Summer Series | Holiday Essentials

Okay apologies are in order. There has been a massive delay between my last post and this one. July seemed to pass me by in a flash. Granted it's now August, but until schools are back, it always still feels like summer, so I have the final post in my Summer Series, you can find post one here and post two here.

So the reason my July was so jam-packed was mostly due to holidays. This year I decided to do a series of small trips and as a result my make-up bag needed to stay light. So I'm going to share with you what made the cut.

Since I spent some time travelling around Ireland as well as the UK, airport security was also a factor. Keeping it basic was key (full details of products below).

I made sure to keep it really minimal, I left out things like primer, eye lash curlers, extra brushes, brought no more than one of each type of product.I brought the two essential brushes (and the NAKED palette comes with one), I figured anything else could be blended with fingers. I guess my main piece of advice, even if you think you need everything, there's surely a couple more things you can cut out. I know personally when I'm away on holidays, I just want to spend the minimal amount of time on getting ready as there is so much to go out and enjoy and experience. I even know some days I won't want to wear make up. So I really factor this into my final choices. Essentially a good rule of thumb is: no more than one of anything. I find the biggest thing that will weigh you down is have three different mascaras and five types of lip gloss. Choose the bare essentials and your back will thank you for it, when you don't have to lug it all around from city to city.

I teamed my make up collection with the a couple of nail varnishes (again look for cheats like using the same polish for your base coat and top coat). I kept it bright, summery and simple.

So the running theme is basic and minimal. What are you holiday essentials that you can't live without? Do you pack light or do you pack everything, including the kitchen sink?

Face
Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Make Up (#20)
NARS Creamy Concealer (Custard)
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder (Pale Yellow)
Bourjois Blush (48 Ashes of Roses)

Brushes
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Real Techniques Powder Brush

Eyes
NAKED Palette (No. 1)
Essence Eye Liner Pen (Black)
Maybelline The Rocket Volume Mascara (Waterproof - Black)

Lips
Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer (Big Bang)
Make Up For Ever Rough Artist Natural Lipstick (N22 Pink Peach)

Nails
Essie Top Coat (No Chips Ahead)
Rimmel Salon Pro - Kate Collection (Purple Rain)
Models Own Splash Collection (Pink Paradise)

Summer Series | Nails

So this is post number two in the Summer Series, you can find the first one here. This time I'm looking at nails. Summer is always the perfect time for bright colours of course, but Summer 2013 seems to be all about really bright neon colours. So I think this bright orange is a perfect addition to any summer collection.

This is Barry M's Gelly Nail Paint in the colour Mango. The finish of this nail varnish is great and the colour is so bold. It reminds of Shellac nails in the finish actually. So you get expensive looking nails, without the expensive price tag. I picked this one up on ASOS for €5.29. So it is a really affordable polish. However with the reduced price tag, does come reduction in quality. I find it applies quite streaky and sticky initially and it starts drying quite quickly, so if you're trying to fix an error, you can make a mess of your nails.

However as it is drying, it does tend to smooth itself out. So my nails above are on my first attempt. As I was applying it, I didn't imagine it would turn out so well. So just be patient with it. Of course since this is such a bright colour, be certain to apply a base coat (if this something you would normally skip) since it would be very likely stain your nail. Finally in my experience, it didn't chip until the third day, which for the price, is very good going.

Overall I was impressed with this polish and I think it's a perfect shade for Summer 2013!


Pros: great finish, beautiful colour, bargain price
Cons: need to be patient applying it



Have you tried the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints?
What are some of your favourite shades for summer?

June Favourites

So we're already into July and full swing into Summer, even if the weather only sometimes appears to reflect that here in Ireland. Below I have shared my favourite products for the month of June. They are all compact, small products that feature this month. I guess in the summer time you have less pockets and smaller handbags, it's compact make up's time to shine! For reference I have included the full names and shades of all products at the end of this post.

Hair Care - Tangle Teezer

I have always been a little sceptical of this comb which claims to de-tangle your hair. As someone who bleaches their hair blonde, there are a large number of products I've tried that aren't quite up to the task. A few weeks ago I decided to take the plunge and bought a Tangle Teezer and boy was I proven wrong. I would recommend this to everyone and anyone. I have done a complete flip and am utterly in love with this product. After washing my hair and towel drying, I apply a leave in conditioner/de-tangler spray and then glide this comb through my hair. There are no snags or pulls. Magic! I bought the travel version, so it is great as it comes with a cover to keep the bristles in tact when you're on the move.

Blusher - Bourjois

I am really enjoying this little blusher from Bourjois. I actually got it free when I purchased the Bourjois Foundation mentioned here, which is always nice. I like the simple packaging that matches the shade of the product, making it easy to find in my make up bag. It is a nice bright colour and a little goes a long way!

Corrector - Bobbi Brown

This little product has become a make up bag essential for me, it's so small and compact. It's Bobbi Brown's corrector. It is great for disguising bags under my eyes and just generally brightening up my eyes. I have had it for months, and as you can see I've barely made a dent. So while it is a little pricier than some brands, you really get your value for money in its longevity.


Eye Shadow - Maybelline

This Color Tattoo 24hour shadow is a relatively new edition to my collection. While I haven't heavily tested in terms of staying power as yet, I'm loving it as a neutral shade all over my lids when I'm going for a very natural make up look. It finishes your eyes off without drawing too much attention, I am in love with this shade. I have also used it once or twice a base for other eye shadows, with great effect.

**Star Buy** - Tangle Teezer

Tangle Teeezer - Compact Styler - Gold Rush
Bourjois - Blush - 48 Ashes of Roses
Bobbi Brown - Corrector - Extra Light Bisque
Maybelline - Gel/Cream Eyeshadow - Colour Tattoo 24hour - 35 On and on bronze


What were some of your favourite products in June?
Have you tried any of the above, what do you think of them?

High End Foundation for Dry Skin

So I previously covered a high street (drug store) foundation that is perfect for dry skin, in this blog I'm looking at a high end variety, Bobbi Brown's Moisture Rich Foundation.

After seeing a lot of recommendations for Bobbi Brown foundations, I decided to give them a try myself. I picked this one up in Brown Thomas after consulting with the girl behind the counter and trying it out (which is what I love about buying at make-up counters, you can really try everything out first). In the end I went for the shade Porcelain (0) as I have quite pale skin.

The formula is very runny and I would definitely recommend applying this foundation with a brush as I imagine it would be difficult to apply using your fingers. I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and I find it blends it in seamlessly. In my experience a little goes a long way and I can really use the smallest of amounts to get an even, beautiful finish. It is however build-able if you're looking for a little more coverage.

What I definitely love most about this foundation is how moisturising it is. As someone who suffers with normal to dry skin, it is difficult to find a foundation that doesn't ultimately accentuate my dry patches. My skin never feels dried out when I use this product. With a sweep of setting powder, I'm done. I would definitely recommend this foundation to anyone with dry skin.


Pros: Great for dry skin, SPF 15, good medium coverage,  build-able
Cons: In my opinion, the only one is, it is quite expensive (at €38)


What are some of your favourite foundations?

Summer Series | Scent

Okay so the day I decide to start the Summer Series, the day the sun goes missing, but we'll trudge on nonetheless. Over the next few weeks I will be (amongst regular blog posts) releasing the Summer Series posts. Each one will focus on something summery, whether a make-up look, hair style or accessory, they will all be (in my humble opinion) complimentary to Summer!

So to begin with is this fragrance from Paul Smith, Extreme (for women). This is a 30ml bottle and the average retail price is approximately €28, however it is constantly on sale on numerous websites and you can often get it for as a low as €20.

First off the packaging is so colourful and fun, it's a perfect addition to your shelf to bring the summer to life. But what I love most about this fragrance is how light it is. While it is floral, it is quite a subtle scent and definitely not overpowering in the slightest. It is perfectly refreshing for this time of year (maybe even more so with the return of the poor weather, when we need to create our own Summer-time).

Paul Smith describes it as "amber and musk mix with sandalwood and cedar for sensual but feminine undertones". While I don't claim to have that refined a sense of smell, I would definitely find this fragrance to be gentle and feminine. I would definitely recommend it as an everyday perfume for Summer 2013.

Have you tried any of the Paul Smith range before, what do you think?

What are your favourite summer scents?

Light Summer Foundation

Now that we're really getting some great sunshine out there, I thought I would talk about my go-to summertime foundation. It's perfect for summer days whether out on the beach (those couple of days a year when they're packed) or on a shopping trip with the girls. The foundation I am referring to is Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum.

Ok so while it is summer-time , I am still Irish and I am still rather pale. So I use the lighest colour available "51 - Vanille Clair". Which, when you are very pale, it's great they have such light shades as the last thing you want to do is have your face a few shades darker than the rest of you!

This product is available is available in a few places in Ireland, most notably Boots Pharmacy and is approximately €16 to buy. The reason this foundation is a great edition to your summer make-up collection is the finish. A fair warning, it is a low coverage foundation, however the liquid glides on your face and quickly blends in, leaving a soft, natural finish. I know for some higher coverage is important, but I think a low coverage is great for the summer months. It just evens out your skin tone and reduces redness, while leaving you looking very natural. If you pop on some of your favourite mascara, it's very minimal work for a great, fresh summer look.

While it is great for summer time, it is important to be aware there is no SPF in this foundation, so you will need to ensure to have SPF in your moisturiser/primer.

For those of you, like myself, who may suffer from blemishes, you can always make use of one of my May Favourites, Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer. The concealer can just be used in any area you need a little extra attention (including under your eyes).

I have dry skin and I think it is great to fine a foundation that does not dry my skin out. I also find I do not necessarily need powder to set, however for someone with oilier skin, a translucent powder would still offer you the fresh "bare-faced" look.

There is however the disadvantage of this light airy foundation in that you won't get a full day and night out of one application. I find when I have had this product on for approx 8 or 9 hours and I am heading out that evening, I would need to top up as it doesn't have the strong lasting power of some it's higher end counterparts.

Pros for Summer: Natural, lighweight, low coverage, not too expensive, pale shades
Cons for Summer: No SPF, no longevity


Have you tried any Bourjois foundations, what do you think of them?
What are your favourite summer foundations?

May Favourites

That month seemed to fly by, hard to believe the June bank holiday is now over. So below I have included some of my favourite products from the month of May.

I have only recently discovered essie nail varnish, but I am already in love. With a base coat and top coat, it lasted 5 days entirely chip free and it is a great summer pastel shade. While I know Apocalips lip lacquer's abilities have been well documented, I am really loving the shade Celestial this month. Unlike my Big Bang and Apocaliptic shades, I can wear this as an everyday colour. It brings some colour to my face for the somewhat sunnier weather we've been experiencing. Which brings to my other face favourite this month, the Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer. I use this product in conjunction with my Real Techniques Detailer brush. I find a little really goes a long way and the detailer brush is perfect for allowing me complete control over how much product I use and allows me to blend beautifully. I have never owned a detailer brush, before now I always used my finger. However if you are someone who suffers from blemishes like myself, I would definitely recommend the investment.

In terms of eye shadow I am really enjoying my Inglot pallete which I received as a gift from a friend for my birthday. I am particularly liking the first two shades, gold and brown, for two toned eyes (you can tell by the packaging it is well loved).

Then moving on from make up, my favourite hair care product this month is Aussie 3 minute miracle, the frizz remedy. I don't use this product every day (as it is quite pricey for its size), rather I use it as a treat for my hair at weekends. I do I feel it has helped soften my hair, especially since it is blonde, I may try the Reconstructor variety next.

The last product to feature in my May favourites, is a skincare product from Clarins. I also received this a gift, but have only recently begun using it regularly. It is there Silky-Smooth body cream. Just as the name suggests it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. I love how it glides onto the skin and doesn't leave an oily/sticky feel afterwards. It is especially great for dry spots around the elbows and knees!

This month's star product? essie nail lacquer


Do you use any of these products, how are you finding them?
What have been your favourite products from May 2013?


Products in this blog:
- essie nail lacquer (Spring 2013 collection) - bond with whomever
- Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer - Celestial
- Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer - 51 eclat clair
- Real Techniques Detailer Brush
- Inglot Eyeshadow - AMC Shine 34 (gold)
- Inglot Eyeshadow - 457 (brown)
- Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment - Frizz Remedy
- Clarins Eau Ressourçante Silky-Smooth Body Cream

Review: Benefit peek-a-bright eyes

I am a really big fan of using different shades on my eyes to accentuate them. I like it when eyes are made to be the main feature of your face! As far as I'm concerned, they're built for it, who doesn't want all the focus on them?

So while I know this product isn't brand new, it's relatively new to my collection, so I thought I would review it. I thought it would be a perfect addition, as it has all the shadows I need to create a full look for my eyes!

As you can see I have made quite the dent and have used it quite a number of times, to really get a feel for the product. The set contains:

- eye bright (for the corner of your eyes)
- base shadow
- contour shadow (for the crease of your eyes and to use as a liner)
- highlight shadow (for the main colour of the eye)
- concealer brush (for the eye bright)
- contour brush/liner brush

In theory, this set is great, gives you all the basics you need and to be honest, while I prefer a gold/brown colour combo for this type of look, I was really drawn to the convenience of having everything (including brushes) in one place! Unfortunately however that is where my fascination ended. It goes on okay and is very easy to use and the brushes are fine for what you are doing. However the big problem is, it does not last. I am not even talking for the day, it does not last past a few hours.

The colours are very neutral and for a day time subtle look, that is perfect. You do not however want something that becomes too subtle, in that it fades over (such a short) time. I also found that the pigmentation of the shadows was not great. Overall I was very underwhelmed with this product from Benefit.

Pros: Convenient set, attractive packaging
Cons: It does not last, pigmentation is poor

In summary, would I re-purchase this product? Definitely not. It is not worth the money at all. I know plenty of lower end brands that last significantly longer than this and will revert to them in future.

Have you tried the peek-a-bright eyes set? Let me know know what you thought.

Have you any suggestions for an all-in-one eye set?

April Favourites - Hair Care

Summer is finally here, the sun is starting to make an appearance, yay! So I'm sharing with you my favourite hair products from April 2013.

I am only recently getting into using products on my hair, despite many many years of blow drying, bleaching and straightening it. I am finally giving it the love and attention it deserves!

Alberto V05 - High Volume Hair Spray - Extra Strong Hold

I think this hair spray is great for getting the achieved affect without being too heavy or clumpy in your hair. It holds a style in place without leaving too much product sitting on top of your hair. It also doesn't make your hair feel hard or give it that wet look. I find it allows me to create a very natural looking style that lasts.

Batiste - Dry Shampoo - Original
Dry Shampoo is a genius invention. It's great for a pick-me-up, when you want to re-style your hair or when your hair is looking a bit greasy. You can use it to volumise your hair to create a fuller look. At the end of a long day,  you can spritz it into your hair to allow you to re-style it. As I find over-handling your hair can make it look greasy, even if it's only freshly washed that morning. And of course when you're hair is looking a bit greasy and your stuck for time, it is a great alternative. I will usually try wash my hair every other day to allow the natural oils a chance to do their job! This is a great option for that middle day. If I have time, I leave it in for a few minutes before brushing through, but if time is of the essence, I will make sure to properly distribute it through my roots using my fingers.

TRESemmé  - Styling Spray - Heat Defence
As someone who always blow drys and straightens their hair it is criminal that I have not been using a heat protection spray before now. Now that I've discovered TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray I won't be looking back. I find once I've used my straightener now, my hair has a much softer finish. Even after the first use I found my hair looked healthier and less damaged. The ends don't look so dried out. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who using heated tools on their hair!

Star buy: TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray

So what hair care products have you been using lately? 

Do you have any product suggestions for me?

Review: Sally Hansen - Complete Salon Manicure

With pastel shades reappearing now that the summer is here, I decided to try Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Jaded.

The first time I tried it I wasn't overly impressed, I am rather used to one layer nail varnishes that you pop on and go. With this particular polish, that does not work however. Once you paint onto your nail for the first time and you go over the nail again (to ensure you covered all areas) I find the second layer sweeps up the first layer. In addition to this if you try to overcome this by using a slightly thicker first layer, the polish slides to the side of your nail and dries in a lump around the side of your nail or on your finger.

However on my second attempt with a bit more time, I put on two thin layers and was suitably impressed. I like the colour, the finish and the general appearance of the polish. You would however definitely need to allow it extra time to really dry in. I would not recommend doing anything too manual for quite some time afterwards, since even after it appears dry, due to the nature of the product it's liable to get imprints/indentations.

Sally Hansen claim for this particular brand that it has "7 Benefits of a Salon Manicure in 1 Bottle". It does appear thick and sturdy on the nail, giving it a salon looking finish that is sometimes missing with other brands of nail polish. All in all I would definitely recommend this nail polish.

The shade is also great as it can go with almost any colour whether you're choosing to wear pastel shades or dark colours. Neon and pastel mixing is also a popular trend which is emerging this summer. For the more daring polish wearers, you could really embrace this and accent your ring finger perhaps with a neon shade (this polish is also available in "Back to Fuchsia").

What do you think? What are your favourite shades for Summer 2013?