Choosing my eyeshadow using a random number generator!

At times I feel totally uninspired as to what to do with my makeup.  To help keep the creative juices flowing I decided to number all of my eyeshadows and then use a random number generator to chose 3 eyeshadows that I then have to use in a look.  Today's random picks, Flamepoint, Smashing Pots, and the light pink from Sleek's Sunset palette, went really well together.  I decided to pat Cake on top of Flamepoint to tone it down a touch.  The look ended up looking like one I did a while back, but I'm still pretty happy with it.

Face
Benefit Big Easy Light
Benefit Boi-ing Shade 1
Illamasqua Skin Base Lift concealer White and Light 1
Urban Decay Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder Light
Shiro Hearts eyeshadow (as blush)

Eyes
Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk
Sleek Sunset palette (pink)
Sugarpill Flamepoint eyeshadow
Shiro eyeshadows in Smashing Pots, War of Five Armies, and Cake
Rimmel Glam Eyes black liquid liner
Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Chaos
Lancome Hypnose Star mascara
MUFE Aqua Brows

Lips
Shiro Shoop-Da-Whoop intertube

It's all about the base FOTD

I picked up Laura Mercier's caviar stick in Jungle.  It's a really nice deep green.  I was a little dubious as to what the wear time would be like as MAC shade sticks don't last all that well on me.  I'm not sure whether it was the caviar stick or the Nars primer, but this didn't crease!

This look is a great example of how the right coloured base can totally change a duo-chrome shadow.  Angry Cuccos is usually very pale green, but Jungle really pulled out the pink in it.  This look looked totally different in different lighting situations, but I tried to capture the shadows at their most vibrant.  I Guess You're OK was an amazing teal colour in some lights.

I've also put a link to all my swatches in the top menu bar.

Face

Benefit Porefessional primer

Benefit Big Easy Light

Benefit Boi-ing concealer shade 1

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift White and Light 1

Urban Decay Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder in Light

Illamasqua cream blush in Unrequited

Benefit High Beam

Eyes

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Jungle

Shiro eyeshadows in Angry Cuccos, I Guess You're Okay, Victory Road, and A Terrible Fate

Sugarpill eyeshadow in Tako

Urban Decay 24/7 pencils Electric and LSD

Rimmel glam eyes black liquid liner

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara

MUFE Aqua Brow

Lips

Armani Rouge D'Armani 507

Shiro custom gloss Moon Prism Power 

A much needed update and FOTD!

I took these photos about a week ago and I really can't remember what I used!  Pretty sure it was Shiro eyeshadows.  I've been busy swatching all of my eyeshadows.  All 355 of them.  I should have finished sorting and uploading them tomorrow.  I'm hoping that it'll stop me buying any shades that I already have in my stash.

Simple smokey FOTD

Just a simple brown smokey eye I did for work.  I'm getting to the stage where I'm going to have to start repeating myself when it comes to work looks.  I hope there are plans in the pipe line for some more colourful eyeshadows and lipsticks!

Face

Benefit Porefessional primer

Benefit Big Easy Light

Benefit Boi-ing concealer 01

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift concealer White and Light 1

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Light

Benefit Sugarbomb blush

Eyes

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes palette

Boots Natural Collection eyeshadow in Sea Shell

Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero

Benefit They're Real mascara

Benefit Brow-zings Light

Lips

Benefit Benetint

Soft and summery FOTD

After being in a metal box on the hottest day of the year all I wanted to do was take my makeup off when I got home.  As I was going out in the evening I re-did it, opting for a lighter look.

Face

Laura Mercier foundation primer

YSL Touche Eclat foundation BR10

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift concealers White and Light 1

Benefit Boi-ing concealer shade 1

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Light

MAC Alpha Girl beauty powder blush

Shiro Cake eyeshadow (as highlight)

Eyes

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Lancome Ombre Hypnose Dazzling Eye Colour in Topaz Dore

Shiro eyeshadows in Epona and Hordor

Boots Natural Collection eyeshadow in Sea Shell

Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Demolition

Illamasqua pencil in Vow

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara

MUFE Aqua Brow

Lips

MAC Watch Me Simmer lipstick (as stain)

Dior Addict lipgloss in Petal

Behind the scenes - Benefit They're Real training

Last week I posted a short review of Benefit's They're Real Push Up Gel Liner (find it here).  Today I had another training day on it.  This training was a little different (and more exciting!) to that which I received last week, so I thought I'd do a post about what went on.  At the end of the post is a couple more product pics and my initial thoughts on the They're Real Remover.

I arrived in Bristol city centre at 9am to find the they're real lorry parked up in the middle of all the shops.  This lorry has been touring the country, and I think it's the closest Benefit actually get to advertising.  It certainly got people talking, as the lady who served me in Boots spotted my bright orange goodie box afterwards and wanted to know all about it.

Out from the box came our trainers, dressed up and acting as cops.  After lining us up we were all 'branded'.  These are the hash tags that we're to use when posting about the products and our training on instagram/twitter etc.

Once on the lorry we all had to don not so sexy orange jumpsuits.  We had little work stations set up, and it was here we did our training.  We watched various videos including the advert (which was directed by the guy who directed 300 - see it here) and learning about everything that went into making the liner.  Then it was time to put liner on each other.  I said it in my review but I'll say it again here, this liner is so easy to use!

We all got out of our jumpsuits and off the lorry pretty quick after we finished.  Even though it was only early, being in a big metal box on the hottest day of the year was a little warm!  After that all we needed to do was have our mug shots taken.  Below is myself and fellow BA, Melissa.

 We were given the whole They're Real set; liner, mascara, and remover.  This is so that we can get used to the products before launch, and also so that we can wear them when we're on counter.

Here you can see the shape of the pen.  It's curved so that it pushes your lashes out of the way, allowing you to get your liner really close to the lash line.

The accuflex tip has a small slit in it which allows product to flow out.  The key to using this pen is not to click up too much product.  Two clicks is plenty, and rather clicking when the nib goes dry, gentle push the nib to one side to use up the product that's still sitting in the end.

Because the liner really does stay put Benefit have also released a remover.  Up until today I've only ever used it on my hand.  The remover is a creamy gel which you massage into the liner.  It gently removes the liner without any tugging or pulling.  You then use a damp cotton pad to wipe away any excess.  You only need a tiny amount, as a little goes a very long way.  I'm going to be honest here, in using this method removal is messy.  You end up with a smeary black mess all over your eye area that you then need to get rid of with a damp cotton pad.  Whilst I know I shouldn't be too bothered about it being messy (cos I'm only gonna take the rest of my face off, right?) I'm not a massive fan.  I'm sure that there must be a better way of doing it, and I am going to make the effort to find it, as it really does break down the makeup well.

The liner isn't out yet, but the remover is available exclusively in John Lewis tomorrow (14th June).  I think it comes out in other stores on the 28th when the liner is released.

May The Forth Be With You FOTD

I used my new Shiro shadow, May The Forth Be With You.  It's definitely a Yoda green!  The purple liner wasn't quite opaque enough for my liking though.

Face

Laura Mercier foundation primer

YSL Touche Eclat foundation BR10

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift Concealer White and Light 1

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Light

MAC Azalea Blossom blush

Eyes

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Shiro eyeshadows May The Forth Be With You, Diamonds, Steve, and Ocarina

MAC Contrast eyeshadow

Benefit Milk It! eyeshadow

Illamasqua Principle eyeshadow (Reflection palette)

Urban Decay 24/7 pencils in Woodstock and Delinquent

Miss Sporty metallic liner in Purple Hit

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara

MUFE Aqua Brow

Lips

MAC Candy Yum Yum lipstick

Shiro custom opaque gloss in Team Rocket

Review - Shiro Intertubes and custom lipgloss

Shiro did an offer at the beginning of May to celebrate their birthday where you got a free eyeshadow, May The Forth Be With You, and as my birthday is May 4th I just had to place an order!  I opted for 3 Intertubes which are being discontinued, and one custom gloss.

I have to say that I am so sad at the Intertubes disappearing, as they are so great to wear!  They're super comfortable and moisturising.  They're still available for the rest of this month, so I may place and order and stock up.

Rickrolled is described as a bright red-orange.  It definitely pulls more coral-orange on my lips.  I usually find oranges quite hard to pull off, but this one is really nice.  Super summery.  It's pretty opaque and applies smoothly.  It's got quite a strong ginger scent to it, which I found to be a little overwhelming to begin with.  The website says the ginger can have a tingly plumping effect, but I didn't notice this at all (which I'm glad off, I'm not a big fan of plumping lip products)

Rickrolled

Shoop Da Whoop is my favourite out of  the lot.  It's a bright, glossy, fresh red, that is almost opaque.  This one is unscented, and whilst the wear time is shorter than the others  I can see myself reaching for it a lot, as it's a nice day time red.

Shoop Da Whoop

Sad Keanu is a pinky purple, and the Intertube I had the most trouble with.  I think that the fact that it's darker is the reason behind my struggle to apply it evenly (as you can see from the pictures).  It's a pink toned purple, and it leaves a pink stain behind, which I actually really like!  This one is blackberry scented, although the scent isn't as strong as Rickrolled.  

 Sad Keanu

Sad Keanu stain

Sticking with the purples, I also ordered an opaque custom gloss using Team Rocket pigment.  It's a cool toned purple with blue shimmer throughout.  This isn't quite as opaque as the Ganondorf gloss (seen here), which meant I did have a little trouble getting it to apply smoothly.  I love the blush shimmer in it though, and it's certainly a more unique purple lip colour.  I chose to have it cherry pie scented.  It's a strong cherry scent, and whilst it's not horrible, I don't think I'd opt for that particular scent again.

Team Rocket opaque custom gloss

Overall I'm super happy with my order.  I need to hunt down a good purple lip liner as I think having a good base would mean that Sad Keanu and Team Rocket would apply more evenly.  I'm contemplating buying a back up of Shoop Da Whoop, as well as Why Not Zoidberg and Team Buffy before they disappear for good, as I can see myself getting a lot of use out of them this summer.

Silver and pink FOTD

Another Benefit look I'm afraid!  I don't often use the silver from the Sexiest Nudes palette, but I quite like it here.  I switched my lipstick to Benefit's Air Kiss.

Face

Benefit Porefessional primer

Benefit Big Easy Light

Benefit Boi-ing concealer 01

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift concealer White and Light 1

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Light

Benefit Dandelion blush

Eyes

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Benefit Sexiest Nudes Ever palette

Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero

Rimmel Glam Eyes black liquid liner

Benefit They're Real mascara

Active Cosmetics lashes

Lips

Armani Rouge d'Armani 507

Smoky brown FOTD

Once again I didn't have time to set my camera up to take pictures before work.  Today I just did a simple smoky brown eye and added some lashes that I'd cut in half.

Face

Benefit Porefessional primer

Benefit Big Easy Light

Benefit Boi-ing concealer 01

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift concealer White and Light 1

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Light

Benefit Sugarbomb blush

Eyes

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Benefit Holy Smokes! creasless cream shadow

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes palette

Boots Naturals eyeshadow in Sea Shell

Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero

Benefit They're Real mascara

Benefit Brow-zings Light

Active Cosmetics Dazzling lashes cut in half

Lips

Benefit Sugarbomb lipgloss

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner Review

Today I had my first round of training on Benefit's up and coming They're Real gel liner.  We've had one of these on counter for a week or so now so I've had a bit of time to play with it and form my opinions.  As I'm not getting my hands on a liner of my own until next week I'm just using a couple of stock photos to begin with.  Lets face it, my personal photos of a pen wouldn't really show you much more!

They're Real Push Up Liner combines the smooth finish of a gel liner with the ease of a pen applicator.  I'm a bit of an eyeliner fanatic, and whilst I love the finish of gel liner I've ditched my gel liners and switched back to liquid liners recently.  My main reason for this is that gel liners dry out so quickly (some quicker than others *cough*Bobbi Brown*).  The pen format should solve this.  You click up just a bit of eyeliner, so you're not exposing the rest of it to the air.  Before you use it you'll want to give the nib a wipe to remove any liner that has dried out from the last time you were using it, but it's such a tiny amount that I don't feel it's wasting lots of product.  After you've done that you'll have fresh gel every time.  This may be one gel liner that I can actually finish!

The accuflex tip is what really makes this eyeliner special (and after 5 years in the making you'd expect it to be good!).  As you can see in the pic above, it's an angled felt pen type nib with a slit in the middle where the product is dispensed.  Each click produces only a small amount of gel, so as long as you don't go click crazy you won't end up with too much.

For me, the application has taken a little bit of getting used to as I'm used to using a liquid liner with a very thin brush.  Even when using gel liners, I've always favoured a thin brush to an angled one.  That being said, I think most people will find this easier to use than Benefit's liquid liner, Magic Eye.  Whilst the brush on Magic Eye is super tiny, you have to have a delicate touch in order to get an even line.  I've been applying liquid liner on myself for over 10 years now, so I judge the ease of use when it comes to liners on how easy it is to apply it on someone else.  I'm comfortable applying liquid liner on others, but my god this pen makes it so much easier!  The soft tip means you can apply pressure without it flaying out like a brush does.  The best way to apply it is to 'stamp' it along the lash line, joining up after.  When I apply it on myself what I notice the most is how easily I can get right up to my lash line.

Here's a couple of pics of one of the looks we did during our training.

When it comes to wear time I struggle with gel liners and this one is no different.  I have the oiliest lids in the world, and if I don't prime my lids I do get the dreaded imprint above my eyelid.  I've tried a dozen and one different gel liners (Maybelline, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Illamasqua... the list goes on), and I have had this problem with every single one of them.  However, when I put They're Real on my hand it will not budge at all.  This is more like what it's like on other people's eyelids.  You're going to need an eye makeup remover to get this off (which Benefit are also bringing out).  For 99% of people, this is going to be super long wearing.  For the 1% with the oil slick eyelids, a primer will be needed to get all day wear.

Overall, I think this is going to be a holy grail product for so many people.  I'll definitely be getting one for my freelancing kit.  If you've ever struggled with winged liner, give this one a try!  It's out on the 28th July and will be £18.50