THE BEST OF BENEFIT?

THE BEST OF BENEFIT SET

I got this Benefit set for Christmas 2014 from my grandparents and it claimed to have 'the best of' the brand featured inside, and I thought I'd give you the run down on the best from 'the best' seeing as I've had more than enough time to trial these minis. 

The PoreFessional Primer - When I first tried this I was a little skeptical, as it was a very silicone based primer, and on the first few uses my skin seemed a little unsure, but as I got into it I began to actually love how it made my makeup apply and appear, and I am now making my way through a full size and I can't bear the thought of a day without it. 

High Beam - This is another favourite, a liquid pink pearl highlight which gives the most amazing glow. With a light hand this is gorgeous on top of the cheekbones, brow bones (pretty much anywhere you would highlight), or use it mixed in with a less glowy foundation. I even mixed this in with my moisturiser a few times for a subtle hydrating glow. 

Benetint - One that I didn't know how to use without looking like a clown with dark pink circles on the cheeks, but now I seem to have managed the art of Benetint, you could say. A little patted into the fingertips then lightly pressed into the cheeks and lips gives a subtle tint - that literally stays all day.

Hoola Bronzer - The cult classic; the one everyone raves about. This is great - a warm matte bronzer that when applied with a light duofibre brush gives a natural looking bronzed glow. I have to remind myself to use this as I often just reach for Nars Laguna, but this mini compact is a firm high flyer in my bronzer stash nonetheless. 

They're Real Mascara - A word of warning; do not poke yourself in the eye with this wand. The plastic bristles and odd ball shaped end to the wand really does make you cry a little, but I guess it can be excused by the wonders it does to the lashes. Although perhaps a little to wet when I first got it, after being left to dry out for a while it was the perfect formula for my lashes - but this one gets quite a few mixed opinions in the blogging world. 

They're Real Gel Liner - Gel liner in a pen excited me, and it was alright while it lasted. This stuff ran out fast - mainly because I would twist the bottom for ages then a huge blob would appear. This was super black, and gave the most dramatic line I think I've ever worn - and I even got a few compliments from it. My only complaint is that if I rubbed my eye at all (not advised with liner anyway, but I was going for it), it would begin to flake off. I think this one is about preference to be honest, but the new coloured versions do excite me. 

Boi-ing Concealer - I liked that you got 2 colours of this, because with a tan I could mix the two and then when I was paler I could just reach for the top one. This is pretty brightening, so under the eye use was the best for me, although it didn't beat my love for the liquid formulas across my concealer stash. Admittedly, with a hydrating primer or eye cream underneath it sat better, but apply too much and you have a cakey situation. 

So, there you go. The best and the 'try for yourself because I'm not quite sure''s, but all in all I will admit that nothing was a mega disappointment, so I was pretty impressed by this set and would definitely buy this for someone who hadn't tried any Benefit products if it comes out again this year. 

TRIAL-SIZED TONI & GUY

I have never been one for hair care products, but over the winter break I went a little but cray for all things hair, and craved all the hair care things, ever. I obviously didn't buy them all, but in the boxing day sales I managed to find this perfect little set.. The Toni & Guy Matthew Williamson Hair Meets Wardrobe bag came home with me, containing 3 rather generous trial-sized products at 75ml each, and I couldn't wait to spritz them all over my locks.

The first item you get is the PREP Heat Protection Mist, basically, a heat protect spray. I rarely use heat on my hair, as when I do, the ends go incredibly dry and frizzy, and look horrible, but on NYE when I curled my hair, I used this and no damage was shown to my ends, and I will continue to use this whenever I blow dry my hair (which is a rare occasion).

Next up, is the CLEANSE Dry Shampoo which I generally use on my second day hair when it is looking a little greasy, and this does the job of a dry shampoo so well. Gone are the days which I would use Batiste and end up getting powder on my fingers every time I touched my hair throughout the day, or being told that my roots are white, because this stuff leaves no residue whatsoever. I can imagine that once I have gone through this mini, I will be buying the full size product.

Finally, is the CREATIVE Extreme Hold Hairspray. I usually avoid hairspray, because I always have those visions of 'crispy hair at the primary school discos', and it makes me cry a little bit inside. But, this bad boy is brilliant. No crisp, a good hold and I am loving it at the moment. Best thing? It doesn't smell like hairspray at all! I wore my hair up to school, and generally after a good hour, I will have flyaway sections all over the shop, but this didn't give me any of that for a good 5-6 hours. *claps*

After trying these items, Toni & Guy is definitely a brand I am going to be looking out for more in the future. I have noticed that quite often they have offers on, so I am hoping a 3 for £12 comes up at some point again soon and I can stock up on some more products.

 

CHARES WORTHINGTON TAKEAWAYS ON THE GO DRY SHAMPOO

I'm sure we are all fans of dry shampoo. The nifty little can which allows you to freshen your hair between washes, with no use of water. Batiste used to be my best friend, but I have realised after someone complaining about my grey roots at school, and that every time I touched clothing I would have powdery residue left everywhere.

I was on the hunt for something that wasn't going to do this, but something that still would offer the freshness that Batiste does to the hair. I have tried Megan's Toni and Guy one, and that is next on my wishlist, but this Charles Worthington Takeaways On The Go offering which has been lingering at the back of my desk is pretty much just as good. No white residue, no gritty feeling, and that 'I washed my hair last night' look. Brilliant.

I have this in a minature size, which I buy in a hope called Home Bargains for a minute price of something like 80p, so it isn't too bad. I am still to hunt down a full size, because I really love this, but frankly I don't think it exists. Perfect handbag size though, which is handy.

A dry shampoo is an essential for me. Maybe next time I'll have to trial the 'dry conditioner' thing, and if I do, I'll report back... And a side note, but bad photo editing skills makes my hand look like it has had an awful fake tan job on the first picture, oops. I'll do better next time....

 

The Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Perfume Box

Hi guys!

I am a sucker for good scents, so getting sent this perfume box to try out was very exciting for me. I received it a few weeks ago but I wanted to try out all the perfumes properly so I know about them. 

So, I will just start now, so that this post doesn't go on for reams and reams. 

Here are all the perfume samples that are included in this box. There is a great selection!

The first perfume is Vera Wang Lovestruck (floral rush). It is described as 'a rich floral bouquet that blooms with instant attraction'. It definitely is just that. It is floral, but not too overpowering, as there is a subtle under-scent of something sweet which balances it out. It really is nice. This perfume costs £34.50 for 30ml. It has a lasting time for 3-4 hours, which is better than some perfumes. 

The second perfume is Nina Ricci's Nina L'Eau. This is by far one of my favourite perfumes in the box, and if I was one to splurge on perfumes, this would be one of them, but it isn't even too pricey. This is a mix between floral, fruity and 'powdery' warmth of musk there too. This retails for £24.99 for a 30ml which isn't too bad. The lasting time for this one is about 4+ hours, depending on how much you put on, which is average for a higher end perfume. 

I will admit that I was most excited to try out this one, as Juicy Couture perfumes are well raved about on the internet. I wasn't wowed by the scent that all the hype built it up to be, but it definitely is something I would spritz onto myself if I had a bottle of it myself. This perfume screams out femininity, slightly fruity yet floral, much reminding me of the DKNY Be Delicious perfume my mum always wore when she had a bottle. It is nice. 

This one also excited me a bit. The only thing I don't like is that the mini sample bottle doesn't have a spray thing on it, and I am really scared to open in because I know I will get perfume everywhere. But I opened it and BOY it smelt good! It is everything you want in a floral perfume. The bouquets are there, but then there is that powdery scent underneath which makes it much more subtle and no headaches will be happening whilst wearing it. No-one likes that feeling. This is £32.50 for 30ml. This lasts for about 4-5 hours so pretty good. 

The final perfume in this box is Just Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli. It is descried as 'a creamy floral' and I don't think it could be described by me or my nose in any other way. It's not creamy in a desert way or anything, but just in a way that makes the floralness less harsh. Making words up there, well done me. But this is a really lovely perfume, which I would recommend to everyone. This is £29.50 for 30ml. And it also lasts for about 4 hours, which isn't too bad.

Thanks for reading guys, what is your favourite perfume? Let me know in the comments!

Bye! Lauren x