Britney Spears Hair Care at Lidl

When I first heard that Britney Spears was launching a hair care range - I was so excited! Mainly because I am a HUGE Britney fan!
I know that, that's a slightly controversial statement - but we have to remember that I grew up in a time that Britney Spears was the biggest pop star in the World and in my eyes, through all the head shaving, bra-less, baby dropping pictures we see I still love her!

Now before I tell you about the product I am putting my commercial hat on *places it on ones head* and that's because working in a retail industry and having a business background it allows me to understand some of the questions that I have seen asked about this venture.

Firstly, WHY!? Why would anyone buy a hair care product launched by someone who famously shaved off all her hair and is not famous for having amazing hair all of the time - we've all seen the greasy hair, extensions showing pictures - My answer to that is simply because she is BRITNEY SPEARS, who doesn't know who Britney is? I could ask my 86 year old Grandfather and he would still know who she is. Whether you like her or not her name sells. A rare TV appearance will always draw in crowds and regardless of what you make of her singing nobody could deny how iconic her performances were at the MTV awards from a sequined barely clothed body, writhing with a python to kissing Madonna.

So if Britney is Britney and her name sells, why at Lidl and why at an entry price point? Because commercially this makes the most sense - shift the volume at the opening price point - because as I mentioned above, Britney is not notable for her amazing hair so nobody is going to invest in her brand and her name at a higher price point, not only that but her name is not as big as it once was so she cannot demand the high end and storm the market - but at everything £11.99 and under she can.

Lets also face facts, Britney's input in this would have been minimal and who in their right mind would turn down money for nothing?

So... the product?

Now ideally I would have picked up the multi-styler (£11.99) and not the straighteners (£9.99) but my Mum picked up this for me and thought I would want the straighteners more.

The packaging is good, it looks expensive - the image of Britney on the front shows long blonde tresses which any girl would dream of.
The product offers;
Ceramic-coated hot plates with tourmaline crystals (the science of this being it reduces static in the hair)
Temperature Control 100-180 degrees Celsius. (you may not see this as very high, seeing as though some offer up to 230 degrees. but these temperatures should only be used for course or afro hair and will damage your hair if used - GHD's don't go over 200 degrees)
Soft Touch body
Automatic shut off after 30 minutes
360 degree swivel cable
Hanging hook
3 year warranty

Now it's the warranty that's amazing - 3 years on something which is only £10! How could you not be tempted to try them?

The negative that I have found is that the straighteners do take a while to heat up, I've not timed it but I would say, around 2 minutes which is a while by todays standards/
But overall the product is good, for £10 it's well worth the money.
My hair is fine so this product worked well for me, I would need to try it on thicker hair to see if the results are the same - but my Mum also bought a pair and was very impressed.

If you're someone who only casually uses straighteners then surely these are worth the £10 investment whether you're a Britney fan or not?

I will be heading to Lidl myself to pick up the Multi Function Styler (7 different attachments) as I am intrigued about this one particularly.

Other products in the range are:

Hairbrushes at £1.99
Mini Straightener £4.99

Are you intrigued by these products? Would you try them?

Rhian Xx

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I haven't used a sponge for my foundation in years! The brush is my preferred application method - some people may prefer fingers or indeed a sponge but for me the brush is King.
Having seen lots of things about the Beauty Blender sponge, this seemed like the next best thing which was available in high street stores (Boots, Superdrug and more so now Supermarkets)

The only thing I don't like about using this sponge is, as with any sponge it absorbs a lot of product meaning you find yourself applying more product than with a brush - that being said the finished result is great. It's also great for building coverage with some lighter foundations without it looking cakey. Oh and for those that love to contour this is great for blending the different shades together.

(real techniques recommend you dampen the sponge first to avoid soaking up too much product) 

I find the best method for application on my skin is to start with a base applied my a brush and then use this sponge to create fuller coverage and contour - but the sponge is a great option if you are looking for a speedy approach and don't want the fuss of a brush.

I've never tried a Beauty Blender but that retails at £16.00 and this is only £5.99.

Have you tried  both these sponges? Is there a difference in quality and performance to justify the difference in the price?

Rhian Xx

GOSH Prime 'n Set Primer and Mattifying Powder

I picked up this product looking for a budget replacement to my Illamasqua loose foundation. I had also watched a YouTube video that if you applied this type of product under your foundation it would create a great base, minimising pores and readying skin for foundation. 

In which case a product called Prime 'n Set seemed like the perfect option. 

Now I'll be honest. On first impression I did not love this product and was ready to give it away to one of my ever grateful friends. Why? Well...

Firstly the texture was not what I was accustomed to with the Illamasqua one. This product was not as fine.... And also seemed a little grainy where it had gathered in places. So not a great start. 

Secondly I attempted the whole powder under your foundation using this and it didn't work for me at all! In fact I hated the finish, I had much better results from a standard pore minimising primer. I have read other posts about this product making an improvement so it may just be my skin that didn't like it. 

With this in mind. This product was banished to my make up storage unit and was going to be given away after I had written a blog post. (This was months ago I may add) 

Following my initial disappointment I picked up the NYX HD powder as a replacement. Both at £9.99-£10.00 but I was much happier with the texture of the NYX as it was similar to my Illamasqua one and if gave a great finish. 

Then! Shock horror! I run out so my only option to set my foundation was to try the GOSH product again. Now to my surprise, as a setting powder I love it!! The finish is great. Creates a lovely matte look to my skin and as its translucent it means my contouring is still visible. It's fair to say I've changed my mind so I'm glad I waited a while to blog about it. 

Maybe powder under foundation just isn't for me, but it may very well work for you. In which case I would give this product a go. 

Main Benefits; 

Pore Minimising

Shine control 

Matte finish

Inproves appearance of lines and imperfections 

Velvet finish. 

Available from Superdrug at £9.99.

Rhian Xx

Natural Collection - Eye Lines Eyeliner (white)

I remember reading ages and ages ago that using white eyeliner in your water line makes your eyes appear brighter ....  I have never used it - so wanting to check it out but being overly cautious as I wasn't sure if I would like the look I opted for a basic one which I picked up from the Boots Natural Collection which was a steal at only £1.99.

This is a great option - it doesn't last all day but for £1.99 you can afford to re-apply.

Fab little pick me up.

Rhian Xx

Smashbox - Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer

For those that follow my blog you'll know I have issues with my pores - particularly with my cheeks.I also have combination skin and am prone to an oily t-zone.
I was so excited when I heard about this primer - I am a massive fan of the classic Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - In fact it's my favourite.
I have tried lots of different pore primers and have always found Benefit's Porefessional to be the one that makes the most difference.


I have used this primer for the last 5 days and have noticed a substantial improvement in the oil control on my forehead. Smashbox promises 8 hours... maybe not quite but I am impressed with the improvement
Where other primers have failed to impress me is in their ability to conceal my pores - this one delivers to the same standard as the Benefit one.

I would say that if you only have concentrated oily skin and pore issues - you may be better mixing this with the standard one in a cocktail style formula, as it may be slightly too drying in areas.

This one is a little pricier than the standard one at £28 - but for me worth every £1 as I feel better knowing it's concealing my pores and mattifying my skin

Rhian Xx

Hoarcross Hall Spa

When it was time to celebrate my friends 30th birthday, we had a number of ideas on the list, but in the end the Birthday girl decided that what she really wanted to do was visit a spa.... Now I have been to a number of spa's within hotels and a number of day spa's with fitness clubs attached but I have never visited a spa like this one!

Located in the beautiful village in Staffordshire, Hoar Cross Hall resides amongst beautiful well kept grounds (50 acres to be exact) and is an 18th Century manor house.

Classic Twin Room

Hoar Cross Hall's Royal Suite

Now the first thing I noticed about Hoar Cross Hall is that it is a thing of beauty, the rooms are classically decorated but have modern bathrooms, each room also has an added touch of a name rather than a number. We stayed in the Milady Natasha, which had 4 single beds, 2 bathrooms, a separate sitting room complete with a champagne bar, oh and a private garden with patio area and hot tub! Swanky huh?



That's enough about the room - lets talk spa!!

Oh what a spa it is - my words really wouldn't do it justice so that's why this post is complete with plenty of pictures.
There is so much to do here - whether you fancy the gym, an exercise class, a swim or general relaxation this place has it all.

Two separate pools - one a Salt Water Vitality pool - which was cooling and refreshing -  The saltwater pool also boasts heavenly volcano and jet massage pools, a starlit cave (very Hugh Hefner) and two luxury whirlpools.
This pool is surrounded by loungers, some of which are heated and separate water therapy areas as well as the usual steam room and sauna (detox area). Now I don't want you thinking that this is all pretty standard because really it is not - amongst the water therapy you have: foot massagers, foot and back massagers, aqua massagers and for the really, really brave a cold water plunge pool!

Salt Water Vitality Pool

The second pool is a Hydrotherapy pool which also includes a whirlpool spa and water therapy area (soon to be renovated) 

Hydrotherapy Pool

 

Heated Loungers

Aside from the fabulous pools, every inch of this spa is thought out with things to do every which way you turn - including massage chairs in walk ways and a champagne nail bar!!! Eeek! How amazing is that?

 The spa offers an entire catalogue of treatments, including treatments from the usual suspects, Elemis and Clarins.
You can review the spa brochure here; http://www.hoarcross.co.uk/spa/treatments/
Did I mention there is also a Hair Salon?

My stay included 2 complimentary treatments - for which I opted for 2 massages (it has been a stressful few months and so these were very much needed)
I also went for a Salt Brushing treatment - everyone needs a good scrubbing now and again - followed by a vitamin moisturiser - my skin felt amazing!

If you aren't one for water therapies or the gym there is also the option of a sleep room with heated water beds.

You also don't have to worry about changing room facilities as there are plenty - with a separate area for day and resident guests.

There really is something for everyone at this spa - decadent rooms and dining rooms and fabulous spa facilities. For more information please visit; http://www.hoarcross.co.uk
I would encourage any spa lover to give Hoar Cross Hall a try - I will be visiting again soon.

Rhian Xx

The Make Up Addict Tag

It has taken me a while to get around to this post - but as the lovely Sheenie from www.just-nice-things.co.uk asked me to do it I could hardly say no!

I am a self professed make up addict, but am I ashamed? Hell No!! Make Up is something in this life that makes me feel a little bit better, happier - it is truly something I couldn't live without - I love Make Up, I love lots of make up - I am envious of the ladies who are brave enough to bare their natural beauty but I am not that brave and so if a little bit of make up makes me feel better and more confident why shouldn't I wear it?

So here goes with the questions:

1. Which product do you keep still buying more of despite having plenty in your collection? Lipgloss - I love lipgloss... and I am truly a sucker for every variance of nude shades of lipgloss. Pore primers is also something I am using around three of at the moment - I am consistently looking for something that will fill my pores.
2. What’s the one product you couldn’t live without? Any available eye brow product - I have the worst natural eyebrows and as long as there was some way of me filling them in I would be happy - saying that my favourite brow products are Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade and Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake.
3. Favourite make-up brand? If you had asked me a year ago I would have answered instantly with Illamasqua, however I am slowly becoming addicted to Urban Decay - I love the Naked Skin foundation and like Sheenie I swoon at every palette.
4. How big is your make-up collection? My friends and relatives would tell me it's massive, but compared to some bloggers and make up addicts it's probably quite tame!
5. And how do you like to store it? I try and separate it by function. So; face, eyes, more eyes, and lips. This is stacked in a plastic storage unit. I then have a separate trays for my every day make up and lashes. Nails then has it's own 4 tier housing unit.
6. How many items of make-up have you got in your handbag at the moment? Actually I am pretty good with this, I very rarely have time to top my make up, up throughout the day and therefore I only keep a concealer, a pressed powder and I will admit that lip products can build up from nude lipgloss to red lipstick. Oh and ALWAYS a tub of Carmex.
7. If you could raid another blogger’s stash, who would it be? Huda Kattan's make up collection always looks amazing so it would be hers.
8. How long does your usual make-up routine take and how many products do you use? Ummm with these brows? About 20 mins.... my daily routine consists of concealer, foundation a little contouring, blush, brows, mascara and a matte brown shade of shadow in the crease of my eye and some highlighter. I am soooo not a morning person so I rarely get time to indulge in lavish make up on a daily basis and as long as I have my brows - I am happy.
9. Have you ever bought make-up knowing you wouldn’t use it? Nope - I always buy things I want to try or I think will suit me, then if I am not happy I will share them between my friends but in general I am pretty good and giving everything a fair go.
10. Tag a few other make-up addicts to do the tag! Ok here goes.... Ummm Georgia , Emily and Kathryn, Charlotte

SEVENTEEN Flawless Poreless Primer

I am constantly on the look out for te best thing to reduce the appearance of my pores... On the off I picked this product up in Boots. 

    

 For £5.99 I wasn't expecting miracles but I was hoping for a nice amount of concealment to that area. 

My pore issues is concentrated to the apples of my cheeks - this product is applied with your fingers direct to the area. The texture is smooth and silky and it glides on the skin - do my pores look concealed? No. 

In fact it hardly does anything to conceal them compared to a number of other products I've tried. It takes a number of layers for the product to make any difference at all. 

I was very disappointed with this product even at £5.99. 

It really does nothing to conceal my pores at all. :-( 

Rhian Xx

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift

It's taken me a while to get around to picking up this product... But busy work days has meant that I need something to perk up my under eyes as a full nights sleep is not something I get very often. 

I opted for the shade Light 2... It makes a massive difference to the under eye area and is a great pick me up! I've used it everyday since having it... Great for contouring too as it blends easily! 

It's available in 7 shades and is £17.50. 

     

Would definitely recommend. 

    

Rhian Xx

Benefit They're Real Mascara

This post is a little late in the day as this product is not at all new... But I wanted to write about it as a number of people may not spend £19.50 for a mascara... So why should you pay more? Does it make that much difference?

I can honestly say I have bought this mascara inbetween purchasing others (I do like the try a new one every now and again) So why do I keep coming back to this one? Well... I thought the easiest way to break this down would be via a series of pros and cons rather than a long description of random ramblings so here goes. 

Pros

Substantial increase in the appearance of the length of my lashes

Black, which is the affect that I like 

More volume 

The brush manages to capture smaller inner corner lashes

The brush isn't so large that it causes the mascara on an eyelid disaster

Reduces the need for false lashes

Cons

It's a bitch to remove! Saying that... My Garnier water manages to remove it in a couple of goes but if you do not remove this before bed you will inevitably end up with sticky lashes and the shower will defo give you panda eyes! 

Saying that I'm sure you're all so good that you always remove your mascara before bed even after one too many cocktails ;) 

That's really the only con that I can think of. I do love this mascara and I don't feel naked without false lashes even if out. 

I would recommend this if you are wanting a more premium mascara than your usual drug store and supermarket brands - I have other favourites too but They're Real is probably in my top 3. Pics below are an example of eye make up you can acheive without lashes by just using this mascara! 

Rhian Xx

SEVENTEEN - Miracle Matte Skin Primer

Bethan is once again my guest blogger on this one - this is a product which I purchased from Boots... tried once and then never used it again.
Bethan explained to me she was having problems with an oily T-Zone so in exchange for a cheeky blog post I gave her the product to try.

So I was given the task of testing out the seventeen miracle matte skin primer, as I suffer with combination skin I felt I was a good candidate to see if this would help with my skin woes. 

I usually prime with Illamasqua hydra veil as my skin tends to be dull and dry in appearance on most occasions, with the exception of my t zone. However, this does tend to make me suffer with the dreaded sheen on my forehead by mid day, and find myself layering on my Mac studio fix powder.

On day 1 I applied both hydra veil and the matte primer, with little effect by the end of a working office day.

Day 2 however I skipped the hydra veil on my forehead and used the primer alone and I did notice a difference. I still had a dewy glow by the end of the day, but a great improvement.

It was a good little product and I will continue to use it til it is gone, but would I re purchase? probably not, I would look for something newer on the marketplace.

I think this is good for people with a mild oil issue x


Remember you can follow Bethan on twitter and instagram @bethanevans84

The Body Shop - Hemp Mitt

I have been so crazy busy with work lately, that I really have not felt like blogging when I got home - thankfully I have luscious friends who are happy to share their thoughts on the latest products they have purchased too - particularly when they have some good things to say or if the product is not on everyone's radar.

Bethan kindly wrote this post for me so enjoy!!






 I recently purchased this hemp mitt from the body shop, retailing around £7.

I do love my fake tan, and I have found that body scrubs and miracle removers have not tended to agree with me, or removed as I would expect. Let's face it, the only real way to get rid of a fading fake tan is to scrub it off. So, I went in search of a helpful mitt and came across this.

Use this is the shower with some standard shower gel and hey presto, job done. It's great for smoothing your skin and can even improve your circulation, I'm not sure how great it is at reducing cellulite yet as I'm not a huge sufferer.

I have noticed due to the nature of the material the mitt does shrink, but can be pulled back into shape fairly easily.

A great little natural product from the body shop xx 

Clinique - Chubby Stick for Cheeks

The great thing about the Clinique Chubby Stick was that it was a quick and easy way to apply a flush of colour to your lips which was also moisturinsing... Well imagine that same concept but 4 times the size and for your cheeks! 

Amazing huh? 

I was given this product by a friend and the colour was Rhobust Rhubarb which is the ideal shade for me as it's a coral colour. 

At the moment this product is only available in 4 shades; 

Ample Apple

Rhobust Rhubarb

Roly Poly Rosy

Plumped Up Peony

This product is literally fool proof which means there is now no excuse for a lack of blusher or tint to the cheeks - one of life's biggest faux pas is the lack of blusher after you've applied a layer of foundation - I mean why would you not? Especially as your cheeks naturally have a hint of colour. 

   

One quick swoop across your cheeks, a little blending and voila! You are done. It's that simple. Instant subtle glow which you can increase the intensity of if required. The product is also oil free and unlike other cream blushers doesn't sit heavily on your cheeks clinging to yor pores. 

This product is great for a woman in a hurry or infact any woman! 

   

This product is available from all Clinique counters and retails for £19. 

Rhian Xx

Too Faced - Melted Lipstick

Swoon!

I have wanted this product for ages! I've seen numerous snaps on Instagram which has just made me long for this product more and more! 

...Now what I have never noticed in all the Cardiff Debenhams wandering I have ever done is that they have a Too Faced (unmanned) counter in store. Result! 

I managed to resist my usual temptation of coral and headed for Melted Peony which is a lovely pink shade!

The product goes on like a dream! The packaging is handy - you simply unscrew and apply - no mess and no bleeding out from the lips which means you don't need a liner. 

The texture of the product is great.. Smooth to apply and not sticky. It lasts ages too with little need for reapplication. 

You get a glossy application to start with and once it settles is mattifies. 

The product retails in the UK for £19 which for a long wearing lipstick is well priced. (Versus other department store brands) 

I think the reason I like this so much is that it's the practicality of a lipgloss but the finish and lasting wear of a lipstick! 

There seems to be a lot of Instagram love for this product because since posting the pic on Saturday I now have nearly 400 likes on it! 

I can see me adding more colours to my collection.

It's available in the following; 

Have you tried this yet? What are your thoughts? 

Rhian Xx

Rimmel Space Dust Nail Polish

Another guest blog post by my lovely friend Jody. Enjoy all!! 

 

 

It was pay day this week so I thought I'd treat myself to some new nail varnishes.
I bought a collection of Rimmel 8m bottles including this 'Space Dust' range that I've never seen before. 

 

The colour is hard to describe, it's ever so slightly dusty pink but versatile enough to match many colours. I personally love a sparkly nail varnish but coverage is often touch and go. 

Now the directions state 'For best results apply 2 coats. I felt that there wasn't that much of a difference between the first and last. I will note though that I used a Barry M clear base coat which I feel always helps the glitter stick to the nail more consistently. This is the first coat 

and this is after the second coat

I actually love the finished look! It's so glamorous and although the coverage is thick, application is really smooth and the thick brush helps loads (a feature I particularly like from Rimmel varnishes.
I bought this from a outlet shop for £1.99 and I don't think you can go wrong for the price.
The feel is rather rough once dry so I'd recommend 2 coats of top coat for a smooth finish.
With the summer almost over this will be a great investment for Christmas and the party season!
:o) 

Thanks Jody!!

Remember you can follow Jody on twitter @jodypodee or on instagram @jodypodyjunkymonkey

e.l.f. HD Blush

I bought this blush a while back and haven't got around to using it until today.

The shade I picked up was Superstar
Which is a pink with a slight hint of coral. 

  

A little bit goes a long way - and I say that as both a positive and a word of warning because too much product would have truly disastrous results (imagine a very bashful clown and you will get the gist)

   

You get a highly pigmented colour which is similar in consistency to a Benefit tint like Posie Tint or Lollitint without the Benefit price tag.

The design of the bottle also means that you will never waste any of the product.

Perfect little pick me up for only £4.50 especially for someone who would prefer a cream style blush instead of a powder.

Can be applied with fingers or a brush depending on your preference. 

Rhian Xx

YSL - Fusion Ink Foundation

Is this really the latest foundation miracle? Can it really do all the things that it promises?

There was only one way to find out and that was to try it for myself.

I've worn this foundation for the last 4 days and not once in that period did I re-touch or re-apply the foundation as I wanted to see whether it delivered on the 24 hour wear promise.
I have combination skin and always wear a primer but Yves Saint Lauren say that you do not need a primer for this foundation (I have tried with both and I prefer it with a primer as it creates a smoother base to my skin) I also normally always wear a powder to set my foundation - which again YSL state is not needed with this product and in this instance they are right - I don't think any lady would consider adding a powder on top of this as the finish is already mattifying and there is really no need for the extra layer.

The Product

The packaging is to die for - it matches a YSL lip stain I have - it's sleek and stylish and not like any other foundation bottle I've seen before.
The consistency is very lightweight - If you have ever tried the Armani, Maestro foundation I would liken the texture to that, it feels as though you have nothing on but leaves a silky soft base.
The coverage is buildable without any caking at all to the skin and despite my oily t-zone it did not gather in places.
For anyone that is low maintenance when it comes to make up, this is perfect - I saved time not having to apply any powder to my face to set the foundation.
For me, matte coverage is my preference and this certainly evened out my skin with very little effort and no feel of make up what so ever - my only criticism would be that I felt it dulled my skin slightly so for anyone not looking for a completely matte look this foundation is not for you.

As I mentioned I did not touch up or re-apply this product and the staying power was amazing even through a gym and tennis workout.

At £30.50 the foundation is cheaper than the Armani - Maestro and if I am honest I prefer it, it's also available in a wide range of colours.

I received a 7 day sample of this foundation but I will be purchasing as I have never found a foundation that doesn't require me adding an extra layer of coverage before and for me that's a big draw.

Have you tried Fusion Ink yet?

Rhian Xx

Smashbox - Photo Finish Primer

I realised earlier that despite using this product every day and it being one of the most essential parts of my make up collection... I've never blogged about it!

I've tried countless primers in my time from Benefit to Sephora and Maybelline to Illamasqua but this one is my favourite. 

It creates a perfect base for my foundation and I find that I need much less foundation when I wear it. It smoothes over pores - and while it's not a concentrated pore refiner it does make a difference. It also means my make up lasts much longer and is resistant to sliding in the heat. 

You can pick up the Photo Finish Primer for £25. And it's available in larger Boots stores as well as online. 

One of my top 10 favourite products. 

Rhian Xx

Nars Nail Polish - No Limits

This is my first and only Nars nail polish.

I've had it since last Autumn... And I think I've worn it all of once! 

Not because I don't love the shade... Because I do. It's matches my Nars blusher perfectly. But... I don't love this nail polish. 

As I've not worn any other Nars polish it's difficult for me to say how this one compares but in all honesty the coverage is terrible. Three coats is still not enough and for a polish which retails at around £14 isn't great! It's very disappointing in fact. 

    

I am happy to apply more coats but that changes the finished colour - which is a shame as that's my favourite part about this polish. 

You can see from the picture that the nail shade is now totally different to the shade in the bottle (5 coats later!) 

As well as the colour there are a few other positives... The packaging is nice and the brush inside is great. 

It's just a shame that the coverage falls short. 

Have you tried any Nars polishes? Have I simply picked the wrong colour to base my thoughts on?I would like to think so as I normally love Nars. 

Rhian Xx

Benefit - They're Real! Push Up Liner

I'm a gel liner convert - but I am the first to admit that applying it takes a little bit more practise. Usually you have the fuss of your separate brush ( a good quality one is essential ) and also some have a tendency to dry out *boo*

 

Now on occasion I can be a little bit dubious of Benefit products. Some are great (They're Real Mascara and Porefessional for example) but some are a little faddy and gimicky. 

I will be the first to admit I didn't rush out and buy this liner - I heard lots of great things from various other bloggers but having only recently bought a new gel liner and from practise now being quite nifty and precise with my brush I couldn't really justify the investment. 

That said, a single tweet from House of Fraser tempted me into buying a bundle pack including Mascara, a small Liner (still a substantial size) and a sachet of the new eye make up remover all for £19.50 I couldn't really say no! 

So is it Benefit to the rescue? Is it as good as all the hype? I have to say... I love it. 

The tip is flexible silicone (accuflex) in it's make up and you twist the bottom the excrete the gel from the tip. You get the control of those handy felt tip liquid liners but the nicer finish of a gel liner. It's also much easier to get precise flicks. 

The idea is also that is hugs your lashes to make sure you don't get any gaps between your liner and your lashes. 

 

You can check out a video here; 

http://m.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/theyre-real-push-up-liner 

Finally a gel liner that not only is easy to apply but also won't dry out. 

If you've been cautious of gel liners before - look no further and get your mitts on this beauty! 

They're Real Push Up Liner retails for £18.50 

I quickly snapped these pics before work today. 

Rhian Xx

Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette - Iconic 3

Let's not beat around the bush here... This palette is a complete dupe of the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette but at only £4 it's a great alternative for someone who doesn't want to commit £37 to eyeshadow.

I have the Naked 3 palette and I love it... But I wanted to pick this one up to see if I could love it just as much. 

   

Now I know a lot of you would be thinking at £4 there is no way the shadow could have great staying power-but combined with a good eye shadow primer you'd be surprised. I wore this palette out on an evening where I ended up singing and dancing the night away to some epic 80's Power Ballads (long story) The colours did not stay as pigmented as when I first applied it but it stood up well against a warm summer evening combined with a hot and sweaty club! 

The colours aren't as pigmented and as blendable as the Urban Decay ones but for £4 you can't expect miracles. 

Overall this is a great product.... You should definitely check it out and get creative with it. 

This won't be the last Makeup Revolution palette I will be purchasing. 

*makeup revolution is available in selected Superdrug stores. 

Rhian Xx