Saturday 30 November 2013

November Favourites.


I absolutely cannot believe that today is the last day of November. I even had a little panic earlier on today when I thought of how much I need to get done before Christmas which is now only twenty four days away! I am making lists for myself to keep organised and of course, to be sure that I don't forget anybody whilst Christmas shopping. 

November went by so quickly that I feel like these have only been my favourites for about a week, but no, it has in fact been a month. First up is NARS Orgasm blush. I do like this blusher all year 'round but I have been using it almost solely this month. I have heard some people saying that they think it is too shimmery, but for me it is perfect. I feel like it brightens my complexion up a lot and on these dull, dreary days that is only a positive. The pigmentation is fantastic, as with all of NARS cheek products.

I generally only wear one perfume but guess what! I have been straying from my regular this November and I have fallen in love with CK One Shock, by Calvin Klein. This is classed as a 'sexy' scent, but I wouldn't go that far. I think I would call it flirty. It is light and floral and it lingers so well on the skin. I can often still smell this on me hours after application. I am so bad at describing smells so I won't even embarrass myself! If you are at perfume counter, check it out.

VO5 Plump It Up dry backcomb spray is, quite frankly, the hair volumizing spray I have been most impressed by. Ever. I have very fine, long hair and no matter what I do, it tends to look quite flat. I use this after I have styled my hair. I lift sections and spray this liberally, running my fingers through my hair and the difference is instantly noticeable. Being a drugstore product, it is also very affordable. I have been using this particular bottle for over a month now and I'd say it is still half full.

I have balayage and I have found in the past, that the ends of my hair can start to look somewhat yellow-ish in tone. I went on a search for some shampoo to neutralise this and I picked up Bleach London Silver Shampoo. I know it looks scary blue/purple in the bottle but it is truly amazing. My lightened ends do look a much nicer shade of blonde after I use this. On a sidenote, I also really like the packaging.

Does the colder weather play havoc with your skin? It sure does with mine! My skin had become so, so dry and flaky. To remedy this, I have been reaching for Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  It is marketed as a night-time serum and it is an oil. I only use a few drops to cover my entire face and when I wake in the morning, it is bye bye scaly crocodile skin and hello smooth softeness!

The Revlon Just Bitten Kissables in Crush Begun and Romantic Romantique are the only lip colours I have been using this month. They have practically lived in my bag. I like to use a more moisturising lip product at this time of year, again due to skin dryness and these fit the bill entirely. I am definitely going to be investing in more shades so do not be surprised to see them feature in December too! 

If you have a November favourites post, be sure to link me! I would love to see what you have be liking this month. Happy December, everybody! Also, if you would like to be in with a chance to win some Real Techniques brushes, be sure to enter my giveaway right here!

Friday 29 November 2013

Disappointing Products #1.


I think I am somewhat difficult to please when it comes to beauty products. I do tend to re-purchase what I like over and over, so I am brand loyal but when I don't like something, I definitely don't like it and I am not afraid to say it. 

Revlon Photoready Perfecting primer: I bought this primer when I ran out of my Laura Mercier one while in the US. I was with my boyfriend and I didn't think he'd appreciate being dragged around Sephora (any more!) so I picked this up at Target while we were there anyway. 
As you can see from the picture, there is still quite a lot of product left, however the pump is unable to reach it so therefore it cannot be dispensed. I know it wasn't overly expensive but I still find this irritating so for that reason alone, I wouldn't consider buying it again. As a primer, I don't have any complaints in particular - it was fine.

Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Treatment: I know that this is a much loved Origins moisturiser but I would advise caution if your combination skin is more dry than oily in places, and I especially would not use it in winter. I was only able to use this cream three to four times before I had to give up on it. My skin was literally peeling off and my make up looked awful. I might try it again next summer. 

Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser: There have been a lot of rave reviews about this in-shower moisturiser, but quite frankly, I think it is a waste of time. If your skin is wet in the shower, it seems to just slip right off you so I don't see how it can be absorbed. I think there are much better body moisturising alternatives to this on the market that are a lazy girls dream, for example the new spray on by Vaseline. 

Benefit Hoola bronzer: This particular bronzer makes me look dirty! I much prefer Laguna by NARS. 

Maybelline The Rocket and Falsies mascara: I guess I am fussy where mascara is concerned. I have favourites and these two are definitely not them. I didn't find either volumising and I can't see myself buying them in the future.

That is all for now. I actually prefer doing posts on products I like, but I thought I would change it up for today. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and make sure to check out and enter my Real Techniques giveaway HERE!

Versatile Blogger Award.


I have been nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award by the lovely Amy over at Face It Amy. Thank you, Amy! You should all check out her blog here and follow her. I love to read her wish-lists and her beauty loves.

The Rules:

1. Display the Award Certificate on your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who has nominated you when you announce your nomination.
3. Nominate other bloggers for the award.
4. Link your nominations in your post, and let them know that you have done so.
5. Post seven interesting facts about yourself.

My Nominations:


Seven 'Interesting' Facts About Me:

1. I have been interested in psychology probably since I was old enough to understand what the word meant. Ideally I would like to be a counsellor working with children and teenagers.

2. I am definitely a night owl. I work night-shifts and generally don't get to sleep until about 7am.

3. My hair has been every colour imaginable, from the darkest black to bright orange and every shade in between.

4. When I see something that I like, I buy it in every colour available. For example, I have a lot of Joni jeans from Topshop and I have one cardigan in particular from River Island in three colours.

5. I usually like cover songs more than the original version.

6. I may have a slight obsession with documentaries, in particular Air Crash Investigation and I Shouldn't Be Alive. People like to make fun of me about that, but I don't mind! I enjoy them!

7. The best friend that I ever had, and ever will have, was my grandad. I have always found older people really fascinating and I could spend hours and hours listening to their stories.


Once again, a huge thank you to Amy for this nomination. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Thursday 28 November 2013

What's In My Shower?


I don't know what it is, but I love reading "What's In My Shower?" posts. I think it's really interesting to see what other people have in there, and what they use. I try to keep my shower products pretty minimal because otherwise I end up with a bottle graveyard, i.e. lots of half used shampoos and face washes lurking in a corner! The above is what is in my shower right now.

The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel: I generally use this gel if I am showering at night time, and I follow it up with the matching body butter when I have dried off. It smells so unbelievably good - really fresh and fruity. As you can see, I have a pretty new bottle here. I re-purchase this over and over.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner: I am not overly fussy when it comes to shampoo and conditioner. I often just pick up whatever is on special offer at Boots or the supermarket. I try to use products aimed at fine, lifeless hair because my hair is very straight and long and it needs all the help it can get in the volume department. I have just been using this particular brand for a few days but so far, so good. I might even do a review in the future.

Original Source Mint and Tea Tree Shower Gel: For me, this is a morning holy grail! It wakes me right up! It is very minty and refreshing and it makes my skin tingle. I have been using this for a number years now and I truly adore it. It is always to be found in my shower.

Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash: I am using a travel sized version of this facial wash currently, but believe me, I will be buying a full sized tube when I am all out. It is perfect for my combination skin - moisturising enough for the dry patches around my nose but yet doesn't worsen my already oily forehead. It smells like peppermint so it is great for morning use also.

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub: The body scrubs by Soap and Glory are definitely amongst the best I have ever tried. I am particularly enamoured with Sugar Crush because I really like the smell. It is lemony and limey and call me crazy, but it reminds me of sipping on a mojito! It is thick and grainy so it exfoliates well. I use this about three times a week.

Shower Comb: I always comb through the lengths of my hair when I have conditioner in because it makes it easier for me to brush when I get out of the shower. I have hair that tangles very easy so this step is a must for me. A wide toothed shower comb can be picked up for less than three euro in Boots.

Disposable Razor: I am not loyal to any brand of razor. I tend to have my legs etc. waxed professionally because I seem to have sensitive skin which is irritated easily by shaving but I like to have a razor handy, just in case! Again, I buy whatever is on special offer.

If you have one of these posts on your blog, please link me! I could read them all day. Also, be sure to enter my Real Techniques giveaway which can be found here.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Winter Edition: Revlon Just Bitten Kissables.

So I have been MIA for the past few days as I went on a short shopping trip to the UK. I am back now and I have lots of goodies and my thoughts on them to share with you guys. Jumping right into it, here are my two favourite Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lip stains for the winter season.


From top to bottom:
005 Crush Begun
045 Romantic Romantique

I think these shades are perfect for the time of year. Crush Begun is a nice deep, berry shade and Romantic Romantique is your typical, pillar-box red. I was immediately attracted to both of them when I was shopping in Boots last weekend.



The application of both of these shades, as the name 'stain' suggests, is rather sheer. For the above swatch on my hand, I did have to go over the area repeatedly to get that colour pay-off. Personally, I love that. They are the kind of no fuss lip product that you can whip out of your bag and put on anywhere, any time and without a mirror. 
They are also super moisturising. I find with some lipsticks that my lips do get rather dried out (especially in cold weather) and I need to overload on lip-balm to compensate but these are practically a lip-balm equivalent. I highly, and I mean highly, recommend checking these out. 


Above: Crush Begun


Above: Romantic Romantique

As you can see from the pictures, the colour on the lips is not totally obvious, it is simply a natural looking addition. I'm a fan of this because it means that as your colour wears off throughout the day, you are not left with just that ring of lip product on the outside of your mouth.

If there are any other colours of this that you have tried and loved, as always, do let me know!



Saturday 23 November 2013

NOTD: Bordeaux by Essie.


It's the weekend so that means it is manicure time. Up this week, we have Bordeaux by Essie. It is a deep red/wine colour and I think it is pretty perfect for this time of year. I did two coats to get that strong, totally opaque look but this is a polish that I think you could get away with doing only one coat if you were in a rush.


Here it is up close. It is glossy and looks quite luxe and rich.

As with all of the Essie nail varnishes that I own, I love the application - smooth, doesn't look 'wishy-washy' at all. Manicures generally last between five and eight days for me. I used Sally Hansen Insta-Dri as a top-coat here.

Wishing everybody a wonderful weekend!

Topshop Haul.


Here is a very quick snapshot of my most recent purchases from Topshop. I had to take this picture in a hurry because I was off to get my eyebrows done and then on to work (excuses, excuses!). I will be doing a post on eyebrows very shortly because I think they are super important.

Side-tracked! I had to buy this fluffy star cardigan. It is so soft and it is on sale here for only £30/€35.88*. Totally worth the money, it feels gorgeous and is really warm. I would probably buy a size up if you like an over-sized cardigan look. I didn't and I regret it a teeny bit.

Secondly, this coat. Oh my goodness... I adore it. So snuggly! I bought it in store and it was €120 which is rather expensive but there are certain things I believe in investing in and coats are one of them. If bought online here, it is £79/€94.48*.

I think my recent post on knitwear made my love of it rather clear so when I saw this lilac cardi on sale for only £10/€11.96*, it was in my basket quicker than... other things that happen really quickly! Seriously, a Topshop cardigan for less than €15! The quality is nice and I think it was well worth buying. Here it is!

Striped long-sleeve tee - I had to have it. I love a Breton t-shirt with a bright red lip, think it looks effortlessly stylish. Only £18/€21.53* when bought online. It can be found right here

Another long-sleeve top but I think these are perfect for layering and those days when you just don't feel like putting too much effort into getting dressed. I see this with a totally out there statement necklace. You can find it here. Again £18/€21.53*.

I cannot go into Topshop without buying a nail varnish.

* denotes that price is the equivalent of currency on website. Items may cost more if bought in store.

I might do an outfit post featuring some of these soon, so keep your eyes peeled if interested. Also, if you want to win some Real Techniques, enter my giveaway HERE!

Friday 22 November 2013

Winter Must-Haves: Boots.

In my last Winter Must-Haves the attention was on knitwear. This time the spotlight shines on boots. I'll let you in on a secret - I am not the biggest lover of boots. In September I was found in a lot of snow wearing a pair of River Island sandals! (I hold my hands up to that being both a fashion victim moment and undeniably freezing!). However, this season the various boots with cut-out details and all those beautiful buckles have me hooked. Here are my picks of a lovely lot.


From L-R, top row:
1. Topshop
3. Boohoo

From L-R, bottom row:
6. ASOS

1. I love these boots from Topshop. In my opinion, they look a lot better in person - less 'plastic'. The cut-out detail really appeals to me. I envision wearing them with skinny jeans, maybe rolled up to really emphasise that feature. 

2. I just have a thing for burgundy. I see these with a plain and simple outfit - make them the focal point, along with some statement jewellery. Bargainous price of £29.99/€36.03* too.

3. I am loving the gold detailing on these tan boots from Boohoo. I don't own any boots in this colour so I think they'd make a great addition to my wardrobe. The wrap strap and cut-out are, of course, obvious selling points for me.

4. Ah, the Jeffery Campbell Benatar boot! I think I've lusted over these for all of my lifetime. I have ever so slightly gone off stud detailing lately, but it's safe to say that for these, I could make an exception. Also, they are on sale!

5. I know I have just said that I have gone off stud detailing but I think these are somewhat more subtle. The colour is unusual and they look more expensive than what they are - £29.99/€36.03*. New Look seriously are up there when it comes to affordable footwear this winter.

6. These would be my absolute splurge item... £199/€238.94*. I am obsessed. I don't even know what to say... I need them. 

* denotes that price is the equivalent of currency on website. Items may cost more if bought in store.



Thursday 21 November 2013

Real Techniques Giveaway.

As it is coming up to Christmas, it is the time of year where we are going to see many blog posts about shopping, gift guides and presents received. I will be doing these things myself in the near future, of course, but I thought it would also be nice to give something away to one of you lovely readers. I want to give one of you a Christmas gift from me!

Real Techniques are definitely my favourite brushes and I think the Core Collection is a good place to start. If you would like to have these brushes, all you need to do is follow my blog via bloglovin (click below) and leave a comment to let me know that you have entered :)

I am going to run this giveaway for a month, that is until December 21st 2013, at which point I will be contacting the winner for an address to send this set to.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!! Thank you to everybody who entered. I will be contacting the lucky winner tomorrow (Sunday). x 


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Tuesday 19 November 2013

Evening Skincare Routine.


I'm not kidding - I hate taking my make up off! When I get home from work, I just want to get into my pj's, get warm and cosy and snuggle up! Yes, I am an eighty year old woman in disguise! I guess for that reason I don't have a particularly extensive skincare routine. 

Firstly, I remove my make up using Origins Cleansing Oil. I like this because I find it really effective. Not even waterproof mascara stands a chance with this. It also smells nice and because you only need a little, it lasts for a super long time. 

On a side note, I do sometimes exfoliate using Origins Modern Friction. We are talking once or twice a week here... if I even remember!

If I feel like my skin isn't looking so good, I always reach for La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo. I know that some people use this an overall moisturiser but this does not work for me. I use it more as a treatment and definitely do need to moisturise separately. 

For moisturising, I don't think Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask can be beaten. I know, I know, it's expensive and I probably shouldn't use it as often as I do but yes, this is on my face four or five nights a week. In winter, my skin gets so dehydrated. This product is the answer to my prayers.

When I do use something else, it is none other than Hydraluron. I generally layer La Roche-Posay Toleriane over it but I am all out. In its place I've been sticking with a facial oil, Botanics Facial Oil. I like products that are really hydrating so these do the trick for me.

As always, recommendations are appreciated.



How much is my face worth?

How much are the products I use on a daily basis really worth? It isn't something I had ever thought about until I saw this tag on some other blogs and then, of course, I was intrigued!


My day to day make up is usually pretty simple - I work in an office so I suppose I have to look somewhat presentable. However I generally don't have a lot of time to spend so it's mostly concealing imperfections and a neutral eye. I also like quite a strong brow. 

The products used to create the above are as follows:


From L-R, top row:

From L-R, middle row:
6. Naked Palette (€44)

From L-R, bottom row:
8. Benefit Coralista (€34)
9. Maybelline Brow Drama (€7.49)

My overall total is: €186.77!

I apologise for the awful picture - absolutely no light anywhere! Also, to confirm * is the euro equivalent to the cost in Great British pounds on the website. 

If you have done this tag on your blog, link me below! I would love to read it!

Sunday 17 November 2013

NOTD: Greige by Sally Hansen.


I know a lot of people are not fond of the grey/beige nail trend but personally, I really like it. You can wear absolutely anything and your manicure won't look out of place. I went on a little hunt in Boots a few days ago for some more season appropriate nail colours and this is one of my picks.

It is my first time ever trying a Sally Hansen nail polish and let me start off by saying, I am one impressed lady. I think the packaging is really beautiful and also the bottle is huge so you get a lot of product for the price (€8.95). I know I will be adding more from this line to my collection.

Application wise, it was a breeze. It has a thick brush so you can pretty much cover the entire nail in one stroke. I like that a lot. I feel that one coat is not enough, but I always do at least two coats of colour anyway so that isn't an issue for me. If you're somebody who likes opaque colour in one coat, I would steer clear. Otherwise, amazing!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Friday 15 November 2013

Airplane Beauty Essentials.

I like to travel a lot, but I find that flights, especially long-haul, do me no favours. I end up getting off with dull, dehydrated skin and limp, lifeless hair. I have compiled a list of essentials which I will never travel without again and I thought I would share them with you guys.


From L-R:
Evian Facial Spray
Lo Roche-Posay micellar water
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Indeed Labs Hydraluron
Carmex lip-balm

I wear make up to the airport but when I first get on the plane and it takes off, I wait until everybody has settled down and then promptly make my way to the restroom. There I remove my make up. Last time I traveled I brought La Roche-Posays' micellar water with me because I happened to have a travel sized version. It did the job and I was very happy. I brush my hair and pop it into a bun. Rinse my face with cold water. I then apply some Hydraluron. I believe that it holds 1,000 times its own weight in water and that is just what you need when you are going to be in an air-conditioned environment for a number of hours.

I adore Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. You may have noticed - I rave about it all the time. This is an all time favourite product for me and perfect for flights. It soaks into your skin so you don't have to worry about anybody knowing you are wearing a face mask. I top it up during the flight if I feel I need to.

Evian Facial Spray (or any facial spray) is great for when you need some extra moisture, or even to refresh you if you've taken a nap. I just spritz it on and allow it to absorb. There is nowhere on earth I would go without my Carmex. A lip-balm is an essential.

Before the plane lands, I, again, freshen up my face up a micellar water. Then it is time to try hide the sleep deprivation! Make up calling!


From L-R:
NARS Larger Than Life eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
Benefit High Beam
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Rimmel Clear Complexion powder
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

I will be honest - if I have been sitting on a plane for 8 hours plus, I am not in the mood to put on a full face of make up. I simply want to look somewhat presentable to the outside world. I will brighten up my eyes by applying a nude eyeliner. I find this helps with making me look more awake as my eyes can get quite red. My eyeliner of choice is, as always, by NARS in the colour Rue Bonaparte.

I dust some Rimmel Clear Complexion powder over my face, to avert shine and use Benefit High Beam on my cheekbones and the very corner of my eyes to brighten.

As make up is at an extreme minimum, I stick with a natural looking mascara. For this I really do not think that you can beat Great Lash by Maybelline. It is so cheap too and also quite neatly packaged. It is probably one of the smallest mascara tubes I have ever owned. Great when space is tight!

Finally, eyebrows! A must have in my book. I define mine using Brow Wiz in Brunette by Anastasia Beverly Hills. Everybody looks instantly more put together with good brows!

Before disembarking the plane, I take my hair down and spray some sea salt texturising spray into it. I think tousled, messy hair looks so much better than trying to comb through and battle with hair that has been up for a long time. 

Those are my travel essentials, I hope you enjoyed! Do please share any tips with me, or products you're loving for travel. Also, stay tuned as I will be doing a small giveaway soon. To be in with a chance to win, simply follow my blog :) 


Tuesday 12 November 2013

Winter Must-Haves: Knitwear.

I am most definitely a summer girl when it comes to dressing. I like short sleeves and sandals and truth be told, I am not the greatest at layering. However, knitwear is something which gets me excited every year, as sad as that may sound. Below are my favourite picks for staying cosy in winter 2013!


From L-R, top row:
1 Topshop 

From L-R, bottom row: 
5 Topshop 

1: First up, we have this beauty from Topshop, with its PU sleeve detail. This cardigan has 'grandad' appeal for me. It reminds me of something a cute, old man would wear. Bonus points for the arm patches. I have numerous items of Topshop knitwear from previous seasons which are still going strong so I firmly believe that they are worth the price tag. (£55/€65.63*)

2: I know, I know. More fluffy! This was a double whammy for me by River Island though because it is not only fluffy but it is also striped. I think items like this make dressing easy - you can throw them on with a pair of black skinnies and a black cami and you don't look like you made zero effort in the wardrobe department due to them being quite statement. (£38/€45.28*)

3: Oh, American Apparel! So pricey, but so beautiful. I seriously love slouchy, comfort wear. The laid-back feel of this cardigan has me hooked. I try to only buy from AA when I'm the US (in particular in their outlet stores) but for me, this is an investment. (£66/€88.95 from asos, €86 from their own website)

4: This cream shearling cardigan is gorgeous, in my opinion. I like how it has no buttons - the simplicity to me is perfect, totally lets the texture do the talking. (£39.99/€54.38)

5: A coatigan, that's what Topshop are calling this and that is why I need to have it! I never wears coats. I own a few but I've never found one which I love and I feel happy to wear a lot. This coat/cardigan hybrid is the answer to all of my prayers! (£65/€77.46)

6: I figured I should probably add some colour. I, like most people I guess, wear more muted tones during this season but I think it's good to brighten things up from time to time. I am a big fan of all things ombre so I present to you my last choice, this bargain from Forever 21. (£19.84*, €23.75)

* denotes that price is the equivalent of currency on website. Items may cost more if bought in store. 

Sunday 10 November 2013

Gel Nail Lookalikes.

I get asked a lot if I have gel nails or shellac and the answer is always no. I paint my nails myself and I use nail varnish brands ranging from the cheapest available to more expensive high-end but I find the result is generally pretty similar. I thought I would show you guys what I do to end up with smooth, glossy colour. As a disclaimer, I know that base-coat is a good idea but I am a lazy beauty blogger so I mostly skip that!


Step One

File your nails to desired shape, making sure to only file in one direction and avoiding a back and forth motion. I think shorter nails look better with more striking colours but that, obviously, is just personal preference. I wash my hands after filing.

Step Two

Use a hand-cream to moisturise. The one I am currently using, and quite happy with, is Soap & Glory Hand Food. It can be bought here for €6.90. It smells so good. Allow ten to fifteen minutes for the product to absorb.

Step Three 

Apply a first coat of the nail polish. Make sure that the brush is not over-loaded and paint on in a thin coat. Allow to dry. I find that by the time I have painted the other nine nails, it is fine to begin the second coat.

Step Four

Time for a second thin coat of the nail varnish of your choice. I try to draw the colour over the tip of my nail for a longer chip-free period. Again, give sufficient time to dry.

Step Five

Use a cotton bud dipped in nail varnish remover to clean up any areas where you may have made a mess. Happens all the time!

Step Six

Apply a top-coat to add shine and hopefully make the application last for longer. As before, do not over-load the brush and distribute evenly over the surface of the nail. If possible, leave for thirty minutes to dry fully.

The finished nails...

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blue Plum
with
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top-coat

Saturday 9 November 2013

Empties #1.

Original Source Lime shower gel
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
NARS Larger Than Life eyeliner in Via Veneto
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Benefit They're Real mascara
Umberto Giannini Catwalk Beauty Hairspray

Original Source Lime shower gel: Expect to see an Original Source shower gel in all of my 'empties' blogs! It is the only shower gel I ever pick up. In particular I like the Mint and Tea Tree one because it is so tingly and fresh but I also use the lime one (as above) and the lemon one. I shower in the morning so I find these gels perfect for that time - refreshing and uplifting and totally wake me up. My skin always feels nice after use and the good news is that Original Source tends to be on special offer at Boots. This shower gel can be found here for only €2.

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder: I am a NARS junkie but this powder did absolutely nothing for me. In fact, I would go so far as to say that I was happy to hit pan so that I could move on and invest in something else. I couldn't even tell that I'd used it after application and therefore its price tag was most definitely NOT worth it. Goodbye and good riddance!

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask: The above is a travel sized version of the product which I bought to take on a flight to the US at the beginning of September. As somebody who has taken eight transatlantic flights so far this year, I can tell you that the Drink Up mask is my best friend! I always noticed that after spending a number hours on a plane, my skin would be dehydrated, patchy and flaky. I now take my make up off at the beginning of a flight, slather this on and my skin remains fine. It is also the ultimate winter skin savior! The full-size is available for purchase here for €30.50. Worth it, I promise!

NARS Larger Than Life eyeliner in Via Veneto: Nothing else compares to this! I've read a lot of blogs where people say the Rimmel Scandal Eyes eyeliner is a good dupe. I do like the Rimmel eyeliner, but this is the holy grail. It's the first eyeliner I've ever finished actually! Blackest black and so long-lasting. It is €25 and can be bought here.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: When I first started using this, I thought it wasn't overly special but when it began to run out I realised I was in love. This pencil has such a fine tip that it allows you to create the most natural looking brow. It really takes so little effort to fill in eye-brows with this but with maximum reward. This is now a cult item for me. Buy it here for £15.50/€18.57 and you will never look back!

Benefit They're Real mascara: One of my all time favourite mascaras. It is jet black and I find it both lengthening and volumising. It is quite a hyped mascara but I do believe that it is worth it. Try it here for €26.

Umberto Giannini Catwalk Beauty Hairspray: I have super fine, quite long and straight hair which I tend to curl a lot and I use hairspray to attempt to hold the bounce. I haven't yet found a hairspray which I am committed to. I grab any old hairspray mini from Boots to throw in my handbag. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, but it's not amazing either. Buy it here!

Lip of the Day.

Am I the only one who sometimes has lazy days? Those days where you just want to throw on a t-shirt and don't feel like putting too much effort into your make-up? I turn to a bright lipstick to give the impression that I didn't just roll out of bed. The lipstick of choice today was Rio Rio, by Topshop.


Above I am wearing very minimal make-up, but I think the fact that I have such a statement red lip makes me look somewhat together. I really like Topshop lipsticks in that I find them rather moisturising and quite long-lasting. I think the pigmentation is comparable to MAC and I find myself reaching for this lipstick above any other.

The colour of this, to me, is the most wonderful shade of red. It is slightly orange toned which I find flattering against my skin-tone. It only costs £8/€9.60 when purchased here. If you're looking for a high quality but yet affordable red lippie, check it out!

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Current Make Up Remover Show Down.


So above are the two lovelies which I have been relying on lately to scrub-a-dub all of the make up from my face. On the left is Origins Clean Energy cleansing oil and on the right L'Oreal 3 in 1 Micellar Solution. I originally wanted Bioderma as opposed to the L'Oreal micellar water but I wasn't sure where to source it. (On a sidenote, if anybody does know where I can get my hands on some, please let me know!)


As you can see from how much of this I have used, I do love the Origins cleansing oil. I bought it at the Origins counter in House of Fraser, Dundrum and the lady there was so sweet to me. She gave me a lot of good advice on skincare! The pump is sold separately but in my opinion, necessary if you don't want to pour your money right down the drain!

As far as its cleansing ability goes, I find that I don't need to use very much of this to take off a full face of make up. For reference, I have had this bottle for three months and use it about five times a week. It doesn't leave an oily residue, though personally I don't particularly like to use it on my eyes because I find my vision can be a little blurry for a while afterwards!
The major pro of this product is no need for cotton wool, cotton pads etc. - you can simply massage it right into your skin with your fingers! I find it very effective overall and I imagine that I will re-purchase it in the future.

This L'Oreal micellar water is a make up remover which I am now coming to the end of. Price wise, it is so much cheaper than the Origins oil and just as good, though in a different way.

I use cotton pads with this remover - pictured - and it generally takes me about five cotton pads, including taking off my eye make up. It is extremely gentle on the skin but it even removes waterproof mascara! The only downside to this, for me, is that my face doesn't feel 'clean' after use. The Origins cleansing oil involves rinsing with water so I feel that I can move on to toning and moisturising but with this, I just want to wash my face! Not exactly a lazy girls dream!





I am quite happy with these two particular removers, but as always, I am interested in suggestions! If anybody is using or has used a make up remover or cleansers that they thought were great, please share them with me! I would love to know! Alternatively, if you have related blog posts, link me :)

Monday 4 November 2013

NOTD: Butler Please by Essie.

It's true - there are certain things in life that I simply cannot say no to. Vibrant blue nail varnishes are one of them, so when I saw this pretty Essie polish, I had to have it. I bought this at Target in the US for approximately $8 but in Ireland, Essie can be purchased at Boots (definitely Liffey Valley) for €14.99. Pricey, but in my opinion the formulation of this brand makes them worth it.

As you can see, it is a striking cobalt blue. I did two coats of colour and topped it with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri anti-chip top coat. For a cheaper alternative, I recommend AWOL by Topshop, available here!

November Wish-List.


The above are the goodies that I have my eye on for purchase this month!

River Island silver boyfriend cardigan - It is available to buy here for £40. I think it's a perfect addition to any winter wardrobe. Versatile because of its colour and striking all the same because of its texture. Of course I love it because it's fluffy and that is totally me.

BaByliss Pro Perfect Curl - I am SO intrigued by this hair styling tool! I love curling wands because naturally I have super straight hair and like a lot of people, I want what I don't have. However, it is rather time consuming having to curl an entire head of hair every day. The Pro Perfect Curl draws your hair into chamber and leaves you with the 'perfect' curl - no twisting, no winding, no worrying about burning your fingers! It is being sold for a special price of £165 here with free delivery. I do hope to be back with a review soon.

Missguided Tricia Buckle Side Cut Out Boots - I have been lusting over these boots for a few weeks now and I have finally decided that I have to have them. They are £39.99 which I think is a great price and I adore all of the chunky buckles. Very on trend with the cut out sides, and I think I prefer them to the River Island cut out boots with gold hardware which seem to be everywhere right now. You can buy 'em right here and remember Missguided do a 10% student discount!

Essie Toggle To The Top - My favourite colour from the Essie Winter collection of 2013, a glitter packed red. I am mostly a lover of brighter nails - mint greens, indigo blue, but I feel like I need a more season appropriate nail hue and this is my choice. I think it will be wonderful for the Christmas party season too! Stay tuned to see this on my nails very soon!

New Look Gold Layered Chain Necklace - I can't believe that this necklace is only £14.99! I think a statement necklace is the best thing ever. I own way too many but this one deserves a place around my neck for being so beautiful, so striking and so affordable. It would add punch to any outfit. Snap it up here!

NARS Guy Bourdin One Night Stand Cheek palette - There is not much to say about this palette other than... WOW! NARS blushes are my weakness, I'm not even going to try to resist this baby! £45 from Space NK here!


If you'd like to read my thoughts on the above, check back in! I will be posting reviews when I get my mitts on each and every one :)