The beauty bag | Summer heat update

Current location? Lisbon, Portugal. Temperature? Very warm. So, naturally, the contents of my beauty bag have changed.

First of all, I've decided to edit and simplify this group of products. Meaning, I'm not carrying around 10 lippies anymore. Whether you're going to a festival or just commuting in a crowded bus with broken air conditioner (lovely), you'll want to make an effort so that your make-up don't melt off your face.

The key to choosing the right products is testing their longevity. Usually, spotting the expression waterproof or long lasting on the label is a good sign. Some ranges I really like, especially for this type of hot and humid weather, are Urban Decay 24/7 and Make Up For Ever Aqua. They stay in place all day (and night), so you can just apply them in the morning and forget you have make-up on.

The current face division consists of Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in NSA, to conceal dark circles and redness around the nose, and Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder in 30 Naturel, to mattify the T-zone. If I feel like wearing any sort of base, I'll go for MAC Face and Body Foundation in C5 — entitled as the perfect base for warmer months, thanks to its water-resistant quality. A teeny tiny dab of Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Cream Blush (in the shade 4 Walk of Shame) on the cheeks, provides a healthy glow. It doesn't contain shimmer, but gives a soft-focus effect.

To frame the face, I apply a bit of M.U.F.E. Aqua Brow in 25 Ash, using a slanted tip brush (like MAC 208). It is unbelievably good at filling in sparse areas or even drawing in full brows, when they fit in the very fair category or, even when they are virtually non-existent. Naturally, an essential part of my kit.

In the eye department, a swipe of Rimmel Scandaleyes Stick in Bad Girl Bronze on the lid, blended in with fingers or a fluffy brush, makes a good base. To define the lashline, a quick application of Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes does the trick. The shade Pearly Brown 2L gives a softer look, but you can just go for Matte Black 0L to intensely define the eye. For mascara, choose a formula that doesn't smudge on you. Usually, I don't have an issue with this, so I rarely wear waterproof formulas. Having said that, I really like Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash.

To finish off the look, a long-lasting lipstick does the job. My most reached for have been Burberry Lip Velvet in Rose Azalea No. 308 (love that shade) and Aqua Rouge liquid lipstick (in 2 Rosewood).
On dry lip occasions, I reach for Clinique Chubby Stick (in Two Ton Tomato), of course.

Some other essentials that jumped into my beauty bag are Caudalie Beauty Elixir (gotta have a refreshing mist on hand), Japonesque Blotting Paper Pouch (does what it says on the tin), Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream and a mini perfume atomizer or rollerball, in this case, Burberry Body.

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Gifts | Father's Day

With Father's Day fast approaching, it is time to do your research, make a decision and hope the parcel arrives on time. Or maybe it'll be wiser to go directly to the store, at this point.
If the panic is making your mind go blank, consult the suggestions below:

GROOMING
To me, this is the obvious choice. It's just easier, there's no sizing and there's no doubts on colour preferences. This category is kind of a recommendation. This perfume suits you better. Your skin looks dry, this will help.
There's always an excuse to walk by a Space.NK. A gift set is the way to go, in my opinion, because even though a dud might be found in the mix, there's also a chance of finding some really good keepers. I have my eyes set on the Kiehl's Father's Day Set (exclusive to Space.NK), which comes in a handy washbag. It contains: Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men 75ml, Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash 250ml, ‘Ultimate Man’ Body Scrub Soap and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve 30ml.
Another great option would be Acqua di Parma's Colonia Father's Day Gift Set. I absolutely love the black packaging of this set, it has a very sophisticated look. Inside the black box, you'll find a Colonia Essenza Eau de Cologne 100ml, a 50ml tube of Colonia Essenza shampoo and shower gel and a collectable 5ml Colonia Essenza miniature.

CLOTHING
If you know the sizing, or if you're able to take a sneaky peek at Dad's wardrobe, take the opportunity to give him something special, with a detail. Something that he wouldn't pick for himself — if he's not too adventurous when it comes to fashion. Nowadays, there are great options for men, pretty much everywhere. Topshop, Mr Porter and Zara come to mind. In the latter, I've found a Double Collar Blazer and a Shirt With Grosgrain Ribbon. Simple graphic details are very modern looking, ideal for dads.

ACCESSORIES
I find men's accessories so cool. They're usually more clean and sleek, in sophisticated colours.
Lately, I've been loving the Mr Porter website, for gifts. The service is impeccable and the packaging is truly beautiful.
My selection includes a gorgeous Rubberised-Python Billfold Wallet and a very special pair of Metal Cufflinks from Lanvin, a classic Leather Handle Umbrella from Burberry, a Prince of Wales Check Wool and Silk-Blend Tie from Gucci, and, of course, an Alexander McQueen Skull-Patterned Cotton-Blend Pocket Square.

"TECHIE" BITS
If Dad is anything like Stephen Fry, start stalking every blog and publication within the category, in order to find the latest big thing before he does — it'll make him very, very happy — or upgrade a gadget he already owns. The Bowers & Wilkins A5 Airplay Music System would make anyone happy, I'm sure.
Otherwise, it's an easy job to find something he actually needs. A set of speakers, a DVD player, a Textured-Leather iPad Sleeve (Marc by Marc Jacobs). Or a Kindle Paperwhite 3G — it's the best.

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Concealing (truly) dark circles

If you own a pair of these, then I bet you roll your eyes out when someone says "I suffer from really bad dark circles", but really it's a sheer blue/purple toned (temporary) shadow.

I'm talking about the real thing, as in whether you sleep well or not, it doesn't make the slightest difference. Along with those big brown eyes, you also inherited the dark circles around them. And I mean circles, literally.

What you can do, is to embrace the world of make-up to cover them up. Considering that we are are trying to make that area much lighter, in order to match the surrounding skin, it is not an easy breezy goal to achieve. At first.

There are quite different types of concealers or correctors to choose from, just depends on the final result that you're looking for.

HIGH COVERAGE CONCEALER

This is an obvious choice and, probably, the first solution you think of. A concealer like Make Up For Ever Full Cover or Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil are the go-to options, if you want something that will last all day — especially in hot, humid weather — and effectively provide a flawless look.

They're less creamy and require a quick application, because they set. Which is great, since there's no collecting into fine lines during the day. But, it also means that usually the finish is matte — not the best option for dry skin types. Do opt for a shade that is just a bit lighter, considering that matte products usually look darker once they set.

BRIGHTENING CORRECTOR

The oldest trick in the book is applying a corrector with a peach or pink tint. Usually creamier in texture, correctors help to neutralize and warm up the the brown/ashy colour of the circles, brightening the area — ideal to use in the inner corners, since most people have a little receding area that creates a shadow. 

Top rated options include the notorious Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector and my favourite: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector. You wouldn't believe what a teeny-tiny amount of this liquid can achieve. Five stars.

HIGHLIGHTING PENS

I'm sure you've seen a lot of them around, lately. Both high-end and High Street brands have a product of sorts, but they are not all the same. One thing they have in common is the light reflecting quality, which is brilliant to brighten the inner corners, where it's usually darker.

Most of them have a beige/golden tone that allows you to wear it after your regular concealer, sparingly, bringing a bit of sheen on a matte or dull finish. Top picks: Guerlain Precious Light and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, of course.

Some highlighting pens have more of a peach or pink shade, that almost works as a corrector. Yes, the formula is more sheer, but for an effortless and natural "no make-up" look, the light reflecting attribute counteracts the darkness, allowing you to pull it of on it's own. Just rely on a product that works best for you, making sure that it's not very sheer. Do try Clinique Airbrush Concealer.

A while ago, I tried a sample of Burberry Sheer Concealer and was taken aback by it's coverage. Not only had the perfect corrector shade (Rosy Beige No.03), but the formula wasn't as sheer as I'd expected. I actually picked it up before finishing this post. 

I must mention a very important detail here: these are not ideal for photography, because of their light reflecting properties, which may not look great on camera. Unless they're used sparingly in specific areas, like the top of cheekbones or the very inner corners.

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Sort it out | The 5 minute make-up routine

We all try to be there in time. To work, to school or to meet a friend. Sometimes, I get up earlier and think "oh, I can take my time to get ready today". But somehow, I end up being late. Again.
I always have a "Plan B" for those days when I gasp, whilst staring at the watch unbelievably. "What? But...how? Argh!" Don't panic. Just cross those non-essential steps off the list, to get you out the door as quickly as possible.

I usually style my hair at night, so that's sorted — I just need to comb it through, which takes about 5 seconds. I also lay out my outfit and accessories. But, when it comes to make-up, there's not much you can do, besides making sure that the usual suspects are easily accessible.

What you can do, is choosing foolproof products. Opt for the ones that don't require a lot of blending or layering. Cut out all of those steps that aren't really necessary to look presentable to the world, like curling lashes or contouring. Oh, and this selection should include items that you absolutely trust. New products are fun to try, when you have the time.

Considering that these products should fit in the category "pop on and go", opt for a tinted moisturizer or a BB/CC cream that's easily and quickly blended with your fingers. I personally think this is the best way to apply these kind of products, anyway. I'd go for the Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme, which offers a bit more coverage than your standard BB cream.

If you're having a good skin day and just need some brightening in the inner corner of the eyes, opt for a pen highlighter, like the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat. They're precise and don't require a separate brush to apply.
On the other hand, if you have dark circles and/or blemishes, pick a good pigmented concealer, to avoid wasting time layering until you get the right coverage. Obviously the ideal choice for this is the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil. So easy!

For a little something something on your cheeks, go for a powder blusher if you have oily skin — nothing too pigmented though, let's not take any unnecessary risks, people! Burberry Light Glow blushers are ideal to use when time is of the essence. If you have normal to dry skin, opt for a cream formula instead — perhaps the Too Faced Full Bloom Cheek & Lip Colour, since it can be used on the lips as well.

If you like to rock a bright colour on the lips, don't even bother with lip liners or matte lipsticks and a brush. A tinted balm stick like Clinique Chubby Stick Intense will be your new obsession. Such a brilliant product!

To all the fans of defined eyes out there, put aside that gel liner and bring on your Rimmel Scandaleyes Stick. It is ridiculously easy to use and sets in place. Apply close to the lashes, just in the outer corners and leave it as is, or smudge quickly before it sets. Of course, you can just opt for a few lashings of mascara. Choose a formula that provides both volume and curl. Join the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara club. It's fab!

One last advice, if you get shiny on the T-zone: always keep a compact powder and blotting paper in your make-up bag, to touch up during the day. So, there you have it: an edited make-up wardrobe, to transform your face in under five minutes! Now, go!

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What's in my bag?

A sneak peek inside my bag today. This is a large mint bowling bag that I got from Topshop, last Summer.

Starting of, the basics: keys, purse, train pass, phone and tablet — mostly to read on the train. Currently addicted to some Sherlock Holmes.
I usually have some random rings from ASOS to pop on, after moisturizing my hands. Speaking of, my hand cream is the Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, which has a gorgeous scent. And I also carry around a mini Beauty Elixir.

Now, the make-up bag. It's mostly full of lip products, because I like to change during the day and I need options. To touch up the face, I have a Japonesque Blotting Paper Pouch, a Chanel Poudre Universelle Compact (in 30 Naturel), the ever so practical Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in DOD and a Guerlain Terracota Touch highlighter in 02 Brunettes.
In the lippy category, I have a shameful amount of Clinique Chubby Sticks, 2 regular ones (in Two Ton Tomato and Mega Melon) and 2 Intense versions (in Heftiest Hibiscus and Roomiest Rose), and if you think that's a lot, let me tell you, I've carried more. To prime the lips, especially for some matte versions ahead, I use the Guerlain KissKiss Liplift. From Chanel, I usually pack a lip balm (Rouge Coco Baume), a nude option (Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle) and a matte burgundy or a bright shade, depending on the season (currently opting for the Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite). Some other favourites that usually hang around in my make-up bag are Burberry Lip Velvet in Pink Azalea No.308 and Dior Addict Lipstick in 437 Charmante, from the Cherie Bow Spring Look. *Breathes*
For the eyes, I always have this Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Eye Pencil (in 01 Velvet Black) and my favourite mascara of the moment, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara in 090 Over Black. In my black Travalo I have some Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne right now. Oh, and my precious Model Mirror, a lighted compact double-sided mirror, with eight battery-powered LEDs, that has a regular side and a magnifying one. That's about it!

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Essentials | Make-up Products

This is the first part of a two part post. It's basically about make-up essentials, either for a beginner who doesn't know what to get, or for someone who might be a bit overwhelmed by all the offerings and can't decide where to splurge. This part will focus on actual make-up products and the next one is all about the brushes.

Starting with the face, everyone can benefit from a light coverage foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Doesn't matter if you have clear skin or some spots, you absolutely want your skin to show through — and actually look like skin, not a mask. You can always go back with a good concealer and cover just those little spots or discolorations. Of course, the finish of this base should apply to your skin type — more of a dewy/radiant finish for dry ones or a matte finish for oily types.
A good option is something like MAC Face And Body Foundation (the image above shows the shade C5). It has a natural (but buildable) coverage and works well on most skin types. It's water-based, so you have to shake it well before opening the bottle. Blends easily into the skin and can be used on the body, as well.
Next, a concealer that works on the "imperfections" you're trying to cover. So if you're only concerned about under eye circles, invest in a more emollient formula that doesn't dry out and has that brightening peachy-pink tone. Now, if your main concern is spots, then invest in a high coverage concealer that doesn't move too much. Something like the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil (shown in NSA) works really well on covering spots — and under eye circles too, actually. Besides, it stays put all day.

A good, brightening pink toned blusher is an absolute essential for anyone. Of course, you can vary the shade of pink according to the skin tone. The picture above shows the sheer powder formula of the Burberry Light Glow in Peony Blush No. 04, which I reviewed here (make sure to check the others, too).
If your skin gets oily during the day, even if it's just on the T-zone, invest on a good mattifying powder that doesn't cake up. Set your make-up when you first apply it, then carry a compact version to touch up on the go. There are many good offers, both on the high street and on high-end brands. An all time favourite of mine is the Chanel Natural Finish Loose/Compact Powder. If you choose one, go for the compact, since it's more practical (mine is in the shade 30 Naturel).
Another optional product is an eyebrow filler. This could be a pen, pencil, eyeshadow or gel. Bare in mind that unless you're a redhead, the shade should be on the cooler side (greige, taupe) and matte. Now, if you're blessed with perfect Cara-like brows, this is not a necessity. But, if on the other hand, you suffer from those cheeky little gaps, then something like the Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil could be your friend.

A matte, nude-toned eyeshadow always comes in handy to neutralize the eyelids or to help blend other colours. The image above shows the Make Up For Ever Matte Eye Shadow in 76 - Beige. The Urban Decay Naked/Naked 2 Palettes have really good ones, too — Foxy, Naked or Buck.
An eyeliner in brown, black or plum always comes in handy. Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay make really good waterproof versions that don't move during the day. The Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Eye Pencil comes in many colours and has a sponge tip on the opposite side of the pencil, that helps to achieve a smokey look on the go. Why not?
The next step makes all the difference: mascara. A good mascara that provides volume and length to the lashes, really helps to define and open up the eyes. I've been loving the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Black 090, lately — review coming up soon.

For lips, go for something moisturizing that provides a sheer amount of colour. The Clinique Chubby Sticks are very practical, or, just an everyday nude, Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Lolita, which is a dusty rose. Lovely.
Make-up arsenal complete! Now, add these suggestions to your mental shopping list and check them out the next time you pass a beauty counter.

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Current blusher love

Today's post will focus solely on blushers, more specifically, my all time favourites — up until now.

Between creams, powders, bright hues, contour shades, matte or glowing formulations, I'm pretty sure there's something to please everyone. 

I'll start with a product that was featured in previous posts: MAC Powder Blush in Harmony. This is one of those shades that doesn't seem very appealing at first sight, but it is a staple for sure. Sometimes, it's hard to find the perfect contour shade — it's too warm toned, too shimmery or too dark. But this is the perfect shade, really. A rose-beige brown that's cool toned without being ashy or dirty looking. And you can use it (more sparingly) on lighter skin tones. I really want to try out Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow — again, a strange colour that works really well for contour. 

The next blusher is a fun, girly and bright option, that provides a fresh looking complexion. Too Faced Full Bloom Cheek & Lip Colour (in Prim & Poppy) is a cream blusher that you can use on the cheeks or the lips, to give a healthy glow. This shade is a warm coral and the texture is really smooth, sheer and easy to blend. I like to apply it with the Real Techniques Contour Brush, for precision.

Unlike many other cheek and lip creams, this actually feels nice on the lips. And the packaging is really charming, with a black adorned lid and a mirror inside. I also want to try the other shades (Tea Rose and Sweet Pea).

I'm following with another bright hued cream blusher, the Topshop Blush in Prime Time. A vivid blue-ish pink that really brightens the whole complexion. I love using this during the winter months, when my skin is more dull, as I feel it provides a luminous and radiant look. It's really easy to blend, either with fingers or a brush, like the Real Techniques Buffing Brush — this really does it all, doesn't it?

The perfect blusher to use on top of it, or to wear on it's own, is the Burberry Light Glow in Peony Blush No. 04. This is one of those shades/formulations that allow you to apply it quickly and without a mirror. Seriously. And the rose scent just surprises me everytime. Love it! I won't even mention the gorgeous case, because you might start to get the idea that I fall for packaging, and honestly... I do. By the way, the brush it comes with is quite good and practical.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Benefit Sugarbomb Sugar Rush Flush Face Powder — could the name be any longer? This is one of those items that I forgot I had, because I was trying something new at the time. Then, I rediscovered it a few months ago and have been using it almost every day since. The box has four colours — peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose — that you can mix together or use separately. I like using it to connect the contour with the highlight, making it all seamless. The natural bristle brush is quite good to apply and blend on the go. Again, one of those products that you can apply without a mirror. Mine is nearly finished, as you can tell by the photo, but it's been like this for a couple of weeks now. It may be a while before it pops up on an "Empties" post. At least, I hope so.

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Make-up | Popular products #1

Today's post features the most reached for products of the moment. This is almost a monochrome look, with a bordeaux theme going on. An ideal look for most skin tones and eye colours, making them pop. In my case, intensifies the brown.

To start off, I prepped my skin with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, before applying a layer of Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream in Medium, with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. To cover any imperfections, a bit of Chanel Long Lasting Concealer in 40 - Beige Santal does the job.
Then, I fill in my brows and shape them a bit with a Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Black. As a base for the eyes, a layer of Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui does the job, blended with a MAC 217 – on the lid and below the lash line.
On top of that, I apply the second lightest shade from the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice – a warm medium brown with a slight shimmer running through it.
On some days, I feel like defining the lash line with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Rockstar. After curling my lashes, they get a coat (or two) of Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara. Best shade ever!
After my concealer has done it's thing, I set the center of my face with Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder in Doré, using a Japonesque Pro Eye Shadow Fluff Brush. This is a brilliant multitasker. To contour my face I use MAC Powder Blush in Harmony and highlight with Guerlain Precious Light pen in 2, which is nearly over. *Scared*
To finish off, a layer of Burberry Lip Velvet in 308 - Pink Azalea blended on the inside of the lips, to give a stain effect.

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Review | Burberry Complete Eye Palette

Okay, so this amazing palette from Burberry was kinda my Christmas pressie for myself – yes, you've read that right. So, I chose the Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice No. 05. This has some pretty neutral tones, so you can basically use this for an everyday simple look or to create an evening smokey eye. The formula glides and blends in beautifully, without much effort at all. It's very silky, and perfects the texture of your eyelids – I guess this is due to the satin smooth silicones in the formula.

The quartet has a tiny bit of shimmer and contains has a beige – which is the perfect nude tone for me –, a warm medium brown, a darker brown and a black (to line the eyes). My favourite is the warm medium brown – it is just a beautiful shade that enhances your eye colour (works for all eye colours, by the way) and blends in beautifully, in the lash line or in the crease, to achieve a subtle definition. You can also line the top lashline with the black, using an angle brush, and then smudge some of this brown on the lower lashline, for a softer look. They aren't the most pigmented eyeshadows in the market, but, sometimes you likes make-up that's not too pigmented. Like when you're in a hurry, because you have to leave the house in 90 seconds (if you're anything like me, you're always running late), and you'll want something that's quick and easy to work with. Foolproof, really!

The sleek metallic casing and the eyeshadows are embossed with the usual Burberry check print. In the velvet pouch, you'll also find three mini eye brushes. To be honest, I never use the brushes that come in these palettes, but I'll give them a go (when I'm on the go), since I was pleasantly surprised by the one that came with the blusher. I know that I won't use the sponge applicator, but the angled brush seems good and the fluffy brush is really soft. Approved!

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Empties #1

Right, so, products I've used up. I guess I'm gonna have to save up those empties for the sake of blogging! My mum was weirded out by the fact that I was saving them, especially because I'm usually eager to finish stuff up so that I can throw away my old products and my make room for new ones! Any excuse to get new stuff, right?

So, I'm going to start with Bioderma Sensibio (or Créaline) H2O. I know this is a hyped up product in the blogging/vlogging world, but trust me when I say that it is worth the hype! Now, I know some people use this as a morning/nighttime cleanser, but I really wouldn't recommend it for that. Unless you just want to refresh during the day. This micellar water is really good for make-up removal, even waterproof mascaras and liners. This range of Bioderma products is aimed for sensitive skin, which is why I tried this out in the first place, seeing that I'm included in that category. I've seen lots of people, with different skin types using this product and none of them reacted to this. I'm in my fourth bottle of this, and I think this is one of those products that I'll always have. I haven't stopped trying out other make-up removers, because I'm always looking at new stuff, but nothing compares to this. Just try it!

Next, it's the Clinique Turnaround Radiance Moisturizer. Let me start by saying that this and the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair were the only nighttime products that I used and noticed a real difference in the first morning. I have combination skin, the real type of combination skin: dry patches on forehead, brows, eyes, around the lips and sides of the nose; oily on top of my nose; normal everywhere else. Because of this, usually I need different products to use on different areas, but since this cream is formulated for very dry to oily/combination skins, I used it on my whole face (except the eyes, for obvious reasons). It has exfolianting and resurfacing properties that optimize cell turnover, so my dry patches were smoother and felt my skin clean at the same time. And no oiliness to be seen on my nose. Also, it's really good to use in the winter months, when your skin has a dull appearance, it just gives back a healthy radiance to the skin. And if you like non-sticky creams that absorb quickly, you'll like this.

For fragrance, I discovered Burberry Body around christmas time in 2011. I ordered the coffret that has a 85ml bottle of eau de parfum and a body milk with the same size. The latter is still half full because I'm saving it up. Don't know why, it's a special occasion kind of idea – am I the only one who does this? But I've been using the EDP almost everyday since, so finished it up quickly and now I'm on my second bottle already. Since I ordered the coffret again, I'm going to start using that body milk, now.
I have to admit that I love the brand, so absolutely had to try it (and the bottle is really cool, which is always a bonus). When I looked more into the description and saw the notes, I just knew that it was perfect – delicate freesia, natural rose absolute, warm sandalwood and woody cashmeran? Approved! It was love at first sniff. For me this is the perfect scent to use all year around, because it has a nice balance of floral and warm notes. Also love the fact that it doesn't disappear throughout the day – hate when that happens. But, just in case, I carry a rollerball in my purse.

The final product is something that I'm guessing most of you already tried, or at least, heard about: Benefit They're Real mascara. First of all, I love the brush on this one. You can use it horizontally to coat most of your lashes and then vertically with the spiked sphere (it's kinda like Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes) on the outer corner, to give that flared effect. It doesn't clump and truly holds the curl while lengthening. The formula is really black and volumizing, so you get a nice defined eye, even when you're not wearing eyeliner. I've used three tubes of this already, that I alternated with others (because, as you know, I like to try out new stuff), but I always come back to this one. The only downside to this is that it's a bit more difficult to remove, if you only use a make-up remover. But, if you use a balm cleanser, it's easy-peasy. It's the most amazing mascara I've ever used. Ever. I doubt that you'll get that amount of definition and volume, at the same time, with one coat of any other mascara. And did I mention that it doesn't clump?

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