums etc. Luckily this beauty is just great for keeping skin clear but without reacting. Again, this is a step that I highly recommend for any type of skin. If you may suffer of the odd spots, this should quickly set you back onto the straight and narrow for skin.

I hope you enjoyed the first part of the look into my skincare routine. I should be adding a few more products to the repertoire quite soon.

My advice on skincare is do not be afraid to try different products and to step outside of your comfort zone. You may be one product away from that 'PERFECT' moisturiser.


Beauty Buys

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Good morning beauties,

Happy hump day! I'm excited to be half way through the week and can't wait to share some exciting beauty related posts with you all later this week.

Recently, I managed to buy lots of the beauty goodies that I didn't manage to buy the past while. Urban Decay is just one of those notorious beauty brands that I fell in love with the first time I ever tried it, and as soon as the Naked 3 pallette and the Naked on the Run pallette was released, I wanted - nay - needed both!


Please excuse the wine in the background, however occassionally needs must. So during the shopping process I bought the Naked on the Run pallette, Naked 3 pallette, Naked Lipgloss in Lovechild and a mini Roller Lash Mascara by Benefit.

I haven't regretted buying any of these beauties and they've fast formed an integral part of my daily beauty routine. If you want me to review any one of these products, just let me know.

What is your beauty lust-haves?


Benefit Birthday Treat

Thursday, 16 January 2014

Good morning,

Last August I celebrated my birthday.  You're probably wondering why I'm sharing this information with you at such a late stage, but bear with me!

Sephora - the beauty store mecca (which is unfortunately only located in America, Canada and certain European countries), offers their customers a free beauty treat on their birthday.  I happened to visit America about two weeks after my birthday and was lucky enough to visit a Sephora store to get myself a lovely little present by Benefit.






There are two Benefit mini sample sizes of the Watts Up! Highlighter and They're Real Mascara.  The Watts Up! Highlighter is a soft focus highlighter with a soft golden colouring compared to the Moon Beam Highlighter which is more silver toned.

My favourite mascara at the moment has to be They're Real by Benefit, it is awesome and really gives wonderfully lengthened and volumized eye lashes.
 
I'm so happy to have received these two little gems, because I haven't stopped using them during the past 6 months! Have you received anything free for your birthday from Sephora?  If so, what was it?

Beauty hugs,

What I got for Christmas

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

Good afternoon to all of you beautiful ladies out there...

It has been a LONG time since I've blogged, but I've just got sooo much to share!  I'll have to say sorry for my absence from the blog, but I'm now working full-time, studying towards an MSc in Medicinal Chemistry and having to run my household.  So quite a bit to be getting on with.  I really miss blogging so will try to do it in between whenever I can.

So without further ado....a belated Merry Christmas!  I hope you've all had a wonderful festive time that is filled with all the good stuff that Christmas should be all about.  Lots of blessings from my house to yours.

I really wanted to share what I got for Christmas and loads of other posts that I've organised for the next few days, so I'd love to see you peering in and reading what I've been up to.

All my gifts together

My giant 'cow' slipper that warms your feet and my Teradactyl warming beanie

From left to right: Benefit's Primed for lovin' kit, Urban Decay Black Market 24/7 mini pencils, Naked Basic/2/3 dual ended pencils, Hugo Boss Nuit Fragrance set and body lotion and Nails Inc Sexy Dressed Nails Mini Polishes

The Benefit Primed for Lovin' kit contains: Sugarbomb Lipgloss, High Beam Highlighter, Porefessional Primer and They're Real Mascara (a huge favourite!)

These are all my Urban Decay Liners...the Naked duel-ended babies are absolutely gorgeous!

The Best Dressed Nails Kit by Nails Inc includes from left to right: Hampstead Court (silver hologram fibre optic polish), Old Street (rainbow graffiti polish), Regents Park (new red sprinkles polish), Westminster Bridge Road (deep violet galaxy polish) and finally Kings Road (rose gold foil effect polish).

My oxblood Zara Mini Tote (LOVE IT!) and two tickets to Harry Potter Studios in Watford (my husband added the interactive tour by Draco Malfoy and the commemorative book). Super lucky girl!

I got the Lee Stafford Poker Straight Hair kit and the Toni & Guy Kit too.

The Lee Stafford kit includes: Dry Shampoo, Dehumidifier Spray and the Flat Iron Protection Spray. You also get a handy comb and little hair bands in pink.

Closer up ....

The Matthew Williamson for Toni & Guy Hair collection also includes the Dry Shampoo, Extreme Hold Hairspray and Heat Protection Spray and as a bonus you get the spiral hair grips and pretty Matthew Williamson bag that you could easily use for makeup!



I also got from left to right: Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream, Lush Turkish Deligh Shower Smoothie, Mrs Frosty pack, Lush 'The Honeymooner' massage bar, No 7 Body Shimmer Aftersun and Body Shop's Vitamin E Eye Cream

So as you can see I've been spoilt rotten and am so greatful for all the amazing gifts that my husband and all our family gave both of us.  I also got loads of Lush bathbombs including my favourites 'Golden Wonder' and 'Cinders'.

Hope you've all enjoyed this look into what I got for Christmas and that you got some wonderful gifts too.

Lots of Christmassy Cheer

Benefit Lip & Cheek Kits

Monday, 10 September 2012

Autumn has well and truly kicked in and my tan is fading faster than a speeding bullet.  Pastiness has setting in and it is making me grumpy. Gals we need to get some colour back into our cheeks, LITERALLY!  So what better than getting some sexy blusher in a handy little kit?  Great for a fast paced life and also for when you travel.

The beauty geniuses at Benefit have a real knack for capsule collections. Hot on the heels of Besties, meet three perfectly thought-out Lip & Cheek Kits: Sugarlicious (featuring Sugarbomb Face Powder and Lip Gloss), Feelin' Dandy (featuring Posietint Lip & Cheek Stain and Dandelion Face Powder) and Go Tropicoral, a kit featuring the lovely chachatint Lip & Cheek Stain and CORALista Face Powder. Each promises to perk up your complexion a treat!

Available 12th September

sugarlicious

deliciously nude…lip & cheek kit



feelin' dandy

perk me up…lip & cheek kit




go tropiCORAL

turn up the heat…lip & cheek kit



These babies are going to be selling for approximately £24.50 per kit, and they are beautiful!  They'll be available in Boots, any department stores and also any Benefit stores and online.

I'm buying one of each!  These pocket-sized beauties will fit easily into my handbag-beauty kit.

Which would you choose?

xoxo,
Angelique

Benefit Besties

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Hello fellow beauty lovers and welcome to my wednesday blog post!


First up, my latest obsession, Benefit Besties, the fantastic new mini make up set from Benefit that I've been using for the last week. Boasting miniature versions of Benefit's bestselling 'That Gal' brightening face primer (loaded with light-reflecting pigments to boost radiance) and Some Kind-a Gorgeous (a cream-to-powder sheer coverage 'foundation faker'), its aim, say Benefit, is to achieve "record-breaking flawlessness."

So how did Benefit Besties fare?
Well, I've fallen in love with it. I'm not blessed with naturally clear skin so I struggle to find make up that doesn't dry into cakey layers around blemishes but the foundation faker smoothed over my skin so easily, leaving it soft and silky with no flaky spots! I wouldn't say the finish was flawless but it was definitely a significant improvement compared to my usual foundation.

Top tip:
Smooth the primer over your face before building up the foundation coverage in light layers. I've been applying it using my fingertips but you can use a sponge or brush if you prefer. A major plus is that the sheer texture of the foundation faker makes it harder for you to apply too much in one go which helps avoid a patchy, unblended finish - great if you're in a hurry!

Benefit Besties became available from 1st August so add it to your holiday shopping list. I know I won't be without mine this summer!  It is so cheap too at £9.50!

xoxo
Angelique

Summery Beauty Products

Monday, 2 July 2012


What does summer smell like? Look like? Feel like? Chances are the words "coconut," "tropical," "beach," "sand," "bright," and "colorful" came to mind. At least that's what I think of when I think summer. Of course, the season is just around the corner, so it's not hard to get into the summery spirit. But what about the other times of year, when summer seems as distant as the sun?

I have good news. I found 10 beauty products to put you in the summery mood no matter where you are and what the season. That means, as you watch the snow drifts pile up against your window, just a spritz of one of the summer fragrance picks will transport you onto a Caribbean beach, while a certain body scrub will leave your skin silky and smooth, ready to be sun kissed.

Of course, I didn't just concentrate on skin and scent. My roundup also includes makeup, nail polish, hair products, and shower gels, guaranteed to evoke that summery feeling. That's not to say you shouldn't use these products during those warm months -- that's how they made my list!

And since each season means something different to everyone, I want to know: What's your favorite "feels like summer" beauty product? Am I missing anything on my list? Leave your answer in the comment box below.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

I can't think of another product that reminds me of summer as much as Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen. (Try Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen, £14.99.) It could be the scent (exotic botanicals) or the ultra-moisturizing formula (sun protection + lotion = amazing); either way I love this summer staple.

Plus, when it's winter, and your skin feels almost reptilian, slather on some of this lotion. It will work wonders on your skin -- and your mood, since one whiff will instantly transport you to the shores of Waikiki.



Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder

Skip the spray tan. Instead, try Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, £23.50, to recreate that warm summer glow year round. Unlike other bronzers, this product doesn't contain any sparkle or shimmer, just pure matte color. That means it'll look like you just stepped off the plane from your Caribbean vacation, and didn't just swipe on some powder. (I won't tell.)








Philosophy Salt Water Taffy Set

You don't need to live near the boardwalk to experience the joy that is salt water taffy. All you need is a bathtub and the Philosophy Salt Water Taffy Set, 3 for £35. This trio of shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath comes in three scents (or should I say flavors?): strawberry, lemon, and lime. As you rub these moisturizing suds into your skin and scalp, you can't help but smile. After all, salt water taffy is the ultimate summer candy.




Nars Monoi Body Glow II

Want to smell like summer? Yes, summer does have a smell ... and it's kind of like Nars Monoi Body Glow II, £44. This product is multipurpose body oil from French Polynesia that helps hydrate and soothe skin. And it's got an amazing scent -- a mix of the Tahitian gardenia (tiare flower) and refined coconut extract. Plus, each bottle has a tiare flower, which is pretty cool if you ask me.

I don't know what's better -- smelling like a floral tropical paradise or having beautiful glowing skin? Doesn't matter, I'll take both.





Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Collection

Frederic Fekkai has an entire line of products dedicated to summer hair. (Reason number 356 why I love this man.) My favorite product is called Beach Waves, £16.95, and it's perfect for when you want to look like you just spent the day by the water. Instead of creating a smooth curl, it gives you a texturized, tousled wave. And did I mention it smells like coconut?



Wet n Wild Mega Slicks Lip Gloss and Juicy Lip Balm SPF 15

This next product will not only transport you to those summer months, but also back to teenage-hood. Wet n Wild has had a rebirth of sorts, and we're in love with the Mega Slicks Lip Gloss, £1.99, and the Juicy Lip Balm SPF 15, £3.29.

The Mega Slicks come in bright, tropical colors like Cherry Glaze and Candy Apple, while the Juicy Lip Balms offer a slight tint with yummy flavors like Strawberry and Watermelon. And after rediscovering these old-school classics, I have to say I don't know why I ever forgot about them in the first place.


Bobbi Brown Beach Body Scrub

Just like Frederic Fekkai, makeup queen Bobbi Brown has an entire line dedicated to summer beauty products. My top pick is her Beach Body Scrub, £31. It's an amazing exfoliator tinged with Brown's signature beach scent -- light and not overpowering, a definite bonus. The orange peel and pumice will help smooth your skin (goodbye flakes), while the shea butter and essential oils moisturize









Butter London Spring/Summer Collection 2012

Tropical scents and beachy waves aren't the only things that bring us back to summer. Sometimes it's all about color. Butter London Spring/Summer Collection 2012, £12 each, has five new nail polish shades that will definitely transport you to warmer weather.

Even the names are fun and carefree, like Disco Biscuit, a tropical hot pink with iridescent glitter, and Trout Pout, a sheer cantaloupe shade. Or you could just make your nails look like shimmery oyster shells with Knackered. Can you get more beachy than that?




Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

Don't know how to surf? No worries. Sexy, wind-swept hair can be yours with a few pumps of Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, £19.50. Its salt formula gives your hair that "day at the beach" look (think texture, fullness, and volume), while the seaweed and kelp extracts moisturize your hair.



Saffron James Nani Fragrance Eau de Parfum

Saffron James Parfums are a line of fragrances inspired by the flowers of Hawaii, like plumeria, pineapple leaf, passion flower, and hibiscus. Sound like summer to you? Thought so. I'm are especially entranced by the Saffron James Nani Parfum, £40, a scent that blends elements of jasmin, plumeria, and citrus. Spray some on and mix yourself a pina colada, tiny umbrella optional.   Unfortunately this is quite difficult to find outside of the US, but it smells soo darn good!





Lazy Girl's Guide to Makeup on the Go

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

There are girls who spend an entire hour on their makeup every morning, perfecting a smoky eye, lining their lips, and using 15 brushes to get it all done. If you're one of those girls, this article isn't for you. It's for the lazy girls, like me, who don't have the time or desire to spend a large chunk of time piling on the powder (and would rather do my makeup on the go). How do you know if you're a lazy girl?

1. You hit the snooze button until you have five minutes left before you need to leave the house.
2. You instantly love any beauty product that can do 12 things at once.
3. You've put your makeup on in the car, a public restroom, or at your desk -- more times than you can count.

If any of those statements sounded a tad too familiar, you're officially a lazy girl. Congrats!



Don't get me wrong. Lazy girls still want to look their best every morning. They just have more important things to do, like sleep. This is where I come in. As a fellow lazy girl, I know the pressures that come with doing your makeup on the go, or in minimal time. The good news is I found a bunch of products that are meant to help those of us with only nanoseconds to slap some makeup on.

And if you want even more lazy girl guidance (after you finish this story), check out my lazy girl's guide to hair tomorrow. Before you know it, everyone will be envious of your look, not realizing it took you less time than it took them to do just their eyeliner.


Start off right

The first step to a gorgeous face? Creating a clear complexion. For the non-lazy girl that means primer, concealer, SPF, foundation, setting powder ... whew! (Just listing those made me tired.) Luckily, there's an easy way to turn those five steps into one: BB cream.

Originally from Southeast Asia, BB cream has finally made its way to the rest of the world, and every lazy girl should rejoice. It's a product that's meant to protect, moisturise, and even out your skin tone all at once -- something that makes both dermatologists and makeup artists very happy. But with tons of BB creams out there, how do you know which is the best? A good BB cream will include anti-aging moisturiser, SPF, and a tint to even out skin tone.  Slap one on in the morning and you're good to go.

I recommend Too Faced Beauty Balm Multi-Benefit Skin Care Makeup, £24.50, especially if you're going for that dewy look.


Double up

Just like the BB cream, every lazy girl should look for makeup products that do double duty. Not only will this save you time, but you'll also spend less money -- and who doesn't love that?

For example, choose a lip stain that you can also apply to your cheeks, like Benefit Benetint, £24.50.

You can also try using one product multiple ways. Celebrity makeup and hair pro Jeffrey Paul shares this trick online: Once you're done using your hairspray on your head, spritz some on your fingers, and then shape your brows. It'll keep those strays in place.

Last tip? If you don't want to break out a ton of different products, try a monochromatic look. Paul says to use a bronzer on your cheekbones and your eyelids.


Ultimate applicator

Makeup brushes can be a big time suck. (Besides, what's really the big difference between an eyebrow brush and an eyeliner brush?) My suggestion: Ditch 'em. Instead try this applicator -- your finger. You can use your fingers for any beauty product or part of your face.

Not only will this save you time, but you might just get a better look. Using your fingers is a great way to feel how much product you are applying on your skin; something that's harder to judge when using a brush. Another reason to use your digits: If you blend each item properly, your makeup will look more natural than if you used brushes.






Pencil it on

You could spend 20 minutes perfecting a cat eye and applying eyeshadow, or you could opt for an ultra fast, one-step, show-stopping look. If you're all about speed, you need a chunky eye pencil. An eye pencil can define your eye shape, create a sultry smoky eye, and intensify your eye color.

Another great thing about ultra-chunky liners? Because they are so thick, they naturally smudge, so no extra step to worry about. And that's not the only benefit to using an eye pencil on your lids. Unlike glittery eyeshadow that eventually ends up on your cheeks, many eye pencils don't flake. I loves NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil, £4.50.






Oil up

Want to streamline your beauty routine even more? Pair down your moisturisers and opt for a cure-all oil. Cure-all oils -- coconut, avocado, and almond are just three examples -- can keep your face and body hydrated with just one product. Just slather them on from head-to-toe and call it a day.















Smell good

Don't have time for a perfume spritz? Add it to a step you probably always make time for -- your deodorant. These days many high-end fragrances like Chloe and Stella McCartney make specially scented deodorants. They're a bit pricy, but when you think of your purchase as two products, I'm sure you'll see the light.















Nails without the polish

It can take hours to paint your nails, clean up the mistakes, and wait for them to dry. I have a better idea: Fake it. Yup, if you're looking for a cool design, but don't have the time (or patience) to do-it-yourself, try nail stickers. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, £5.25, are cheap, fun, and come in a variety of patterns, prints, and textures.

And if you're looking for length, try press-on nails, like Impress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, £7.99. Don't worry -- they are nothing like the press-on's of the '80s. These nails look as flawless as a shellac mani, and are way thinner than the fake nails of the past.






Wipe it off

This has to be the ultimate go-to item in the lazy girl beauty bag: Wipes. Not only can you take off your makeup, but you can apply sunscreen, and even fix your hair with these wet naps.

Where to start? Try Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Wipes, £5.43, to sooth and clean toes, heels, and feet; Ted Gibson Hair Sheets, £12 to tame flyaways, and Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc, £15, for UV protection.

If you're looking for a cleansing cloth that will also calm your skin, try looking for wipes with aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile. I recommend Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, £4.99.

And while wipes are amazing, even lazy girls shouldn't skip face washing altogether. Cleansing wipes are great but I advise everyone to give their face a full wash at least every two to three days.



So I hope you enjoy these easy peasy ways of keeping up with the busy world out there.  I certainly will use anything in my arsenal to make life easier.

xoxo,
Angelique



 
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