Benefit Realness of Concealness

RRP: £22.50 for 1.2g of Bo-ing, 2.5g of High Beam, 1g of Lemon Aid, 2.5g of Lip Plump and 2.5g of Ooh La Lift + mirror

--Packaging--
The packaging is very cutesy and compact, true to Benefit's usual form. It's a small purple-brown coloured box measuring approx 6cm x 8cm x 2cm, with a lovely dotty design on the lid. Inside everything is very neatly packaged, with the Lip Plump, High Beam and Ooh La Lift coming in small tubes and the other two products being embedded in the box. The box seems to shut magnetically so that it doesn't fall open in your bag.

--What does the promo say?--
"Sometimes a little concealing and perking up is all you need. It doesn't take a makeover, just this crafty little kit containing our famous concealers and enhancers. Kit contains: lemon-aid to correct discoloration on eyelids; boi-ing to hide even the darkest under eye circles; ooh la lift to brighten, lighten and tighten the eye area; lip plump to prime, smooth, and plump lips; and high beam to give your skin an ethereal glow. "

--Application--
For the tubes, just twist and apply directly to the relevant area of the face using the wand; apply the Lemon Aid and Bo-ing using your fingers or using a brush or sponge (n.b. no brushes or sponges are included). Pretty simple.

--Scent--
Didn't notice any for any of the products.

--Appearance--
Bo-ing: a brownish compact sample of the concealer.
Lemon Aid: a yellow compact sample of the eyelid primer.
High Beam, Ooh La Lift and Lip Plump: All are lotion type products in small tubes, with the former two being shimmery shades of pale pink and the latter being brownish. High Beam is an all-over face highlighter, Ooh La Lift is an under-eye 'de-puffer' and Lip Plump is a lip primer, to be applied before applying lipstick.

--Texture--
The three tube products are lotions, but aren't too runny or hard. The two compact samples are harder and are more like a lip-gloss consistency without the slidiness.

--How well do they blend into the skin?--
Lemon Aid, High Beam and Ooh La Lift are fantastic and very easy to blend in. Bo-ing is easily helped along with some water but doesn't fare too well on its own, and Lip Plump isn't intended to be blended in.

--Longevity--
All come across as fairly heavy-duty products - they don't seem to come off in any great hurry.

--Appearance on the skin--
The Lip Plump looks pretty scary when you've just applied it - it basically looks like you've applied concealer to your lips. However, when you've applied lipstick over the top like you're meant to, it's fine. The Bo-ing also has a tendency to make your skin look like there's just random orange patches on your face, mainly due to the difficulty in blending it in but also due to the colour of it - it looks browner in the box than on the face (though I have quite pale skin, so people with darker skins may fare better). However, all of the other products blend in wonderfully, with High Beam giving the wearer a lovely dewy glow.

--Coverage--
Only Bo-ing, Ooh La Lift and Lemon Aid are designed for coverage. The latter two work well, but I wouldn't buy the former, as I've used concealers that cover up better in the past.

--Ease of removal--
Absolutely fine - you can even remove them just using a normal cleanser, without having to use a makeup removal product.

--Value for money--
Quite good considering the prestige of the brand and the fact that you're getting five sample size products, which will save you money in the long run once you've worked out which ones you like. Plus, the box itself is an excellent size for travelling.

--Which ones would I buy?--
I would happily buy Lemon Aid (eyelid primer) and High Beam (luminescent complexion enhancer). Lemon Aid seemed to work really well as an eyelid primer and evens out the difference that you can see when people put powder/foundation on their faces and understandably don't want to put these products on their eyes due to them being too heavy. High Beam is just lovely to look at when it's on and a really light product for those days when you don't want to wear makeup but don't want to look like a total tramp :p
I wouldn't buy Ooh La Lift because I saw no visible difference when using it, and I wouldn't buy Lip Plump simply because I don't use enough lipstick - maybe if you had particularly bad dark circles or wore lipstick a lot you would buy these products and get enough use from them to make it worthwhile.
By far the worst of the products in the box was Bo-ing, on every level. I have used other concealers that covered up better, aren't as expensive as the full-size Bo-ing (which retails at £15.50 for 3g), are easier to blend in and don't make me look like I've been Tangoed. (Though having said that, the Benefit website says there are 3 shades, so it may well be that the one in the box was an unfortunate choice for me.)
However, I feel the box was a worthy investment and I will definitely be using it for travel.

Mitchum Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.49-£2.79, depending on scent and whether it's a roll-on or a spray

--Packaging--
Dark green packaging with the name of the product in white writing. Quite unisex packaging - they do make different products for women and men, but the packaging is quite similar for both.

--What does the promo say?--
"So Effective You Could Even Skip A Day™.
ANTI-BACTERIAL PROTECTION.
Clinically proven to provide 48-hour protection. Quick-drying, Non-stinging, even after shaving."

--Application--
Unscrew the lid and roll the ball of the deodorant onto your armpits after washing. Leave to dry for a few minutes before dressing.

--Scent--
Depends on the one you buy, but I find that all of the Mitchum range has a nice fresh scent that's neither inoffensive nor overpowering.

--Does it leave white marks?--
Only if you don't leave it to dry properly before dressing.

--Does it sting?--
No, not even after shaving (unless you cut yourself, of course).

--Does it work?--
It's without a doubt the most effective off-the-shelf deodorant I've ever tried, hence why I'm reviewing it here, even though it's not really a beauty product per se. I suffer from hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) so finding an effective deodorant was always slightly problematic, but I find that even one application per day stops you from smelling a bit nasty, and you're not having to reapply it throughout the day like with some deodorants.

--Value for money--
Truly excellent. One of these lasts quite a while and at less than £3, it's a steal. Perfect for hot sunny days (and any other day!).

Murad Travel Kit - Balancing Regime for Oily Skin

RRP: £25.50 for 100ml of Clarifying Cleanser, 50ml of Exfoliating Blemish Gel and 7.5ml of Cover Gel

--Background--
Murad is still an up-and-coming brand in the UK, so some background. Dr Howard Murad is one of America's leading skincare specialists and he developed this trio of products to address all the factors that cause breakouts. They are also a rarity in the skincare market in that they do not contain benzoyl peroxide, unlike many products. Murad also has a range of products for ageing, sun protection, men's shaving, body/cellulite and for skin types that are sensitive and prone to redness. Please see www.murad.com for more.

--What does the promo say?--
"Murad Travel/Gym Kit - Blemish for Oily Skin is a balancing regime for Oily skin experiencing occasional breakouts. Conveniently sized for travel, gym or trial use.
Cleanse & Tone
Clarifying Cleanser, 100ml - Purify and clarify with this antibacterial deep pore cleansing gel.
Treat & Repair
Exfoliating Blemish Gel, 50ml blend - Exfoliate, purify and clarify your complexion with this advanced performance gel.
Hydrate & Protect
Murad Blemish Cover Gel 7.5ml - Soothe and Protect with this concentrated Blemish Gel."

--Packaging--
This set is a special set, sold by Boots, and it's great for trial use, as the regular versions of the products are bigger and cost more. The three products are packaged in a grey box with an understated design. The cleanser is a clear tube with a clear flip-top lid, and it stands on its lid like a shower gel. The exfoliating blemish gel comes in a small clear bottle, with a translucent white/clear flip top lid, but you just stand it on its base like a normal bottle. The cover gel comes in a very small clear tube with a long thin screw-top lid. All of the packaging is understated, unisex, and professional-looking. It also appeals to all ages, which is nice, as problem skin doesn't just affect young teens.

--Application--
Very easy to use - it's quite a quick three-step treatment. Wet your face (easiest to do while you're in the shower) and lather up a little of the cleanser in your hands (it lathers up quite well), and rub it all over your face (avoiding the eye area). Leave on your skin for a few minutes before washing off. Apply the exfoliating blemish gel and the cover gel, in that order, to dry skin. Carry out this routine twice daily.

--Appearance, scent and texture --
The cleanser is a yellowish gel that's quite thick. Not particularly attractive. The exfoliating gel is clear and runnier than the cleanser. The cover gel is quite a bright yellow colour, but it sinks into your skin very easily and there's no yellow residue or anything like that. Again, not particularly attractive. All have a slightly clinical smell, but it's not at all overbearing and I have no problem putting it on my skin (and believe me, I'm very funny about the smells of things that I put on my skin).

--Does it sting?--
No.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
The cleanser feels all tingly and nice, and you really feel like it's working. I don't really feel anything specific from the others, though the cover gel (don't know why it's called that, it's not a concealer...it doesn't actually cover anything) contains sulphur so can feel a bit abrasive (though it doesn't make my skin red or painful or cause further breakouts). I usually just whack on some moisturiser and it feels fine.

--Does it do what it says it does?--
Sort of. I found it worked very well for the first month or so and then its effectiveness levelled out. Shame, as if it had carried on at the same level of effectiveness then I would be singing its praises now. I'll probably finish the products I've bought but I doubt I'll be buying more.

--Value for money--
Considering the price of the products individually, as a gift set it's an extremely good price indeed, and I considered that it would be worth it if it made my skin better. Even though it hasn't achieved the miracle results I'd been hoping for, I still don't regret spending the money trying. And who knows? Different people have different skins, which respond differently to different products, so this one may well work for you.

Oil of Olay Eye Makeup Remover

RRP: £2.99/100ml

--Packaging--
Nice simple packaging that's in keeping with Olay's general image. Clean, understated, not too fussy and generally impressive. Pretty colour scheme and tells you the name of the product in black writing. Ooh, how I love a product that just tells you what it's going to do and nothing more.

--What does the promo say?--
"specifically designed to gently, yet thoroughly remove even waterproof mascara"

--Application--
Apparently it says on the back of the tube that you're to apply a small amount of the product using a damp (rather than a dry) cotton pad. Me being me, though, I just did my usual thing, which I do with all my makeup removers, which is to apply a small amount to a dry cotton pad, and start with the cheeks. I never apply it to the eyes first just in case I've squeezed out too much. Even using a dry pad, though, contrary to what Olay recommends, the product's easy to use.

--Appearance and scent--
This product claims that there's no scent, and they're right (unlike many). Good job. The product is white and slightly lumpy.

--Texture--
The product isn't really runny, and this is good as it stops it sliding off your face. Would prefer it to be slightly smoother (rather than lumpy), though, even though it doesn't affect its performance, and nevertheless, the product is quite smooth on your face anyway, so it's really the tiniest of gripes.

--Does it sting?--
No.

--Does it linger on the skin (e.g. leaving residue)?--
No.

--Does it do what it says it does?--
Yes.

--Value for money--
This is one of the least expensive of Olay's products, it works very well, doesn't let the brand down, and a tube lasts for ages (as in I've had 1 tube for over 6 months, and it still hasn't run out even with me using it most days). It also doubles up as quite a good cleanser in its own right. Would recommend it.

Too Faced Little Pink Book

RRP: £22.00
Contains: 2 concealers, 1 blush, 2 eyeliner shadows, 2 brow shadows, 1 applicator, 3 eyeshadows, 2 glosses, 1 mirror

--Packaging--
In a lot of the pictures I saw on the internet, the outside of the little pink book looks kind of fabric-like, so I was surprised when mine arrived and it was all shiny and sparkly. I didn't know whether to be disappointed because it wasn't what I'd expected, or happy because it was pretty anyway. Inside the little pink book, everything is quite concisely and neatly laid out. Good start.

--What does the promo say?--
"A must-have makeup book/palette that holds all your naughty little secrets. This version of a Too Faced girl's little black book is filled with every beauty essential required to melt the hearts of any man, and make other women "pink" with envy. Slip it into your pocket for touch-ups on the town!"

--Application--
The book provides you with one applicator - one end is an eyeshadow sponge, the other end is a lipgloss brush. This is fine in itself but they could do with providing at least one more applicator for the eyeliner/brow stuff. I'm fine to use my fingers for the blush and concealer but using your fingers for the eyeliner and brow stuff just looks really messy and lame. There should be room for me to stick another little brush in there though.

--Appearance and scent--
No scents to speak of, but to be honest I was a little disappointed with the appearance of the concealers and lipglosses at the outset. They looked a bit greasy/oily and a bit cheap, kind of like the free makeup you get with teen magazines and definitely not what you expect for £22. However, they were fine on application, though I'd warn that a little of the lipgloss goes quite a long way.

--Texture--
Everything fine except the lipgloss, which feels a bit overpowering and heavy on your lips if you apply too much. Just limit your application and you should be OK though.

--Longevity--
Pretty good, actually, even the lipgloss. I was impressed - I wore the lipgloss while eating and it definitely stood the test.

--Coverage--
The concealer is OK, but I personally prefer to wear a foundation as well. I have a mini foundation that I can carry about with me though, and I can appreciate why they couldn't include one as the differences between shades of foundation are so important. If you have clear skin (unlike me...sob) then you'll be fine with just having a concealer.

--Removal--
Easy to remove.

--Value for money--
It is a bit expensive, but I was looking for a makeup palette for a very long time before buying this one, and this is the only one that doesn't include a ridiculous number of shades of lipgloss and eyeshadow and (more importantly) it was the only one I found that actually had a concealer. When you consider other products on the market, such as the Bourjois Petit Guide de Style (which incidentally only has 2 eyeshadows and nothing else for your £7), you get an excellent range of products for the price. Ultimately I would say it is worth the money paid (particularly if you buy off ebay, hehe).

--Other comments--
The only thing I would recommend that they include is one more applicator and also a mini mascara - if Estee Lauder can give away mini mascaras with every order I think Too Faced can manage to fit one in there for your £22. Despite this tiny criticism, I would still emphasise that it is a fabulous concept - I liked it from the first time I saw it and it's really quite different to other palettes on the market. It would make a lovely gift for anyone who feels the need to look good while on the move.

MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour

RRP: £15.50 for 8ml tube
No. of shades available: 14 in Lustre range, 17 in regular Longwear range

--Packaging--
Comes in a slender black cardboard box, with white writing detailing the name, shade, ingredients etc. Very sleek and stylish, but obviously the box wears with age. The tube itself is actually comprised of 2 small tubes, linked by a black handle in the middle. The black handle has "MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour" written on it in silver. Off the right-hand side of the handle you have the lipcolour itself, and off the left-hand side you have the shimmer/sealant.

--What does the promo say?--
"A two-step application of lightweight colour + mirror-finished top coat. Apply the colour. Let it dry. Apply the top coat! Provides sheer to medium coverage with a rich, lustrous, moisturizing finish. Longwearing, comfortable on the lips. Won’t shift, transfer, feather or smudge. Replacement top coats available."

--Application--
Twist the handle and pull to your left to release the applicator for the lipcolour. Apply the lipcolour all over your lips. One coat is fine, but two is better if you're looking for it to last all evening. Push the applicator back into the lipcolour and twist to close. Leave to dry (should take no longer than 5 mins) and then twist the handle and pull to your right to release the applicator for the gloss. Apply as you would a regular gloss and reapply as needed.

--Appearance and scent--
The gloss and lipcolour complement one another really well. Beware that the colours look slightly lighter/more subtle on the website than they do in reality - it's really better to go into a MAC store and try some samples for yourself. There is not really a strong scent - it smells slightly waxy, as most lipsticks do, but that's pretty normal and you don't notice it. The difference between the Lustre Pro Longwear and the regular Pro Longwear is that the Lustre has a slight glitter effect in the gloss, whereas the regular one doesn't. When it's on, the stronger shades in particular are very striking, so I'd recommend minimal makeup elsewhere on the face for maximum impact.

--Texture--
The lipcolour is quite smooth, though while it's drying on your lips it does feel like paint. The lipgloss is lovely - very smooth indeed and I wouldn't wear the lipcolour without it.

--Longevity--
Excellent - just apply two coats of the lipcolour and then keep reapplying the gloss for long-lasting colour. I find it much better than the Max Factor equivalent (Lipfinity).

--Removal--
Slightly tough to remove, but not impossible. You do have to scrub at your lips a bit, so to remove it, I wouldn't recommend using a removal cream with cotton pads like I would normally do - buy some of those makeup removal wipes so that you don't get removal cream in your mouth.

--How do your lips feel afterwards?--
Fine, but I would still recommend using a good lip balm afterwards (Nivea or Vaseline) just to be sure.

--Value for money--
I won't lie, it is expensive, but a tube lasts a very long time, it does what it says on the tin, and is way better than the Max Factor equivalent. Admittedly I am biased (I do have 3 tubes), but I would definitely recommend it as a treat.

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask

RRP: £6.45 for 75g
Contains: Calamine Powder, Talc, Irish Moss Infusion (Chondrus crispus), Fresh Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), Glycerine, Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia), Chamomile Oil (Anthemis nobilis), Sweet Orange Oil (Citrus dulcis), Limonene (occurs naturally in essential oils), Perfume, Colour 18050.
Special information: This is a fresh face mask containing fruit. Therefore it will go off if you don't use it pronto (say within a month)...though this isn't exactly difficult as it's so yummy.

--Packaging--
Comes in a clear, squat plastic tub with plastic lid and a label on the top detailing the ingredients. Lush also has products that come in recycled paper/cardboard packages, including some of their moisturisers, and I prefer that kind of packaging to the one used for the face masks - the black paper/card packaging is not only more biodegradable than plastic but also looks a bit sleeker and more eye-catching.

--What does the promo say?--

"Catastrophe Cosmetic is more prevention than cure for skincare catastrophes. It is a cooling, soothing, detoxifying and refreshing blueberry mask to keep your skin sweet and pure. We recommend it for young people who are just getting into the habit of decent skincare. (Start young; you may not care now but you will be very glad you did when you reach our age.) It’s also excellent for skin which is troubled by soreness and flakiness because of the calamine powder and chamomile essential oil. The orange oil is toning and helps to remove toxins. Blueberries have loads of vitamins and antioxidants in them and they make the mask pale purple, which can only be a good thing. Use it when you’ve been too busy to take proper care of your skin.Apply to clean damp skin avoiding the eye area; leave on for ten minutes then rinse off with warm water. At least four treatments per pot. "

--Application--
When you first buy it (so when it's uber-fresh), it's very soft and easy to apply. However, as the weeks wear on, the mask becomes harder and much more difficult to keep on your face, but this can usually be combated by mixing it up with some water so that it becomes more of a paste. It's quite potent stuff, and Lush recommends that you only use their fresh face masks once or twice a week.

--Appearance and scent--
Lumpy, purple and gorgeous-smelling...the blueberry and calamine scents really come through and you can see the blueberries in there too. As the face mask gets older it tends to acquire a more pinkish-grey hue though.

--Texture--
Kind of like a lumpy lotion. Quite pliable. However, if you mix it with water towards the end of its life, it becomes runnier, more like a lotion, and perhaps easier to apply and wash off than it was in the first place.

--Longevity--
Sadly, not much. Even if you mix it with water to prolong its life, you're only going to get a month or so out of it. And at nearly £7 a pot, that's quite a lot for a student, so I may have to buy them less often. Shame. Still, they are fresh, and you can't expect them to last much longer. Apparently keeping them in the fridge helps.

--Removal--
Just splash a flannel in some warm water and wash it off your face that way. Warning: this method may turn your flannel purple, but it comes out just fine in the wash.

--How do you feel afterwards?--
Skin feels pampered, refreshed, and as soft as a baby's. An essential part of a good skin routine to help keep blemishes under control. Beautiful.

--Value for money--
As I mentioned, it's kind of expensive, but it does help if you've got problem skin (though I've heard Cosmetic Warrior works better, so I might try that soon) and it feels lovely and luxurious. It's totally up to you to decide if it's worth the money.

Maybelline Shinylicious Fruity Gloss

RRP: £5.95
No. of shades available: 13

--Packaging--

Clear plastic tube c. 3 inches long, with a long, somewhat squat plastic lid (the lid matching the colour of the gloss).

--What does the promo say?--

"For glassy-looking lips that burst with colour and flavour!
• Glassy-looking, shiny lips• Deliciously fruity• Hugs the lips without being sticky
• Light-weight, ultra-precise application"

--Application--
The applicator is cut off at an angle to aid application - just squeeze the tube slightly and you're away. Beware though - a little of this stuff goes a long way.

--Appearance and scent--
The colour of the gloss seems quite vivid and has a bit of a shimmer to it. Smells fruity, but not overly so. However, when you apply it, the colour loses some of its vividness, which is probably good. The shade I've got is particularly flattering - 803 bonbon fraise/strawberry whizz is a reddish pink that fills out your lips and makes them look softer. Smell of gloss is not overpowering.

--Taste--
None, surprisingly - I thought it would do from the strong scent.

--Texture--
Smooth, rather than sticky. Thumbs up.

--Longevity--
Like most glosses, you have to keep applying this one, but I'm not complaining as this is the nature of glosses - if I want long-lasting colour or shine then I'll go for a long-lasting lipstick.

--Value for money--
The whole Maybelline range is very well-priced and you get a lot of good-quality product for your money. Sound work.

*****

Hope my first review suits all of you discerning fashionistas. If there's anything glaring I've missed, let me know and I'll edit the entry to include it as well as taking into account suggestions for next time.

Benvenuto!

Not much to say here. I'm Bianca, and alongside my more intellectual pursuits (ha), I'm a big fan of crappy fashion and beauty magazines (though NOT the celebrity ones; I generally find Company, Look and Harper's Bazaar to be good), and beauty products and cosmetics generally.

I used to use Ciao to record my experiences with my vast array of beauty products (I'll be reviewing products here to suit every taste and budget, from premium beauty to budget bargains), but a) it now keeps crashing every time I try and do a new review; and b) it's a bitch to add new products that they haven't deemed worthy. Or maybe I am just too stupid. Either way, I also quite like the idea of having my own space for this kind of thing, and I want to keep it separate from my livejournal, which is primarily used for Venting Angst.

When I'm not doing this, I have a degree to do. I'm currently studying for a Master's in Linguistics at Oxford University, UK; before that I completed my BA in Classics and English at the University of Exeter and am a proud member of the 2.1 club.

So my aim here (later) will be to review every beauty product I own (and believe me, there are lots), get lots of hits, and maybe (just maybe) be spotted by someone important so that I can have my own beauty/cosmetics column somewhere. Or something like that. Hmm - ambitious, much?