They're Real

BADgal mascara from Benefit is a favourite for many people that I speak to. However the San Francisco based make-up brand offers an alternative mascara to the UK, 'They're Real'. Having recently tried a sample of the mascara I am a convert. The brush for the mascara is not as big and thick as the BADgal one however it suits my lashes much better. I am not one of those people who has been blessed with a gorgeous full set of long lashes and unfortunately have a stumpy set so a good mascara is essential to me. The brush has staggered plastic bristles separating the lashes individually and coating each lash individually. This separates, curls, lifts and volumises lashes to give your eyes a great defined outline. The brush has a rounded and customised tip which includes shorter bristles meaning you can coat that hard to reach corner of the eye and also fan the ends of your lashes, so glam.  The mascara has good wear and tear so stays on your lashes for most of the day, and like good quality mascaras, it doesn't flake off onto the face during the day. It dries quickly meaning that it is less likely to smug and I find I only need to do one coat a day. RRP of £19.50 but if only one coat is needed a day, then this should last you a good number of weeks. So take my word for it, I tell you no lies, it's all real, just like your lashes.

Benefit, They're Real Mascara £19.50

Example

Image source

Great Job

Soap and Glory are a brand that for some unknown reason seem to have passed me by. Many of my friends use their products and I was pointed in the direction of their daily moisturiser 'Glow Job' (I am sure that all pun was intended.) This is a great summer product for a number of reasons. Firstly, heavy foundation and moisturiser in summer is just a no go. It will only end in 'melty face' (a term I'm sure make up professionals use on a regular occasion.) It's good to let the skin breathe in summer and allow the vitamin D full access to your pores so that the body can soak up the goodness. Secondly, your skin undergoes so much wear and tear on a day-to-day basis that it's good to factor moisturiser into your daily routine. Many will be consistant with moisturising at night, but the morning is always such a mad rush that moisturiser maybe low down on the priority list. Thirdly, unlike many tinted moisturisers, which often feel too thick, Glow Job contains 'micro Bronzeburst Beads' that release temporary self tan when you rub the moisturiser into your face. This gives you the colour of a regular foundation with more of beachy natural look. Plus, as stated on the website, the moisturiser smells like 'orange peel oil and vanilla' and it truly does. Delicious.

Soap and Glory: Glow Job, Daily Radiance Moisturiser, RRP £9

At £9 a pop it could be pushing the boat out for some people, but you only need a pea size amount each morning so it should serve you all summer. Plus, there is no price on good skin. 

Even if you don't need a new moisturiser, or dont fancy one with a self-tanning element, then you should still head into town and browse the Soap and Glory products; the names of the items are genius and always provide some amusement on a quick lunch break. 

Soap and Glory - all images sourced from here 

Manicure in Minutes

Having not been a huge lover of false nails in the past, I'm surprised at how much these new nail wraps have caught my attention. False nails and gel nails in the past have destroyed my poor nails and weakened them beyond belief causing me to stay well clear, however this has not damped my desire for long and manicured nails. Therefore these new nail wraps seem like a godsend. Easy to use and shouldn't rip off the first layer of your nails when removed. Available from most high street health and beauty stores and not to pricey, so why not add a little extra to your make-up routine this weekend. 

Superdrug, Broadway Impress Press on Manicure, £5.99 

Feeling patriotic for the Olympics, try Nail Rock, £6.65

Feeling a bit more jazzy, Rebel Nails Inc, Black Splatz Nail Wraps, £7.99

Crème de la crème

I’ve got one of my sisters to thank for this discovery. We all know a good foundation is hard to come by and one that your friend loves and wears everyday may not suit your skin at all. It can also feel like you’re just clogging your skin up day after day with layers of foundation. So after having this discussion with my sister she pointed me in the direction of cream gel foundation by Rimmel.

At a very affordable price it was exactly what I was looking for. Light on my skin but a good amount of coverage. Due to it being so light, it is also perfect for summer and will definitely be in the suitcase in preparation for my holidays.

The gel comes in five different shades so no doubt you’ll be able to find a colour to suit your skin tone. Plus it comes in a handy tub so no more squirting too much on the back of your hand and not being able to get it back in the bottle (such a waste! I reckon that’s where most of my money goes).

I’d definitely recommend this for work, shopping, holidays and even evening drinks.

(Rimmel Match Perfection Cream Gel Foundation in True Ivory, £6.99. Mac Duo Fibre Brush, £32.50)

Simply perfect!