Beautiful Brands: Benefit Cosmetics

In the cosmetics industry, there is one beauty brand which, for me at least, stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Image courtesy of jadeisabelle.com

With innovative products, interaction with customers, a loyal following of "Benebabes" and a seriously fun attitude, Benefit Cosmetics is one brand which seriously packs a punch in the beauty industry.  

Launched in 1976 in San Francisco by twins Jean and Jane Ford, the brand started life as a beauty boutique, The Face Place. The relaxed, gossipy “beauty locker room” style interaction they had with their customers in this initial period has continued to run through their hugely popular range of cosmetics which has always had a tongue in cheek approach to humour. A prime example is the words of the founders themselves:

“If you don’t wear makeup, at least put on some lipstick. You may not have to look at yourself, but others do.”

There is something about this statement which heralds back to strong heroines of old movies – it is not intended to be a mean statement but is a display of tongue in cheek humour with a sassy edge.

The brand now has over 3,000 counters worldwide and some of their products remain top sellers in the industry. But what is it about the brand that makes them so special?

Their overall objective has remained unchanged for almost 40 years

Since launching their first product Rose Tint (now Benetint) in 1976, Benefit’s goal has always been the same, to provide instant fix solutions to their customers so that they can “fake it until they make it!” You won’t believe the story behind this now famous product, but it arose from a very particular problem, showing Benefit’s desire to help their customers, rather than just sell them what is trendy.

They create coveted cult products

Each year Benefit releases an advent calendar for Christmas, which is one of the most, if not the most, coveted and popular beauty products each year. Demand grows for the product, but they remain limited in stock. Limited means rare and rare means “I have to have it!” Rather than have a different idea for Christmas each year, they develop the same idea meaning people look forward to it.

They don’t try to reinvent the wheel all the time

Various products in the Benefit collection are old favourites, including Benetint, They’re Real Mascara and Bathina which have been sold for many years. Benefit makes no attempt to reinvent these items because they understand they are hugely popular just as they are. When they have a winning formula, they stick to it!

But they are still innovative.. 

The first Benefit Brow Bar opened in 2003, and the rest is history! Benefit were the first cosmetics brand to incorporate brow products and services into their beauty products and launched the Brow Bars so that customers could essentially use the counter as their salon. The Brow Bars are now hugely successful and are a unique service of Benefit. Very cleverly, by doing this, they also get their customer right into the products for a prolonged period without selling, selling, selling.

They develop strategic partnerships with other brands

Whether it’s teaming up with Citreon to develop cars inspired by their products or working with the infamous Sharknado movie creators, Benefit understand where they can fit in other markets, tuning into how brands can work in collaboration to the benefit of both partners.#

  

They interact with their customers

Few make up brands compare to the power of Benefit on social media. Any mention of the brand on Twitter is appreciated, usually with a named member of staff responding to any queries, suggestions or feedback. The responses are always full of enthusiasm and passion for the brand, rather than just a cold retweet. Any social media beneficial to their brand, Benefit are on it with them also amassing a large following through Periscope - live streaming Q&As and Beauty Tutorials to, on average, 2000 viewers.

They don’t promote an “ideal” image 

Benefit rarely show images of real people in their promotion, instead opting for cheeky pin-up illustrations. Even when they do use real people, the messaging which goes along with this is always slightly self-deprecating and never takes itself seriously. They “They’re Real” promotion currently on their website is a prime example!

With so many images on various advertising mediums showing unattainable beauty, it is refreshing to see a brand go in the complete opposite direction, reassuring their customers that we are all just “faking it until we make it” and that we should have fun with makeup. Which leads me to the most important reason I love the Benefit brand...

They don’t take themselves too seriously

The company motto “Laughter is the Best Cosmetic” does not sell any of their products. It doesn’t scream at customers to buy their products and their lives will be better. It doesn’t promote an image of luxury. It doesn’t even say what they do!

But what it gets across is so much more powerful - that cosmetics are not something to be taken too seriously. That people should have fun with makeup and see the joy in experimenting with it. That beauty can be enjoyed by everyone. 

What do you love about Benefit? 

Love Nicola x  

Too Faced Chocolate Bar - Review & Swatches

Eyeshadow that smells like chocolate sounds gimmicky. But an eyeshadow infused with anti-oxidant packed cocoa powder can actually have a beneficial effect, helping the skin look young by aiding the repair of skin cells and neutralizing free radicals. Not bad for a gimmick!

Leading the charge in the use of cocoa powder is Too Faced. With their hugely popular Cocoa Powder Foundation and Bronzer, they launched 'Chocolate Bar', a gorgeous (you guessed it) chocolate bar themed palette packed with 16 matte, metallic and shimmer shades.

So first off, I think we can all agree the packaging is BEAUTIFUL! They've clearly taken a bit of inspiration from old Willy Wonka and created a gorgeous, gold-trimmed chocolate bar box which just begs to be unwrapped.

Unfortunately, the internal packaging isn't my cup of tea. I know some will disagree and though I get the chocolate bar theme, there's something about it I'm just not keen on. However, we'll let that one go and move onto the real review, what's inside?

Before I even go into the colours, I have to talk about the smell. Even if you open this palette and hate every single colour, you cannot help but be made happy by the sweet chocolate scent this palette offers. It really is delicious and the first few times you use it, you will find yourself just sticking your face in the palette like a crazy person and inhaling deeply - it really is gorgeous! 

Once you've finished breathing in the delicious scent, it's onto the shades offered. The Chocolate Bar claims to contain 16 matte and shimmer shades, but I'm pleased to say that, in my opinion, there are some metallic ones in there which is right up my street! There are beautiful colours, shades that are beautiful but not for me, some essential shadows (well we still need them..) and a couple of duds -  which to be fair is to expected from a palette of this size. Overall though, a good mix, which is what you want from a palette. So onto the individual swatches..

A deep brown, with almost a hint of khaki through it, this shadow is very sparkly! This would definitely catch the light but my only downside is that it is a little too powdery - i.e. make sure to dust off your cheeks afterwards! 

It is there I promise! A creamy base colour which is not too white in tone. Blends effortlessly into the skin without looking washed out - a perfect all-over-the-eye colour. 

Matte shades will never ever blow me away, but this light goldey-brown shade does work very nicely all over the lid for a natural daytime look. 

My relationship with purple eyeshadows is complicated - they look pretty but, with my pale skin, I always just end up looking like a racoon. This plum shade is very pretty, and very sparkly, but just not for me.  

With a slight khaki edge to it, I think this would look great with Gilded Ganache. 

This has to be the smoothest matte eyeshadow I've ever tried! The terracotta colour would look great day or night, but, use with caution - a little goes a long way with this shade! 

As soon as I opened the palette, this shade called out to me. This metallic dusky pink is my favourite in the palette for 2 reasons. Number 1, the colour is truly beautiful and number 2, the pigment is so intense that this shade just glows - absolutely adore it! 

This shade is similar to Milk Chocolate but much warmer in tone. Not intense enough for night time but makes a great crease colour for during the day. 

The dud of the bunch for me - there had to be one! It looks great in the palette offset against the browns and golds, adding a touch of cuteness, but the colour does nothing for me - very washed out and just not flattering. 

Because of my fair skin, this one is not for me, but the intensely sparkly violet would look beautiful on darker skin tones. 

Amaretto sets off a foursome of beautiful metallic shades. This copper tone is intense and warm, catching the light beautifully. 

Hazelnut is much more cool toned that Amaretto, but still absolutely gorgeous in the light. 

This is GOLD! No other word for it. The pure intensity of this eyeshadow is just beautiful. With not a hint of fade around the edges, this is intense gold - really there is no other way to describe it and it needs to be seen to be believed!

Very similar shade to Hazelnut, but verging more towards brown than gold. Still a beautiful metallic finish which I love.

This one verges on a dud for me. I almost feel if this one had the same metallic finish as the previous four, I would've loved it. In the pan, the colour looks unique - a deep cherry brown. Unfortunately, the lack luster finish does let it down somewhat.

For me, yes you can use this shade as a shimmery pearly pink shadow, but this could be put to much better use as a highlight. The finish is clean and easy to blend, so no need to worry about unsightly highlighter streaks! A nice little addition to this palette.

Looking at the back of my hand, most of the colours are darker in tone (to be expected from a chocolate themed palette) and I would definitely suggest that this is more of a party palette than one designed for every day use. The finish of the metallic shades is beautiful and this really intensifies the rich colours this palette has to offer.

And seriously, even if you don't buy the palette, please go to a Too Faced counter just to smell it. Yes, you may look strange to other customers, but the gorgeous chocolatey scent will make it all worth it! A gorgeous palette, especially for those with a sweet tooth! 

Have you tried Chocolate Bar yet? What are your favourite shades?

Love Nicola x

N.B. I was lucky enough to receive this palette as a gift from my lovely mum and dad  for my birthday - thanks again :-) xx

5 Minute Review - Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate Nude Collection

It's "jump on the good old bandwagon time" to try out the new Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - Nude Collection.

There has been a LOT of hype around this launch and I was very excited to pick up two shades. There are 3 more shades in the range, but these were the 2 tones I felt would best suit my colouring. 

So the lipstick claims to offer neutral shades, soft and creamy colors which are universally flattering suiting every skin tone. 

I must say I was skeptical about using a nude shade, being so fair, but these are really beautiful. At first, if you're like me, you won't be too sure, but once you get used to the nude tone, it is incredibly flattering, as promised and looks really nice and natural - unlike many other nude lipsticks on the market which can make you look like you've rubbed concealer on your lips! 

No. 42 is for cool undertones. Shades 42 and 45 are incredibly similar, but 45 has more of a pink to it, making it ideal for neutral undertones (42 on the left).

The lipsticks smell like an old fashioned lipstick (which I love). They are creamy to apply, not patchy, provide a nice even colour and they are pretty long wearing even though not claiming to be (you would have to reapply after eating/drinking). 

42 on the top, 45 on the bottom 

Though initially thinking this would only be a day lipstick, I'm quite surprised to note that I will likely wear this for a night out tonight teamed with a brown smokey(ish) eye. Love it! 

Have you picked up any of the collection? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below :-) 

Love Nicola x 

Ready for the Weekend - Tesco Beauty Deals

The plan was to find the best deals from a number of sites, but Tesco Beauty have so many that I thought I'd start with them!

Below are my favourite deals currently on the Tesco website, but there are tons more online and you can pick up some real bargains in store! To my amazement I bagged Maybelline's Lash Sensational for £2.99 on one of my "big shops".

But back to the present. Here are my top 5 beauty savings from Tesco Beauty:

1. Max Factor - 2 for £14 on selected products 



This covers the Lasting Performance and Colour Adapt foundation ranges so if you use either of those foundations on a daily basis anyway, you can essentially get your second bottle for half price. Not too shabby.

2. Barry M Lip Paint - selected colours half price

I can really get on board with these given how impressed I was with the Genie Lipstick and this offer does tempt me.

Normally £4,49, 3 beautiful (and summery) pinks are currently just £2.25. Do I just buy all 3 for fairness?



         Pretty Pink                                Shocking Pink                          Marshmallow 

3. Bourjous Healthy Mix Concealer - nearly half price
    Bourjous 123 Perfect Foundation - £1.50 off



I have a real soft spot for the Bourjous Healthy Mix range which has a great coverage, smooth feel and gorgeous fruity smell. And at £3.75 for the wonderful concealer, why not give it a go? Unfortunately Medium is still £7 (boo!), but if your shade is Fonce or Clair, you're in luck (hooray!)

The same goes for Bourjous 123 Perfect Foundation which is currently £5.50 (rather than £7). The offer only applies to Light Beige, Light Vanilla and Rose Beige. But again, if one of those is your shade - well done you! This isn't the best deal in the world, but combined with the concealer, you can pick up a freebie as part of the 3 for 2 offer on Bourjous cosmetics.

And who doesn't love a freebie?

4. Maybelline Color Sensational Popstick in Pink Lollipop - £3.50 down from £6.99



Occasionally a random lip colour just pops up for half price and this is one of those occasions.

Another gorgeous pink which claims to leave a subtle sheen. Maybe not an everyday shade, but a great bargain product for a girls night out!

(As a side note, I love Maybelline's lipstick packaging. I mean, look how pretty!)

5. Maybelline Color Show Nail 651 Cool Blue - £1.50 down from £2.99



It is not an understatement to say I am obsessed with these nail varnishes. I could shout about them from the rooftops all day but I'll just simply say that they are THE BEST drugstore nail varnishes out at the moment. And I'll have to resist pretty hard not to snap up this beautiful baby blue!

So those are my picks, Will you be splurging on beauty this weekend? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Love Nicola x

*This post is not sponsored in any way by Tesco. They just do great deals. 

Skincare Saviours

As I mentioned in a previous post, I suffer from a very annoying bout of acne on my chin. This started back in February when I wore a certain fake tan which should have been suitable for face and skin - it was not.

So for the past 5 months, I've tried various gels, creams, lotions and potions to remove the little blighters but very little worked.

I went to see my doctor about a month ago who gave me a prescription of Oxytetracycline (I've had it before and it seemed to do the trick). But I couldn't understand why I was taking the medication and nothing was happening. Spots would disappear, then reappear even worse than before.

Then it hit me! I needed skincare products that didn't make the claims of clearing acne and were most likely too harsh for my skin, making the situation even worse. I therefore took 2 of my regular skincare products - which seemed to be working - and bought the complimentary products. I can't tell you how pleased I am with the results. Though I still have scarring and that will take a while to clear, the spots are now mostly gone and my skin feels much fresher than it did even 2 weeks ago!

But what are the magical products and do they cost a fortune? Thankfully no. They're just your regular run-of-the-mill drugstore products which do an amazing job of letting the medication clear the spots and keeping the skin comfortable and able to heal rather than interfering with the process. I've listed the products below and each product links to the best price I could find online.

The morning belongs to Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser and Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Facial Wash 

I will admit, I was not completely blown away by the facial wash. It was fine, it didn't irritate my acne and it smelled fresh and fruity. Basically, I had nothing against it. But then I combined it with the moisturiser...

I often see, "for best results, follow with our...." and think that they are just trying to flog me more of their products. But this combination is absolutely worth it.

The moisturiser is so cooling on the skin. When you walk out of the bathroom, the slight breeze of just walking makes your skin feel cool and fresh (like when you've just used mouthwash..just me?). It really does just feel wonderful on the skin, without overpowering it.

The two combined create a lovely pair which keeps my skin comfortable all day and also, as a side note, make for a great primer - my makeup stays on much better when I use these.

The only downside is the moisturiser does not contain SPF, so either use a face suncream on top or at least make sure your makeup contains SPF.

And onto the night where I have come back to a brand normally targeted at teenage skin, but I maintain is one of the best skincare brands..Simple!

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes and Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream

Firstly, never EVER pay full price for the wipes. They are always on offer (either buy 1 get 1 free, 3 for 2 or 3 for £5) so stock up when you see an offer!

Secondly, I must apologise to my skin for continuing to use a retinoid cream instead of switching over to something like this night cream. I had read up that retinol/retinoid cream is great for treating acne, so I continued to use it, unaware that my medication does not work in conjunction with taking retinoids - topical retinoids couldn't be that far of a stretch! I switched to the Simple night cream knowing it would be much lighter, keeping my skin comfortable at night but not drowning it in unnecessary ingredients that do more harm than good.

I cannot recommend the combination highly enough. My skin feels cared for, but not overpowered.

Simple just do good skin, and at a not bad price tag either..

So the products listed above helped my skin when combined with prescribed medication. Always make sure you see the doctor first as you will most likely save a huge amount of money buying every miracle cream under the sun when a simple antibiotic will do most of the leg work.

Are there any products that you think are "hidden gems" when it comes to acne? Leave me a comment below and follow me on Twitter!

Love Nicola x

Barry M Genie Lipstick Review

So now it's time for a magic trick...

On a recent (accidental!) shopping trip to Boots, I impulsively picked up this little green and pink tube..

 

It doesn't look like much and it was just sitting there next to all the other Barry M lipsticks, just minding its own business when I noticed the colour indicator tag was split down the middle - 1/2 pink, 1/2 green. No wonder! When you open the tube, you find this sorcery...

 

This is the Barry M Genie Lipstick (RRP £4.49) which "magically turns your pout an ultra long-lasting personal shade of pink." 

By acting with the Alkaline in your lips, the green applies as a different shade of pink on each person giving a truly individual look which lasts 8 hours. Intriguing...

’s green but magically turns your pout an ultra-long lasting personal shade of pink. It does this by adapting to the Alkaline in your lips. In other words, every person is different and every look is unique!
Genie lasts for eight hours too so you can achieve an all-day custom kiss that’s all your own (Genie is an improved formulation of Barry M’s popular ‘Touch of Magic’ lip paint.) - See more at: https://www.barrym.com/product/Genie#sthash.PjO6cTSc.dpuf

Though lipsticks that change colour is not exactly new, it did remind me of Frog Prince Lipstick by Lipstick Queen which I've wanted to try for a while. However, because the Barry M version is just over £17 cheaper, I had to try it out. It did not disappoint. 

Firstly the green does change to pink as promised. Good start! I was certainly hoping it would or this would've been a complete waste. I don't think I'll ever be brave enough to sport green tinged lips! 

I would say that on my arm, the pink looks quite natural, but this lipstick does have the tendency to stick in the middle of your lips looking darker in that area so you can look like you've just finished eating an icicle (which is not a very work-appropriate look). Even though my first image has a filter (I love my filters!) the colour of my lips in that image are actually a good indication of the colour I get from this product, which for me is just a tad bright for daytime.

However, I have to say, they are not lying about this being long lasting. Try as I may, I could not get this off my hand whether I used soap, wipes, cleanser...nothing worked!

And it stays just as well on the lips. I have worn this, eaten a meal and still had all the product left on there. It does not quit easily which I can definitely appreciate.

So, for the price I paid, this is not a bad little product and if nothing else, it freaks out your friends! Well done Barry M you wizards you!

Are there any products you love that magically change colour? Leave it in the comments below.

Love Nicola x 

Latest in Beauty Awards 2015

One of my favourite places to pick up beauty treats is Latest in Beauty. Unlike a subscription service, LIB lets you pick the items you want to try and pay per box rather than a monthly fee.

At the moment, LIB are running their 2015 Beauty Awards and as part of this, finalist products in different categories have been chosen and these products are offered in handy boxes for customers to try out and vote for their favourites. 3 finalist box options are available:

Box 1 - 3 products at £8.99*
Box 2 - 6 products at £12.99*
Box 3 - 9 products at £16.99*

*plus delivery

So I went for the 9 product box and I can't tell you how excited I was to see my little black box of goodies arrive! The entire box equates to a value of just over £80 for just £16.99*..not too shabby!

So onto the agony of choosing only 9 products. I chose products from the categories Must-Have Makeup, Best Eye Makeup and Body Beautiful. I would have LOVED to have tried some of the other categories but, as they contained skincare products, I am wary of using any new products on my acne at the moment - no matter how amazing they sound!

So I'll dive right in with what came in the box as well as the claims each product makes and I will test the products from each category in individual blog posts.

Enjoy!

Must-Have Makeup

Makeup Academy Pro-Base Prime & Conceal (RRP £4.00)

"A collection of correcting creams suitable for a multitude of complexions."

Basically a variety of colours to treat various concerns, namely lilac to illuminate and mute yellow undertones, green to neutralise and reduce redness, yellow to brighten and conceal purple undertones, peach to add radiance and "middle colour" (essentially another nude shade) to highlight.

First impression: These are surprisingly pigmented although I remain to be convinced with the nude shades.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Hawaiian Smolder 429 (RRP £8.99)

"Creamy, full-coverage...matte lip colour in a modern crayon for truly beautiful lip colour. Lightweight moisture for a comfortable, everyday wear formula infused with Shea Butter, Kendi Oil, and Jojoba Oil. It's colour that truly cares for your lips!"

This claims to have a creamy matte formulation which gives precise application without the hassle and mess of sharpening (ideal!) hydrating and moisturising lips leaving them soft and smooth as well as containing no added flavour or fragrance.

First impression: I've actually tried this as I needed to apply some lip product after lunch. Nice to apply and very natural looking, but it does have an odd waxy smell. Another good colour choice though LIB!

Little Ondine Natural Nail Colour in Lava L062 (RRP £8.40)

"Composed of natural resin, organic colourants and water....pure organic colour that gives a smooth texture while hydrating..nails."

This also claims to be quick drying, peels off easily and is odour free.

First impression: Love, love, LOVE the colour and love the fact that it's not a dud pale shade. No odour as promised. Took 1 coat for solid colour and dried in 1.5 minutes. It looks good so far...

Best Eye Makeup

Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil (RRP $30 in the US = approx. £19, but it is difficult to find an actual RRP)

"Unique, highly pigmented eye liner which is inspired by Ancient Egyptian formulas..enriched with beautiful Botanical Waxes and Oils and boasts a natural and cruelty free formula which helps to nourish the delicate eye lid. Literally gliding smoothly onto the eyelid without pulling or dragging, Goddess Pencil is truly waterproof once set and comes complete with a smudging tip to create the ultimate in smouldering looks."

First impression: Nice colour - don't think it's quite glimmery enough to be 'sapphire' but nice, smooth and super long lasting (I could not get it off my hand!) 

(Bottom line is blended out with the smudging tip)

Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes (RRP £21) 

"Brushing on Magnifibres gives a stunning yet natural false lash effect."

You apply the fibres between coats of your normal mascara and your lashes end up 5mm longer. 

First impression: Oh my god! This looks terrifying - like cotton wool in a tube. Think I'm most excited to try this one out..

Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Green Velvet (RRP £9.25)

"Waterproof, super long-wear and extra smooth eye-liner with rich colour pay-off. Colour lasts all day and is great to use along the waterline. The high silicone content gives a velvety finish and rich colour for an intense, buildable look. Each eyeliner contains Vitamin C and E to moisturise the eyelid."

First impression: Not a good one! The pencil broken while doing swatches on my hand so I'm not holding out much hope. Nice colour though.

Body Beautiful

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil for Body & Hair (RRP £8.00)

"Multi-purpose solid oil. Its rich texture glistens and glides onto skin for an instant moisture glow, enriched with organic Community Trade argan oil from Morocco."

First impression: It smells amazing in the jar and gives a light shimmer to the skin, but it does smell more like honey when applied which smells a bit strange to start with before settling and smelling quite nice. Applied a small amount to my hair and even though I think the consistency will be too oily, a small amount leaves a nice smell in the hair. 

Tisserand Aromatherapy Sweet Dreams Bath Oil (RRP £10.95 per 100ml, equating to £2.19 for 20ml)

"Soothing blend of calming Lavender, Jasmine and Sandalwood, combined to encourage a peaceful nights sleep. Enriched with skin-pampering Coconut, Sweet Almond and Jojoba natural moisturisers, Tisserand Sweet Dreams Bath Oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants."

First impression: Very strong herbal smell which I LOVE so looking forward to this one.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts (RRP £1.95 from Bath and Unwind)

"Formulated with the purest natural plants and herbs in the form of essential oils, Kneipp Mineral Salts gently exfoliate, tone, increase skin elasticity and help to build the skin's resistance to daily pollutants. Enriched with poppy and hemp to nourish and smooth the skin whilst promoting relaxation and peace of mind."

First impression: A very unique scent, but not unpleasant. I'm not usually the biggest fan of bath salts, but this could change that.

What products came in your LIB box and what are you excited to try?

Love Nicola x

This post is absolutely not sponsored. I bought the Latest in Beauty Finalists box with my own money. All views are my own.