November Favourites

I understand I don't post these every month which is why I sometimes just do a 'Current Favourites'. I don't find myself trying new products all the time, I just stick to the ones I know I love. However, I'm going to try my best to do one every month!

NYX Eyebrow Gel - I have this in the color brunette. It's a beautiful neutral/cool toned dark brown. This product is INTENSE. It's definitely not for those times when you want a more natural brow look. This makes your brows look sculpted and carved. Your brows look very done up which isn't a bad thing depending on the look you are going for. If i wanted to do my makeup for a formal event, or wanted a more "glam" look, this definitely fits very well. 

However, some days I tend to like a more natural brow look. I want my brows to have some definition but not to the point where I need my face to look "made up". I find that when I use this brow gel, I have to do a full face of makeup otherwise my brows just stand out too much.

This brow gel is waterproof and stays on the whole entire day. It's very difficult to wash out of my brushes. I use an oil based makeup remover and i still find some product stuck in the bristles.

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer - I bought this in the lightest shade, to conceal and brighten the under-eye area.I find this concealer has really good coverage and very pigmented. It blends wonderfully and definitely buildable. I use this in my everyday make-up routine and will definitely re-purchase! 

Eyelure Individual Lashes - These Eylure Individual False Eyelashes are applied to the lash themselves to give body and length. This means they will last as long as your natural eyelashes, up to four weeks.

These false eyelashes instantly add volume to understated lashes, giving your eyes a subtle, natural but fuller style. They are also perfect for daytime and evening styles. I wear these lashes most weekends, usually not during the week as I have school, but you can also just wear a few if you just want a very natural look.

Rimmel Kate Moss Nude Collection - I adore these shades! I own four out of the six. I am more of a nude lipstick person, because I like my dark smokey eyes. On the days I wear something a little less strong on the eyes, I usually opt for an autumnal shade or a classic red. These nude lipsticks last ages, are super pigmented and very moisturising.

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REVIEW: Flormar's Duo Shimmering & Body Lotion

. Be a shimmer queen this Autumn with Flormar’s new Duo Shimmering & Body Lotion. The lotion has a dial where you twist to adjust the amount of shimmer you want mixed in with your body lotion. You can go from sheer beauty to glowing goddess in no time.

This skin finishing duo contains a body lotion enriched with shea butter, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil on one side, and a gold shimmer gel formulated with aloe vera and panthenol on the other side.  It is the perfect skin enhancer for dull and tired looking skin, giving you a gorgeous healthy glow with a subtle golden sparkle.

I first used this a few nights ago after my bath, and this stuff smells AMAZING, and is also very moisturising.

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My Top 5 Bronzers

Today I thought I’d share some of my favourite bronzers from Boots and High Street stores. I find myself using bronzer more than ever before. They have so many uses, and are particularly good in the summer for complimenting a tan, as well as handy tools for contouring and sculpting.

Soap and Glory’s Solar Powder is a bronzer and a highlighter all in one. Again with a light shimmer, it creates a really natural glow, especially when you dust the lighter shade highlighter over your cheekbones. Having the combination of the two in the compact makes it nice and easy to take with you, great for touching up your complexion on the go.

Bourjois’ Delice de Poudre bronzer is a rich, warm brown so is great for when my skin is looking naturally more tan than usual. It has a super soft finish making it easy to apply with a lovely texture. It has a tiny, subtle amount of shimmer to it which gives off a natural looking glow, great for making you look like you’ve just got back from an exotic holiday! I love the chocolate bar design and it even has a sweet, chocolatey scent to it.

L’oreal’s Glam Bronze is one of my absolute favourites and one I find myself reaching for all year round. It has a matte finish for a natural looking tan, but is in a particularly golden shade, adding warmth to your skin, and the matte finish makes it great for contouring.

Revlon’s Bronzilla was a more recent addition but the neat compact with brush included made it ideal for taking with me on holiday. This bronzer has a strong colour payoff so you only really need a small amount, but is long lasting so will stay put throughout the day.

Last but not least, The Body Shop’s Honey Bronze in 02 is on the fairer side of bronzers, and even comes in a shade lighter, so is great for those with paler skin tones. It comes in a handy mirrored compact too, I tend to throw this in my handbag to take with me on the go. Again with a matte finish, this is perfect for subtle contouring and adding shape and definition to your face.

 

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REVIEW: No7 Beautiful Skin

I am ALWAYS open to trying any new brands or ranges. Personally I think skincare is one of those things we must all pay great attention to. There’s no point spending lot’s of money on makeup to cover up our skin if we aren’t spending the money on making sure our skin is up to scratch underneath it. No7 is a brand stocked in Boots, and is one I am often drawn to in terms of skincare and makeup.

 Amongst the collection, there are balm cleansers, water cleansers, foaming cleansers, gel cleansers, exfoliators, masks, serums and both day and night moisturisers for all skin types. I am definitely more of a “cream cleanser” girl. I feel as though a cream and a muslin cloth cleanse the skin a lot more thoroughly than a water on a cotton pad. However, I have been reaching a lot more for the water cleansers in the morning, as a quick refresh and instant pick me up. I still use my Liz Earle cleanse and polish for removing makeup at night, but i just find that a water cleanser is a nice morning boost. This water cleanser is among many I have tried, and I can’t say it is my favourite, but it is lovely. The smell of both these products are absolutely amazing, really fruity and summery. One thing I like on this water cleanser though, is the pump. Not a lot of the water cleansers I’ve tried have a pump, and require you to use the “tip and squeeze/shake” method (one which normally ends in an overly drenched cotton pad). The main thing that meant this cleanser wasn’t up there with my favourites though, was that I didn’t find it that good at removing makeup. Great for a skin boost in the morning yes, but removing makeup (even a light coating) took too many cotton pad refills and left my skin feeling a little tacky. 

The moisturiser is also really lovely. The cream is a nice consistency and again, smells amazing. It does feel quite thick on the skin, even though it says it’s for normal/oily skin.

Overall I was impressed with the few products I tried although they haven’t taken the lead in the skincare stakes. I think that I will have to pop into Boots to have a little look at other items in the range, the cleansing gel and balm sound interesting. No7 is a really well priced skincare brand, so even if these products aren’t for you, it’s worth taking a look at what they have to offer.

Have you tried anything from the No7 Beautiful Skin range? Anyone tried the balm or gel cleansers?

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Origins Spot Remover

I don’t often review individual products on my blog, although it’s definitely something I am now going to start doing because I always find myself searching for specific products reviewed on blogs before I consider buying them (I value bloggers honesty when it comes to reviews). So, without further a do, I shall get cracking with this one!

I was sent this product a long time ago, and had completely forgotten it existed beneath the mountains of skincare products I seem to be hoarding. It’s a tiny little blue bottle, only containing 10ml. You may think this is a measly amount, but I have been using this constantly for around 2 months and it just doesn’t seem to disappear. This spot gel is essentially for those pesky breakouts you may experience. I personally get a few around my chin and my nose just before that time of the month (oh mother nature). Origins claim that this spot remover heals, fights and fades spots and I have to agree 100%. I have used many spot gels and creams in the past, but nothing that really worked in the same way as this. It contains salicylic acid which instantly helps heal, while “anti spot technology” helps to correct post blemish marks. It also contains caffeine and red algae to help relieve redness. To help keep skin looking spotless it also has super exfoliants to keep dead skin cells at bay and to ensure the skin is clear of clogged pores. 

I usually pop a tiny amount of this on any little spots that start to creep up on me and I notice that the spot either disappears completely after around 2 days or is somewhat dulled. It is a gel, so feels very cooling on the skin and dries almost instantly. It doesn’t feel too tight once dry, but does feel a little tighter than if you were to use a cream. I like the slight tightness, as I feel it’s drying out/killing off my spot. I also found that applying makeup over the gel once dried was absolutely no problem. I also use it after the spot has vanished, just to speed up the post blemish healing process (as my spots always leave nasty red marks for weeks on end) and I’ve noticed that it helps with that too. 

If you are looking for a product just to target spots once they’ve invaded, I would definitely suggest this! Of course we all spend money on skincare to try and prevent them from attacking but sometimes you have to come up with a plan b once they’ve pushed their way through!

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Bia Beauty

I received these lovely goodies from Bia Beauty at the Cloggers event in Cork. 

Bia Beauty is a fantastic range of 100% handmade, natural skincare products.

Created by Tracey Ryan, using simple, natural food ingredients. Bia is the Irish word for food, hence the name, and this range literally feeds the skin leaving it super moisturised and soft! I fell in love with these products straight away.

Heres what I’ve been trying out…

Lime Pie Lip Balm - These natural lip balms are made with pure beeswax, cocoa butter and nourishing sweet almond oil which keeps your lips moisturised whatever the weather. I apply this is the morning and night and throughout the day if I feel like my lips are dry or chapped. This is a definite handbag essential for me.

Orange & Grapefruit Facial Exfoliant & Cleanser - A facial exfoliant needs to be powerful yet gentle and it needs to cleanse and nourish the skin rather than dry it out, and this does exactly that!

Stop the Clock Natural Eye Gel - This natural eye gel is made from rose, myrrh and immortelle essential oils, which are soothing for delicate skin, combined with arnica oil and aloe vera to produce a cooling and healing eye gel to instantly brighten tired eyes. I use this eye gel as part of my night time routine and I really notice a difference when I wake up. My eyes appear less puffy and 'more awake'.

I really recommend these products and this brand. I will definitely be trying out more of their products and will be sure to let you know how I get on.

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My Favourite Self Tan & Tanning Routine

I'm a big fan of self tan. Usually I would tan if I had an event to go to, or if I was going out BUT recently I've been constantly tanning my whole body because the weather here has been absolutely shocking so there's no way I can get a natural tan. 

Prepare and exfoliate your skin 

Exfoliating is key to the perfect fake tan, it removes dead skin cells to create a blank canvas for your tan to be applied to. Make sure to moisturise after exfoliating too as this will banish any dry patches that the tan could cling to.

If you’re going to wax/shave before your tan: leave it 48 hours after waxing and 24 hours after shaving to make sure there’s no skin irritation when you apply your fake tan.

How to Apply Fake Tan

Take it a step at a time, figure out your fake tan plan before getting to work. I recommend starting at the top and working your way down, making sure nowhere is missed. (don't forget to tan your feet. there is nothing worse than seeing a beautifully tanned body and pale feet!!!)

Grab a mitt and apply your chosen fake tan to the mitt, work in fluid motions and glide the mitt over your skin until you have even coverage. Take it slow and make sure you haven’t missed anywhere, you can always ask for help with those tricky areas like your back.

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after tanning, but don’t forget to tan them too!

Leave your tan to dry completely before getting dressed or getting into bed to avoid any smudges or patches. If you’re looking for a lighter tan, shower around 4-5 hours after application but if you’re looking for a darker tan, shower 8-12 hours after application. I usually tan at night so that way I can sleep in my tan and shower in the morning. If you feel that you want to go darker, simply repeat the fake tan process. Never apply fake tan directly to your feet and hands, always work the tan from your arms and legs to make sure you have an even, light colour. Use a little moisturiser to blend in dry areas and make sure to wipe away any colour on your palms and wrists, nobody wants orange palms! (trust me)

My Faves

St.Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan

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Current Skincare Routine

I’m constantly changing my skincare routine, but I’ve recently discovered some new drugstore gems as well as some old time faves. Read on to learn about my current skincare routine:

Step 1: I’ve been using Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser for years because it removes makeup and also cleanses your skin in one step. If you close your eyes and use it on your lashes, it removes any non-waterproof mascara with ease, so I never have to use a separate eye makeup remover. After cleansing I would usually use an exfoliator but certainly not everyday. The exfoliator I use is the Murad exfoliating cleanser.

Step 2: Your next step should be a toner, especially if you have oily skin. I don’t use a toner every night, but one facialist told me that toner is necessary because it takes the pH of the skin back to normal. Apparently the pH of tap water is bad for your skin, and you need a toner afterward. This lady was also probably trying to sell me some toner. Regardless, when I use a toner, I use the Murad clarifying toner.

Step 3: Moisturiser - SPF moisturisers are a bigger deal than you think. You may be starting to think about your sun cream since the sun has been out, but ultraviolet rays can be damaging on even the cloudiest of days, so moisturisers with SPF are a year-round beauty bag essential. The moisturiser I am currently using is Origins 'A Perfect World'

Step 4: Apply eye serum. For the past year or so I’ve been using All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage from Clinique. I rolled on just a little not expecting much since my bags are pretty noticeable. Then I noticed my bags were GONE! This eye serum really does reduce any puffiness.

Step 5: I then apply a face oil. The one I have recently been using is the Clarins Face Treatment Oil Blue Orchid for dehydrated skin. I apply the oil last as it locks everything in, whereas if you applied this before it would stop any moisturiser or cream from being absorbed.

Step 6: And finally I apply my favourite lip balm which is the Bia Beauty Lime Pie Lip Balm. Its super moisurising and smells amazing. (Will have a full review on the Bia Beauty range soon!)

Would you like to see a Makeup Routine?

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Wolford Collaboration: My New Fave Leggings?

I recently got contacted by the wonderful team at Wolford asking if I'd like to review a few pieces from their line. Of course I jumped for the opportunity and said YES! They gave me a selection of leggings that I could chose from. They had so many different styles and colours but this was definitely my favourite. 

These are called the 'Estella leggings'. These faux leather leggings are super comfortable and completely opaque. A decorative seam above the knee perfects the look. I think every girl needs a pair of staple leggings and these are definitely mine. I not only wear them on nights out, or even going out in the evening for dinner but they can also look really lovely styled with a long-length top as more of a casual look. I would definitely recommend you look at their website as they have amazing stuff. These leggings retail at €245.00 and come in Black & Cream. If you want to see how I style them I will be posting more pictures on my blog in the next few weeks but also on my instagram which you can follow here: https://instagram.com/josie_o_d/

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REVIEW: Toni & Guy

These are my most used Toni & Guy products. I absolutely love them and have repurchased them all a good few times!

Heat Protection Mist: Love this! Initially used a Treseme heat protectant spray, but that simply does not compare to the Toni and Guy! I feel that this product really does protect my hair and have noticed reduced damage to my hair after using styling tools, absolutely swear by this! Worth the price tag!

Sea Salt Texturising Spray: I really like this spray. When I don't have time to dry and straighten my hair I spray this on and let it dry naturally. It gives my hair volume, some waviness and a beachy look. I have naturally curly hair and by adding this is doesn't make the curls look frizzy.

Cleanse Shampoo for Damaged Hair: After I bought a full set of this line, I had high expectations of this shampoo. From dying my hair so often my hair did get quite damaged. I wanted something nourishing and a good repair shampoo and this is definitely it!

Nourish Conditioner: I use this along with the Toni & Guy Cleanse shampoo for damaged hair. The conditioner has a fairly strong scent that I don't mind. It leaves my hair smooth without weighing it down. It also leaves it very silky and manageable and of course very conditioned.

These are my most used Toni & Guy products. I absolutely love them and have repurchased them all a good few times!

Would you like to see a Makeup & Skincare routine?

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May Favourites

So, its been a while since I last posted a favourties. Its kind of crazy how fast May has come and gone, but June is finally upon us and I'm ready for summer! (if the weather actually gets better, that is)  I'm really excited to show you my favourites this month though because I am truly in love with every single product on this post and I hope you'll find something to fall in love with too!

Benefit-They're Real Mascara

I've had this for a few months now, but as you know I haven't posed in a while. I had been wanting to try this mascara for so long, as I'd heard so many amazing things about it and I have the shortest lashes ever and knew it would be able to help me and I can say it has not disappointed. I have used it every day since and it's slowly over taking my all-time favourite mascara and I will 100% be repurchasing when this runs out.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

This is a really old favourite of mine, but I was having a few horrible skin days last week and my trusty Liz Earle came to the rescue. It really is gentle and perfect for anyone with sensitive skin who's scared of using harsh products because everything in it is natural. Plus, because it exfoliates too so gives me a really nice natural glow. The skin tonic spritzer is a really nice little companion for it too.  

The Body Shop All In One Cheek Colour shade Macaroon 

The wonderful girls in the Body Shop in Cork gave us little goodie bags filled with lovely little pieces. Recently this has been my go-to blush. I need an unlimited supply of this, seriously. The photo does it no justice, the colour is absolutely gorgeous, I'd say it's got a nice coral tone to it and it just awakens my face so much - I feel alive when I apply this to the apple of my cheeks, it really does alter my face and make me look so much fresher and brighter. I absolutely love this product. The Body Shop do it again!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

This is definitely my go to palette. I use this everyday, and have been for the past few weeks.

I do like the other 2 Naked Palettes but this one has got to be my favourite. Yes it is super pigmented, long lasting, gorgeous, and really easy to blend.

John Freida Sheer Blonde Moisturising Conditioner

I have ombred hair, which means the lengths and ends of my hair are bleached, which isn't great for your hair. It can leave your hair quite damaged if you don't look after it. I've been using this conditioner for about 2 months now and I can say it definitely has improved my hair. Its a lot softer, easy to manage, and super moisturising. I plan on getting my hair coloured again so I will definitely be repurchasing!



Mac Creme d'nude Lipstick
This lipstick I have been wearing all day everyday. It's constantly in my handbag and for sure will run out soon. This is definitely one of my favourite nude shades. I usually wear this with a darker nude lip liner like Mac Spice or Mac Stripdown.

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Real Techniques Brushes

Slowly but surely, I've been accumulating some of the brushes from Real Techniques. In case you're not familiar, it's a line by well known YouTuber & makeup artist, Samantha Chapman. I first ran into these brushes at Boots about 3 years ago, and as a whole, I've found them to be really high quality brushes for an affordable price. See how the bristles on these brushes have lighter tips? That's pretty much a consistent feature throughout the whole line. They have really soft, synthetic taklon bristles. The ferrule of the brush is a coloured aluminium and is longer (the ferrule) than most other brushes. It seems most of the larger brushes that you can buy singularly can stand on their own, which is another unique feature. The specific name of each brush is actually written out on the brush, which is handy as well. I thought I'd just walk you through what I have, and my thoughts on them. 

Stippling Brush: This is the first brush I got from the line and it has much shorter bristles compared to the Sigma stippling brush. I feel like the shortness also makes them a bit more stiff, and therefore able to apply a bit more pressure to the face & truly stipple on a product with ease. You could use this brush to stipple on a liquid or cream foundation, but the size also lends it to cream blushes or highlights as well. It's just slightly larger than the ELF Studio Small Stipple brush, which I also like to use for that purpose. 

Blush Brush: This is one of my most recent Real Techniques purchases, and it's definitely the largest, most full brush that I have from this line. It has an extremely tapered egg shape, and while it can apply blush, I really feel like it's ample size for applying all over face powder or bronzer... as well as a highlight, for that matter. I think the degree to which this brush is tapered makes it a good multi-tasker for all of those products- and therefore it's also a great travel brush when you don't want to pack a whole lot. 

Setting Brush: Another recent purchase, the setting brush is a terrific size for setting your under-eye concealer with a light amount of powder. A lot of flat concealer brushes have a tendency to pack too much on, and anytime you powder the under-eye area, it needs to be really lightweight. This brush is so nicely tapered that you can really get the perfect application in that area. It's also nice for highlighting targeted areas. 

Expert Face Brush: After just trying a couple of brushes from the line and not being super wowed by them (the Stipple brush and the eye set), this was the first brush that I really, really enjoyed- and prompted more brush purchases from this line. I still feel like the Sigma F80 is my ultimate favourite for applying liquid or cream foundation because of the effortless circular motion it can perform. The shape and taper of this brush makes it a bit more stiff, but it's still awesome for a liquid foundation. As with all of the brushes from this line, it's extremely soft and just feels great on the face. 

The Core Collection: This is a set of four face brushes, and while I explain the ways I use them- keep in mind this set can be really multipurpose depending on your needs. The top brush is the Buffing Brush. This isn't much larger than the expert face brush, but the bristles are slightly longer and not as tightly packed, making it a bit more flexible. I think this is a good brush for buffing in a mineral or powder foundation when you want maximum coverage. The Contour Brush is the second from the top. This is kind of like the baby version of the blush brush... it has that same egg shape and super tapered cut. I think it's great for both contouring and highlighting. The Pointed Foundation Brush is quite small, and so I'm not a big fan of using it for foundation, but it is rather nice for blending out concealer. The long bristles allow for light pressure, and keep you from totally wiping concealer away. The Detailer Brush is something I haven't reached for much, but I could see it being used to spot conceal some very small problems, or even as a smudgy eyeliner brush. 

If you get any of the Real Techniques brushes in a kit, they come with a very innovative little holder. It has a toggle on it so you can fold it back and stand your brushes. You'll notice there's additional elastic if you want to add in some other brushes. 

You can also loosen the toggle and use the velcro closure to store or travel with your brushes. I'd never seen this kind of a holder sold with brushes before and thought it was really handy and user friendly! 

In this handy starter set, there are three brushes that I use religiously and two that I don't use at all, or rarely. I use the brow brush, base shadow brush and crease brush, and of the two little ones (fine liner brush and accent brush), I have occasionally used the accent brush for precise applications of concealer. 

Brow brush - great for brow products, a little too thick/imprecise for applying eyeliner for me (my eyes are small and I prefer subtle/thin eyeliner on the odd occasion I use it).

Base shadow brush - again, great for base/lighter eyeshadows, I think it's a little too big/soft and therefore imprecise for me personally in blending darker shadows.

Crease brush - I use for darker shadows and blending into the crease and socket. I also use this brush to apply concealer under my eyes as it's the perfect shape. I also use it to apply different concealer on imperfections and then for blending same in. 

Shading Brush: Here's another really basic-seeming brush that's sold individually, but would've been nice in that Starter Kit. It's small and flat, and allows you to provide just the right amount of pressure for packing shadow on the lid or pulling it into the crease. As with all of the other eye and face brushes, it the bristles are really nice and soft. 

Overall, I think Real Techniques brushes are really great quality. I was drawn to purchase several of these after watching the demonstrations on the Real Techniques website and also on Sam and Nic's YouTube channel (pixiwoo). I would highly suggest checking it out, not only to see all of the various brushes- but to also see them in action and learn about the multiple uses that some of them have. 

My favourite brushes from this line are the Blush Brush, Setting Brush, Expert Face Brush, Fine Liner Brush, and Shading Brush. The Core Collection is good, but not really all that unique compared to brushes I already have, and the Starter Set for eyes was probably the product that I least enjoyed. And just so you know, I'm not affiliated with this brand and bought the brushes with my own money at Boots. What brushes have you tried from Real Techniques? What are your hits and misses?

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REVIEW: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

I know there's a load of newer, cooler multi-purpose products than this, and the smell isn't very appealing for some....but Eight Hour Cream, beats them all hands down.

If you want to travel light, this product will do the job of a night cream, eye cream, hand cream, cuticle cream, lip balm, emergency skin soother (for rashes, scrapes and extreme dry skin patches), eyelash conditioner, and probably a whole lot of other things besides. I think there are entire web pages dedicated to the various uses of Eight Hour Cream.

Texture wise, it looks like a gold coloured Vaseline but has a more refined feel. A little goes a long way, and although it appears very greasy it absorbs easily and is deeply moisturising.

It's famous as a lip gloss on photographic shoots and it's easy to see why - as well as being super glossy and soothing, it manages to deepen your natural lip colour by a shade or two and is very flattering as well as more moisturising and healing than most lip balms on the market. It will also soften the driest of skin, cuticles and heels, and as a night cream (particularly in cold weather) will guarantee soft bright skin in the morning without making your skin feel greasy or making your pores huge.

I have been using this product for more just a few years and would hate to be without it. I just love it. Some people aren't very keen on the smell  but personally I don't mind it, ALSO a fragrance-free version has been on the market for a couple of years now.

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My Moroccanoil Favourites

Moroccanoil Oil Treatment

I am in LOVE with this stuff. I have long, colour treated hair which is fine, oily at the roots and dry at the ends. For years my hair felt coarse and frizzy and no amount of deep conditioner, serum or natural oils made any difference. Fed up, I thought I would give this stuff a try and I am so happy I did!

It cost about €30 but it was quite a large bottle. It feels like a silicone serum, much like any other, but this made my hair bouncy, smooth, light and shiny. Strangely, I can use a lot of this and it doesn't make my hair look oily or heavy unlike other serums. I put it on wet hair, comb it through with a fine tooth comb and smooth it with my fingertips before blow drying. Afterwards I add a bit more for good measure. 

Make sure you buy from a salon and not online as there are fakes out there. Also try pure Argan oil, it is really good as a treatment.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray 

I really love this hairspray. Sounds ridiculous, but my favourite thing about it is definitely the smell! It's so nice and it's not sticky at all. I usually don't need to use hairspray when I wear my hair straight unless I've teased the crown a little bit. However, when I curl my hair, I'll spray it on my hair and then curl it. It not only gives really good hold but it lasts a long time and it's not crunchy at all! I really like this stuff and although it's more on the expensive side, (mine was 25.00) my stylist said if it doesn't last me through the summer (at least 3 months) then I'm using too much of it. Sounds pretty good to me!

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

I really cannot relate to all those who said that this shampoo doesn't lather or clean well due to its lack of sulfates or whatever reason. Thanks to this shampoo, my hair can go on for 3 days looking bouncy, shiny, and fresh! I use it regularly, pairing it once a week with the moisture repair mask, otherwise I condition my hair with the Bumble & Bumble quenching conditioner which is really good too. I usually have fine, dry, and over processed hair. This shampoo is gentle on my hair, lathers perfectly and works wonders. Love it.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner

Brilliant conditioner. Best one I have ever used. Smells wonderful and isn't too thick but not too runny either. I put this on for about 5 minutes usually because I have really long hair. After I wash it off, my hair feels instantly silky, no tangles, and super moisturized and nourished without being heavy. Smells great for a long time too!

♥

Current Favourites

I apologize for not posting in a while. I've been super super busy.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my current favourites!



Sleek - Blush by Three in Lace

This is a wonderful trio of blushes! Being a big fan of blush AND sleek, I truly love this. The price is AH-MAZING for three different shades. There is one thing I should warn you about. Each colour is highly pigmented, so you need to be extra careful not to dab your brush with too much pressure or the chances of your cheeks turning into a clown are high! 


Sleek- Au Natural Palette


I really love this palette and the colours in it. The packaging is brilliant, I absolutely adore it, perfect for travelling (hello big mirror!). I love the shades, Some matte, some shimmery and lovely colours for a smokey eye.



Sleek- Face Form Contour Palette  


Sleek Makeup Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette is my new fav palette on the market today! Affordable and amazing quality – this little trio does exactly what it says on the tin and fits neatly in my make-up bag – match made in heaven!! A trio of shades for contouring and adding colour to the face – this little buy is perfect for any girl who loves to contour and excellent for contouring beginners!! 



Rimmel -Match Perfection

I was having a hard time deciding between YSL's luminous foundation and Stila's long wear (the one that comes with concealer) foundation. I talked to a friend who uses this product and she said that if those two had a baby, this foundation would be it. I decided to give it a shot. At first it seemed runny, but when you blend it in, it just looks so flawless and airbrushed. It's very very buildable without looking at all cakey. I apply this with a Real techniques buffing brush and the I love the finished look. (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL THE REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES, I LOVE THEM)


John Freida -Blow Dry Lotion

A bit of a sneaky addition as this hasn't made it’s way onto my blog yet and I won’t say too much about it yet apart from the fact it has managed to impress not only me but also my fine and uninspiring hair. Aimed at transforming fine hair into salon quality volume this has quickly wangled it’s way towards the top of my hair care bundle.


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My LUSH Picks

Okay, lets be honest. You CANNOT walk past lush, without popping in, am I right?

Lush. It's one of those places that I've always wandered past, contemplated whether to go in or not (because I buy WAY too much) and then just give in and buy a thing or two, or three, or ten.

1. Bath Bombs - There are so many bath bombs which I love. In fact, I don't think I dislike any. They are super moisturizing, smell delicious and of course, make your bath-water go all kinds of colours.

2. Rub Rub Rub - I discovered this product in store when a saleswoman insisted I give it a try. Usually I don't like demos, but this one was awesome. Not only is this exfoliating wash a lovely blue colour, it smells like something from my childhood. After using this, your hands feel super soft. It's also perfect for exfoliating your legs when you shave so they feel incredibly smooth. I totally recommend this to get your skin squeaky clean and summer ready. 

3. Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - Body conditioner works like hair conditioner. With the consistency of a lotion, it applies smoothly and is meant to be rinsed off. The saleswomen at the store recommended this as a supplement to the Rub Rub Rub product. Made from roses, this scent pairs unbelievably well with the exfoliator. 

4. Catastrophe Cosmetic Mask - This mask is meant to calm and soothe skin while leaving you with deeply cleaned skin. This is made from blueberries which makes it a pretty blue colour and gives it a nice scent. This mask needs to be kept in the refrigerator because of the fresh products in it. Also, these masks have expiration dates which means I never leave them sitting around until I feel like trying them. They get a ton of use!

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10 Products I Would Repurchase

First things first, Happy New year! I hope you all had a fab Christmas and enjoy 2015!

A while ago there was this tag going around on YouTube titled "10 Products I'd Repurchase." OR ''10 Products I Couldn't Live Without'' The premise was that if you lost ALL your makeup, which 10 products would you go to the store and repurchase immediately? I thought it was a cute tag and loved seeing what other people feel are necessary in their makeup collection. You have NO idea how hard it was to find 10 things I couldn't live without, I found out that honestly, I could live without a lot of the things I've bought, which makes me feel bad that I've spent so much but good that I'm not as materialistic as i thought. I probably COULD live without all these things BUT these are the products I always repurchase and love. 

Here is my top 10 list.

1. Satin Taupe Eyeshadow by Mac - I adore this eyeshadow. It's definitely my most used shadow, and goes with every look.

2. Carmex - I really don't need to explain this one. Holy grail lip balm.

3. Collection 2000 concealer - I have so many of these in my make-up collection. Whenever I go shopping I buy another because I know I will definitely use it. Its really easy to apply and blend and has full coverage.

4. Since I'm a foundation junkie, it was hard for me to pick just one; it was between my Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation (Review also on the blog) and Rimmel's- Wake me up.

5. Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant- This is a must for me, If I have dark circles. I normally wear full coverage concealer first and then this on top. It brightens my under eyes and helps me appear to be refreshed and more awake.

6. Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in Light- This is a great setting powder. Nearly Naked leaves a natural finish to the skin, not dewy but not matte, either. The powder is finely milled and feels silky to the touch. It sets my foundation and concealer wonderfully without leaving a powdery, cakey finish that most powders tend to do. I mostly use this to set my T-zone and under eye area.

7.Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - Ah, I love blush. I got this when I was on holiday last year. It was so hard to pick just one blush! If you've ever watched beauty vlogs or read blogs you know that Luminoso is a cult favourite. I have to agree with the masses, it's pretty awesome. Luminoso is a peachy-pink colour that leaves a gorgeous, glowing sheen on the cheeks. I don't even mess with a powder highlight when I use this, because it's totally unnecessary.

8.Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle - Eeeeek! Just pick one lippy?! I love all my lipsticks, but if I had to pick one, I'd have to go with this. Pink Truffle is that "my lips but better" lipstick. It's super easy to apply (don't even need a mirror), not drying and gives a good rich colour and shine without looking like you're trying too hard. Revlon really hit the mark with their whole lip butter line!

9. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - I tried a few drugstore ones back in the day and they were crap from what I can remember. I've owned and loved this one for about 1-2 years now, and it's still going strong. 

10. MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner. This is the liner that made me fall in love with liquid liner. The sponge applicator allows for both flexibility and control, and the liner itself is a rich, pigmented black with a slightly shiny finish that I love. It also stays on all day without budging.

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December Favourites

December often gets left out when it comes to most peoples monthly favourites as it's usually scrapped in favour of the big yearly round up - of which my 2014 edition will be up soon, but seeing as it's my favourite month of all, I've gathered together a few bits of my most reached for products from the last few weeks.

1. Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm - Since using the Emma Hardie cleanser, I have noticed a difference in the overall appearance of my skin. As someone with combination skin (oily and dry in places), it has definitely balanced it out, and the dry patches aren't as dry and the oily patches aren't as oily. I also feel as though my skin is a lot more hydrated and looks a lot more healthy. I also just really enjoy using this on my skin, it's a real treat when it's the end of the day and I can use this to remove my makeup, I almost look forward to it. As this cleanser is so gentle and natural, I would say that it is suitable for most, if not all skin types. If you haven't ever tried a balm, or the thought scares you a little, I really advise that you give it a go, like me you might be pleasantly surprised. 

2. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - This Foundation is a build-able medium to full coverage foundation. This blends beautifully into the skin and lasts quite a long time. The coverage is a little much for me every day, but its perfect for a night out, photos, or those times of the month when my skin is behaving badly. I also prefer to use this in the cooler parts of the year as I find it to be a little heavy for summer months.

3. Mac - Ruby woo Lipstick: This is THE red lipstick. It's been raved about endlessly and I still can't rave about it enough - it is a gorgeous, true red and seems to make everything pop.

4. Rimmel - Wake me up Concealer: This concealer feels so light and fresh, really brightens and doesn't feel heavy or cakey in the slightest and I can also double conceal with this and it doesn't look like I've applied too much! The coverage isn't the most full out of concealers that I've tried, it does a good job and my under eye circles are covered but my blemishes are a little stubborn under this. Although as I said above you can apply another layer to achieve extra coverage without it looking like you've got layers and layers of make up on.

5. Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash - Soap & Glory products, hands down, smells magnificent. This scent of this body wash reminds me of a slushy or an Ice-lolly. It's sweet with a hint of citrus. The packaging is lovely as usual with Soap & Glory products. I also love the pump on the bottle for easy dispensing while showering.

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