emerald eyeliner

Karma karma karma karma Chameleon

2012-01-30T22:59:00.003Z

My name is Mags and I am a Make up addict, you know this (it's probably why you're here) but what you may not know is some products bring out the stalker in me. If I see a product I love - I want it - I need it -I have to have it... and so the search begins. I get a certain look in my eye and although I could carry out many other tasks /have conversations/go to work/act like a normal human, there it is lurking in the back of my brain. I am like the Terminator, I must locate Sarah Connors. That's me, the Make up Terminator. (If I was clever I would insert a funny photoshopped picture of the Terminator with make up - except I am busy trying to appear normal while thinking about make up).

Last year Estée Lauder released Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee. I was hooked. The product was a liquid powder gel hybrid. What was weird about this is I don't usually pay much attention to highlighter/illuminators and what's more I cant remember the last time that I bought anything from Estée Lauder.

Read about the product here (from Musings of a Muse which is the source of the image and a brilliant blog).

Alas this part of the story does not end well as I was late on the bandwagon and it was SOLD OUT everywhere, every Estée Lauder counter I encountered, I asked and every counter was out of stock. Finally one day, there it was sitting in Debenhams in the Square (no Tallafornia jokes please). It was beautiful. The colour illuminating, the texture out of this world - this must be the stuff that Gods put on their faces -. there was nobody working the Lauder counter and the other sales assistant did her best to find it but she couldn't. Off I went with the phone number of the counter and a dream still in place, but the phone call was a fail, they were sold out (turns out they just had the tester out to tease me/annoy me/mess with my already fragile sanity).

I decided that I should man up and ask what they did with old testers (it was no good to anybody any more) , channelling Chandler from friends repeating to myself "I am a strong confident woman" over and over (I am after all the woman who walked around work with my skirt tucked into my knickers - I need the confidence boost), I asked could I have a sample of the product or the old tester. NOOO was the answer. I had run out of options - the only one left was paying the inflated ebay prices which was not really an option.

The story would end here .... but I do hate a sad tale so let's pep this up a little. During a daily read of Beaut (the mothership) they posted on Estée Lauder Pure Colour Topaz for Spring 2012 (read about it here) and there staring back at me was (a albeit darker) Illuminating Powder Gelée - this one (I vowed in a Scarlet O'Hara kinda way) will not get away.

Off I ~~marched~~ wandered to the Square and decided to try my luck at the Lauder counter in Boots. The Lauder girl was lovely but had never heard about the product. She did have training coming soon and so I ~~annoyed~~ entertained her by showing her the post by Beaut (how annoying must it be for Sales Assistants to have some "know it all" -me- asking about products that they have not been given details or information about yet). She promised after she had her training or learned of the products arrival she would ring me.

I relaxed (a little) as the collection is not due out til February, and then last weekend the Lauder Lady rang to say she had one in stock (warning me it was a darker shade) I thanked her profusely (trying to skirt the line between thankful and weird). It is mine. Wanna See?

Lauder's packaging confuses me - one side gold and glam and the other side is plastic.

When I swatched it I got a bit of a fright - it was very Orange

After I swatched the product and applied it, there were no dints or marks in the product.. It looked brand new again.

The product was very bronze/orange. Normally I would think I could work with it but January has been kicking my arse. I have been pasty and not just pale - GREY. Since it is a cream/gel/liquid/powder the texture is amazing and smooth. It applied like a dream and blends easily (although I might have been a bit heavy handed in the picture above). While I don't think its perfect for right now - although not too bad- when the summer comes I will be a total ride.

This is from Friday night (I was out at the dogs - who says I don't live a glamorous and lavish life) I don't think I look too Oompa but your opinions on my orangeness are welcome and encouraged.

Am I happy? Yeah I am I am delighted with myself... although sometimes the Terminator in me still thinks about the one that got away - after all how beautiful would a highlighter go with Topaz Chameleon?

Sleek - Bad Girl

2012-01-26T16:49:00.000Z

I love when somebody goes on a trip and brings you back a little pressie its exciting isn't it? Kinda like your sharing their trip. Before Christmas Sile went for a day trip up to Belfast and brought me back the Sleek Bad Girl Palette... I was only delighra. Not only was it very kind of her but also because I love Sleek palettes.

The Bad Girl Palette has a great range if you like a smokey eye. The choice of colours is brilliant with some of the dark shades being quite complex and not just "dark green" & "dark purple". I found if the colours were turning out too dark I could blend the silver colours in brightening up the look.

Please excuse me if these swatches are making me look like a "hairy armed blogger"

With the release of new fancy palettes (Naked2 for example) I sometimes forget how much I love Sleek Palettes. Here are some of their strong points.

The shadows are very soft and highly pigmented (so pigmented that I would recommend doing your foundation after your eyes as there can be a bit of fall out).
the shades are long lasting not only do they not fade the colour stays put all day (impressively so - the look you leave the house with in the morning is the same one that you have when you get home)
the palettes are affordable and great value

My only down fall is this: I have been on three quests in my life one for the arc of the covenant, the second for the holy grail and the third quest has been for Sleek products actually being available on the Sleek stands (I might have just enthusiastically watched the movie versions of the first two quests). I find it so frustrating that any time I have visited a Sleek Stand how badly stocked they are. The good news for us is that Sleek is becoming more available with online shops such as Cloud 10 Beauty and Beauty Emporium now stocking Sleek.

I highly recommend visiting Cloud 10 Beauty and looking here at the Sleek Bad Girl Palette (for the bargain price of €8.50), not only do Cloud 10 offer a loyalty service they also give free samples with each order and are a dream to deal with (see what I did there... Cloud 10 - dream - ).

You know that I like the Sleek paletts have you tried any? Oh and remind me next time I am ordering from Cloud 10 to order the Au Natural Palette - what are your thoughts on the Au Natural Palette?.

Review: Karora Self Tan Mist

2012-01-24T21:14:00.000Z

I'm very rarely seen without a layer of fake tan, usually just a light layer to take the blue hue off me. Even in winter I do the lazy girl's tan (arms & chest) so when the lovely people at cloud10beauty.com sent us a sample of Karora's Self Tan Mist to try out I was more than happy to give it a go.

Karora is an Irish company who specialise in natural formulation fake tanning products - no parabens, artificial fragrance or chemical nasties. They're also cruelty free. But are they any good? Going by the Self Tan Mist, yes they are - very good indeed. My fake tan of choice for the past couple of years has been Xen Tan's Dark Lotion and I'm happy to say that this has all the qualities that had me repurchasing Xen Tan for so long - easy application, dries quickly, doesn't streak, natural colour, and fades 'elegantly' (as Laura once said about another fake tan, ie. the piebald skin effect is minimal). Also, Karora's packaging is gorgeous - very luxe looking and satisfyingly heavy.

So, it's Irish, natural, cruelty free and very good. Any cons? Karora claim that this has 'no faux tan smell', but it does - it doesn't bother me, fake tan smells, 'tis a fact of life. Despite being a fake tan veteran it was actually the first time I had used a spray and I must admit I also fake tanned the bathroom the first time I used this but learned my lesson after that - spray closer to the skin or onto the tanning mitt.

I will happily purchase this myself.

Karora Self Tan Mist is currently on sale on Cloud10beauty for €19.99 for 200ml (usual price is €24.99) and it's also available in a 100ml bottle which would be great for travel.

Have you tried any Karora products? I love the sound of the Smooth Operator Multi Action Micro Peel!

Nails Inc - Gossip Girl Mani

2012-01-18T17:01:00.003Z

I am at the stage of my life where I "should" be looking at "grown up" "intellectual" programmes but I have never really done what "should" be done (ill stop using " " now). One of the programmes on my must see list is Gossip Girl - don't you just love it (by the way if you do love intellectual and serious programmes like Gossip Girl you should check out Hart of Dixie). For a while I had been noseing at the Gossip Girl Special Effects sets that Nails Inc brought out and when ASOS had a discount I snapped up Blair (my favourite character on the programme - hand up if your team Blair and Chuck).

In the set you get two polishes Blair which is a deep dark green and Privileged (the special effects topcoat). I applied a coat of Blair and then applied two coats of Privileged - and watch the magic happen. Privileged is what is termed a "Flakie" it looks like glitter but its not. It leaves flakes of changing iridescence that make you stare in wonder at your nails.

I was so in love with the effect that I went back and bought the set Serena (if you love something don't let it go- hoard it like a crazy person)

Serena set includes Serena a black polish and It Girl (the magic polish). To be honest you don't need the basic shade that comes in these sets, any polish that you already own will do unfortunately the special effects shades in this range are not sold separately. We will have more on Flakies coming up (I am already obsessed)

These sets are no longer available from ASOS but some of the sets are available from Nails Inc check here and where Nails Inc are sold.

Benefit Porefessionally Pretty

2012-01-17T18:58:00.001Z

I Love Benefit - their packaging never fails to make me smile and it helps that the products themselves are for the most part fantastic. During a recent trip to Boots Liffey Valley - The Happiest Place on Earth (I was actually going to the cinema but sure it would be a sin to ignore Boots), I noticed that Benefit had a beautiful retro makeup bag free with any purchase. Benefit also have a new Porefressionally Pretty set which includes The Porefessional, a half size Erase Paste (in no2) and a half size Girl Meets Pearl.... all for €33.50, which is the same price as the Porefessional on its own.

I had never tried Porefessional (I had gotten one for my Mam and she loves it) and when I put a sample of it on my hand I was amazed, just a tiny amount my hand felt amazing (I was literally walking around like a weirdo stroking my hand). Erase Paste has long been a favourite of mine, its salmon tones work wonders on dark circles. Girl meets Pearl is a lovely highlighter and even if you don't use highlighter (who can see them in this weather anyway) since you're getting this free you're not going to argue are you.

This Benefit girl said the set is available during January (it may be available for longer) so if you're a fan of the Porefessional its a good time to snap one up. January for me is an impatient month, waiting for new collections to come out so this is a great buy if you're feeling like a treat.

While I was in Boots I also picked up some half price Philosophy Christmas sets which smell delicious. I am currently smelling of Eggnog (Christmas scent, I know but I don't care- sue me) you can use the wash products as shampoo/shower cream and bubble bath. I was initially sceptical putting a multi product in my hair but my hair looks (and smells) freaking amazing.

Do you use Porefessional? or are you like me still using Christmas scents

China Glaze - Eye Candy

2012-01-16T21:05:00.001Z

Eye want candy.....Eye want candy........ sing song over let's get onto the polish shall we? I heard that China Glaze had a collection coming out that was inspired by Marilyn Monroe... a glittery collection. If there are two things that I love in the world it's glitter and Ms. Monroe. I picked these up on eBay (I couldn't wait) before Christmas but I had a little accident with Love Marilyn (the red) which involves a broken bottle of polish and glittery polish all over the carpet in work.

1. The Eye Candy Collection has 6 polishes

2. Swatches - 2 coats

3, 4 & 5 Blonde Bombshell (the gold) has a base of gold glitter mixed with larger gold glitter. Loreleis Tiara (the silver) is a fabulously dense silver glitter with hexagonal blue glitter.

6, 7 & 8 Material Girl - big pink glitters interspersed with pink shimmer. Some Like it Haute - a grey shimmer with hexagonal silver/multicolour glitter.

9, 10 & 11 Marry a Millionaire is purple glitter with stripes of teal/silver glitter (brill mix). Love Marilyn is red glitter with big chunky silver glitter.

13. Loreleis Tiara is probably my favourite because it has really opaque coverage after 2 coats and it just looks so pretty, in fact to me it looks like Cinderella's perfect nail polish (15).

Have you picked up any of the Eye Candy collection?

L'Oreal Bronze Divine Color Infallible Eyeshadow - Perhaps a dupe for MAC Golden Gaze

2012-01-05T16:56:00.000Z

Hands up anybody who has tried the Armani Eyes to Kill Eye Shadows? I don't actually own any but I have played (this is the correct term cause I play with makeup) with them every time I am in Brown Thomas. Since these cost the same price as a stupid (non - smart) phone I have been a bit wary about buying them. I have also been looking at the L'Oreal Color Infallible Eye shadows they look like the budget version of Armani but they are still pricey for the chemist costing about €12.00. At the moment these are on special offer in Boots for approx €6.50. The perfect time to try. I picked up two, today Ill tell you about No 024 Bronze Divine. Bronze Divine is soft and creamy and easy to apply, I first applied with my finger but got better coverage using a brush. The colour is a greeny/dirty gold some people may not be drawn to it but I think it is a beautiful colour.

Here it is on the eye, that is all that is on the eye (I have used a primer and tight lined with a brown pencil) the shadow is complex and gives the appearance in the corners that another darker shade has been applied. It reminds me of MAC's Golden Gaze which I have been longing for ever since I saw it on Karen (Lovely Girly Bits) at the Beaut awards - it was of course sold out by then so I cant do a side by side comparison.

L’Oréal say that its "Ultra-intense colour, up to 24 hour long-lasting hold and velvety soft feel" which is all true the shadow is so soft and lasted a long (first day) back in work after Christmas.

Please go over and check out Karen's (and her Lovely Girly Bits) looks using MAC Golden Gaze here and let me know if you think it is a good dupe, even if its not a dupe its a beautiful colour and the texture is amazing - stick your finger in a pot today.

P.S. sorry for the lack of posts over Christmas I took the opportunity over the time off to take pictures of various products and NOTD and it seems I accidentally deleted them - I AM A GOBSHITE.

Run dont walk, then swish your hair.

2012-01-03T22:18:00.001Z

I love big swishy hair - Toss Toss (if you have seen Wicked you will know where I get Toss Toss from). If you have seen the film New Years Eve (I don't care, you can hate on me all you want - I Loved it- it was an emotional roller coaster) you will have seen some pretty impressive hair (and disastrous hair - you Katherine Hiegl). SJP did her usual messy curls but for me Hilary Swank had the most amazing curly waves.

I am a fan of curling my hair because I can get a couple of days out of the look

1st day - curls

2nd day looser relaxed curls

3rd day Serena from Gossip Girl hair - swish swish.

So although you have to go to the effort of curling your hair its worth the trouble. I had seen this curling wand on Cloud10 beauty before Christmas and was going to ask Santa for it - it went out of my head - but I was delighted when I was on the site after Christmas and saw that the wand was reduced (from its already brilliant price of €42.95) to €36.95. This set includes a wand and a curling serum (which also acts as a heat protector). The wand arrived today and I am delighted with it, it heats up so quickly and in an instant I had hair that would make Hilary Swank cut off all her hair and pretend she was a boy.

I would have taken a picture but it is so dark that all you would see are red glowing beady eyes (its the light up Santa - I swear -) and a growling noise (from my belly it needs normal food STAT). But I will do a post on how my hair looks when I use the wand.

I love curling wands (once you get used to them) because they are quicker to heat and you don't need to leave them on your hair for as long, you also don't have to wind your hair from the bottom so the ends of the hair are saved from intense heat.

So what are you waiting for....run... run fast.... go to Cloud 10 click here and get yourself some swishy hair. (Did I mention they have free shipping if you spend over €50 ? they also have some Sleek products reduced).... Go Play.

Favourite Christmas Nail Polishes!

2011-12-23T12:05:00.000Z

These are the chosen polishes that I'll be wearing all over my nails for the next ten days or so. I don't need Christmas as an excuse to wear glitter but it does seem even more appropriate at this time of year - think a 'skittles' style mani using a combination of these would be too much?!

The only one of these that I wear exclusively at Christmas is OPI's Dear Santa - because of the uber Christmassy name, really, but also because it has become one of those rare, really-expensive-to-buy-on-eBay OPIs. As you can see above though Catrice's Marilyn & Me is a fairly decent dupe - the glitter in Marilyn & Me is bigger and grittier and it takes more layers to achieve opaqueness but it's not bad, not bad at all.

What are you wearing on your nails this Christmas?

Nars - Lets Multiply

2011-12-22T17:18:00.000Z

I have been trying to be good and not spend money on makeup when Nars Christmas collection came out I decided to see what Nars products I had at home and did I "need" anything (OK so we all know that my make up shopping has more to do with greed than need). This is how I discovered that I have multiple Nars Multiples - (see what I did there?). If your not familiar with Nars Multiples they are creamy sticks that you can use in on multiple places (see what they did there?).

So here is what Nars have to say:

The original multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body. Its unique, creamy formula blends effortlessly to provide sheer color for creating shimmering accents, contours or dynamic highlights on all skin tones. Creates perfect, glowing complexions and is conveniently designed for failproof application.

So what do I think?

Nars do not lie the Multiples are flipping brilliant. I really love using the multiples they are easy to use, so creamy, smooth and bendable (draw a line across your face and blend), usually come in beautiful colours and are convenient to use. I primarily use mine as face colour, I don't tend to use it on my lips and have so far never used it on my eyes. They leave beautiful colour and also can give a sheen to your skin. They are versatile, easy to use and fantastic. I happen to love the shades that can be used as a bronzer as they give a natural pretty effect.

I have two minor gripes with this product the first is that the packaging can get very grubby (this is not really a big deal - but mine have not been anywhere exciting and they are durty), the second and major gripe is the price... they cost €41.00... that's right 41 flipping euro. While the product has great staying power and the stick lasts ages its still not worth €41.00 especially since they are £29.00 - unfair euro pricing once again.

Here are the Multiples that I have: The names will be in picture above and swatch picture in the picture underneath.

Turks & Caicos was a limited edition summer colour (perfect for summer) its sheer and gives almost a translucent veil of colour - its looking a bit dodgy in the swatch because I haven't used it in a while.

I do love the multiples they are €39.00 on ASOS (if you purchase through Stirling it works out at better value). If your looking into buying a creme stick blush and are on a budget I would look into buying one of the NYC Blush able Creme Sticks first

I LOVE: Holy Grail Foundation Brush Stila #33 One Step Complexion Brush - and a Dupe

2011-12-08T17:00:00.004Z

They say that a bad workman blames his tools and luckily for me I have never claimed to be a good workman/woooman but I have blamed my tools on many an occasion. I have quite a fetish for makeup brushes (I don't do anything weird with them, I just like to buy them and then use them to apply makeup - minds out of the gutter please -) I am always on the hunt for the perfect brush. I may have found my holy grail foundation brush.... Its the Stila #33 One Step Complexion Brush.

I bought the brush from HQHair and it costs £21.00 (check it out here). While I was waiting (the two weeks) for this to come into stock and be delivered I discovered that it had just won 2011 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner for Best Concealer Brush, pretty impressive considering there was not a whole lot of hype or beauty blog talk about the brush.
Here's what Stila have to say:
This dual-ended foundation and concealer brush allows you to blend both liquid and powder products seamlessly for effortless makeup application and a flawless finish.
One side beautifully blends liquid, creams and powder foundation into your skin, while the other delivers precision concealing for a perfected, polished complexion.
The synthetic bristles are shaped to imitate application with your fingertips, but are firmer and more flexible for quicker, easier makeup application.
•The tapered brush tip can burrow into tiny, hard-to-reach crevice
•Synthetic bristles eliminate the transfer of oils and bacteria
•Can also be used to apply eye shadow and cheek color

I have tried the traditional flat foundation brush (too streaky) and the fluffy brushes as favoured by You Tube Guru's (hungry brush's) but this brush combines the two (just right)... and it is GENIUS. The brush applies the product and buffs it in all at the same time. It makes it easy peasy to apply product and the curved shape gets into all the corners of your face while the size covers my big puddin cheeks.

On the other end is the same but smaller - perfect for concealing. I think this brush is feckin deadly but some people will have problems storing the double ended brush, also sometimes when applying the product the bristles all swoosh to one side which means you have a little less control.

So you would think that's the end of the post wouldn't you? Holy Grail found ... move along now... except I found a dupe. I recently discovered Cloud 10 Beauty a new Irish online retailer who not only stock hard to find brands but also give free samples and have a loyalty scheme (how deadly is that? a beauty trinity ... its basically like Ireland's answer to Sephora). While on Cloud 10 I spied the Sigma Tapered Kabuki F86 which costs €14.95 check it out here.

Stila on the left and Sigma on the right.

The brushes work in a similar way (application and blending in one swoop) although the Sigma is slightly bigger but also has more of a tip, I actually prefer using the Sigma brush controversial coming from the Stila Freak.

What do you use to apply your foundation?

Have you checked out the flippin brilliant Clout 10 (check it out here... ahhh go on go on)

NOTD Models Own - Golden Green - Beetle juice

2011-12-07T17:00:00.001Z

Its time for a Montage.........

Golden Green is part of Models Own Beetle Juice collection, this is the kind of colour that my mother would hate .. chartreuse, in your face, obnoxious....whatever you want to call it I LOVE IT. The fact that its kinda obnoxious and would bring a tear to the mammy's eye makes me love it more.

Would you give it the thumbs up or thumbs down?

Stila- Christmas Sets 2011

2011-12-06T19:18:00.000Z

When I did my post on Stila's Dream in Full Colour Palette (read about it here) did you honestly think that was all that I bought from the Christmas Collection? I know that Christmas Collections are generally used as gifts I have just chosen to self gift (which I seem to do quite a lot).

Here are all the sets together on the left is the Dream in Full Colour review here on the right is the Holiday Lip Glaze Collection which includes 8 lip glaze's the colours are

- Apricot

- Kitten
- Starfruit
- Grapefruit
- Believe - rosey wine with gold shimmer
- Dreamy - creamy, beige amaretto with subtle shimmer
- Fantasy - warm pink with gold shimmer
- Kaleidoscope - sheer apricot with multi-pearl shimmer

(each lip glaze is .05oz.regular size glazes are .08oz.) all this for £16.00. I Love Lip Glaze they are a bit sticky but they are sheer but the bright colours are pigmented they also have a flavour (the Apricot tastes like Apricot the Kitten tastes like toasted Kitten- OK maybe not).

Next up is the Daydream Palette (pictured above on top of the Dream in Full Colour Palette so you can get an idea of size). The palette has 22 shadows (including Kitten) and makes a freakin adorable Christmas present, did I mention that this costs £11.50? Who in their right might would not be delighted with this?

Above is the palette beside an eyeliner so you can imagine the size, some of the shadow are only ikle but sure you would never get thought the whole lot of them.

I bought my sets on ASOS but they seem to be sold out here and on HQHair but they are also available on BeautyBay.com where they also have an amazing Makeup Brush Set for £18.00 check out the collection here because I imagine they will sell out here soon.

MAC Show Orchid Dupe - for less than €2.50

2011-11-24T17:00:00.000Z

MAC Show Orchid is one of those coveted Limited Edition colours that rolls out every couple of years, it is a beautiful and vibrant blue toned pink. Show Orchid is most definitely not everybody's cup of tea and €17.50 is quite expensive to shell out for a colour that may not suit you. Drum Roll please..... Here I have found a dupe for €2.49. Ladies and Gentlemen let me show you NYC's Blue Rose (no 405).

Left is NYC and right is MAC. The NYC shows a little more of the blue tone in the bullet.

NYC on the left and MAC on the right

There is a slight more shimmer in NYC's colour but they are very close. So save yourself fifteen quid and go buy NYC's Blue Rose.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation Review

2011-11-23T17:00:00.002Z

My usual foundation of choice is Estée Lauder Double Wear, for two reasons - it's the only foundation that stays put on my face all day, and I like its full coverage. I think this new(ish) foundation from Illamasqua is quite similar to Double Wear in a lot of ways, but I actually prefer it.

Here's what Illamasqua have to say about it:

Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.

Instead of waffling on, I'm just gonna get to it and bullet point Skin Base's pros and cons:

Pros:

I'll start with the packaging - I forgot to photograph it but this has a thin nozzle which is perfect for squeezing out the right amount of foundation.
The coverage - I would say the coverage is medium but very buildable, and offers the same coverage as Double Wear - ie. lots! The consistency of the foundation when you squeeze it out of the bottle, is quite thick, almost like a cream, which means that a little goes a long way - you only need a tiny bit of product to cover your face. As it's so thick I find that the best method of application is fingers - the heat in your hands makes it easier to blend.
The finish - despite the heavy coverage and thick consistency, it doesn't feel cakey or heavy on the skin at all, and gives a satin, glowy, almost dewy finish.
Its longevity - like DW, this stays on my mug for the day.
There's no SPF, so as Illamasqua say, it's "undetectable in a professional HD environment". Sure you never know when you'll find yourself in a professional HD type situation. Best be prepared.
The shade range is good, so there should be one to suit everyone.
I've read reviews where people have said that this has actually improved the condition of their skin - I suppose it's the BB cream aspect of it - I haven't experienced that, but I do find that it helps to keep my skin hydrated all day.

Cons:

The only major con (if you're in Ireland) is that there is no Illamasqua counter in Dublin anymore :-(, so unless you have the opportunity to go to an Illamasqua counter in the UK (our nearest is obviously Debenhams, Belfast), you'll have to take your chances with ordering online which is never easy where foundation is concerned. Illamasqua do have a shade comparison chart, where you can compare Skin Base shades against those from MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars, and YSL. However, I'm not totally convinced of its accuracy. I inherited shade 7 from Mags as it was too light for her, and it's actually a tad too light for me too, although it's wearable once blended. Shade 7 is supposed to equate to MAC NW25 whereas I would normally be NW15 in MAC, which would mean that according to Illamasqua, I should be going for an even lighter shade in Skin Base...hmm...if you like the sound of this, I would say you'd be better off going to a counter if at all possible.

Illamasqua Skin Base costs £25 or €30 and is available online from Illamasqua, ASOS, and Debenhams.

NOTD Models Own Pinky Brown - Beetle Juice

2011-11-22T17:00:00.005Z

Todays NOTD is part of Models Own Beetle Juice Collection, the colour is Pinky Brown. The colour changes in the light from pink to .....you guessed it... brown.

I picked mine up here (asos) in a set of three. Have you picked up any of the Beetle Juice collection?

MAC Mattene Lipstick Rare Exotic - Almost a religious purchase

2011-11-21T20:34:00.001Z

OK so I am on a shopping ban....so why do I have a new lipstick? I failed (don't judge) but in my defence it wasn't my fault. Let's go back a couple of weeks shall we? During my daily perusal of Beaut.ie (read the exact post here), I saw a beautiful vibrant pink lipstick called Rare Exotic, it was exactly my kinda thing so I saved the info. I was in town with Claire (as my witness) and I asked the girl in MAC for Rare Exotic Mattene Lipstick - they had never heard of that colour.

Where did you hear about it? - says MAC girl

Beaut - says I

Is that a Beauty Blog? MAC girl

(Cue myself and Claire looking at MAC girl as if she had 25 perfectly made up heads)

Now this whole episode taught me a couple of important things (a) I have an unhealthy interest in makeup and (b) I shall never be intimidated in MAC again.

MAC claimed they never heard of that shade before. They never got it/must be American or something. Did I let that stop me? Oh no, like a girl on a mission the next time I was in town (getting my Nars makeover which you can read about here), I asked again for Rare Exotic (rare indeed)... no joy again, they had never heard of the shade but they had similar (of course they have similar I have about 5 of them sitting at home).

Last Thursday myself and Sile went to Dundrum for the Shop 'N Rock (which I hate by the way and the lack of manners in the car park turns Sile from mild mannered into "you wouldn't like me when I'm angry") and I thought sure I am here I will look in MAC. Like a ray from heaven sucking me in was Rare (very flipping rare) Exotic sitting in the display. I whipped it out quicker than the girl could ask "can I help you" swatched it against its closest neighbour (Girl About Town) testament to my dedication they had it in stock and it was mine before I even thought about my shopping ban. It was the lipstick version of "if you build it, they will come"... "if you ask three times, they will know what the bloody hell you're talking about".

I'll shut up and show you the lipstick shall I? It is a beautiful lipstick, don't be fooled by matte in the name - it's smooth and velvety and doesn't leave your lips dry.

So what do you have to say about my shopping ban fail?

MAC Pro Longwear - Full Speed Ahead

2011-11-17T17:00:00.000Z

The Lipstick Index is strong at the moment the sales and interest in lipgloss has taken a nose dive (isn't it mad there is an actual economic term that relates to Lipstick) during recessions or difficult economic times the sales of lipstick increase, I can see how people would prefer to buy a long lasting, pigmented lipstick rather than a lipgloss which could wear off in about 10 minutes. Recently (pre shopping ban) I picked up Mac Pro Longwear Lipglass in Full Speed Ahead which is a vibrant pink.

Here is what MAC have to say:
A longwearing Lipglass that goes on smooth and lasts for up to six hours! Envelops lips with shine and colour and pro-longs the hours between re-application

While it is long wearing its not 6 hours (come on now) it is really pigmented and the colour is opaque and it doesn't seem as sticky as other lipglass. If we take a little look at the wand its a funky shape that hugs the lips and make it easy to apply to the bottom lip (to me it was a little wonky on the top lip)

Just swatches today (two ronnie shots in the one week would have set you over the edge)

Have you tried any of the MAC Pro Longwear Lipgloss?

A little bit of Nars - All over my face

2011-11-16T17:00:00.003Z

I am on a shopping ban.... there I said it, it's out there. So why am I bringing you news of Nars goodness? Loophole. You gotta love a loophole. Last week I got my make up done at Nars with an International Artist. It cost €40.00 which was redeemable against purchases (you see I was paying for the service not the makeup...loophole).

Nars to me is like the young hip pretender to Chanel's classically chic throne, sometimes they get it right and sometimes... well they don't (the same can be said for all brands though). When I am getting my make up done at an event I like to look at the other people that are getting their makeup done, after all these events are usually selling a new makeup collection and everybody could come out looking like clones of each other. When I spoke to my artist we decided to do simple classic eyes and vibrant lips (the last girl he had made up had heavy smokey eyes). Oui I said... slap it on me.

I told the artist that I LOVE the Night Life Shadows (glitter shadows) but they never come out on my eyes like they do on the pan.... you must use a primer and press, press, press the shadow onto the lid. I learned that the people who work at Nars have problems learning the names of the colours (they are human just like us), I also learned that Nars foundation is supposed to be applied with your fingers (I didn't tell him that I don't like Sheer Glow- it's almost a makeup sin to admit).

What I loved about the process: he took his time, he explained all the steps and showed me what he was doing, he used 1 shadow - some brands like to use 372 different shades of shadow meaning you can never really recreate the look (MAC I am looking at you).

What I didn't love about the process: I felt under pressure to buy more products, the big sell was happening and had me in its sights.....
Do you have concealer?
(me) yes...
do you have the right colour concealer?
ehhh feck off...
He did this with every product.

Here is what I bought.. Eye shadow Night Star, Pure Matte Lipstick Vesuvio, Long Wear Eyeliner - Via Appia

The Long Wear Eyeliners wind up (so you don't have to pare them) but they also have a sharpener to help create a sharper line. He used Night Star shadow all over my lid (press, press, press) and a black liner on my lid with a brown liner on the bottom -he explained that the black could be too harsh on the top and the bottom- (nobody wants to look like a Mulhall sister now do they). I asked how to perfect the winged eye as I sometimes have difficulty and he said that with my eye shape don't go out too far (I have a hungry crease / laughter lines - he didn't say that.

The liner is a complex brown/bronze

Here is where I show you a photo of his artwork..... except well..... I went out to dinner, stuffed my face and forgot..... sorry.. here is my recreation instead.

Can you spot the sparkle?

Ronnie shot..... This is a matte lipstick but I moisturised my lips before applying. He went around my lips with concealer (which I forgot to do here) which perfects the shape, corrects any mistakes and quite frankly makes your lips look flipping brilliant.

I used MAC Brick to line my lips.

Nars Eyeliner costs €25.00, Lipstick €26.00, eye shadow €24.00. And before you add that up and remind me that the total is more than €40.00 ...I know, bold me, I shall go and sit in the bold corner (and play with my makeup).

NOTD Illamasqua Obsess

2011-11-15T17:00:00.003Z

It's pink, it's fabulous, it's from Illamasqua (who happen to make fabulous nail polishes) and it was on sale on ASOS. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Obsess.

You likey?

Stila - Dream in Full Colour

2011-11-14T19:06:00.001Z

It's November so I can officially say that Christmas is on its way and while it's good to give, it's better to receive. I killed two birds with one purchase and self gifted Stila's Christmas set Dream in Full Colour. As you know I am a Stila freak so this set was a bit of a no brainer (it's not available in Boots so I had to buy it online).

The set includes:
27 eye colours
7 cheek colours
full size smudge stick waterproof eyeliner in Stingray (which alone costs £13.00)
a look book

The palette is inspired by a dream catcher and a colour wheel and it is pretty damn fabulous.

The colours are listed on the back and in the centre there is Stila's famous shade/go with everything shade (and included in every set), Kitten.

The colours around the outside are the cheek colours, the pans are just big enough to fit a brush (you may have problems if you have a massive brush). The eye colours are pigmented, soft and blend able. The colours are softer in the In the Light Palette (review here) but this palette is pretty fabulous. Some of the central shades are quite small but lets face it - most of us makeup addicts are not likely to run out of eyeshadow anytime soon.

The look book shows you how to use the colours in the palette to create different looks, you can of course just use the colours where you like or dip your face in the palette like I did.

I just dipped my face in the palette and VOILA - like magic it turns you into a fancy face (Fancy Face is trade mark of Its Cherry Sue check her out here )

In all my excitement I forgot to swatch the liner (it's black) - sorry about that.

Dream in Full Colour makes a brilliant present and at £25.00 it's a bargain. I bought mine from ASOS (I got the delivery in a couple of days) (here). If I had of had a bit of patience I could have waited for a discount code.... but what can I say I am a bit of a brat.

When is a Nail colour not a nail colour ?

2011-11-08T20:26:00.001Z

So when is a nail colour not a nail colour? When its flipping 2 nail colours (get ready for a ramble). Way back in 2010 Illamasqua launched a competition where you could design your own nail polish (the winning polish would be made, amazing competition). I of course entered with the following:

The Idea for my colour is for those summer days when the weather decides to change constantly. When you leave the house the sun is shining and your light nails look amazing but by lunch the clouds have set in and you're all dressed up for summer and freezing. Alternatively it's also for those summer days when it starts out cold and you pile on the layers and then suddenly the sun appears and you feel like a misery in summer because of your nail varnish.

So the colour is a duo tone with purple and a golden pink. It changes colour between the purple and the golden pink depending on how the light hits it. This gives the wearer a very versatile look, in essence being two nail polishes in one. It also lets the people who love dark nail colour a change to play around with a lighter look.

So the colour is reminiscent of Laura Mercier eye shadow in African Violet.

It would also be a mix of the Urban Decay eye shadows in Last Call and X.

The name of the Nail polish would be Dublin Summer because of course a Dublin Summer (ha ha if there is such a thing) is constantly changing and it would be brilliant to have a nail polish to wear during that change.

Alas I didn't win (but I did get a email saying I came in the top 50- although I think this was an automated email to entrants). Big mistake Illamasqua as now everybody and their chic mother has released a duo chrome finish varnish. (The everybody would be Essence & chic mother - Chanel).

So I have always been excited about the idea of two toned nail varnish (I love a duo finish eye shadow as well), so when I saw a post on Dolly Rouge (please check out the site - the girls are great and the blog is brilliant, check out the post here) about Essence varnish in 145 Where is the Party I was straight down to the chemist to count out my €1.29 (yes €1.29 for a nail varnish). I think that this colour is amazing and well done to the Dollies for finding it. I love the colours - it ranges from a green to a purple, I think it should be called something like "Dragon Skin"

Are you loving or hating the duo chrome finish trend? Is this the longest ramble ever on a NOTD post?

New York Trip in Photos

2011-11-03T17:00:00.002Z

Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline - Magnolia Bakery - Hollister on Fifth Avenue - Yellow Cabs - Empire State Building lit up for Columbus Day - 9/11 Memorial - Occupy Wall Street - Eighties Toys in Balloon Saloon, Tribeca (I would like that shop to be transported to Dublin, please) - Macys Christmas Shop - Times Square

Anyone else remember those 80s-tastic toys?!

When you go will you bring back ....some makeup from America

2011-11-02T17:00:00.008Z

We are having a little New York appreciation week here at Emeraldeyeliner.. and who doesn't love New York?

When Sile was recently getting ready to leave for New York she asked me did I want anything, having been the soldier who has taken lists off people and had a nervious break down outside J&R Electronics over said lists I was hesitant about asking her for anything. So I said "no you look after yourself" as I slid a War and Peace ammount of print outs in her direction. Being the doll that Sile is she arrived home with a ton of goodies for moi! Now before you say anything I was very careful to make sure these were all items that I could not get my hands on over here.

So here is the "Stuff wot Sile got me in New York"

I have heard great things about Wet & Wild eyeshadow palettes. They are supposed to be "super pigmented" and excellent quality

Milani is a brand that I wish we had in Ireland. I asked for two Baked Blushes; Rose D'oro which is supposed to be a dupe for MAC's Stereo Rose, and Luminoso. I cant say if Rose D'oro is a Stereo Rose dupe but the blushes are beautiful, highly pigmented soft and smooth. I want more Milani in my life STAT. The magpies out there will also notice the Nail Polish in Jewel FX Gem.

Sure you can't go to America without getting some American drugs. I expect this to knock out migraines like a blow to the head with a hammer and while I am unconscious I can add my new Wet N Wild eyelash growth serum.

I love Tarte Cosmetics - they are one of the companies that are good to nature while making me glam. Sephora does great value sets and Sile picked me up this one which has:
Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Glisten (golden peachy pink with gold shimmer)
Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in Champagne (golden champagne sheen)
Smooth Operator™ Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum
LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Luster in Sweet (golden pink)
The Bright Side Double-Ended Eye Brightener (day - shimmering champagne/ night - shimmering pink)

I have been mad to try the Amazonian Blushes and the Lip Surgences, both of which I love.

Another brand that I cant get my sticky fingers on in Ireland is Lorac and Sile picked me up a set which contains:

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in LORAC star
Front Of The Line Pro in Black
Multiplex 3D Lashes Mascara in Black
Blush in Soul
Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trend Setter
Tutorial Look Book
This set is amazing value and I am really impressed with it

Anybody that knows me know that I LOVE WATER, I always have a bottle around (my water bottle is responsible for my username Actionmags) and Sile picked me up this massive (in size and gorgeousness) bottle from Victoria Secret.

I think this proves that I am a greedy guts and that Sile is a brilliant friend. I know its probably a case of the grass is always greener but I would love if these brands were easily available. Have you tried any of these brands? What brands would you love to use but cant get your hands on?

NYC Cosmetics - Autumn Showcase - Big City Looks at Small Prices

2011-11-01T17:00:00.010Z

I Love NYC Cosmetics (or New York Colour) for two rather non cosmetic related reasons

1. The very first time that I tried NYC Cosmetics was in 1999 in New York City (with Redser the Half) this is also the visit where we went to see Footloose the Musical (oh yes we did) the whole trip was wonderful and NYC Cosmetics will always remind me of New York (and Footloose)

2. The Liquid Lipshine tastes like sweets

Last week we had the pleasure of being invited to a showcase of NYC Cosmetics Autumn launches (and to celebrate the fact that NYC is now available in Penney's) as you can probably tell I have a real soft spot for NYC Cosmetics and just to make the spot softer (that sounds wrong doesn't it) all the products are under €4.00 (Four Euro... four hundred cents...you get the drift).

The lovely ladies that are in charge of NYC here in Ireland are pretty "Awesome" (I am being American in honour of NYC) they are really excited about the brand and that helps us the consumer because they strive to get us the best products available from the brand. Some of the new launches are only available in America and Ireland, they know that if they love the products so will we. I count the lovely Fiona personally responsible for bringing the Blushable Creme Sticks to our shores.

Sarah Jane Wai O'Flynn was on hand to talk us through some of the looks that she created with the new products and also chatted away giving us tips and tricks and telling us her favourite products. The models (who are two gorgeous girls from Fade Street) are wearing clothes from Penney's and how amazing do they look.

Here are some of the new lashes that will be available to us later on in the year and remember for under €4.00.

The always fabulous Art Donatella please if you have not checked out her Black Swan look check it out here it is amazing, Paula from Cornflakegirls Musings (check her out here) and moi.

Lets get onto the products. First up is the Smooch Proof Lip stains I love the idea of lip stains but the reality of most stains is a intense colour with extremely drying effect and since my lips tent to verge on Sahara at the best of times they are not something I gravitate towards. NYC's offering differs as it is water based with Vitamin B which wards off the drying effect that most stains offer. The colours are build able you can build the stain but are also brilliant layered with a lipstick or gloss, a must have if (like myself) you wear intense colours.

NYC Smooch Proof Lip stain is available in four shades (Berry Long Time, Champagne Stain, Forever Fresia, Persistent Pink) priced at €3.99.

Here is a MOTD (mouth of the day...is that a thing?) using Persistent Pink and Kiss Gloss in Jay Walking Jam, I have to commend whoever names the products they transport you directly to New York

Next up is our Irish exclusive. The girls fought hard to get this product on our shores and it is genius... NYC Individuals eyes Custom Compact. The compact have four eye shadows, an eye primer and a highlighter. Isn't it brill? Makeup hoarders like myself will have a separate primer and highlighter but I think it is genius that they are included in these palettes bringing a perfect face to the masses. The palettes are also set out in shades that complement different eye colours (green eye palette, blue eye palette). I think you will agree shows that NYC are geniuses that will one day take over the world.

NYC Individual Eyes Custom Compacts are available in 3 colour combos (Union Square (Brown Eyes), Central Park (Green Eyes), Bryant Park (Blue Eyes) priced at €3.99. Don't worry the Beauty Police won't come and get you if you have blue eyes and want a brown eyed palette, the colours are universally flattering -they are just taking the guess work out- (besides I have been chased by the Beauty Police on a number of occasions and like Zombies they have no upper body strength so if you climb onto the top of beauty stands you can escape them)

Central Park (Green Eyes),

Here is my face on it I have Central Park (Green Eyes) and Big Apple Blush (check out the glow).

I will be keeping my favourite for last, its no secret that I have been yearning for the Blushable Creme Sticks (read about it here) I love this product it does exactly what it says on the tube, If you have oily skin do not worry because the sticks are oil-free which dries down to a silky powder finish with Vitamins A, C and E. The colours are light and build able but in my opinion they are more than just a blush, they give a highlighted glow to the cheeks. Beautifully complex cheeks in just one swipe.

NYC Blushable Creme Stick is available in two shades (Plaza Pink, Big Apple Blush) priced at €3.49

All products available mid October 2011 from selected pharmacies and department stores nationwide. I highly recommend checking them out.

New York Haul

2011-10-31T13:16:00.001Z

As some of you may know, I was in The Big Apple for a few days earlier this month. I think I was unbelievably restrained on the shopping front - I actually still can't get over myself - obviously getting sickeningly sensible. Anyway, one of my favourite things to Google/search YouTube and blogs for every so often is 'New York Haul', so I thought I'd add my own to the mix. So I present, such as it is, my New York 'Haul' :)

1. I bought five nail polishes. Five! You're getting an idea of the restraint and sensible-ness. From left to right we have Chanel Graphite, OPI Fresh Frog of Bel Air and Rainbow Connection (swatches here), Orly Oh Cabana Boy (I have a mini size of this and it is an amazing colour - NOTD here) and Revlon Starry Pink. I searched every single drugstore I went into - about 94 of them - for Revlon Carbonite which is supposed to be a decent dupe of Chanel Graphite but it was no where to be found, so just had to put myself out of my misery and get the real thing.
2. This is the extent of my Sephora purchases. I know! Duo Lash Adhesive, Urban Decay Primer Potion and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Long-Wear Blush (love this - the blusher is the colour of the compact).
3. During my extensive perusal of the drugstores, I came across these two toothpastes - Colgate Optic White and Crest 3D White which claim to have the same whitening ingredients as their whitening strips. In Ricky's I found Mane and Tail Shampoo, the horse shampoo which is supposed to be amazing for us humans too. Mags tells me that Jennifer Aniston uses it, so that's good enough for me. I also picked up an NYC Cosmetics Blushable Cream Stick in 'Plaza Pink'. I love this and happily, these are now available in Ireland too, at NYC stands in chemists and Penneys.
4. In Kiehl's I picked up some Ultra Facial Cleanser and Moisturiser - basics, but both amazing products.
5. You can't go to America without coming home with new t-shirts and here's my little haul from American Eagle and Victoria's Secret, along with my VS water bottle which I <3, even if it is quite hard to drink out of cause it's not squeezy (cue me tipping half a bottle of water down my top).
6. I also find that I can't go to America without coming home with a new pair of Uggs! They're so unbelievably expensive here that I just wouldn't buy them so it makes sense to get them over there. These are my new babies - classic shorts in navy. I did originally want these ones, Sundance IIs but they just didn't suit me.

When we got home, my friend sent me the link to this picture. Lucky escape is all I can say. But I love Uggs and live in them for half the winter - no apologies!

7. These sparkly Converse were $20 in the Converse outlet in Woodbury Common - couldn't pass them up. By the way, I was SO disappointed in the CCO in Woodbury Common - I had planned on getting loads there but their stock was rubbish and what they did have seemed like it had been there for years. Bah to that - the Belfast one is much better.
8. A new bag was on my shopping list, I wanted something decent but not too $$$ and this pewter number from Coach (Woodbury Common outlet) fit the bill perfectly. The colour goes with everything and it's big enough to hold all the ~~crap~~ essentials I lug around all day.
9. Perhaps my favourite thing I bought is this Michelle Obama shopping bag. Totally kitsch but in a good way!
10. Then, to reward myself for not spending too much money, I went and spent money in Tiffany, on this :-)

Laura Mercier - Classic Chic Colour Collection

2011-10-30T17:00:00.003Z

Myself and Laura Mercier are a bit of an odd couple. The brand is classy, chic and mature and well I am the opposite of all those things but I strive to become at least one of them (my laughter lines indicate maturity may be the winner or maybe it's just the lines that are a winner). While I was recently in Belfast I picked up the Classic Chic Colour Collection by Laura Mercier at Space NK (link here) . I love to pick up Laura Mercier sets as they are great value and often include some rather brilliant brushes. I find Laura Mercier products too spendy. €27.00 for a lip gloss?? So when a set comes along I grab it. This set costs £55.00

Classic Chic Colour Collection includes:
Eye Colour Palette: buff, guava, sable, black smoke
Double-Ended Ponytail/Smudge Brush
Mini Cheek Colour Brush
Cheek Colour: plum radiance
Lip Glace: raspberry
Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara
Mini Foundation Primer
(that is a full size lip gloss and full size mascara)

I Love Laura Mercier brushes. They are great quality (really soft) even though they are mini sizes (take note MAC) and this set has your whole face (besides foundation) covered. You can always depend on Laura Mercier products to be good quality and the set is no different. The lip gloss (yes those with the extortionate €27.00 price tag) are my favourite lip glosses - they are creamy, moisturising and non sticky and taste brilliant.

As you can see the colours are chic and classic (says exactly what is says on the box ehh Laura) they are universally flattering and I happen to think the cheek colour is perfection.

Laura Mercier also has some Christmas palettes that are now available but I shall try and be a good girl.

More Muppets - Wocka Wocka! Designer ....de Better!

2011-10-29T16:49:00.000+01:00

I love the Muppets they just make me happy and put a smile on my face so when I saw that Sile had gotten a few of the Muppets OPI Collection (check it out here) like a lemming I had to jump on the bandwagon. I picked up the set of Minis which includes Wocka Wocka! (best name ever), Excuse Moi!, Designer ....de Better! and Warm & Fozzie.

My favourite was Designer ....de Better! it is a beautiful shimmery glittery polish but it differs from the others in the collection as the shimmer/glitter is not chunky and the polish feels smooth on the nail. The colour to me is a Silver Gold (like Rose Gold but ehhh Silver if you know what I mean) Its silvery with a warm pink to it. (These may not be the best NOTD as there may be the odd piece of glitter underneath from my last polish).

For your viewing pleasure I have decided that since I love Wocka Wocka! (although in reality I prefer the name to the colour) to show you my toes where it is currently residing.

I think Warm and Fozzie will be next on my nails. Will you join me in becoming a Muppet?

OPI Muppets Collection Swatches

2011-10-23T14:44:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you but a new OPI collection gets me much more excited than a new MAC collection these days. When I heard they were doing a Muppets collection, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them, especially since there were so many glitters included. Plus, who wouldn't want nail polish inspired by that epitome of beauty and feminine charm, Miss Piggy? Not moi, that's for sure.

Pic via OPI's Facebook page Top row L-R: Animal-istic, Meep-Meep-Meep, Wocka Wocka, Pepes Purple Passion, Designers De Better, Warm and Fozzie, Bottom Row L-R: Rainbow Connection, Excuse Moi, Gone Gonzo, Fresh Frog of Bel Air, Divine Swine and Gettin' Miss Piggy With it.

So far, I have picked up two of these polishes, Rainbow Connection and Fresh Frog of Bel Air and am definitely planning on getting my trotters on Excuse Moi and Divine Swine as well. Much as I hate applying and removing glitter polishes, I still love them. To the swatches... I must apologise for the photo quality first of all - with the awful dull weather we're having, I'm struggling to take decent shots. So, eh, you can probably expect rubbish photos from me for the next few months :-)

L-R Fresh Frog of Bel Air & Rainbow Connection

Fresh Frog of Bel Air is green micro glitter with large pieces of silver glitter. The above photo is three coats. If I'm honest I'm not mad about this on its own BUT when I originally swatched it, I tried it on over the Rock Royalty Shellac I was wearing and it looked deadly so I think one coat of this over a black or dark green polish would look really good - will try that for a NOTD this week.

Rainbow Connection - one coat

Rainbow Connection - three coats

Rainbow Connection is exactly what it says on the bottle - rainbow glitter! It contains multi-coloured and mult-sized pieces of glitter. I LOVE this! I like it just as much with one coat of polish as with three. You could add a fourth coat to make it fully opaque. I found when I was applying this that I had to move it around the nail a bit to get even distribution of the large pieces of glitter. Despite all the glitter, it feels surprisingly smooth on the nails, but a top coat could be added to smooth it out a bit more. I usually don't use top coats with glitter as I find they dull the finish a bit.

The OPI Muppets Collection is available from Sally's on Drury Street in Dublin, as well as the usual online sources. Have you tried anything from this collection yet?

Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner and Super Saturated Lip Colour

2011-10-21T17:00:00.003+01:00

I am nothing if not consistent, if you read my post on Urban Decays 24/7 Liquid Liner and Super Saturated Lip Colour you will probably have gathered that I quite like them and when I like something I want more (yes in a very bratty Veruca Salt kinda way) so when I was recently in Belfast I picked up the 24/7 Liquid Liner in Retrograde and the Super Saturated Lip Colour in Punch Drunk.

I had my eye on Retrograde from my last visit to Urban Decay - it's a shimmery complex purple. Again the brush is tiny, allowing for precise lining. For some reason to me this colour is the definition of Urban Decay: strong, sparkly and with a bit of edge to it. Punch Drunk is orange, now I know a lot of people would cringe at a strong pigmented orange but I love it. I love that you can draw on a precise lip with this product (basically line your lips and colour them in). My only gripe is that sometimes the lid can come off in your makeup bag and there goes your really precise tip.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Liquid Liners are €19.00 each and the Super Saturated Lip Colours are also €19.00 each. Would you venture out with an orange lip?

NOTD 17 Blue Magnetic Nail Polish

2011-10-20T17:00:00.003+01:00

As marketing geniuses seem to know, I am a sucker for a gimmick so when I saw that Nails Inc had magnetic nail polish I had to try it on when I saw it in House of Fraser Belfast a couple of weeks ago. Nails Inc tell you to apply a coat of the nail varnish, let it dry then apply another coat and put the magnet on top of the nail. Voila, a cool wave was on my nails. Although I liked the effect the polish was £15.00 and I had already spent a small fortune. Since I am not great at nail art this lingered in my brain.

As you probably know everybody and their mother is now launching magnetic nail polish so I thought that I would give 17's recession friendly version a go. I picked up the colour Blue. There are about 6 different shades altogether. When I got this I applied it the same way as Nails Inc instructed......nothing happened, not a ripple. I was so disappointed until I read the side of the bottle where it says to apply one layer and then apply magnet (doh). So I followed the instructions (properly) and here is the effect.

Not bad for about €7.00. My very shaky hand meant that I managed to get some polish on the magnet (double doh). I think this gives you the magnetic effect at a budget price but be warned this does not last long at all, it chips fairly quickly even with a topcoat it lasts maybe a day or two.

If I am being honest I picked up 17's magnetic polish cause they have a special offer on at the moment, if you buy two products you get this brill little kit free (the kit includes a eyeshadow, liquid liner and lip gloss along with a money off voucher). So will you be leaving the magnetic polish or picking one up?

I LOVE - The Mothership - Georgeous To Go

2011-10-16T16:32:00.005+01:00

Since this is still "I LOVE" week I thought I would share some of my love for Beaut.ie otherwise known as The Mothership. As you all should know Beaut.ie have been supplying us beauty addicts with up to the moment beauty information on a daily basis but once again they have released a new book that is not only filled with bloody brilliant information but the geniuses have made it handbag sized - it's called Gorgeous to Go.

I toddled along to the launch of Gorgeous to Go last Saturday in the Luxury Hall of Brown Thomas (swit swoo) and was delighted to see that it was jammers, the beauty mad were literally out the door. The book was officially launched by Karen Koster but the crowds were there for the McDermott sisters. The atmosphere was truly amazing. The credit for the atmosphere has to go Beaut.ie. They have created such a wonderful community, a true sisterhood. One of the wonderful things about Gorgeous to Go (and Beaut.ie in general) is that it's not aimed at a certain age, people of all ages can enjoy and learn from it. The Beaut.ie ladies are well aware that it's not only models that wear makeup and this warm community that Beaut.ie created spread throughout Brown Thomas Luxury Hall as women in line chatted (default conversation - makeup of course :-)) and examined beauty purchases and makeup bags. It was a happy exciting atmosphere (all except for the man from Cartier who looked at the huddled beauty masses with horror... I found this hilarious not only that we have Cartier in Dublin but poor Mr. Cartier's expression... we were sweating near Cartier after all). I got to chat to a good few fellow bloggers as well as some lovely Beaut.ie followers some of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting before. I had time for a quick hello to Kirstie (that is all I can manage before turning into a Beiber type squealing fan "SHE KNOWS MY NAME AHHHHHHH")

A blurry little shot of my iPhone on top of Gorgeous to Go, to give you an idea of the size. Honestly who needs an iPhone with Gorgeous to Go in your handbag? We all trust Beaut.ie because they have access to the best and worst products out there and let us know which to run out and purchase and which to avoid. They will tell us if the cream that cost a fiver is better than the one for a hundred euro, and one of my favourite things about them is their quest to seek fair euro pricing.

Gorgeous to Go is a nifty little must have, it reviews products and shows price rating from € (cheap as chips) to €€€€€ (call the credit union for a cosmetics related loan).

So far this week Gorgeous to Go has resulted in me being ignored at lunch (by my friend who was looking for a new eye makeup remover) and my mother finally abandoning makeup wipes for actual cleanser (who knows, she may start to use moisturiser next).

My absolute favourite thing about the Beaut.ie girls is they are not afraid to take the micky out of themselves and.....they make me snort laughing daily and really what is more beautiful than that?

Gorgeous to Go (R.R.P €12.99) is available in shops nationwide from 14th Oct (so what are you doing still reading this?)

I Love NOTD Jessica King Tuts Gem & Essie Aruba Blue

2011-10-11T17:00:00.001+01:00

I Love (I'll be at this all week) my current NOTD. I picked up both Jessica's King Tuts Gem and Essie's Aruba Blue at Professional Beauty Dublin 2011 which I attended with Karen from Lovely Girlie Bits and Dee from Viva Adonis. (Attended makes it sound like we were very formal whereas in reality we were messing and gossiping and melting into puddles cause it was so warm).

The Jessica Polishes were two for a tenner and Essie was €5.95. These are topped off with Seche Vite which was only €5.50 a bottle. What do you think?

I Love.... Stila Prime Pot in Taffy

2011-10-10T19:24:00.001+01:00

The lovely Sile is off in New York this week, have I told you how much I love New York? Well I do. I have tons of brilliant memories from my many trips to New York over the years (all of which include Redser the half). I decided I could do one of two things this week I could (a) sit around like a begrudger and moan all week about the fact that I am not in New York or (b) think of all the things that I Love that I can enjoy right now. First up is Stila's Prime Pot in Taffy. This is a simple product that I have been using every day (as can be seen in the dent I have made).

The product itself is smooth and creamy and instantly opaque. I love that this is skin colour/a little lighter than skin colour so it covers up any redness or colour on the lids (there is also a darker shade called Caramel). Taffy makes your shadow stay put (unless you apply too much primer then it can crease in the lines). Taffy simply does what it's supposed to do, I have various eye primer options from MAC, Too Faced, Urban Decay and Laura Mercer (which you can read about here) but I reach for Taffy.

Taffy costs €17.00 and is available from Boots Liffey Valley (the happiest place on earth) HQ Hair and ASOS.

Shellac Rock Royalty & a bit of a Nails Ramble

2011-10-07T17:44:00.000+01:00

So I am off to New York in the morning, and I wanted to have nice care-free nails while I'm there, and I also had a City Deal voucher that needed to be used up so I toddled off and got Shellac-ed (Shellacked?) again during the week. I went for Rock Royalty, a deep purple - I'd go with a nice autumnal colour, I thought, but turns out its gonna be scorchio in NYC, over the weekend at least :-)

It's a lovely colour and all, and I was happy with the manicure at first but when I got on the Luas and inspected it in decent light, turns out it was shocking. Exhibit A:

The polish on three of the nails on my right hand was kind of puckered, causing it to lift up off the nail, and then of course chip off. I suspect this was something to do with the lamp - both hands were done with different lamps. I won't name and shame the salon as I've had a good manicure in there before. I suppose I should have gone back and complained and asked for it to be fixed, but I just didn't have time to go back into town this week, so I went and got the three nails redone in a local nail place today - couldn't be going around NY with crappy nails!

So anyway, even before this, I was thinking I have to quit my Shellac habit - I own an obscene amount of nail polish and it's pretty much getting ignored lately. So I'm gonna try and get my nails into some kind of decent condition so I'm not so tempted by Shellac. To this end, I purchased a bottle of Nailtiques Forumla 2 nail treatment to start using once I'm done with this manicure. Is there anything else you would recommend? My major problem is peeling.

Also is there anything that I MUST buy in New York?! I'm trying to limit my cosmetic spending to stuff that you can't get here, or that is way cheaper there - suggestions welcome!

Stila - In the Light Palette

2011-10-05T17:00:00.001+01:00

As you may or may not know I am a big fan of Stila (well I have been given the nickname as the Stila Freak) I was browsing the Stila Website as I like to do every couple of ~~days~~ weeks and I spied this little beauty. The In The Light Palette. Every so often I have paid a visit to Stila in Boots Liffey Valley (officially the happiest place on earth) to see if the palette is in stock. Last week Stila had the new Autumn collection in and on the stand the price for the palette was listed... but no palette. I decided to take matters into my own hands and have a nose in the drawers. I hate doing things like that because I think I am going to get in trouble and as I was having a nose I felt eyes on me, I was paranoid and swung around only to see a cut out of Justin Beiber staring me down. The Beiber freaked me out. Ignoring the Beiber I was like Indiana Jones and rescued the palette from the drawer. I skipped my way to the counter (if you think for one moment that I didn't actually skip to the counter you're underestimating my love for Stila).

This palette reunites me with Stila's "stand out" shade Kitten. Over the years I have had a few pans of Kitten - it used to drive me bonkers that Stila would include Kitten in every set that was released but as I have been Kitten free for quite some time I realised what an amazing neutral shade it is. One of the things I love about Stila is they want to enhance your natural beauty, it's all about beautiful skin and and improving yourself, having fun with makeup without looking like you have slapped three tons of makeup on. Basically you look like yourself but..... hotter.

Here is what Stila have to say:
The new In the Light palette is a beautiful collection of Stila's award-winning eye shadows in wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry.
The palette also includes an exclusive Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel, a matte chocolate brown, and a 6-page lookbook with detailed how-to tips and tricks.
Shades include:
•Bare - matte ivory shade
•Kitten
•Bliss - matte beige pink
•Sunset - shimmery canyon pink
•Sandstone - matte light coco
•Gilded Gold - golden brown with shimmer
•Luster - dark aubergine with gold shimmer
•Night Sky - blue with shimmer
•Ebony - black
Exclusive

As with most of Stila's eye shadows, they are soft and I practically purred as I swatched Kitten. The matte colours (Bare and Sandstone) were my least favourite colours but I have mostly a hate/dislike relationship with matte shadows. (Apologies for the bad swatch of Bare it seems to be mixed with a bit of brown). The quality of these shadows seems to be smoother and softer than the summer Beach palettes (although I did like them too) so if you're looking for buttery shadows you should check this out. I love the shade "Night Sky" which is a beautiful wearable blue. While I wouldn't compare this to Urban Decay's Naked palette if you missed out on UD I would recommend having a look at this.

Smudge Stick shade in Damsel (a matte brown) can be worn in a line or smudged out, this is really soft and smooth. I have been really loving Stila's Smudge Sticks - I love the quality and longevity.

Stila is available from Boots where this palette costs €32.00 and Asos where the palette is £25.00. Stila is also available at HQ Hair but they don't seem to have the palette in stock as yet.

Origins Modern Friction - Product Rave

2011-10-03T17:00:00.002+01:00

Have you ever had a product that doesn't have bells and whistles, that just does what its supposed to without fanfare or show? My version of this is Origins Modern Friction, I have been using this for about 6 years now and is one of the rare products that I have to replace once used up. It has been quietly doing its job without fuss but is effective enough for me to always need it around. I love Origins' ethos "Powered by Nature. Proven by Science". They don't use parabens or many other "bad" ingredients that I haven't a clue what they do.

Here is what Origins have to say:

Modern Friction Nature's gentle dermabrasion. Sand-blasting skin with coarse, chemical crystals? How painfully passé. Here’s age-smoothing exfoliation without irritation. Skin-refining Rice Starch, cushioned in cream, shows real affinity for rapidly removing sluggish cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolorations. Lemon Oil kick starts the process of illumination. Another age-sweeping action: skin-menacing molecules are mopped up. All while Aloe keeps skin calm and comfy. There’s no ouch, extra steps or other complications. No redness or flaking follows. The before-and-afters are amazing. Signs of fine lines and size of pores appear to shrink in size. Skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous. And the perk-me-up aromas of Bergamot and Peppermint help you look on the bright side.

Origins tested Modern Friction™ on a panel of 54 women. After just one try, of those who had undergone clinical micro-dermabrasion, 94% said they would now consider using Modern Friction™ instead.

To me it appears a little like sticky porridge, to use you simply apply to clean dry skin (damp skin if you have sensitive skin) and you rub around your face. It does the job of a scrub but without you rubbing the skin off yourself (what can I say, I am an enthusiastic scrubber). The porridge like particles are a little bit sticky and as you apply/scrub the particles remove/suck off dead skin balling up into bigger pieces. This is so simple to use I keep in my shower and I can't be without it.

The first few times I used this I used it on wet skin and it stung the eyes out of my head (that would be the lemon getting into my eyes) so be sure that you use it on clean dry skin for best effects.

I bought my newest Modern Friction from the CCO where it cost £21.95, it costs £30.00 in the UK and in Ireland it costs €43.50. Almost fifty euro for this product is mental. I mean I love it and I always have it around but as I have bought this every time I have been in America so I wasn't aware of the Euro price. Modern Friction costs $37.50 which means it should cost about €28.00. Origins you are having a laugh at us in the Euro zone.

Kate Moss for Rimmel

2011-09-29T17:00:00.002+01:00

If the idea of a Kate Moss designed lipstick wasn't enough for you the advertising image alone would sell it to you. I picked up two of these budget buys and at €6.95 each sure why wouldn't I? I picked up Number 1 and Number 2 (tee hee toilet humour). These are called Lasting Finish and I can say they do stay on your lips for a while (I only re applied once during a night out - after that I didn't really care what I looked like :-). They are smooth and a pleasure to apply, they smell of sweets - really yummy (please if you can remember the sweet that they smell of, let me know).

They are neither super shiny nor are they matte... they are the perfect combination of the two.

Have you picked up a Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick?

Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV

2011-09-28T17:00:00.003+01:00

Do I need more eyeshadow... of course I don't NEED any more, beauty addiction is not about need is it? Urban Decay are one of my favourite brands. I happen to think their eye shadows are the best around (in yo face MAC), although they are €17.00 per eyeshadow which is a bit spendy so when I see that they have released a palette I am all over it. Urban Decay's Books of Shadows IV made me have a small internal debate. I had just bought the Anniversary palette and the new palette is covered with butterflies. Some people love butterflies. I HATE BUTTERFLIES, they freak me out. BUT out of the 16 shadows in this palette 10 of them are new. My greed won and I bought the palette.

So here is the box - the inside has (feckin) butterflies that bounce out at you and it also contains a portable speaker which you connect to your phone. Inside there is a card with QR codes you scan with your phone and this brings you to how-to videos with Urban Decay's five newest looks. I have a slight issue with the QR codes - you need to have great light and a steady hand to read these codes, every time I try I have neither so I have yet to unlock the how to videos.

Here is a little comparison between the Book of Shadows II and IV, although IV looks bigger its really just to accommodate the liner and the speaker.

I have a little rant in relation to the packaging, I loved the packaging of the Anniversary palette and I think that Urban Decay spoiled us a little with it. The packaging on the Book of Shadows IV is made of heavy cardboard (covered in those feckin butterflies). When I got the palette home I tried to open the palette.. I COULD'NT. The little sleeve would not pull out, it wouldn't budge. I was already in (unusually) bad form and when I pulled the sleeve I managed to tear the opposite end of the packaging but the sleeve still wouldn't budge. As I went for a "time out" in the other room (count to ten and let the red mist dissipate) himself tried to open the palette, with a little more tear and a big man size finger going into one of the shadows the palette was finally open. I don't expect to have this much trouble trying to get at a product so the packaging is a big FAIL for me.

The shadow Zephyr that has big man size print in it.

Here are the shadows... they are so pretty it makes up for the red mist inducing packaging. Inside you also get a 24/7 Liquid Liner in Perversion (black), A Primer Potion and a Curling Mascara.

How about some swatches?

Blue Bus, Gunmetal, Cobra, Baked

Bender, Gravity, Lost, Hijack

Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Midnight Rodeo, Crystal

Bust, Missionary, Skimp, Zephyr.

I love that the top two rows are vibrant and colourful and the bottom two have beautiful neutral colours. As always Urban Decay's shadows are brilliant quality but the glittery shadows can be a bit gritty and expect some fall out (you can see the chunks in the swatches). The shadows that are glitter free are so soft (like butter). Baked and Bender are particularly smooth. I absolutely love them. All of these are one swipe/swatch, the colour Blue Bus could have been a little more pigmented but all it takes is another swipe to bring out the amazing colour.

The 24/7 liner.

Do you think that you will be picking up Urban Decays new Book of Shadows IV?

Urban Decays new Book of Shadows IV costs €52.00 and is available from Debenhams and House of Fraser.

CCO Skin Care

2011-09-27T17:00:00.001+01:00

You didn't think I went to a CCO without picking up a few essentials did you? I am a big fan of Origins skin care and when ever I am in America I stock up. Since I was running low on skincare, I found two sets that were amazing value

The first is the Make a Difference Repair £22.50 I haven't tried any of the products in this set before so I can't tell you what I think of them but the main reason I picked this up was because the cream was sitting beside the set for sale individually for £22.50 and I am a sucker for a bargain... I mean why would you not go for the set when they are the same price?

Inside the set (which comes in a makeup bag)
Make a Difference Rejuvenating Cleansing Milk 30ml
Make a Difference Skin Rejuvenating Treatment Lotion 50ml
Make a Difference Skin Rejuvenating Serum 5ml
Make a Difference Skin Rejuvenating Moisturizer 50ml

Look at how luscious the Make a Difference cream looks

The next set I saw made me very excited indeed - it is the Energising Trio Ginzing £24.00 This set includes a full size VitaZing (which I love), a full size Ginzing and a sample size of the Drink Up Mask. VitaZing is a tinted moisturiser which leaves an amazing glow on your skin and you can wear it under foundation (it's what I thought BB Creams would be). GinZing eye cream has a beautiful iridescence to it which brightens the eye area. A little price comparison for you - GinZing is €30 and VitaZing is €35 and I got the whole set for £24.00. Amazing or what?

Make a Difference Repair £22.50

Energising Trio Ginzing £24.00

Camomile ..oh so soothing

2011-09-26T13:39:00.005+01:00

Taking Sile’s advice in a previous blog I headed into The Body Shop after years of dismissing the place (I think I still have about 3 Body Shop gift baskets under the sink in my mam’s house). After Siles review of the Body Shop Nutriganics Softening cleansing gel I decided to give it a go and I though it was great (Thanks Sile). But while I was in there I also noticed the Camomile Waterproof Eye Make-Up remover which piqued my interest. So after liking the cleanser so much I took another trip in to get it. So happy that I did. It's described as “A rich and creamy lotion specially formulated to very gently yet effectively remove all traces of waterproof and long-lasting make-up, leaving the delicate skin around the eye area feeling soft, smooth and soothed. Alcohol, colour and fragrance free.”

I have sensitive eyes and can find a lot of cleansers make them sting a little, but this one didn’t even make my eyes water. I do love to pile on the auld eyeshadow on a night out ( I blame the urban decay book of shadows, too many lovely shadows and not enough eye lid to wear them all…but I try). By the end of the night my eye make-up is a little worse for wear and a quick swipe with this cleanser and I am good for bed. I even found I could rub this right into my lash line to take off liner and mascara and not even the slightest sting. With most eye cleansers I do find that after I get the make up off I have to re-wash with water as I don’t like leaving a trace of the product on my eyes as it irritates them but this is so soothing that I didn’t have to.

All in all loving this product and when I bought it the sales girl gave me a sample of a moisturising day cream which I may have to investigate further. May even take another look at those gift baskets under my mams sink. Has anyone else tried any of the Body Shops products lately?

CCO Trip

2011-09-21T17:00:00.002+01:00

There is probably only one thing that I enjoy more than a road trip with my bestie (Redser the Half, so named because she has glorious red hair and also because she does a random post on here when she has the time) and that would be discount cosmetics. Woo Hoo. Anybody who has visited America will have come across a Cosmetic Company Outlet or CCO. Did you know we have our very own Cosmetics Company Outlet on this Emerald Isle? We do - it's in Junction One Antrim which is about 30 minutes from Belfast (they really should open a CCO in Kildare Village don't ya think? It would be a win/loose situation, win for the products loose for our bank balance. A Cosmetic Company Outlet is an Estée Lauder discount shop selling current and discontinued items from all of Estée Lauder brands. The brands that are available in the Antrim shop are Estee Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Aveda, Prescriptives (although the brand is now discontinued there were some items available) Ojon, Origins, MAC and various perfumes that fall under the Estée Lauder empire such as Michael Kors and DKNY. I have been to Junction One a few times and I always enjoy a good ole nose around. I tried to take a few sneaky pictures of some of the MAC products on my iPhone (sorry if the quality is bad) as I thought this is what people would be most interested in.

As you can see there are products from the Surf Baby Collection and they also had quite a bit from Tartan Tales and some bits and bobs from Venomous Villains (sorry I was far too excited and distracted to take pictures of everything). I always like to pick up my MAC brushes when I am at a CCO (I have a makeup brush addiction) and I rarely if ever will pay the full price for MAC brushes in Ireland. In the CCO they keep the brushes behind the counter so ask them what they have in stock (they will either take out a list with pictures or take out the actual brushes depending on who serves you.)

So here is what I got, It doesn't look like much (I have another post with skincare) as I have already been there before I have some of the items already - trust me I went mad the first time I went to Junction One even now I spend all my time in the CCO while my friends go to the other shops.

I picked up a MAC 213 Fluff Brush which cost £12.00, Surf USA eyeshadow which was £8.50 and a Clinique Most Wanted Colour £14.00 (beautifully soft eyeshadow - Clinique I never knew you had it in you).

I didn't swatch the Clinique set because I think it will make a lovely present for somebody, the CCO is great for picking up presents and sets.

Have you visited a CCO? Tell me your tales of your CCO visits? Should we start a petition to bring a CCO to Kildare Village ?

Marc Jacobs & Benefit Giveaway Winner!

2011-09-20T21:49:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all who entered our Vogue Fashion's Night Out Giveaway - Random.org threw up number 17 which means our lucky winner is....

Rachelle!

Congratulations Rachelle, we'll be in touch to organise getting your prize to you :-)

Andrea Fulerton Petrol in Water

2011-09-20T17:00:00.000+01:00

Andrea Fulerton's Colour Layer System is a nail polish duo; either polish can be worn alone or the colours can be layered to produce a whole new (amazing) colour.

The darker colour in Petrol in Water is a deep, shimmery bronze - quite nice, but nothing amazing and not a polish that I would wear by itself. But layer the sheer white iridescent polish over it, and....

TAH DAH!

Isn't it the most amazing colour? It really is like petrol in water as it changes colour depending on which way the light hits it - it's sometimes purple, sometimes blue, always gorgeously vibrant and sparkly. It's quite dangerous to wear this while driving - I just couldn't take my eyes off it!

This is only available in Superdrug in the UK - my friend picked it up for me in Manchester last week - so if you want to get it on these shores you'll have to head to Superdrug in Belfast, where it's priced £7.99.

Urban Decay

2011-09-15T19:50:00.002+01:00

A couple of weeks ago my mam treated me to two new Urban Decay goodies (I know I know I am far too old to be getting treats and I should be a grown up yada yada) while we were there she also treated herself to the Urban Decay Naked Palette which has gone up from €36 to €40 not a huge increase but a increase all the same. They had new products and I was all over them I got a 24/7 liquid liner and a Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Colour. I had such a hard time picking colours as the choice is amazing. The liner and lip colour cost €19.00 each.

I picked up the eyeliner in Siren and the lip colour in Crush (I picked the hot pink no suprise for me really). Lets get swatching.

The brush on the eyeliner is tiny really tiny but I love this, my eyes are small and it allows me to draw a really precise line or then build up to a more dramatic line. The colour is a teal colour but reminds me of petrol as it almost changes colours in the light.

Here is the lip colour in Crush a stunning hot pink, the product is really interesting its a lipstick and is moisturising on the lips but has a sheen to it with none of the stickiness of a gloss

I love how precise the lip pencil allows you to draw your lip, I probably should have taken a picture of it on my lips (next time) but trust me it wears well and you can build up the colour and I LOVE THE COLOUR (the swatch doesn't actually do it justice).

Just to show you how tiny the brush is here is a mac pencil eyeliner, a Stila liner and finally the Urban Decay Liner. I love how small the brush is but it might drive some people bonkers.

I think I will have to pick up some more of the 24/7 liners and I have my eye on the orange lip colour. So have you used any of Urban Decays new products?

Avon Super SHOCK MAX

2011-09-12T22:03:00.002+01:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am in love, and it's with a mascara. As you know I spoke before about my love for Avon Supershock Mascara and I was delighted when I was sent Avon SuperSHOCK MAX to try. I initially thought how are they going to beat the original Supershock, it's great, can't be beaten. I was wrong. The brush is a plastic wand and the bristles are laid out in a helix formation (I am a sucker for anything helix). I noticed about the brush that it's softer on the lashes than other plastic wands (I am generally not a fan of plastic wands). You know sometimes when you're applying your mascara with a plastic wand you can hear the wand scrape through your lashes (please tell me this is not just me) - this doesn't happen with "The MAX" (as I will be calling it); the wand is gentle on the lashes.

The mascara has a plumping complex and Avon says it adds 15x the volume of natural lashes (I haven't measured this exactly but I'll take their word on it). I have sensitive eyes that the slightest breeze will make tear up but the hypoallergenic formula means my eyes are happy and tear free.

The MAX really lengthens my short, stubby curly lashes but what I am loving is the fact that the length stays all day, some mascaras give length when you first apply it but as the day goes on the mascara crumbles and you find the length has disappeared. The MAX does not let me down like this the length stays put all day and my lashes are not spikey and crispy. Lets have a little before and after.

(Please excuse my mismatched foundation its Chanel Vitalumiere in 30 in case you're wondering and it is a perfect colour if I have seen the sun but since the sun didn't visit us this summer it looks ridiculously dark on me- because at the moment it is too dark for me)

I don't know about you but I am impressed. When I heard about the new Benefit mascara I was a little tempted to buy it until I applied The Max, I don't have to spend masses of money on a mascara when Avon offers an amazing mascara at an affordable price. I have a couple of mascaras floating around at the moment - they range from high end to affordable but I reach for The MAX to use every day. So the big question is would I buy this/repurchase the product? Hell yeah the only thing that would stop me from buying this is if Avon release Super Dooper Shock Max (cause I would have to give that a go)

You can get your hands on The Max from your local Avon Representative and I will be picking up my next one online from Avon Shop Online. where it is currently available for €8.00.

NYC Blushable Creme Sticks (Makeup excitement that gives you Heart Failure)

2011-09-11T17:38:00.001+01:00

The Internet can be a weird and wonderful place. Last week when I had a chest infection my friend decided to diagnose me using her iPhone, symptoms she asked... terrible cough, temperature, feel generally crap I replied. Up came the result "Heart Failure".... OK Internet lesson learned never ever look up symptoms of an illness on the Internet. Besides the fact the Internet can be the Harold Shipman of diagnosis it can in fairness lead you to some brilliant finds.

Last summer NYC Cosmetics launched Blushable Creme Sticks. I was obsessed, to me they basically looked like Nars Multiples but at a fraction of the cost. I Love Nars Multiples, they are soft and pigmented creme blushes in a stick that are convenient to use and leave the prettiest colour but since they are about €42.00 each I wouldn't be rushing out every week to buy one. NYC Blushable Creme Sticks have been raved about on YouTube and on blogs since their release. They get nothing but good reviews; they are said to be soft and creamy (not like Catrice's version which is lumpy and inconsistent). I was going mad to try them out. They are always on must have "drug store" lists. Unfortunately they were not released on this side of the Atlantic (why companies do this is beyond me). Cue pouting by Mags. I was going to pick them up from Ebay but I resisted (but still browsed Ebay frequently for them). This however is not a sad story as I recently discovered that NYC are launching the Creme Sticks in Ireland and the UK. To make this news even better NYC cosmetics are all under a fiver (A FIVER I shout). The Blushable Creme Sticks will be released in or around October and I am excited (are we there yet? are we there yet?) I wish NYC could have released these for the summer (ahem cause we have had a wonderful summer) because they will be perfect for the summer.

The shade I really want to try is called Plaza Pink isn't it pretty.

Plaza Pink

Have you heard of NYC Blushable Creme Sticks? What products do you want to try that are not available to you?

Vogue Fashion's Night Out and a Marc Jacobs Giveaway! CLOSED

2011-09-08T10:48:00.002+01:00

Vogue Fashion's Night Out is happening tonight in Brown Thomas Dublin with a whole load of fun fashion and beauty events. You can read all about the fashion events here while Beaut.ie have the low down on some of the beauty happenings (stick on eyeliner anyone?!). Unfortunately, we're not going (stupid work) but we do have a little fashiony giveaway to celebrate!

Up for grabs we have a sky blue patent Marc Jacobs envelope clutch bag and a Benefit Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in 'Who are you Wearing?'.

The rules, as usual are:

You must be a follower of the blog via Google Friend Connect

Leave a comment on this post to let us know you're interested. Please include your email address or Twitter username so we have a way of contacting you.

Only one entry per person

The competition is open internationally and ends at midnight GMT on Thursday 15th September (only a week to enter!)

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow

2011-09-05T19:55:00.000+01:00

I bought this as a little birthday pressie to myself last week - nothing like a bit of Chanel self-gifting, wha? I'm a major fan of cream eyeshadows in general, so it was inevitable I was gonna pick up one of these babies.

I got the shade 'Illusoire' and it's totally gorgeous. I found it really difficult to take a photo of it that showed just how lovely the colour is - as you can see from the photo of the pot, it's a grey-ish purple but in some lights it looks taupe. It's very metallic with lots of very fine multi-coloured glitter.

The brush that comes with this is actually ok - you need a firm brush to work with these shadows as they have a very dense mousse-like texture. The alternative is to use your fingers, and this is the better option as far as I'm concerned. It's what I like most about cream eyeshadows - you can just lash them on with your fingers.

I didn't find this as long wearing as Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows. I did get some creasing when I wore it without a primer (I wouldn't normally use primer with cream eyeshadows) but I got a full day of wear out of it once I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion underneath.

These shadows come in six shades and are €28 for 4g. They're expensive but they're beautiful and I think they would last you for ages as they're very pigmented and a little goes a long way. I'm also really tempted by Epetant (which, of course, is known as Elephant in my head), a gorgeous, gorgeous green.

Here's some photos of Illusoire - please excuse my eyebrows, which are going mad in anticipation of their first threading next week :-)

Pale is interesting..right?

2011-09-02T14:00:00.006+01:00

I have to admit I am not an ardent self tanner, as 1) I never really get my legs out. 2) I am quite pale and I would look odd with bronzed bits and 3) It’s just too much like hard work. But sometimes occasion calls for it, for instance a wedding where I decided to wear a dress and didn’t want to make the rest of the guests snow blind from seeing my illuminous white legs.

I have used L’oreal Sublime Bronzer Gel before and although I really like the colour it gave me, the smell and sticky legs always put me off. So I was quiet excited when I saw the new improved L’oreal Sublime Bronzer Spray and its claim of no smell or stickness, also I kind of like the idea of a bit of spray painting. Yes the big funny nozzle on the side appealed to my love of gadgets, it looked cool.

As my skin doesn’t take a tan well I find I have to layer it up over a few nights to get the desired effect. So there I stood in my bathroom, spray in hand about 5 days before the wedding. I did have fun spray painting and it only took a few mins. True to their word there was no stinky tanner smell, even the next day. My legs were dry within minutes (its says on the can that if they feel wet you are spraying too near) and didn’t even have that tacky feeling you are sometimes left with. Also it didn’t go everywhere as I imagined it might. All in all application was quick and easy.

Now we get to the not so great part. It took a few applications for me to see the tan develop, and even then it was a bit patchy. Now this could be down to my application skills (but I used to be quite a good spray painter in my time) and as I said before I don’t take a tan well. It did take the shocking white off my legs but that was about it, in the cold light of day (outside the church on the day) I realised that I still looked quiet pale. Actually I ended up lashing on a bit of Sally Hansen Airbrush legs when we got to the hotel (did you know it says to spray it into your hand and not directly on to your leg..opps). Think in future I might just stay with my “pale is interesting” theory.

Has anyone else tried L’oreal Sublime Bronzer Spray? Did you fair any better?

Stila - sure it would be rude not to

2011-09-01T16:46:00.000+01:00

This is going to be my Boots thing from now on, any time I build up a few Boots points I will be spending it on Stila. Here is what I picked up lately.

I have been really intrigued by the idea of self adjusting cheek colour, half of me thinks that it is a complete marketing ploy for ejits like myself and the other half thinks... pretty colour me likey. I have been waiting on Stilas Autumn collection to come in and the Self Adjusting Coral is part of the collection, of course I snapped it up. The other product is a smudge stick in Peacock. These were both priced at €17.00 but I used the wonder of my Boots points.

They are so pretty, look at the little stars on the eyeliner, the packaging on the blush is gorgeous as for the self adjusting aspect I think that perhaps its just like other blushes they look differently on different people. I applied this to myself and it is a really pretty peachy coral, I applied it on my mam and it was a slightly lighter shade (but she is a little tanned) and to a friend in work. I have to say I didn't notice a variation in colour at all. I did ask my male colleague if I could try it on him but he wouldn't let me (boo hiss) I chased after him and everything in a Benny Hill style caper but still no go. This is a really pretty colour so they don't need to tout it as being self adjusting or magical.

The Smudge stick is a beautiful colour it is soft and creamy it actually look a little like the Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds Eyeliner so if anybody has one of these let me know.

Battle of the Eyeliners

2011-08-31T17:00:00.004+01:00

If you have read my post from the other day you know that I love a bit of tight lining (to clarify, on my eyes not just randomly drawing lines). I thought I would show you some of the products that I use.

Mac Feline Kohl Power (top)
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero (middle)
Avon Super shock (bottom).

I decided to give each liner one swipe (like Eminem gets one shot... its like a rap competition but for eyeliners each had one shot/swipe to impress us with their blackness and lasting power).

Avon, Urban Decay and Mac.

As you can see Avon is the most pigmented and blackest followed by Urban Decay and MAC's cult favourite Feline is lagging far behind.

I decided to let the liners sit for a minute and see how much they would smudge (its great to be able to smudge a liner when you're initially working with it but after a while smudging is just smudging and its going to end up all over your face). As you can see there is not that much smudging with Avon, the most is with Urban Decay and MAC's smudge is as dense as the initial line.

This is what is left after I went and scrubbed my arm with a muslin cloth and water (no cleanser) - you can probably see the red marks from scrubbing. Urban Decay lasts the longest.

So what do I think the results of the challenge?

MAC's Feline is often touted as a must-have product that sells out the minute its limited edition bum is back on the shelf but for me it doesn't cut the mustard. It always smudges on me and manages to fall down (onto my already dark circles I mean its not as if they need any help) and as we have seen above it's not even that pigmented. This is a product that is languishing mostly unused in my collection.

Urban Decay's Zero is a brilliant liner - it's pigmented and long lasting for me, in fact it can be a little too long lasting and I often wake up in the morning with residue still on my eyes (after removing it the night before). I love a long lasting product but I don't want to literally scrub my eyes to remove the product.

The clear winner for me is Avon Supershock. It's pigmented, long lasting and affordable. I reach for it everyday and it's a staple in my makeup bag.

Avon is available from your local representative or online from Avonshoponline.

What is your favourite liner?

Sally Hansen Autumn Nails

2011-08-30T17:00:00.007+01:00

It was bloody freezing last night. I was so tempted to put on the heating but it's still August, I'm my father's daughter and there's just no way I can put on the heating in August. So I sat on the settee with a hot water bottle instead. Sadly, winter is approaching and I think the time is nearing to put away all my bright pink, pastel, neon and coral nail polishes and break out the darker shades instead.

The colours I favour in winter are deep purples, dark reds, greys, but also nudes and taupes, which is why I thought I would love Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in Café Au Lait, which came in my Beaut.ie Awards goodie bag. But I'm not crazy about it.

It really is a true nude - exactly the same colour as my skin. It would be a good colour for work if you work somewhere where you need to have work-appropriate nails (I don't thank God) or if you want to lengthen the appearance of your fingers, it could work in the same way as nude shoes work for your legs (am I clutching at straws here?!). It could also be a good base for glitter.

Anyway, I really like the formula and wear of these polishes - as we all know by now, they combine a base coat and top coat with colour (although I still like to add a top coat), and promise up to ten days wear. I also really like the expensive looking bottles and the tapered brush. There are some great colour options for winter that are right up my street and I'll definitely be picking some of these up:

Plum Luck

Red Zin

Commander in Chic

My top coat of choice these days is also Sally Hansen, and I don't know what I ever did without it - this stuff is DEADLY. You just put on your nail polish, wait a minute or two, apply this & voila - completely dry nails in 30 seconds.

Do you change your nail colours up to suit the seasons? Or are you happy to wear brights in winter?

The Magic of Tightlining

2011-08-29T17:00:00.001+01:00

I have tiny eyes, its OK I can admit it they are small and I realise that with a little floofing around I can make them look bigger. Eyeliner can both be a friend and an enemy of the tiny eyed folk. I am always a little scared of looking like a Mulhall Sister if I go mad with the eyeliner. This is a look we must all avoid.

(Picture from the Sunday World Website)

So while I have to go easy with the eyeliner on the top of my eyes, I have discovered that by tight lining my eyes it can add definition, open my eyes and also make the three stumpy eyelashes that I have look longer. Lovelygirlybits has a brill tutorial on how to tight line with gel eyeliner but I tend to use a pencil. I used to be a bit creeped out by tight lining, I didn't like the idea of messing with my eyeball and as my eyes tend to water at the drop of a hat I thought, whats the point? My trick is to use a long lasting pencil. Below is a before picture with just a smidgen of shadow on my eyes.

As you can see just a smidgen of pencil on the upper waterline defines my eye (without the Mulhall look). Its easy to do and adds a small amount of definition and defines my lashes.

Here is the eye with a flash of liquid liner (Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Siren - my current obsession) and mascara (Avon Super Shock, another current obsession)

Do you tight line? Or do you have any tips on how to enhance tiny eyes?

NOTD Barry M Blueberry Ice cream

2011-08-26T17:00:00.004+01:00

You gotta love a bit of Barry M - affordable, easy to get your hands on and always on trend. What's not to love? I am not a great girl for wearing nail polish. In my line of work as an international spy it tends to chip too easily (I may in fact not be an international spy I might just have been watching the box set of Burn Notice and want to be a spy, it's kinda like after I watched Water for Elephants and wanted an elephant... don't worry it will pass). Anyway where was I ? Oh yes I don't like applying nail polish every other day so I tend to go naked (on my nails, after all it wouldn't be good for a spy to be naked) but here is my recent NOTD - Barry M Blueberry Ice Cream.

You Likey?

Garnier BB Cream

2011-08-25T17:30:00.002+01:00

So there is big fuss over BB creams right now. If you're a YouTube fan you will see that everybody is trying them out. What are BB creams? Well they were developed to aid women who have just had plastic surgery so they are filled with goodness that heals skin, have high SPFs to prevent damage and a tint which gives some coverage. Some creams have a whitening aspect to them which I was initially a bit concerned over but I think it is to lighten scars as opposed to whitening your whole face. When I picked this up I gave it to Sile and she thought it was very light coverage and that you would need great skin for it. Simone from Simonelovesmakeup thinks it's high coverage. Sile is currently using Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation which pretty much makes everything else look light and Simone is a makeup artist with tons of experience. So who is right?

The cream is thick, really thick and it is fragranced, really fragranced, so much so that I when I smelled my hand I wasn't sure if it was the perfume I had sprayed or the cream. When you apply the product to your face you don't really notice the fragrance that much but if you hate fragranced products AVOID.

When I first applied the cream I thought that it was like a thick tinted moisturiser. Despite the thickness the product feels light. I have been wearing it for a couple of weeks now and to be honest I am not loving it. I love when you can't feel a product on your skin and it feels like your skin is breathing and your skin looks like skin. On a good day my skin can cope with a tinted moisturiser and concealer for the odd spot and my epic dark circles - that is why I thought this would be perfect. Unfortunately for me it is far from perfect. The product seems to wear off well before the end of the day it doesn't really blend easily and you can't build it up. Although the cream doesn't feel heavy and you initially can't feel the product on your skin, I find that on me it leaves a greasy residue and I look like I am a greasy shiny mess. Since I don't have oily skin and if anything my skin can be dehydrated (not dry or flaky) this product would be a nightmare for those with oily skin (it's horrible on dehydrated skin). I love dewy skin but I don't like dip your head in a fryer skin. I have also developed a few whopper spots on my chin, I am not saying that they are specifically from this product (perhaps they are from the Domino's Pizza I had on Saturday with cookies for afters mmmm).

Forehead (looks like a five head from here) with nothing on it, I promise I have washed and moisturised it and as you can see a few (ahem) blemishes.

As you can see it does cover the blemishes and the major shine has not arrived yet.

There is a little chart on the back indicating the age for which the product is suited, BB creams were invented for women who have just had plastic surgery so would this not be an slightly older market? I find it funny because my mam for example has very good skin and doesn't like to wear anything heavy and I think this product would be suited to her skin, older skin tends to be slightly dryer so it might benefit from any oiliness so have they missed a target audience? Also the picture is funny and perhaps a little ageist Garnier ... does one burst into flames when you reach 60?

This gets a thumbs down from me. Have you tried it? What do you think of BB creams? I have the Illamasqua Skin Base - a review is coming soon.

Stila Convertible Eye Colour

2011-08-24T17:00:00.002+01:00

Here is another one of Stila's "clever cosmetics", the Convertible Eye Colour. Do not be fooled into thinking that they are just an eyeliner; they are in fact all you need for a quick and pretty eye. On one end there is a eyeliner and in the other there is a smudger which inserts into a powder in a complementing shade. Handy or what? Now here is the down low, personally if I was going for any eyeliner this would not be the first one that I would reach for. I would probably go with the Urban Decay 24/7 liner or Avon's Super shock or even one of Stila's Kajal liners. I like to line the waterline and these are not as creamy. They are however perfect for throwing in your handbag and they're great for holidays (please remind me what holidays are). I do think they are very nifty idea and they line the eyes easily (not as easily as the others I mentioned) but I don't reach for them.

Indigo, Slate, Forest and Stone (I think this is the name of Forest and Stone sorry but the name has rubbed off)

Stone, Forest

Slate Indigo

The magic powder/shadow

What do you think of the Convertible Eye Colours? Personally I think that Stila has released some cracking new eyeliners including the smudge stick liner that I recently bought (that we can now get our hands on woo hoo) so I would probably give these a miss. These are not actually available at the stand in Boots Liffey Valley but they are available from ASOS and HQHair

Catrice

2011-08-23T17:00:00.001+01:00

With all my recent excitement over Stila's return to Ireland and TK Maxx bargains I completely forgot that I had picked up some goodies from Catrice. Catrice is a great German make up brand that is brilliant value. It can usually be found in Dunnes Stores and Penneys and yes it is most definitely Penneys prices. I picked up a cream cheek tint in Tigerlilly for €3.50. This is reminiscent (ie a total copy) of a Nars Multiple. The product is slightly chunkier and not as smooth as a Nars Multiple but you're not paying Nars prices (which for us in the Eurozone are mad money)

Sure how could I say no to a hot pink for €4.50? That's right, I couldn't, so I got the Ultimate Colour lipstick in 110 Pink Me Up. I love Catrice lipsticks. They have a slight scent which reminds me of higher end brands but I have noticed that the lipstick's shape is really weird and pointy. Has anybody else noticed this?

Finally a Lip Designer Lip liner in Soft Fuchsia that was €2.50. There has been great talk about these on YouTube. They have a nifty lip brush on the other end.

Has anybody tried Catrice? What do you think?

CND Shellac in Hollywood

2011-08-19T17:00:00.001+01:00

As I had a couple of events in quick succession last week (the Beaut.ie Awards, followed by my friend's hen weekend down in Cork), I decided to go and get my nails Shellacked again. I looked up the nearest, cheapest salon to me on Salon Addict and headed off to get them done last Thursday morning. I opted for the colour 'Hollywood ' this time, a classic red with very subtle shimmer.

CND Shellac 'Hollywood' - no flash.

CND Shellac in 'Hollywood' - with flash - shows the shimmer a bit better.

I love the colour and the shine but I'm really disappointed with the longevity of Shellac this time out, so much so that I'm going to take it off today, just over a week after getting it on. I noticed my first chip at the Beaut.ie Awards on Thursday night (I probably obsessively showed it to several people!), just a few hours after application, the chip on my index finger (which can be seen in the first photo above) appeared the next day, and I had tip wear and wear around the edges of some nails after a couple of days.

It seems the success of Shellac definitely lies in its application. This time, quite thin layers were applied and I would have thought that this would actually increase longevity (as it would do with normal nail polish) but I was wrong. With Shellac, it seems, the thicker it's slathered on, the better. It hasn't put me off getting Shellac again, but I would choose my nail technician carefully.

Have you tried Shellac? How did you get on with it?

This was my first time using Salon Addict and loved how easy it was to compare prices, and to book online. It includes hairdressers as well as beauty salons. There doesn't seem to be a huge amount of salons on it yet, but they say they are constantly adding more. Have you used the site before?

NOTD Sally Hansen Pink Slip

2011-08-18T17:00:00.002+01:00

Here is a wee NOTD from Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Pink Slip, I was lucky enough to receive this in my Goodie bag from the Beautie Best in Beaut awards. I have tried only one other of the Complete Salon Manicure polishes and I love the formula and the finish (really shiny). This is two coats and is really opaque, unfortunately I think this shade looks a little like its some kind of fungal nail treatment and is not for me at all. Sue (CherrySue) suggested that I could use it as a base for other pale nail polishes. What do you think of this shade?

A little update this colour was beginning to chip so being a bit of a dirty bee-hatch I decided to just paint on top and the colour came up beautifully with one coat.

TK MAXX

2011-08-17T17:00:00.001+01:00

I am new to this whole TK MAXX buzz. I never really go in there cause if I am being honest I HATE the shop in general, it always seems messy and chaotic. I don't find it relaxing, although it has to be said when I bought my apartment I did pick up a good few things in the home wares department. Recently I have been hearing brilliant things about the cosmetic section, namely from the Queen of TK Maxx Art Donatella. She picked up some Stila for some bargain prices. I headed to TK Maxx in town and was really disappointed that there was only one manky lipliner. That evening on twitter I was saying how I had gotten on and Karen from Lovelygirlybits and Sue from CherrySuedoingthedo basically encouraged/enabled me into trying the TK Maxx in Blanchardstown which from these experts is said to be the best in their experience.

So when I went into Blanchardstown TK Maxx there was quite a decent cosmetic section most of which was in sealed clear containers, the pros to this were nobody had stuck their dirty fingers in the products; the cons, you probably have no idea what the colour is. So I under one arm I had the plastic containers and in my other hand had my phone out googling colours so I could have some idea about the shades. When I was going out that day I gave myself a budget of €20.00 hmmm. I really went for the Stila (Stila Freak) but was only delighted when I saw NARS. I picked up Nars cream eyeshadow in Decameron (which the internet - Makeup Alley- told me could also be used as a bronzer) and Nars single eye shadow in New York (the name alone sold it but again Makeup Alley told me it made green/blue eyes pop). These were €9.99 each which is amazing considering I had just picked up Nars single eyeshadow in Outremer a couple of days before for €24.00.

If you can see on the left is Decameron which has tiny bits of white fluff/organic matter/stuff on it, I am not sure what this is, is is some kind of makeup mould? I do wonder how TK Maxx get their products. From hearing something on the programme The City (I am well educated by reality TV can't ye tell) the guru that is Kelly Cutrone said when a shop cancels a big order on a brand, the brand is stuck with the stock so they sell it on to discount shops. I can understand a few Stila products showing up in TK Maxx as it has been discontinued in Ireland for some time, but NARS? Answers on a post card.

You could use Decameron as a bronzer I guess but probably not on my skin at the moment. New York is a Matt shadow, not my favourite type of shadow but it's a unusual shade.

I also picked up Stila Lipstick in Kelly which was €5.99 (yes €5.99) Nars Lipstick in Promiscuous which was €9.99 and Stila Shine Lip Colour for €5.99. I am not a nude lipstick lover at all but these are quite sheer and not really offensive in any way. I love the Stila Shine Lip colour which I got in Talia.

How pretty are the Stila lipstick containers (being the Stila Freak I may be slightly biased)

So have you gotten any makeup bargains from TK Maxx? do you think that these bargains are "gone off" makeup?

Stila Convertible Colour

2011-08-16T17:00:00.002+01:00

Let me introduce you to a product that I am a little in love with, some catch my fancy more than others and are shown a little more love. Let me introduce you to Convertible Colours by Stila (I am the Stila Freak after all). These are creamy cheek and lip colours. Personally I have always used them as a cheek colour but in saying that when I first bought them I was all about the lip gloss.

As you can see from the pictures the packaging is just adorable. Each of the compacts is colour coordinated to the product.

Rose, Orchid (which I bought from ebay)

Camila, Lillium/Gerbera

Peony, Marigold

Petunia, Gladiola

Fuchsia

Rose, Orchid

Camilia, Lillium/Gerbera

The Swatches Rose, Orchid

Camilia, Lillium/Gerbera

Peony, Marigold

Petunia, Gladiola

The Swatches Peony, Marigold

Petunia, Gladiola

My favourites have got to be Petunia and Gladiola (swatches below) I know the colour of Gladiola looks a little intimidating but it blends out to a lovely peachy/orange/coral.

How pretty are these?

Here is my newest acquisition Fuchsia. It will be perfect for that doll faced look.

Above is a swipe of Fuchsia and below it's blended out. Stila Convertible Colours are perfect for those who want a cream blush, if you love Benefit's Cha Cha tint but you need a little more time to work with the product give Gladiola a try. These are soft, creamy and easy to use, they blend like a dream.

Stila is a available from Boots Liffey Valley (Woo Hoo have I mentioned that before?) HQ Hair and ASOS. Have you tried any of the Stila Convertible Colours ?

Best in Beaut.ie Awards 2011

2011-08-15T22:47:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I was babysitting and I was having a bit of a Samantha from Sex and the City moment, I couldn't blog/tweet/wash my face... I had a child to mind. Sile, on the other hand, was swanning around Cork, quaffing cocktails with mickey shaped straws whilst wearing a mini tiara (hen). Why am I telling you all this random information? Well it's really to excuse us from not talking about the AMAZING Best in Beaut.ie Awards 2011 that we were lucky enough to attend last Thursday. We were excited (so much so that my boss told me I must be a nightmare at Christmas...it's true, I am a complete nightmare). I made my hair really big, we primed, we painted our faces (most of which promptly melted off) and headed off. The ladies at Beaut.ie really know how to throw a shindig. The awards were held in the very posh surroundings of the Dylan Hotel, the West Coast Cooler was flowing, and everyone was dressed up to the nines.

I have huge admiration for the ladies at Beaut.ie and yes sometimes in a weird uncomfortable way. I love that they know their stuff. They have basically one of the top beauty blogs in the world, and as I have said before they are The MOTHERSHIP but at the same time are friendly and approachable (even if I did approach with a somewhat "special" smile on my face and was unable to speak).

We got to mingle (Sile was much better at this than me) with some lovely people like Andrea (ArtDonatella) who is super glam and she not only gave me tips on how to take pictures of myself for the blog (and not look like an eejit) but we also got up to some giggly shenanigans in the very posh bathroom. There was Karen and Joanne from Lovelygirlybits who basically make me laugh out loud in a not very girly or ladylike manner, Claire from In claireness now fair who basically knows everybody, Dee from Dee-lightful thoughtss (another one that causes the snorting laughter), the ladies from Viva Adonis (Dee with the most amazing hair and eyelashes and Sinead who looks an Irish Lily Cole), Paula from Cornflake Girl's Musings, who I have brill conversations that range from the sublime to the ridiculous, the very sweet Cara from Nailish Ramblings (whose sister had a fab bag) and Ciara From Aphrosie who was wearing the most amazing red dress, Lee from Mwah.ie who it has to be said has a banging body and inspired me not to eat any of the tasty treats that were floating around, Sue from Cherry Sue who I knew I would love (I was right). I managed to miss Emma from Fluff and Fripperies and Joanne from The Makeup Fairy.

I have to of course give proper props to Beaut.ie for the welcome and support that they give to other beauty bloggers, and for the community that they have created - it really is amazing. It was great to get the opportunity to meet Kirstie again - she is so friendly and down to earth and has a brilliant style that is all her own. There are photos of the event over on Beaut.ie's Facebook page and don't forget to check out the award winners, as well as the top fives for each category here.

Joanne, Karen and Mags

Sile and Mags

Monica and Chandler

(pic via Beaut.ie's Facebook page)

Lanolips

2011-08-10T17:00:00.004+01:00

Lanolips is one of those products that is on my beauty list (that I keep filed haphazardly in my head). It has been doing the rounds on a few English blogs and YouTubers and having lips that would make the Sahara look like paradise, I am always on the hunt for something that works. I asked Beaut.ie (the mother ship) on Twitter was it available in Ireland and the people at Lanolips were a bit vague on the matter - it was a lip product mystery (Lanolips' website now say that its available in Boots Liffey Valley, Jervis Street and Omni). Last week Laura from All Made up 21 tweeted that she had picked up Lanolips from Boots in Jervis Street . SCORE. On my trip into town to pick up my Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shadow Collection (check out the post its amazing... the product is amazing not the post ) and meet Claire from In Claireness Now Fair for coffee, I picked one up. Lanolips costs €11.50 - to me this is very expensive for a lip product but it is along similar pricing lines to Kiehls.

Here is what Lanolips have to say....

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid is an ultra rich and creamy whipped lanolin lip treatment with organic lemon oil to naturally exfoliate, leaving lips fresh, soft and moist.
The citric acid in the organic lemon oil acts as a natural exfoliator on dry, dead skin; when applied there may be a slight tingling on the lips as it works.
Containing over 70% of Lanolips exclusive Ultra Pure Medical Grade Lanolin, Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid offers a natural high gloss, hydrating lip ointment with a hint of shimmer for a healthy sheen.

What is this magical substance lanolin which makes the product amazing?? Lanolin is wax that is produced by lamb's wool. Lets think about this for a minute... lanolin is basically sheep's greasy hair residue. Now before we all get freaked out (lets face it we are all a little freaked out right now) lanolin is used in tons of lip products so we probably already have it on our lips and you know what Cleopatra never said "Do you know what that eyeliner is made of?? Get that muck away from my face...Ill go natural".

I have a gripe with the application, its not ideal for applying directly onto lips.

The product has a pleasant lemon taste and to me its texture is reminiscent of the Benefit two step lip programme (as opposed to Benefit's 12 step programme which of course is Makeup Addicts Anonymous). There is a slight shimmer to the product but it's very subtle. It is long lasting and pleasant on the lips (once you get over the whole sheep's greasy hair thing).

Here is a cute little picture of a sheep... are we feeling better about sheep yet? Look she has lovely long eye lashes. There was another version available in Boots which was €14.50 I don't know what special sheep this lanolin was taken from to deserve the higher price tag (Dolly the sheep perhaps).

Here it is on my lips (along with a few spots....for your viewing pleasure).

This product has me thinking ...remember when you were younger and you used to make shampoo out of rose petals? which was basically Eau de Decaying Vegetation? Well we could make our own lip gloss, just get a little pot then wait for your hair to build up a bit of grease. Between your home made perfume and lip gloss you would be only smashing.

All messing aside I do actually like this product (once I got over the whole greasy sheep thing) it leaves my lips pleasantly moisturised and does exactly what it says on the tin. I have grown very fond of that little sheep.

Marie Claire September Issue - Freebies!

2011-08-09T17:00:00.001+01:00

LOVE Anne Hathaway's starry Dolce and Gabbana dress

I'm a total sucker for magazine freebies and looks like September is another good month for them. Marie Claire has not one, but two giveaways this month. First up is a Ciaté Paint Pot which is available in two colours - a creme nude colour and Wait Until Dark, which I picked up - a really dark shimmery purple.

The second freebie is a pretty decent 50ml sample of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner. Apparently this has "weightless nutri-oils" and "3X the nourishing power of a conditioner". Just what my poor hair needs right now.

Are there any other good magazine freebies out there this month? Give me the heads up in the comments please!

Stila Giveaway Winner

2011-08-08T22:28:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who entered our 100 Followers Stila Giveaway, and thanks once again for your lovely comments! We had 64 entries altogether, and Random.org threw up number 20*, which means our winner is.......

Hilly's Fairy Dust

Congratulations!

*Apologies for the lack of screen grabs - my laptop wasn't playing ball tonight. You'll just have to trust us ;-)

Mac Girl About Town & Avon Dupe

2011-08-07T15:02:00.002+01:00

Most of us ladies that like an in your face lippy have at some stage picked up MAC Girl About Town.

It is a beautiful full force fuchsia but not only that, it is called Girl About Town and who doesn't want to be a Girl About Town swishing her hair and being generally wonderful? I do, I do.

I do tend to gravitate towards this type of colour so I wasn't that shocked to find a dupe in my collection.. Ladies I give you Avon Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick (phew they should really work on shortening that name) in Fuchsia Fever.

As you can see it kind of has a marbled effect with colour and moisture, it's really moisturising and a pleasure to put on your smacker.

Twins

Avon say that Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick Keep lips soft and oh-so kissable with ribbons of rich, hydrating moisture. Enriched with Aqua Silk Complex for 24 hour moisture. Rich, colour-charged pigments create captivating colour. I concur Avon, I concur, 'tis only deadly.

You can get Avon from your local Avon rep or online from Avon Shop Online.ie where they are priced €12.75 which in my opinion is a bit expensive for an Avon lipstick, but you know the wonderful thing about Avon is they always have some kind of wonderful special offer on (spend a tenner between pages 25-40 and get a free pony and a selection of cosmetic samples*). If you love to have a nose around the Avon brochure you can now look at it online, brilliant or what? We are currently at Campaign 13 where they are €6.50.

*may not be current offer.

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Collection

2011-08-06T21:15:00.001+01:00

The moment I saw this on Temptalia I thought mmmm my pretty you shall be mine. I am a big fan of Urban Decay shadows - they come in amazing colours and are mostly of brilliant quality (except the really glittery ones tend to make me look like I have been crying/sweating glitter). I love collecting the eye shadow sets that Urban Decay release mostly because they offer really great value for money. Urban Decay single shadows are about €17.00 eek (the euro pricing Gods strike again - lets overcharge them sure they are broke anyway- has to be the reason behind the euro pricing or perhaps the perhaps the prices are made up by Count Dracula from Sesame Street who has now developed Alzheimer's and just announces random quantities €27.76 muhahahah). While most the palettes are about €36 this one is €45 - a bit spendy I know, but I can only imagine the cost is for the swanky packaging. So let's take a look shall we?

As you can see the box is a shiny gunmetal colour which although is very pretty it will be covered in finger prints as quick as you can look at it. The bottom (not part of the box) is a soft purple velvet tray. Now for the big reveal what do you get in the box? 15 brand spanking new eyeshadow colours. Usually Urban Decay use pre-existing colours and release a few new colours for each palette, but the anniversary collection is special - they are all new and pretty damn fabulous.

Some of the colours are alike or remixes if you like of previous colours. There is Midnight Rodeo which is like Midnight Cowboy (but this is without as much of the aforementioned gets-everywhere-glitter) The colours see to be to be in three rows, neutral, In yo face colours and smoky shades. It is a "Naked In Yo Smoke Palette" if you like with something for everyone. The neutrals are gorgeous and if you missed out on the Naked Palette don't worry because this will have you covered. The "In yo face" colours are quite frankly outstanding each colour is prettier than the last. The smoky colours have dimension and are interesting but they also have a black in there, covering all bases.

You can slip out the colour palette when finished and use the box for jewellery, mementos or world secrets, you know, stuff you have hanging around.

Beautiful neutral shades - Midnight Rodeo, Midnight 15, Vanilla, Flow and Chase. These are like butter and are almost my favourite shades (I said almost).

In Yo Face - Tainted, Junkshow (amazing pink or what?) Omen, Evidence and Deep end. (I drool for Evidence and Deep End)

The Smokies - Deeper, M.I.A., Ace, Blackout and Half truth.

Sure lets have another look at Evidence and Deep End probably my two favourite colours, I want to paint my whole body with them.

These colours are soft and are crying out for you to touch them and swipe them and love them.

When I was talking to the girl in Debenhams she told me that there is a final Book of Shadows that will be released in three weeks (bit of a cod its so close to this release but anyhow) which has a little lip gloss in it and an iPod docking station and mini speaker. To be quite honest I almost forgot to ask what is inside (5 new colours, the rest re-releases), they will also be launching a ton more products including fancy liquid liners a glitter tattoo kit and quite frankly the most amazing pink lipstick/lip gloss pencil seen to woman kind.

This is limited edition so if you want it, go get it. You can purchase it from Debenhams (online also) and House of Fraser. (Urban Decay is no longer in Boots). Will you be getting your grubby little hands on this?

Product Rave: Garnier Summerbody

2011-08-04T17:00:00.000+01:00

I've tried my fair share of gradual tanners over the years - Johnson's Holiday Skin (remember when that was the first and only one available and everyone went mad for it?!), Dove Summer Glow, St. Tropez Everyday... the list goes on. Up until now Dove Summer Glow was my favourite (repurchased several times) as it gave the best color in the fewest number of applications but it wasn't quite perfect - namely because of the smell. I found I had to apply it at night and shower it off in the morning, just like regular fake tan.

So this summer I decided to try something else, and I think I have found my HG gradual tanner - can you tell what it is yet?!

Garnier Summerbody in 'Light Sun-kissed Look' (there is also a darker version if you're not milk-bottle pale like myself).

The reasons I like this so much are:

The smell. It smells of apricots and I can't detect any of that fake tan smell. With all the other gradual tanners I have tried, the fake tan smell was pretty strong and I'd apply them at night and have to shower them off the next morning so I wouldn't be stinking of DHA all day. With the Garnier one I can just use it as it's intended to be used - as a body lotion after showering.
The colour. It builds up to a nice, natural golden tan after about three days of application. It's not a bit orange or dirty looking, and fades evenly.
The price. I paid less than €3.50 for 250ml of this in Dunnes, and have seen it for around the same price in Superquinn and Heatons. For some reason it is much more expensive in Tesco and Boots so shop around if you're buying it! (BTW off topic, I was in Superquinn today and they have the John Frieda Go Blonder Spray for €4.99 - bargainous)

So, there you go, that's what I'm using to fake my daily glow during our rainy Irish summer. For a deeper tan for special events, I'm loving Xen Tan Dark Lotion.

Do you have any gradual tan recommendations to rival this?

Sleek I Divine Original Palette

2011-08-03T17:00:00.000+01:00

Since I have been showing you the Sleek palettes that I recently bought I thought I might as well show you the other Sleek palette that I own. I now present you with The Original palette. Sile picked this up for me in London about 2 years ago, I have played with it a little but in all honestly I have so much makeup it has been a little ignored. The Sleek Palettes really impress me. The colours are so pigmented and soft they are a pleasure to work with although they do have a little bit of fall out. There are 12 eye shadows and they do not have names (the naming of eyeshadows seems to be a new thing). I'll let the pictures do the talking.

There are a great mix of colours in this palette including a matte black (again with the matte black Sleek) , neutrals and a few pops of colour.

You can buy Sleek from Superdrug in the UK (good luck with that), directly from Sleek's website (spendy shipping costs for us Irish Ladies) or from Beauty Emporium's site which has a flat rate of €2.00 to Ireland and €3.00 to the UK (they are working on European shipping costs). Have you tried the Original Palette or any of the other Sleek Palettes?

NOTD: Avon Nailwear Pro Real Red

2011-08-02T17:00:00.006+01:00

This is a lovely true red (what I always refer to in my head as 'Hollywood red'). I've tried a few polishes from this Avon range now and the formula is great - opaque in two coats and really glossy.

This is €9.00 from your local Avon Lady, or you can get it on sale at the moment for €4.50 from Avon Shop Online.

emerald eyeliner

Karma karma karma karma Chameleon

Sleek - Bad Girl

Review: Karora Self Tan Mist

Nails Inc - Gossip Girl Mani

Benefit Porefessionally Pretty

China Glaze - Eye Candy

L'Oreal Bronze Divine Color Infallible Eyeshadow - Perhaps a dupe for MAC Golden Gaze

Run dont walk, then swish your hair.

Favourite Christmas Nail Polishes!

Nars - Lets Multiply

I LOVE: Holy Grail Foundation Brush Stila #33 One Step Complexion Brush - and a Dupe

NOTD Models Own - Golden Green - Beetle juice

Stila- Christmas Sets 2011

MAC Show Orchid Dupe - for less than €2.50

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation Review

NOTD Models Own Pinky Brown - Beetle Juice

MAC Mattene Lipstick Rare Exotic - Almost a religious purchase

MAC Pro Longwear - Full Speed Ahead

A little bit of Nars - All over my face

NOTD Illamasqua Obsess

Stila - Dream in Full Colour

When is a Nail colour not a nail colour ?

New York Trip in Photos

When you go will you bring back ....some makeup from America

NYC Cosmetics - Autumn Showcase - Big City Looks at Small Prices

New York Haul

Laura Mercier - Classic Chic Colour Collection

More Muppets - Wocka Wocka! Designer ....de Better!

OPI Muppets Collection Swatches

Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner and Super Saturated Lip Colour

NOTD 17 Blue Magnetic Nail Polish

I LOVE - The Mothership - Georgeous To Go

I Love NOTD Jessica King Tuts Gem & Essie Aruba Blue

I Love.... Stila Prime Pot in Taffy

Shellac Rock Royalty & a bit of a Nails Ramble

Stila - In the Light Palette

Origins Modern Friction - Product Rave

Kate Moss for Rimmel

Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV

CCO Skin Care

Camomile ..oh so soothing

CCO Trip

Marc Jacobs & Benefit Giveaway Winner!

Andrea Fulerton Petrol in Water

Urban Decay

Avon Super SHOCK MAX

NYC Blushable Creme Sticks (Makeup excitement that gives you Heart Failure)

Vogue Fashion's Night Out and a Marc Jacobs Giveaway! *CLOSED*

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow

Pale is interesting..right?

Stila - sure it would be rude not to

Battle of the Eyeliners

Sally Hansen Autumn Nails

The Magic of Tightlining

NOTD Barry M Blueberry Ice cream

Garnier BB Cream

Stila Convertible Eye Colour

Catrice

CND Shellac in Hollywood

NOTD Sally Hansen Pink Slip

TK MAXX

Stila Convertible Colour

Best in Beaut.ie Awards 2011

Lanolips

Marie Claire September Issue - Freebies!

Stila Giveaway Winner

Mac Girl About Town & Avon Dupe

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Collection

Product Rave: Garnier Summerbody

Sleek I Divine Original Palette

NOTD: Avon Nailwear Pro Real Red

Vogue Fashion's Night Out and a Marc Jacobs Giveaway! CLOSED