Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner Dupe - Maybelline Lasting Drama Black Shock Gel Eyeliner Pen

Earlier this year Benefit released the first gel liner in a pen, 'They're Real Push Up Liner'. Now Maybelline have released their own version, which as far as I can tell is identical but half the price! 

If you are an eyeliner newbie, let me explain the difference between a liquid eyeliner and a gel eyeliner. A gel eyeliner usually comes in a little pot and you need to have a separate eyeliner brush to apply it. Its much thicker in consistency than a liquid eyeliner, so I personally find a gel easier to work with. Gel's also tend to last a heck of a lot longer than liquid liners and you can apply a gel to the waterline. Although you might need a bit of practise getting used to using an eyeliner brush, once you have mastered it you really have much more control and can get a much finer line/wing. 

The only downside to gel eyeliner is that it can be slightly more of a faff and isn't particularly practical for doing your makeup on the go. Something that these new gel eyeliner pens should help with.

The Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner has a silicone nib and when you twist the bottom of the pen, the gel is released, no need for a separate brush. 

This was actually easier to work with than I thought it would be. As the silicone nib isn't particularly flexible I thought I was going to get in a right mess, but its surprising how quickly you get the hang of it. The only thing I would say is that you can't get as precise a line as you would if you were using an eyeliner brush. 

Overall I was really impressed with this. It was much easier to work with than I thought it would be and   this eyeliner does not budge. I didn't wear any eyeshadow or primer with this, as I really wanted to test the staying power. I have quite oily eyelids and this didn't smudge at all. It stayed in place all day, which for me is a bit of a miracle. 

If you like thin, precise liner I would say stick with your eyeliner brush but if you don't mind your eyeliner a bit thicker and want to save yourself some time in the morning, definitely give this a try. 

If you were planning on getting the Benefit liner save yourself the money and get this one. Honestly they are identical, except Benefit's version costs £18.50 and Maybelline's £8.99. 

I'll leave you to do the math ;)

The Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Pen is available from Boots online and in store for £8.99

Face of the Day with Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Starstruck

So after my natural, post holiday Face of the Day yesterday, today I have the polar opposite! I was feeling very Autumnal and went to town with a smoky bronze eye and deeper lip. 

I actually really love this look and can already tell I will be re-creating it a lot. 

I am starting a new job tomorrow at Cosmopolitan magazine (ahhhhh!) and one of the things I am really excited about is getting to wear slightly more daring makeup. My previous office job wasn't really strict on dress code but in a sea of grey and beige, anything out of the ordinary stood out!

Face

Primer

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

I'm down to my last few drops of this and even though I was using a long wear foundation, I like to wear a primer just to prep my skin. 

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation

What I love about this foundation is that its long wearing but not heavy. Most long wearing foundations feel and look like a mask on your skin, this is the only one I have found that gives a pretty natural finish. 

Under Eye Concealer 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter

To brighten those pesky dark circles!

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder in Shade 03

I wear bronzer all year round but now we are reaching the Winter months I wanted one that was a bit paler. I have heard a lot of rave reviews about this Body Shop bronzer and I can verify its worth the hype! I think its very comparable to the Guerlain bronzers which cost £30+ and the shade range is great for paler skins!

Powder

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

Best budget powder out there, controls shine without giving you cake face.

Highlighter

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

Still loving this highlight after my review here. I just love the warm glow it gives my skin.

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

I always wear an eyeshadow primer because it helps my eyeshadow last all day. I apply this all over my lid and also underneath my lower lash line. 

Eyeshadow

Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette - Starstruck

This is the perfect Autumnal eyeshadow palette. All of the shades are buttery soft and bright, the top left colour 'Fallen' is bar my favourite. 

For this look I used 'Fallen' all over my lid and blended it underneath my lower lash line. To add some darkness to the outer corner I used 'Pagan Poetry' (bottom left) and 'Hermit' (bottom right). 'Hermit' looks a bit intimidating but the red mixed with the brown just adds a beautiful warmth, perfect for blue/green eyes. I don't think this palette is available anymore but her Monarch palette looks similar.

Eyeliner

MAC Teddy Eye Kohl

Sticking with the warm brown tones, I used a brown eyeliner rather than a black. Brown is less harsh than black and will also emphasise blue eyes. 

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

Sticking with my favourite mascara combination of the moment.

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

As both my eyes and lips were quite dark I wanted to keep my eyebrows on the lighter side. That's why I love the Hourglass pencil, because its soft and never looks harsh. 

Lips

Lip Liner

MAC Burgundy Lip Liner

I wasn't planning on wearing a lip liner but because I had patted my lipstick on with my finger, I needed to use one to stop it bleeding. Any dark lip liner will do, I just think MAC have the biggest colour variety.

Lipstick

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107

Its back! Is it sad that I was mainly excited for Autumn because I get to wear this lipstick again?! This lipstick costs £5.49 but its just as good as any MAC lipstick. Its a dark red berry colour but if you want to wear it a bit lighter like I have in these pictures, just lightly pat on your lips and blend with your finger. Honestly if you want to revamp your makeup bag for Autumn, this is the one thing you need. 

Face of the Day with Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 'Nude-ist'

With my tan fading rapidly, I have been trying to make the most of that post holiday glow. As much as I love applying my makeup, it is nice to wear less foundation and give your skin a bit of a break every now and then.

Having said that, I have another Face of the Day post for tomorrow which is very Autumnal! 

Face

Foundation

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

I used to use a lot of No7 makeup when I was younger. I loved their mascaras and there was one particular lipstick that I was obsessed with. I very rarely visit the No7 counter these days, its probably because I'm a magpie and their branding just doesn't stand out to me. 

I have had this foundation for a while but because its quite a dark shade, I can only wear it when I have a tan. I took this foundation with me on holiday and have been wearing it ever since. This really gives my skin a lovely glow and the coverage is light enough that my freckles show through. 

No7 have such a huge foundation range now maybe I shouldn't be passing them by!

Available from Boots £12.50

Under Eye Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter

Every beauty brand and their mother have their own version of the highlighter clicky pens, which all started with YSL's Touche Eclat. To be honest, in general they are all much of a muchness but this Estee Lauder one does provide some extra coverage as well as highlighting, which is always a winner.

Available from Boots £23.50

Bronzer

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Alluring Aquatic

Limited edition and no longer available I'm afraid, but as you can see I'm nearing the end now anyway. This bronzer isn't completely matte and it almost has a slight sheen to it, this translates well on the skin giving a very subtle glow. If MAC re-releases these bronzers I recommend trying them out.

Highlight

MAC Cream Colour Base in Improper Copper

This is one of those products that stays in my drawer all year round but I get it out every time I go on holiday. As the name suggests, this is a copper toned highlighter which looks amazing on darker skin tones. As you can tell when I have a tan I'm all about that Victoria's Secret esque glow.

Available from MAC £15.50

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

I have gone back to my favourite combination, just because I hate doing my eyebrows and the Hourglass pencil makes the whole process a lot quicker!

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil Available from John Lewis £26.00

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel Available from Illamasqua £11.50

Eyeshadow Base

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

My favourite eye primer, allows my eyeshadow to last all day.

Available from John Lewis £19.50

Eyeshadow

MAC Tan Pigment

When it comes to loose pigments, I generally don't have much time for them because it can all get a bit messy. However there a few pigments by MAC which are worth the hassle because the colour payoff is so beautiful and impossible to achieve from a pressed eyeshadow. Tan is one of those colours and my favourite. If I did a MAC starter kit post, this would definitely be in there!

Available from MAC £17.00

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

Still loving this mascara combination, so annoying that you cant get the Tarte mascara in the UK but Benefit's They're Real gives a similar effect.

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Available from Sephora $23.00

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara Available from Boots £13.00

Lips

Lipstick

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 07 'Nude-ist'

My friend at work recommended this to me and it sounded right up my street,

Pinky/brown natural colour, check

Matte finish, check

This is like a liquid lipstick but its completely matte and extremely pigmented. The colour is perfect for me and I love how long lasting this is. It almost stains your lips and even as it fades it still looks good. They do these in brighter colours as well which I imagine are just as beautiful but I'm happy with my natural, everyday colour.

Available from Boots £8.99

Beauty Graveyard

Oskia London Renaissance Cleansing Gel

This cleanser is really good at removing makeup, even waterproof mascara but it seriously irritated my eyes. It was expensive, so I did finish the tube but I wouldn't buy it again.

Available from Cult Beauty £28.00

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I love Micellar Water for removing makeup, its so quick and easy. If you are trying to wean yourself off makeup wipes this is the stuff you need, just pour some on a cotton pad and it will take off all your makeup. I'm not particularly fussy on the brand of Micellar Water but the Garnier one is by far the best value for money.

Available from Boots £3.33

Kate Somerville Goat Milk

My beloved Goat Milk, why can you only be bought in America *cries into pillow*

I am really fussy when it comes to face moisturisers and because I have combination skin, I hate any that feel overly rich and heavy. Goat Milk is the perfect light consistency and I actually feel like my skin looks and feels better when I use this. 

Available from Sephora $65.00

Indeed Labs Hydraluron

I'm not even going to try and explain what this stuff does, I will leave it up to skincare expert Caroline Hirons. In summary though, I like it a lot!

Available from Boots £24.99

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel

I mention Yes To a lot on my blog because I think they are pretty unique in the fact that they are a natural organic brand but with cool modern branding. The range has all been repackaged and you can now finally get it in Boots! This eye gel had a lovely cooling effect when you applied it (great for de-puffing) and is great for younger skins or if you are just starting out with an eye cream and don't want anything too heavy.

Available from Boots £7.99

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +

My skin saviour! A few months ago I was having a bit of a traumatic time with my skin, its not fun getting spots in your late twenties (to be fair its never fun, no matter your age!) Since using this every night before I moisturise, I have seen a dramatic improvement in my skin and now only suffer from the occasional spot (touch wood, touch wood!) I have lost count of how many tubes I have got through now!

Available from Boots £15.50

Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover

If I remember rightly, I gave this eye makeup remover a bit of a shitty review initially but since I haven't been wearing waterproof mascara it actually works really well. The bottom line, great for removing non waterproof eye makeup.

Available from Boots £3.59

Yes to Carrots Nourishing Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

Another Yes To product, this time from their Carrots range. I really like to use a traditional gritty exfoliator in the shower so my skin feels really clean and the fact that this contains 99% natural ingredients is even better.

Available from Boots £4.66

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

I really think this concealer is over rated. Its too light  for decent spot coverage but not brightening enough for under eye coverage. I would pick the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer over this any day and its about a third of the price!

Available from HQhair £21.00

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

God I love this brow gel. Keeps your eyebrows in place all day.

Available from Debenhams £11.50

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation

This foundation has now won its way into my foundation hall of fame. It gives your skin the healthiest glow and feels lovely and light, not heavy at all. One of my all time favourite foundations. 

Available from Boots £10.99

Burberry Lip Cover in English Rose

Lipstick is my thing. I feel naked without it and English Rose is my all time favourite, my perfect 'nude'. Of course I have already repurchased a fresh tube!

Available from John Lewis £23.00

Hand Chemistry Heel Hydration Complex

This is definitely a case of TMI but I do suffer with dry feet! I saw this on a new display in Boots and was intrigued enough to give it a try. What appealed to me is that this promises to re balance below surface hydration, rather than focusing on removing the hard skin. This is quite pricey for a foot cream but is definitely the best I have tried. I have already bought a new tube.

Available from Boots £14.99

Maison Martin Margiela Replica Beach Walk

If you have read my blog for some time you will know how much I love Maison Martin Margiela's Replica line of fragrances. Beach Walk is the perfect Summer scent and the name describes the scent perfectly. 

Available from Selfridges £65.00

Soap & Glory Clean On Me

I do love the smell of this Soap and Glory shower gel and I love taking the minis away with me on holiday.

Available from Boots £6.00 for 500ml

Bobbi Brown Almost Bare 

This is my signature scent, I've lost count of how many bottles of this perfume I have got through and if Bobbi Brown ever discontinued it, there would be some serious tears before bedtime. 

Available from Bobbi Brown £49.50

Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub

I was seriously impressed with this body scrub from Lush. It worked so well because it was really gritty, my skin felt so smooth and soft after using this. It also smells like the beach, which makes it a winner for me. I would definitely buy this again. 

Available from Lush £13.25

Zoya Remove +

My favourite nail polish remover and the only one I use because other brands just dry out my nails too badly.

Available from Amazon £10.55

Aussie Mega Shampoo

One of my favourite shampoos. Perfect if you are a greasy hair sufferer and want a shampoo that leaves your hair feeling really clean, without stripping out the moisture. 

Available from Boots £4.69

Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Travel Set

I have actually used up two of these travel sets now. In the set you get a travel size shampoo, conditioner and primer. The shampoo and conditioner left my hair feeling so soft and bouncy and the primer acts as a detangler, leave in conditioner and heat protector all in one. I have already purchased the full size of the primer and will definitely buy the full size shampoo and conditioner at some point.

Available from Look Fantastic £19.50

Lee Stafford Original Dry Shampoo

Having dark hair I struggle with dry shampoos, as I find they always make my hair look ashy. This Lee Stafford dry shampoo is one of the better ones I have tried and its also available in different shades depending on your hair colour.

Available from Boots £5.99

Sanctuary Spa Body Butter

I think this was a left over smelly from Christmas! 

Available from Boots £10.00

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser

This is my new favourite body moisturiser, its not overly moisturising but its so quick and sinks in straight away. Ideal for people like me who find the whole moisturising process a chore!

Available from Boots £3.99

Nivea Body Lotion Express Hydration

This was fine as body moisturisers go but I will be sticking to my Vaseline spray for the time being.

Available from Boots £3.75

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

Did I need another highlighter? No, but isn't she a beauty.

I really should do a 'YouTube Made Me Do It' post because that website is a danger zone for me. Not only do I lose hours of my time to it, but it also lightens my pockets considerably!

I love watching Jaclyn Hill on YouTube and when she mentioned this highlighter in her August Favourites I was on the Space NK website in a flash. I have purchased quite a few products on Jaclyn's recommendations, including my beloved Hourglass highlighter so I was quietly confident.

Although I definitely did not need another highlighter, the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold, is different from any I already own. Rose gold is the perfect description for this colour and for me it acts as a blush/highlighter in one. This also makes a beautiful eyeshadow and in the picture below I am wearing it on my eyes and cheeks. If you have a darker skin tone this will give you the most beautiful sheen and won't look ashy at all. 

This is definitely one of those products which looks amazing when you have a tan and just gives you the healthiest glow. Although you do need to be careful, as its really pigmented and its easy to get a bit over zealous with the stuff. 

If you are in the market for a new highlighter you can pick this up from Space NK for £30.00, although you might want to hurry as I hear its limited edition!

All Things Holiday

Anyone else out there struggling with a serious case of the post holiday blues?

I was in desperate need of some chill time and it was so nice to just laze around, read, swim in the pool and eat nice food. It was also really refreshing to have a week not using my phone or the internet. Its kind of scary how reliant we all are on those two things now, but having a break just reminds you that you don't need to be!

I love reading on holiday and its something that I really want to make a conscious effort to make more time for. If you are looking for a new book recommendation, I read and loved "The Girl With All The Gifts". I hadn't heard anything about this book but the cover intrigued me and it turned out to be one of my favourite reads in a long time.

I have also finally started the first Game of Thrones book but that is quite the tomb, hence why I need to make more time for reading!

I had to share with you the amazing nail polish that has been gracing my nails for the past week. Its by Pop Beauty and its seriously the brightest neon orange nail polish I have ever used. Pop Beauty used to be available in the UK but now it only seems to be available online, although you can get Pop Beauty in Walgreens if you are in the US. 

If you are looking for a radioactive nail polish then you need to try this. 

Pop Beauty Orange Nail Polish £6.50

My holiday makeup was seriously minimal this year. I never wear makeup in the day on holiday, as I spend about 90% of my day underwater but in the evenings I do slap on a bit. I actually ended up doing the exact same makeup look every night because I liked it so much and it was just really quick and easy.

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation in Soft Rose

This is a really lovely foundation because it gives your skin the healthiest glow. The coverage is quite light but that suits me as I cant bear the feeling of heavy foundation on my face and I like that it doesn't cover my freckles. 

Available from Boots £12.50

YSL Couture Palette in 03 Afrique

This was a bit of a naughty purchase but I somehow justified it to myself by saying that there wasn't a single colour in the palette that I wouldn't use. Of course I have only ever used one of the shades and that is the colour on the top left hand side. I just blend this all over my lid and it gives the prettiest peachy gold glow.

Available from Boots £39.50

MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy

I couldn't find my favourite brown eyeliner anywhere so I had to buy a replacement Teddy in duty free. I just apply this to my tight line and a tiny bit to the outer corners of my eye and smudge out.

Available from MAC £14.00

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Heftiest Hibiscus

I have my friend Nat to thank for this discovery. She wore it on a night out and I loved it so much I had to go out and get it. This is a red toned coral which you can either blend in for more of a subtle look or go all out for a full on bright pout.

Available from Boots £17.00

Of course I made a couple of cheeky purchases in duty free. 

First of all I had to replace my beloved MAC Teddy Eye Kohl and trust me, if my original one turns up I wont be happy! 

My Laura Mercier Foundation Primer only has a few drops left in it so I needed a replacement primer. I used MAC's Skin Base on my Sister on her Wedding day and I was so impressed with how well her makeup lasted that I wanted to get this for myself. 

Finally a completely unnecessary purchase, another nail polish! 

I am just a little bit in love with OPI's new Nordic collection and I also have a bit of a thing for green nail polish so of course I chose "My Dogsled is a Hybrid". There is also a beautiful dark purple colour from the collection which I think I will have to get "Viking in a Vinter Vonderland" OPI have the best colour names!

So I guess Summer is officially over now, at least my orange nail polish will be acceptable for Halloween!

August Favourites

This past month I have loved a lot of makeup and I had a hard job editing it all down for this months favourites post. With my Sisters Wedding, August was a heavy makeup month. I'm looking forward to rediscovering a lot of my old makeup favourites now we are changing seasons, Rimmel 107 lipstick I'm thinking of you! I am off on my Summer holidays next week though, so I will have to wait a little while longer for those berry tones!

MAC Eyeshadows - All That Glitters, Woodwinked, Mulch, Romp and Grain

Me and my MAC Palettes have an on, off relationship. I forget about them for months, then rediscover them and fall back in love all over again. As you can see from the massive hole, All That Glitters is by far my favourite. Its just fool proof, slap it all over your lid and you are good to go. Grain is a new discovery, I like it because its very subtle and doesn't really look like eyeshadow once its applied. Woodwinked is a lovely gold for Summer, Romp is slightly darker and more bronzy, I like to wear both of these alone. My current favourite combination however is All That Glitters all over the lid, with Mulch in the crease. 

Now I make the inevitable promise not to neglect my MAC eyeshadows again!

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This Tarte mascara is amazing, it gives tons of volume, length and separation. The only downside is that its only available in America (sad face). It also has some pretty impressive staying power and does not budge, even through a 45 minute aqua aerobic session!

I find that mascaras always tend to smudge on my lower lashes, so I finally decided to try Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara. Although I was initially sceptical, I am now fully sold on this tube of awesomeness. First the brush is teeny tiny so you can get to all the individual lashes, without getting blobs of mascara on your face. It also lasts all day with zero smudging whatsoever. I know a mascara purely for your bottom lashes is a little excessive but trust me this is worth it.

OPI Original Nail Envy Nail Strengthener and Deborah Lippmann Stronger Nail Polish

I have been using OPI's Nail Envy as a base coat when I paint my nails and I have noticed an overall improvement in the strength of my nails. Less breaking, less peeling and all round healthier nails.

My tolerance for glitter polish is low. Sure it looks pretty but there's nothing pretty about scrubbing your fingers raw trying to get the stuff off. The struggle is real but its worth it for some glitters like Deborah Lippmann's Stronger. When this stuff catches the light the sparkle is insane. I wore this on my toes for my Sisters wedding and really regretted not wearing it on my fingers too!

MooGoo Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser and L'Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation

My beloved Kate Somerville Goat Milk moisturiser ran out but have no fear, MooGoo is here! I have mentioned MooGoo on my blog before, they are a natural skincare brand from Australia who started when they developed their cow udder cream for humans! This is their Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser and I honestly think it makes a massive difference to keeping my skin clear. If you are into natural and organic products I highly recommend checking MooGoo out. 

I have raved about the L'Oreal Lumi Magique foundation a lot I know, but I just cant help myself. Whenever I wear this I love how my skin looks. Its light, so doesn't feel or look heavy and it just gives the most beautiful glow. Its possibly my second favourite foundation behind Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and that's saying a lot. I have the teeniest, tiniest amount left in this bottle and it will be a sad day when its finally finished.

Anastasia Contour Kit and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light

I have this contour kit alone to thank for giving me some cheekbones this past month. I have done a full review here if you want to read more.

I am ashamed to admit it but I have been cheating on my Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder with this Hourglass Powder. Since using it on my Sister for her wedding day its become my new favourite highlighter. This is more subtle than the Kevyn Aucoin highlighter, with no shimmer detectable at all but it just gives this amazing glow to your skin.

It might be a bit quiet on the blogging front when I am away next week but usual service will resume shortly!