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

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.

Find her on: Twitter  Facebook  Google +

OOTD: Enhance the Hourglass

Top: Primark
Midi Skirt: Apricot at New Look
Structured Handbag: River Island
Gold Bangles: Market in Mumbai
Metallic Block Heels: Carvela 

    

Photo credit: Tola Afolabi 

Fitzjohn Skincare: Balancing Facial Moisturiser Review

Disclaimer: Product sent for review purposes

Whilst I was in Mykonos, soaking up the sun and admiring the muscles on the Greek Gods playing  beach volleyball was indeed my main priority. However, I did have another goal that I set myself and that was to try and experiment with some new skincare products whilst I was there and use that week to find out what really works for my skin and what doesn't. So that's exactly what I did! I started off with the Fitzjohn Balancing Facial Moisturiser...

What drew me in the most about the product initially was the heavy make-up of plant-based ingredients. I'm becoming a bit more mindful about using natural ingredients over chemicals so this was a big bonus for me. With the likes of organic Jojoba and Hemp Seed oils, in addition to antioxidant Pomegranate, Fruit AHAs, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E, this moisturiser is packed with treats that the skin is absolutely hankering for. 

As my skin is slightly oily, I was concerned that the product might be too heavy for me but the owner, Ethel reminded me that I only need to use a tiny amount especially when in a hot climate. I took her advice and to my surprise, my skin absorbed it like a sponge! You really do only need a pea-size amount and it took me a good couple of attempts to get this right as the product spreads about so easily. 

What's more, this also doubled really well as a primer for me. When I would use this I wouldn't need to use any further pre-makeup application products as I found that it layered on the skin perfectly and enabled a really beautiful finish for any foundation that I put on top. 

Retailing at £30.00 it is a bit on the high-end for skincare but I would definitely be able to justify the price as the product will last you a long time. After my first application I could tell that this was a top-notch skincare product made with lots of TLC. 

The lavish gold packaging also compliments the fabulously rich product inside- it'll certainly look stunning on any dressing table! 

I would recommend using this as a night moisturiser so you can let those omega-rich plant oils get to work in your pores and see the results in the morning (perhaps a nice change from staring at the ogre that greets you in your reflection after an incomprehensible night out). 

http://fitzjohnskincare.com

Everything's a Statement: House of Fraser AW16 Press Day

Hey lovelies!

I know I haven't blogged in a bit but forgive me, one needed to get away and take a much-needed break from life and that's exactly what I did... in the beauts island of Mykonos! I'll be posting a couple of lookbooks from there very soon but I wanted to make sure this went up first because I had SUCH a fab time at the House of Fraser press day just before I jetted off.

So here is a snap of me and fellow blogger, Lizzie! True story- I actually couldn't find anything to wear for this event whatsoever. Whatever I tried on just made me look like a hot air balloon so in the end I decided 'hey, I have some Indian picks I haven't rocked yet!' So I went with this elegant kurta top with broacde-esque embroidery and paired it with some simple black treggings. I ended up matching with Lizzie in the end anyway (#twins #bae). 

So the AW16 womenswear collections gave me absolute life... they just screamed 'me'. Glitz, glam, faux fur... what is not to love! The handbags and shoes were to die for. For AW16 the focus really does seem to be on what print your clutch is or whether you have on strappy stilettos or faux fur trainers. Accessories are vital to make your outfits pop and so much of the range at this press day experimented with textures and finishes which was what really made the bags and shoes so much more statement.

The perfect all-rounder faux fur coat- Biba.

It's all about the detail... love the subtle metallics at Biba.

Gorgeous croc-print & splashes of tan at Biba.

Stunning shades of maroon, burgundy & wine. I absolutely adore these Carvela trainers, when I saw them I was just in awe. I'm a sucker for anything that hybridises high-fashion and streetwear. 

Texture is key for AW16 & this structured glossy Therapy bag screams 'texture' with the different panels and embellished shoulder strap.

M&S x New Look: How to Wurk a Utility Dress

Utility dresses are by far one of the most versatile pieces of clothing a woman can have in her wardrobe. With their fit & flare structure they can be worn casually for work or jazzed up for a more refined ensemble.

As a curvier girl I love these styles of dresses for hiding all the lumps and bumps... If you're a little insecure about yourself definitely stock up on a few of these as you can just throw them on, tie them up and leave- not having to tug at the lining or shift your assets around every two minutes (the struggle is real). 

Me personally, I think utility dresses are far from 'boring 40s housewife' as so many new postmodern styles can be seen on the high street. In particular, you'll find a lot of denim ones out with grungy zips and many collections will have removed the concept of the belt altogether and integrated the lace-up neckline trend that we've seen for a good few months now. 

Here's how I rocked my maroon New Look one at the Beauty Unbound Press Launch at Westfield London a couple of weeks back...  (P.S. makeup junkies, definitely go check the pop-up out as it's still running until the end of May!) 

Paired with some M&S perspex midi-heels and a chunky gold River Island watch, just the right amount of modern was added to an otherwise classic look. 

Oh, and lastly just adding in a very impromptu pic underneath a gorgeous tree, taken by the beautiful blogger Lizzie! I'm just glad we made it out of Pinner alive with all the stares we were getting D: 

A Sanctuary of Indulgence: Red Dot Jewels Flagship Store VIP Launch

Premium Asian jewellery line, Red Dot Jewels recently launched its flagship store in the dainty location that is Pinner Village.

As I rocked up to the event I knew I was in the right place after spotting a selection of elite fashion influencers and bloggers strutting through the red carpet into what would become a magical showcase of precious jewels and of course, lots of champagne. 

The store's atmosphere was very tranquil and relaxing... Even with all the glitz and glamour, you'll still feel at ease to explore the pieces in detail. 

What really stood out to me as I walked in were the gorgeous interiors which were in fact designed by award-winning architect, Bart Eyking. Walking through to the back of the store, I was blinded by this absolutely stunning chandelier which really set the tone for the night- opulent and spectacularly refined.

As I started in awe at each display, there were many 'oohs' and 'ahhs' as me and my blogger friend, Lizzie Snapchatted away. You would do the same if you saw all the hand-crafted necklaces and oh-so intricate rings...

To give you an idea of how stunning the pieces actually were, take a look at these two models rocking some Red Dot (P.S. yes they are ravishing themselves, but pay attention to the jewels!)

I found this display stunning and would so wear the golden leaves piece. It's very unique and subtle which I admire, much like a lot of the prêt pieces on offer.

If bolder pieces aren't really your thing, you can also find a lot more traditional looks which would work immaculately well for brides. Take these pieces below for example... the colours are so vibrant and rich, offering that true authentic Indian feel many are yearning for. 

Founder and Creative Director, Shalini Gupta-Patel, said, “The flagship store has been a start to end labour of love and seeing it transform into this end result has been an emotional and truly fulfilling journey. The response from guests this evening has been tremendous and we now look forward to inviting our clients to experience and enjoy this space with us.”

After meeting with the bubbly owner herself, it was clear that Shalini lives and breathes her passion for creating divine jewellery and with her pinpoint vision, an expansive jewellery empire has been born.

For more info, visit http://www.reddotjewels.com/

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