We may have to wait another four years (at least) for England to win the World Cup, but there are still some very exciting games to watch. Plus, now the pressure for us is off we can just sit back and enjoy it! When I heard that Benefit had taken over the top floor of the Gabbis Head pub on Drury Lane (which you may know as home to the Muffin Man), and were offering a football environment full of champagne, cocktails, and free makeovers I had to experience it for myself.
I went to watch the England VS Uruguay along with vain hope for victory and my sister. As we now know, the match was a nail-BITINGly disappointing - well, Suarez was playing (too soon?), but the blow was softened by our time spent at the pop-up, which included copious amounts of champagne and a makeover. Before I begin, I must apologise as unfortunately the photos of my finished look are slightly ruined by my crossed-eyes. Benefit are not responsible for my glazed expression - unless of course I can blame them for my champagne consumption?!
Anyway, after the game, Benefit’s make up artist Alyson gave me a makeover and this is what she did…
The Skin Preparation:
The first thing Alyson did was prepare my skin using Benefit’s new skincare range. They are so confident in this range that if you don’t see any changes in your skin after 28 days they will refund your money. Call me cynical (well I’m English), but I’m always really dubious about money back guarantees - so I’ve decided I’m going to do the challenge and video my skin over the 28 days for you all to see.
Anyway, these are the products used to prepare my skin:
Remove It Makeup Remover: An oil-free make up remover.
Triple Performing Facial Emulsion: this is a lightweight, oil-free formula that you put on after toning.
Instant comeback serum: this is a serum that restores rehydrated skin. I have quite combination skin, so this would be great for my dry areas. You put this on before or after a day / night moisturiser.
Dream Screen: a moisturiser. My absolute favourite thing about this product is that it’s an SPF 44. I take sun care so seriously - I really notice that friends my age who spent a lot of time in the sun without protection now have a leathery texture to their skin. The problem with most SPF moisturisers is they are very thick and oily, and it’s hard for your skin to absorb it. My skin very quickly absorbed product it was oil free too. I haven’t used it since, but I was extremely impressed with this product.
The Makeover:
Alyson started with my favourite primer, POREfessional - if you haven’t seen my Everyday Make up video you can view it here. It was amazing to see Porefessional now has a sibling, Agent Zero Shine. As an Englishman (Englishwoman?) I am unaccustomed to temperatures above 10 degrees, so I can get shiny. So take a hot room full of people (did I mention Will Young was there?) stressed about the football on a summer’s evening - even the men were using this product.
Next came the Hello Flawless foundation, and Alyson blended I'm so Money - Honey and Believe in Me - Ivory together.
As much as I’d love to pretend I have perfect skin, I have blemishes and dark circles like everyone - if you haven’t seen my YouTube video on how to combat dark circles with ITV This Morning’s makeup artist Hayley Sparkes you can view it here. So Alyson covered my dark circles and blemishes with boi-ing - which I can totally recommend. I’ve never come across a concealer that conceals like boiling!
Next came the brows. Now I have exceptionally wild brows. So wild in fact that if Miley Cyrus was a pair of eyebrows… Yeah, that. Anyway, Alyson applied Gimme Brow to them - I used light/medium, but you can also use medium/deep. See the photo of one done and one not done so you can see the difference… Cara Delevingne eat your heart out.
Next came my cheeks and my lips. Alyson used Cha Cha Tint, which I didn’t think would suit me because of the orange hue - but I actually think I look alright if I do say so myself. Next came the Agent Zero Shine over my T-zone and the Cha Cha balm which went over my lips.
Alyson then used Watt’s Up - a product that was also recommended to me by Hayley Sparkes. she used it below and above my brow and on the top of my cheekbones.
Then came the Kim-K-contouring using Benefit classic Hoola. Alyson taught me a fool’s guide to contouring. You draw a zig-zag (or a number 3 shape) along the temple, under the cheekbones, and jawline.
Finally, Alyson added They're Real mascara, et voila my finished look! May I remind you that the glazed eyes were not included in the makeover. But the champagne is included with the pop-up store experience.
Finally, let me add that you can even buy any products you like at the pop-up meaning you don’t even need to go to the shops. WARNING! BE CAREFUL WHEN MIXING CHAMPAGNE AND CREDIT CARD SWIPING! Here are the products I purchased - I could have purchased more, but luckily my sister was my willpower.
If you are interested in popping along to the Gabbis head, it’s open until the 13th of July and here’s a look at what’s on for the rest of the time… If you want to know more go here!
So whilst our hope for an English victory have been quashed, we can still enjoy the World Cup in a feminine environment surrounded by makeup and champagne… Plus we can support Andy Murray in the tennis! Come on England!
Let me know if you decide to go along. Until next time… x
