Sunny Side Up: Benefit Cabana Glama

I'm not a fan of hot weather or the sun (I hate feeling sweaty) but this week's bright skies and warmth have been undeniably pleasant. I even dug out my flip flops. I've also been inspired to break into a box of Benefit loveliness that I was lucky to be sent to trial. Cabana Glama has been patiently sitting on the bathroom shelf waiting for the official signs of spring - sustained, unavoidable sunlight - to enter my shaded world.

This dinky collection of staples perfectly compliments a sunnier mood. Maybe it's the postcard packaging, subliminal jet-away message (the insert pictures a deserted pier and a palm-fringed bar at sundown, yes please!), or the knowledge that if I do decide to embrace an en vacances look I have the means in one place and easily to hand. 

Cabana Glama contains two products I have previously used and loved; Posie Tint and Some Kinda Gorgeous. (Posie Tint is a see through candy-pink cheek tint and Some Kinda Gorgeous, a whisper-light almost invisible base). But it's the Hoola Bronzer that has proven most surprising especially as I generally avoid any kind of faux 'tan' like the plague. Despite looking scarily brown to my eye, I've found (like lots of other Hoola devotees) that the tone is flatteringly true-to-life. I may have discovered a bronzer I could actually learn to live with.

Sunny delight: Cabana Glama 'beach in a box'

Also in the Cabana Glama kit are three neutral eyeshadow shades (a champagne/peach, a soft golden bronze and a mid-cocoa brown) which won't set your make-up collection on fire but nonetheless are very useful, wearable and blend without fallout.

If you already have some of the products in full sizes then this isn't a necessity buy. I don't think the eyeshadow shades alone are inspiring enough to sway a purchase. However, if you like the idea of a 'beach in a box' - where every item works in sunny unison - then this kit has classic Benefit feel-good factor and is a great way to put a spring/summer face together - simply. x

Destination beauty: postcard packaging

• Benefit Cabana Glama is on sale now (online and nationwide) priced £28.50. In this kit Some Kinda Gorgeous is only available in Medium, suited to medium skin tones. 

Review - Lacura Concealer Pen, £3.59

A lovely friend of a friend introduced me to the Lacura Beauty range back in August. We were wandering around Aldi in a Wembley industrial park, as you do, looking for something for the annoying, wheat-free person (me), who doesn't do scran-from-a-van to scoff before heading on to see TAKE THAT!! (woo - Mexican wave). Though my mind was giddy from hunger - and the anticipation of seeing Howard et al. - I did note M's throw-away comment that the Lacura concealer was really quite good. 

One woman's 'quite good' is another woman's 'can't live without.' If you're ever just sick and tired of looking sick and tired then this could be for you. Having tried scores of under eye concealers in my career as a beauty journalist, Lacura's is - for the money - my current no-contest favourite.

The packaging alone must be worth 3 quid; it has the luxury look and feel of casing at the top-end of the market. The brush tip is good quality and holds its shape, the formulation is fluid but thick enough to deliver excellent coverage that doesn't go patchy. There's a good level of light reflection and it makes an excellent base for eyeshadow. 

Superb value: the packaging alone looks worth - £3.59

But, and here's the rub, despite being a fab little product there is still some dark shadow show-through. Very few under eye concealers completely cover unless you go for heavy (read: obvious), camouflage or have time to add in colour correction first - see the end of the post. I'm going to hop on my high horse here and say that it's absolutely OK for a face to retain a bit of natural shadow. There's nothing more unnatural and frankly odd-looking than an under eye area blanked out with a ton of concealer. It can actually make your eyes appear smaller. 

Below is my very first attempt at a before and after picture. The sun came out briefly so the lighting did change in the bathroom - and I am no David Bailey - but I reckon that my exhausted eye looks a whole lot fresher. What do you think? Would you try/have you tried Lacura? x

                          

                                 Oh sigh, bleary eye

  

Oh my, perkier eye

* Lacura Beauty is available at Aldi stores nationwide.

TIP: paint concealer under the eyes and leave to sit for 30-seconds to allow the product to 'grab.' Then, gently press into the skin with the pad of your finger or stipple over the area with a flat, synthetic concealer brush. The idea is to keep the product where you applied it rather than moving it out to the sides of the eyes. Don't forget to apply to the shadows in the recesses nearest the bridge of the nose and also at the outer corner of the eyes where the lash lines meet and there can be redness and discolouration. 

Also recommended:

* Benefit Erase Paste, £19.50. This is my go-to concealer for those periods of child illness/extreme sleep deprivation. It has a thick, tacky consistency meaning it stays put where you need it most but softens out onto the skin to a coverage level that, whilst fairly heavy-duty, isn't cakey. I love the fact that as the day wears on - and make-up fatigue sets in - you can press over the area with your finger tip and it blends back to being as good as new. Available in three shades which all have a 'melon' undertone to neutralise darkness. 


* Garnier Caffeine Anti-Dark Circles 2-in-1 Roll-on, £9.99. An oldie but still a goodie. Instant brightening results and deceptively effective coverage. On a truly tired day it's not enough for my dark circles but if you don't really wear make-up and simply want something to freshen up your eye area it's worth a go.


* Bobbi Brown Corrector, £17. The product for super-hard to conceal shadows. Corrector is a cream base - with either a pink or peach undertone - applied beneath concealer to counteract the appearance of stubborn discolouration. Available in 11 shades spanning most skin tones it's the big-guns option for when you need serious help. If you are a Bobbi foundation fan you can check out your match via the online Face Shade Guide. Otherwise, I'd recommend braving the counter bare-eyed for a professional colour corrective consultation.

Bobbi Brown - 20th Anniversary Lip Palette

For once, I'm not going to talk the talk because this rather special party-in-a-palette speaks for itself. Housing the first ten lip shades launched by Bobbi Brown in 1991 and ten contemporary brights for 2011 (I'm loving Candied Red and Cosmic Lily), it's like a lipstick lucky-dip you just can't go wrong with. And therein lies the success of arguably the most goof-proof, prettifying cosmetics range ever. What was flattering, easy-wear and modern two decades ago continues - in past and present incarnations - to be flattering, easy-wear and modern now. 

Two decades of lipstick brilliance

The 20th Anniversary Lip Palette, £43 (a wowser Christmas gift idea - nudge, nudge, wink, wink), is available on-line and at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide. View the shades in all their glory here.

The year was 1991

FOOT NOTE ~ 

As a long-time Bobbi fan I thought I'd share a snap of little old me - aged sweet 17 - wearing the lipstick shade Beige (top row; second from left), from Bobbi's eponymous collection. Where did that baby face, natural hair colour and 20 years go? Life really IS what happens when you're not looking. Never a truer word spoken.

Fantasy Lashes

'Peacock' lashes: symbolising auspicious and lucky days

Whilst I'm not suggesting styling these out at baby group or on the school-run (though it would be naughty fun, no?),  I thought you might like a looksy at PAPERSELF's fabulous faux lashes - I've never seen anything quite like them before. Inspired by the Chinese art of paper cutting the designs have an intricate, filigree effect that is absolutely gorgeous.

'Peach blossom' lashes: a symbol of love and romance

My particular fantasy-favourite is this delicate fringe of peach blossom. In reality, I just wish I had the occasion - and outfit - to wear them myself. 

PAPERSELF eyelashes are available at PAPERSELF, ASOS and Buy Eyelashes - styles priced between £10.50 - £12.50. Choose from six full lash and five corner lash designs.

Lanolips - Don't Do Winter Without It

PREFACE - After my last scintillating missive on macaroons I was all fired up to blog with momentum. And then, something so unbearably sad occurred that the time and place felt all wrong to be posting - hence the bloggus interruptus. But, as we know, life does indeed go on so here's last weeks intended waffle which, incidentally, coincided with COLD weather. For those having a tough time - I hear you x

The original Lanolips 101 Ointment 
made with 100% medical-grade lanolin

This week I've cranked the heating up, dusted off the UGGS and pondered hot chocolate – (beverage not band). Which means, in my cold-hands-warm-heart world, it's actually almost Winter. *Happy face* But, as much as I love a chill in the air and a blanket tucked around my toes, I hate that chapped, crumbly-lipped feeling that is tediously inevitable. Once the paper-thin skin of the lips loses moisture and splits it's an absolute beggar to get back into condition. Which is why I'll be by slathering on Lanolips Lip 101 Ointment, £11.22. Containing 100% medical-grade lanolin, used following operations to keep wounds moist and encourage speedier healing, this multipurpose balm is so pure and highly refined that it's suitable for newborn's mouths and nursing nipples. All of which make it an excellent choice for lips that consistently chap or for areas of compromised skin prone to resistant/inflammatory cycles of dryness - such as eczema and psoriasis.

Shades from left; Rose, Apples, Sunshine, Dark Honey & Rhubarb

I'm equally evangelical about Lanolips Lip Ointment With Colour, £8.16 (shown above). 60% lanolin, pure pigment, vitamin E and SPF15 combine to create a long lasting, nourishing and protective balm in a selection of covetable shades. I have two tubes of Rose, the perfect lip-toned pink, nestled amongst the flotsam and jetsam (tissues, leaky beaker, Noddy car etc), that make up the contents of my bag.

The new kid/lamb on the block

Finally, there's a new addition to the family I've seen but not - tut-tut - tried. Lemonaid Lip Aid, £9.18, exfoliates with citric acid, hydrates with lanolin and has a subtle shimmer for a healthy lip look. Definitely one for my winter wish-list. Keep cosy lovely ladies it's chilly out there.

The Lanolips range is available from 300 Boots stores nationwide and at www.boots.com and www.victoriahealth.com

A Truly Fantastic Foundation

Base with benefits: more bang for your buck

I'm beginning to wonder if there could be a fatal flaw in my blogging style - mama writes way too much. Give me a deadline, a sub-editor who has no truck for over matter, or a designer who likes white expanses more than words and I can reign myself in - just. Left to my own devices and I feel compelled to fill the scrolling blank space. I guess I've just got a case of the verbals: love to write, love to talk. Note to self: try to be snappier. I can't see it happening...


So, I've been using Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2-in-1 Serum Foundation daily - for a month - and have no qualms in saying it's pretty close to perfect. There's been a big trend of late for beauty products that perform on a 'global' level addressing multiple skin concerns in a single formula. We've already seen the delivery in skincare - think No7's Protect and Perfect, Olay's Regenerist and Lancome's Genefic  - but for cosmetics, buying into serious 'with benefits' lines (as opposed to those who've had a couple of vitamins wafted in their direction), has up until recently meant spending with a premium range at a prestige price point. 


I'll admit to being a bit of a foundation snob. It is what I'm willing to splash the most cash on given that if a base is bad the result is horrid: hence my unswerving loyalty to Armani Face Fabric and Givenchy Photo'Perfection Light. Still, I love a bargain as much as the next girl which is why I'm impressed to find a purse-friendly option (£12.99), that achieves surprisingly high-end effects.


Ageless Elixir goes on like a dream. It almost hovers above the skin, smoothing on with a soft, buttery texture that manages to be both hydrating and non-greasy. How? It is also THE easiest foundation to apply. You could, for instance, be on a standing-room-only packed train with one hand countering the effects of a broken buggy against gravity and the other, mercifully, free to whack on a bit of maquillage - without the need for a mirror. Takes seconds. Not that I have ever done that; of course.


The finish is semi-matte with just the right level of radiance, the coverage completely build-able but it's the polished, expensive look it gives skin I'm sold on. In the 'extra benefits' bag, you've got SPF15, antioxidants and trusty old glycerin to lock in moisture. Then, there's niacinamide - shown to strengthen the skin's barrier, improve cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and redness - and n-acetyl glucosamine, useful in boosting moisture content, collagen production and spurring cell turnover. 


Bottom line: if you want more bang for your buck Ageless Elixir is a winner. Instant gratification with longer-term benefits - what's not to love?

Trying It On - Citrine Nails

Deco-dence: matchy-matchy nails and my 1920's evening bag

Despite the fact that I have to keep my nails boy-short for reflexology (spearing the spleen reflex with a talon-tip wouldn't be considered good practice), I am seriously getting into blinging' shades. Today's nail industry is an exciting place to be - for sure. Instead of the limited shades of yester-year, we now have textures, tones and techniques that turn common-all-garden nails into something rather extraordinary. I plan to post more on this at a later date since it's worthy of a bit more waffle (have you noticed I like to waffle?) but, in the meantime, I'd like to share this colour 'cocktail' courtesy of Leighton Denny nails.

Word on Beauty Street (my neighbours are so glamorous), is that Autumn/Winter has a strong theme of jewel. Nothing new there then you may say. But these are retro-jewel tones - OK. A richer, more tarnished take that bears no resemblance to gaudy 80's gemstones. This particular combo perfectly works the look - if I do say so myself. 

Here, beauty therapist Emma, from Spoilt At Home, applied Leighton Denny Graycious followed by Golden Girl - £11 each, from John Lewis. The deep gray cuts some of the warmth from the gold creating the most stunning citrine hue. 

Graycious

Golden Girl

Worn individually each shade looks great but together are a match made in heaven. If you haven't used Leighton before I can attest that the finish is exceptional; glossy, plush, salon-fresh. Definately worth a try. 

Voila!

Rainy Days & Benefit's They're Real Mascara

It's an un-remarkable, rain-drenched day here in South East London and I'm feeling a tad blue. Baby boy (or BB as I will now refer to him), started part-time nursery to give mama more time to make money. You could say it went exceptionally well. He ran in, announced 'it's just me,' stopping only to wave and say 'see ya later.' I'd promised myself that I wouldn't look back but, silly moo that I am, I did. Clocking his scrubbed little cheeks and shiny smile nearly killed me. His shoe lace was undone. So, what to do then when you're feeling ho-hum? Head home via a latté at Cafe Rouge (naughty, naughty, lazy mummy), apply more make-up and write about it, naturellement.

Benefit's They're Real Mascara, £18.50, isn't for shy and retiring types. This, ladies, is full-on fabulousness and a make-up genre I haven't entered into for quite some time. It's a sad truth that I've lived mascara-less for the best part of a year but, in all honesty, I just can't be fagged with shifting the end-of-the-day dregs. This one, I could make an exception for. 


First off is the clever-clogs brush design. Staggered bristles grab every teensy lash when the brush is used horizontally but, and here's the smart bit, tilt the wand vertically and the 'custom tip' (a crown of evenly spaced bristles), comes into its own to accent the outer corners of the lashes for a wide-eyed effect, add extra drama to the tips of the lashes or boost the lower lash line. 


The formulation is deep black, very glossy and curls like you wouldn't believe (I could feel my saggy lashes rising), and although not cloggy does have substance; instantly making lashes appear fuller. Applied to one eye the results were scarily good - slightly Clockwork Orange. Applied to both eyes and we're talking serious flutter, dolly-style. Load it on and four coats later you could be in reality TV territory. A more judicious application and you'll still have stand-out lashes, albeit more subtle ones. In either case it's all about instant, confidence-kicking glamour. I predict a hit.

Crown Brush Blusher Palette

I've been itching to try this palette ever since I read a review by the British Beauty Blogger. Blusher is a staple item in my make-up bag (err, trolley), as I've the kind of whey-faced complexion that tends to draw concerned comments like, 'are you sickening for something?' On the post-natal ward where my son was treated for jaundice a midwife quipped that I could use twelve hours under the UVB lamp myself. How I laughed.

Still, she was right about the familial link. My grandmother has exactly the same skin tone, historically attracting similar comments. During the war, her parents got so cheesed-off with people querying their daughter's constitution that they spent precious ration coupons on Bourjois Rouge to tint her wan cheeks rosy.

Vintage Year: Bourjois Rouge circa 1930s.

Back to the present day and the palette in question. When I first clapped eyes on this sleek, substantial box I was a little bit in love just lifting the lid because here, if you're a habitual cheek colour user, are ten pans of heaven. It's difficult to make out in the photograph above, but only two of the tones are actually matt (top left and top right), whilst the rest have a lovely soft, sheen. There's a whole world of pink but each, I can assure, differ in their undertones. Most easy-wear are the peachy hues but what I've most enjoyed about using this palette is that it encourages experimentation.


After giving each shade a whirl individually I've taken to layering. A chalky pale lilac/pink over the light bronze looks pleasingly directional without entering into kooky mum territory; although to be fair, I'm all for a bit of eccentricity. There's even a spot-on matt contour shade. Years ago a make-up artist told me that the perfect colour for carving out bone structure is a marron/brown tone - this is it. Granted it looks scary in the pan but in reality is much, much sheerer than you'd imagine. 


I'm finding it hard to dredge up any real cons; the colour pay-off is good, the blusher itself long-wearing. My only minor criticism would be that you do get more powder 'shedding' than you might be used to with a baked blusher but, for £14.72, I'm certainly not complaining. www.crownbrush.co.uk