Tuesday 26 July 2016

Benefit Brows: My New Staple Brow Products

Disclaimer: Products sent for review purposes, all opinions are truthful.

Hey guys, yet another overdue post... (save the boos pls).

This time around, I'm going to give you the lowdown on the latest Benefit Cosmetics revamp on their brow collection. It's sexy, it's sleek, it's everything. Honestly guys, I have not stopped using ka-BROW! since I tried it at their blogger preview- it has changed my life. I think I may even name my first child "ka-brow"... it could work right? D: 


The new packaging is gorgeous and brightly coloured, featuring lots of staple pink tones as this is Benefit's trademark colour. If you've yet to visit the Good Ship Benefit docked on The Embankment, you are truly missing out. I've been on there twice now and each time I visit, I'm in awe at how gorgeous it is. It's a must for all girly girls as the decor is fun, playful & perfect for taking those bomb ass Instagram selfies.


So here's a pic I found wearing some bright pink lippy at the blogger launch alongside my new Benefit brows. Bear in mind that, on the day, I had not had my eyebrows threaded for a long time (decades) so it was difficult to create perfect brows. Nevertheless, I found that the products really helped me to tidy things up and create definition where there needed to be some. By the end of the event, I manifested some chic thick brows. I think fuller brows are more youthful but everyone is different and whatever your preference, you can use the products to achieve your ideal look.


Here's me, Bunmi and Georgie having a blast posing for the paparazzi (ok, maybe it was a photo booth but still).


My Honest Opinion...

There are a whopping 36 products in total in the new collection, so as you can imagine I won't be reviewing all of them but I thought I'd give you the scoop on these four below...

As you can see, the chrome metallic finish of the packaging is beyond stunning and really makes an impact on the dressing table. I mean, why not have your makeup look as chic as you right?

The Goof Proof Brow Pencil is a very easy-to-use tool and is perfect for travelling as it has two ends - a spoolie-brush and eyebrow pencil. It glides on the brows very nicely - I reach for this when I want to fill in my brows in a rush and don't want to think too much about what I'm doing. Let's be honest, we all have our moments when we simply can't stand in front of the mirror for half an hour creating perfect brows so why not let this tool do it for you?


The BrowVo! Conditioning Primer is a clear gel loaded with kertain & soy proteins. You can use this primer on its own to help grow your brows and keep them in place or you can use it as a base. It really helps to seal any brow products that you place on top and helps to maintain a tidy appearance.

Ka-BROW! is my ultimate favourite from the collection. I've mentioned this product before on Snapchat/IG but I just can't get enough of it! If you're on a budget and just want to try out one product first, I would thoroughly recommend this one because it's an all-in-one cream-gel colour and again, this is SO good for travelling. The point on top is not just for show, it actually contains a handy brush for the cream gel. What I love about this brush is that it's really tiny and precise, allowing you to achieve small strokes as you glide it across your brows. Lots of brow products fail to get the brush sizes right and you end up using too much product but Ka-BROW! gives you lots of control which I appreciate.


Finally, Gimme Brow is a great volumizing brow gel, great for natural-looking definition and shape. Again, the brush is tiny so you can use small strokes across the brow and get all those hairs into place. This product is great if you haven't had a tidy-up or wax in a while. I haven't reached for this one as much as the others though because quite frankly, I think ka-BROW! has stolen my heart.

Have you tried any of these beauties yet? Let me know which one is your fave! xoxo

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Guest Post: Balance Your Emotions with These Healthy Tips

We are living in a time when we are attacked by numerous stressors everywhere we go. Unfortunately, it is something that we have learned to live with and we rarely try to defeat it. How can that be when we know that stress is referred to as the number one silent killer? The fact is is that stress is linked to six out of ten leading causes of death worldwide. 

Stress is a physical response which can result in detrimental consequences on our mind, body, and soul so it's time to start fighting back. Regain your emotional balance and start living a happier and healthier life by following these few easy-to-integrate tips. 

Take a Deep Breath

It might sound silly, but sometimes all it takes is one deep breath. According to the American Institute of Stress, deep breathing is one of the best ways to decompress and balance your emotions. Try to practice it as often as you can – breathe from your stomach for about 20 to 30 minutes at least once a day.


Once there, you can enhance your state of calm with meditation and yoga. Meditation is something you can do wherever you are. If you feel stressed out at work, you can close your eyes and go to a happy place – it’s that simple. Yoga will require more privacy and space, but it is one of the best practices for reaching the height of balanced emotions. 

Food for Mood

When upset we reach out for comfort food, and that is perfectly normal! The notion that food makes us happy has been there since the beginning of time. What do we do wrong then?


Well, we eat all the wrong food – hamburgers and additive-filled ice-creams – which cannot make us happy. It is quite the opposite – they make us unhappy and unhealthy. So, instead of those, try some mood-boosting healthy foods like leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds, eggs, legumes, nuts, tomatoes and fish. 

Healthy Body = Healthy Mind

Have you ever heard that someone is exercising to let go of their stress? Well it's true. Working out triggers a response that helps you let go of negative emotions, stress and anxiety. So make sure you establish a basic fitness routine.


You can go out for a run, get a gym membership or workout at home. If you choose the dynamic and weight exercises, you should get appropriate equipment and bodybuilding apparel that will help with your performance and range of motion.

Be Positive

Think positive and good things will happen to you. Cultivating positive emotions can help you find balance in your life. That, however, does not mean that you should repress the negative ones. When you feel sad or angry, say it out loud and let it go.

It is actually quite easy to develop an optimistic mental outlook. Just find things that make you happy and use them to beat all the pessimistic voices. What you wear, for instance, can actually lift up your spirits more than anything (think bright colours, flattering fabrics, quirky designs). 


Some find their passion in fashion, others in sports, reading or cooking. In the end, appreciate the little things, and above all appreciate yourself. Face the burden of the modern world by utilising these tips and be proud of yourself for succeeding. Reward yourself with a stylish pair of shoes, a delicious and healthy dinner or a simple pat on the back. You deserve it.

Author BIO:

Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty, lifestyle and health blogger. She is very passionate about organic beauty products, yoga, healthy lifestyle and personal development. She is regular contributor at Ripped and High Style Life.

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