Primark/Penneys Come Clean Mitt - *REVIEW*

I had some time to kill on my lunch break today so like most days I hit up Penneys for a little look. I did have to pick up another bottle of my favourite Garnier Miccellar Water (the pink one FYI) so that was my excuse for going in (like I needed one!!!).

When I spotted the 'Come Clean Mitt' with 3 in a pack for €3, I immediately threw it in my basket. I'd seen it mentioned previously on Facebook in a 'coming soon' style post. Years ago when I was reaaaaallly into blogging I was sent a Cleanse Off Mitt when they were first released and I loved that thing with all my heart, until I threw it in the wash basket one day and it was never seen again!!

Nivea Men Post Shave Balm As A Primer??

So for a while now I've seen a lot of makeup artists and beauty bloggers recommending the Nivea Men Post Shave Balm as a makeup primer. Of course I had to try it!

Hair Holy Grail - Mark Hill Perfect Blowdry Spray

                         

This is my second time writing this post. The first time I finished it, opened another app on my iPad to double check the price and when I went back it was gone. Honestly the willpower it took to retype this was a struggle! I don't even remember how I started it the first time! 

NARS Glossybox 2015!

You guuuyyyss it came! I've been waiting for this for days since getting my dispatch email. 

I do feel really bad for anyone who didn't manage to get one, I'm not going to get into that because it was a huge sh!tstorm and major drama over the issues people faced when trying to order the box. 

ANY HOO, I thought I'd do a post showing everyone what was included in the box in case you missed it.

Spray On Nail Polish??? Nails Inc The Paint Can

Before becoming a nail technician I remember the struggle of painting my nails. Polish everywhere, the shaky hand, realising I now have to paint the opposite hand, NIGHTMARE.

Fast forward a few years and technology has finally come through for us ladies in the form of Nail Inc's The Paint Can. Its nail polish, in a can. OH MY GOD WHY DID I NOT INVENT THIS MYSELF.

Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer (REVIEW)

This is one of those products that everyone seems to rave about. I've seen mentions of it circling around the blogging world for quite a while now but I always put off buying it because of the price tag (€42 on brownthomas.com). A few weeks ago I took the plunge and ordered it, I couldn't wait until it came and had visions of how amazing my skin was going to look. 

''Laura Mercier, the pioneer of Foundation Primer, introduces a breakthrough radiant formula to the collection. Creating the ultimate canvas for foundation and makeup, Foundation Primer - Radiance provides a sheer, healthy glow to the skin.'' - BrownThomas.com

BOOTS HAUL

So yesterday morning I ran into Boots before I headed home to grab some dry shampoo, I had ran out a week ago and I was dying a slow and oily death without it. They had signs up everyone that it was 3 for 2 on everything... 40 minutes later and I headed to the till with a basket full of stuff. Now in my brain I was thinking, ok well if I'm buying one thing I may as well buy another thing so I had get one thing free.. You keepin' up here??? Que Emma pacing the aisles like an absolute lunatic trying to find stuff to add to my basket to maximise the savings. I was close to asking the cashier if I could do 2 separate transactions so all the expensive things could go together and the cheaper together (anyone else watch Extreme Couponers, no? ok)

My Current Holy Grail Beauty Products

I'm a self confessed beauty product hoarder. I will literally try ANYTHING if I see even so much as one person raving about it. I'm constantly on the quest for a perfect product so I thought I would share with you all the products I currently consider my holy grail items. The products I repurchase and rave to everyone about! 

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

 This is closely followed by the L'oreal Micellar Water but I always get the Garnier version purely because its a larger bottle for a cheaper price. WHO DOESN'T LOVE A BARGAIN. I love their mini version also, its so handy to throw in a bag for travelling or staying at a friends house! It removes every trace of makeup in a matter of minutes without too much vigorous rubbing.

Zerreau Towel Off Dry Shampoo Foam - Holy Grail or Holy Fail???

So when I saw the Zerreau Towel Off Shampoo Foam in May's glossybox I couldn't wait to try it.

All you do is massage the foam into your roots and then towel dry your hair and you're supposedly left with hair that looks freshly washed...

I was not.

MY FIRST GLOSSYBOX!

So last week I ordered my first Glossybox. I've always wanted to try Glossybox but to be honest I couldn't justify the €20 odd euro for a glorified lucky dip of beauty samples (with the exception of a few full sized products). BUT since I had a discount code I decided to take the plunge and subscribe for my first box. I won't say how excited I was because to be frank its embarrassing.

It finally came yesterday and even though its now June I just had to open my big gob and tell you all what I thought as if I'm important and my opinion matters to you. 

So here it is in all its prettyness and glor-i-ness (yes I'm aware that it's probably not a word)

PowderPocket Launch Box* - Ireland's First Beauty Subscription Box

Today I have an exciting post! I've always been a fan of beauty subscription boxes and have always been jealous of the UK girls as they have a few different beauty boxes to choose from. Although some ship to Ireland it ends up being a little too expensive for what it is. 

When I spotted a new beauty box was being launched in Ireland I tweeted about how I couldn't wait for them to launch so I could see what the box was like before subbing. Powderpocket actually messaged me then asking if they could send their launch box to me. I MEAN WHO WOULD SAY NO?!

Cocoa Brown Chocolate Whip Oil Free Moisturiser* Review

As a beauty blogger its not often I'm 100% loyal to a company, yes I love certain products but as soon as a new product comes out I'll choose to buy the newer product to try rather than my usual one. 

But since trying Cocoa Brown when it first came out - a year ago - another tan hasn't touched my body. Anytime I see anyone asking for a tan recommendation I'm nearly in their faces screaming 'COCOA BROWN COCOA BROWN!', and its not just tan, I'm loyal to the company as a whole. Its not often I love every single product a company brings out.

I haven't used another exfoliator since using Tough Stuff. And now, I won't be using another moisturiser!

I Heart Drugstore Makeup Tag

I was tagged by Charlotte from  http://littlemissclouise.blogspot.co.uk she's one of my favourite bloggers and is such a lovely girl so definitely check her out!

This tag is all about drugstore makeup so let's get into the questions!..

What's your favourite drugstore brand?

Ooh that's a hard one! Probably a tie between Rimmel and Maybelline.

Catrice have quite a lot of products I'm really interested to try. 

What are your favourite face, cheek and lip products?

Face: Probably my foundation. At the minute I'm using the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation and have been really impressed. I've repurchased it twice and I'm about to get my third bottle!

Cheek: I'm loving the Sleek Contour Kit at the minute. It's the cheek kit I use everyday! 

Lip: Hands down the Revlon lip butters! Amaze.

Least favourite product?

This is a hard one too. Lately I haven't really been liking the finish the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder gives. I don't know what it is it just doesn't look good! That's the only product that pops to my head when I think of least favourite! 

Ooh also I bought one Barry M nail polish in a peachy colour and was NOT impressed. It was so sheer it needed a million coats and ended up thick looking and took forever to dry. I won't be trying another.

Best make-up bargain?

When I found out essence were discontinuing their gel liner I was devastated, I managed to find one in the clearance basket for like €1 or something ridiculous like that. I was delighted! Haven't been able to find any since though :(

What's your favourite underdog product?

I would say the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealor.

It's so underrated. I bought it after seeing a well known YouTuber recommend it and I was so impressed. It's amazing, how more people don't rave about it I don't know! 

Over priced drugstore product?

Probably the Max Factor mascaras. That's the only thing I can think of.

Drugstore dupes?

Catrice have a great nude palette that I would call a cheaper Naked palette. Been eyeing this for a while to try now!

Drugstore products that aren't really worth the hype?

I've never gotten the hype with the apocalips by Rimmel. Maybe it's just because I'm not a lipgloss fan.

I tag everyone who reads this to do it :)

Lilac Sparkle Nails

                 

Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Shampoo*, Conditioner* and Smoothing Mask* Review

I was really excited when I heard Hask were introducing shampoos and conditioners to their hair care range. I've used their Argan Oil and their Macademia Hot Oil Mask before and was really happy with their effects.

Today I have the Keratin Protein Smoothing Shampoo*, Conditioner* and Mask* to share with you all.

I really love the packaging of the shampoo and conditioner. For some reason they just look so much more pretty and interesting on my bathroom shelf than other shampoo/conditioners. They just look more expensive/luxurious than, for example, L'Oreal packaging. There is also an Argan Oil based Shampoo and Conditioner in the range which I will be sharing with you very soon once I've used up these two!

There isn't a super strong scent, the scent reminds me of a L'oreal Shampoo and Conditioner I've used before, I think its the one in the red packaging? Anyway, its not a gross smell but you're not gonna smell it and go oh my god thats amazing. I do wish they had a nice lingering scent!

I did notice my hair looked and felt a lot better after using this. Its usually quite crazy with lots of flyaway after blowdrying but it did look a lot more smooth and in control! 

I've never been someone who repurchases a specific shampoo or conditioner, I usually just use whatever is there but I really do think I'll repurchase either this one (unless I like the Argan Oil one more).

Im not 100% sure of the price these will be, but I've tweeted Hask to ask so I'll update once I find out!

Now onto the hair mask! First off all the packaging. I'm not a fan of when hair masks come in sachets. Because there is so much product in the satchet (I ain't complaining about excess product mind you!) I had quite a lot left over and you can't reseal it. I was just worried about the satchet leaking all over my bathroom shelves. I ended up cleaning out an small old soap and glory tub and squeezing the rest of the product into it. Its just easier for storing. 

I do think they need to make tubes or tubs of this AS WELL as the satchets as they're handy for first timers to try out the product and see how they like it before committing to a tube or tub. 

I left this on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off. While rinsing it off I did notice how soft and smooth my hair felt. I LOVE that feeling! My hair usually feels dry and tangly when I'm rinsing out my shampoo or conditioner but I love rinsing off masks because of how smooth, soft and non tangly my hair feels! 

Again I did notice how smooth my hair looked compared to how whispy and dry it feels after blowdrying it.

I think these are great to have in your bathroom when you feel like your hair needs a treat, at only €2-3 a pop plus with the amount of product you get they really are worth it! You can find these in Penneys and pharmacys all over Ireland!

Emma xo

Candy Pink and White Stripe Nail Art Design

I'm back with another nail post!

Today's is a cute and pretty nail art design!

I just want to apologise in advance for the watermarks, I know they're hideous but I've recently discovered they're necessary. I spotted one of my nail photos on google images, when I clicked it, it brought me to some random blog/website where my photo was featured in a post. There was no mention that it was not their photo or any credit given to me, they never even asked my permission to use it. It might not sound like a big deal but I worked hard on that nail design and the fact that google images leads people to that website and NOT me pisses me off. I did the work but they get the benefits. No thanks.

This design is beyond easy. I should mention I had one of the girls in work do it for me because I know I'd mess it up if I did it on myself! Mine is done with Shellac but you can use normal polish, just make sure you wait for the layers to dry before attempting the nail art.

Paint all your nails except the ring fingers pink. Paint the ring fingers white. Draw 3 horizontal lines along your ring finger in the same pink colour used on the other nails. Finally paint a little heart in green on your ring finger. Apply a top coat for longevity and shine. VOILA. Bish bash bosh you're done.

Emma x

eBay Makeup Brushes - Beginner, Travel or Christmas Gift Brush Set

hey girls/guys, for a long time now I've been lusting after the Sigma Essential 'Make Me...' sets. I just happened to be window shopping on eBay when I spotted these makeup brushes that came in a similar brush holder that the Sigma brushes come in. At €13 they were A LOT cheaper than the Sigma brushes.

Curiousity got the better of me and of course I had to order them to see how the quality was. For €13 I wasn't expecting much.

(link to item/seller at end of post)

 Because they came from Hong Kong they took about 4 weeks to get to Ireland, when they finally arrived I was plesantly surprised by the quality. I expected the hairs to be falling out once I opened it. Now I'm not saying they're MAC or Sigma quality but they're pretty damn good for the price. I did my Mams makeup for a party she was going to with these and they did a great job! 

The set comes with 13 brushes

- a powder

- a stippling brush

- an angled powder brush

- a foundation brush

- 2 eyeshadow brushes

- 1 angled eyeshadow brush

- 2 crease brushes (1 densely packed the other fluffier)

- 1 stiffer brush I like to use for applying eyeshadow under the eye

- an angled brush 

- an eyeliner brush

- a mascara spooly

They come in a leather cylinder case which can be used as 2 brush holders.

Its so handy for travelling. Because its a 'hard' case it will protect your brushes. I think it would be great if you had a more expensive set of brushes and didn't want them to get broken in your case. You can always buy the set and just use the cylinder case, its worth it for €13 for travelling.

If you're just starting out or would like a spare set of brushes for travelling etc then I definitely recommend this set. I think they'd be a great christmas gift for makeup lovers or teenage girls just starting to get into makeup. 

You can find the specific set/seller I bought from here.

Emma x

Garnier Moisture Match - Start Afresh Normal to Dry Skin Review

The only moisturiser I've ever used and felt made a difference to my skin was the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, eventually it ran out and I didn't fancy spending that amount again so I decided to see what the drugstore had to offer, deciding that if I didn't like anything I could always just repurchase my Dermalogica.

I decided to pick up the Garnier Moisture Match for 'Normal to Dry Skin' as it was on sale in Sam McCauleys Chemist.

I would have relatively dry skin but didn't want anything too thick for everyday use. 

There are 5 types to choose from

Goodbye Dry (dry to very dry skin)

Start Afresh (normal to dry skin)

Shine Be Gone (combination to oily skin)

Wake Me Up (dull skin)

Protect & Glow (normal skin)

So, what did I think of the Start Afresh moisturiser?

I actually really like the packaging. The size is perfect to fit into my makeup bag or handbag. I much prefer a squeezy tube over a tub as its more hygenic.

The texture is quite odd, its like a mixture between a gel and a cream. It looks and spreads like a cream on the skin but it feels cooling, refreshing and just amazing when applying it. It also soaks in really fast.

My skin feels instantly hydrated and when combined with regular exfoliation my skin stays super smooth. 

I really really like this moisturiser! 

I will more than likely be repurchasing this again as I really do love it! I might also pick up the one for 'Goodbye Dry' to use at night for extra hydration or maybe the 'Wake Me Up' for dull skin days. They're cheap enough to be able to afford two!

You can shop the entire range on boots.ie here for €7.99

or on SamMcCauley.com here for €8.99

Have you tried any of the moisture match moisturisers?

Emma xo

Sleek Brow Kit Review

For a while now I've been using a dark brown eyeshadow to fill in my brows with an angled makeup brush. After about 2 years of this, I finally decided to invest in an eyebrow kit, I did buy one while I was in college from Fuschia Makeup but as my hair was pretty much black back then its become too dark for me now. 

I decided to try the Sleek Brow Kit in Dark (duuh). It comes with 2 products, a dark brown powder and a dark brown wax. The powder is used to fill in your brows and the wax to keep them in place. The kit also comes with 2 brushes (including an angled one) and a mini tweezers all for €9.50. I've used this a few times now so what did I think of it?

First of all, the packaging. I love the sleek (excuse the pun) black packaging. I do think its a lot bulkier than I expected but I guess that just means its quite sturdy and durable although I haven't dropped it (yet) so I can't comment on that aspect.

Now according to the general instructions I've heard you're supposed to apply the wax with the angled brush and then fill in your brows with the other brush with the powder. Nah nah nah this isn't how I do it.

I'd rather just stick to what I know. I prefer to apply the powder with my own angled brushes (I'm not a fan of the brushes that come in the kit, they're too small and finicky) and then apply a small amount of the wax with the small angled brush. 

I don't use much wax anyway as I dont have unruly brows so it works best for me to apply the wax last, it just seems odd to apply the wax and then put powder over it? I'm imagining the powder clumping in the wax and causing just pure grossness on the eyebrows haha.

As I mentioned above I don't like the brushes that came with the kit, the other brush (non angled) is odd. Its not like soft fluffy bristles, its got the kind of bristles you'd find on a foundation or concealor brush. 

The brushes are fine in a brow emergency but I prefer to use my own brushes.

The tweezers aren't much use either which I was disappointed about. They'd be handy for any of those stray hairs you spot in the car. They're far too stiff and so you can't grab any hair. Maybe its because they've been held together by an elastic band in the packaging and after a while, they'll loosen up but we'll see!

The powder isn't quite as dark as my usual powder but I'll get used to it. I imagine if you have darker hair than mine or black then these kits aren't for you, I do think they should introduce and extra dark kit. 

Anyway I do like this kit and will continue to use it!

If anyone wants a tutorial kind of post/video on how I fill in my eyebrows please let me know. Also I'm thinking of doing a how to grow your eyebrows post as mine were quite thin in December/January and have thickened up a lot! Let me know!

Emma xo

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review - Beauty Blender Dupe???

For a while now I've considered buying the beauty blender but to be honest I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a sponge.

So while browsing Cloud10Beauty website I spotted a HUGE ad on their homepage advertising the new Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, I didn't even know RT were coming out with a beauty blender dupe so of course I had to go have a gawk. When I spotted the price €5.99 I had to add it to my basket!

My packaging got a little bashed up in the post!

 The sponge itself is quite a unique shape compared to the Beauty Blender, it has a flat side which is great for getting under the eyes and the sides of the nose.

To use, you basically hold the sponge under water, you do have to hold it for about a minute for it to expand fully and then you squeeze the water out, I also placed it in a towel and squeezed to make sure it was just slightly damp, not wet.

Then I squirted my foundation onto the back of my hand, patted the sponge on top and started to work it onto my face. I bounced the sponge along my skin occasionally 'rubbing' along my hairline to blend. 

The result? HOLY CRAP I WILL NEVER USE A MAKEUP BRUSH AGAIN.

I find blending with a brush tends to drag the foundation along my skin, leaving streaks and basically removing the makeup from my skin, I've used a buffing brush also (the sigma one) and found stippling left little dots on my makeup from the tips of the bristles. This sponge just leaves a perfect, flawless application.

I've only used it once (last night) and didn't have time to take a photo of my makeup afterwards (I was rushing out to dinner with a friend) but keep an eye out for any future makeup looks/face of the days as this sponge will definitely be used in them!

Have any of you tried either this sponge or the beauty blender? 

Are you pro makeup brushes or pro sponges?

Emma xo