Battle of the Gel Liners: Benefit VS Maybelline

I'm sure by now you've all heard and read about the gel liner counter part to Benefit's They're Real Range, the They're Real Push Up Liner*. I was super lucky to be sent this for review, however I'd also previously purchased the Maybelline Lasting Drama Black Shock Gel Liner. So, I thought I'd do a little comparison post for you.

Appearance: Let's get the superficial thing out of the way first. For me, the Benefit liner just looks that little better, you can see that more time has been taken to craft the product, but you wouldn't expect anything less from Benefit!

Maybelline//Benefit

Application: As I had the Maybelline one first I realised that the best way to work with these liners is to put the product on the back of your hand first and then work it into the lash line with the applicator.  The nib on each of the product is pretty much the same, rubber and slightly pointed. I found the Benefit one easier to use, I think it may be slightly thinner, but the Maybelline one ended up looking better.

 Maybelline

 Benefit

Longevity - Unfortunately, this is where the Maybelline one falls a bit short. I only had it applied for about 15 mins and it had managed to smudge on me. I do have oily lids, but it really doesn't boast good staying power, whilst the Benefit one lasted me through an evening meal without a single smudge. 

For me, the Benefit one just tops the Maybelline one. Just due to the longevity and formula of the product. Whilst there is a £10 price difference, I do think for the knowledge of it not smudging the Benefit has to be the winner. However, if you're on a budget and don't have oily lids, definitely check out the Maybelline one.

What do you think?

Laura

*Whilst this product has been sent to me for free my opinion is completely honest. I do feel that it is the better product, and I'm not being paid to say that.

Review: Rimmel ScandalEyes Precision Micro Eyeliner

I'm one of those people who loves the look of liquid eyeliner but can never quite get it to look the way I want on my actual face. I've tried, trust me, but I either over do or under do the look, and then over do it by trying to compensate. I've also never truly found the perfect formula. Due to that I began just using an angled brush and a Kohl liner or some black powder.

That all changed when I spotted a three for two offer and decided to pick this little guy up. What drew me to this product was the promise of small precision, something I definitely need help on.

I really love how small the nib of this pen is, it is super easy to use, it fits in the lash line properly and doesn't go too thick no matter what angle I use. For me it is as easy to use of my angled brush, something that's never occurred before.

My only criticism of this product is that it isn't very pigmented. I really wanted a black liquid liner, but it appeared dried out from the start. Maybe I picked a dud but it is something that left me a little disappointed.

Overall I really do like this product, and the lack of pigmentation means it gives a natural look, but sadly it does mean my look for a dramatic winged eye carries on.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

In My Eye-Line

Eyeliner is a funny old thing. It is definitely an after thought in my make-up routine, however for some they feel naked with out.

I must admit I had a tiny dabble with the whole deep black liner all round the lids, upper and lower lashline, and for that reason I find myself very apprehensive to place it anywhere near those areas again. However I do love using it to add definition to my upper lashline, so all is not lost. But for my water line I tend to steer clear; but sometimes you just need a little something there.

The Brightener - If ever I want to look more alert or awake then I always reach for my Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil in Nude. I just love this product so much. It is really pigmented so eradicates any signs of redness whilst also really opening up my eyes and making them looker bigger and more awake.

The 'I need something there' - Sometimes you just need something on your water line to bring a look together. For that I reach for my other Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil in Taupe. This is great as it isn't necessarily dark, but it isn't brightening either. It's a natural smokey eyes best friend.

The not quite black- Sometimes you need a dark colour to add the drama to your eye make-up and for that I reach for my Loreal Pencil in Grey. It is a lovely grey with a hint of navy to it and is great for adding the dark drama without being a black. It also is great for working into the upper lashline and smudging out too.

The something special - Ahhh, MAC Powersurge eye pencil, if you've read my blog for a while it will come as no surprise that this has made its way to this list. I love this for a nice bronze look to my eye, it really pulls together a bronze eye perfectly, and is definitely a summer staple.

The all over eye pencil- Finally the Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bronze is more of an all over the lid cream eyeshadow stick, however if you like a heavy liner look, the cream formula works great on the lower lash line to add some deep bronze to your look.

Where do you stand on liner?

Laura xoxo

Review: Bourjois Mega Liner

As, liquid liner. When I first got 'properly' into make-up I spent the longest time trying to master the winger liner look. I'm yet to achieve the perfect flick.

Due to it's timeliness and my lack of willing to persevereI began to fall back on black eyeshadow and an angled brush. MUCH easier to use and a more subtle look. However there is something about a nice cat eye that makes me go back.

When I first read about this offering my Bourjois my make-up senses were sent tingling and I knew it was something I wanted to try. An angled nib seemed like the perfect solution for me, it would do the work itself right? Well, sadly I'm left a little disappointed in what was my first make-up purchase of this year (I'll give you a moment to let that sink in!)

Maybe it's because I'm out of practise, but I actually found it a little hard to manoeuvre. I thought it would glide on easily, however I felt like I was pulling at my lid. I then decided to just place it bit by bit on my lashline, but that resorted in an un-even finish.

As you can see in the swatch, it also bled a little and was a lot thicker than I imagined.

I'll perseverewith this a bit longer, however I doubt it will be a repurchase.

What do you think of this? Have you tried it?

Friday Fact

Rest your elbow on something steady when doing liquid liner.

Resting your elbow helps you create a smoother and straighter line.

Happy Friday :)

Laura xoxo

Review: Maybelline Master Kajal

This was a see it at the till and get it kind of purchase as it looked interesting and I fancied a new liner. The guy at the didn't scan it at first and I ended up telling, cause I'm a nice person, so I thought I'd get some good karma from it. I then get home, photograph it, take the lid off...and this happens.

The end broke off!

So why am I still posting a review? Well first of all it's to warn you that the end can fall off easily. Secondly it does seem like quite a good idea.

I tried to put it on my eye but I really had messed it up too much. However if you feel that full liquid liner doesn't suit you, this may be a good alternative!

Have you tried this?

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Powersurge Eyeliner

This is defintiely my 'summer' eyeline as it is the perfect bronze shade. After a serious hunt to get it, I finally got my hands on it last year, however I don't find myself reaching for it as much, mainly as I prefer a more natural 'bright' eye. Plus I rarely go on nights out anymore, which is where I used to wear it due to it adding something extra to a smokey eye without closing my eyes too much.

I do love whacking it all the lids a nice colour to the lids as it's so simple but adds something special to a look.

What do you think of this product?

Laura xoxo

Review: Rimmel Scandaleyes in Taupe

I seem to have gone a little Rimmel crazy lately, but I really think they 'bring it' (bleugh, cringe) when it comes to highstreet products. I'm sure you are all aware that I obsessed with the nude colour of this range, and also purchased the black version of this due to the amazing staying power these possess. When looking for an eyeliner that I could use to add some definition, but not close my eyes, Rimmel was were and went, and this is what I ended up with.

To me, this is basically a light brown colour, and was exactly what I was after. I was dubious at first as I thought it may be a bit too grey toned, but alas it was not.

As you can see the colour is really subtle on the water line, but it just adds a bit of definition that you sometimes need with certain eye looks.

I also thought I'd have a go at using this as an eyeshadow, and here's the look:

It just gives a very subtle definition to the lid. I think it would look better if I had evened out my lid with something like Painterly first, as my lids are quite dark.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Maybelline Gel Liner

I bought this little guy aggges ago. Before I even new the whole blogging/youtube world existed. I bought it 'cause of something I saw in a magazine, but never really got on with it. The brush it came with used to always give me such thick lines, and it never really suited me, so I just cast it aside.

When I started watching youtube videos, I saw a lot of people use an angled brush to apply it, so when  I got an angled brush I tried it out again. The look it gave was much better and thinner.

However I still found it quite difficult to use, which could be down to the fact that mine is quite old, but it also smudged really easily, and just didn't look as good as I wanted it to.

This will probably be a product I never master how to use, but keep going back to, 'cause that's just what I'm like.

Do you use this?

Laura xoxo

Three Ways to Wear: MAC Powersurge Eyeliner

I really enjoyed writing and putting together my last 'three ways' post, which was about Chanel Bronze Universal, so thought I would do another one. This one is all about MAC's eyeliner in Powersurge. If you have read my blog for a while (how presumptuous,) you will know how much Rachel and I love this product so I thought it would be great for this post, giving it some love.

Look One: On the Waterline

This is a cross between a nude colour and a brown, leaning more towards the nude, with a nice bit of shimmer. I love using it with a dark brown smokey eye, as the shimmer makes it still look fancy, but it's not too dark to make my eye look heavy.

Look Two: On the Lashlines

I think this looks really pretty on the lash lines, as it is dark enough to define the eyes, but it also looks really pretty and summery too!

Look Three: As an Eyeshadow

Now I'm going to be honest with you, I hadn't thought of really doing this until I thought of this post, but my goodness, it is now my favourite way to wear it. I apply a thick layer of it, starting at the lash line and finishing half way up my eye, then blend it out with a fluffy eyeshadow/blending brush. I really love the effect it gives

What is your favourite eyeliner? Do you have this?

Laura xoxo

A Look I've Been Loving Lately...

...smudged liner, bold brows and a bright lip!
It's no secret that I'm slightly (read majorly) addicted to Youtube, I find it a great source of inspiration and it has taught me a lot. Over the last few weeks I've seen a couple of Pixiwoo videos were they used a bit of smudged liner, so out came my liner and my little attempts.

Maybelline Khol Express

I also had a two pound off voucher for a Lip Butter so decided to pick up Sweet Tart, which is slightly brighter than what I would normally go for, but I just though, when in Rome, and I really like it.

Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

I am loving the look of filled in brows at the moment, especially with my new glasses, so I've been using the Sleek Brow Kit daily.

Sleek Brow Kit in Light

What looks have you been loving lately?

Laura xoxo

Top Three Eyeliners

MAC Powersurge // Gosh 015 // Loreal Super Liner

MAC Powersurge - I'm sure between Rachel and I, you've seen enough of this little guy. But I just had to include it. Powersurge is the most perfect golden/brown/shimmer colour, perfect for waterlines and lashlines!

Gosh 015 - I love this for using on the waterline to brighten up my eyes, I find that it is less than in your face than just white liner! The formula is a dream to use. I am tempted to try a MAC Chromographic one, or the UNE dupe, but for now, this is working perfectly. 

Loreal Super Liner - There is also another Super liner, in a gold tube, which I think is perfect for creating a big winged look, but as I don't wear that look every day, this little guy does the job perfectly. Small, easy to use and gives just enough definition. 

What's your go to eyeliner?

Laura xoxo

Little MAC Splurge

When I first started my blog, I didn't own any high end make-up. Que a few months later, and what a surprise, my collection is slowly growing. Last week I went shopping again with Rachel, and we had another great time, I love that I've made real friends through blogging, so nice! Anyway, we went shopping and we went into MAC, and thought I'd share what I got!

I've made the desicion that I want to start my own MAC palette, which I know is expensive, but make-up, as sad as it sounds, is my hobby, so yup! I've started with the two colours Malt (the pinker colour) and Omega!

These are quite light swatches 'cause I didn't wanna waste the product haha.

Malt//Omega

I think together Omega is a great contour/crease shade to Malt, and they give a nice day time smokey eye.

I then got the famous MSF in Soft and Gentle, and I must say, I can see why people love it, (a better review to follow!)

And last, but by no means least, this Kohl liner in Powersurge. We saw this little guy as a tester the last time we went shopping, but unfortunately they were sold out. We were so desperate to get it too, and then Rachel noticed you could reserve and collect it from John Lewis, and she could use a 10% student discount and ended up ordering it for us! I am so happy I finally have it though! It is the most gorgeous bronzey golden colour!

So that is the end of my mini little haul type thing.

What eye shadows should I get next?

Laura xoxo