The Benefit Recruitment Process / My Experience.

Hello everyone! Today I have some really exciting news to share with you all, which is that I am now officially working for Benefit Cosmetics! I am super happy with how my interviews and recruitment process went so I'm going to share the ins and outs with you all today just in case you're also applying or thinking about it. 

Now I actually didn't even apply for this job, but if you are directly applying then there are always plenty of vacancies on the Benefit careers website. So I bet you're wondering how I got an interview in the first place, well it was actually through Linked In. If you don't use Linked In, then I highly recommend it. Its kind of like Facebook for professionals. I posted a status/update saying that I was currently looking for a new career opportunity within the Beauty Industry. Later on that night I was emailed by a Manager in Benefits Head Office inviting me for an interview just two days later, you can image how excited I was. Now I know there are plenty of videos and blog posts already explaining how the interviews go but as mines more recent I thought I'd share it anyway.

I was told to come to Debenhams on Oxford Street, wearing all black and to meet her in the cafe on the top floor. I wore a little black smart/casual dress from H&M, with black tights, a Pull & Bear Black simple blazer and ankle black flat boots. I was also told to wear a full face of makeup so I went for my usual flawless base, a gold smokey eye using my Chocolate Bar Palette and I wore Mac's So Chaud on my lips. I tried to use a few Benefit products too, I used Hello Flawless liquid foundation, Hoola and Rockateur.

I showed up early and waited in the cafe before going over and sitting with her for the first stage of the interview process. I was asked very simple and easy to answer questions for example; 'How would your friends describe you in three words?'. Then it was simple things like my availability, where I live and currently work, It was thankfully very relaxed. I was then told I'd passed the first interview and to come back to the Benefit Counter in 10 minutes for the second stage. I was so nervous at this point cause I can be quite shy and I knew it would be approaching people, and at this point the store was getting busy with Christmas shoppers. I came back to find two other girls also waiting there as well. We were briefly walked around the counter, informed about their strict hygiene rules and talked through every product from skincare to makeup. Benefit are incredibly big on 'Traffic Stopping' so rather than letting the customers come to you, you must approach them and use the simple line 'Hi have you heard about Benefit before?' or 'Hi can I offer you a mini pamper with Benefit products today?'. The aim is to get as many customers back to the counter with you and sitting down.

I managed to get three ladies back in 15 minutes, which I was very proud of. I stuck to simple things like adding some blush, bronzer or highlighter, maybe putting some product in their brows or a simple colour on the lips. I felt very comfortable and made sure I was bubbly and chatty whilst with anyone, keeping the conversation flowing rather than staying awkwardly silent. When our time was up we all got called into a little room behind the counter one by one. The first girl went in and straight back out within seconds so I kind of gathered she didn't pass that stage. Next was me, I went in to collect my bag and was told that she was so pleased with how well I did and wanted me to meet one of the managers in the next room there and then. I felt so overwhelmed but so happy. I introduced myself to her and then was told I'd recieve a call soon inviting me to the final stage which is known as a 'Store Approval'. I then went and had a browse around Selfridges because why not!?

A couple days passed and I recieved a phone call from the other manager who works on that counter inviting me in for the 14th (yesterday) for my store approval. I wore the same outfit but with a leather jacket from Topshop as it was a lot colder outside but I still wanted to look smart. I arrived at the counter and was taken up to the cafe again for a chat with the lovely manager there. This interview was short, it must of lasted around 10 minutes. She was interested in my customer service experience and what I knew about Debenhams more so then Benefit on this occasion, making sure I was suitable for that store. I mentioned the Store Card and the Beauty Points Card which was exactly what they wanted to hear. I was asked the same question as before about describing myself in three words, I went for Positive, Bubbly and Organized. From there on it was talking about training, when I can start as well as the pay and discounts I'd receive. I was so thrilled with how it went.

Overall It was a great experience and I am pleased that I went through with it and have now come out with a job I've always wanted. Finally have my foot in the door of the beauty industry and I couldn't be happier. Its also a fresh start for me in the new year. I have a week and a bit left at my current job before I leave. If you have any questions at all or need any other advice if you're doing this yourself then feel free to ask. Thank you so much for reading. Talk soon xx

Review / Maybeline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara.

I was browsing the makeup aisles of Target whilst recently on holiday in Florida, when this caught my eye. Being a content user of Two Faced's Better Than Sex, unless I've completely run out, it's very rare that I'd buy a drugstore mascara. I've used a fair amount of Maybeline's mascaras in the past from the original Falsies to the more recent Lash Sensational, and they've almost somewhat impressed me over any other drugstore brand. I straight away loved the fun bright coloured packaging of this one and the brush almost immediately reminded me of Benefits Roller Lash. I thought why not and put it in my basket so I could give it a try and review for you all. I haven't seen this here in UK yet but hopefully it'll be over before we know it.

My first impression was that the brush dispenses a lot of product onto your lashes with the first swipe, which may come across as clumpy but it's not. Therefore theres no need to dip that brush back into the product, just work with what you've got for the time being. Once you've spread that product out evenly among your lashes they immediately look separated, longer and thicker, this is when you can leave it be or repeat with a second coat. Try not to blink too hard, because it is quite a wet formula which could easily be transferred around the eyes. It's described on the Maybeline website as a 'creamy plumping formula' which is definitely correct. Some of you may prefer it after it's dried out a little bit.

For a drugstore mascara I was pleasantly impressed and I'll definitely continue to use this product until it dries up. I got mine in the blackest black shade and as far as I could see it also came in a waterproof option for those of you who prefer that. For anyone who doesn't mind spending the extra money on a wonderful mascara I would 100% recommend the Two Faced Better Than Sex. It's by far my holy grail mascara, amazing length and volume and a curl that lasts until I take my makeup off. Nevertheless The Falsies Push Up Drama has honestly become my new favourite from the drugstore, its affordable and does the job right. If you can get your hands on it, I'd give it a try.

Whats your current or all time favourite mascara? I'd love to know. Thank you so much for reading, don't forget to follow me over on bloglovin', I really appreciate the support. xx

How To Get Over A Breakup.

Breakups can be really difficult, whether it was your decision to bring things to an end or theirs. At first you're going to feel like your whole world has come to an end and you don't want to leave your bed for anything or anyone. For me I'd also go through phases of not wanting to eat therefore loosing a few pounds along the way. I've only experienced a few breakups in my life so far, but I can definitely give you some advice on what to do and what not to do, based on what has helped me.

Go out and have fun. No I don't mean go and drink yourself into a coma or do anything ridiculous. I mean surround yourself with loving people who will take your mind off of things. Go shopping, clubbing, go see a movie or even just a quiet night in with a film and takeaway, at a friend or relatives house. This was the number one thing that helped me after my last breakup. I somehow ended up going clubbing every other weekend with the help of one of my best friends and I had so much fun it's unreal. Having these people around you to spend time with and talk to about how you're feeling is so important.

Focus on yourself. Try to really concentrate now on your goals in life. Whether it be at school, college, university or just your current or future career. Don't let your dreams slip away all because of that one person, focus on you. Always wanted to go travelling? Save up and go! Whatever your ambitions may be, get cracking on how you're going to achieve them and be the best you possibly can be. For me also, I got rid of any distractions I had laying around in my bedroom or on my phone for example, photos, or any unwanted gifts. It can work wonders to clear your space of all those little triggers. You don't have to throw things away, you can easily place them into a bag or box out of sight. Don't go crazy and burn them in your garden!

Treat yourself. Go out and buy yourself that bag or those shoes you've always wanted. Go splurge on new clothes or new makeup products and give yourself a little makeover. Another thing I most certainly did. I got my hair done, placed a large order on Missguided and treated myself to some new makeup goodies. If you have the money maybe even book yourself a holiday with family or a friend to get away for a bit, even if it's not abroad. Out with the old, in with the new!

Be healthy. Whatever you do, no matter how down or upset you're feeling don't let it effect your health. After my first ever breakup I didn't eat properly for nearly 2 weeks and lost around 6/7 pounds and it was very noticeable. Don't do what I did then, treat yourself to a delicious Chinese takeaway maybe even get more into cooking or baking. Believe me I learnt from that one that my health was more important. Exercise is another great way to keep busy and make yourself feel amazing, as it's known to improve moods. Whether it be going for daily/weekly runs or even signing up to the gym.

Social Media. This one I know a lot of people are guilty of. That is stalking their ex partners Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. This is the worst thing you can possibly do, seeing pictures of them happy without you is horrible, or even seeing that they have moved on with someone else. Delete and block them if you find you can't resist looking, otherwise be strong and move on. Don't feel like you now have go and find someone else just because they've updated their relationship status on Facebook from single, it's not a competition. Be sensible with your decisions and move onto someone new when you're good and ready, always remember that things happen for a reason.

What are your best tips for getting over a recent breakup? It's such a difficult but common topic to talk about I find. Remember that we all have different ways of coping and dealing with things. I hope you enjoyed reading this post, I'm hoping it'll help some of you in this situation. Talk soon! xx

Whats On My Face?

I thought I'd do a round up of the makeup I've been going for recently. A flawless base, a slightly heavier contour, simple eyes, thicker brows and nude lips. There will be products featured that you've seen me use or heard me rave about time and time again, but I'm also using a few new goodies I've recently bought.

Products Used:

Nars All Day Weightless Luminous Foundation (Mont Blanc)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Fair)

NYX HD Translucent Setting Powder

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette

Mac Warm Soul Blush

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Champagne Pop)

Anastasia Brow Wizz (Medium/Soft Brown)

L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper (Dark Blonde)

Maybeline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner (Eastend Snob)

Anastasia Liquid Lipstick (Pure Hollywood)

A flawless, super healthy and glowy look. Some days I've been adding a bit of shadow and a winged liner as well but I mainly stick to keeping it simple on the eyes. I definitely need to switch up which blushes I'm reaching for, I'm so surprised I haven't hit pan on Warm Soul yet, I used it more or less everyday. Any suggestions on a new lovely peachy pink blush?

Hope you enjoyed this short but simple post on my most frequently worn makeup look recently. What products do you reach for the most? Thank you for reading, I'll be back with another post very soon. xx

What I Brought On Holiday - Sephora/Drugstore Haul.

Hey Everyone, today I thought I'd share with you the goodies I've picked up on my recent trip to Orlando, Florida. Of course I payed a couple of visits to Sephora to grab some products I've been wanting for a while, as well as Target for those drugstore finds. Hope you enjoy.

I'll start with Sephora, which I went too twice. On my first trip there I went in knowing I wanted to pick up a contour kit. My eyes were drawn straight to the Kat Von D stand, and after hearing so many amazing things about her Shade & Light Contour Kit I knew I had to pick it up. This cost me $46 and includes 6 shades highlight & set and contour your face with, a lovely selection of neutral, warm and cool tones. I then found myself in a dilemma when I reached the Anastasia Beverly Hills stand to find their contour kit as well, I made the instinct decision to just buy both. I got mine in the shade Light to Medium, it cost me $40. Again similar to the Kat Von D, it contains 6 shades to play with. I found the contour shades in this one to be slightly warmer toned though, so bare that in mind if you're stuck choosing between the two. Very happy to have both of these in my collection now.

Also from Sephora I had to pick up my holy grail mascara Two Faced's Better Than Sex. This is the one mascara that I constantly recommend to everyone. After three coats, It adds the perfect amount of length and volume whilst curling every lash. It can get a bit clumpy if you use too much but for me its everything I could ever want in a mascara. I paid $23 for this, for us UK girls you can find this at Debenhams or Beauty Bay. Another product I had to have from Two Faced is their Chocolate Bar palette. If you know me, you know I love warm neutrals and this palette has the most beautiful selection of golds, coppers and warm browns, perfect for my blue eyes. This cost me $49, I'm so happy I have this in my eyeshadow collection now.

Now up until now I've never owned any products from Becca. I went into Sephora determined to get the famous Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. I've heard nothing but amazing things about this highlighter since it was released. I was so happy with my purchase when I tried it on my face for the first time, a little goes a very long way. This cost me $38. Whilst browsing I also gave in to temptation and picked up Opal as well. This shade is absolutely gorgeous, they apply so smoothly and give off such a beautiful glow. I couldn't recommend these two enough.

I couldn't not pick up some drugstore products, I headed over to Target to see what's new in the drugstore. I was overwhelmed by the selection of nude lipsticks, I had to narrow it down as I had way too many in basket. I added up with two of the new Maybeline Creamy Matte Lipsticks, the selection was lovely and I'm annoyed that I only got two. The first is 656 Clay Crush, a natural pink nude with a slight brown tone to it, very similar to Mac's Kinda Sexy. The second shade I chose was 670 Ravishing Rose, a lovely medium cool toned pink. Staying with lipsticks, I also chose two shades from Milani's Colour Statement Lipstick range. I went for 26 Nude Creme, a classic light pink nude shade and 29 Teddy Bare, a darker nude more on the brown side. Lovely formula and they smell incredible!

Also from Maybeline I picked up another Brow Drama setting gel, they didn't have my usual dark blonde shade so I ended up going with the transparent one, I'll which one I end up preferring. I then spotted their new Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara. I've only used this twice but I already love it. I've always been a fan of their Falsies range but this is on another level. It really lengthened my lashes, separated them and gave enough volume. It does clump up if you apply too much, keep that in mind, but it reminded me of my loved Two Faced Better Than Sex. Definitely worth checking out.

The last brand I purchased from was NYX, I only got two things sadly. I decided to give their classic HD finishing loose powder a go, and I've been using it since. I leaves a lovely matte, silky natural finish to the skin which looks just as good, if not better than my favourite Rimmel Stay Matte. I also picked up one of the Baked Blushes. I chose the shade Wanderlust, a typical blush shade for me, a peachy natural pink with gold shimmer. Leaves a lovely natural sheen to the cheeks without looking overdone or too much colour.

Wow that was a lot! That was everything I picked up whilst on holiday! What products have you been buying recently? I'd love to know, I'm always on the hunt for more! Thank you for reading x