Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Make-Up Primer

Laura Geller Make up is just amazing and in a short space of time, I have become a huge fan. One item that I absolutely adore is the Spackle Tinted Make-Up Primer (£25) and I have this in shade Champagne.

I am a huge fan of primers and this one is has been infused to give your skin a champagne glow which works to create a soft, candlelit look. For me, Spackle can be used in three different ways. You can apply it to a clean face as you would your normal primer and then complete your look. You can mix it in with your moisturiser, BB Cream or foundation or you can apply it over the top of your make up where it works well as a highlighter too. 

I find the Spackle Primer really easy to apply, it glides onto my skin and does leave a slight glow, again it isn't so dramatic that I look like an oil slick. If I am adding it after my foundation, I find using the tip of my fourth finger to pat it onto my skin works better than using a brush. If I mix it with another product or use on its own, then I apply using my foundation brush.

Using subtle peach undertones to`neutralize` skin imperfections: uneven complexion, dullness, veins and freckles. It is also both Oil-free and paraben-free, and uses the  soothing botanicals of Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Mallow Flower and Marigold Extracts, plus antioxidants Centella Asiatica and White Tea Extracts which help to protect skin from environmental damage. It smells absolutely divine due to the use of Witch Hazel and as primers go, this one is fantastic, it is like skincare and makeup all in one and it helps my make up last all day.

This is such a fantastic product, it is so versatile and works well with my skin tone and you only need to use such a small amount, that the tube lasts for months.

The Ultimate Guide To Makeup Brushes & Tools

The Ultimate Guide To Makeup Brushes & Tools by Anna Hunter* is described as being 'Your essential guide to the tools, brushes and applicators that make ALL the difference'.  Anna Hunter is an award winning Makeup Maniac columnist for Get The Gloss and this guide is the first in a series of practical, download-and-keep guides and a must read!

The guide is broken down into three parts and throughout you will read about:

• The history of makeup brushes and makeup tools 
• The pros and cons of natural and synthetic brushes
• The tools and applicators that will revolutionise your beauty routine from start to finish
• The best methods, gadgets and products for brush cleaning
• The latest makeup brush and tool development and technology set to change the face of makeup artistry
• How to look after those brushes

The guide is a mere 44 pages long and is packed full of advice from top makeup artists such as Daniel Sandler, Kevyn Aucoin, Lee Pycroft, Justine Jenkins and Lou Dartford and is such a good read, I had devoured it within an hour, thoroughly enjoying a break from reading my usual gory blood curdling Crime Thrillers, to something a little more practical, educational and incredibly useful.

The book starts with some historical factors about makeup with a trip back to Ancient Egypt and the wings of Cleopatra's Eyeliner, to 17th Century Rouge and what use a Hares foot had for blusher or Squirrel Hair for makeup setting!.  I was fascinated by the history of make up brushes and the little unknown fact about a little town of Kumano in Japan, where an astonishing 15million brushes for some big brands such as RMK, Shiseido and Suqqu.  

The past I really enjoyed was the Tool and Brush Wardrobe which offered an in-depth analysis of brushes for concealer, your eyes, cheeks, lips, adding a base and eyeliner.  There is a brush or tool to suit every mood, need, technique, trend, face shape and perhaps most importantly, the ones which are right for you. I have now found some more brushes that I feel I need for my growing collection and some that I already have, but perhaps don't really need.

A chapter I think everything should read from this mini guide is called 'Coming Clean' and it is about looking after your brushes and tools and whilst cleaning them might not be exciting, it is one of those essential tasks. This chapter takes you through how to wash your brushes effectively and how you can do it using different products from shampoos, solid cleansers and even foams and brush conditioners.  How and why you should dry your brushes in a certain why and is there finally a way to use a face wipe without being vilified? Well you will have to read this guide for yourself.

You can purchase your copy of this guide here for just £4.95.

Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Sanitising Solid Brush Cleaner

When the Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Sanitising Solid Brush Cleaner popped through my letterbox I was intrigued to find whether or not something that cost £5 would be any good, remember I have mentioned on many occasions that this is not a brand to be judged by its prices.

Described as being the perfect on-the-go solution to instantly sanitise, cleanse and condition your make up brushes with no mess, little effort and something that is easy to use, I gave it a whirl.  Now I hate cleaning my make up brushes, it is boring, laborious and I always chastise myself for leaving it until I have barely none left, before having to clean them all.

In order to give this a try, I found one of my dirtiest brushes (yes I know, minging) and followed the instructions.  You simple wet the brush and gently place into the solid brush cleanser until it starts to foam, which it does after a few seconds, this then works to remove the residue, the swirl the brush into the palm of your (clean) hand and when you do this, all the gunk that has accumulated literally dissolves, running away into the sink.  Once this has been completed and you are happy, simply rinse with the brush and leave to dry.  Having used the solid balm, there is a little dirt left on the top from where I wiped by brush around it, but to remove that, you simply run it under water to keep the balm clean.

As you can see, this solid cleanser does an exceptional job at dissolving the make up from this brush and leaves it looking like new, the once white bristles that had turned orange are now white again and it works for every kind of brush you have from lip brushes to eyebrow brushes. 

For just £5 this is brilliant value for money and it is perfect for cleaning any brush and is the perfect on the go cleaning essential.

This post may contain PR Samples and/or Affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclaimer page.

Ole Henriksen Three Little Wonders Mini Gift Set

Ole Henriksen products are something I feel I should know more about than I do, until now having only ever used Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser and a sample of Truth Serum Collagen Booster from a beauty box, I was delighted to give the Ole Henriksen Three Little Wonders Mini Gift Set a try.

The Three Little Wonders Mini Gift Set contains three deluxe samples of products; a 9.76ml sample of the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster, a 7ml sample of the Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment and a 7ml sample of the Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation and all for just £18. What I love about this set is that the sizes are perfect for giving you a weeks worth of usage and in that time you can make your own mind up as to whether or not you wish to purchase a full sized version.

The Ole Henriksen – Truth Serum Collagen Booster contains five potent forms of vitamin C which work within the serum to correct dark spots, uneven skin tone and dullness to lighten and tighten the skin. It is also packed with powerful antioxidants and the serum is like a daily vitamin for your skin, boosting collagen production and keeping your skin nourished and protected. Add to that the Grapefruit and orange extracts purify the skin, green tea helps to protect, whilst rosehip extract strengthens and finally sodium hyaluronate binds moisture to the skin.

Packaged inside this tiny bottle, with a pump (yay) you only need to press it once for enough serum to cover the entirety of your face and neck.  It smells just absolutely delightful, quite citrusy with a hint of Rosehip and on the skin, it absorbs almost immediately.

The Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment is described as being an overnight nourishing cream which works to balance and brighten your skin while you sleep. It is infused with youth- enhancing ingredients to smooth the texture of your skin whilst fortifying the skin’s natural barrier. So with Alpha Hydroxy Complex being at the heart of the formula, they are enriched with what is described as being potent glycolic, lactic and fruit acids and they work to deeply penetrate your epidermis to encourage cell renewal and in doing so, they reveal much smoother skin. If that isn't enough, the Fruit Acid Complex, which is a concentrated cocktail of bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange and lemon all work to lightly exfoliate your skin’s surface, breaking down the bonds of dead skill cells and boosts the elasticity of the skin’s surface - all whilst you sleep!

The texture is quite a watery gel so you only need a small amount as it is a case of a little going a long way. One the skin there is no scent that really stands out but as it settles and then absorbs, I did feel a slight tingly sensation which quickly subsided leaving my skin feeling really hydrated and smooth to the touch.

The final item in this trio is The Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation and it is described as being a lightweight moisturiser that helps combat the effects of sun damage. The forumla is oil-free and is designed to help fade dark spots, freckles and other sun damage concerns as the cream instantly nourishes and evens the skin’s tone and texture. It uses what is referred to as an advanced blend of Actiwhite™ and liquorice which work to correct discolouration and also provide intense free radical protection to prevent further damage. Finally there is the inclusion of Fruit acids which work within the formula to re-texturise the skin, vitamin C to stimulate collagen production for additional anti-ageing benefits and finally, a dose of antioxidant vitamin E which ensures your skin is well nourished.

This is quite a rich moisturiser though incredibly lightweight on the skin. It works really well with my skin and I add it after using the Truth Serum. It does refresh the skin and instantly leaves the really hydrated and nourishing feeling.

So there you have a little trio of lotions and potions which work together to restore the youthful glow back to your complexion and it is currently on offer with Escentual for just £15.30!

Benefit Cosmetics #boldisbeautiful

On Sunday 8th May 2016 Benefit Cosmetics be taking to the streets of London to raise funds for the Bold is Beautiful project, while having a whole heap of fun! But there is a serious side to having fun of course. Throughout the whole of May Benefit will be raising funds for two great charities, Look Good Feel Better and Refuge and there are a few ways within which you can get involved.

Firstly, you can donate directly to either or both charities which are Look Good Feel Better and Refuge:

Look Good Feel Better is dedicated to improving the confidence and wellbeing of people undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. They improve self-image and appearance through free skincare and make-up workshops and masterclasses along with online support to help regain a sense of control and improved self-esteem.

Refuge is committed to a world where domestic violence is not tolerated and where women and children can live in safety. They aim to empower women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear. They provide a range of life-saving and life-changing services and a voice for the voiceless.

Secondly, there is the March which I have mentioned and this is the route:

Start & End Point: Cavendish Square

Registration opens at 10am

March starts in two waves at 11am and 11.45am

The route is 4.5 miles long, so depending on your walking speed, it should take you between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. There will be checkpoints along the route, featuring goodies, activities and photo opportunities galore.

Thirdly you can book a Brow Wax and 100% of the Brow Wax profits will go to these charities.  Or you can be on your look out for a High Brow Tea Event! Throughout May and June, the Bold is Beautiful Project will tour the UK with a pop-up 'High Brow Tea' (on wheels) in collaboration with Tea Pigs.  Guests are able to attend the event in pairs to experience a Tea for Two, with on board brow services to get those brows perfected!  Look out for further details from the Benebabes!

Are you going to join in?

How I De-Stress

As April is Stress Awareness Month, so I thought I would share a post on how I relax and kick back. According to the NHS, stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope. Many of life’s demands can cause stress, whether that is work, money and relationships to name the most common causes. As individuals, we all have different ways of reacting to stress, whether that is going for a walk, meditating, using stress relief products such as stress relief gummies, learning the benefits and uses of essential oils, apps such as Mindfulness or Headspace are incredible resources as is  just talking to a friend, someone who will listen without judgement.

We just have to remember that every situation that feels stressful to one person may be motivating to someone else.

Now I have an exceptionally demanding job, I also blog regularly, I am a Wife, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, Niece, Friend, In-law all of which make demands on my time of course. I have a flat and three cats to look after.  All of this comes with stresses and strains, some more manageable than others and often being under pressure brings out the best in me BUT... learning how to switch off, wind down, take time for me and just relax is something I find hard to do and to coin a phrase 'I have ants in my pants', I am often fidgety.  So how do I calm down, take a breath and not let it all get on top of me?

Lists.  I am an avid list writer.  On my desk at work I have a weekly planner from Busy B Stationery and a to-do list and this helps keep me motivated, on top of things and focused.  This list never ever gets completed but I do get some satisfaction from crossing out things I have done, things that have been finished or finalised and by adding extra items, no matter how important (like ordering more envelopes) keeps me grounded.  I find writing my lists by hand quite therapeutic and whilst I am adding that list or crossing out, I am focused on what needs to be done.

Reading.  I am a bookworm and read a lot.  I travel too and from work via bus and get around London via Tube, during that time I read. If you follow me on Goodreads, then you will know that every year I set myself a target of how many books I should read.  Again, this is a list system of sorts because it organises my books in order of date read and there is a comprehensive list of books I want to read and a list of books that people recommend to me.  I am by heart a Crime Thriller girl, though am known to read the odd Chick Lit novel if the story grabs me.

Bath time.  At least once a week, I have an hour to an hour and a half in a hot bubble filled bath.  In that bath I will have on a facemask and perhaps even a hair mask and I will lay back on my bath pillow and just forget about anything existing outside that door, other than Hector my kitten who will sing to me in the hope I will let him in the bathroom to practice his balancing act along the bath. Otherwise I am in that bubble filled bath with my book/Kindle and I am forgetting about you all.

Box Set Marathon.  It is rare I sit down to watch the television.  I don't watch the soaps and I don't have the TV for the sake of it.  I am a huge football fan and I do love a good documentary.  So instead I like to find a series and watch it - Grey's Anatomy, Nashville, Devious Maids, Wentworth, Criminal Minds, CSI, Bluebloods, Quantico, Black List and so on.  Those are some of the programmes I am making my way through and in doing so, once again, I forget about anything else.

Colouring.  I love to colour things in. I have about three or four art therapy books in my collection currently and any excuse to buy pretty coloured pens I am there.  Colouring is actually really therapeutic, my mind is totally focused on not going out of the lines (seriously) and I can lose hours just colouring pieces of paper in, in a book.

I now just need to learn to leave my phone and social media apps alone for a few hours!

How do you relax, sit back and forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life?

Bee Good Lime Blossom and Honey Lip Balm

You might remember last year when I announced there was to be a lip balm competition by the fabulous brand Bee Good and I then featured the winning Lip Balm here.  Well today I am sharing the runner up lip balm, which was inspired by the lovely Aarti from MrsJonasrecommends.

In its beautiful green packaging, Lime Blossom and Honey Lip Balm is described as being a rich, deeply replenishing lip balm to repair, intensively condition and soothe dry, chapped lips. As soon as the lid is removed, the one thing you get a hint of is zesty lime. The main ingredients include protective British beeswax, natural source vitamin E, British borage oil; a rich source of skin strengthening essential fatty acids and British echium oil to replenish dry skin. Add to that bee-friendly lime blossom and it makes for a really lovely lip balm.

The texture of the lip balm is similar the others within the range, not too runny but a slight squeeze of the tube releases enough balm to cover both lips.  The applicator is angled to make the application really easy and it melts and absorbs on contact with the skin, so there is no greasy Vaseline feeling at all.  It does leave your lips feeling hydrated and moisturised and of course the Zesty Lime scent is noteable.

Prices at just £4.75 it is great value you money, a perfect lip balm for the Spring and Summer and it can be bought online or in most Waitrose stores.

What scent would you want to see in a lipbalm?

Colourpop Vixen Lippie Stix Set

Yes, I have finally succumbed to Colourpop and thanks to my mister, I have the amazing Vixen Lippie Stix set which I am obsessed with. ColourPop Vixen Lippie Stix Set is a limited edition set of six shades, all of which are just stunning. They arrived nicely package inside this purple box and in amazing condition considering their journey from America to the UK in just a few days.

If you havent come across Colourpop before (err hello) then you won't be surprised to learn that they are an American Brand right out of LA. They don't test on animals, are purse friendly and if you can find a way of shipping them to the UK, then do it because it is an amazing brand.

Inside the Vixen box are six Lippie Stix which are white in colour with silver writing and they look like felt tips pens, but obviously they are not. With names such as Ruffle, Last Call and Night Owl they are every bit as brilliant as they look.

Ruffle is described as a mid toned warm terracotta which has a Matte finish. The shade to me is a slightly warm brown shade with yellowy orange undertones and whilst it is wearable, it is my least favourite in the box.

Last Call is described as a "soft cool-toned mauve pink and it has a creme finish. Not quite Barbie Pink it does give a nice sheen to the lips and is perfect for everyday wear.

Night Owl is described as a “vivid cool-toned hot pink" and is also a creme finish. Now this is a fantastic shade of pink, it is bright, it is bold and it is one I just cannot pull off, but I love it and just wish it was for me.

Swatches from L-R = 54, Last Call, Night Owl, Plastics, Jingle and Ruffle

Jingle is described as a “true blue red" and it has a Matte finish. For me it is definitely a medium red shade and it definitely has cool undertones and is a shade I can wear, but I need to find the courage to do so because I find the red lip quite a scary thought and I just need to get over it. Jingle has a matte finish but I prefer it with gloss over the top to make it shine.

Plastics is my second favourite shade in the box and it is a matte finish and described as a “deep red violet" though to you and I, it is violet with a touch of red in it. I adore this shade and have worn it a few times, oddly I find no issue wearing a purple lip but cannot bring myself to leave the house with red. 

54 which has the most boring name happens to be my favourite shade of the lot. It is described as a “red wine burgundy with red and hot pink glitter" and it has a pearlised finish to it. Under the lights you can see the glitter within the formula.

As this box was designed for the holiday season, I feel the colours within the set are really well thought out and if like me, you are new to the brand, it is a great little introduction.  I adore the formulas of each Lipstix, they glide onto the lips, are bold in colour and pigment and each one lasts an amazing 5-6 hours.  I didnt find anything drying about any of them and for $20 for the set it is a bit of a bargain.  Colourpop Lipstix retail for $5USD which to be honest is just amazing and I now want to add more to my collection.

Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask

When moving from one season to the next, or indeed with the Great British weather, one day to the next, my skin can often decide it is having one of those off days where it can be greasy, dry, flaky and just look generally dull and grey. It is at this point that I know my skin need a good exfoliation and a lot of hydration. When the Bamboo Waterlock Mask from Erborian landed on my doorstep, I couldn't wait to give it a try and given the colour of the packaging, it isn't a product that you are going to miss spotting within your stash!

I am a huge fan of Erborian skincare, anything that is a French/Korean hybrid is always going to wow me and something that promises to instantly and deeply hydrate, give an instant plumping effect and a feeling of freshness upon application is just something I need right now.

The tube within which The Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask sits is sturdy enough and designed so you can put it down on any surface, once the lid is off, you can scoop out a little of the gel mask and apply without dropping it, dripping it or knocking it over. The mask is referred to as a hydro-gel mask, put simply, that means it is water based facial product that has a gel crossed with a jelly like texture, something quite a few brands are now using, so it isn't overly runny, but it isn't too thick either, it is sort of bouncy under your fingertips when you prod it. Once applied to the skin, there is an instant cooling feeling which I find quite refreshing, more so if it has been in the fridge and it is so incredibly lightweight, you cannot even feel it as it absorbs. The main ingredient used is the Bamboo both in sap which contain minerals and amino acids to help hydrate the skin, while the Bamboo fibers contain proteins and lipids to help maintain skin's natural moisture retention, something you need when your skin just feels in need of hydration. There is also Disospyros kaki, which you might know better as Sharon Fruit, is also an ingredient which is known for its astringent and illuminating properties, helping to keep skin supple and toned with its pore tightening effect.

This Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask can be used two ways. If you are wanted a quick fix then you simply apply a light layer to clean cleansed skin and leave for up to 10 minutes and rinse off or you can apply a layer and leave for as long as it takes for your skin to fully absorb the mask, which depending on how dry and thirsty your skin is, could be anything from ten minutes to half an hour. Whenever I use this mask, my skin literally sucks it up almost immediately and I am currently using it twice a week - once over the weekend and once mid-week.

The Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask retails at £44 for a 100ml and as far as I am concerned, it is well worth investing in, particularly right now when the weather is hard to predict and your skin is in need of some extra TLC

Makeup Revolution 9 Piece Amazing Brush Collection

If there is one thing I cannot do without, it is my Makeup Brushes and I am in the process of throwing out the ones which are well past their sell-by date or have ceased to become any use and replace them with new ones. 

If I told you that you could buy an entire set of makeup brushes for £20 would you believe me? Well, it is true you can. The people over at Makeup Revolution (who never seem to run out of ideas) have put together this amazing 9 piece brush collection and as suggested, it costs just £20. Now before you wrinkle your nose and think £20 isn't a lot of money, so the brushes cannot be all that, remember it is Makeup Revolution and they have a habit of proving you just wrong!

So inside the box we have:

Pro F101 Foundation Brush - This helps to ensure that you have the perfect base. It can be used with cream or liquid foundation and, like all other Makeup Revolution brushes they are all made from the finest synthetic hair, super soft, and very animal-friendly. What I like about this brush is the handle as it is easy to grip and isn't too weighted. This brush can be bought separately for £3.99.

Pro F103 Stippling Brush - As you would expect, this Stippling Brush is a flat-topped, full circular brush and is to be used for lightweight application and blending of any foundations. Again super soft bristles and a nice sized handle to make it easy to hold and use. This brush can be bought separately for £3.49.

Pro F104 Powder Brush - I have been needing a new powder brush for a while now and this one is great at what it does. I use it for powder foundation and it works well with powder blush and bronzer too. It is a lovely big brush which is easy to grip on to and again, I find it easy to work with because the handle is so well made. This brush can be bought separately for just £3.99 which again is an absolute bargain.

Pro F105 Contour Brush - Designed to help create a natural or intense contour. The brush is shaped to fit the cheekbones and is perfect for use with bronzer, powder blushes, cream blushes and I have used it with my new Sleek Highlighter palette.

Pro F102 Concealer Brush - This brush is brilliant and is used for applying and blending your concealer to build and ensure perfect coverage. The bristles on the brush are incredibly soft and it sits under the eye with no irritation and it does an amazing job at helping to blend concealer. This brush can be bought separately for £1.99 which is such good value for money.

Pro E101 Eyeshadow Brush - This brush can be used with both powder and cream eyeshadows and you can use it when creating that smokey eye to apply colour to your lower lash line. A cute little brush with short, soft bristles and it retails for just £1.99 is bought on its own.

Pro E102 Eyeshadow Contour Brush - This brush is an angled flat-topped brush which makes it perfect for blending, contouring and smudging. Sleek design, easy to hold and costs just £1.99.

Pro E103 Eyeshadow Blending Brush - This is one brush I have never owned and I am now wondering why not. Designed to work with both powder and cream shadows, it makes blending an absolutely doddle to do and even more so if you get the powder shadows with a lot of fall out, it somehow manages to ensure it doesn't drop all over your outfit or freshly made face, but stays within the bristles of the brush. Priced at just £1.99.

Pro E104 Eyebrow Brush - This brush can be used with powder, liquid or cream eyebrow products to help define those brows. It has a nice long handle which I find makes sorting my brows much easier and the brush is small enough, that if you make a mistake, it is easy to correct with no fuss. Again it costs just £1.99 if bought separately.

Again, even if like me, you are not a Make-up Artist nor a pro at applying everything, these brushes are so worthy of investing in and really do take on some of the major high street brands.  There has been no hair shedding, they are easy to clean and quick to dry, in the photos in this review, I have used all of the brushes with make-up and have cleaned them, so you can see they are looking pretty amazing, more so when you consider the price they retail for.

Once again, Makeup Revolution as a brand manages to wow me and proves that yet again, you should never judge a brand by its pricing!

Kiehls Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque

There are a number of brands that I have wanted to try for ages now and when I was given the chance to try Kiehls, I jumped at the chance. In my entire lifetime, I have only ever used one Kiehl's products (here) and yet everyone raves about them. This time it was the turn of the Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque 75ml. Described by Kiehls as being an ‘instant facial’, the Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque works to brighten and energise the look of dull, fatigued skin whilst helping it to regain its natural, healthy appearance.

To look at, the mask is quite yellow looking and as Tumeric is one of the ingredients, this didn't surprise me at all. It is also quite a thick consistency, almost like a mud mask and one I find easier to apply with an old concealer brush than with my fingers, to ensure I get an equal covering on my face. Add to Tumeric, as the name suggests is Cranberry and it is this ingredient which adds the 'scrub' to the mask. Together, the cranberry and turmeric work to help visibly even the look of your skin tone whilst the crushed cranberry seeds gently exfoliate, giving that smoother, brighter, illuminated-looking skin.

The scent of this mask is what intrigued me the most, more so because Tumeric is an ingredient I associate with a good curry!  It doesn't smell like a Chicken Balti I am pleased to say, but there is a hint of spice with the cranberries that I find really quite pleasant.

As I apply the mask using an old concealer brush, I find it really easy to stand in front of the mirror and slap it on. You only need to apply a thin layer and remember that when doing so, be careful not too apply too much pressure because the cranberry seeds are there to exfoliate. Once on the face, the mask dries incredibly quickly and I like to leave it to work its magic for up to ten minutes, so again, perfect for use if you are a busy bee like me. After those ten minutes are up, you need a warm flannel/muslin cloth and then in circular movements, gently massage your face and let those cranberry seeds work their magic to gently buff the skin, removing surface dirt, grime and dead skin cells.

Once removed, the mask leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth as well as hydrated, moisturised and I am glad to say there is no hint or sign of irritation or redness. For me this mask is such an amazing treat and it is one that works as well on its own or as part of your multi-masking pampering.

If you find your skin looks a tad dull and lacklustre, dry in parts and in need of a good exfoliation and cleansing, then at £28 this is an absolute steal and is worth hunting down to give a try!  As a first face mask that I have used from Kiehls, I am eager to work my way right through the entire collection, that is how impressed I am.

Laura Geller Ballerina Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator

A few days ago I posted about the Laura Geller Sweetest Things box of products and today I have the  Laura Geller Ballerina Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator.

Now first things first, this illuminator is just stunning to look at, work with and wear. It is described as having a hybrid texture because it applies like a sheer powder but actually feels more like a cream and when swatched it does just that, as you swipe your finger across the swirls the powder like texture turns to a cream which makes it really easy to work with. The swirls are 3D and stand right out and is described as capturing the look of your favorite Italian dessert, and lasts until the very last application.

The shade, Ballerina, is just stunning and is best described as being a candlit rosy copper gold shade and once applied to the skin it gives a wash of colour. Lightweight in texture, the glow it gives is quite soft, but it is a product that is 
buildable depending on which look you are going for.

Priced at £21.50 from Lookfantastic, it is a worthy investment to have and is also available in shade Gilded Honey which is an effervescent caramel honey shade

Benefit Cosmetics Mini products

I am one of those people who loves a sample product, whether it is a perfume, sachet of a lotion or potion, a bath product or even make-up.  Why do I like them so much? Well they are incredibly easy to shove in your make up bag, your handbag or for taking away on a long weekend break or even on holiday, most sample sizes are more than generous and give you just enough to decide whether or not you like it.

One brand who does the best mini samples is Benefit and I have quite a collection it would seem. Many of them have been part of a beauty box, Magazine Freebie or have been given to me in store when I've gone to stock up on numerous products I cannot live without.  This is my sample collection

As you can see, I have quite a few and for me, many of these samples have led to the purchasing of the full sized product. In my stash I have:

• That Gal - A Brightening Face Primer which I use with my moisturiser to give it a bit of a kick.
• Erase Paste - Brightening Concealer which is one of the best concealers I have used in such a long time.  This little tub has almost come to the end of its life which is sad, but I intend to refill it using my full sized version.
• PoreFessional - Face Primer which is always in my handbag.  Whilst I do prefer the newer Porefessional Matte Primer, this one is great for on the go touch ups.

• Coralista - A Coral Blush
• Dandelion - A brightening face powder 

Both of these came from a Benefit Mini Set I have given but until a few weeks ago, I had forgotten all about them.  Both are brilliant for having in my handbag, especially Dandelion of which I am a huge fan.

• They're Real and Roller Lash - Now I adore both of these mascaras but I prefer to use the wand of Roller Lash with the formula of They're Real, I just find it works better for me. I love both these little sample sizes which are more than generous at 30g to give you an informed view as to whether or not they are the mascara for you.

• High Beam - satiny pink liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a dewy glow
• License to Blot - Instant Oil Blotting Stick, which is an absolute gem of a product and one that is definitely handbag, desk drawer and make up bag worthy.
• Lolli tint - Candy Orchid tint for lips and cheeks and it is a really cute shade of pink which works well with most lipsticks I own
• Puff Off - Instant Eye Gel to help smooth the look of puffy eyes

• Posietint - poppy-pink tinted stain for cheeks & lips and I find works well as a lip primer.
• Stay don't Stray - dual-action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eyeshadows stay put
• Benetint - The original rose-tinted stain for cheeks and lips
• Ooh La Lift - under-eye boost looks like an instant eyelift! Contains raspberry extracts and light-reflecting pigments to instantly perk up tired eyes

As you can see, I have just about everything I need to ensure my make up is primed, set and not going to budge an inch.  Do you have any Benefit Mini's?