Highlighter bronzer duo: splurge or save?

Benefit's 10 highlighting powder has forever been my favourite face product. So you can imagine how distraught I was to discover the brand had discontinued it from it's powder brick collection. 

I had been experimenting with other powders and liquids to generate the same effect, as the magic "swoop". 

That was until I came across W7's double act, with similar packaging and the same double shades palette. 

I was first a bit dubious about using a budget brand on my (extremely) sensitive face, however I was pleasantly surprised by the results. 

(Top image: W7, Bottom image: Benefit) 

I have always opted for benefit's product as I love the Dewey-highlighted effect achieve. I found that the same effect was given with W7, the only difference being that the darker pigment on the block left cheek bones appearing more defined( an added bonus, any girl would agree?) 

Which leaves the question to splurge or to save?   

The reason I actually came across the W7 brick was after recently being informed that Benefit's 10 had in fact been discontinued, leaving it to be the perfect substitute, however, the brand have revealed that it is now back on the market as an online exclusive, leaving us highlight addicts caught between two very similar products.

With W7's brick priced at £3.79 and Benefit's at £28, an easy decision can be made, although I do think I will always favour 10 for it's careless glow that is so easily achieved. 

How about you? Do you miss 10? Are there any products you miss and would like to see again?

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Product Review: Sally Hanson complete salon manicure

The new bright shades from Sally Hansen promise 7 benefits in 1 bottle. 

The range comes in a variety of colours, from natural nudes to bright summer shades such as the coral pink that I chose. 

When applying, the quality on the varnish is apparent. As the strong pigment is painted on, nails do feel instantly thicker and stronger. 

 

With such great first impressions, I then decided to track how this nail treatment would last with a busy lifestyle. As the bottle claims 10 days of wear.

Unfortunately chips were apparent after 1 day and by day 5 I had to re paint my nails completely, as the varnish had peeled off, leaving nails feeling weak and distressed.

I was disappointed with the results, however I do understand that I don't lead theory nail friend lifestyle, containing horse riding, dog walking, window dressing and interning. The varnish is better quality than most pharmacy brands, although can not be compared to salon LED light varnishes.

Have you used this brand before? How long did your nails last?

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Beauty Aesthetics

After finishing what was an amazing internship at WGSN, I found myself far away from the busy streets of grey London and across the world in Sri Lanka.

No shop windows there... However I was totally inspired by the natural beauty and life that could be found everywhere, especially in the Buddhist temples. 

On return I have been working at a PR agency who specialise in beauty and fashion lifestyle, through my course I've always had an interest in branding and have learnt a lot from the experience.

I have always enjoyed makeup and akin care products but also have a strong believe in being as close to natural as possible, which is why I was pleasantly surprised that the company uses a lot of beauty brands with this in mind. I love to play with new products and experiment how natural beauty can be enhanced with out adding extra bits to your face and body, instead using what you've got to gain confidence. 

Which is why I have decided to add a category to this site, Beauty Aesthetics. A little section to show my interest. I hope to review, test, compare a variety of products, along with supplying a couple of DIY tips too. 

Still getting to grips with this though, so patience, please :) 

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Dinosaur Windows at Louis Vuitton

The new Chanel store on Bond Street is not the only thing that caught my eye on Bond Street this week... Louis Vuitton's dinosaur windows are great. Love the humour of a T-Rex carrying a statement bag coinciding with the different gold tones to really let the product stand out and keep the luxe look.

The Great Gatsby: Harrods, London

Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of The classic book, The Great Gatsby is out in British cinemas this month. Brands such as Moët and Tiffany played big parts in advertising for the film, which wouldn't have been able to be produced with out the integration. Harrods has used actual dresses from the set wardrobe, giving the scheme an exclusive/exhibition feel. The windows have used mannequin movement and screens presenting the movie theatre trailer to really bring it to life.

After seeing the window display and film last week, I totally recommend both for a bit of jazz age inspiration!

Fendi: Sloane Street, London

 Fendi's current London windows for the Selleria product range which each feautres a horse emblem. Ponies and Handbags... What more could a girl want? 

Chelsea in Bloom

With the Chelsea flower show comes Chelsea in Bloom, the annual floral themed competition for the Sloane-Kings road retailers. This year's theme of 'thedecades' let  retailers look back at brand heritage to create inspirational floral schemes. 

Favourites include: Hackett's paint brush detailing hidden in reef surrounding doors, Kate Spade's 60s fashion tribe windows and Hobbs floral pooch display. 

There was an overriding theme of The Great Gatsby in displays (as seen at Browns, top image) as retailers were inspired by the recent release. 

This was my first visit to the event, that I was asked to shoot for wgsn, however I do think ill be returning next year.

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Currently interning and entering final year of BA study, it's only natural to start blogging about the adventures and experiences working with the leading trend forecasting resource site, WGSN and studies at LCF.  inShowinsight to the world of visual display. Enjoy x