First Impression: Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara

I thought today I would do a review of the Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara. This mascara is Benefits most raved about product, and probably one of the most hyped up mascaras ever! I have been interested in purchasing this mascara for a while, and I finally made the plunge.

This beautifully packaged mascara, retails for $38. I find it quite over priced, as I usually do with Benefit products. 

Everyone raves about this mascara! Most people claim that it is the best mascara they have ever used, it gives them volume, curl and length. This is what Benefit claims:

'They're real! lengthens, curls, volumes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won't smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!'

When I first pulled the applicator out, I wasn't entirely impressed. Personally I prefer a more thick, brush-like applicator. Whereas this is more of a rubber like, sparse applicator.

Before applying the mascara I did curl my lashes, just to make it easier to see the effect. On first application I noticed the formula was quite wet so you do have to wait a while before blinking, which can be quite annoying as it did smudge a bit. I also found it very clumpy, and hard to spread out. Usually I prefer a more natural lash, but I was hoping this would give a thicker effect, which I didn't get. I also found it was very hard to build on, it just made a mess. The one thing I was impressed with, was the staying power, after drying it didn't budge all day.

Before & After (one application)

Honestly, I was disappointed. I think it was mainly because of the hype around it, I was expecting so much more. Also the price, if I am paying that much for a mascara, I expect a pretty good one. This is a good product, it stays put all day, but I think there are better drugstore alternatives.

Stocking Stuffers

1. Kate Spade Glitter Coasters

Sparkles = LOVE. How cute are these coasters! These are awesome for someone who loves glitter (obviously).

2. Peter Alexander Xmas Pudding Candle

Xmas pudding candle.. need I say more?

3. Ace of Something Almond Fedora

Everyone needs a nice hat. Not only does this hat keep you sun safe, it also add a chic touch to your outfit. It also comes in a couple of other styles and colours including a fairy floss pink.

4. Sunnylife Pineapple Candle

Fun pineapple shape and scent! Also comes in other sizes and colours.

5. Nails Inc Spring Summer Collection

This set comes with 6 nail polishes perfect for spring/summer (shades include neon pink, mint, salmon pink, coffee nude, pastel blue & yellow-orange). 

6. Ted Baker Montone Bag

Know a beauty lover? This is a great gift. With it's beautiful patent finish, and signature Ted Baker bow, this is perfect for storing all beauty essentials. Comes in a variety of colours.

7. Peter Alexander Santa Minishort

The festive shorts are awesome as a stocking stuffer. They even come in a little christmas cracker box.

8. Sunnylife Picnic Blanket

Perfect present for anyone who loves picnic. It comes in two awesome prints, easily folds up and has a handle for easy transportation.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Whilst browsing through Pinterest, I came across a pumpkin pie smoothie. I love pumpkin pie! When I saw this I got so excited, I had to make it. 

Usually I wouldn't have pumpkin pie for breakfast, but this smoothie is so good.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie:

1/2 cup of Pumpkin Puree

1 Frozen Banana

1 cup of Almond Milk (or any milk of your choosing)

1/4 teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice

1-2 teaspoons of sugar (or sweetener)

Review: Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid

001. Today I am reviewing a recent beauty purchase of mine, Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation. I've always been a big Maybelline fan, my favourite foundation ever is still their Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation, but sadly it was discountinued :(
I always like trying new foundations, so when I saw this one is Boots, I thought I'd give it a go.

002. I first applied this foundation with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. On one hand it had a rather good coverage, I would say medium but buildable. On the other hand it came out looking very shiny, and as someone with quite oily skin, that can be pretty scary. But after setting it with some of the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, I was pretty impressed. It felt very light on the skin and not oily at all. It also stayed in place well all day, but understandably I did have to touch up some areas.

003. Overall I'm happy with this foundation. This product is great for someone who is looking for a medium coverage that is buildable and has a dewy, natural finish. I think it would be a great foundation for summer, because it is so light and dewy on the skin.
The colour I use is Ivory (10), the second lightest shade out of the 8 available, and it matches my skin perfectly.

Benefit Haul

Ever since I first tried a Benefit product (Porefessional mini sample from some beauty box) I have been longing to buy more! But in Australia the prices are a bit off-putting. Not to mention the fact that they are not the easiest to find, which makes them a bit unattainable for someone who doesn't live somewhere with a Myer. 

So anyway, I recently arrived home from an overseas trip to England, and to be honest I think I went a bit Benefit crazy. Even though the prices are still fairly expensive there, the fact that it seemed to be half the price (because of the exchange rate) was my justification for buying them.

♥Benefit Sweet Tintations♥

The Sweet Tintations kit includes:

Benebalm - 3.0g (full size)

Lollibalm - 3.0g (full size)

Benetint - 4.0ml

Lollitint - 4.0ml

This kit is really good value. RRP £19.50 or $50au

♥Benefit POREfessional♥They're Real Mascara♥

POREfession $53 - 22ml

They're Real Mascara $38 - 8.5g

♥Triple Performing Facial Emulsion♥ 8.9ml (Full size $43)

♥Dandelion Lipgloss♥ 6.5ml (Full size 15ml $23)

♥BADgal Waterproof Pencil♥ 0.5g (Full Size $39)

♥High Beam♥ 4.0ml (Full Size $45)

Boots were having a sale on Benefit minis. Basically they were £5 each or £15 for 4 mini samples and you also get the cutest mini Christmas stocking for free. It is a great stocking stuffer or even for yourself, if there are some products you have been wanting to try but don't really want to splash out on the full size. They also had a couple of other minis, some lipgloss, POREfessional, mascara etc. I decided on these samples because I haven't tried any of these products.

If your in Australia check out www.benefitcosmetics.com, you will have to pay international shipping, which seems to be relatively cheap (Free shipping when you spend $100). But the prices seem to be a lot cheaper and it's probably worth the wait.

Healthy Chocolate Smoothie

Ok so I have a massive weakness for Chocolate.  Thankfully, cacao (raw chocolate) is super healthy and full of antioxidants. But don't worry if you don't have any cacao, you can just use your normal cocoa powder. It may also seem strange that this recipe has avocado in it, but it makes it super smooth and you can't taste it at all, trust me! Try this smoothy and it won't disappoint. Did I mention it  will leave you feeling full and satisfied, which is great if your trying to lose weight.

Recipe:

1/2 Avocado

1 cup of Almond Milk (or any milk you prefer)

1 Banana

1 Tbsp Honey

1 1/2 tbsp Cacao or Cocoa Powder

Handful of Ice

New In: Sportsgirl

90's Neckline Cami // Sunny Long Sleeve Shirt // Floral Lace Edge Shorts

001. How cute are these floral shorts! I am in love with them, and looking forward to wearing them this summer. I thought the high neck cami would look perfect with these shorts.

002. I have been lusting after the Sunny Long Sleeve shirt from Sportsgirl since it first came out. Finally it went on sale so I had to buy it, I couldn't really justify the full price of $80 for a plain white button up.

Sweet Nails

DIY Nail Transfers Sweethearts - ASOS

Revlon Cafe Pink - Priceline

How sweet are these DIY nail transfers. Who wouldn't want donut and ice cream nails?

Recently I made an order on ASOS and bought these awesome nail transfers on sale! Basically they are water activated tranfers. All you need to do is cut out your selected appliqué, dip it in some water and let it sit for 10-15 seconds. Then slide it off the baking paper and place onto your already painted nail, just apply a clear topcoat to finish. Originally I found them a bit tricky to apply, but once I got used to the technique, they were quick and easy to apply. I think the results are pretty cool, unique and fun. You can also get them in a range of other prints, such as French Bulldog, fast food and cake prints.

Moroccanoil Treatment Review

Moroccanoil Treatment 25ml

I have always been a bit lazy when it comes to looking after my hair. I get regular haircuts, and usually always use heat protectant (sometimes I may forget, oops) but thats about as far as I go to look after my hair. On my last visit to my hair dresser, she noticed my hair was rather dry and damaged, so she recommended I try the Moroccan Oil treatment. Obviously I had heard of Moroccanoil before, it had been on my wish list for a while, but just couldn't justify the price tag. 

So I jumped on my computer eager to find some of the cultivated treatment as cheap as possible, and preferably in Australia. After searching around I found a few sites, but in the end decided to order off www.catwalk.com.au. It was one of the cheapest by far. As I hadn't used this product before I decided just to get the 25ml just in case I didn't like it.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been combing it through the lengths and ends of my towel-dried hair once out of the shower, and occasionally I use it on dry hair if my hair is looking a bit frizzy. Once dry, my hair is seriously so soft and smooth, and also super shiny. The main reason I love the oil though, is that my hair feels in much better condition since I started using it. I was also worried about it making my hair oily, as I already get super greasy hair, but it definitely doesn't do that.

Overall I am super impressed by Moroccanoil. So is it worth the price tag? Yes! It is such a quick and easy way to improve the quality of my hair, and I can't get enough of it. Once my current bottle is finished, I will definitely be buying it again.

Berry & Banana Smoothie

There is nothing better than a fresh, homemade smoothie. It's a fantastic way to fuel yourself and get your fruit and veg requirements. This berry smoothie is so easy to make, it tastes great & it only has a few ingredients.

Recipe:

1 Banana

1 cup of Berries (I used frozen ones)

1/2 cup of spinach

1 cup of Almond milk (you can use the milk you prefer e.g. soy or cows milk)

A few cubes of ice (optional)

Add all your ingredients into your blender, I used my George Foreman Mix & Go, and blend them all up. And that's It! your done. All that's left to do is drink up.