Thursday 28 August 2014

Benefit 'The Real Steal' Review

Earlier this month I picked up 'The Real Steal' set by Benefit. It contains a full size of They're Real! mascara, a travel size of the Push-Up Liner and a tester of They're Real! remover. These three products come in a set for just £19.50 which is an absolute bargain because its RRP is £24. 

If you want to purchase this set, here are a few places you can find it:



They're Real! Mascara
I know I'm late on the bandwagon but this mascara is amazing! On use, it is so easy to apply adding length and volume as well as separating the lashes - everything I look for in a mascara. It stays in place all day without smudging and to top it all off it is easy to remove with regular makeup remover (I used the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water).

Would I repurchase: Yes


They're Real! Push Up Liner

 
I've never been able to master the art of winged eyeliner so I was excited to try this product. I had heard a mix of reviews about it so I was interested to try it for myself.  

This is a gel liner but in a super handy pen form. The nib is angled and flexible but it's not easy to get the right amount of product out. Overall, I found it difficult to use and the product itself was quite dry and flaky. All in all I made a total mess of my face and had to remove it immediately. It does not come off with regular makeup remover so you definitely need to buy the 'They're Real! Remover' (a sneaky move Benefit!).

Would I repurchase: No.

They're Real! Remover 
The remover worked pretty well to remove the liner from my eyes although I had to scrub it a bit, leaving my eyes quite red (a big no no).

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I hope this review is useful. Let me know what you think of the They're Real! range.

Charlie xx



Tuesday 5 August 2014

Mixed Berry Muffins Recipe

I found the recipe for these muffins in The Hummingbird Bakery 'Cake Days' recipe book. It suggests the following ingredients make 10-12 muffins although I found it too make 15.



Ingredients:
300g plain flour
155g caster sugar
1 tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
A pinch of salt
250ml milk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
85g unsalted butter (melted)
50g blueberries
50g raspberries



*I would advise to use more berries than the recipe recommends to make sure each muffin has an equal amount*

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C/gas mark 5. Line the tin with muffin cases.
2. Sift together the flour, 115g of the sugar, the baking powder, the bicarbonate of soda and salt in a large bowl. 
3. In a jug mix the milk, vanilla essence and eggs.
4. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and egg mixture - beat until smooth. 
5. Add the melted butter and mix to incorporate.
6. Stir in the berries by hand, making sure they are evenly distributed in the batter.
7. Spoon the batter into the muffin cases, filling each up to two-thirds full and sprinkle the tops with the remaining sugar.
8. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown on top and bounce back lightly when pressed. Leave in the tin for a short while, the transfer t a wire rack to cool.


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I hope you enjoy this recipe, let me know in the comments if you make them and what you think.

Charlie xx