NEW IN | Beauty Splurges

As a certified (kind of) beauty junkie, it's my job to spend copious amounts of money on make up and skincare I don't necessarily need, but most definitely want. On my lunch breaks, I tend to find myself wandering round either Boots, Superdrug or Space NK and well this week, I didn't leave empty handed. You might want to grab a cup of tea for this one, there's a lot to get through...

First stop, the drugstore. I initially went in looking for Bourjois' Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Plum Russian - I've yet to try it but after trying and loving Peach on the Beach, I have high hopes. Little Mix recently collaborated with Collection and Perrie's hue in particular caught my eye. It's more purple than I usually go for, but I've had nothing but compliments since wearing it (the beauty advisor in Space NK thought it was one from NARS - win). The formulation isn't the best, it can be quite drying without a lip balm underneath, but at £2.99 you can't grumble and the pigmentation is fantastic. 

Now, my skin has been like a hormonal teenager lately, especially my chin and whilst I was browsing the aisles of Boots I came across the Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask. I have heard good things about the range, so I decided to give it a try - the whole range is currently on offer in Boots too. I've used it once and on first impressions I was impressed. I will write a full post on it soon. When my skin is horrific, there is only one cleanser that really kicks it into gear and that's (can you guess what I'm about to say?) Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. I've tried a lot of cleansers, both high end and low end but this one comes out on top every time. I decided to get the Limited Edition Christmas Starter Kit, which includes 2 muslin cloths and 150ml pump.

I shouldn't be allowed to walk into Space NK armed with a debit card because it's very difficult to walk out empty handed. I have been lusting after NARS Sheer Glow since the beginning of the year. I did the sensible thing and asked for a sample and after trying it, I loved it. The colour selection is fantastic, and I was surprised that my shade wasn't the lightest in the collection. My shade is Mont Blanc and I begrudgingly bought a pump for the foundation, as more often than not, I waste more foundation when I have to pour it. It was the last Mont Blanc and the last pump so it was fate, right? I then picked up a new Tangle Teezer because mine has seen better days - the bristles were bent and out of shape. On a seperate occasion, I picked up Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Mascara in Selfridges after a make up artist recommended it to me at a PR event. I love it. It lengthens beautifully, adding the right amount of volume which can be built up. 

Now it's time to go hide that debit card of mine... Have you splurged on anything new lately? 

Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes

Magnifibres* - £20; available online and at Selfridges

I don't know about you, but false eyelashes is one of those beauty things I suck at.  I find application quite difficult and usually have one side sticking up, not exactly the look I was going for.   I was a little more than intrigued when I heard about Magnifibres, a product that at first looks like one of those white mascaras but on closer inspection is in fact so much more.  As you can see above, the wand has natural fibres, which you brush on top of mascara to create extra length and volume.  You can apply up to three coats of the fibres, depending on how dramatic a look you're going for. 

The product claims that it can be used in conjunction with any mascara and after road testing with a couple of different mascaras, I've found it's definitely better to use with a more wet formulation so that the fibres can really grip to the lash.  Below, I have used Magnifibres with one of my favourite high street mascaras, Rimmel's Scandaleyes.  To use, simply apply a coat of your chosen mascara, followed immediately by a coat of Magnifibres, allow 30 seconds for the fibres to stick before applying a further coat of mascara. The amount of fibres you apply is up to you - you can achieve a more natural false lash look with one swipe, or build it up for something more dramatic.  I've played around with several coats of the Magnifibres but my favourite look is using just one coat (see below) as I have reasonably full lashes and need help with length over volume. 

Before

One coat of mascara with one coat of Magnifibres.

After - one coat of Magnifibres with two coats of mascara. 

As you can see, there's a dramatic difference between the before and after pictures.  As previously mentioned, you could build up one or two more layers to really make your lashes pop and give off the dramatic false lash effect.  The product's also long lasting, I put it through the ringer on Saturday, wearing it from 8.30am - 10.30pm and found there was no smudging or flaking at all during that time.  At £20, this is reasonably priced when you consider that most false lashes range from £5-£15 and only have one or two applications, whereas Magnifibres will last as long as your favourite mascara, with endless applications.  

Could you ditch the falsies in favour of the fibres?

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara in Black

A mascara I've wanted to try for over a year (no exaggeration) is the Organic Wear Jumbo mascara from Physicians Formula.  When I received my American parcel, this is what I was most excited to rip out of it's packaging.  After wearing this mascara for the past couple of weeks, I thought I'd give it a review and tell you what I think about it.  

Something Physicians Formula as a brand are proud of, is that they're eco friendly and make their cosmetics from 100% natural ingredients, 47% of which are organic.  This mascara contains no parabens, harsh chemicals or synthetic preservatives of any kind.  Physicians Formula claim that this mascara will give lashes 100% more glamour and volume and that it contains 'OrganiSoy', to help moisturise and nourish lashes.   The wand is made up from a recyclable plastic, meaning the bristles are sturdy, allowing you to really work the product into the lashes and to help separate them.  It's formula is rich in colour and has a lasting power of around six hours, although if you need it to last longer, a touch up after this time will definitely help.  

Lashes without mascara.

One coat of PF Organic Wear on left eye.  

One coat of mascara on both eyes.

Two coats of the PF Organic Wear Jumbo mascara.  

As you can see above, one coat of this mascara defines and lengthens lashes, giving slightly more drama.  After two coats you can see the difference, the lashes have doubled in intensity and look a lot longer and more voluminous.  I don't tend to put much mascara on my bottom lashes, as I'm not a fan of the spider legs look, but I find that one coat really defines and separates them.  As for the moisturising and nourishing benefits that this mascara claims to have - If I'm honest, I haven't noticed a difference but this isn't disappointing as I wanted the mascara for it's volumising benefits.  The only gripe I have with this mascara is that if your eyes water or perhaps you're watching a sad film and you shed a tear or two, boy does it make your eyes sting.  This has only happened twice towards the end of the evening, so it's not a major tragedy to have to whip it off but I'd rather it didn't do that at all.  

At £11.99 it's at the top of the high street price points but I think it's worth it.  If you're looking to add some more drama and volume to your lashes, with an added lengthening bonus, this could be the mascara for you.  

Have you tried this mascara or do you swear by another high street product?

Benefit They're Real! Mascara vs. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara

Please bare with me, I'm currently writing this blog on an app on my iPad, so if anything looks different it's because I'm still getting to grips with the software.

Side note over, lets get back to talking beauty! I was watching TV as you do a few weeks ago, when I spotted an advert for the newest Rimmel London mascara. Now what caught my attention was the mascara wand, it looked vaguely familiar to that of Benefits 'They're Real!' I love They're Real, but I don't always have the extra cash to splurge, so I decided to road test both mascara's and see how similar they were.

Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara; £18.50

It's no secret that this mascara is amazing, it's the best selling mascara in the UK market right now. I've been using it for almost a year now and I'm always pleased with the results it gives. It instantly lengthens and adds volume to create that false lash effect, minus the glue. The brush is synthetic and has a small 'hedgehog' like head which helps you get into all the nooks and crannies of your eyes. The mascara only comes in one colour and its a really dark black, just how I like it to be. I find it quite difficult to seperate my lashes with the wand, which is a pain and can sometimes lead to a clumpier effect.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara; £6.99

A fairly new mascara to the market, Scandaleyes Show Off is another great mascara for creating a false lash effect. The brush is noticeably larger and the 'hedgehog' is a lot more prominent. Again the brush is synthetic but I find it a lot more spikey and uncomfortable against the eye but for the effect it gives, this can be overlooked. Just like Benefit, this mascara only comes in black (keeping up the theme of false lashes) but I found that a few coats have to be applied to get the desired result. I really like using the 'hedgehog' along my bottom lashes as I find it grabs them without clumping.

Both mascaras together - Left: Rimmel Right: Benefit

Both mascaras have their pluses and minuses. If your looking for a high end mascara that does it all for you with the swipe of a wand (non magical of course), then Benefit's 'They're Real!' is the product for you. If you're looking for a high street alternative to suit your budget, I highly recommend the Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off mascara, although you will have to apply a few coats to get the desired effect. I love both mascaras but when it comes down to it, Rimmel wins this time round as I find it better separates my lashes and it doesn't break the bank either!

Have you tried either of these mascaras?