With Christmas only around the corner I decided to write a beauty wish list. These might be useful for stocking filler ideas or secret Santa presents.
Benefit – They’re real mascara
For the most flattering lashes this Mascara is hard to beat in my opinion. Available in black, blue and brown. Your lashes will look fuller, thicker and longer than ever. It really separates your lashes without any clumping whatsoever! With this mascara wand you hold it horizontally first and wiggle the brush from side to side from root to tips to add curl and volume. Switching then to the end of the brush (its like a spikey sphere) to give the lashes extra length by lifting them up and also for getting into those small corner lashes to widen your eyes. It has amazing staying power meaning no panda eyes by the end of the day.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to remove. No worries here though as Benefit have a specially formulated remover ‘ They’re real remover’ that perfectly cleanses all traces without any pulling or dragging on the delicate eye area. Modestly priced at €19.50 it would make a lovely gift addition with the Mascara. However, I have used various oily eye makeup removers to remove this mascara. Apply to cotton pads and press over the eyes for a good 30 seconds to allow it to dissolve before wiping the eyes in circular motion.
Price is €26 approx
Benefit Professional
This is the ultimate primer! It minimizes the largest pores and even fine lines! It is suitable for all skin types and can also be used over makeup, to brighten/freshen your face at any time of the day/evening. Handy when you are heading straight after work to those Christmas parties. It is oil free so provides a matte look. A perfect canvas for your foundation.
Price is €34 approx
Beautiful Brow Kit
This kit comes with a selection of different eyebrow stencils, brow powder in a colour of your choice, a couple of different brow brushes, a tweezers, and a highlighter. The brow powder is sweat proof, smudge proof and water proof. No touch ups required all day. I have had my brow powder over 3 years and use it daily even on clients and I still have plenty left. The newer kits have a light and a darker coloured brow powder in one allowing you to switch from a night to day look easily. When you eventually run out of brow powder you can buy a refill instead of replacing the whole kit.
Price is €40 approx
Bioderma Micellular Water
Removes dirt and make up from the skin. This was designed for even the most sensitive of skins. I am guilty of using some of the cheaper micellular waters on the market however this one is not half as drying on the skin as it is fragrance, alcohol, and paraben free. Well worth the extra few pennies! I like to use this as my pre – cleanse and use a cream cleanser afterwards to ensure every ounce of make up is removed. Price is €15 approx
Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm
Winter really takes its toll on our lips and a good moisture balm is something we should be applying several times daily. This Nuxe balm is so luxurious and contains the Anti-oxidant ‘propolis’ which helps sooth and repair our lips. Honey, shea Butter and rosehip oil blended together make this one of the best Balms on the market. Apply liberally before sleep for extra benefit.
Top Tip: Mix some of the balm with a little brown sugar and rub lips gently to exfoliate and smooth your lips.
Price is €12 approx
by Jodie Finlay
