Benefit Air Patrol, Is It Worth Taking To The Skies?

This week I will be filling you in on some of the products we were clued up on at the House of Fraser 'Beauty Confidential' blogger event last Thursday.

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The girl from Benefit told us the history of the brand, and schooled us on their newest product, Air Patrol. 

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It's a BB cream and eyelid primer all in one, with a SPF of 20. She told us it's major plus is that it will intensify any eye shadow you use over it. We got to try it on our hand during the chat & you can see the pigment is stronger where I used Air Patrol on the right. 

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On the night we were all given a gift card to buy something we usually wouldn't buy, but would like to try. I had already spent mine on a Laura Mercier finishing powder, but my friend Sera from  The Style Guide Blog hadn't seen anything that took her fancy, and was rushing off to get home to Ballymoney, so she very kindly gave her card to me!

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I do love Benefit products, the packaging always appealed to me and I even made several purchases of products even before I went makeup mad this year. 

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So I picked up Air Patrol as I was so impressed by the hand test with the eye shadows. Benefit are known for their innovative products and Air Patrol has a feature that's brand new 'makeup technology' I suppose you could call it. 

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The applicator is a super soft cushion calm tip that claims to be more gentle than your little finger. If you go to your local Benefit counter they'll have a large size of the material used for you to poke and test out. Another cool feature is that you can twist the base to dispense, but also to suck the product back in if too much comes out. Money saving makeup! But is it worth its £21.50 price tag?

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So this morning before I put on any makeup, I tried doing my eye products with one lid bare and the other with Air Patrol as a primer. 

Left bare : Right using Air Patrol

Left bare : Right using Air Patrol

It's easy to put on and 'dries' quickly. Excuse my novice eyeshadow application, but you get the idea. The pigment definitely has an edge on the eyelid on the right, which is the Air Patrol primed one.

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So yes, Air Patrol works, so it's worth investing in if you want to up your eye makeup game. You can buy online where you can get two free samples of your choice with your order, or buy instore at your local Benefit counter, which always seem to have a sample or two for you when you make a purchase.

Air Patrol comes with super cute, pencil case type makeup bag at the moment as its their newest product. Because it was a blogging event they were incredibly generous with the samples!

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They also have sweet little luggage tags, to tie in with the air travel theme of Air Patrol. 

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Puff Off! Is a product which works to minimise eye bags. It feels nice and soaks into the skin quickly without feeling greasy.

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Instant Comeback is a luxurious serum, even the sample bottle is gorgeous. It's a clear serum and sinks in quickly and again without feeling greasy.

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The It's Potent! eye cream is just that! I tried it last night when I took my makeup off and found it too greasy for my skin. I guess that's because it's not a product aimed at someone like me, it's best for those with dry skin. 

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The last sample I've tried so far is the Lollitint liquid blusher. I naturally have rosy cheeks, very rosy at times, so blusher is a product I've never dreamt of even buying. However, now that I wear more foundation, they are hidden somewhat, so I've been wondering should I use a blusher now. 

So when Rachel at the Laura Mercier concession was doing my full makeup, I asked her if I WAS to use blusher, whereabouts on my cheeks do I put it? So now I know I tried out this blusher sample with a bit more confidence. I think a powder type blush would be more for me. I worry if putting a light liquid like Lollitint on top of foundation would ruin the finish? I think it's a great product for girls who can get away with no foundation. Just a little bit on each cheek would give you a healthy glow. 

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More from the House of Fraser Beauty Confidential during next week. The event sees lots of different beauty and makeup brands offer one of their top products with £10 off. The product Benefit and chosen for the promotion is another fairly new one, Rollerlash. Again it's a primer product which lengthens and curls the lash before you apply mascara. The reviews on the Benefit site are great and with the Beauty Confidential event, if you buy it in House of Fraser it's just £9.50

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Professional Make-up at a Fraction of the Price, Starbox Monthly Subscription Box from Starlooks

I'm no beauty expert, and I'm thankful every day for the beauty bloggers who have slowly taught me how to apply the once terrifying stuff. First Dressjunkie, then London Beauty Queen, I've picked up tips and they've patiently answered my questions over the years. Now I think I know what I'm doing, and can tell a good product from bad.

So the second monthly subscription box suggestion I'm bringing you this January, is the Starbox from Starlooks. Not being a beauty genius, I hadn't heard of this US brand, but they are a pro-quality full range of make-up, which is now available to the UK, including their box subscription. All products are cruelty free. Factories are frequently visited to check on their very high standards, and any brushes they manufacture are from shaved animals, kept on farms. As you would expect, no product is tested on any animal.

 

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Starlooks sent me the December Starbox to have a play with. They promise each box will be great value, with the product included costing more than the $15 subscription. December's surprise box worked out as very good value, the eyeshadow palette sells for $99 in th Starlooks Store

I was very pleased to receive the palette as I desperately needed new coloured shadows. There is a great neutral skin tone which I can use as a base, and the coloured shadows are very high in pigment. I tried to take a good photo to show just how rich and deep the colours are, but I need to work on my skills! The  'glitter' shadows are amazing quality too, more shimmer than glitz, so they don't look too 'young' on an older eye, and could even be used during the day to brighten a look.

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If you subscribe before 10th January then you'll receive the very next box. Also keep an eye on the past boxes page to pick up the palette for $15 instead of $99 in their main store.

Well worth subscribing. 

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Incredibly Important Announcement: There's a Boots Beauty Advent Calendar

I still buy myself advent calendars, and now there's an actual one that's supposed to be for me. The Boots Advent Calendar is £30, but has over £65 worth of products, both travel size and full size, inside. Brands include Nails Inc, Soap & Glory and Seventeen.  

There is also a deal as part of the package where you earn three times the Advantage Points if you go on to buy the products you've sampled in your calendar. Pretty sweet. 

Curious & Inspiring Vintage, Pagent Queen Photographs Showing the Changes in Main Stream Beauty Over the Past 100 Years

A striking difference in what was considered the peak of beauty from early 1920s to now. 

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 Emprove Clinic, Edinburgh, can  provide consultations and non-surgical treatments to men and women for medical and medical aesthetics purposes, in a professional, safe and friendly environment. 

 

Emma Sheldon is the Clinical Director of Emprove. Emma has over 10 years of clinical experience in the NHS in a variety of medical and surgical specialities.   

Whether its knowledge building, enhancing your appearance or keeping fit and healthy, one way or another it all comes down to lifelong self-improvement. 

That’s what Emma believes in and, simply put, it’s why she named her clinic Emprove. 

My Time Travel Hairdressing Parlour: Vintage Rocks, Belfast, Northern Ireland

When I want my barnet chopped, I step back in time, to Belfast's Vintage Rocks Hair Parlour, owned by the talented Clare Afshar. If you prefer to discuss future tattoo plans, rather than prospective holidays, Vintage Rocks is for you. 

Catering for far out hair styles and colours, but also glamorous, timeless updos for formals and weddings, you're in safe hands with these girls. 

Clare is the only one I trust with my son's hair, and earlier in the year he starred in their sassy promo video, shot by Jennifer Atcheson, which you can watch here. The photos used in this post are stills from the video.

Vintage Rocks is open Tuesday through until Saturday, and is a wonderful place to pick for wedding parties. 

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My son

My son

Siobhan from Fingerpricks.com

Siobhan from Fingerpricks.com

Me! With red hair a while back, getting it chopped 

Me! With red hair a while back, getting it chopped 

children get their own seat and a special Vintage Rocks gown

children get their own seat and a special Vintage Rocks gown

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beautifully detailed up do

beautifully detailed up do

the parlour says, 'goodnight'

the parlour says, 'goodnight'

prices as of August 2013. phone Vintage Rocks to book a consultation, appointment, or to chat about any hair creations you have in mind that regular salons wouldn't dare do!

prices as of August 2013. phone Vintage Rocks to book a consultation, appointment, or to chat about any hair creations you have in mind that regular salons wouldn't dare do!

The Five Most Iconic London Hairdos

When it comes to global trends, London leads the way – and in the world of hairdos this is no different. From the swinging 60s to the indulgent 80s, London has shownthe world what to do and what not to do with their crowning glories so if you’re looking for inspiration then why not take a look at these five iconic London hairdos?

1. The Sloan

Though the original 80s version of this hairstyle lacked a little in the finesse department, it instantly became a globally recognised style. Its strongest feature is the central bouffant which can be accentuated by tying your hair at the back with a scrunchie or puffing it up even more with an Alice band.

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2. The rocker

Like the Sloan, the rocker requires a bit of backcombing and puffing. Think Carnaby Street in the 60s or Amy Winehouse circa 2005 and you’ll have a good idea of what we mean. You can complement the puffed-up back with smooth fringes or curled ends for a really great London look.

 
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3. The mod

From Twiggy to Quadrophenia, the mod look is a true classic and well worth mastering for your hairstyle repertoire. To achieve the most authentic results try using nice 'n easy blonde hair colouring to become a true blond bombshell.

 
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4. The duchess

This one is more of a modern classic, popularised by the ever-glamorous Kate Middleton. A modern variation of the Sloan, this hairdo requires you to look understated yet perfectly groomed at all times. Try using a really good, deep conditioner and then gently blow drying. Use a diffuser if your hair is prone to frizz and then use wide curlers to achieve gentle waves.


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5. The Rachel

This one may not have been born in London but its reach was truly global and once it had jumped off of the silver screen and across the pond, there was no keeping it away from the British capital’s salon scene.

If you’d forgotten about this 90s craze, crack open a couple of early Friends videos and remind yourself of the style icon that was Rachel’s hair.

If you’re looking to change your style or just want to do a bit of experimenting, you could do a lot worse than these iconic styles. Pick your favourite, get the necessary tools and hair dyes and set to work transforming your hair.

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Instant Hair. I'm Converted, I Love Wigs. Thanks, Wonderland Wigs.

Wigs to me always made me think of uncomfortable, sweaty hats of plastic-looking hair. Dreadful to wear for any length of time and not fooling anyone.  

Wonderland Wigs offered to let me try one of their pieces, and I thought why not? I doubted I'd actually ever wear it outside of Halloween though. Still, I picked a wig in my hair colour, to give it a proper chance. 

Why get a wig in the exact shade your hair already is, you may ask? Well, because I opted for a 3/4 wig. Instead of having to tuck your existing barnet in under a skull cap, a 3/4 wig sits on the crown of your head, starting where an Alice band would sit. 

The Wonderland wig attaches easily and securely with a comb style hair band, allowing your scalp to breathe. Each product page on the site includes an embedded video tutorial, if like me you are a bit clueless at how to get a natural look.

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It looks quite natural doesn't it? Very handy for days when the straighteners aren't doing a good enough job. The wig I chose was £25.99 and comes in all hair colours. Wonderland Wigs also do dip dye, ombré, full head wigs, curls, buns, everything hairy!

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Follow @WonderlandWigs on Twitter or join their Facebook Page for special offers and sales.

Here is my before and after, what do you think? 

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Benefit Fake Up- Make Up For Dummies (Like Me!)

We all know I'm no beauty blogger. Whilst the immaculate Hayley at London Beauty Queen indulges me with the the odd guest post on her expert beauty site, it's still a fact I struggle with the mascara wand every morning.

One of my long term favourite beauty brands is Benefit, and the team invited me along to The Ivory in Belfast to their new product launch.

Their latest product, Fake Up, is a hydrating concealer to banish dark circles without caking your existing makeup.

This is a product for people like me. What I mean by that is the make-up-skill challenged, or just plain cack handed, even we can apply Fake Up without getting it wrong.

It's like a concealer in a lipstick tube, which you paint on like a crayon stick and simply blend with your fingers to brighten your complexion.

If you fancy trying Fake Up, I have the medium shade stick to give away to a World of Kitsch reader.
Email me at kitschandink@me.com and I will pick a winner using random.org Email addresses will only be used to contact you should you win, and competition closes at 9pm on Sunday 31st March.