I know that I am a little behind the times and this eye liner has been out a little while, but my trusty eyeko skinny liquid liner hadn't quite had it's last use. However, I have now taken the plunge and thought I'd try something a little different and complete my Benefit They're Real! collection with the Push Up Liner, after all I do love the mascara. At £18.50 it is a little pricey (especially when you can get a pretty decent pencil for under a fiver) - but hey, we all deserve a treat once in a while.

The pen is like nothing I have seen before. It's not a typical felt tip style pen or a paint brush that picks up the thick black liquid, but an innovative and nifty device with a soft AccuFlex™ Tip that hugs your lashline from corner to corner. Just twist the bottom, and the perfect amount of gel, to cover your lashes left to right, pops up. Nifty eh? 

What the Benebabes Panel Said...

91% said it was longwearing 
81% said it was waterproof 
88% said it hugged lashline
84% eyes looked visibly larger

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 32 women after 2 weeks

It must be good!

How To: According to the Packet

Twist base once to “push up” gel liner to tip. Resting the AccuFlex™ tip on the base of your lashes, slowly guide along your lashline from the inner or outer corner. The angled AccuFlex™ tip works both ways.

For first time use, remove and discard tip protector. Activate they’re real! push-up liner by twisting base until gel is delivered to tip. Wipe any excess on tissue.

What I Thought 

To be honest, I was a little worried. I decided to try it out in the morning, before I had to go to work and when I only had 10 minutes to spare. However, after the initial wobbly, I was pleasantly surprised. In no time at all, I had eyeliner really close to my lashes with a flick... an actual flick! One that isn't smudged and even on each eye. For me, this is a MIRACLE! It was a little strange to begin with, yes, but it was so simple and easy to use that I think that I may have found a new eyeliner! 

A word I hear all too often.
I'm tired
Are you ok? You look tired
Are you not sleeping again?
When did you go to bed?
You have bags under your eyes...

1. THANKS
2. Ok, I get it - I look tired
3. I've got Netflix

So, here's my how to guide on how to fake awake...



Foundation
A dewy light foundation like the Bourjous healthy mix or the Maybelline Better Skin foundation is a good base (it has SPF 20 too). It looks great, your skin becomes clearer and it's protected against the sun.

Conceal 
Get rid of those circles. A yellowy green and purple toned base works well for some people, but I like the Natural Collection Cover Up Cream. However, if it's going to be a long day, I'll head for Maybelline's Super Stay 24Hr Concealer, (it's pretty good at covering pesky spots too).

Highlight 
Highlight the top of your brow bone and tops of cheeks with a liquid highlighter. Something like the YSL Touche Eclat brush would work well, but as a cheaper option the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch is a good alternative... until payday!  It's also a good idea to highlight the inside corners of your eyes with a light eye shadow. A subtle cream colour works better than white, but a dot of white looks great for a night out, it creates a great sparkle in your eye. 

Fresh Cheeks 
I like to look a little more awake by wearing a blush, not too pink or shimmery, but just the right colour that gives a flushed cheek. 

Bright eyes 
If you curl your eyelashes and put some good mascara on, your eyes are always going to look bigger and more awake... winner!

The Best Trifle Ever?! 

Some days, there is nothing better than those homely, classic British dishes and today was one of those days. Roast lamb followed by a delicious strawberry trifle was on the menu and as I sit here full and feeling a little sick after my second helping of trifle (and that one extra potato I knew I shouldn't have had) I thought I would share with you one of my favourite desserts, even if it is a bit 70s...


Ingredients and Equipment
If you need measurements, you will not like this recipe... you might as well leave now

You will need: 
(In no particular order)
A Trifle Bowl - this is a big bowl, usually a fancy one that's hidden in the back of the cupboard
A Whisk - for whisking the cream
A Spoon - for eating, stirring and spooning the trifle out at the end
A Jug - for the jelly melting
A Kettle - for boiling water... duh
A Knife - for cutting the swiss roll


Ingredients:
Jelly - any flavour, I like raspberry best
Swiss roll - the really cheap ones are good, don't bother making your own ;)
Strawberries - fresh ones, not frozen or in a tin, they're no good for trifle
Custard... I don't make that either
Cream - whipping or double
Sprinkles - the really colourful ones

How To: 
Cut the cake into slices and place around the bowl
If you wish you can cover the cake in jam too so it doesn't get too soggy, but I don't 
Slice the strawberries and sprinkle all over the cake
Make the jelly according to the packet and once cool pour over the cake and strawberries
Once the jelly is set and the cake has soaked up all the jelly, pour the custard on top (leave room for cream!)
Whisk the cream (add some icing sugar and vanilla if you like it sweet)
Scoop the cream on top and pour over the sprinkles
Eat it!


Looks good enough to eat!

You didn't get enough sleep, you're tired and to top it all off, your hair is not going to co-operate.
We have all been there.

So what are you going to do? Are you gonna sit there and cry about it? No. You are gonna get up and tame that hair. You will conquer the day and look good doing it. Nothing can stop you... especially not your hair!
  

1. It's greasy 

Fix it!

Don't worry, greasy hair is so easy to fix.  Just grab some dry shampoo or use talcum powder (in moderation!). Leave it in for a minute or two and brush out. It also gives you extra volume, bonus!

That didn't work? Put it up in a pony tail or messy bun. It's quick and easy.

Still not great? Try braids.

Last chance... try a fringe wash. Wash only the roots and 'fringe' of your hair and quickly dry. Looks like freshly washed hair, in half the time.

2. I slept funny, it's all kinky 

This always happens to me, especially when I have fallen asleep with damp hair. In the morning, I will always head straight for the straighteners (see what I did there?!) and iron out the kinks.

If this doesn't work, invest in some new straighteners! Ok, put it up. Simple.

3. It's so flat!

Flat hair can really drag you down and look limp and lifeless around your face. To sort this, simply blow dry your hair upside down.

If that doesn't work try teasing the roots. Gently backcomb all around the scalp and it's surprising how much of a differece it will make

Nope, flat as a pancake. Ok, your hair is weird, seriously you've backcombed it... Try some dry shampoo/mousse/wig.

4. NOTHING IS WORKING!

Hey, chill out! Wear a hat or rock a scarf.

5. Nope, I'm going to cut it off in a minute...

NO! Go and wash it. Just start again. Wash your hair, condition the ends and blow dry your way to beautiful!


So there you have it, my hints and tips on how to fix your bad hair day.

Ruka, Finland 2015: Holiday Scrap Book

Mountains are Calling! 

 

With my family being Welsh, I have never really held much hope for Summer. However, now living so far down South and seeing more sunshine than rain in Summer, it got me thinking. Do I love Summer, or will I always be a Winter girl at heart?

With Summer approaching fast, I thought I'd list my favourite (and not so favourite things!) about Summer.

Summer Lovin'

• Warm sun on your back 
• Going to the beach and getting sand between your toes 
• Eating outdoors 
• Summer salads and lighter meals
• Sandals and flipflops 
• Daisy chains
• Ice-cream!
• Falling asleep in the sun 
• Cocktails 
• BBQs 
• Tanning 
• Lighter hair 
• Beach bonfires
• Golden makeup looks
• Pimms!
• Messy hair buns
• Beachy waves
• Sounds of the seaside - Crashing waves and seagulls
• Longer days 
• Exercising outdoors - walks in the park, swimming 
• Ice cold drinks
• Fruit picking 
• Picnics
• Festivals and funfairs 
• Bubbles in the garden

Summer Hatin'