Sunday 8 December 2013

My Christmas Post

I love Christmas and have been feeling super festive. My Instagram looks so Christmassy and I just wanted to show you a few of my favourite photos from December so far. 


I had my first Christmas dinner this year, last night and from what I can remember (after a few gins) it was delicious! Food is one of my favourite parts of the holidays. 
My Calender this year is this amazing One Direction Number that was a gift from one of my best friends. 
Mum and me decorated our amazing tree last week while we drank tea and ate mince pies. 
A photo from my first night out in December.
We had a charity fundraiser at work and I dressed as Santas Little Helper to sell some of these amazing cupcakes I made for customers.
This is my Christmas jumper, which is from Newlook.

Plenty more time to enjoy the Christmas period! 
Follow me on Instagram @gbenzo 

Friday 6 December 2013

Avon Haul #4

My latest Avon Order arrived and as usual I selected a few bits which I could not do without. Avon has brought out their Luxe winter collection and I am in love. The packaging is gold and luxurious and I am now the proud owner of the Glamorous Roses eyeshadow Palette.

Here are my picks this campaign:

Avon Skin So Soft Tissue Oil - Ideal Flawless Foundation in Ivory - Luxe Glamorous Roses Palette - Abon Diamond Nailwear Pro+ in Night Violet  - Luxe Highlighting Shimmer - Ideal Flawless Concealer Stick in Fair - Perfect Kisses Lipstick in Make-out Red, Berry Smooch and Fuchsia Flirt - Glimmerstick Eyeliner in blackest black - Glimmerstick Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown - Avon Super Extend mascara - Avon Backcomb Brush



Friday 22 November 2013

Festive Beauty #1


Festive beauty is my party makeup looks which I will be slapping on this Christmas time. #1 is the red lip and shimmery smokey eye look that I love.


Chanel Les 4 Ombres #14 Mystic Eyes- Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet #32 La Ravissante- Rimmel Renew Moisture Lipstick 'In Love With Ginger'- Lancôme Gel Nail Polish in #22- Claire's Accesories Red Glitter Polish- Sleek Blush in Rose Gold-

Lips- Chanel Rouge Velvet Allure #32 La Ravissante 


Saturday 16 November 2013

Christmas Wish List



This is my favourite time of year and I do love giving and receiving presents to and from loved ones! This is my wish list/gift guide for those struggling to think of presents to buy. All of these things are items I have been lusting over for some time and would love to unwrap on Christmas Day!

Caudalie Devine Indulgence Body Gift Set
Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love Gift Set
Soap and Glory The Yule Monty

Korres White Tea, Bergamot & Freesia Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml


Soap and Glory Powder Trip Gift Set

Real Techniques Starter Set
Soap and Glory Once Upon a Lime Gift Set

Korres Vanilla, Freesia & Lychee Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml



Soap and Glory in the Bag Gift Set

Nails Inc Nail Polish Diary 










Friday 15 November 2013

Beauty Favourites

I have been unable to blog or do much else for the last 3 weeks due to work commitments. I realised I missed my October favourites which I am gutted about because I love doing favourites posts and I love reading other peoples. I decided to do a just general favourites post of all the beauty products I have been LOVING this month. Because of work commitments beauty has not really been a priority, however I did manage a full face of makeup every night, regardless of anyone actually seeing me.

So here goes...


My first big favourite right now is the Soap and Glory hand food which I am sure I have spoken about lots and lots! During work my hands became incredibly dry and rough and yucky and this was a savour! Big love for Hand Food.

I love a bright lip and a berry lip but because I was working a lot I opted for pale pink lips. Enough colour to show I cared! I have been loving Topshop Pillow Talk and Avon Ultra Colour Lipstcick in Proper Pink. The perfect pale pink shades.

I am not a Bronzer girl because I am as pale as they come, however, in a moment of weakness I picked up the Topshop Bronzer in sandcastle. I love this. The packaging is beautiful and so is the beautiful powder inside! It has brightened up my completion and it just makes me happy! The smells thing in life eh?

There has been a lot of hype around the Avon Mega Effects Mascara, positive and negative. I am going hold my hands up and say I love it! This mascara knows how to create full, long, volumised lashes and this mascara can hold a curl! Reccomend! 

Another Avon Goodie that is a repurchase is the ANEW CLINICAL Line Corrector Hydrating Cream. After one use of this cream I was hooked. The only negatives I have are that it only comes in a 30ml tube for £19! Pricey but defiantly worth it.

I picked up 2 new Bourjois launches on my travels which I have been loving! The Happy Light Foundation is just perfect for my skin. I did have a wee struggle getting the right shade first time around but after picking up shade 50 in porcelain I have found a match made in heaven.
I also picked up some of the Bourjois Colour Edition 24hr cream to powder eyeshadows. I have been wearing the shade 6601? Since I got it and I am loving the result. It is the bronze one if that number is just nonsense! It's the perfect amount of pigmentation and shimmer for the party season.

Finally, I have been loving the Marc Jacobs Dot perfume. I am a Daisy lover till the day I die but I have run out of my signature scent so I have been using Dot. I love it! It is the perfect combination of fruity yet warm and just amazing. 

Can you tell I wrote this post in a hurry? Sorry!


Friday 25 October 2013

Avon Haul #3

Today I received my goodie box of Avon treats for my second campaign. And of course I couldn't resist making a little order of my own.

This campaign was much more seasonal with more Christmassy scents and colours. I received a few freebies with my order that I am very excited about trying.



These were a must have for me this campaign. I am getting in to the Christmas spirit with gingerbread candles and hot chocolate, so I couldn't wait to try the Warm Vanilla and Fig Bubble Bath. I am a bath girl and this will just make my bath times so much more cosier. I also chose the Naturals Sugar Plum and Vanilla Festively Fruity Gift Set. This scent is amazing and the set includes a shower gel, hand and body lotion and a body mist.

I love wearing glittery nail polish in the autumn and winter time and I've been eyeing up these Avon Nailwear Pro + polishes for a while.
L-R Starry Night, Cosmic Trip, Fiery Sky, Celestial Blue

For my last campaign, I received the ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector Hydrating Cream for free and I have been loving it. (Going to be posting a review soon.) I loved it so much that I ordered another one. This hydrating cream does cost £19, I guess that shows how much I love it.

I got a crazy amount of freebies and samples this campaign which I am super pleased about as the samples are amazing.

I got these three Ultra Colour Lipsticks, one from each of their lipstick formulas.
L-R Soft Matte Proper Pink, Satin Perfect Red, Shimmer Fuchsia Forever

I got some Advance Techniques Moroccan Oil Leave in Conditioning Treatments, Ideal Flawless BB Cream samples in 3 different shades, 3 of the cutest lipstick samples from the Perfect Kiss Lipstick collection and Magix Cashmere Advanced Foundation Sample.

Can not wait to try out everything and to make my next order...





Thursday 24 October 2013

My Makeup Storage

I have finally got my makeup stored the way I'd like and I am so happy with it.
The wooden cabinet was actually made by my little sister in her wood technology class and I thought it was perfect for keeping all my makeup together. I hate storing my makeup in a makeup bag because it just gets dirty and forgotten about.




On top of the my cabinet is my lipstick storage. I got this wee lipstick holder from eBay for under £3, so I bought two... For future lipstick purchases. I might do a little lipstick collection post soon? 
In front of that is my miniature perfume samples which I have collected over the years. Beside that is a massive bottle of contact lense solution. I swear I have to buy a new bottle every time I stay away somewhere. 
Then I have this wee tub that came from an IKEA storage container set. This holds my eyeliners, mascaras, crayon eye shadows, concealers and eyebrow pencils. 
I have 3 body lotions which I am currently using, The Palmers Cocoa Firming Butter, Soap and Glory Smoothie Star, and the St Tropez Gradual Tanner. I also keep my full sized Soap and Glory Hand Food up there because as you know, I have dry hands.
Beside that is my Claire's Accessories makeup/jewellery holder. On the top shelf I like to keep my more luxurious and expensive nail polishes, like Chanel, Lancôme and Ciate. On the bottom shelf is ALL my blushers. This is more of a makeup storage post than a makeup collection post but stay tuned for that. 

My first compartment holds my bases. foundations, BB creams, tinted moisturisers and powders. 
The right hand side compartment holds all my eyeshadows, including, the Maybelline colour tattoos and palettes from Clinque, Sleek, Avon, Claire's, MUA and Chanel.

The bottom left section holds all my skincare, including, masks, cleansers, moisturisers and serums. I also keep a wee container that holds all the samples I've received which I have yet to try. 
The final compartment is where I keep all my sprays like deodorant and body sprays, and all my hair products, dry shampoos, mouses, hair sprays and salt sprays. 

I keep my makeup brushes which are mostly Real Techniques brushes in a plant holder from IKEA and I keep all my cotton balls in a mason jar from Tesco.

And that is my makeup storage. I am going to be living in and out of a hotel for the next 3 weeks so I am wanting to do a post on my what skincare and makeup I will be taking on my travels.

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Review: Avon Mega Effects Mascara

Mascara is the one beauty product that I must wear every day to make me look alive. I recently did a review on my new Holy Grail Mascara, The L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara, but I couldn't wait to review the latest addition to my collection, Avon Mega Effects Mascara.

The Avon website describes this mascara as 'The Wonderbrush that's going to change mascara history. 
Provides panoramic volume and corner to corner coverage for dramatic definition. Flake proof and sweat proof.' 

There are 3 shades available, Blackest Black, Brown Black and Navy.


This is not your regular mascara with tube and wand, oh no! When you pull the red lid off, you find a red hinged handle, you then wiggle the handle from side to side to release the bristled mascara applicator and the black section holds the actual mascara liquid.

I purchased the Mega Effects Mascara from my first Avon campaign and it was £10. A few other customers ordered this mascara as well and I have heard great reviews. My sister tried the mascara before I did and I noticed how good her lashes looked. Thick, separated and holding a perfect curl, I had to try out the mascara for myself and I loved the results. 

The nature of the applicator ensures presission when applying mascara to my top and bottom lashes but because this is not your average mascara it does take a lot of getting used to. I loved everything about this mascara straight away, the formula, the results, the packaging and I recommend you give this a try! 

Have any of you guys tried out this new mascara?



Sunday 20 October 2013

Autumn Eyeshadows

Berry coloured makeup, whether it be for your lips, eyes or cheeks, has been one of this autumns top make-up trends. I have experimented with different purple hued lipsticks and painted my nails every shade of berry nail polish but my eyeshadow range has stayed pretty neutral, until now!

I have picked up a few purple eyeshadows in the last month in the hopes that I would change up my neutral coloured eye makeup for a autumnal look.

I love the Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24 Hr cream eyeshadows and I have a few in my collection. One of my favourite shades is Metallic Pomegranate. I would describe this as a pink toned burgundy with tiny gold glitters. The pigmentation is brilliant and these Colour Tattoo's never crease on my eyes. Metallic Pomegranate is my go to berry eyeshadow when i am doing my makeup in a hurry but want to look like I've actually made an effort. The colour in the picture above does not do the true colour of the eyeshadow justice.

I am a big fan of Avon Makeup and after becoming an Avon rep I made a big order for myself. I picked this Avon Eyshadow quad in Purple Haze which contains four highly pigmented eyeshadows that can create the perfect purple berry eye look. This eyeshadow quad is perfect for begginers that are looking to add a little colour to their everyday look. Each colour has a number which helps the user apply the eyeshadow. This quad contains:
1. A highlight shade 
2. An all over lid colour 
3. Crease shade 
4. Eyeliner shade

Sleek are a makeup brand that is available from Superdrug stores and I highly rate this brand! There products are perfectly pigmented and come in a wide range of colours. I picked up this Sleek Mineral Based eyeshadow palette in Vintage Romance on my latest shopping trip and fell in love! This palette is THE Autumn Pallete, it contains 12 eyeshadows, 11 metallic shades and 1 matte shade. I am going to do a full review on this palette so keep looking out for that. The Palette has 4 berry shades amongst some other beautiful autumn colours. Check out the shades:
A Vow in Venice, Marry in Monte Carlo, Honeymoon in Hollywood and bliss in. Barcelona.

Could you recommend any other berry eyeshadows that you rate for autumn?

Thursday 17 October 2013

Top 5 Hair Products

I have not done a top 5 edit in a couple of months so I thought I would blog about my Top 5 hair products! These are products that are essential in the maintenance of my hair on a daily basis. I dye my hair blonde regularly, the ends can be dry and brittle but my roots, where my natural hair is coming through, can be a little greasy. I would fully recommend these amazing products to achieve beautiful hair.


Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush is my dry shampoo of choice. I have only recently started washing my hair every other day and this product has been a saviour in making my hair look and smell fresh on that second day. I have found that second day hair is easier to style, especially for someone like myself, who has hair that is naturally poker straight. 

When I get my hair dyed blonde I sometimes find that my hair needs a little toning down to make it less yellow and more ashy! I love to use the Pro-Voke Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo about three times a week to achieve the perfect ashy blonde. I have had this bottle for a long time and it seems to last forever.

There was a lot of hype amongst Bloggers regarding the L'oreal EverRiche Shampoo but I picked up the L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner for coloured hair. I loved this shampoo and conditioner and I will be repurchasing it. The scent is rosemary, mint and Juniper and it just left my hair feeling clean and healthy. The scent does stay on the hair which I personally loved.

I received this Bamboo Style Boho Waves Spray in a GlossyBox and it is my most used product that I have received. I would pick this spray over my Bumble & Bumble Salt Spray any day! I just feel it gives my hair more texture and volume which is particularly important for someone with the flattest hair ever!

Sometimes when my hair is feeling a little dry and brittle I like to run a hair oil through the ends. You already know the love I have for the Caudalie Devine Oil. This Multi purpose oil is amazing on my skin, face and of course my hair. It leaves my hair beautiful and shiny and I love wearing my beautiful, shiny hair in a high pony tail.

I have added a couple of extra products that are not creams or sprays! I have been loving my orange Tangle Teezer and use it daily to get all the tugs and tats out of my hair. My hair is notorious for become. Tangled ball of hair that resembles a hamster and the Tangle Teezer is a miracle product! 

I have also been loving my Large Hair Dohnut from Claire's. I love having my hair tied up and out my face but I think that a bun just adds something a little extra to an outfit. I think it makes it look like I've made a massive effort when in reality it took me two minutes to stick my hair up in this Dohnut.


What are your Holy Grail Hair Products?

Friday 11 October 2013

Autumn Lipsticks

I love autumn time! The colder months are my favourite seasons because you get to wrap up cosy and warm while looking amazing in all your woolly layers! I also love how makeup looks change from pastel and neon shades, to deep beautiful dark reds and berry colours.

I have picked out my favourite autumn Lipsticks from my collection and I think these are perfect for the season! I love pairing a dark lip with a neutral smokey eye! 

-Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in As You Want Victoria- Mac Diva- Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 107- Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 04- Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape-


Friday 4 October 2013

Avon Haul #2

I recently signed up to become an Avon Representitive because I love their products and I was looking for a way to make a little money. My first campaign with Avon just ended and I really enjoyed representing this brand. While ordering for my customers I decided to order some treats for myself and I may have gone a little wild!

Avon and I have built a relationship over the years where I purchase a few bits and bobs every month. I am a big fan of their nail polishes and I just love the high quality of their products for very reasonable prices. I think an Avon haul will become a monthly post on my blog and I think my first Avon Haul has been quite a popular post. I literally received these this morning but I am hoping to do a review soon.

Here are all the products I splurged on this month: 
True Colour Eyeshadow Quad in Purple haze and Mocha latte. 


Avon Glow Blusher Bronzer Duo in Peach Glow.

Ideal Luminous Blush in Soft Plum

Super Shock Vivid Liquid Eyeshadow in Chromed Cocoa


When I purchased the Mascara I also received this FREE eyepack which includes: The Conditioning Eye Makeup Remover Lotion, Ideal Flawless Concealer Stick, Eye Shadow Primer and a double ended eye makeup brush.

Little Black Dress Eau De Perfum. This perfume has notes of Sparkling honeysuckle and jasmine.

I received the Anew Clinical Line Corrector Hydrating Cream as a gift from Avon for completing my first Campaign.

Are there any Avon products you love that you could recommend to me?







Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks

During a recent splurge in Boots the other day, I picked up these Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks. I have heard a lot of good things about these lipsticks and how they have been reformulated to be even better than before.
The only other Rimmel lipsticks I have tried are the Kate Moss Lipsticks which are quite Matte but I do love the colour range. 
These lipsticks have a lovely formula; They are pigmented, moisturising and I am very impressed with their colour range.

I picked up two shades: In Love With Ginger and As You Want Victoria.



These colours are perfect and I had to take them home with me. In Love With Ginger is a orangey red which is quite summery but I will be rocking during autumn and As You Want Victoria is a purple toned pink which I would say is perfect for the colder months. 





I did have to reapply once during the day, right after lunch where I had been eating and drinking, which is think is pretty okay for a lovely moisturising lipstick. I am very excited to check out the other colours in this collection! What's your favourite shade?

Monday 30 September 2013

Review: L'oreal Telescopic Mascara

Mascara is the one make-up product I make sure I am wearing everyday! Mascara just makes you look more alive and first thing on a Monday morning, mascara is a nessisty. I have tried a lot of different mascaras over the years and I have found that there are some that I love and have repurchased and some that I just hated. 

I have a new favourite to add to my mascara collection: The L'oreal Telescopic Mascara. 


I have tried out all different kinds of mascara wands; thick, thin, long, Short, fibers or plastic and I don't really have a preference. It is the result that the mascara gives that make it a great mascara. The L'oreal Telescopic Mascara has a very long thin wand with small plastic bristles and when applied to the lashes, it leaves them perfectly coated, seperated, long and curled. 

I can not fault this mascara and it has made its way into the elite group of amazing mascaras. If you are looking for an amazing mascara that gives you perfect lashes, pick this bad boy up! I bought this in   buy one get one half price offer at Boots and I believe it was £10.99 which I think is pretty reasonable from an amazing mascara! 

Sunday 29 September 2013

What I Wore This Week: WIWTW

I have not done an outfit post in ages and I thought I would do a 'What I Wore This Week' post to show all the outfits I have been wearing. I want to make this a weekly thing so I better make sure I'm looking at least decent most days! I have decided Sundays do not count as I usually use Sundays to chill in my joggers and eat rubbish all day so... Here are my outfits from Monday to Saturday

Monday:
Jumper- Newlook/ Leigh Jeans-Topshop/ Boots- Topshop/ Scarf- Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Tuesday: 
Shirt- River Island/ Leigh Jeans- Topshop/ Boots- Newlook

Wednesday: 
Shirt- Topshop/ Leigh Jeans- Topshop

Thursday:
T-shirt- Sainsburys/ Leigh Jeans- Topshop/ Bag- Zara/ Boots- Topshop/ Necklace- Newlook

Friday: 
Cardigan- River Island/ T-shirt- Newlook/ Black Treggings- Newlook/ Boots- Newlook/ Necklace- Newlook


Saturday: Dress- Newlook/ Boots- Newlook
 

Excuse the mess in my room and the wine bottles that have magically appeared on Saturday morning.