Win a Triple lot of Benefit Makeup

As I am currently away for a few days, I thought I would leave you lovely lot with a giveaway featuring some of my favourite products from Benefit, don't worry, they are not the ones I am currently using, I did infact purchase these from Debenhams and they are worth around £70 as a set.

Starting with RollerLash, one of the best mascaras I have ever used and one I find myself going back to over and over again. The wand is an eye-opening Hook 'n' Roll brush which grabs, separates, lifts and curls your lashes and it uses provitamin B5 and serin, ingredients known for their lash-conditioning benefits.

SugarBomb features four shimmering shades of peach, soft plum, pink and rose inside this chunky box and there is also a brush included. I love that a swirl of the powder on my cheeks leaves a lovely naturally flush of colour without being too pink, too peach or too plum. 

Finally, one of my most used palettes is called the World Famous Neutrals Kit, most glamorous nudes ever and it contains 6 different eye shadows which are:

• birthday suit (brushed chrome)
• my two cents (polished copper)
• call my buff (pale shell)
• kiss me, i'm tipsy (spiced brown)
• gilt-y pleasure (golden sand)

These shadows are creaseless, longwearing and so easy to apply, I have in the time ive been wearing makeup bought 3 of these palettes because I am such a big fan.

All you have to do to enter is complete the Rafflecopter Widget below and you're in with a chance of winning!  Please do pay attention to the mandatory options, failure to complete them will result in your entry being void and as ever, please ensure you are over 16 to enter or have your parents permission because I will need your home address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

When it comes to eye make up, I am a nude and natural kind of gal, I am not brave enough to experiment with the lashing of colours and shades that others are and never have been, but show me a palette of nudes, i'm in. In recent years I have succumbed to miracle that is an eyelid primer, using them because the girls on the make up counter tell you that you should and because some bloggers swear by them and in truth, they can and do make a difference, for me anyway.

When I saw that Benefit were to launch their own eyelid primer, I wanted to try it. I can count on one hand the number of products I dislike from the entire range and this one sounded as though it would become a handbag saviour and I jumped at the chance to own a sample. One thing Benefit do exceptionally well in my view is a sample sized product and this one is right up there with my favourites!

Benefit Air Patrol is an innovative little product which actually does three different jobs in one. It is a BB Cream and therefore colour corrects, it has an SPF20 and it is of course a primer which has been designed to extend the wear time of your eye shadow, not to mention that I have also found to be quite hydrating.

This little 1.5ml tube is the perfect make up bag addition and it is incredibly easy to use. I squeeze the tube slightly onto my index finger and apply to my eyelids with a patting motion to ensure I have even coverage and then wait a few minutes before applying my eye shadow. The cream itself has a slight yellow tone to it which Benefit say is to balance out redness and any uneven colouring, so much so that this is a product that can be worn alone.

I am hugely impressed with having an SPF20 in a primer for my eyes and more so that it isn't drying. It does everything it claims to do when it comes to extending the wear time of your eyes hadow and I find that I can go out of an evening after work and not have to re-do my eye make up if I have applied this first thing in a morning. For me this is a handbag keeper and if you want to read more about it, then more information can be found right here on the Benefit website.

Have you tried Air Patrol?

Benefit The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine

I am a huge fan of POREfessional License to Blot, so when I was given the chance to try The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine I couldn't wait to try it out. Benefit describe this as being a shine vanishing pro powder, with an invisible finish which helps to shrink the look of pores and minimise shine both which I need on a daily basis, especially the latter.

Now you can't help but love Benefit packaging, no matter what the product is, it is always the box it comes in that draws my attention and yes I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when it is this pretty how can you not?  The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine is packaged within what I can best describe as a cone shaped tube which houses the powder at one end and a really handy retractable brush at the other end, basically everything you need to use this product is right here, no need to pack extra brushes or tools when putting it in your makeup bag making it perfect for on the go.

The powder can be found held securely so that it doesn't leak and spill everywhere which I really like and to release some all you need to do is simply twist the top to open the vents and you can then tip some of the powder of into the lid. Then you need the brush which is found with another twist. Then simply dip the brush into the powder and apply straight to your face. You can use this product on moisturised skin or over makeup to instantly mattify your complexion as well as being able to touch up over makeup during the day as and when you feel the need. 

I love that the powder is invisible so you don't really need a mirror to apply because it doesn't look streaky or caked on.  One sweep of the powder onto the skin and it does a great job at mattifying that pesky shine. I do find I have to re-apply during the day, especially if I am going somewhere after work, but in doing so, again it is so lightweight no one would ever know, it simply mattifies the shine as it is meant to. I don't have large pores, so I can't really comment on whether or not it does anything for those with this issue. What I am happy with is its mattifying properties.

Have you tried The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine?

Benefit - License to Blot

Benefit have had some amazing new releases of late.  They're Real Colour Mascara and Eyeliners which I reviewed HERE and not that long ago the third installment of the POREfessional range, License to Blot!  

BLOT on the spot! This instant oil-blotting stick with tiny invisible blotting spheres mattifies shine for up to 6 hours after application. The specially designed triangular tip targets shiny zones…the sides of your nose, forehead and chin. Oil has finally met its matte!

I was lucky enough to receive a mini handbag sized License to Blot which is so cute and so handy to have.  In essence it is an oil blotting stick, so essentially blotting papers but in a solid format and it mattifies shine for up to six hours after each application. The only slight difference between this mini version and the full size version is that this one is shaped like a lip balm and the full sized one comes in a triangular form which I suspect will fit perfectly around the chin, nose and forehead - the places I tend to use this the most.

Now I do tend to have an oily tzone and I do always have some blotting papers in my desk drawer and some at home in my make-up drawers and I do reach for them quite a lot, more so on hot summer days, so the timing of License to Blots arrival is perfect for testing.  I am a big fan of Porefessional and always ensure I never run out, so I had high hopes for this because I am yet to try Agent Zero Shine.  Unsurprisingly License to Blot is fantastic, so much better than I thought it would be and it is so easy to use.  To apply, you really gently, using short swift strokes, apply it onto your face, paying the most attention to the parts and you should notice that those oily areas because instantly matte, so mess, no fuss and zero shine.

It is also great to use with or without make-up on, even if used whilst wearing make-up, it doesn't remove anything and there is no need for a touch up.  On my skin, License to Blot lasts a good 4-5 hours which is perfect because my skin becomes slightly oiler in the afternoon, which means if I have an event in the evening, I only need to use this product once, whereas with blotting papers, I would be using 2-3 at any one time and then repeating the process before leaving work because they aren't as long lasting as this is, so hurrah, out go the blotting papers and in comes License to Blot.

The Benefit POREfessional: License to Blot retails for £15.50 and in my opinion, is well worth having in your makeup bag, this one is a keeper for me.  Have you tried it?

Benefit Puff Off instant Eye Gel

Benefit Puff Off is one of those products I have been itching to get my hands on and now have. I was intrigued by the design as soon as I saw it and wanted to know whether it was worth the hype.

Described as being an instant eye gel to help smooth the look of undereye puffiness and it is claimed by Benefit that " Undereye puffiness and creases look “satiny smooth” with our innovative undereye gel".

Puff Off retails at £22.50 and is packaged within this 10ml squeezy cream coloured tube, but for me, the most exciting part is the silver metal iron shaped applicator which dispenses the gel. The applicator is brilliant, I love everything about it and if ever there was something to capture your attention about or on a product it is this. That aside, of course the iron shaped applicator is also a functional part of the product as the metal is really cooling on the undereye area and better still the pointed iron works really well at getting into those small crevices around the eye.

The gel, which I put in the fridge the night before for an extra treat. The gel is a pinky/peach colour so it works really well to correct those dark undereye circles. It also contains light reflecting particles which help to brighten up the eye area to make you look more wide awake which is an absolute godsend. So how does it work? Well the gel contains a peptide blend plus an antioxident which work together to help reduce the puffiness, add to that the cooling metal applicator and within minutes of applying, you should notice a difference. One word of warning before you use this product is not to squeeze it too hard because the gel will shoot off everywhere and there is no way of getting it back inside the tube, that said, a slight squeeze is more than enough to release plenty of product for both eyes.

When it comes to the actual application is is really easy. All you simply need to do is ‘dot’ the gel underneath both eyes, and then using the iron tip smooth the gel in. Given the lightweight formula of the gel, it is not greasy or sticky and absorbs itself into the skin really quickly. Benefit state that you can apply the gel before or after your makeup and it can be applied throughout the day as you see fit. I use mine first thing in a morning if I have had a late night, struggled to sleep or just feel the need to use it and then if I am going out in an evening, I tend to reach for it then too.

I absolutely love this little gem of a product from Benefit and for me it lives up to all its promises and hype and is well worthy of investing in.

Exclusive Benefit Mascara Masterclass with Birchbox

Last weekend I attended an event with Birchbox and Benefit, two great brands in one amazing Curls Best Friend pop-up shop for exclusive Benefit Mascara Masterclass.

I arrived at the store on time after a powerwalk from the tube to be greeted with all the lovely Birchbox girls, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting before. Warmly welcomed with a choice of cocktail or mocktail, I quickly made my decision and had a lovely time chatting to fellow bloggers whilst we waited for the event to start.

The event. based upon the March Birchbox, which gave subscribers the choice of three different Benefit Mascaras - Bad Gal, They're Real or the brand new Roller Lash, Lisa Potter-Dixon, who is Benefit's Head Make-up Artist was on hand on to show us some looks she had created using each of the mascaras and an abundance of other Benefit products.  

We were also able to ask questions along the way including advice on which products we could and should be using as well as Lisa giving us some of her top tips - for example... have you ever used Hoola on your eyes or lips? No me neither, but it is a tip I shall be taking away with me and this video shows you some amazing tips and it features the lovely Jessica, Birchbox Editorial Director and Lisa herself.

After the make-up demonstrations we were given the opportunity to go down into the salon to have our make-up and hair done using the products that Lisa had used (not literally) to demonstrate each look with.  The Salon was amazing, I could have spent hours in there just chatting to the staff who were all so helpful and lovely.  I had my make-up done by the lovely Alison, who herself gave me lots of hints and tips when it came to using Boing, Fine One One and the fabulous World Famous Neutrals Most Glamorous Nudes Ever kit, which I now feel I need in my life.

Finally, alongside some amazing cupcakes that were well and truly divine, we were all given an amazing goody bag to take home and play with and it was so incredibly generous, thank you Birchbox and Benefit.

Now there's still time to subscribe and select your very own Benefit mascara! Which mascara will you be choosing?  

The best Beauty Advent Calendars 2014 + A giveaway

I don't know about you but my inbox is fairly quiet on the whole 'Christmas' thing right now, there was a flurry of activity around the beginning of the month and now, well not so much.

One thing I am seeing more and more of however is the launching of Beauty a advent Calendars, remember last there when there was a stampede into Benefit for their calendar, only for them to run out and be found on eBay for almost quadruple the price? Well this year it seems there has been an explosion in Beauty Advent Calendars and having spent a few days reading about them through various means, I thought I would share them with you - one thing to note... Why is there nothing for the men folk?  

Tesco - Costing just £50 instead of the actual retail value of a whopping £125, Tesco have announced they are to launch an advent calendar this year. Contents include Nip + Fab, Korres, Tanya Burr, and Dr Lewinn's plus many more.

The Benefit advent calendar is back and it is packed with mini products from the brand's bestsellers as well as some beauty accessories which look too cute. Priced at £60, it becomes available at benefitcosmetics.co.uk and debenhams.com from 16th October

For £85 you might want to look at the Selfridges Enchanted Spells advent calendar which has a selection of fragrances, makeup and skincare from some amazing beauty brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl's and Victor & Rolf to name but a few. To get your hands on it, go to the Selfridges website and sign up for notifications of its release.

The advent calendar that I am excited comes from the Liberty. Designed to look just like the actual London department store, inside each of the drawers you will find the most amazing luxury beauty treats such as NARS, Diptyque, Dermalogica, Kiehls, Eve Lom and Laura Mercier to name just a few! This calendar is Available in store and at liberty.co.uk from November and costs £125

No.7 comes next and again, I am liking the look of this purse friendly advent calendar. The items inside are said to be worth a massive £130, this calendar is packed with skincare and makeup must-haves which is said to include the iconic No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Day Cream. Available at Boots stores and online from 29th October and is priced at £35

Elemis is next. I am a huge Elemis fan and this calendar Priced at £59.50 and is Available now from timetospa.co.uk.  It differs slightly to the other calendars in that it is. 12 days of Christmas calendar which means, you only get 12 doors to open.  That said inside you will find products such as 

• Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 20g
• Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml
• Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 15ml
• Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 7ml
• Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml
• Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules 14 caps
• Revitalising Babassu Facial Wipes 4 sachets
• Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 50ml
• Frangipani Monoi Body Oil 35ml
• Skin Nourishing Shower Cream 50ml
• Pro-Radiance Hand & Nail Cream 20ml
• Treat Your Feet Foot Cream 20ml

L'Occtaine is next and again there are not 25 or 24 doors to open but instead there are 13. Why? The holiday tradition in Provence is to have 13 deserts on the festival table, so with that in mind, this calendar has 13 treats waiting for you. From fragrance, body and skincare surprise are behind each door. Available at loccitane.co.uk from 3rd November this calendar is priced at £45

W7 advent Calendar - I have featured this already, but have to include because it is such good value for money costing just £19.99. Behind each of the doors you will find a sample sized treat from the W7 range such as nail polishes, mascara, lipstick and one or two other surprises. Date for release TBC.

At just £49 Ciaté's Mini Mani Manor is exceptionally cute. Behind each door you are likely to find this seasons must haves, some best-selling shades, texture polishes and even festive transfers. Nailed it. Available now at Selfridges, John Lewis, ASOS and www.ciate.co.uk and if you go to your local TK Maxx you can find them for just £19.99!

The latest release to reach my inbox, is the Jo Malone Calendar, just look at how pretty it all is/ Costing an eye-watering £250, it is sure to sell out quickly, so keep your eyes peeled if you want it! This calendar is filled with 24 fragrances and mini body lotions.  

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a candle or five would it? Well this years Yankee Candle advent Calendar is one on my short list of calendars I'd like, I mean how cute. Priced at around £23 (prices differ on a few sites) and available now, this 3D shaped calendar is packed full of Yankee a Candles, some of those scents include Candy Cane Lane, Christmas Memories, Christmas Garland, Spiced Orange and Snowflake Cookie to name just a few and....there is an added surprise behind one of the doors, but you will find no spoiler here telling you what it is!

The Body Shop which will retail for £55, with total contents are valued at £80

I am sure over the next free weeks other beauty calendars will be announced... Over the last few years there has been Liz Earle, Boots and even Lancôme and L'Oreal which I've managed to find mentioned online.

With all of that in mind and in celebration of the fact Beautyqueenuk has just hit 500,000 page views, yes that is Half a Million... Woah! I thought it would be a good idea to create my own Beauty Advent Calendar for someone to open...it will be filled with things that I love and use. All you need to do is complete the Rafflecopter form below to take part - Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So which a Advent Calendar are you hoping to get your hands on this year if any?

Birchbox Happy Days September 2014

Birchbox is a popular favourite with bloggers and from the two boxes that I have had, I can see why. This month is themed 'Happy Days' and apparently September is the month that is filled with nostalgia. The start of the back-to-school season has us reminiscing about the happiest days of our lives and so on. Inside this box I am told I will find products that will help me look my best during my happiest days!

The first item in my box is a 4ml glass vial of the Agave Healing Oil Treatment. This oil claims to smooth and transform your hair, build resiliency and boost shine and colour. The Agave Oil is also free from parabens and phthalates and is also cruelty free. To use the oil the directions state that you should warm a 5p sized amount between the palms and smooth through damp hair evenly from mid-lengths to ends. Agave is a brand I have never heard of, but I am a big fan of hair oils and am looking forward to giving this a go. This sample is worth around £1

The next item is a 5ml sample of the ModelCo Power Lash Black Mascara. As an Australian brand, I don't really know that much about ModelCo so I am looking forward to giving this a try. This mascara claims to give full gorgeous luxurious lashes, with great length. The wand is said to be a unique shape to capture those tiny lashes for maximum impact and minimal effort. This sample is worth £13.

Next up a 3ml sample of the Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream from their Skincare range. The cream itself is a very light caramel shade, which includes cocoa extra to help boost microcirculation and fade dark under the eye circles. The inclusion of a daily peptide complex works to preserve the elasticity of the delicate under the eye area, whilst skin is hydrated and protected from free radicals! Whoa! This sample is worth £1.80.

The next item I received is a 20ml jar of the Premae Mild Dermabrasion Face and Body Scrub. A scrub which contains olive granules to smooth the skin is said to be gentle enough to be used on both the face and body whilst buffing away dead skin cells, blemishes and trapped dirt. It cream itself has a really nice consistency, imagine your favourite cream with added bits into it, once on the skin it feels really soft until your begin the process of massaging the skin, it is then that the exfoliating particles come into being and whilst you most definitely know they are there, they are still gentle on the skin. This sample is worth around £5.

The last beauty item in this month's box is a very small sample of the Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper in shade Rio. I am a big fan of Jane Iredale and I have featured the products on my blog before. This lip plumper contains Spearmint and peppermint oils, in combination with ginger root extract, gently stimulate circulation making lips fuller, faster. Shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe vera soften and hydrate and the essential oils of lemon and tangerine help to exfoliate dead skin cells. I love the size of this lipstick, it is something that would be perfect if you were unsure whether or not the colur you wanted was right, but rather than pay out for a full sized version, you have a sample sized to play with. That said, this shade is a little too much on the brown side for me. This sample is worth around £3.

This month we received  two Lifestyle Extras; the first item is a Birchbox Happy Days Photo Clip and the second item is a packet of Urban Fruit Perfect Mango Pieces. I really like the photo clip, it is something a little bit different, it fits with the theme of the box and I quite like the green coloured cube.  The fruit snack is also something as an addition, again it is a little bit different and is something I wanted to try, and by the time you read this, I have! 

If you were interested in purchasing any of this month's samples in the full size, you can do so through the Birchbox shop and if you have never subscribed to Birchbox and would love to do so, I have a £5 off offer for you, just use the code BBX5QUEEN - Enjoy!

Are you a subscriber to Birchbox?