Saturday, 6 September 2014

Benefit Cosmetics The Real Steal They're Real Kit

Anyone who knows me has heard me rave about Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real mascara at least once in their company. I've recommended it to most of the ladies I know and take every opportunity I can to buy a beauty box when a sample is on offer. So when Benefit released They're Real Eyeliner and makeup remover I was over the moon! To top that, Benefit Cosmetics released a set a few weeks after the launch called The Real Steal, which featured not only the mascara and eyeliner, but a sachet of the They're Real Eyemakeup remover, AND free delivery, for only £19.50. Considering the mascara on it's own is the same price, it definitely is a steal! 

They're Real Mascara (£19.50)
This mascara, as you know, is one of my favourite beauty products of all time. A lot of people compliment me on my lashes and are left completely in awe when I tell them they aren't false lashes; They're Real! I love the texture, the ease of application, the volume once applied and the longevity of the product. The wand is made from plastic, which feels a lot different to using a normal mascara brush, but it makes application much easier and allows the lashes to separate easily. Only one or two coats are needed for full length, thick lashes. The tiny brushes on the tip of the wand allow you to apply a small amount of mascara to the lower lashes so not to look too fake, and I also use this technique on the outer corners of my eye to lengthen my already-coated lashes for a "cat-eye" look. My only issue is that the mascara is very difficult to remove but as long as you have a decent eye-make-up remover it isn't an issue.  One full size mascara will last me 6-8 months, and a sample size will last me 2-3 months before drying out. Considering the cost of some full size mascaras that only last a few months, They're Real is definitely worth £19.50.

They're Real Mini Push-Up Eyeliner (£18.50)
The They're Real Eyeliner took me a little time to work out how to use, but once a grasped that, I was so impressed! The eyeliner is pushed up by twisting the bottom of the pen, and a small amount of gel liner appears out of the top of the slanted rubber applicator. The pen applies a thick, matte black gel which doesn't lose it's definition throughout the day. It's also waterproof, so it's longlasting and a decent eyemakeup remover is needed! The rubber applicator bends to the lash line for extra precision, but be wary that it doesn't protect 100% from slips and you can still make mistakes! However, the first time I used this I didn't make a single mistake and found it much easier to apply than a felt-tip liner. It's perfect to slip in your handbag to for touch-ups as it's so small and compact, and there is no need for a brush for application.

They're Real Remover (£14.50)
After quite a few complaints and poor reviews stating that the mascara was incredibly difficult to remove, Benefit came up with the They're Real Remover. I received a small sachet of this with the kit and used this when I was wearing both the mascara and the eyeliner. The remover has a creamy consistency and is suitable for my sensitive skin. I massaged it onto my eyes and swiped it off with a cotton pad. I was surprised at how much came off! I repeated this a couple of times to make sure everything was removed. As well as being make-up free, my skin felt very soft and hydrated, as if it was also acting as a moisturiser. This is definitely a great fix for a stubborn, yet irresistible, product

This kit is fantastic value for money overall and is a great opportunity for everyone to try out the new They're Real products before committing to buying the full sized versions. I recommend anyone who is going out to buy the mascara to stop and order this instead. Plus, order from Benefit Cosmetics and receive two free samples of your choice!

Have you tried anything from the They're Real collection? What were your thoughts?
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Monday, 30 June 2014

Business Trip Essentials


Today I'm uber nervous! I'm leaving for a business trip to Birmingham tomorrow afternoon and won't be home until Wednesday night, meaning I need to strategically choose which beauty products to take with me. I have a teeny tiny suitcase that I need to drag around for 3 days so it needs to be light enough to carry. Luckily I have a stash of samples which comes in incredibly handy when I'm going away! Here's what I'm taking away with me...

Skincare
My essential skincare includes Olay Eyemake-up Remover, Ginvera Exfoliating Marvel Gel and DHC Cleansing Oil. This is the perfect combination for removing my make-up and cleansing my face at the same time. I'm also taking a sample of Taylor Swift's perfumed shower gel for a quick rinse at the end of the day.

Haircare
The only haircare products I'm taking are the Percy & Reed Dry Shampoo and Conditioner. I'm only there for 2 nights so I can cope without washing my hair over that time! The dry shampoo makes my hair feel fresh and the conditioner locks in the shine. Just like washing my hair, without the effort...

Make-up
Seeing as I'm limited on space I'm taking the bare essentials, which includes Ginvera BB Cream, Benefit's The PoreFessional, Agent Zero Shine, They're Real, Hoola, my HD Brow kit, Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner plus my favourite MAC Lipstick, Faux! I'm aiming for a nude look all week to try and look somewhat professional!

I've got unlimited music on spotify, Glamour Magazine and Devoted by Hilary Duff to read on the train and at the hotel. Let's hope I don't get lost, or miss my stop! I'll hopefully have plenty of spare time to blog, but I'll have to upload those posts when I'm home! If you want to keep me company, follow me on Twitter @jadicusxo!
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Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Benefit's The PoreFessional Agent Zero Shine Review



This year beauty cult Benefit Cosmetics released The PoreFessional Agent Zero Shine, after The PoreFessional was a huge success last year. As a huge fan of The PoreFessional I couldn't wait to try this bad boy out!

Agent Zero Shine is a loose translucent powder designed to suit any skin type and reduce shine (zero shine, duh!). Although it may appear quite dark when it is in powder form, once it hits the skin it provides a clear matte coverage, suiting all skin types and make up. I am pretty pale and I can tell you now this does not make me look orange! It blends perfectly with any make up I use, be it BB Cream, liquid foundation or matte foundation; even over blusher and bronzer! It's perfect for use when I apply too much liquid coverage and I need to look less oily, and also when it reaches the end of the day and my make up is sliding off. Sometimes I even use it on my makeup free face to give myself a natural, oil free finish. ...Gone are the days of greasy t-zones!

The packaging of Agent Zero Shine is cute and compact, perfect to fit in your handbag or make up bag, instead of lugging around larger powders and brushes! The bottom twists off, revealing a small powder brush secretly packed away. The top also twists off, revealing another twist top which allows the loose powder to escape. The lid doubles as a handy tool to empty the powder into. I swirl my brush around a few times, dusting it off in the lid and applying to my oily zones, including my T-zone, eyelids and cheekbones. Shiny patches are gone in a few strokes and I have rarely ever needed to touch up later on. It really lasts!

I carry this around religiously so I can break it out when I start to look a little oily. It's become my favourite powder, despite the price tag! It is definitely worth it the £23.50, especially as it has lasted me since January!

Have you tried The PoreFessional Agent Zero Shine yet? If not, hit your local Benefit Cosmetic Counter and give it a try!

Jade xo

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Sunday, 22 December 2013

How To Look The Best At Everything by Benefit Cosmetics



I've recently become a fan of Benefit Cosmetics after receiving samples of They're Real and The PoreFessional in beauty boxes over the past few months. Both have become essetials in my makeup bag, so I've decided to branch out and experiment with some of their other products. 
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Monday, 9 September 2013

Latest In Beauty Editor's Pick


Recently I've developed an obsession with beauty boxes (if you hadn't guessed already!) so when I received an email from Latest In Beauty regarding their Editor's Pick box I didn't hesitate to buy it! This box looked incredible; there was so much on offer in just this tiny little box. And it only cost me £12.95! Bargain.

The editor's at Latest In Beauty compiled their favourite make-up brands in this luxury box, with products to make you look and feel amazing. But what did I really think of each product...?


This shadow is designed to be whatever you want it to be. Bit of a weird concept for an eye shadow, but I guess it works. I've only used it as a shadow, mixing it with a lighter colour to give my lids some sparkle, but I really do like it. I love glittery cosmetics especially for a night out. I think this might come in handy around Christmas time. Applies well and stays put for hours. These shadows are only £12.99 per pot. 

Would I buy this product? Yes, but not in the same shade. 


One of my favourite products from the box! I've been using this weekly since receiving it and it has done some great things for my skin. Eve Lom Rescue Mask promises to rescue sluggish and stressed skin, and this 15-20 minute treatment really does the trick. After cleansing my face from the mask my skin is plumper and firmer with less blemishes, not to mention it feels really fresh. 

Would I buy this product? It's a little out of my price range (£35) but if I was going to treat myself, yes!


I really enjoy using this lip gloss actually. I received a nude shade (it wasn't specified) and I carry it with me everywhere. Mirenesse Lip Lift tastes lovely and leaves my lips feeling glossy for a few hours before re-applying. It also looks good when I apply over nude lipstick. 

Would I buy this product?  Yes!


My favourite product in the box! I've heard stories about They're Real by Benefit, but it was always too expensive for me to try. One the first day of use everyone was saying "why are you wearing false lashes we are only going to the cinema?" Needless to say they were shocked when I broke the news that it was, in fact, only a mascara. They're Real applies easily without clumps and for once I didn't get panda eyes halfway through the day! I call it my miracle mascara! 

Would I buy this product? Yes!  


This lovely little nail varnish I received is the perfect size for your handbag. Mavala have created the little bottles claiming that many nail products are thrown away half used because over time the varnish thickens, proving unusable. They have a point; the amount of old ones I've binned is crazy!

Red is my favourite shade of nail varnish, so I love adding more to my collection. At first I liked this product, it applies quickly and dries within seconds. It also has a different texture that I can't really explain, but it's not smooth like most varnishes. I always apply a coat of varnish, clear gel (repeat!) ... however despite my routine it chipped within a few hours (as shown below) and was pealing off a day later. I wasn't happy but It was worth a try I guess!

Would I buy this product? No.


I've recently run out of my favourite face cleanser so I was happy to receive this cleansing milk in my box. You apply the gel to dry skin after removing your makeup and apply in circular motions. You then wet your hands and rub in again, but this time the gel transforms into a milky substance from the water. You rinse and voila! This has left my skin looking and feeling really fresh these past few weeks. It smells lovely too. Another favourite! 

Would I buy this product? Yes! 


This is a lovely body spray that seems to act as a deodorant too (at least for me). I received the English Rose scent and I would definitely say this is my favourite body spray I've tried. The amount of spray seems endless as the can seems to still be full after a few weeks of daily use. It's only £2.49 too! 

Would I buy this product? Yes!


I apply this Instant Calmer to damp hair and blow dry once a week and I'm beginning to see amazing results! My dull, lifeless mop has become shiny and sleek with fewer fly-away hairs. I'm having less trouble brushing through my hair now and I smell really good! This has really changed my hair care regime forever. 

Would I buy this product? Yes! 


I've been a fan of The Vintage Cosmetics Company for a few months now, so when I tried this shadow brush I wasn't disappointed. So pleased with it in fact, that I bought myself about 5 more (that are stored away until my birthday, wah) and put most of their website on my birthday list. It's a very cute, classic looking brush and it applies my shadow well! (See my review of The Vintage Cosmetic Company here)

Would I buy this product? Obviously this won't 'run out' as such, but I'd buy another one so I have one for dark and light shades. 


I thought it was a little bit strange having a candle in a beauty box at first. I used it when I was pampering myself and actually it is really relaxing. This candle has a lovely scent of what I believe is ginger (scent isn't specified). Cute little design too with a lid which is useful when travelling.

Would I buy this product? Yes!

Visit Latestinbeauty.com for more luxury samples, boxes and offers. 
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