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!