Bronzed Summer Make-up look

Hello everyone,

So as I have been Loving the weather we’ve been having here in Ireland I thought it would be appropriate to show you all the look I have been going for to make my skin look all bronzed up and glowey.  I have also found that the copper on my eyes really make my blue eyes pop. 

To find out how I achieved this look just keep reading - 

• I primed my face (Maybelline Baby Skin Primer)
• I applied my foundation using my real techniques expert face brush (Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin, Nude) 
• I applied my concealer in the shape of 2 Vs under the eyes and dotted it on my chin and forehead. I then blended this out into my base. I use this to cover dark circles and as a highlighter for the centre of my face. (Essence Stay All Day 16hr Concealer)
• Next I applied Barry M eyeliner pencil 29 to the lashline and into the outer V of the eye. I blended this out with a MAC 217 blending brush and used this as my base eyeshadow. I then applied some bronzer in to the V to the give the look more dimension. (Catrice – Sun Glow Matt Bronzing Powder)
• I use the darker shade in my eyebrow kit on my top lash line, winging it out slightly at the outer edges (Catrice – Eyebrow set). I then soft blended the edges with my 217 brush.
• Next I apply translucent powder to the centre of my face, where I have already applied concealer. (Catrice- Prime & Fine Translucent Loose Powder)
• I move on to contouring. I apply this under the cheekbones, on the temples and jawline and neck. (Catrice – Sun Glow Matt Bronzing Powder)
• I tight line the upper and lower waterlines with black eyeliner pencil (Avon – Colourtrend – Black). I lined the lower lashline with that copper eyeliner pencil (Barry M - 29). I then took my bronzer again and blended it across the lower lasline.
• Next I curled my lashes and apply my first mascara (Catrice – Lases to Kill, Ultra Black, Volume Mascara).
• And on to the eyebrows. For this I use powder. I have used pencil in the past but I prefer powder now to define and fill them in (Catrice – Eyebrow set)
• Next for my lips I applied Maybelline – Sultry Sand followed by Maybelline – Rosy Dream and topped it off with Barry M lipgloss 12
• Next my first coat of mascara has set so I curl them again and go back in with my second mascara that I use (Catrice – Lashes to Kill – Fibre Lash mascara)
• Next I applied seventeen WOW Tan Liquid Glow on the top of my cheekbones for and added glow
• And finally I set my face using my Urban Decay – All Nighter finishing spray

For my hair I decided to put it in a cute side braid just to keep it out of my face in the hot weather

 Also the tan I'm wearing is the St Moritz self tanning lotion in the colour medium. I am currently trying out the range so I can do a full review for you guys. 

Thank you for reading

xox

Essence - Gel Nails at Home

Hey hey,

Lets face it who doesn't want pretty nails and I for one have always been a fan of pretty nails. A couple of times a year I will get Gel Nails but in general I like to keep my nails long and well groomed. I enjoy doing my nails and think that there is not much sense in paying a salon 60-100 euro when I can use my own creativity and do it myself. I always get asked are my nails real and 9 times out of ten I’m proud to say they are. 

However recently I spotted the Gel Nails at Home kit for essence and decided I would try to step it up a gear. I had never done gel nails before and was intrigued about the product. Why not sure? I bought LED Lamp, the Primer, the cleanser, the peel off gel base and the clear gel top coat. Finally I decided to treat myself to a new essence polish as well. I choose a sparkly blue polish called – It’s raining men.  I decided to go with the clear gel top coat so that it gave me the freedom to wear whatever colour I wanted underneath. 

If you want to find more about the products and how I used them just keep reading. I will include the prices I paid for each item but these can vary from store to store. I purchased mine in Pennys/Primark. 

LED Lamp - €24.99

Small and compact but fits all five nails at once. Connects to the wall with a plug, has and on/off switch on the back and has a small purple button on the top of the device to turn it on. The light lasts 60 seconds at a time. It claims on the front – high-shine gel look, lasts up to 2 weeks.

Primer - €3.99

This primer is recommended to be applied before all the other products to protect the nails. It does come with a warning that it does contain alcohol so it is slightly flammable. I do think a base coat would probably do the same job but this is my first time trying this out so I may be wrong.

Peel off gel base - €3.99

Next I applied this product. I think it’s a very good idea to have a peel off base as personally believe the worst part of having a gel manicure is the process of taking it off. I am definitely a fan of any product that makes it easier.

Cleanser -

This product cleans the nail of any sticky residue that is left over.

Clear Gel Top Coat - €3.99

This is the top coat that when cured is rock hard and enables to help your manicure to last up to 2 weeks.  

     

Gel Nail at Home Process

How I applied the products

• I applied the primer to my nails

• I applied a thick layer of the peel off base coat keeping it at even as possible

• I cured my nails under the lamp for 10 seconds

• I used the cleanser to wipe off any sticky residue

• I applied two layers of Essence Nail Varnish – It’s Raining Men and waited for them to completely dry before moving onto the next step.

• I applied the clear gel top coat again a thick enough layer but keeping it as even as possible

• I cured it under the lamp. This time I left it under for 60 seconds. Im not sure if it was too much but I just wanted to make sure it had completely dry.

• Finally I used that cleanser again to wipe away any lasting residue and it was finished!

After Care & Removal

I found that it lives up to its claim, It really does last a long time without chipping. I put cuticle oil on after each time i do a manicure just to finish it off. I found removal very easy. They do just peal off. I found the key is application. It depends to how well you apply the products on how long it lasts and how easy it is to remove. 

Negative

I found with this product that it depends on the colour nail varnish you use on how shiny it actually it. when i used the nail varnish - Essence -  Berry Now! i found it muted the shine and made the colour darker then what it actually is. This is a shame as Berry Now! is a beautiful Raspberry colour. I think its because the clear gel top coat is actually tinted yellow so I think this has a slight effect on the colour of nail varnish you choose. 

Overall thoughts

I really like this product (Combo of Products) I think it was a great Idea for Essence to release these products. It does do exactly what it promises to do but may have a slight effect of colour change on certain nail varnishes. Essence have also released other types of top coats (Special Effects, French Manicure) so I will be interested to try them. Overall Impressed with the product!!  

Current Top Drugstore/High-Street Pink Lipsticks

Hello Beauties,

First I want to give a shout out to all my Irish girls who are LOVING the weather at the moment! AMAZING!! I will be putting up blog posts on everything tanning soon but I’m just putting some products on trial at the moment. Today I thought I would share with you guys my top picks for pink drugstore/high-street lipstick at the moment. I love love love pink lipstick. Its very girly and compliments most make-up looks.

So here are my top 5 – 

I have 5 different Brands to show you. These are in order of shade and not on how much I favor them as it depends on the day and my make-up look on which one I choose.

Barry M – 100

I love this baby pink colour. The only I don’t like is that Barry M don’t name their products. I love the names of products and think its half the fun of having your own product line. I would love a job where I could just give really cool names to products all day long haha.

Sleek – Babydoll

This is more of a peachy baby pink. Very cute <3

Maybelline – Rosy Dream

As you can tell this lipstick is well loved. It has good pigmentation but is not over powering on the lipstick. It is a luster kind product so it has a light sparkle or shine to it. I think it’s perfect for this time of year.

17 – Fushcia with Blue Pearl

I love hot pinks with a blue undertone (makes your teeth look whiter!!). I love this one I bought it a while back so I think this may be old packaging but nonetheless the product is a hit.

Wet & Wild – Fuschia with blue pearl  

Again another hot pink with blue undertone. This is a recent enough purchase but I just gravitated towards it in the store. It is very hard to find Wet & Wild in Ireland so I was so excited when I spotted a stand in my local Pennys/ Primark.     

I hope you enjoyed my post.

What are your top picks for this summer season??

Thank you for reading

xox

Review – Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser

Hello beauties,

As some of you might remember I posted a haul not so long ago. One of the items I picked up in that haul was the Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser. I have been using it ever since and here are my thoughts on the product.

In general I am a fan of Vaseline products. There are a million things you can do with Vaseline petroleum jelly…. Well maybe not a million but certainly a lot. I may do a post in the future for you guys telling you about some of the ways I use it. When I saw this spray and go body moisturiser on the shelf it certainly perked my interest.

This product claims to moisturise in seconds so you can put your clothes straight on, instantly leaves skin soft, not sticky or greasy. It contains 190ml of product and comes in 3 different scents, total moisture (which is the original) Aloe Fresh & Cocoa Radiant. It has a twisty cap on the top which personally I am a fan of. I hate taking on lids and putting them back on when your hands are sticky. Plus I also have a habit of losing them.

I really like this product. I love the smell! I think that this product does deliver on its claims to dry in seconds and leave you soft without feeling greasy. I have mentioned in a previous post that I am someone who hates the feeling of greasiness or stickiness on their skin so was impressed with this product. I also like the spray application.  

I have heard other reviews where people found that it was messy and left their bathroom tiles slippery but I personally have not had this problem yet.

Overall I would consider this product a hit. I definitely repurchase this item in the future. If you too are looking for a quick no fuss body moisturiser I recommend you give this one ago.

Have you tried this product?? What did you think??

Do have any better or products just as good you could recommend to me??

Just leave me a comment and let me know

Thank you for reading

xox

10 Nail Varnishes I have been loving for Spring/Summer

Hello everyone,

Hope everyone is having a great Thursday. Today I thought I would share with you the shades of nail varnish which I have been loving and gravitating towards in the past couple of months. I have five 5 pastel shades and 5 bolder and brighter shades. 

If you would like to know more about these, just keep reading!! I will go through each polish individually.

Essence – Free Hugs

I love this colour. It’s such a happy, fun in the sun kind of colour

Essence – That’s what I mint 

This colour has recently been getting a bit of hype on you tube and it is well deserved. This colour is the perfect pastel mint colour!! Definitely worth a try!

Angelica – Lemoncello

I'm not sure how available this brand is. I bought mine in pennys/primark. They carry the whole range there. I was very impressed with the products consistency , application and colour selection – especially their pastel range. It is very hard to find a nice yellow. Well I struggle with it anyway. Some varnishes can make your hands look sick or dead. But I really do like this one!!

Barry M Nail Paint – Blue Moon

This is a beautiful baby blue shade. The only problem I had with this varnish is that is quite sheer on application so it can take a couple of coats to build up a solid colour. When you do however it is a beautiful colour.

Angelica – Apricot

As soon as that sun comes out coral screams to me!! And this shade was calling out to me as soon as I spotted it on the shelf. It is such a pretty colour and perfect for this time of year.

Glo Baby Glo

Unfortunately this polish doesn't seem to have a name. but I think that I purchased this in Pennys/Primark again. This for me is a summer nights kind of polish and I love it. Easy application with good colour, strongly pigmented from the first coat

Avon – Sand Shimmer

This was a recent rediscovery that I had in my collection and forgot about. This is Arabian nights, evening at the beach kind of polish. Very pretty.

Essence – Purple Sugar

I was instantly drawn to this polish! I don’t think the camera has picked up on how beautiful it is in real life. Again a fun bright colour for summer fun!!

Rimmel – Misty Jade

I love turquoise for this time of year! I just think the colour looks amazing against a tan!

Avon – Coral beat

Again gotta have coral but this is a brighter more vibrant shade!! I found the same issue with this polish as I did with the Barry M nail paint, quite sheer and needed to be built up.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my current favorite shade of nail varnish

What are your favorite shades for the summer??

Thank you for reading

xox

My Current Everyday Make-up Look !!

Hey girlies,

Today I thought I would share with everyone my current everyday make-up look. It may seem like a lot of make-up to some people but it is actually quite simple and takes me between 10-20 mins to complete. I’ve really been liking to keep everything quite neutral but still making it kinda bronzey (I think to be honest I keep making up words but you guys get the drift) and dewey for  this summer season we are having… even if the weather does not seem to realise that it is in fact June yet. We actually had pretty strong stormy weather the past couple of nights here in Ireland.  Although I must say the sun has made and appearance today so I am very thankful for that. Still even if Mother Nature is being temperamental that does not mean that we still can’t have a bit of shimmer in our lives, does it?? 

So if you want to know how to create this look and also have a bit shimmer in your day then all you have to do is keep reading. Also just to add a little side note this look is totally customisable (as with all looks I will post past and future. This is just how I like to do mine everyday at the moment)

To create my everyday make-up look –

• I primed my face (Maybelline Baby Skin Primer)

• I applied my foundation/ BB Cream (17 BB Blemish Balm)

• I applied my concealer in the shape of 2 Vs under the eyes and dotted it on my chin and forehead. I then blended this out into my base. I use this to cover dark circles and as a highlighter for the centre of my face.

• Next I move on to the eyes to give the cream products on my face enough time to sink in in and set on the skin. I apply a copper coloured eyeshadow all over the lid (Catrice – Fancy a coppa)

• I use Liquid eyeliner on my top lash line, winging it out at the outer edges (Essence 24hr Liner – Black)

• Next I apply translucent powder to the centre of my face, where I applied the concealer earlier (Catrice Prime & Fine Translucent loose powder).

• I move on to contouring. I apply this under the cheekbones, on the temples and jawline and neck (Catrice Sun Glow Matt Bronzing Powder).

• Then I went back to the eyes. I tight line the upper and lower waterlines with black eyeliner pencil (Avon – Colourtrend – Black). I line halfway from the middle of the eye to the outer edge of the lower lashline with a copper eyeliner pencil (Barry M).  I then take that same shadow that I used earlier and apply it from the inner corner and blend it across the lower lasline.

• Next I curl my lashes and apply my first mascara (Catrice – Lases to Kill, Ultra Black, Volume Mascara).

• And on to the eyebrows. For this I use powder. I have used pencil in the past but I prefer powder now to define and fill them in (Catrice – Eyebrow set).

• On the lips I usually use both lipstick and lipgloss but if I had to choose one it would be lipstick. I am not really a lipgloss only kind of girl but I have yet to try liquid lipsticks! Anyway at the moment I have been using (Maybelline – Sultry Sand from their new nudes’ collection & Barry M lipgloss – 12) Love this combo.

• Next my first coat of mascara has set so I curl them again and go back in with my second mascara that I use (Catrice – Lashes to Kill – Fibre Lash mascara)

• And finally I set my face using my Urban Decay – All Nighter finishing spray

From doing this post I actually realised how much Catrice products I have been using recently. I might do a brand review for you guys.

Tell me what your current routine has been for these spring/summer months

Thank you for reading

xox

Empties #1 !!

Hi everyone,

This is my first empties blog post! I’ve been saving some items that I have used up so that I could do little reviews and tell you guys what I thought of them and there will be a little bit of Hit or Miss action.

So I’ll start with make-up/beauty Items

Benefit – They’re Real Mascara

I did like this mascara but honestly it didn’t really blow me away… it was just a mascara really. I mean I didn’t hate it and there was nothing wrong with it but honestly for the price tag (‎€26) I don’t think it did anything special. I think you can find a mascara that will do just a good a job if not better for half the price. So I don’t think I will be re-purchasing it. - MISS

Catrice Cosmetics – Lashes to Kill Waterproof Volume Mascara

So sticking with the Mascaras… I did like this mascara but to be honest I preferred their Lashes to Kill fibre Lash Mascara which I have sinced re-purchased so I don’t think I will be re-purchasing this product. It was a good mascara and it was waterproof I just prefer other ones in their line. - MISS

Loreal Paris-Lumi Magique highlighting Pen – Shade 1 light

I really liked this. I do think this is a great highlighter! I was very impressed and liked to use on nights where I was going out to add a bit of something, something.. haha. I would definitely re-purchase this item in the future but recently I just bought the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in the shade 01 Ivory and have been trying that out so maybe I will do a comparison in the future but I do really like this product - HIT   

Rimmel – Wake me up Concealer – Shade Ivory

Now this little guy was featured in my Autumn Favs a while back. So as you have probably guessed I love this product. It really does brighten up your skin and make up look more awake. I think I originally bought this because Tanya Burr (heart you) was recommending it so much. So when I need a new concealer I went straight for this one and I’m glad I did. I would definitely re-purchase this in the future. At the moment though I’m using the collection concealer in the shade fair and I absolutely love that too. High-street brands are really rocking the concealer at the moment! So I think this product is definitely a HIT.

Maybelline – Baby Skin Primer

I actually posted a whole review on this product yesterday so If you interested you can mosey on over and take a quick peek. For that reason I’m going to keep this very short. Already been re-purchased – HIT

Hair Care

Batiste – Dry Shampoo – Dark & Deep Brown

I have been using this brand of dry shampoo for as long as I can remember, before they even brought out the products with the hint of colour (which I am so thankful for). This product has been tried and tested thoroughly and has never let me down. Love it. Absolutely recommend it – HIT

Nails

Essence – XXXL Shine gel-look top coat

For years I have always go back to this top coat. I love the shine it gives! It really does mimic a gel look manicure and for the price (Around €3 on average)   I think it’s a total winner!! – HIT

So that’s the end of my first empties video. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thank you for reading

xox

Product Review – Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

First a little bit of back story ramble hah….

I am kinda of a newbie (well within the last year) when it comes to primers in general. I have normal to dry skin so I never really felt the need for a primer. My make-up tends to wear quite well in general…. Or so I thought at the time. I always felt make-up no matter what the label may claim would always get patchy and need a touch up around the 6 hour mark. The funny thing is since I’ve started trying out primers I don’t think I would look back. I no longer like the feel of make-up on my bare skin. So in the last year I have been trying out primers. I actually haven’t tried high end ones as I wanted to test if they would be any use to my make-up routine before invested and now I can safely say I am now open to the concept of them and I am on the hunt for high end primers. First port of call will probably be benefits porefessional. ( gotta check if all that hype is worth it, of course!! )

So today I’m reviewing Maybelline’s Baby Skin Primer… I’m on my second tube now so I think It is safe to say that I think I can give you guys a fairly well informed review. First of all I like the fact that it is clear.  I also like the consistency. It’s kind of gel like and it has a siliconey texture. It doesn’t sink into the skin and I like that about the product. It kind of just evens out skin texture for make-up application. I think it does give a more flawless finish to the end result of my make-up application. What I think I like the most about this product is that it seems to give my foundation more lasting power. I feel like I have less of a need for touching up. Although I will add I do use setting powder and setting sprays (again the setting spray is another product I discovered in the last year. I actually can’t remember a time without the now and do not know how I survived…crazy). So like I said I do think that the primer helps with make-up longevity but it does have other products helping it. Like I said I have normal-dry skin so I cannot say this product would be a good with oily or combo skin as I simply just don’t know but for me the product does seem to provide what it claims. I have bought a second tube since ive just ran out of it and think if anyone is looking to get into primers and trying them out this would be a good place to start. Its RRP is €11.49 but maybelline is always going on offer on the high-street. Still even at full price it is not overly expensive and in my opinion worth a try.

Let me know if you have tried this product and what your thoughts were?

Do you have any other primers that you could recommend to me in my quest to find the perfect primer, both high-end and high-street?

Thank you for reading

xox

Product of the week: 17 BB Blemish Balm

 My Product of the week this week has definitely been The 17 BB Blemish Balm.

I have it in the colour Light (which to be honest is still a little too dark for me if I am completely tan free). I picked this product up a couple a months ago. I used it a couple of times and wasnt in love with it so it kind of got left on the back burner. I dont know why, I think it may have been because the weather is getting nicer and I wanted lighter coverage but i decided to give it another go. I am sooo happy i did!! It has been my hero of the week and Ive used everyday since. I think the last time I used I probably didnt use a primer or setting spray but with a combo of them this product just looks flawless and lasts all day without any touch ups!!

Although this product may say BB cream it is definitely a medium to full coverage product. So it really isnt that light. I apply this with using either my fingers or a brush but I prefer to use a brush (This is kind of with any foundation though as it is my preferred method for application) Also even though it is medium coverage it is very blendable & will last you an entire day!! I really do recommend anyone looking for a heavy duty, medium / full coverage little product to give this a go!!  
Love, Love, Love <3

Thank You for Reading

xox

Bridal Make-up Look

Hello my lovelies,

So this was a bridal look for my portfolio. For this look I want my client to glow and look radiant .  I wanted the make-up soft and dewy and elegant. I was really happy with the way the look turned out and I think one day she will make a beautiful bride.

To create this look

• I applied eye primer (Urban Decay, Original)
• Next I applied a light cream shade of eyeshadow (Fuschia) all over the lids.   In the crease I applied a darker brown shadow (NAKED, naked ). Again the trick is to blending, blending, blending. No harsh lines or sharp edges in order to make the look soft
•  I concealed under the eyes using yellow tint concealer (Fuschia)
• I concealed any redness with green tint concealer (Fuschia)
• I applied liquid foundation (Fuschia, nude)
• Lightly powdered with translucent powder (Fuschia)
• Next I  contoured the temples and under the cheekbones (Fuschia)
• I applied a dusty pink blush to the cheeks (Fuschia)
• I highlighted the cheekbones, the forehead, bridge of the nose and the cupids bow with highlighting powder (Fuschia)
• I filled in and defined the eyebrows using eyebrow powder in a brown shade (Fuschia)
• I lined the lower waterline with white pencil eyeliner (Fuschia)
• I applied  Pink/Nude lipstick (Fuschia)

xox