*Benefit Lollitint, £24.50
This is by far one of the cutest parcels I have ever received. My two loves in life are sugary goods and cosmetics, so combining the two is an easy way of being a success with me. I'm currently making my way through the sweeties as I type.
The reason for this naughty treat is due to Benefits latest beauty release. Lollitint, a cheek and lip stain in a feminine, flirty pink. Benetints are smudge proof, smooch proof and long lasting - ideal for upcoming Valentines Day. Anything long lasting gets my vote as I hate re-applying anything other than powder and lip products during the day. However the main reason behind my excitement for this product is the colour, it's the perfect girly, candy pink.
If you've not tried a Benetint before the packaging is adorable and easy to use. You simply unscrew the lid to reveal a little brush, pop a few dots on your cheek then get blending. You can apply this with your fingers but I prefer a little stippling brush, a Mac 130 is ideal and then I just build up the intensity of the colour. As well as creating a long wearing flush of colour on your cheeks you can also use this on your lips. Apply a few dabs and then blend lightly with your finger and you've got pretty pink lips for hours. You can always pop a lip balm or gloss over the top if you're a lover of a bit of shine.
I found an amazing video from Liza, who demonstrated how to apply this on your lips and cheeks so if you want to know how it looks on the skin have a watch of her video. It looks absolutely beautiful.
Lollitint is available in stores from today if you wanted to get your hands on it!
Too Faced Favorite Things Palette, Originally £48, Christmas Reduction - £33.60.
This is, by far, one of the most exciting beauty finds for me. It had been out of stock for weeks and I'd given up hope on owning it as there was no way I was paying the excessive Ebay prices, but then - my luck came in. Boxing Day sales came around and I found this beauty hidden in the pages of the Debenhams sale, with 30% off.
This beautiful palette is slimline and opens up to reveal 20 eyeshadows, 2 bronzers, 2 blushers and a how-to booklet. That alone had me sold but it also comes with a deluxe Better Than Sex mascara sample, a full size Colour Bomb Plumping Lip Tint in 'Bee Sting' and a travel pouch to store all your new goodies. As this festive palette was inspired by the Sound Of Musical you'll notice some particularly adorable shade names, such as 'Whisker on Kittens', 'Moon on Their Wings' and 'Cream Colored Ponies'. There are a mixture of shimmer, matte and glitter shadows and a whole range of beautiful colours to choose from. The much hyped 'Chocolate Soleil' bronzer is included, along with 'Sun Bunny' that offers two shimmering shades in one and the blush shades are 'Melt in to Spring', a luscious coral/peach and 'Raindrops on Roses', a true doll pink.
Of course it's not all about appearances, it's quality too and this palette did not disappoint. Too Faced eyeshadows are smooth, creamy and highly pigmented. The only exceptions being 'Moon on their Wings' and 'Party Time' that both contain glitter and require a little more effort. I've not yet tried the Better than Sex mascara but it's been raved about left, right and centre so I'm sure I'll love that equally. The Color Bomb Plumping Lip Tint in 'Bee Sting' is a dusky pink colour - your lips but better but this does sting like a mutha. If you have sensitive lips or skin, I wouldn't bother. I applied this on my mum in the hope her wee little lips would grow but instead it just caused her pain by leaving a red, moustache like line above her lips - oops.
I couldn't see this on the Debenhams website anymore, however you might be able to find it on the internet. If not, I apologise I just couldn't resist sharing with you this beauty of a palette.
*Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation, £35
'Clarins Extra-Comfort Foundation SPF 15
30ml. Anti-Ageing. Replenishing. Illuminating. Its exclusive anti-ageing
formula plumps, moisturises and nourishes the skin deep down with a
combination of organic Argan oil and the Global Age-Defying Complex. The
skin instantly feels suppler and more comfortable. Wrinkles and fine
lines are smoothed. The complexion is left glowing with youth.'
Foundations and base products are undoubtedly my weakness. I currently have two full drawers full to the brim of BB creams, CC creams, tinted moisturisers, foundations varying in coverage. You name it, I've probably tried it. The latest offering from Clarins, their Extra Comfort foundation is what I've been trialling the last few weeks. It claims to have anti-ageing properties, help illuminate the skin whilst plumping, moisturising and deeply nourishing. It contains a small amount of SPF and states to be medium coverage.
To start, I'll reiterate that I have combination/oily skin. I don't tend to get many dry areas but I get the dreaded shine a few hours in to the day, especially through my t-zone. I'll put all my cards on the table right now and state it boldy. I love this stuff. My only niggle and main complaint is the packaging. It comes in a very chic and expensive looking thick glass jar with a gold twist off lid. The glass aspect, combined with the heaviness of the product makes it completely non travel friendly. If you were desperate to take this on your travels however, you could always decant it in to a smaller pot.
That aside, I have no other complaints. The shade 'Honey' is a perfect match when I've got a fake tan, which is always. Although it's a cream product, it's not thick - it has quite a light consistency and blends easily. Their claims of a medium coverage live up to expectations and I dare say it's even a medium/full coverage - definitely buildable, although it can be sheered out. It does have a slight fragrance but the scent is subtle and if you're worried about bacteria it comes with a little spatula for hygiene purposes. I find a little bit of product goes a long way and although the coverage is high it doesn't look cakey. Hopefully you can see from the photo below how natural it looks once blended in to the skin. I do have to blot with this foundation as it's made to hydrate but a little powder fixes my shine and for the finish and coverage, it's worth it.
Have you tried Clarins foundations before? Which is your favourite?