Priorities Change

Recently, I've been obsessing over bright lips. Strange, I know. Colour isn't really my thing. Maybe its the fact that my eyes sting like hell from applying, taking off and re-applying make up on the course multiple times a day, but focussing on my lips has become more of a priority for me when I have free time, rather than whacking on a ton of eye make up.

Contrary to popular belief, well mine anyway, its not as hard as you'd think. Nope, they're not perfect. It's only recently that I've noticed just how out of proportion my face and lips are (a room surrounded by mirrors will do that to you). But perfection is a bit overrated, right?

♥

Illamasqua Lipliner 8J1

MAC Impassioned Lipstick

NYX Clear Lipgloss

I'll have a 'tutorial' of this up tomorrow on my channel , and hope you enjoy! Have you changed what make up you apply over the last while?

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Liz Earle, How I Love Thee (Dublin Event)

Liz Earle held an event over the weekend to celebrate their third birthday in Dublin and to promote their products. Like the little Liz Earle fiend that I am, I jumped at the chance to make an appointment and learn more about the brand I obsess over and try out the few products I haven't already bought.

Since I have been using the LE products for years, I thought I would opt for a hand and arm massage instead of the skin consultation. Because, lets face it. The Liz Earle skincare range makes up the majority of products I will ever let touch my face. Not only did the women who work there create a lovely, warm atmosphere but they discussed the products used on me in a way that wasn't pushy.

My hand and arm massage was completed by the lovely Rosana, who talked to me about some of the new products in the range and the different ways to use them. She used the amazing Superbalm moisturiser on me, and although The Mother has it, I had never realised its different uses such as rubbing it into the cuticles to make them uber soft. Will be stealing that off The Mother so!

They passed around the most delicious cupcakes I've ever tasted, had beautifully fresh juice flowing and massaged my blues away. And if that wasn't enough we were given gorgeous goody bags containing a mini Cleanse and Polish, Instant Tonic Boost and even the Liz Earle fragrance sample, all perfect for travelling. A massive thank you to all the ladies who worked there, I had a fabulous time!

You can buy Liz Earle products at the Wilde and Green shop in Milltown or online here.

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Lasting B'liss

I will gladly admit that I would be considered 'high maintanence' in many areas of my life. Make-up, skincare and fashion, yes. My hair? Not so much. Its not that I don't care about my hair, it just doesn't take precedent over other things. Until now.

My friend Aoife and her sister share one of the only hair curlers that work in my hair. However, when I went to buy one myself, I was shocked at the price, which began my mission to find a curler that held curls and wasn't expensive. Many of you suggested the Babyliss Conical Curling Wand and while I was sceptical at first, I'm bloody happy I got it. Although I don't use conditioner on a regular basis, my hair is too soft resulting in my newly straightened or curled hair to kink the second I leave the house.

The Babyliss Curling Wand can be used to create waves and loose curls, which start big at the top and spiral to a tighter curl at the bottom; thus creating a more natural curl. You gently wrap the hair around the tong, starting from the top, and hold for a few seconds. And viola! It has four settings of heat, the highest being 200C, which is the setting I use for my hair. Not only does it curl in super quick time, taking me less than twenty minutes to curl my whole head, but they last for days. While the first day produces large, voluminous curls, the second results in beachy messy waves, that look just as beautiful as the day before.

For someone like me, who had given up spending hours curling my hair with a GHD for it to fall out within a short period, this is a god-send! And cheap too. I got mine on Amazon and would definitely recommend it for those who have trouble keeping their curls intact! If anyone wants me to do a 'tutorial' of how I curl my hair on my channel, just mention it in the comments below and I'll get on it!

(Babyliss Curling Wand and the heat protecting glove that comes with it - it's not needed really, you just have to be careful!)

Before:



After:



Marked improvement, you'll agree?



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Xen Restored

Tanning has never been high on my agenda list. Sadly, I'm one of those "slap it on and hope for the best" merchants. No preparation, no exfoliating, no moisturising. Just me and my hands, applying cheap streaky tan. Which always ends in disaster, streaks and general orangeness. So when I attended the Xen-Tan event a few weeks ago, the lovely Amy encouraged me to tan properly. After seeing her wonderfully even glow, I knew my nasty habit of hoping for the best when I tanned had to stop.

Cue Xen-Tan. Amy kindly let me choose any product from the website I wanted, and since we had discussed the new Perfect Blend tan at the event I thought it would be the best one for me to try out. She also sent me out The Little Book of Tanning, which has great tips on how to make the most of your tan, how to prepare the skin before, how to treat it after and how to tan different parts of your body. At first, this little book overwhelmed me with its mass of information, but it was very easy to follow and really worked. 

Perfect Blend is a mixture of self-tan and shimmer bronzer, meaning that as you apply the product you know which areas you have missed out. It has a handy little dial, which can be changed to have more self tan, more bronzer or an even mixture of both. Application was easy, with no biscuit-type smell, though I did have to use a few layers to achieve the colour I wanted. Most importantly, its natural. Unlike St.Moritz, Fake Bake and other tanners, it's impossible to go orange with Xen-Tan. I applies an even, fresh looking glow that looks real, and doesn't fade in patches. A good few of my friends thought I'd gone away because Xen-Tan has that kind of look, not the fake tan look, but the I've been away one! Result? Oh yes, I think so.

This is the perfect tan if your looking for a natural glow; you will not be horrendously dark, you will not look like your wearing fake tan, you will not have streaks. And it lasts. I have had to top it up jut once throughout the week and one layer every week will be enough to keep it fresh looking. If your more into the 'fake' look, this product is not for you. If you like a beautiful natural olive tone, I would highly recommend it.

You can buy Xen-Tan here, they send to Ireland and if your quick they have a deal on that when you buy Perfect Blend you will receive a free Xen Tan Body Scrub worth £14.99. Delish! Go forth, my friends!

PS. I'm very aware that this is a dreadful photo of me and that I look slightly demented. But hey, I'm tanned!

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The Big Switch?

As an avid Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish fan, I was torn when after reviewing the Elave moisturiser, they kindly offered to send me a few products as a thank you and the Elave cleanser was shoved through the door. The Elave Moisturiser is one I've used for years as I have very dry/sensitive skin that reacts to every change in weather and cannot take a lot of chemicals. Medical packaging aside, if you have sensitive skin, all Elave products are free from harsh chemicals, alcholols, dyes and colours. After testing it out over the last few weeks, I've found both positives and negatives to the product.

Positives

By gently massaging the cleanser into the face, it does get rid of all the makeup present; without causing any irritation. I always cleanse my face twice, once to get rid of makeup and another to cleanse my skin. This is a technique that works brilliantly for this product, and your skin does feel fresh and clean after cleansing, with no tight feeling.

While the information at the back of the tube suggests using damp cotton pads to remove the cleanser, I only did this for the first cleanse, using a muslin cloth for the second.

Athough it is not a thick cream like the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, it is not greasy and breaks down the dirt on the skin very well.

At 8euro/£7 for 250mls, its just over half the price of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish which is 15euro/£13 for 100mls.

Negatives

While it does successfully remove eye makeup, I was surprised that when I got it in my eye by mistake, it did sting slighty. This sensation did, however, disappear when I washed the cleanser off with a damp cotton pad.

The packaging. Shallow, I know. All the Elave packaging looks very 'medical', and while it is clinically proven they could make it look a bit nicer, agree?

Would I switch to this cleanser full-time?

If I couldn't afford to buy the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, I would definitely move to this one. It does almost the same job (minus the slight eye-stinging, of course), but doesn't look or smell as nice!

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Being Belle

Any publicity is good publicity when it comes to companies and their products; when the Belle D'Opium advertisement was banned for 'simulating drug use', it got us all talking. Including me. A few days later this ban I charged into my local Boots and doused myself in the stuff, and was continuing to do so until I got myself my own little bottle.

While some might not like this "disconcertingly bewitching new oriental" its undercurrents of Jasmine keep me coming back for more. 

Top notes: Casablanca Lily, Gardenia, Jasmine Absolute, Mandarin.

Heart notes: Hookah Accord, Tobacco, Amber, Peach.

Base notes: White Pepper, Patchouli, Sandalwood.

And while I mightn't smell like "A woman full of ambivalence, elusive and obsessive, powerful and troubling, ingenue but dangerous", when I wear it, I can certainly give it a shot. Marketing ploy or no, I'm sold.

Whats your favourite perfume at the moment?

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Skin Deep



I'm not sure whether its the pale Irish skin that has always been my downfall, but for as long as I can remember my skin has been sensitive, very dry and red. While people always complimented me on my "rosy cheeks" they were always a source of embarrassment and resulted in a dip in my confidence.

Now, this may be seen as a slight overreaction, but I used to dread going out at night, even out to restaurants because I knew they would be warm and my face would become tomato red. This is why, for years I have always opted for a medium to heavy coverage - not because I had bad skin, quite the opposite I have always had reasonably good skin, but because I feared people commenting on how red my face was.

I have used countless products to try to counteract the redness of my face, green primers, green concealers, the list goes on. And none of them worked. It was only when I went into a Chanel counter a few months ago that I realised my skin wasn't going to change, but that my attitude needed to. The woman on the counter almost flat out refused to sell me Mat Lumiere because she insisted, like so many makeup artists before her, that my skin was too good and shouldn't be covered up.

Its only literally over the last few months that I have come around to that way of thinking. No matter how well I take care of my skin, it will always have high colouring and instead of caking it with lots of coverage, I'm going to wear the coverage it needs. A week or so ago, I bought Chanel's Pro Lumiere, which is to be discontinued. Typical. This light coverage foundation not only gives me a dewy glow that lasts all day, but makes the best out of my skin.

While it may not block out all of the colour, it gives a beautiful sheen to the skin and has made me realise its not that red. Don't get me wrong, I would never wear it on a night out or much during the Winter; but for the Summer months when the weather is beautiful and the tan is building, Chanel Pro Lumiere is the perfect foundation for me. It looks well, it gives a beautiful coverage and it gives me the confidence to walk around with my head held high.

And then they go and discontinue it. Boohiss.

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Sigma Flat Top Kabuki

I was kindly sent the Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80 for review about two weeks ago. While I have a few different foundation brushes, nothing I own is similar to this type. I have used it everyday since I received it and I really love it.

What they say:

This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned. Made of Synthetic Sigmax HD filament.

What I say:

The first few days I used this brush I received so many compliments on what my friends called my flawless skin. I used the brush with my YSL Teint Resist foundation and it worked a treat. It gently buffs the product into the skin, providing an almost airbrushed effect. The bristles are so soft and there was no shedding when I washed it over the course of the two weeks.

However, there were a few negatives I found while using this brush. The first was that when I washed it, I could never seem to get the centre of it perfectly clean no matter how hard I tried. While I know myself the brush was clean after washing, the tiny foundation stain in the middle of the brush drove me slightly crazy. And second, less importantly, it takes a lot longer to dry than my other brushes. This is because of how dense it is, and isn't particularly annoying but means that it should be washed the night before using it again.

After washing

I do really like this brush, though, and it has definitely replaced any other foundation brush I had used previously. Its soft, the handle is easy to work with and it creates a flawless, airbrushed base. I have never tried any other Sigma brushes, but am certainly tempted after having used this one!

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Eyeko Haul and Review

I recieved my Eyeko order yesterday, and as with every package I get, I was really excited. Postman thinks I'm a freak, btw. 

Anyway, I got a few things as there was a deal of 25% off with a free gift, nice one! I love most of the Eyeko products I have already, and the packaging is really adorable. I ordered the Fat Balm in Toffee and two of the new Liptastik lipsticks.

Fat Balm in Toffee

The Fat Balm's are something I've been really interested in for ages, but never remembered to order. There are loads of colours but the one I went for was the Toffee, as its the most nude out of them all.

What They Say:

Creamy caramel for a polished nude lip look and incr-edible toffee scent-sation!

What I Say:

While this is a lot more pigmented than I thought, I really like it. It's not as moisturising as some of my other lip products, but it does the job. The packaging is so cute and its small enough to fit in your bag and can be used on your cheeks too, result!

Liptastik in Hot Lips and Loud Mouth

After seeing a review on Natalya's beauty blog, I just had to have these. Although bright coloured lipsticks aren't usually my thing, I've been getting more and more used to them over the Winter months.

What They Say:

Following fashions trend for bold lips is easy with Eyeko Liptastik Glossy Lip Pen. Just line and fill
in one easy sweep for liner, colour and gloss in one! 

What I Say:

These were described on Natalya's blog as a lipliner, lipstick and lipgloss all in one, and they really are. While I haven't got the biggest lips (sadly), I still need to line my lips because the stick is quite big. The colours are very highly pigmented and are truly stunning! When they arrived I wasn't sure about them, and for me they are definitely not daywear, but for nighttime they are perfect. 

Loud Mouth

 Hot Lips

The free product I received was the London Lips Lipgloss in Shoreditch.

 

What They Say:

Creamy rose makes for a flirty lip look! Whether you’re browsing in Brick Lane or partying in Hoxton Square.

I uploaded an everyday makeup tutorial to Youtube today..If you would follow it would make my day!

Click here to go to my channel!

 

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Review: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation

It can withstand rain, wind and I would even bet gail forces..This is not a car or plane I speak of but Laura Mercier's new Créme Smooth Foundation. This is a brand I tend to overlook, love their products but never seem to buy them. Not anymore!

I have always had a flighty relationship with foundations, proclaiming one to be the perfect concoction and then realising its flaws soon afterwards. However, after almost two weeks of this foundation, I'm in love with it and I don't think I want to change it.

I went to my local Laura Mericer counter with the idea of buying the mineral powder foundation, but as I have dry skin was forced to consider this new formula. Thank God, I did.

What they say:

Laura created this modern, lightweight foundation that floats over skin without visibly settling into fine lines. The hydrating formula includes a multipeptide complex infused with Dermaxyl and advanced optical diffusers that help to visibly smooth out lines and wrinkles.

What I say:

Don't let the formula in the gar fool you, when I first saw it I thought I would end up looking like a cakey mess. However it really is lightweight, but provides the perfect amount of coverage; enough to cover imperfections but not make you look like Jordan on a bad day. You need only a pea-sized amount of product all over the face as it blends so well and you use your fingers to lightly apply it to the face. Not only does it leave the skin with a truly flawless coverage, but it definitely keeps it hydrated throughout the day.

I have had this problem with other foundations, where my skin feels tight and I feel the need to moisturise and reapply the foundation. With this Laura Mercier one, it feels as if nothing is being worn and the skin is moisturised all day. And it lasts, all day long.

I would not recommend this product for oily skin, as it's main aim is to hydrate; but any other skin type would benefit from its usage. Now, it is expensive; 60euro/£50 but the amount used each day is so minuscule that it will literally last ages.

I use it together with the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, which I apply with a small concealer brush to the under eye area. Like the Créme Smooth Foundation it is so soft and lasts the whole day on my face.


Step 1: Apply concealer to inner eye are with concealer brush
Step 2: Blend with ring finger
Step 3: Bright eyes

Have you tried this foundation/concealer?

My Youtube

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When the Sister's Away...

Enter my MAC 100 Followers Giveaway here!

My sister recently moved away so spent a few weeks cleaning out her room. She has no interest in make up so I wasn't expecting her to "gift me" anything that wouldn't fit in her suitcase!

When I opened her wardrobe to put in some of my clothes, there was six or seven almost full bottles of perfume, a few lipsticks, a few eye shadows and the Urban Decay Ammo Palette. She has never used it before..Crazy lady!

The Ammo palette, which is not a new Urban Decay product is nowhere near as good as the Naked one (but, I am a neutrals girl) but its a new revelation for me. There are some stunning colours in it! The packaging is slightly cheap; thin, black and kind of reminds me of something you would get free in a magazine.

But then you open it and a little world of colour pops our at you. A few, such as Smog and Sin are already in my Naked palette, but Last Call, Stunning and Mildew are stunning. My sister is clearly an idiot for not bringing this with her, but hey, I benefit from it!

(I couldn't get a good picture of it as its so dark at night here!)

L-R Top Row: Smog, Mildew, Oil Slick, Last Call, Chopper
L-R Bottom Row: Maui Wowie, Shattered, Polyester Bride, Grifter, Sin

Happy Monday!

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Eyeko Mascara Review

I bought the Eyeko Tube Mascara about ten days ago and thought I'd share my views with you. First off, its a frickin' squeezy tube, how mad is that?! I'd heard only good things about it, that you only needed one coat of it to get amazing and full lashes, so was eager to try it out.

What they say:

"Long & luscious lashes in 1 easy squeeze.Transforms lashes in the twinkle of an eye! Lash friendly formual combining natural oils and silicones with added Panthenol (Vitamin B).Designed to prevent dryness, premature breakage and to promote lash growth. The brush has widely dispersed bristles for evenly coated perfectly separated long lashes."

What I say:

I was a bit skeptical at first, as was my sister, because its in a squeezy tube (I still marvel at this!), which strikes me that there's a lot less product there and that it may dry out quicker than a normal mascara. I haven't had any problems with it so far and I absolutely love it! I usually use brown mascara, but this only comes in black so I decided to chance it.

The first day I used it, I lightly coated my eyelashes with the wand and was met with instant va-va voom voluminous, massive lashes. I was literally blown away by how different and "open" my eyes looked, and had to run down to my sister to tell her (who immediately decided to order some, typical!). In work I had no less than four people ask me if I was wearing fake eyelashes, and one who works with me has ordered a tube since.

As far as their claim that the mascara promotes lash growth, until I've used it for a while I can't really say. Not sure I believe a mascara can do that, but I'll keep using it and keep you updated!

Now, obviously, this product isn't with its downside, but so far I've only found one. Removing it. Its quite difficult to remove, and you really have to scrub to get it off. Other mascaras I have used are removed much more easily, but don't give anywhere near the same payoff. I'm literally in love. The Eyeko mascara is priced at £8/10euro, and the company ship free to the UK and Europe. Result.

Eyes With And Without Mascara

With Flash

Left (no mascara) Right (Eyeko Mascara)

Without Flash

You get the picture anyway. I'm in love with this product and would love to try more Eyeko stuff. Has anyone else tried this mascara or any Eyeko products?

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