Benefit The POREfessional

At the grand young age of 27, I have noticed my first wrinkles. And unsurprisingly I'm not impressed.

Alongside these fine lines (damn being such a smiler), I'm also starting to notice my pores are appearing enlarged in my T-zone, particularly on my forehead.

Luckily for me, within days of this grim discovery, the latest issue of Elle dropped through my letter box, with a lovely little treat from Benefit. Their famed The POREfessional, which is currently the UK's number 1 selling primer.

Claiming to 'Quickly minimise the appearance of pores & fine lines' the oil free formula contains vitamin E and can be applied under or even over make-up. 

A relaxed lunch time catch up with my cousin (who is lucky enough to be moving to the Carribean this week!) was the ideal chance to try The POREfessional. 

Following the instructions helpfully supplied on the Benefit website, I applied a pea sized amount of the silky feeling primer from the centre of my face in a patting motion. I focused on my T-zone leaving very little applied to cheeks and hair and jaw line.

Next, I followed with No7 Stay Perfect Foundation and No7 Match Made Concealer mixing in a little of my all time favourite highlighter Benefit Moon Beam.

Unfortunately, Moon Beam has now been discontinued, but Girl Meets Pearl will offer a similar finish. 

For a subtle shimmer and a touch of definition, I sweeped yet another discontinued Benefit beauty, 10, over cheeks, before finishing with California Kissin lip gloss. This blue-tinted lip gloss tastes minty fresh and even makes teeth appear brighter and whiter- but luckily doesn't turn your lips blue!

After a good long catch up, and 12 hours of make-up wear, my complexion was still perfect. A little shine in my t-zone, but as I had not powdered my base, I think that's pretty impressive!

Benefit The POREfessional is £24.50 and available nationwide.

LFW SS14 Day 3

What I would give for a a Mulberry Wedgwood tea cup to be sat in my kitchen today. Why? Because if you were lucky or talented enough to receive one of these from your postman in the past few weeks, then you would have access to the Mulberry SS14 show! The show, collection and campaign, I anticipate and truly love, each and every season.

IMAGE- VOGUE

This week's show is even more poignant, as creative director Emma Hill leaves the brand today, after launching it from a British heritage brand to one with an international fashion A-list status. Hill's last collection, was fairly simple, in comparison to her previous. Once again this season, we witnessed monochrome tones, alongside bold floral prints and accents of burnt orange and soft grey. 

Model of the moment, Cara Delevingne opened the show, with simply natural hair, and make-up- the strongest element being mascara packed lashes and subtle pencil liner.

IMAGE- VOGUE

Next, it was off to high street favourite, Topshop Unique show, yet another with a star studded FROW. Topshop seem to have embraced the warm weather we have experienced of late, and predicted an even hotter one in 2014. Well, either that, or they are hoping we are all planning on travelling to hotter climates.

This collection has definitely focused more on the latter side of Spring Summer, with fine fabrics, smart shorts and flowing dresses. Another designer showcasing large volumes of white, accent colours of colbolt blue, jade green and mustard yellow brighten the Topshop Unique palette.

Make-up artist Hannah Murray, used Topshop's own make-up range to create a sun kissed yet disheveled look. Smokey, sultry eyes, with an added hint of silver sparkle in the inner corners of the eyes, were teamed with bronzed skin and wet look, worn in curled hair.

IMAGE- VOGUE

Fancy really expressing yourself?! Then why not try the extreme make-up created by make-up genius Val Garland at Vivienne Westwood Red Label next season- it's certainly one to get you noticed!
Using MAC make-up and feathers, Val and her artistic team, created a look which seem to be inspired by Halloween, complete with backcombed, extremely tatty hair. 
The clothing on the other hand, was much more wearable, with florals and unique work wear in a subtle palette of lemon, grey, navy and red.
The talk of the night? That opening dance from Lily Cole. What a way to start a show!




Finally, its off to Matthew Williamson, where a children's choir were there to entertain us. With a collection created for a hot Summer in Ibiza, and a palette of sorbet tones, bold florals and graphic prints, this is one collection the high street is sure to be inspired by.
Simple make-up inspired by a 1970's jet setter, was created by one of my favourite make-up artists- Lisa Eldridge. Using Benfit products, she created a bronzed luminous complexion, curled lashes and plump glossy lips. Hair was kept simple too, Mark Hayes styled models with soft volume and a side parting.

IMAGE- HAIRDRESSING JOURNAL

Benefit They're Real Mascara

There is nothing I like more than receiving a freebie with my monthly glossy- and this month I was one happy girl indeed when the postie dropped Elle through my letter box!

Not only did the cover star a sexy yet androgynous looking Miley Cyrus, hiding in the bottom corner was a tasty little treat for us make-up junkies.

The UK's Number 1 selling mascara, Benefit 'They're Real'.

Image- Benefit Cosmetics

I have been tempted to use this mascara since it was launched, but after not being 100% happy with the result of Benefits famous mascara 'Bad Girl Lash' back in 2005 I was wary. At £19.50 it isn't a majorly expensive purchase in comparison to some brands, but when the Max Factor mascara I know and trust is half the price, its hard to break free!

So, lucky for me, Elle has granted me a week long trial before I commit to making it a more permanent fixture in my daily routine!

What does this mascara offer our lashes then?

Try lengthening, volumizing, lifting, curling and separation for starters.

Add a unique domed brush head, complete with plastic bristles and a long lasting, smudge proof formula and there you have the recipe for luscious lashes all night long.

Following my daily technique- wiggling the brush from side to side as I comb the mascara from root to tip and grabbing the corner lashes with the tip of the brush- my first observation was to how wet the brush was. Usually this would indicate an overload of product, but my lashes stayed surprisingly clump free. 

My short lashes definitely appeared longer, lifted and more defined. But thicker?
Not as much as my sparse lashes need. In fact, I was even tempted to sneak my Max Factor fave out of my bag and add a coat to bulk them out a touch.

Two Coats of They're Real mascara

And I can hand on heart say it most certainly is. 


 The final claim that Benefit make is that this mascara is long lasting and smudge free.
How do I know?

Well, I was a very naughty girl and after 11 hours of beautifying the whole of Liverpool in So Coco Rouge, followed by a friends Birthday BBQ, I collapsed in a sober heap, full face of make-up in place.

Waking 8 hours later, I discovered that not only was my floral pillowcase make-up free (this is usually not the case on a Sunday morning) I, for once, did not resemble a panda. 

24 hours later....

So, most importantly- will I be making the purchase? 

YES!

Probably not for day to day use, as I definitely need a bit more thickness to my lashes, but for holidays and long work days, I will most certainly be pulling this little gem out of the bag.

PS...

The eyeliner I am still rocking 24hours later is No7 Stay Perfect, but we'll talk more about this soon!