BPerfect Mineral Power + Primer (Banana Powder DUPE) ft. Ben Nye | BEAUTY

Hello!

"allow you to create a finish that looks less cakey"

If you've been in the beauty loop for a while (Read: New Maybelline Lip Colors) , you'd know of the oh-so-famous Ben Nye Banana Powder that has taken our world by storm (link here). By that, I mean it has been given good review after good review, yet the only thing that may stop one from buying that thing? It's not the easiest thing to get a hold of, especially if you do not live in the states! There are many knock off's out there, and being Kim K's staple, it obviously has high demand! Yet, when I was told BPerfect have released a dupe of said Banana Powder, I was more than excited to give it a shot and compare.

"BPerfect is a much more available product"

The first thing I noticed was the difference in the powder itself. Not only is the Ben Nye powder a slightly warmer tone, which of course you can choose from a variety on the BPerfect site, but the texture of the powers are different. The Ben Nye Banana Powder is a lot thinner, and has been milled to a finer finish whereas the BPerfect is a lot thicker.

As shown in the picture above, it would take more to fully blend in the BPerfect powder than the Ben Nye. Having said that, both do blend in quite well, though the Ben Nye would be more likely to fit a variety of skin tones. I do think that if you were to use the powder as a setting powder, the Ben Nye would allow you to create a finish that looks less cakey. Though I'm sure you can achieve a similar look with the BPerfect, you would have to be more careful, due to the thicker mill of the powder.

"well let's say they've really nailed it"

Either way, I do think they're quite similar, but for me, the Ben Nye wins the fight, but just by a slight amount. The BPerfect is a much more available product (link here), if you are looking for a dupe. Though, if you are going to buy one and are willing to invest, I'd go with the Ben Nye.

BPerfect also have a primer. This primer that I speak off, well let's say they've really nailed it. 

"makes the colour a lot more vibrant, and it looks smoother"

Not only is the packaging beautiful, which I'm a sucker for, but the product itself is great! It's a clear colour so will suit everyone. The primer also blends very well, creating a smooth/velvety layer for you to apply your makeup onto. You only need a tiny bit, which will go a long way.

Just in case you're not entirely sold by my brief description above, look at the images. It's the same eyeshadow colour on top of a part of my hand with the primer, and again on a part without the primer. The primer area makes the colour a lot more vibrant, and it looks smoother. Not only that, it is easier to apply without any unwanted creases forming. If nothing else, I will be using this for my eye makeup/concealer area! 

Overall, an upcoming brand that has a few great products that you need to check out. If you're only going to buy one thing from their range, I'd go with the primer!
Check out their other range here.

Tell me, do you use a 'Banana Powder', and is primer a staple for you? 

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Make the Right Choice of Swimwear for Your Holiday: GUEST POST

Hello! 

I present to you, a guest post. Mind you, the writer is from Australia which explains all the beach talk while we (in England) are in the mist of Winter! None-the-less, here's to bit of summer inspiration:

It’s high time we get some rest from our everyday hard work and weary routine. What keeps most of us going sometimes is the thought about the well-deserved relaxing chill on the beach in the tropics. Most of us is probably looking forward to the seaside holiday to finally unwind, enjoy the swimming and flaunt that killer they have kept hidden so far. The recurring struggle for many women (if not all) is what swimsuit to wear to enhance their look. Everything you need to know and more is packed right below.

Sporty Apple

You can hardly circumvent the matter of dressing according to your body type if you truly want to shine at the coast. We have singled out the four most frequent female body types and we’ll kick off with the athletic. The main traits of this type are wide shoulders and hips that are narrower. The ladies often have muscular lower half so - celebrate it! Choose lower half embellishments and tapering bottoms. Opt for cheerful, girly colors to soften the stronger features.

Petite Frame

If your frame is straight, you have two options to wing it. You can go for the curve buildup or show what you got with no remorse since you’re super fit and fat free. Exploit ruffles, paddings and gatherings to shape up the missing lady arc, but don’t go tassel crazy and overdo it. Another choice is the tiny bikini to liberate your skin enjoy the sun.

Pear Shaped

Some women are not happy with this shape, but there’s no reason. Don’t be hard on yourself as this is really quite feminine and seductive type. No harm in a bit of junk in the trunk, I’ve never heard a man complain. The strategy is to bring the balance by either hiding the hips or magnifying the chest visually.

Curvaceous Body

No wonder celebrity Kim Kardashian has so much success in the business – she’s an hourglass beauty! This irresistible body type is blessed with lovely shoulder-hip equilibrium, still, it requires a bit control. Select the swimsuit non-distorting print, proper structure with the top and mid coverage bottoms.

Prep for Shopping

Imagine arriving at the mall, spotting the perfect piece and realizing you forgot to shave. Take care of your body hairs thoroughly, especially the armpits and bikini line. Mind what you’ll be showing, you definitely don’t want to embarrass yourself and lose the will to shop on. Don’t take off your underwear when trying on models, it’s a major sanitary no-no!

Where to Go?

If you’re not that particular about you’re bathing suits, you can visit the department stores that have summer lines. For the really picky ones, the best options are to visit the specialized stores, physical or internet based. If you’re aiming to avoid the potentially traumatic experience and the trouble in the changing boots, shop for swimwear online. Most of them have detailed and quite informative fitting instructions.

Pack like a Pro

Women are notorious for bringing the whole house with them whenever they travel, just to be safe. The truth is they are not all that wrong. With all the awesome accessories come the swimsuits to match with the beach footwear and bags. Another major thing related is the hygiene. Alternating bathing suits is recommended. You’d need to have some in stock while others are washed and drying.

Color and Structure Super Guide

Become a true fashion goddess by selecting the trendy and cutting edge colors to wisely intensify your natural characteristics. Lighter skin is best paired with deep tones such as naval and maroon. On the other hand, darker skin tones make the vivid colors pop. Solids conceal efficiently, and patterns highlight desired spots. Ruffles are great to add volume on key places, while shirred fabrics minimize it.

Strictly Practical

There are times when functional aspect should be taken seriously. Skimpy bikini won’t do you much good if you lose it in plain sight while swimming practice or surfing. Sport swimsuits are an excellent selection that provide you with necessary comfort and support. One-pieces are both useful and flattering if you find the one that works for you. Pamela who? You can top it!

Pro Tips Extra

Sizes are crazy today, just mind that it fits. Consult a friend to receive the most objective picture about your look. Swimsuits get wet and hang, so don’t pick the too large. Wear it only if you feel legitimately relaxed and at home in it.

Beach Queen

The perfect outcome is a happy marriage between a piece that offers suitable coverage, structure and durability, along with the cool design that speaks to your inner preferences. Take your bag or keyboard and get to business to find the true beachwear gem for you.

*Pictures and content provided by external source.

TREND: Mid-Length Hair

Hello! 

"you're about to see the result of the big chop!"

Hair trends are forever changing in the world of today - from the oh-so colourful rainbow colour phase (which some say is still going strong) to the ever-lasting ombré... well, there's now more to the list of hair trends and you're about to see the result of the big chop!

With the likes of Taylor Swift, Kim K and Ciara undergoing the snip, how could we miss it?!

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"it's a lot easier for the women themselves!"

The chop has made the ladies look a lot more fun, with a chilled vibe. I love how healthy their hair looks and I'm sure it's a lot easier for the women themselves!

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 "isn't too short that you can't do much"

It's nice that the cut isn't too short that you can't do much in terms of hair-styles, yet not too long, either!

Summer generally calls for short hair - yet this time, A/W 2014 is calling for it, too!

Would you go for the chop this season - Why?