Benefits Skincare - A pleasant Surprise

Most of us know Benefit as a cosmetics brand and not for their skincare. Their skincare range I knew of when they first introduced it a few years ago, but until now, I hadn't tried it.

Well I have got to admit, I was a bit unsure how well their skincare would be, and I am actually pleasantly surprised how good their moisturiser is!

I haven't tried all the skincare yet, only their triple performing facial emulsion SPF 15 PA++, which is an oil-free lotion with tri-radiance complex ( basically means it hydrates, protects & comforts the skin).

I applied this after my usual toner, and applied as instructed. It felt a little tacky in texture but on the skin once it absorbed in felt lovely. It certainly made my skin feel hydrated and comfortable. It even felt matt too and definitely left the t-zone which sometimes for me gets alittle oily though the day, pretty much matt all day long.

I used this for 4 weeks and had no problems with it either.

The Packaging and design of the product is typical Benefit but totally gorgeous and looks so good either on your dressing table or in the bathroom.

Price is very reasonable too at just £20.50 for a 50ml bottle.

For more information on their skincare range see video below or visit www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Lip Ink, Organic Semi Permanent Lip Colours

For those who love lipstick, liner liners, lipgloss this product is something you got to give a try!
I don't wear lipstick unless I am going on a night out, even than I mainly where a lipgloss of light colour, however with over 50 colours from Nudes, deep red, to wacky bright colours and a wide range of lip products ( lip ink colours, lip gels and lipsticks, Lip Ink® lip liners, lip shines and moisturisers and 3D LipMax Lip Volumiser ), I knew there be something I would feel comfortably wearing all day.

Lip Ink was created in 1995 and  backed by multiple patents and industry awards. It is a waxless, waterproof, smearproof, and ultra-durable, natural liquid lip color and is organic too!
All the products are made with no added preservatives, using pigments, 40 natural herbs and botanicals including goldenseal, chamomile, rosemary extract, seaweed, calendula extract, beta carotene, Vitamins E, C, B-.

The colour also speeds up natural lip exfoliation of dead skin cells - revealing softer, smoother, younger-looking lips in their natural state.

With Lip Ink you get a colour guide to match the perfect colours suited for your skin tone, eye colour and hair colour, ( if you go to the website you can use a selection of models with some colours, or you can speak to Simone personally for a consultation ).

You are also advised if your new to Lip Ink to order a sample pack which includes the Off solution, Shine and the colour you have chosen.

 I was given the colour Nude to try which I found was nice and would look good once my face was done up with makeup. I only used one layer here ( you can layer up the colour to 3 layers to achieve your perfect shade ).

Three days later I decided to try it again, this time with the three layers.

As you can see from the second photo, you can increase the deepth of the colour to your liking by choosing how many layers you wish to put on.

Instructions on how to use the kit was very clear to understand.
 You use the Off solution to clean your lips, than splash with water and pat dry.
 The shine moisture is than used as a base conditioner and massage thoroughly on your lips.
You than apply the lip colour to relaxed lips sweeping it slowly in one direction. If your going to layer the colour to achieve a more vibrant colour - you allow the colour to dry for 10 secs before each application.
The Shine is than used to finish  which you can either blot to leave a Matt look or add a little more for a shine/glossy look.

Remove LIP-INK® COLOUR by using the OFF solution on a cotton ball, make-up pad or a warm, lightly moistened, dark-coloured wash cloth. Press to the lips and leave for a few seconds for the OFF solution to break down the pigment. Gently dab the lips (never scrub) to wipe away the finish, flipping the pad, or cloth as you do so. After colour is removed, splash lips with water and pat dry.

The colour when applying creates a slight tingly sensation for a few secs, this reaction is normal. The sensation is due to the natural, organic, botanical and herbal ingredients.

What was great about this product is that it didn't feel like you had anything on your lips, and you could drink, eat, kiss without any colour coming off. I would totally recommend this to any one who uses lip colour every day.

For more information on LIP INK, or to order visit www.lip-ink.co.uk

Benefit Cosmetics Boutique Beauty Bars

I moved to Aylesbury nearly 3 years ago and before that I had never seen a Benefit shop, just pictures and write ups in magazines, and so I thought I'd pop in and see what they had on offer in our local boutique last Thursday.

I introduced myself to one of the girls that I was a beauty blogger and was wondering if they were able to supply me with samples to review about. The friendly staff member went and got the manager, Laura who kindly offered to demonstrate what services they offer and supply me with a little bag of samples. So I booked myself in for Saturday afternoon treat when I was able to leave my daughter with my partner so I had no distraction and enjoy being pampered.

On Saturday I was pleasantly greeted by the staff, and was told my Laura that Hannah a brow expert will be doing a wax on my brows and than herself will do a makeover on me. I had never had my brow waxed so I was quite excited to try this out.

Hannah explained how the process work, by mapping out my brow first showing me in the mirror how they achieve a perfect brow shape. She committed how perfect my shape was already which was a lovely compliment. Hannah than proceed with the waxing, which was rather pain free! and was surprised how little the redness was afterwards. Hannah than applied some soothing Aloe Vera to help moisturise and sooth the area.

Laura than took over to do the makeover. She explained that she would do half my face first going though step by step what she was doing so I could see the contrast of the look with my natural bare face on the other. Laura decided we would go for a smokey eye look, which I was thrilled about as I love that look but never really seem to get it right myself.

To start of with Laura applied to different colour powder foundations samples on my cheek and asked which one I'd preferred - a more skin matching tone or a slightly darker warmer tone. We both decided the natural one would look best.  The "That Gal Primer" was than put all over my face which you can wear under makeup or by itself to invigorate and brighten. " Hello Flawless Foundation" was applied and than a natural brow pencil ( which I was daunted about first as never got the hang of doing this either ). Laura demonstrated how to apply the brow pencil really well and made me feel confident in trying this myself at home.

Next were the eyes using the "Smokin' Eyes" kit which comes sultry shadows, highlighters, brow enhancers and a step by step instructions on how to create this wonderful look. Laura again demonstrated how to do this step by step showing me each step with the mirror, so that when I want to create this again at home, I would feel confident in doing so.

The "Erase Paste Concealer" was than applied under the eyes which helps with any dark circles, discolouration, and eyeshadows ( this is a product I definitely need as a mum! ). 
"Bad Gal Lash " mascara was used for my lashes which is a dark, inky mascara to give thickness and length to your lashes ( I have naturally long lashes and this made them look even longer! )

To compliment my sultry eyes, "Hoola Bronzer" was applied in a number 3 shape around my face, starting from the forehead, to my nose and than round to my chin. This created a lovely warm, natural 3d effect to my face without making it looked  really tanned. To give my cheeks some definition, the new "Bella Bamba 3D Blusher" was applied.

To finish the look off  "Foxy Lady" lipgloss was applied to my lips. I love lip gloss ( but hate lipsticks ) and was pleasantly surprised how NOT sticky this one felt. It gave a lovely shine to my lips.
I was than given a choice of the fragrance to chose from which I chose "Gina" - smells a bit like Amor Amor.

I really enjoyed my experience and the look that Laura gave me. I would definitely recommend going in to the store and using their beauty bar services and as well as buying the makeup.

Aylesbury Benefit beauty bar offers:

• Facial Waxing
• Tinting
• Body Wax
• Men's Waxing
• Lashes
• FAKE BAKE
• Bridal Packages
• Pamper Parties 

Aylesbury Benefit Store is situated on the High Street opposite WH Smiths.

For more information on Benefit Cosmetics and to find your nearest boutique visit 
www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk