Benefit they're Real Push-Up Liner

Hello my beautiful makeup junkies. How are you? Today I want to give you my thoughts on the they're Real Push-Up Liner by Benefit. It's a pretty hyped up product I should say, some people swear by it and some just don't care for it at all, and I, however, have a mixed opinion on this product so without further ado let's start!

I got the miniature version AKA deluxe sample from Sephora and I couldn't be happier because I have been wanting to try for the longest time and now I can say that I love it and hate it at the same time. Is that weird? I seriously have a love-and-hate relationship with this thing and I'll tell you why...

I don't know if you ever noticed from my Instagram photos that I never wear black eyeliner because all black eyeliners smudge or transfer around my eyes. It's just not pretty. It doesn't matter if it's liquid or gel or pencil eyeliners as long as it's black I can't do it. But with this one it's a completely different story. It never smudges nor transfers to my lower lash lines which is the main reason why I love it. It lasts all day with a primer underneath of course otherwise I will end up looking like a panda after about an hour but feel free to use it on its own if you don't have oily eye lids. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the "non-smudgey" part because now I can wear black liner again!!!

By the way I really like the angled rubber tip it makes winged application so much easier! All you have to do is twist the end part and the product comes out then apply it away... FYI put back the little orange "stopper"on the tip after using it otherwise the product will dry out quickly. I should also mention that since it is waterproof you do need an oil based makeup remover to get rid of it. 

Did I mention I hate this eyeliner as well? Well here it goes the reason. This stuff crumbles... I hope I am making sense here. This is in such a thick formula so after a few strokes it starts to crumble and separate into bits and I can actually peel them off which is the strangest thing in the world. I find myself constantly reapplying this eyeliner and quite frankly I just can't deal with it. Does anybody else has the same experience with this eyeliner or it's just me?... Let me know in the comments down below. This is so bizarre! 

(freshly applied)

I don't know if I should keep using it. I like how it looks when it;s freshly applied but after a little while it cracks and separates into bits like I mentioned above and it's just not a pretty look. 

That's it guys. These are my thoughts on the Benefit they're Real Push-Up Liner. Not much else to say really these are just exactly how I think and feel about this product. I hope you like the review and let me know what you wanna see next and until next time, stay fabulous beauties! Muahh!

Twitter/Instagram @eflicciardello

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My Top Rated Highlighters for Face and Body

I am a big fan of highlighters and let's face it who doesn't love glowy and nice highlighted cheekbones? I know I do. Every girl needs highlighters in their lives, and here are my top rated highlighters. Let's just get right into it! Ohhh and make sure you stay till the end because the last one is for those of you who like glowy silky legs.

In no particular orders, let's start with the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer AKA the Luminizer. 1st of all how cute is this packaging!!! This is a goldeney champangey colour which I think is suitable for all skintones. I guess I can save my breath on this one because I know that everybody and their mama loves it, every beauty guru that I follow talks about it and of course loves it. If you are into subtle highlighters then this is not for you. It's rather intense and opaque, you need the tiniest amount or you will end up looking like a disco ball. That being said, I love this highlighter so much and I use it pretty much everyday by using my Real Techniques Setting Brush, just dust a little on my cheekbones, centre of my forehead under my brow bones, on the bridge of my nose, a little on my cupid's bow and the tiniest amount down my chin. I am wearing it today actually. I got mine from my local makeup store, but you can purchase the Balm highlighter pretty much everywhere and it's affordable so love love love it!

If you don't know already that I love my skincare then you should check out right now. I know what y'all thinkin? Isn't it irrelevant? Well not exactly... This Shimmer Balm by thisworks has skincare ingredients in it. It makes you glow and benefit your skin at the same time. Isn't it wonderful? One of my favourite beauty guru "ICovetThee" had a full blogpost on it and you should definitely check it out if you'd like some detailed info on it. I got mine from thisworks website but I don't seem to find it, maybe sold out I don't know but you can purchase it from Asos if you are interested. I like the fact that it's tiny so I can take it on the go. It's got this nice golden sheen to it, and very hydrating on the skin due to the creamy texture and all the good essential oils. It has no smell so good for sensitive skin. It is in my opinion, gorgeous for the summer time as it gives this glow from within look which I absolutely love!

This Laura Geller Baked Highlighter in French Vanilla is my absolute favourite hands down. I got it off QVC and love it to death. This is for those of you like subtle highlighters. I don't know what the deal is with one but it has 0 shimmer and yet make your cheekbones stand out and glowy. This is definitely one of those "glowing from within" type of highlighters. It's so light in texture and not powdery at all. You should know that Laura Geller baked goodies are hand made from Italy and baked under terracotta pan for 24 hours. Just delightful!

Ok now this is a lipstick by Avon, but I use it as a highlighter, I mean just look at the shade. This is in the colour Bronze and I think it's perfect for highlighting the cheekbones and of course the centre of your lip to give the illusion of a fuller looking lip. This stuff is so multifunctional and that's the main reason why I love it and of course it is just gorgeous as a highlighter. It's perfect when you have a tan, great for summer!

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light is actually an all over face finishing powder, however it is rather shimmery for me to use it all over my face so I use it as a highlighter especially under the eyes. It instantly brightens my under eye area makes me look awake. I also dust it on my forehead and down my chin for a subtle highlight. I had done a blogpost on this powder so check it out if you want to know more. You can purchase it from spacenk cuz that's where I got mine from. It's definitely on the pricer side but it worths every penny in my opinion plus it'll last cuz a little goes a long way with it.

Last but certainly not least is this body highlighter from Benefit called "take a picture it last longer" (how cute) which I think it is essential for all women out there especially for summer. Who doesn't want silky and glowing legs am I right?!!!

This golden pink toned highlighter is designed for body but particularly great on legs. It leaves a gorgeous sheen to your legs and gives the illusion of wearing a pair of tights. It's so creamy and light on your skin, and so easy to apply just use the puff it comes with and apply with a circular motion. Definitely a must have for summer, well all year around really if you want to show off those gorgeous legs.

That's it. Those are my top rated highlighters for face and body. I hope you have enjoyed it and as always tweet me for daily updates and leave me comments on what you want to read next.

Muahhh xxx

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Crazy for Concealers

Now I'm the kinda gal would choose concealers over foundations. I would be happy with just concealers because they can be used for concealing of course and also as foundations. Double duties! Love that! 

Summer is way too hot here in Sicily so I tend to stick with just concealers because they are light in texture and high in coverage. Foundations are just too "thick" for my like in the summer time. I'm going to show you 4 of my favorite concealers today so let's get started! 

First up is a combo that I have been loving. They are the FakeUp (medium) from Benefit and Mally's Age Rebel (light). Those two together are perfection. I have been using these 2 together as my foundation for the past 2 weeks and they are great. They cover up everything without being thick which is exactly what I need for a hot humid summer. 

Next up is an oldie but a goodie. It's the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer (01 light). You probably have seen me talking about this beauty in numerous posts in the past ( is one) as well as on Instagram because it is that good. It covers. It's light. It's great for using under the eyes. Yes it's on the pricier side but I've had this for more than 2 years. A little goes a long way. It's definitely worth the price.

Last but not least is a newbie to my concealer family. I got it from feelunique a month ago. I'll link the haul  if you fancy seeing what else I got. Anyway it's the La Touché Magique Perfect Match Highlighting Concealer by L'OREAL (Ivory Beige). I bought this because my YSL touché éclat is finished, and I want to search for a "dupe" for my beloved YSL. I'm glad I got this because it is very similar to the Touché Éclat. It is light. It conceals my dark circles as well. The most I like about this concealer/highlighter pen is that it is yellow based so it really brightens my under eye area. This stuff is also great for highlighting the high points of my face if I want a more contoured/highlighted effect. 

All right beauties. Those 4 concealers are my favs and I don't think I will stop from here. Next on my list is the Bye Bye Under Eye from It Cosmetics which I have heard so many great things about. Will definitely report back once I get my paws on it. Until next time stay gold beauties! Muahh! 

Twitter/Instagram @eflicciardello

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My HG Brow products and tools

Brows can frame your face, it is very important to maintain and fill them in good shape, well to me at least. I know that some girls don't really do anything to their brows, just leave them as they are, well I used to be like that back when I was at Uni, but now I will never leave the house without filling my brows. Oh yes! Because they can for sure make a difference to your look. I mean even if you already have pretty perfect brows, still, apply a little clear brow gel just to keep them in place is "a must" I think. 

I am gonna show you my HG brow products that I can never live without, and some tools I use to keep them in good shape. 

I wanna talk about the Aqua Brow from Make Up For Ever first, because this is no doubt my No.1 brow product. If I can choose only one product for my brows and that is it. I would be happy with just this one. I think I will use this product FOREVER. Wow that's a pretty strong statement I think. So trust me guys, this is awesome. It gives you colour, it defines, and keep your brows in place, but most importantly it sets once it dries. It won't move until you decide to remove it. It lasts all day seriously guys, TRY IT! I swear I am not being paid to say this, I bought it with my own money in sephora so 100% honest opinion. But again, remember guy what works for me might not work you cuz everybody is different, but it's worth of a shot right?

I have the shade in 30, it's perfect for me but I think I wanna try 20 or 25 next time, cuz I like when my brows' a little lighter than their original colour. It's tiny as far as packaging goes, great for travel, hardly takes up any space in your makeup bag. 7ml doesn't seem a lot but trust me it'll last you forever, a little goes a long way with this. It looks pretty dark as you can see here with my swatch, It does tend to darken a little bit when it dries. So I suggest choose one colour lighter than your normal hair colour. That's it I have nothing bad to say about this product, it's all good. Ohh and one last thing, it has no scent at all so safe for sensitive skin! yeahhh!

I use the Aqua Brow with my Real Techniques brow brush and a little spullie (this is just a mascara wand from Mac) to brush them through for softening the look afterwards. 

Next up Gimme Brow from Benefit Cosmetics. This is probably one of the top selling products by Benefit. Everybody loves it. I got it on the recommendation of Amelia Liana's blogpost about this product, and I am glad I did. By the way if you don't know who Amelia is then you should quickly go read her blog and of course watch her Youtube videos cuz she is FAB!!! She has a great taste when it comes to makeup and skincare just FYI. Anyway as I was saying, this stuff gives you the illusion of a fuller and thicker looking brows because of the fibers in it. It's quick and easy, great for when you are in a rush or feeling lazy to fill in your brows. 

I have the shade in Light/Medium. I layer it over my MUFE Aqua Brow sometimes just to soften the darkness from it. I also use it on its own when I am running late for work. It's actually pretty opaque. I love Gimme Brow. Can't recommend it enough. 

I am gonna talk about these 2 products together just because both are brow pencils. The Smashbox Brow Tech to go comes with a gel to keep your brows in place which I really like. How thoughtful?! (shade: Brunette) The Sephora Eyebrow Pencil comes with a little brush so that you can brush them through before and after of course so that's pretty awesome! 

I got the Smashbox pencil from my local makeup store, and the Sephora one from when I was on holiday in China, but both you can easily get from Sephora wherever you are. 

The Smashbox pencil has an angled tip which makes it easier when apply, it is in a pretty hard formula which I like. And as far as the gel goes it's just a standard clear brow gel. What I like about the Sephora pencil is that it is kind of waxy which I prefer because the wax in it keeps my brow hairs in place so that I don't even need a gel afterwards. 

I normally trim and shape my brows once every week, and I hardly ever pluck them. WHY??? Because plucking brows will make your eyes become saggy when you get older. Trust me on this one guy!!! Nobody likes saggy eye lids! I do pluck them every now and then when my trimmer cannot reach some of the little hairs. That's it, no more than that! Just the standard tools I suppose, a pair of scissors; a trimmer if you can find, and a plucker (but try to pluck less).

 A photo of my brows today

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My Top 5 Blushers

Into blushers? I've got 5 for you!

When it comes to choose the "perfect" blusher, I tend to go for something more on the coral, tanned/mauvey, and peachier side, as you can see here. Warm toned blushers just suit me more than some cool toned pinky shades. I am a NC 15-20 with slight yellow undertoned complexion in case you are wondering.

Let's get right into it shall we?! I know that alot of you beauty junkies out there like myself are into blushers. I just love to buy blushers even though I know I already have like 10 different corals in my collection. That's just what I do.

First up, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure. This is easily one of my favourite blushers if not THE favourite in my collection. This shade looks so flattering on me.  It's a soft plum fused with Mood Light Ambient Lighting Powder to brighten the complexion. It is so pretty. I use this blusher almost everyday and I think that says alot cuz I do have loads blushers believe me. I use my Real Techniques Blush Brush to apply on my cheeks and be careful as this stuff is seriously pigmented in my opinion. I sometimes even use this as a "bronzer" because of the shade and it works pretty well. Love love love it!

Ok now I know what you all think. This is a bronzer. Aren't we talking about blushers?! Yes we are, but in my opinion this is the perfect blusher/bronzer/highlighter all in one. Seriously it is gorgeous, and easy, on those lazy days when you can't be bothered to put on bronzer then blusher then highlighter, just apply this and you are good to go! I have the shade in 04 Sun Blondes, oh and did I say this is from Guerlain? I think Guerlain does the best bronzers/blushers in my opinion, I also am dying to try the four seasons bronzer/blusher. I have to say that if you are not a fan of shimmers then this is not for you as it does contain shimmers, but I think look great on the cheeks you don't even need a highlighter. Can I just take a moment and say how gorgeous it smells!!! Ahh I need take another sniff. 

I just have to mention Nars Blushers because they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to blushes. Nars do some of the best blushers, and this Orgasm is my favourite. This is a duo, it also comes with my fav bronzer which is Laguna, we'll get into bronzers some other time. I got it from sephora.com I won't ramble too much as we all know Orgasm is a peachy pink shade with some gold shimmers running through it. It's gorgeous. 

If you haven't tried Laura Geller Blushers then you should definitely do so cuz they are just to die for. I have the shade in Mauve Mocha Latte and it is one of their baked impressions blushes. I got mine from qvc uk and it's actually part of a kit but I don't think qvc still has it. You can however go to Laura Geller website to purchase it separately. This is a baked blusher which handmade under terracotta pan and baked for 24 hours in Italy. The quality of this blusher is incredible. It's sheer but buildable. It is also paraben and mineral oil free so yeah! It's matte and sometimes I use it as a bronzer and it works pretty well as this shade is a warm terracotta mauve pink, but a little less pink I should say.

Lastly, Sugarbomb from Benefit Cosmetics.I got this like a year ago and look how much I still have it left. It never finishes. I love this one cuz it is so subtle on the cheeks and gives you a nice glow as well. It's got peachy, pinky, soft plum shades in there and all you have to do is swirln them together and apply. You can of course choose the shade you want and apply to your cheeks, and that's the beauty of this blusher. I sometimes even use it as eyeshadows why not?! Ohh and it smells so good.

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My top 5 Cream Eyeshadow choices

Hey guys...

Who loves cream eyeshadows? I know I do! They are just so darn easy to apply, stay in place all day (if you choose the right ones), and good for lazy days when you just want some definition on your eyes without using brushes and all that blending work! Just blend with fingers and boommm done. Am I right?!

There we go... My most used cream eyeshadows. Let's get right into it, shall we?!

You can't go wrong with Mac Paint Pots. Loads people love them, and I am obviously one of those people. They last long on your eye balls, loads colours to choose from, creamy, easy to apply and easy to blend. I am not gonna ramble more about paint pots cuz I know for sure you beauty junkies out there already know why they are so popular. Let's just say they are good and worth checking out if you haven't already! This is called "Quite Natural", and it's a great base for a dark smokey-eye, or use it on its own to give some definitions on lazy days.  

There we go, another paint pot. The shade is called "Groundwork". It might not look appealing but trust me, it's a great base for all kinds of coloured eyeshadows. You can of course use it on its own for a subtle "no makeup" makeup look if you will. It's also a great shade for blending on the crease. I know in fact that some Mac makeup artists use this shade for crease work. You can purchase paint pots from all Mac counters near you or online of course. 

Next up, Wjcon Soft Mousse Eyeshadow in N10. It doesn't have a name unfortunately but it's a great cream eyeshadow by all means. This is an Italian drug store makeup brand. It's like KIKO but I personally prefer this brand. It's pretty affordable, only 6.90 euros. Unfortunately you can't get it anywhere else in the world apart from Italy. Sorry, but I know KIKO does something similar so... Anyway this stuff is seriously god send. It stays on all day, trust me I have the world oiliest eye lids and this wouldn't come off until I remove it with a makeup remover in the evening. It's very light in texture, kinda mousey, very pleasant. I love this shade, it's a bronzey neutral colour if you are into "neutrals" like I do. 

We are almost there I promise. The 4th one is by Benefit. It's their Ceaseless Cream Eyeshadow in the shade "Birthday Suit". I've just checked their website and I don't seem to find this shade. I don't know if it's discontinued or sold out, but do contact Benefit if you are interested. 

Another neutral shade I know, but what can I say I love my neutrals. It's a great shade to apply on its won and/or layer it with another colour. It stays pretty well throughout the day. I might have to check out other shades too. Mine dried out a little bit, I've had it since last year, but it works still. It's all good. 

Last but not least Avon Super shock Eyeliner in Flashy Brown. I know it says eyeliner but I use it as a cream eyeshadow. It works really well as a base and of course on its own. I love this colour. Very natural but with a bit more reddish brown in it. It is quite opaque so you don't need a lot. It's great for a neutral browny smokey eye. So make sure you get it from your Avon Rep cuz it is worth it in my opinion. 

So there you have it. My top 5 favourite cream eyeshadows. They are all pretty affordable so do check them out if you are interested it. 

As usual leave me comments if you wanna make me happy, tweet me @eflicciardello for daily updates. Take care guys! xoxo 

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