Not So Flawless | Benefit Stay Flawless Review

 I am a sucker for good packaging, and sometimes this can get the better of me! I always used to be a Benefit fan, but now, not so much. However, I still hold a special place for it in my heart as it was the first brand I ever bought! 

I haven't done a negative review yet however this needed to be done. Since November last year I have gone through 4 of these. I would like to add that I only purchased the first one and the rest have been replacements from the store. 

I am at my wits with this and I think I've given this a fair enough trial to be able to give you some valuable feedback. 

What Benefit say about this product - 'Hello 15 hours of flawless! Benefit's invisible PRO-long primer acts like a magnet to instantly lock-on your foundation. This innovative stick formula makes your favourite hello flawless make-up looking fresh, hour after hour.Go longer. Stay flawless! Glide this innovative primer stick directly onto skin, then immediately apply foundation, blending together on face.'

So let's start with the pro's.

1. The packaging. It really is lovely. I love the polka-dots! 

2. Formulation - This really does work well. It stays on for hours and does not shift, however not the 15 hours it says it does. Lets say about 8-10.

3. Concept - I like the idea of having a primer in stick form, that you can just roll up and down like a lip balm. 

Unfortunately that's it for the pro's.

Con's:

1. The packaging - I know I mentioned this as a pro - however this also goes for a con too as this is packaged in such a way, it is too bulky for my make up storage & takes up a lot of space. 

2. With each one I've tried the lid popped off quite a lot and you really had to shove it on with a bit of brute force. 

3. Practicality - the shape is not right for the product. As a cylinder shape you can not apply this into the nooks and crannies of your face. You can try and get close by using the edge of the stick but this can assist in making it crumble.

4. Formulation - This is a soft, creamy formulation in a stick form, so I found that after several uses the damn thing just crumbled on me. I was so annoyed by this as I expect a product to be functional and this just wasn't. 

5. Price - For the eye-watering amount of £24.50 I expected a lot more from this product. I don't mind paying big bucks for a products so long as it works and in this case it wasn't.  

6. My 2nd try at the product lead to mould! I couldn't believe that it had turned a greenish colour, so a that point I took it back to the store and they gave me another one to try. I unfortunately didn't take any photos of this as I hadn't started blogging yet!

7. The twist up motion kept on breaking!

Uh-Oh - Crumbled AGAIN!!

In the end, I contacted Benefit's Head Office and spoke to their customer care department. They were very friendly and once I had explained my issues, they told me to send it in to them and they would have a look at it. Once they received it, they emailed me to confirm that there was indeed an issue with this product and that if I wanted I could have another one. I declined this offer (as like I said above), I'd given this a fair enough trial, so instead they told me to choose a product of similar value and they would send me that instead. 

I'm still currently looking through and deciding on what I want as I'm quite tempted by the new Gimmie Brow...however I'm not committing yet until I see a few more good reviews about it!

Have you tried the Gimme Brow?

Overall, my plea to Benefit is when it brings out new products; spend more time on the actual product than the way it's packaged!

I hope you've enjoyed my post today and lets hope the next Benefit review I do will be a positive!

Have any of you had this issue? Let me know in the comments below!

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram & Bloglovin

As always, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx

| A Few Liebster Awards |

Helloooo Lovelies!!!

So the title of this post might come across a bit show offish - but this is not my intention. I had an influx of these nominations in the space of about 2 weeks and couldn't keep up! So I thought I'd kill several birds with one stone.

Disclaimer : No birds were harmed in the making of this post.

So basically the rules are; Link back to the person who nominated you. State 11 random facts about yourself . Answer their questions. Then come up with 11 random questions to ask and nominate 11 people to answer them. For more info and my 11 random facts about myself click here!

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So my 2nd nomination was from the rule breaker Lauren +Porcelain Queen She defied my rules and decided to nominate me back (which is SO not allowed!) However I'll let her off as she's so damn cool and writes awesome posts! Seriously go and check her out below, you won't be disappointed!

So - on with the questions!

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www.porcelainqueen1.blogspot.co.uk

Number One - What is your one holy grail product that you would recommend to every one?

Humm, this is a new one for me and I absolutely love it. It's the Sleek Face Contour Kit. You can choose between light, medium & dark. It's such a good price and really does work. I don't leave the house now without using this. The little diagram that comes with it is very useful too.

Number Two - Which part of your makeup do you enjoying doing the most?

Easy - foundation. I love the fact I can create a flawless blank canvass to work on :)

Number Three - Which one brand in your opinion makes the best eye shadows?

I have loads of MAC eye shadows, Urban Decay Pallets and Laura Mecier shadows. It's a close one between the 3 but I would have to say Urban Decay as the pigments are amazing.

Number Four - What are you beauty 'hang-ups'? For example, mine is my ridiculously untameable hair and my combination skin.

My skin. I have combination skin and it drives in insane! I'm like make up your mind already!

Number Five - What's the worst beauty blunder that you used to do?

Never used to do my eyebrows. I know. Shocking!

Number Six - At what age did you first ever start wearing makeup on a regular basis?

I was a late starter haha I didn't wear makeup properly until I was about 15/16.

Number Seven - What is you all time favourite high end brand?

YSL and Illamasqua

Number Eight - What is your all time favourite high street brand?

Rimmel and Maybelline

Number Nine - Name your top three brushes, for example, MAC 239, Real Techniques Buffing brush...

Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush &  Real Techniques Detailer Brush.

Number Ten - What celebrity are you regularly compared to?

Ha I actually have 2... Holly Willoughby and Sophie Dahl. I think it's the eyes!

Number Eleven - Name one thing about yourself that you love.

My eyes :)

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www.beautybooandteatoo.blogspot.co.uk

1. what's your favourite beauty product?

I'm going to go with my Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation on this one.

2. what does your blog mean to you?

The world. I can't believe it's taken me this long to pluck up the courage to write one.

3. what's your favourite song at the moment?

Erm - Let It Go...Frozen! Hell yes I'm a Disney fan and proud!

4. when you were little what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?

A princess. Still aim to be. Prince Harry hasn't met me yet.

5. Did you make any new years resolutions, have you stuck to them?

Yes! My blog was a New Years Resolution (check out my first post here!)

6. If you were a Disney character, which Disney character would you be?

Ahh LOVE THIS!!! I would be Elsa from Frozen as she's a Princess who doesn't need a man - GIRL POWER! Also add in a bit of Dory from Finding Nemo and Timone & Pumba from Lion King haha

7. If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Fun, Confident & Captivating

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Marrying Price Harry and becoming a Princess. What? haha

9. What is your most prized possession?

My sunglasses collection....bit of a sucker for designers and my car!

10. What's your guilty pleasure?

Ice Cream

11. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Humm good question! I would have the power to click my fingers and be ready. I take hours getting ready for a night out!

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www.beaut-iful-you.blogspot.co.uk

1. What inspired you to start blogging in the beginning?

I wanted a change, something different. I wanted to make new friends and change my life.

2. How long have you been blogging for?

Nearly 2 months - eek!

3. What's the best thing that has happened to you since starting blogging?

Met so many amazing people, and the fact people like what I write is just mental!

4. Would you encourage other people to start blogging? If so, why?

Definitely - You'll meet like minded people and it'll really open your eyes that there are so many people out there who appreciate you and what you write.

5. What are your top 5 makeup brands

Laura Mercier, Illamasqua, MAC, Urban Decay, Rimmel

6. What would you rather give up, make up or skin care?

Oh god! Tough Question. I'd probably say skin care as make up can cover blemishes up.

7. Favourite nail varnish brand

Humm Illamasqua and Rimmel

8. If you could have £200 to spend on makeup, what would you buy?

Some things from Charlotte Tilbury

9. What's your favourite colour?

Lime Green and Pink

10. Favourite all time shop

Libertys or Harrods - I seriously get goosebumps every time I enter these stores.

11. Do you like my blog? If yes, thank you! But if not what can I do to improve?

Of course! I love the header picture its great and I love how clean cut your posts are.

1. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Canada. I loved it there but only in the summer when there's no snow. So perhaps I should choose America!! haha

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www.hollieclairexo.blogspot.co.uk

2. What are your top 5 makeup products you can't live without?

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, Sleek Contour Kit, Illamasqua Skin Base Lift, Rimmel compact face Powder & YSL Mascara.

3. If you could spend one day in the life of someone else who would it be?

Nice question - It would have to be Oprah!

4. What type of blogs do you find most interesting to read?

Blogs with a personal touch. I'm not too keen on posts that just show a picture of a product and talk about it like a robot. I really like to get to know the author :)

5. Your favourite item of clothing that you own?

Scarves! I have a serious collection of Scarves!

6. Lipstick or lipgloss?

Lipstick.

7. Whats a weird fact about yourself that not everyone might know?

I'm related to Judi Dench & Beatrix Potter (random I know!) :)

8. Your favourite shop to shop in?

As above Liberty's & Harrods!

9. What is your favourite makeup brand?

Illamasqua and MAC

10. Your best and favourite makeup tip?

Always prep, prime and hydrate your skin before applying makeup!

11. Your favourite song?

Ever?! Humm At the moment it's Let It Go - Frozen however all time fav I would have to say - GOD THIS IS TOO HARD! I like classics so it would have to be - no I can't do it. Sorry!

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www.justmsmaxwell.com

1. your worst habit?

Cutting my cuticles..

2. your dream job?

Creating a fashion line for women who are blessed with curves of all different shapes and sizes, whether your petite or on the larger side! Nothing out there no matter what anyone says.

3. bar or pub?

Bar. Pass me a cocktail!

4. high street or high end?

Humm, high street.

5. where you see yourself in 5 years time?

Probably writing my 10000000000 Leibster Award post!

6. favourite childhood show?

Sabrina the teenage Witch! Or Buffy!

7. favourite quote and why?

Winners never quit, Quitters never win.

8. the person you are most inspired by?

I'm inspired by everyone around me. They keep me motivated and ambitious!

9.  feelings about the ugly shoe trend?

Hate it.

10. favourite youtube vlogger?

I love Fleur De Force, she's different to the rest of the big youtube vloggers.

11. greatest achievement to date?

Not going to University and working bloody hard to get a good job! Which I love.

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So there we have it, a load of questions and answers! So now for my nominations....this is tough as so many people have done this now, so instead I nominate you! Whoever is reading this to answer just 5 questions! I'm changing the rules a bit as like Lauren said - Rules are meant to be broken!

1. Whats the best post you've written on your blog (in your opinion)? Link it below :)
2. What is your greatest achievement to date?
3. Who was the first beauty guru or blogger that you watched on Youtube or read on blogger?
4. What is your holy grail Skin Care product?
5. Which part of your make up do you enjoy doing the most? 

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Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know what your thoughts are on my answers! 

Even if you don't fancy writing up a post on this, let me know down in the comments what your answers would be to my questions :)

Also please follow me on twitter, instagram & bloglovin. It would mean the world to me!

So, as always guys, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx

Mwah xx

Confidence | Own It

Hello lovelies, this is going to be a bit of a different blog post, something that really comes from the heart, I hope you like it.

There is no definitive answer to the question 'How can I become more confident?' I just hope the following will open your eyes to my experience and how I overcame some insecurities and how you can help others too.

I was looking at one of my recent blog posts and the feedback I got was really lovely, however I couldn't help but notice a lot of women saying that they don't have the self confidence to wear a bright colour. Whether it be in regards to make up or clothes. 

This brought back distant memories of how I used to be that girl at school / college who had no confidence what so ever. This maybe quite hard for people who have only just met me to understand, as I seem to be that outgoing loud bubbly woman who smacks confidence right round the chops. However this is not necessarily the case. I always think of the the song 'Tracks Of My Tears' to describe how I feel sometimes, as it's saying that no matter what you look like and feel on the outside it might not be what you always feel on the inside!

This post isn't to get sympathy votes, it's just to let you all know that everyone goes through confidence issues. Whether it be through their looks, personality or something else. It's completely normal and everyone handles it in different ways. I look back at old photos of myself when I was 16 - 19 and think to myself why did I feel so insecure?! I was a size 12 with long blonde hair (that I always wore in a ponytail) and curves. What. The. Hell. And I still didn't dare wear a bikini or wear nice fitted clothes. I think to myself if I had that figure now I'd go out butt naked. I'm not even joking. Haha!

I don't know about you, but being insecure makes me think quite irrationally. I was a girl who looked at every other girl and thought why can't I look that good, why can't I have her confidence...why can't my hair look that good....why, why, why. I wouldn't even wear my make up as I thought oh god, what if someone notices my eyeliner is thicker on my right eye compared to my left..Now I laugh and think not only does practice make perfect but this is something that happens to all women and girls alike. Whether you're new to make up or a well seasoned pro!   

Why not?! I asked myself. I thought the only way I'm going to do something about my severe lack of confidence was to do something a little out of my comfort zone each day, to prove to myself that I can be that person if I just put myself out there a bit.

So the very next day I wore mascara (I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me it was huge!) It meant my eyelashes stood out like a sore thumb! I noticed people looking at me a bit different. Instead of just being that girl who had her hair tied back in a ponytail, glasses and no make up. I had something a little different about me. A few people said to me you look different Charlotte, what have you done? I explained that I'd put mascara on and they were so complimentary that I felt awesome! 

So the next day I wore a tinted moisturiser and got the same response...the following day I took a step further and wore a tinted lip balm, it was a snowball effect following that. I became obsessed with make up and that made me feel great! It was this mask that I could take on and off when I pleased and it gave me the greatest feeling ever, something I'd never felt before - confidence.

This is certainly not an answer to everyone's issues on confidence! I'm not saying wear makeup and your confidence will suddenly appear. What I'm saying is, have a goal of what you want to achieve. Whether it be in looks, lifestyle, school - anything. And take little steps in getting yourself to that goal. It's important not to give up on yourself and sometimes putting yourself out there is so daunting it scares you. In those moments, stop take a breathe and own it. Own yourself and control your thoughts and know that your doing this for you and nobody else. Your self confidence will soon grow and trust me, it'll be the best thing you ever do.

So step out of the shadows once in a while and show everyone the real you, what your passions are and shine!

From that day on I never looked back, only forward. Which tended to be in the direction of the make up counters at Boots! I still sometimes have days when I feel insecure so I go straight to my make up draw and pull out my favourite deep pink or red lipstick, wave my magic wand and I'm ready to take on the world. 

Do any of you feel like that when you put on a certain lipstick? If not, why not try it? Post a photo on twitter / instagram and you will get tonnes of love! 

On a final note, I hope this has been helpful to some, but also to the rest of you fabulous women who ooze confidence - I think one thing we can agree on,  is that if it wasn't for people telling me how amazing my mascara looked, or that they loved my lip colour I wouldn't be half as confident as I am now. So whenever I see someone rocking a bold lip or even just a nude pink lip I like to let them know it looks fab! Because at the end of the day I don't know what they are feeling like on the inside so it's also our words that build up peoples confidence as much as their own actions. 

Anyway I've rambled on quite a bit now, so I hope you've enjoyed this post and will spread the love. 

As always, It's been a pleasure. 

Char

xXx

What Have I Been Reaching For In February & YSL GIVEAWAY!!!

So this month has been and gone and it literally flew by! 

We're at that time of the month again, where I let you beautiful people know what I've been loving in the month of February. 

The original list was ridiculously long so I'm afraid some products didn't make the cut. gulp.

Also read on for my YSL Giveaway!

Baylis & Harding - Peony, White Tea and Jasmine Hand Wash : £2.33 Tesco

This has to be my most favourite scent in the Baylis range - which says a lot as I love all of them! This smells so fresh, with a subtle floral scent. The white tea really comes through and I'm slightly obsessed with this scent at the moment as I've just purchased the white tea True Grace candle. 

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Babyliss Curl Secret Hair Styler : £119.95 John Lewis

This contraption has revolutionised hair curling!! I am being serious - I know some are dubious, but please listen to my seldom words of wisdom. I used to be one of those girls who had perfect curls on one side of my head and wonky kinks the other side. I just couldn't get it! I used to look at other girls and think 'How the hell do they curl their hair, it looks amazing?!' Well now, I assure you I'm constantly supporting bouncy looking locks and getting complimented on them all the time. Worth every penny. 

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Rimmel 60 Second Polish - Rose Libertine : £3.69 Boots

This has been on my nails throughout Feb. I love it, it's a pinky rose colour. It's flattering with all skin tones and is perfect for Spring Summer. You can probably get this cheaper in store or online as Boots always has some sort of offer running!

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Real Techniques Setting brush : £8.99 Boots

This has been my go to brush this month (and pretty much always!) I use this for under eye concealer and for setting my under eye area with powder. It's the perfect shape to get in all the nooks and crannies!  

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Naked 3 Palette : £37.00 normally but 10% off at Debenhams at the moment!

So I won't go on about this too much, as this has been on everyones 'favourite' lists since it launched. I absolutely love it and think it's the best palette I've bought in a long time! It's full of an array of nude / pink shades as well as a few darker shades too. Perfect for day to night. 

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Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci : £21.95 Allbeauty.com

I'm pretty rubbish at describing scents when writing them down. You can blame my dyslexia for that! So I thought it'd be best if I just copied what the professionals say :) 

Ricci Ricci is a fresh and sensual floral scent built around the Beauty of the Night flower.Daring, the sparkling top notes of Rhubarb and Bergamot bring a modern freshness.Full of contrasts, the fragrance is easy-to-wear, branded and extremely feminine.It is designed for an optimistic and self-confident woman. 

Well clearly it's got me written all over it - hahaha!

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Calvin Klein Lipstick in Ethereal : £1.99 Fragrance Direct

I won't go on about this as I've raved about it on twitter and my previous posts! Just know it's super creamy and very pigmented! For the value you really can't go wrong. 

I'll link it here. 

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Garnier Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash : £2.65 Boots

I've been using this throughout Feb, and it's now part of my daily skin care routine. I find it really cleanses my skin and makes it feel squeaky clean and keeps blemishes at bay! 

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Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll On : £10.49 Superdrug

Okay, so I know some of you are very dubious about products like this. However don't just take my word for it. The reviews speak for themselves! I'm not saying it will work on everyone, but for me it has worked an absolute treat. It de-puffs my eyes and makes my under eyes look vibrant and awake! 

This hydrates, cools and refreshes. 

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Sakaré Cuticle Oil : Part of a kit - £24.00

I've trawled the internet for this but it's only available to purchase in store on on ebay in a kit. I bought this on a bit of a whim. I was walking through covent garden and got a bit lost! It started to pour down with rain so I ran for cover and by chance came across this shop. The lady lured me in with a 'miracle nail kit'...So whilst it poured it down outside, I was inside getting a lesson in how to look after my nails. 

I won't go on but seriously, my nails have never been so good! I always had problems with my cuticles as they seemed to just grow over my nail like wildfire and needles to say I would always cut them back! (Bad Charlotte!)

Definitely worth every penny. 

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So that was my February Favourites in my second instalment of What Have I Been Reaching For...

I really hope you enjoyed it, so leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought!

Have you tried any of these? What were your thoughts?

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Before I go, I said I would do a Giveaway when I got to 50 Bloglovin Followers & 200 Followers on Twitter. I'm so pleased and grateful that you guys got me there last week! 

I really couldn't believe it and still can't get over the thought that you lot find what I have to say interesting!! 

To say a big thank you, I've gone and bought one of my ultimate favourite products and hope you will take part in my first giveaway! Just go through the processes below and I shall be picking a winner this time next month! Sorry lovelies - UK only for now!

Enjoy guys! 

And as always, it's been a pleasure.

Char

xXx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New BarryM Gelly Polishes | Pastels

So, I've been on a bit of a roll this weekend with my blog posts, however whilst I went to pick up some Sushi last night for dinner (I know random!) I popped into good old Tesco and stumbled across the new BarryM Polishes. 

Left to Right: Huckleburry, Rose Hip, Sugar Apple

Tesco actually had quite a good offer on, hence why I got 3 instead of 1. Not that I need an excuse to splurge as clearly I have no self control as of late. 

The offer was 3 for 2 across the BarryM range, but then I noticed there was another offer running on the new colours for 2 for £6? So I didn't say anything, instead stuffed 3 in the basket and hurried to the checkout! They normally are £3.99 each and I got 3 for £6...you do the math. I think someones labelled them wrong but oh well!! 

Muahahaha.

Left to Right: Huckleburry, Rose Hip, Sugar Apple

These really are stunning and bang on trend. I absolutely love these colours and, if you feel like it - you can mix them by having a different colour on your index finger! 

If you haven't tried the Gelly range yet, then I strongly suggest you get your mitts on them. It's a mix between a standard polish and the finish of shellac / gelish manicure. It lasts longer than a standard polish and is a thicker formulation.

Anyhoo this wasn't really planned so I thought, what better way to update you on my severe lack of control than a blog post! 

Have you tried any of these? What's your favourite colour?

So guys, I hope you've enjoyed it, and I shall be posting the second instalment of What have I Been Reaching For In (insert month) in the next couple days. 

Follow me on Bloglovin, Twitter @charlie-teee, Instagram @charlottelouisethompson89

It's been a pleasure, as always, 

Char

xXx