L.A.B.2 PRO MAKEUP BRUSH KITS

Until I used the L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands, which I reviewed HERE and happen to think they are fabulous, L.A.B.2 was not a brand that had been on my radar. Now I have two of their makeup brush kits which I am sharing with you today. L.A.B stands for Live and Breath Beauty and you are likely to find these brushes in BeautyMart, which for those of you who live in London, will find situated in Topshop on Oxford Street.

The two brush sets that I have are the L.A.B.2 I’m Turning Pro Brush Kit which retails for £20 and the L.A.B.2 Strokes of Genius Brush Kit which is priced at £17. Both sets of brushes come packaged in black and red boxes which really make then look sleek and stand out.  The L.A.B.2 brushes are made from synthetic bristles with what is called “FiberLuxe Technology” which is said to provide superior pigment pick-up and optimal release.

The I'm Turning Pro Brush Kit features four brushes which have soft-touch handles which help with gripping.  

The four brushes inside the box are perfect for using every day for makeup application and they are a complete basic essentials set that anyone would need.  So we have:

• Contour Brush: is shaped to sculpt, contour and highlight facial features for subtle definition and a soft-focus finish.
• Foundation Brush: is slightly pointed for smooth, streak-free coverage for applying liquid foundation or concealer. The specially shaped end makes light work of the contours around the eyes and sides of the nose.
• Buffing Brush: provides full coverage powder or mineral makeup application and can be used to soften any harsh lines for an airbrushed effect. Its smooth, rounded head works product into the skin until it’s invisible.
• Eyeshadow Brush: shades and defines eyes depositing an even application of colour. Use the flat side of the brush to apply colour then the end to blend.

All of these brushes are a delight to use. I love the rubberised handles and they really do help with that grip and for £20 this is an exceptional value for money set of brushes.  On the handles, each brush is named so that you know what it is to be used for. 

The Strokes of Genius Brush Kit contains 5 must have eye brushes and at £17, again for 5 brushes it is exceptional value for money.  

Inside the box there is:

• Eyeshadow Brush: for applying colour evenly onto the lid, crease and brow bone.
• Crease Brush: is specially shaped for seamless blending. Use the tufted end and work back and forth into the crease
• Brow & Eyeliner Brush: doubles up as a brow filler and for extra definition of lash lines.
• Pointed Eyeliner Brush: is short and neat to deliver a precise, controllable line.
• Brow & Lash Groomer: is a double-headed comb and brush for detailing the brows before or after applying colour.  With both combs and a spoolie, this is one helpful brush.

Again, if you had a limited knowledge of what each brush could and should be used for, on the back of the box is a quick tutorial on how to use the brushes and how each one works to perfect that perfect eye.

Do you own any LAB2 brushes?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Benefit Concealer Amnesty with House of Fraser

I'd like me you are a fan of Benefit Cosmetics and love concealer then I have something that might just interest you!

This October between 1st and 15th the Benebabes from Benefit have teamed up with House of Fraser for a concealer amnesty. All you need to do is drop off any used or old concealer and receive a brand new fun-size Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer for free... how good does that sound? 

The Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer recently had a bit of a revamp and I actually love it. Described as having a lightweight, soft-focus formula which glides across skin, it gives a smooth, sheer-to-medium coverage that’s virtually imperceptible. It instantly minimising the appearance of dark circles and unevenness anywhere on the face and it also offers up to 10 hours of waterproof wear and creates an ‘airbrushed’ finish that leaves your complexion looking flawless from all angles. 

What I love about this concealer is just how good the coverage is. I use it under the eye, on blemishes and find it especially good on ensuring my foundation doesn't cling to any dry skin. Available in shades light, medium and dark HERE it is worth trading in your old crusty concealer for a brand new one, especially if you have never tried Boi-ing before!

You can also read more about the whole collection from Chelsea over at ThroughChelseasEyes too.

Will you be taking part in this concealer amnesty with Benefit and House of Fraser?

Hawaiian Tropic Fragrance Mist Collection

I have been saying for a while now that I haven't used a body mist since Impulse 02 was the 'in scent' and as a perfume addict, I wasn't too sure what the point of a body mist was... then this trio of Hawaiian Tropic Fragrance mists landed on my doorstep and it was either going to be a case of eating humble pie or just admitting they are not for me.

Hawaiian Tropic has been around for over 50 years, I mean wow... I would have said 10 years maximum but no it is fifty! Needless to say, it has been a while since I have used anything from the range and this little gift set features three 100ml bottles of fragrant mists and each one has a delightful description and notes that you might expect to find in a perfume.

The first mist out of the box is bright pink and called Exotic Breeze and it has the following description:

Surround yourself in luxury as you indulge in an exotic island experience, and awaken your senses with mouthwatering fruits and luscious florals. This exotic Fragrance Mist is infused with juicy mango and golden amber. Spray on for an exotic touch of scent and escape into summer.

This is my favourite of the three, it opens with notes of Juicy Mango, Pineapple and Fresh Mandarin before the heart notes of Orchid, Water Lily and Jasmine break down the fruitiness to layer the scent with a light floral tone but the base notes of Musk, Amber and Sandalwood give it a light earthy scent which allows both the florals and the fruits to come together.

 A divine mixture of notes and one which is surprisingly long lasting once spritzed.

Next up comes Island Resort which is purple in colour and has the following description:

A lightly scented Fragrance Mist, infused with rain kissed orchid and pomegranate. Reminiscent of an extraordinary island oasis and unforgettable escapes; the lure of brilliant beach sand, romantic florals and breathtaking sunsets.

This scent is totally different to Exotic Breeze but again the notes are equally impressive. It opens up with a sharp blast of lime alongside Cupuacu Melon and Crispy Spearmint which mixed together make quite the scent. The heart notes of Coconut, Pina Colada and Vanilla Orchid have almost made a cocktail on their own before Musks, Sandalwood and Raspberry hit and then the sharpness subsides slightly to allow the Musks and Sandalwood to calm things down.

With this scent, whilst it isn't one for me, it does remind of me many a cocktail, but without the added alcohol.

Finally, we have the third and final scent which is Golden Paradise and it is described as follows:

A lightly scented Fragrance Mist, infused with warm sand and creamy coconut. From glistening sand to warm sultry skin, the irresistible signature scent of Hawaiian Tropic exudes a beachy glow from head to toe.

Again differing from the other two fragrance mists within this set, Golden Paradise opens with the top notes of Pear, Pineapple and Apple which makes for quite the fruity opening, but as it begins to settle, the heart notes of Coconut, Freesia and Jasmine which bring to life that floral scent but with coconut firmly there in the background. The base notes of Musk, Sandalwood and Amber, which are the same as those in Exotic Breeze, somehow allow the other notes to still dominate the scent without taking over too much, definitely not something I was expecting.

These three scents are slightly different to what I had expected to find.  I was convinced they would all be fake smelling, factory designed scents and admittedly I was wrong and they are not.  I think they are great for summer or a holiday when you are out and about and once spritzed they do last for a good 3-4 hours before the scent becomes obsolete and you need to top up.  Am I convinced by using a body mist over a perfume?  Not quite no.  I am happy to use them when I am around the house, as I would always wear some form of fragrance anyway, but going out or to work? Perfume works for me.

This kit will retail for just £20 from Boots or Superdrug and there is actually a choice of two different kits available.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Neck Treatment

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to meet the amazing Emma Hardie, yes the lady who invented that incredible cleansing balm everyone (including me) absolutely loves and raves about. It was an absolute honour to be able to her, say thank you (yep I did) and actually get a one-to-one demonstration on how to use the newest product from the range. 

For me, the neck area is somewhere I do neglect, I tend to just massage it with any excess cream or serum I have left and hope for the best. 

This Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck Treatment is described as being a:

Richly hydrating and collagen-boosting, this serum helps to lift, sculpt and tighten this oft-neglected area, utilising pioneering ingredients delivered by a unique rolling applicator to increase the firming action. ‘Needle-free’ collagen and elastin boosters Neodermyl and Lifton in-Expert combine with hydrating hyaluronic acid and raspberry and inca inchi oils, which are rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 to provide protection and retain moisture. Skin will be left looking hydrated, plump and firm in no time at all.

Did you know that the skin on your neck is much thinner than elsewhere on your body making it especially vulnerable? It is susceptible to fine lines and creases and because of its lack of oil glands which leads to decreasing elasticity and early signs of sagging, this new treatment from Emma Hardie is designed to minimised it all.

The applicator on the tube provides a deep massaging effct that stimulates the neck allowing the serum to penetrate the skin, invigorating those muscles which are often vulnerable, so by stimulating the circulation in this area should result in a toned, moisturised neck and decollete.  

The serum is packed full of ingredients which include Liftonin-Expert and this activates the production of high-quality collagen. Neodermyl collagen and Elastin Filler which further increases collagen and improves skin density and firmness. Hyaluronic Acid which we know leaves the skin looking and feeling hydrated, firmer and a lot plumper before finally Inca Inchi and Raspberry Oils which are a rich Omega 3,6 and 9 complex which not only provides protection but also helps to retain moisture.

The idea with Lift & Sculpt is that you use it every morning and evening. You complete your cleansing routine and then using the rolling applicator you simply, in a gentle stroking motion, roll the applicator in an upwards motion until the serum has absorbed itself. The whole process only takes a few minutes of your time and it is actually quite relaxing.

Priced at £65 you can find Lift & Sculpt Neck Treatment via EmmaHardie or Cult Beauty.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here