Clinique's Even Better Compact Makeup SPF 15

Clinique's Even Better Compact Makeup SPF 15* came out a little while back (early March) and due to my unstable internet connection I have not had a chance to upload my thoughts about this product.

This compact is the new addition to the Clinique Even Better Makeup family. The foundation contains a formula of Vitamin C and Vitamin E which aims to even out skin tone and create a flawless complexion. The formula targets the appearance of dark patches, age spots, sun damage and blemishes and works to visibly reduce them. There is also an SPF 15, made from physical sun screens to protect skin from UV sun damage. 

I've been enjoying this product for a while now, as It doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything heavy on my skin and it lasts for quite a long time. If like me you have oily skin, you will find that you might have to set it with a powder. 

I am loving the super sleek compact of this product, it's simple enough to carry around with you for touch ups. It does come with a sponge which is great for applying the formula evenly, but I prefer to use my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for a more of flawless look.

~Nas~

*PR Samples 

Benefit's new Colour Collection

We all need a bit of colour in our lives (see what I did there?). Enter Benefit Cosmetics and their new Colour collection. 

The new collection boasts a wide variety of cream shadows, powder eye shadows, lip glosses and lip colours. The first thing I noticed about this collection was the gorgeous Art Deco packaging. The designs of the products are an homage to the stunning Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (the home of Benefit Cosmetics). 

I was lucky enough to receive the Ultra Plush Lip Gloss* in Fauxmance (a pretty berry colour), the Creaseless Cream Shadow* in Holy Smokes! (a smouldering grey shade) and the Lonwear Powder Shadow in Nude Swings* (a pink champagne shade). 

First up is the Ultra Plush Lip Gloss. Six new shades have been added, including Fauxmance (pictured above left). The gloss glides on smoothly and has a non-sticky, silky texture.  It also has a lovely sweet and fruity scent, which reminds me of summer. 

New Shades: 

-Fauxmance (soft berry)

- Icebreaker (clear)

- A-lister (bubblegum pink)

- Lollibop (hot pink)

- Kiss you (clear fuchsia)

- Poutrageous (bright pink-coral)

The Creaseless Cream Shadows have added seven new shades to their award-winning range, including Holy Smokes! (pictured middle) a sultry grey. The Creaseless Cream Shadows don't budge once applied and are super rich in colour. I find the best way to wear this cream shadow is to pat the product onto your eyes lightly with your ring finger. 

New Shades:

- Holy Smokes (smouldering charcoal)

- Bikini-tini (oyster pink)

- No Pressure! (rich fawn)

- My Two Cents (polished copper)

- Always A Bridesmaid (pearly lavender)

- Blue My Mind (arctic blue)

- Bronze Have More Fun (antique bronze)

The Longwear Powder Shadows come in 12 dazzling shades with a fabulous longwear formula to ensure for all-day colour. The shadows come in three finishes: satin, matte and sheen. I have been playing with this shadow in Nude Swings (pictured above right) a subtle rose gold. This shade is great to brighten up eyes as an inner highlighter. 

New Shades:

-Nude Swings (soft rose gold)

- Milk It (pearly white)

- Call My Bluff (pale shell)

-Pinky Swear (soft matte pink)

- It's Complicated (golden peach)

- Thanks A Latte (golden brown)

- Pause For Applause (soft lilac)

- Blingo! (brilliant silver)

- Raincheck? (smoky amethyst)

- Gilt-y Pleasure (golden sand)

- Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy (spiced brown)

- Quick, Look Busy (matte espresso) 

I have yet to try the lovely Hydra-Smooth Lip Colours, I can't wait to get my hands on them. The lip colours include a hydrating formula for soft lips. I have my eye on the shade Dare Me (true fuchsia), as I have always been a bold lip kind of gal. This product comes in 10 pretty shades with three different levels of coverage: medium, medium-full and sheer.

New Shades:

- Dare Me (true fuchsia)

- Nice 'N Teasy (rosy neutral)

- Frisky Business (shimmering nude)

- Lip Service (sheer pink-peach)

- Juicy Details (natural pink)

- Air Kiss (sheer bubblegum) 

- Tutti-Cutie (sheer coral)

- Talk Flirty (orchid pink)

- Fling Thing (very berry)

- Wing Woman (peachy neutral)

This fabulous range will be available in May. 

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR Samples 

Clarins Splendours Summer Make-up Collection

I know it might seem hard to believe, but summer will be here soon enough (at least I hope it will be). Clarins have created an absolutely stunning collection for the coming summer months. Although, I have to admit I have been wearing a couple of these products now. I can’t keep my hands off them!

The new Splendours Summer make-up collection by Clarins includes colours of strong golds, reds, jades and sapphires.  The inspiration for the collection comes from the exotic ancient ruins of South America.

Limited Edition Summer Bronzing Compact* (£30)

 I am absolutely besotted with this palette, I'm in danger of using it all up before summer even begins. The soft mix of brown and terracotta shades adds instant glow. This gloomy weather means I am always in need of some extra radiance. In the centre there is a light peach shade, which an be used nicely as a highlighter. 

I really enjoy how round this bronzer is, and although its size might make it seem a tad weighty, this is not the case at all. It's super light and can slip into any handbag nicely. 

Sticking to the South American theme this bronzer is embossed with a gorgeous inspired motif, which is lovely to look at. It's almost too pretty to use...almost. The mineral pigments enhances the complexion and it also has an added summer scent. 

I like to apply this bronzer by swirling all the shades together with my Real Techniques Setting brush and then by lightly dusting it over my cheeks. 

Limited Edition Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm* (£18)

Clarins have added four new shades to their already iconic lipstick range. The S/S '13 beauty trends feature bright coloured lips, these lipsticks fit in nicely with the coming trends as they have a bullet of neon colour surrounded by a transparent balm. These lip products slide on easily and keep lips hydrated with a dazzling pop of colour.  

The new shades are: (l-r) 05 Crystal Rose (a dusty pink), 06 Crystal Mandarin (a pretty coral), 07 Crystal Gold Plum (a browny-plum) and 08 Crystal Berry (a juicy blackcurrant) 

Limited Edition Colour Quartet & Eye Liner Palette* (£31) 

This selection of soft eye shadows include shades of copper, pale gold and pink gold along with a deep plum and brown-black eyeliner. I really like these shades when worn together, but they also look lovely worn alone. I particularly like the eyeliner as it's quite easy to use and stays put for ages. I like to sweep the copper shade over my lids and then apply the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible, for simple definition and an easy day to day look. 

The packaging is gorgeous as well, the palette is presented in a compact stamped with the South American motif. These shades would be great for summer travelling adventures. 

Limited Edition Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel* (£18)

This new lip gel has a lovely non-sticky and transparent formula. Typically lip glosses can be a bit frustrating as they can feel uncomfortable on the lips. Yet this lip gel feels really light. This transparent product colours lips and leaves them with a crystal shine finish. The formula is enriched with ceramides that work with the lipids in the skin for softer and protected lips from cracking and dehydration . 

The two shades are: 01 Crystal Pink and 02 Crystal Plum. 

www.clarins.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR Samples

Melvita supports Friends of the Earth Bee Cause Campaign

This year Melvita has joined forces with Friends of The Earth to help bring attention to an important issue; The Bee Cause Campaign. The campaign aims to save all 267 of Britain’s bee species. There has been a shocking decline in Britain’s bees recently, mainly due to chemicals, disease and disappearing green spaces. The Melvita Foundation has donated funds in order to product 20 Bee Worlds. The campaign aims to protect the natural bee habitat and to put a stop their disappearance as well as spreading the message of the development of beekeeping around the world.

Throughout the country Friends of The Earth will create 60 Bee Worlds. These sites will supply safe forage and shelter for bees. They will include specific plants and Wildflowers that will help to give bees all year-round forage. 20 of the Bee Worlds will be funded by Melvita. There will be a chance to volunteer for this important cause at the Melvita Bee Day in London in May.

To help this campaign Melvita have released a gorgeous limited edition Wild Flower Beautiful Bee Tote available in stores and online. 10% goes towards Friends of The Earth Bee Cause.

You can also sign the Friends of the Earth’s petition. http://www.foe.co.uk/what_we_do/the_bee_cause_35033.html The petition calls for David Cameron to create a Bee Action Plan. This plan would help gardeners, farmers and park keepers to reduce the use of chemicals that are a danger to bees. The aim would be to help the bees that make our honey and to guarantee that they have enough flowers to feed on and nest in.

The University of Reading undertook a study for Friends of The Earth. The results showed that without bees, food prices would rise rapidly. This would mainly be because the cost of UK farmers pollinating crops would be over £1.8 billion a year.

The Melvita Friends of The Earth Wild Flower Bee Set* (£35) includes the following:

Apicosma Skin Softening Body Milk

Hexagonal Mini Soap

Bee Cause Tea Towel

Bee Cause Notepad

All of these lovely products cone in a gorgeous tote bag.

"Melvita are delighted to help support and raise awareness for Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause campaign. Bees are vital to so much of our ecosystem; they pollinate our food crops, help keep our farms in business and help our gardens, parks and countryside to thrive.” - Simon Ford, General Manager of Melvita UK

“It’s great that companies such as Melvita are responding to the threats faced by British Bees. This is an urgent issue affecting all of us. Bees are indebted to everyone taking action to protect them.” - Paul de Zylva, Senior Nature Campaigner, Friends of the Earth

For further information on the Bee Cause campaign please visit www.foe.co.uk/bees uk.melvita.com

~Nas~

*PR Sample