My Benefit Makeover.

Hey everyone! How have you been doing? I've had a really exciting weekend and I have to fill you in on it! Yesterday, I finally decided to use my Secret Santa voucher. I received one of these Beauty crackers (see below), and inside was a little cute card which entitled me to a free makeover! Time was running out so I thought, 'Right! Time to get this booked.' So off I went to Debenhams in the Leicester Highcross. 

I've never had my makeup done professionally as an adult, normally it's just me swiping and blending colours on my own face before rushing out to a wedding! But to be able to sit back and relax, whilst someone pampered me for a full hour felt like heaven. I was well and truly spoilt. 

I have a warm skin tone, so I asked for a warm, matte look. The consultant, Umaimah (above), took her time; she didn't rush and explained all the steps to me properly. First, I was treated to a skincare routine, and then the fun began! Benefit cosmetics sell magic in a bottle; the 'POREfessional pore minimising makeup' which did exactly what it said on the tin. But the element I was truly blown away by was this little gem below.

I'm quite particular about my eyebrows, and to see them so flawlessly groomed and defined impressed me the most. I soon discovered that the powder itself is made in two parts; a lighter shade for the beginning of the brows and a darker shade for the thicker bits of the eyebrow. Now that I think about it, it makes sense logically and aesthetically! Why have I just learnt of this right now?! *grumpy face* 

What I found attractive about Benefit's makeup was that none of it was 'in your face', and none of it was over the top. All the shades were charmingly subtle, yet so beautiful and strongly pigmented when applied. If you're all about the timeless look, then Benefit is the one for you. It has that Audrey Hepburn'/Marilyn Monroe-ish charm about it, which is even more emphasised with the pink and black branding. 

I wasn't exactly sure of having nude eye-pencil in my waterline, because it was a first for me, but actually, I think Umaimah has convinced me to use nude eye-pencil more often as it widens the eye!

I've never worn as full-coverage makeup as this, so that was also a first. 

Would I invest in any of the products? I would. I would consider buying the eyebrow kit, because it blew may (and that's what Benefit specialise in anyway), and I would also choose the matte foundation because it stayed on all day and did make my skin look flawless. And the concealer was brilliant! I've always been a loyal Body Shop girl, so I did find learning about the new products confusing. 

I couldn't learn how to apply the makeup myself since I had to face away from the mirror so the lighting would be right, but if you're there just to be pampered this wouldn't affect you. There were little things like my makeup artist being interrupted by other customers for advice, but I guess it's a given seeing as it's just a part of the retail environment. In fact, even I got asked for advice until I said that I didn't work there! *cue giggles and embarrassed laughter all round!* But surely that was a flattering thing because it meant my makeup was on point?!

Would I go back again? Absolutely! Who can refuse a whole hours worth of careful makeover? Overall, I enjoyed the experience of being made over, and was wowed by the end result. I think more than the makeup, it was just the new experience which felt great. 

My only regret is that I didn't ask Umaimah to note down all the products she'd used on me. Maybe I'll have to pay her another visit right? Just to be sure... *hehehehe* 

Till next time, keep smiling :)

Click here to shop Benefit.

Shai,

xxx