TLC's Stars of 2013: Makeup

Time for the final installment of my Stars of 2013 Trilogy. I've already done Skincare and Haircare... Now onto the Makeup! I'm not gonna lie, 2013 wasn't a spectacular year for me in terms of buying makeup. I didn't go crazy buying lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes like I did in 2012. In fact, I didn't even WEAR as much lipstick and eyeshadow in general compared to previous years. There are a few clear Stars for the year though. Here's a selection of my favourites...

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - Santa Fe

2013 was definitely the year I set out to find my Holy Grail Foundation. In fact, I found a couple. My drugstore choice (seriously, I will never purchase another drugstore foundation ever again) was definitely Bourjois Healthy Mix, but my ultimate favourite high end foundation product for the year has to be Sheer Glow. I had high expectations for it from the start and it certainly lived up to the hype. Due to the price, I've always kept it reserved for more special occasions than everyday wear but I love the texture, the finish and how it feels on my skin. WINNER!!

DHC Perfect Pro Liquid Eyeliner* in Black - dhcuk.co.uk

Last year was definitely a year of Holy Grail product finds for me. This one found ME! You'll notice that I haven't included any eyeshadow products in this year's favourites and that is because I've mainly opted for bold liner, lashings of mascara and a neutral lip. This liner is seriously the easiest to control, picks up a TON of product (gives a good coat on both eyes without having to double dip), really well pigmented and produces a clean black line. I will NEVER be without this product again. Ever! DHC were a new brand discovery for me in 2013 but I've been seriously impressed with their products. 

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Cover-Up in Honey

This one was another event discovery, and one that I have since repurchased TWICE! I use it in a multitude of ways. It's fantastic on its own in the summer when you don't want a heavy liquid foundation on your skin (works really well with a BB cream too) while, in the Winter, a dusting over my regular foundation helps to set my makeup and keep it in place. It is also a good one to take in your bag on a night out for quick bathroom touch ups. Just a great all rounder. (This photo was taken when it was all new and shiny - the one I have now has hit pan and definitely not ready for its close up haha)

Rodial Glamstick in Thrill* - rodial.co.uk

I didn't go mad for bold lippy at all in 2013. There were a couple of exceptions, including MAC Rebel at Christmas, but I generally opted for neutrals and nudes. This particular lipstick has been my best friend during the colder months especially as it has amazing moisturising properties, almost like a lip butter. Of course, because it's Rodial it's really nourishing to the lips. The colour is neutral, but noticeable. Sadly, it's a little out of my price range and I'm not sure I'll be able to repurchase it any time soon but I've really loved it as a product. 

Benefit Dallas Boxed Powder

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I can't remember the last time I used a blush that WASN'T this one. I have worn this blush religiously ever since Autumn came knocking. It's my favourite of all the Benefit boxed powders (the runner up being Coralista in the Summer months). It's just a perfect, rustic shade that also adds a contoured effect with zero effort. I keep saying this but it is soooo underrated compared to other Benefit blushes and I don't feel it gets enough attention. I urge anyone to give it a go. It's such a versatile shade. 

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara* in Black
I've tried a few new mascaras this year but this is the one that I have stuck with. I am a huge fan of a lengthening mascara and it was love at first use with this one. I've never actually tried twisting it down and using the volumising wand. I don't really need thicker lashes. This post could so easily have turned into a Bourjois Appreciation Society Newsletter as I have thoroughly adored almost everything they have brought out this year. I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves for 2014!

So that wraps up my Stars of 2013. It's taken the best part of a month to get them all out there but I really hope you've enjoyed having a peep at the stuff I loved the most last year. If you missed either of the other two editions of this series you can find my Skincare picks Here and my Haircare favourites Here. Time to work on finding some new favourites for 2014, although I won't be letting go of this little lot any time soon either.

What makeup products did you love last year?? Any brands in particular stand out for you?? Did you notice yourself favouring a particular makeup look like I did??

TLC's Last Minute Christmas Crackers Pt2: Benefit Crescent Row

My last minute Christmas Shopping Spree continues! It might be less than a week to go before it all kicks off but there's still plenty of shopping hours to be had. A quick nip into Debenhams or Boots is all that's needed to pick up this little beauty of a Fragrance Gift Set by Benefit. I'm a HUGE fan of Benefit fragrances and was presented with this Limited Edition Crescent Row Set* at the Benefit Christmas Bloggers Party. This is a mini selection of all of their best loved fragrances, including a new addition to the gang.

This set contains four of Benefit's Best Loved Fragrances in dinky 10ml sizes...

Laugh With me LeeLee

Ring My Bella

My Place or Yours Gina

and 

NEW Under my Spell Noelle

These are perfect for handbags! I've been carrying around Noelle and Gina almost constantly ever since I got this set. It's great to have them handy, should the need for a quick dab of something gorgeous arise. The only fragrance out of the bunch I was unfamiliar with was LeeLee, but I'm learning to love her just as much as I love her Crescent Row sisters. And, of course, in true Benefit style, the packaging is beautiful. It's something any Benefit or fragrance fan would love to unwrap for Christmas.

This Gift Set retails for £29.50 for 4x10ml

Benefit have so many gorgeous Limited Edition sets this year! Why not have a browse on the website before you dash out to brave the shopping madness and save some time? If you REALLY haven't got time to get to a counter before Christmas, Benefit are currently offering an Express shipping option before midnight tomorrow (20th) to ensure your online orders get to you before the big day.  

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Are you a fan of Benefit Fragrances?? Who is your favourite of the Crescent Row Ladies?? 

A Few New Favourites

It's been a while since I mentioned any new favourites. I make a point of not doing a favourites post every month because, to be honest, if a product is my favourite then I'm not going to change it after a month just for the sake of a blog post. If I find a product I like I tend to stick with it unless something else comes along that really blows my mind. My favourites tend to change and evolve organically depending on my needs and often I fall back on old favourites as well as finding new ones. It just so happens that I've recently noticed that I'm reaching for a different set of products again so I thought I'd show them to you...

Amie Pure and Natural Skincare

I am a massive fan of this brand. I discovered them at a press event over a year ago and they are a brand that I seem to go back to. I'm going through one of those phases again recently and am really enjoying their Morning Dew Matte Finish Moisturiser again. I use it every day under my makeup. I've also included for this post their Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask as it is a product I really love and usually keep as a special treat. The products comprise of almost 100% natural ingredients and are free from Sulphates and Parabens. They also smell AMAZING! The moisturiser contains extracts of Rosehip, Bilberry and Vitamin E. For more info and to see their full range visit amieskincare.com

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation*

I'm not going to say too much about this little beaut just yet as I'm planning to review it, along with the concealer of the same name later on this week. What I will say is that, as a die hard fan of Healthy Mix, I practically fell over myself to get my hands on this. I truly believe that Bourjois produce the best drugstore foundations on the market and I rarely go for any other brand when shopping on the high street. This particular foundation is designed to work with the other products in the Happy Light range for a flawless finish in any light. Again, more on this to follow...

Benefit Dallas Boxed Blush

As soon as Winter comes knocking I automatically break out this badboy. I have worn nothing else on my cheeks for at least a month now. It's just the perfect Autumn/Winter cheek colour. In the box it looks quite plummy, and it is, but once it's on the cheeks it comes out as a deep burnt peach-type colour along with the plum tones (and you all know how much i love my peach). I also don't feel the need to contour when I use this blush as it seems to produce the effect all by itself. This blush doesn't get the credit it deserves in my opinion and can be overshadowed by some of the other Benefit boxed powders but it is definitely number 1 for me during the cooler months. 

Bourjois 'Twist up the Volume' Mascara*

I picked this up during London Fashion Week and fell in love with it. I'll be honest now and say that I haven't tried twisting it down yet (for bigger bristles and a more volumised effect) but that is because I love a good lengthening mascara and this one is just brilliant! If it ain't broke, don't change it etc etc... My lashes look so long when I've used this, even with just a single, quick coat. I have naturally thick lashes which are pretty average in length but this amplifies them beautifully. If you're looking for a good quality drugstore lengthening mascara I'd highly recommend you give this one a try.

Benefit 'Under my Spell.... Noelle' EDT*

I've always been a fan of Benefit fragrances. Previous favourites include Gina and Ring My Bella. I discovered this at the Christmas Party Benefit held to celebrate the opening of their stunning new Carnaby St Boutique and have worn it almost every day since. Noelle is the latest of the Benefit fragrances. Once again, I'm not going to give too much away on this as I have another post planned with some very special Festive Fragrance news from BeneFit. Watch out for that one in the run up to Christmas!

So that's my little selection of products I'm currently favouring. I'm actually quite surprised that there isn't a wider selection of brands in there this time. It just goes to prove my point that I am a creature of habit and my favourite brands and products never stray away too far.  

What products are you loving lately??

Sneak Peek: BeneFit 'Bathina' Body Oil Mist

Afternoon my lovelies!

I've got a couple of fabulous new BeneFit releases to show you this week! I popped along to their Christmas Blogger party last week to have a peep at what they've got up their sleeves for this year's Festive season and also to have a nosey around their new Carnaby Street Boutique. Well, what can I say other than OMG? If you are in London or visiting London then you must pay them a visit. It's a haven for products, pampering and treatments (there's even a Champagne bar). Anyhoo I had the opportunity to take home a few of their new releases to have a little play with and share with you lovely people. One of those products is Bathina Body Oil Mist* which launches later this month...

I'm pretty sure this is BeneFit's first foray into bath and body products. Their makeup and facial skincare products have always been immaculately packaged and fantastic quality so I was really looking forward to giving this a try. The packaging on this little beauty really is gorgeous and would look amazing on anybody's bathroom shelf. Not that this affects the performance of the product in any way but it's everything I've come to expect from BeneFit in terms of products that make my vanity look pretty. 

Here's what BeneFit have to say about it...

"It's lust at first touch! Bathina's lightweight body oil gives immediate hydration, a seductive sheen and a touch of tempting fragrance. Mist it on for silky smooth skin that's impossible to resist. Your sexy secret... it doubles as a seductive massage oil."

I've been doing as suggested and misting this on straight after my bath/shower. I love the fragrance. It's really clean and fresh as well as being slightly floral. As my skin never really seems to need dense creams and moisturisers after bathing I really like how lightweight this product is and that it doesn't feel too greasy. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave too much residue. Those with dryer skin types may find they need a more heavy duty product but it's still worth popping into a counter and giving it a try. It does leave my skin feeling soft, although I'm not completely convinced by the 'sheen' it's supposed to give. Maybe it's just the light in my bathroom though haha. One thing's for sure it makes me smell yummy!  The spray bottle also makes for a quick and easy application with no spillage or waste which I often find to be the case with other oil products. I've ended up looking like something out of 'Magic Mike' before after being over zealous with moisturising body oils. 

Bathina launches on 26th October and will retail for £26.50 for 75ml.

 Perhaps a little steep but it's a big bottle and not a lot of product is needed. I'd say that it's definitely one for your Christmas list (oops, there's that C word again) if you are looking for a lightweight product and a fast and fuss-free application. 

How do you finish off your skin after a bath/shower?? Do you prefer a lightweight product or something more intensive?? Are you excited that BeneFit are branching out into body care??

BeneFit NEW Ultra Plush LipGloss: Kiss You

Good afternoon Beauty Seekers!!

Isn't it GLORIOUS?! Its about time we had a few days of proper Summer Sunshine. Before I go and plant myself out on the patio with the ipad and several bottles of Bulmers, I'd like to talk a little about lipgloss with you. Namely, the new BeneFit Ultra Plush LipGloss in the shade 'Kiss You'*. Regular readers will know that I am not a glossy kinda girl and have had more misses than hits with them over the years, but I was keen to try these newly released products and I was also lucky enough to win one in a quiz at their recent event...

I love the Art Deco feel of the packaging for this product! Even the gloss tube itself has that little finishing touch. The colour of this lipgloss got me really excited when I first pulled it out of the box. I've been searching high and low for lip shades just like this. BeneFit describe it as a 'Clear Fuchsia', which did make my heart sink a little. I'm no fan of a sheer lip product, let me tell you. I'm not one to judge a book by it's cover though so I swatched on regardless!

To be completely honest here... I was disappointed that this shade wasn't more opaque. I had to apply it thicker than I would usually to get the colour for this photo. However, it is still a very pretty, subtle shade for Summer wear and I can imagine it being very handy to add a glossy shine to any matte pink or lilac lipstick. The formula isn't sticky or waxy, which is my major bugbear with glosses. It applies directly from the tube as well so no frantically trying to scrape the product out with a wand when it starts to run low.

Looking at the full range online, it seems that not all of the shades are as sheer as the one I have (just my luck). As well as my Clear Fuchsia, they have a completely clear version, then the rest of the shades seem to have more of a WOW factor to them and include a hot pink, a bubblegum pink and soft berry shades, amongst others. 

Check them all out here at benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Are you a Gloss lover?? Do you prefer a sheer wash of colour or something with more DRAMA?? Do you rate BeneFit lip products??

BeneFit Stay Flawless 15hr Primer: Review

Morning beauty-seekers!!

Last week I posted about the exciting new release by BeneFit cosmetics in the form of Stay Flawless 15hr Primer* with a 'Makeup Magnet' to hold your face in place all day long. I've been playing around with it ever since and I'm back today to share my review with you all! For more information on this product, check out my original post HERE. Today is all about whether it does what it says on the stick....

The product comes in a twist-up stick form and has a slight tint to it, although this doesn't really translate on the skin (at least not on me). As instructed by the lovely Lisa P-D, I apply it direct from the stick in circular motions to kick-start the makeup magnet and apply my foundation over the top using a brush. After applying the primer I found that my skin felt quite tacky which I'm assuming is to adhere the foundation on top of it (kinda like a makeup Pritt-Stick, only more fabulous). For the sake of this post I used the BeneFit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation in shade Champagne* which I received to compliment the product, but I have also tried it with my Bourjois Healthy Mix and NARS Sheer Glow. Applying the foundation was easy, but I did experience a little 'drag' due to the tacky layer underneath. This isn't a criticism but something I did take note of.

This photo is after having had my makeup on all afternoon (approximately 6hrs). I'm also wearing a dusting of powder and blusher here. I've road tested it for a couple of shifts behind the bar at work as well in the last week. I found it to be on the dewy side, which I quite like for myself but oilier girlies may want to powder it on occasion as my nose did still get a bit shiny towards the end of the day. The weather has felt rather close this week so I'm not sure how much is down to the product and how much can be blamed on the sweat-factor. My skin didn't feel overly oily. It's also worth mentioning that I haven't tried it with a mattifying foundation (as I don't currently own one). I guess the finish of a primer is only as good as the foundation you put on top of it. BeneFit describe the finish of Stay Flawless as a 'Natural' finish.

What I will say is that my foundation definitely did last longer and my skin appeared more radiant. I don't think this will be my go-to mattifying primer (I've got my PoreFessional for that) but I can see it being a godsend for day-to-night timesaving purposes and for minimising the need to touch up. It definitely lives up to its claim of making my makeup last longer and that's the main thing. BIG thumbs up from me on that score! From my experience I would recommend the primer to anyone with dryer, normal or combination skin but urge my oily ladies to keep a powder handy (depending on what foundation you're wearing and the finish you're after).

So those are my thoughts on the new Stay Flawless 15hr Primer. I think I'm going to get a review up on the Oxygen WOW foundation very soon as well as I've been enjoying using it. You can purchase this product and find more information on BeneFit's new release over at benefitcosmetics.co.uk. The product will be available on counters from 29th June.

How do you Stay Flawless all day?? Will you be giving this product a try?? Do you rate BeneFit primers??

NEW Stay Flawless 15hr Primer by BeneFit

Good evening beauty seekers!

Exciting new products to tell you about tonight!! We all know that BeneFit are a heavyweight name when it comes to primers and flawless base products. Well, they've got a new product on the block to be released on 29th June in the form of Stay Flawless PRO-Long primer stick with a 'Makeup Magnet' to seal your foundation in place for up to 15hrs! We all know the one where you put your makeup on at the beginning of the day but, by the time you've arrived at work it's already starting to look lacklustre.... Well, BeneFit claim to have that problem NAILED!

I went along to The Ice Bar last night with a few other lovely blogging friends to hear Lisa Potter-Dixon and her flawless team talk about their exciting new release and to learn more about how to make your makeup stay all day. As well as having a BLAST drinking Pina Coladas out of a block of ICE and playing with loads of upcoming releases from the brand, I was given the primer to take away and road test for myself as well as their amazing Oxygen WOW foundation (I was colour matched and given the shade 'Champagne' for anyone curious) and a lovely, soft foundation brush to create a perfect base that won't budge.

A Few Facts About Stay Flawless...
94% of testers said it made their foundation last longer
97% found it improved their complexion
94% felt that it improved the coverage of their foundation
and 97% said it enhanced the performance of their foundation
Those are some pretty Flawless statistics!!

You apply the primer directly from the stick in circular motions to activate the Makeup Magnet and then apply your favourite foundation directly over the top of the product. Lisa said that you should be able to 'feel' it working, which intrigued me! Judging by the performance of the other BeneFit primers I have tried (PoreFessional and That Gal were both a hit with me, for different reasons) I have really high hoped for this product. When I quizzed the lovely Joanne, she said that this product is not intended to replace any of their existing primers. Porefessional is specifically targeted as a mattifier and pore minimiser while That Gal is for those who want a brighter, more radiant finish. Stay Flawless has been developed for longevity.

I'm really looking forward to road testing this and will have a review up on this blog for you before the week is out. I'm going to try it with a few of my favourite foundations as well as Oxygen WOW (which I have been desperate to try out for ages) and have a proper play. If it can survive a shift behind the bar at the pub I will be a seriously happy bunny!!

Stay Flawless will be released on the 29th June 2013 and will be available from BeneFit Boutiques, Counters and Concessions nationwide as well as online at benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Do you rate BeneFit Primers?? What are your secrets to a long lasting base?? What Primers can't you live without??

Stuff I'm Loving Lately #1

When is a favourites post NOT a favourites post?...... When it's one of mine, that's when. 

I always feel like a bit of a fraud doing monthly favourites posts. Mainly because my favourite products do not change on a monthly basis and I'd just be posting different stuff for the sake of it, but also because I find the term inaccurate. I'm always suspicious of different favourites posts for every month of the year. I'm always like "Hang on, how is that you're favourite, you've only had it 3 days??" or "That HG foundation isn't the same as last month's??". Don't get me wrong though, I'm all for discovering and embracing new products and I'll never stop looking. I just like to mull it over for more than a couple of weeks before declaring it my FAVOURITE. And I'd be a pretty lame. boring blogger if I blogged the same favourites 2 or 3 months on the jog, wouldn't I? I tend to grow attached to products that really work for me. Therefore, I vow NOT to ever do a favourites post ever again and, instead, highlight a few products every so often that I've been using the most or have been particularly enjoying lately.

And with that I'll crack on.....

Bourjois Healthy Mix: Radiance Reveal Foundation - 53 (Light Beige)*

There has been soooooo much damn BOURJOIS on this blog recently!! The main reason being I'M LOVING IT!! This foundation completely rocks my world. I love the consistency, the coverage, the finish, the scent..... just everything about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I'm currently alternating between this and my NARS Sheer Glow (which i like to keep for more special occasions) and I really don't find them that different from each other. Both give a lovely glowy finish to my skin, and last really well. 

BeneFit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer: Medium*

I've worn this product every day since I got it. It's so handy to carry around, applies like a dream and keeps my dark circles at bay for a reeeeeeally long time. It's a light formula that feels really hydrating and does not crease. Of course, as it's Benefit, I also love the packaging. Very sleek and compact. It's a winner!! Read my post about the recent launch of Fakeup Here

Stila 'Garden Bliss' Shadow and Blush Palette

This little beaut has been a godsend for travelling up and down to University every week. It incorperates 4 shades that can be easily used for day or night time looks, as well as a really pretty pink blush. It's gorgeous and spot on for Spring! The shadows are really pigmented too. I don't own much Stila, but this palette is definitely one of my most used items of late. 

Garnier Summer Body - Deep

I haven't used a gradual tanner in aaaaaages. However, I recently went in search of one as I was getting a bit 'blah' about my weekly tan (not that I went off it, I just felt like changing it up a bit). Johnsons Holiday Skin put me well and truly off graduals as it smells like utter MUCK, but luckily this one has the loveliest Apricot scent and gives an amazing colour even after the first application. 

Bourjois 1Second Nail Polish Remover*

Yeeeees, I know.... MORE Bourjois. I'm beginning to sound like a stuck record. I'm so late to the party on this product it's not even funny, but it's just so easy to use and handy for carrying around or if, like me, you tend to bodge ONE nail. This allows for quick removal of any smudged nail polish whilst leaving the others untouched. No wonder it's a blogger favourite across the board! 

DHC Liquid Eyeliner pen - Black*

This is by far my HG eyeliner product. I've been sticking to gel liners applied with a brush for quite a long time now, but since receiving this one, have not given them a second glance. This is the easiest eyeliner to apply that I have ever found. I struggle to get a thin enough line a lot of time. I don't know what it is about this one. It's a brush, but a very rigid, sturdy brush that doesn't slide around or bend too easily and you get a LOT of product so no need to dip between eyes. The shaft of the brush is also nice and long and easily controlled. I'd highly recommend!! 

TIGI Catwalk Session Series: Transforming Dry Shampoo*

I was introduced to this during London Fashion Week and it's completely changed my viewpoint when it comes to dry shampoos. This is more of a texturising product, although it does absorb excess oil like you would expect of a dry shampoo. It's volumising and mattifying and I find an all-over spray of this followed by much ruffling of roots adds a touch of disheveled chic to my everyday look. It's virtually transparent as well so no hint of talcum powder hair. I find that my hair has a really silky texture and struggles to hold style so this is perfect for adding some 'grip'. I will be repurchasing the hell out of this.

Blue Nail Polish

I've been going MENTAL for blue on my nails recently!! I've no idea why... It started with the Barry M Blueberry Gelly polish and kind of escalated from there!! I've got quite a diverse range of tones as well and no two are the same (even though they may be SIMILAR). There's always room for another blue nail polish in my collection of late. 

My shades are....

(As below, L-R)

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - Blueberry

H&M Nail Polish - Blue My Mind

Nails Inc Neon - Kensington Park Road

Bourjois So Laque Glossy - Adora-Bleu

Barry M Nail Paint - Denim

GOSH Special Edition Nail Polish - Tilted Blue

So those are a few things I've been going mental for in recent weeks/months/no particular timeframe and I have no intention of stopping using them just because I have to do a different favourites post in another month's time. So I ain't gonna do one haha. I'll just update you if I uncover any new gems that make it into my 'can't function without recently' pile. How about that?? 

Do you find products you LOVE and stick with them?? Or do you constantly search for something different/better??

Celebrating 10yrs of Flawless Skin with BeneFit!

Monday again?? Bleh....

This Monday, however, I am having a little mini celebration here at London Beauty Banter. As I mentioned last week, I was lucky enough to attend BeneFit Cosmetics' launch of their NEW Hydrating Concealer 'FakeUp' (read my post and see the swatches HERE), but it seems that there is a DOUBLE celebration to be had and it comes in the form of their cult powder coverup product Hello Flawless* which is currently celebrating it's 10th Anniversary. In honour of this milestone achievement, we were all colour matched on the night and given our own to take home! Sooooo I thought I'd beat the Monday blues show it to you in all its timeless GLORY!

BeneFit Hello Flawless is a versatile powder foundation which can be applied in a variety of ways. The finish is totally customisable and can be either swept on lightly with a brush for a barely-there, sheer finish or applied with a sponge to eliminate and disguise blemishes and imperfections. 

This seems like a great product to have and I suspect that this will take a permanent place in my makeup bag over the warmer months (whenever they finally decide to arrive). It can be worn as a powder foundation when blended out using a foundation brush, as a lightweight finishing powder when swept lightly over moisturiser or primer, or concentrated in certain areas using the sponge to remove all trace of unwanted blemishes or discolouration. It also contains SPF15, making it even more essential as a summer product. The compact is also perfect for carrying around, with a great sized mirror and everything you need for coverup on the go.

I was colour matched by Head Makeup Artist, Trend Advisor and Brow Specialist (check me out people, I know her full title off by heart now) Lisa Potter-Dixon, herself, and was sent home with the shade "Cute as a Bunny" Honey which is a warm medium toned shade. 

I am very impressed with how this product swatched and I will definitely be featuring it in a FOTD type-post very soon. I can see that it's going to be a must-have for over the summer to combat the sweat-factor as well as disguise those annoying little freckles i get when the sun comes out. 

This product retails at £24.50, which is getting towards the higher end for a base product. However, you get both the sponge and a powder-type brush in the compact and it is a product which has a multitude of uses so you wouldn't need to spend money on any extra concealer or foundation products to wear it with (although I suspect that it could also work well when combined with another lighter coverage foundation for a more matte finish). 

I cannot wait to play with the new products I took home from BeneFit that night and I will definitely report back on how this product fares on my skin. I tried FakeUp for the first time under my eyes yesterday and it's LOVE!! I just need an excuse to get out and put a full face of slap on and show it all off now. 

Hello Flawless is available from all BeneFit Boutiques and Counters as well as at benefitcosmetics.co.uk. 

Are you a fan of Hello Flawless?? Do you rate powder products as a coverup?? What are your favourite BeneFit products??

Mystery Solved: BeneFit Fakeup!

Hello there my lovelies!

Last night I was super excited to go along to Spitalfields in pursuit of the Mysterious new product known as BeneFit Fakeup* which launches nationwide from 30th March! Now, I'm excited about this launch BIG time as, just lately I've found myself feeling very tired and yuck and my skin is reacting horribly, and in a way which I have never really experienced before. What perfect timing to go and learn about and unravel the Mystery behind BeneFit's new baby. 

 (iPhone images from the event. Apologies they're a little grainy)

There has been a big build up to the release of this product. The BeneBabes have been on a whirlwind tour up and down the country of late, to educate Bloggers far and wide about the new product they are so proud of. They kept the Londoners waiting until last so we were all very keen to get the scoop on this fantastic new concealer...

The lovely Lisa did a demo with the product, whilst we enjoyed pink fizz and canapes, and put us through our paces with a pop quiz for prizes. As usual I was too slow, but I was very interested to learn a few fantastic facts about Fakeup, its uses and the whirlwind journey it has been on just lately. So I'll share them with you!!

Fakeup comes in 3 Shades:

Pretty standard for a concealer, you might think, but the shades (Light, Medium and Deep) are intended to be used together and at the same time. Using a combination of these shades you can hide dark circles, smooth your skin and diffuse light to create flawless perfection. I'm actually very excited to use the darkest shade as a contour. And the pale will work a treat on my undereye circles (which seem to becoming a permanent fixture of late - Boooooo). Kimmy K eat your heart out! 

Fakeup has amazing Hydrating properties:

The creamy core concealer is surrounded by a layer of moisturising loveliness containing a blend of Vitamin E and Apple Seed Extract so provide immediate hydration that lasts up to 6hrs and does not crease. The formula is lightweight as well as long lasting with a silky texture. I've only got as far as the swatching stage so far, but the product feels lovely on the skin and blends very well. 

Fakeup was used on models at the recent Matthew Williamson show for LFW:

In fact, Cara Delevigne was so taken with it, she insisted on taking one away with her. Lisa admitted to us that, as time was so tight to get the models ready, the BeneFit artists ended up using Fakeup ALL OVER the faces of the models in place of a foundation. 

Fakeup can be applied to treat dry patches:

For girlies with dry, sensitive skin this could be a breakthrough! Use Fakeup to conceal these areas whilst providing instant hydrating relief.

The shades are super creamy and blendable and, for a change, i just KNOW that I will get use out of all 3 of these. I suppose, by definition, my official shade would be Medium, but I look forward to playing with Light and Deep to create different looks and help brighten up my tired face. I haven't been featuring my face very often on the blog recently and I hate it! I've just felt so tired and pale and have a couple of troublesome facial cysts so I just haven't felt like I wanted to share those with the world. It may well be all in my head but I hope Fakeup can help me find the guts to start doing makeup looks again soon! I really miss doing them.

How creamy are these swatches!! The texture is so smooth and the hydrating layer feels almost Vaseline-like when applied. I cannot WAIT to play with these on my face and bring you a full review as soon as time (and my face) allow. I'm also interested to see how it compares to my Boi-ing concealer. 

Thank you so much to the lovely ladies from BeneFit for inviting me to their lovely event. I was gutted that I had to miss out on the previous event for Fine One One, but this more than made up for it! I bumped into a few blogging faces that I hadn't seen in AGES and it was a pleasure to meet Lisa, Joanne and the team from BeneFit. 

Fakeup launches in BeneFit Boutiques and Counters from 30th March and costs £18.50, however you can get your mitts on it ahead of time at benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Are you excited about the launch of Fakeup?? What are your facial dramas?? What coverup products can't you live without??