FOTD ft Urban Decay Naked Basics

Hey guys so a quick FOTD today, I am IN LOVE with the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. Todays post is a natural brown smokey eye. I will have a post up soon of a night time makeup look with the palette.

Foundation: MAC Studio Sculpt

Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte

Blush: Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Eyeliner: Essence Gel Liner

Mascara: Tarte & Lancome Hypnose on top

My Picks from Penneys/Primark Summer 2013

Hi guys so I saw Victoria from Victorias Vintage did a post showing her favourite items from Penneys/Primarks Summer 2013 collection and I really liked seeing what she picked (you can see hers here) as our styles would be quite different so I thought I'd share with you my favourite items and what I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for!

You can see the whole collection here so make sure and let me know what your favourite items are!

 Seeing these pieces really makes me excited for summer but I know in the back of my mind that chances are the weather will be absolutely shite here in Ireland so I'd never get to wear them.

Fingers crossed for a girly holiday ;)

Want to join a group giveaway????

If you're looking to grow your blog or social media following, we have a great and FREE opportunity for you!  Free is good, right?  Well, Free is AMAZING!

Isabelle from Le Chateau des Fleurs recently released a new Android app called Smartphone DNA, and to promote it she is giving away a Kindle Fire HD-which she is sponsoring entirely.  The giveaway will be hosted by My So-Called Chaos, but what we need are other bloggers to share the giveaway on their blogs in order to spread the word! In return, you'll get two of your links in the Rafflecopter to get extra promotion for you in return for posting.  This is entirely free, there is NO buy in, we just need two posts from you.

1. Post this announcement on your blog (code will be given after you request to join) to ensure your readers/followers have the opportunity to be a part of this giveaway too! 
2. Post the actual giveaway (full Rafflecopter and all! People will be able to enter directly from your blog!) 

If you are interested in participating in this FREE promotional opportunity, please email Miss Angie and once accepted into the giveaway you will be given all the information you need for your posts.

Giveaway is set to run from 4/10/13 to 4/30/13.

All requests to join required by 4/5/13!

eBay Individual Eyelashes Review/Photos

Hey guys so I'm not well at all today, I've got a bad case of tonsillitis (there was literally a tiny gap between my tonsils yesterday I thought I was going to suffocate), a cold and as a result of the two I've been feeling a bit nauseous too. All in all, not a fun time. So I decided since I've spent the day in bed watching Pretty Little Liars episodes that I should try and do something productive. So I thought I'd share my new favourite individual false eyelashes with you!

I'm not a huge false eyelash fan, my eyelashes are quite long anyway (I'd just like them to be a little thicker) so while strip eyelashes look good (and quite natural in some cases) on other people, they tend to look extremely fake on me. Also with the length of my eyelashes I find them a bit fiddly to apply. Also theres nothing worse than seeing photos of girls on nights out with the inner corner of their fake eyelashes coming unattached. So I decided to try individual lashes.

I've used them before in college and liked that you don't need to commit to a whole strip. So I thought I'd pop online to my favourite shop in the world, eBay, and have a browse for a few. 

Guess how much these cost me? 

Tarte Prime Shine & Define Kit Review & Photos

Hey guys so being from Ireland I've never tried Tarte Cosmetics before, so I was soooo excited when I was emailed by Isabelle from Les Chateau Des Fleurs to tell me I'd won her Tarte giveaway!

I'll include photos of all the products ON me at the end of the post :)

''This 3-piece deluxe size essentials kit is just what you need for getting flawless on the fly. Perfect and brighten your complexion and dramatize your eyes with clean slate™ poreless 12-hour perfecting primer primer, Amazonian clay BB illuminating moisturizer and gifted™ Amazonian clay smart mascara. This convenient, travel-friendly kit covers all of your beauty basics as you prime, shine and define yourself.'' - TarteCosmetics.com

 Tarte Prime Shine & Define Kit* $12.00 here

The kit I'd won is called the Prime Shine & Define to go kit and contains 3 mini products. 

The Clean Slate Poreless Primer (7.5ml), the Amazonian Clay BB Cream (9ml) and the Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara (5ml).

I was quite worried when I saw this was a silicone-y primer as if you've read my blog for a while you'll know I've mentioned before that usually silicone based primers break me out in a rash due to my eczema but I was really surprised that this didn't seem to do that! I've used it about 4 times now and haven't noticed any redness, usually I'll notice it after the second time. Although I haven't been using this consecutively, only on special occasions as I don't want to waste it so maybe if I used it a few days in a row it might. 

As for the 12 hour perfecting claim I'm actually quite impressed. Usually on a night out I'll have to reapply my makeup or add more powder during the night but I didn't feel that was necessary when I was wearing this primer, I didn't notice any excess shine etc. You also only need to use a tiny amount as it applies really well.

The only 'BB' cream I've ever used was the Garnier one and that was atrociously orange so I've stayed away from them for a while but I was very excited to try this out. I tried it on its own and to be honest I didn't notice too much of a difference in my skin in comparison to using my Nivea tinted moisturiser. I also tried mixing it with my foundation on a night out as recommended on the website but didn't notice much of a difference either. Its a nice product and I'll continue using it until its all gone but personally I wouldn't go out and buy the full size, I just don't think its worth the price.

First off I have to say, I LOVE the packaging of this mascara, I think the wooden effect just looks so cute and different to other mascaras. When I used the mascara I noticed it felt quite dry and not very wet like other mascaras but it still distributed a good amount of product. I think the entrance (where you put the mascara back in the tube, I've no idea what its called haha) does a good job of removing excess mascara. I don't get ANY clumps at all no matter how many layers I use (and trust me I use A LOT). Its not amazing at volumising but I just use a more volumising mascara on top usually. I honestly think if we had Tarte here in Ireland I would buy a full size as it really is a good mascara and I enjoy using it! I'll be sad when its all gone!

Now, onto the products on my actual face!

In the photos below all I'm wearing besides the Primer, BB Cream and Mascara is a little bit of pencil eyeliner, powder and a blusher.

close up shots of the mascara

If you can get your hands on this kit I'd definitely recommend picking it up as its not expensive at all for the amount of product you get.

You can get the kit from TarteCosmetics.com here

Prize Unboxing/Opening from AqeelaKeela.blogspot.com

Helllooooo, 

I hope you all had a fabulous St Patricks Day/Paddys Day (NOT Pattys Day or St Pattys Day, take note Americans).

Today I wanted to share a package I received this morning with you all! I've been very excited for this package to come and it finally came this morning! It's a prize package from the very lovely (seriously I know everyone says that about people but she's seriously sooo nice) Aqeela, I would advise you all to check out her blog if you haven't already, just click here and it will open in a new window for you to have a nose! She does these AMAZING eye looks, she also does a weekly makeup tag with a different theme each week and the entries make me jealous of how talented her and the other girls are!

Anywhooo thankfully I was able to stop myself ripping it open before taking photos.

The minute I got it I was praying nothing was broken as postmen tend to be very rough. I ordered a Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant not long ago and when it came it was smashed in pieces. Someone literally stepped on it and I ended up with a bag of dust and shards of plastic. To say I was pissed was an understatement. Luckily nothing in this package was broken drastically and what was broken was cleaned up easily with a towel (more on that later).

So lets get straight into the photos!

Hair Care Routine ft Hask, L'Oreal, Percy & Reed, Pantene & Osmo

DUCKFACE!

Helloooo so I am in a particularly chirpy mood today so I decided to finally post my hair care routine!

I am in no way shape or form saying my hair is in top condition. With the length of it (straight it falls below my boobs sorry I'm useless with measurements!) and how much heat I use, its hard to keep the ends in good condition, especially since I have to be dragged into a hairdressing chair to have it cut. Although I think I'm due a cut!

Anyway I decided to share what I do anyway! It seems to work for me!

Google can suck my..

**Quick note: If you've entered my Sleek giveaway, make sure to pop back to the post, I've added another option to follow via Bloglovin so you can gain more entries!**

So if you've been under a rock all day today you'll know every blogger had their feathers in a flutter today over the announcement that Google was scrapping the Google Reader as of July 1st. If you don't know what Google Reader is, its the area where you can see all the posts from blogs you follow on your blogger homepage. There's also talks of GFC being scrapped but whats the point in following blogs via GFC if you can't read them?! 

Make sure you follow my blog via Bloglovin. 

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3844067/all-the-pretty-things

Its easy to make an account. To get yourself a profile and a username. You just go to settings and click get my profile. It will then allow you to choose a username etc.

Its super easy to use and there's also an app so you can read on the go!

Sure what more can you want?

I think the reason Google is discontinuing these VITAL services for bloggers is to basically force people to use Google +. They know no one uses it (because its shite and I don't understand the point of it. It was shite when it came out and its still shite now) so are taking away everything else so we have no choice. Cheers google. You can suck my balls because I'm moving to Bloglovin. Shove Google + up your ar...

I should stop talking now.

DIY Pamper: At Home Full Manicure

You'd think as a Beauty Therapist I'd have done a post on this already but NOPE apparently not!

I LOVE doing little pamper sessions at home. 

First of all, why is it important to have regular manicure? 

Its always nice to keep your nails neat and tidy. No one likes looking at bad nails. Also, manicures can help nail polish apply and look a lot nicer on your nails, especially without all the nasty cuticle-ness (I'm pretty sure I just made up that word).

Please excuse the awful photos, I did this at night so had to resort to artificial lighting.

So lets just get straight into it. 

 1: Wipe down your nails with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover, this is necessary even if you don't have any polish on your nails to remove oil.

 2: Take a hand or cuticle cream and apply it to your cuticles. I like to use Soap & Glory's Hand Food.

3: Massage the hand/cuticle cream into your cuticles. This will help to soften them a little.

4: Take an orange wood stick and cover the top in cotton. Gently push back your cuticles as well as you can.

5: Take a cuticle remover (I got mine from Sallys) and place a drop of your cuticles. This stuff is very strong so be careful. It basically dries out your cuticles making them easy to remove with the knife (see below)

6. Take a cuticle knife and CAREFULLY in circular motions scrap it alone your cuticles to remove. Be extremely careful not to cut yourself. If you're paying attention and going slowly in circular motions you wont hurt yourself. AFTERWARDS, this part is important, make sure to wipe your nails/cuticle bed down with a wet cotton pad to remove the cuticle remover. If not it will continue to dry out your nail bed and skin. Only wet cotton will remove it.

7: Finally apply a nail polish of your choice. I decided to apply a nail strengthener as my nails have been peeling a lot lately. 

And that's it! So now you have no excuse to have bad nails!

If you have any questions you can leave them below or email me via the Contact tab at the top of the page.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer Review/Swatches

I love my bronzer. Being pale (I'm talking milk bottle, vampire pale) it's one of my must have products. 

Adding just a little in the hollows of your cheeks, up to your temples and down the sides of your nose just adds a little bit of colour to your skin. Without it, my face looks dull and sickly. 

Saying that, I don't want to spend a fortune on a bronzer either. Its hard to find a cheap bronzer that doesn't make you look like an oompa loompa. 

That is, until this baby fell into my hands.

I'm not a huge fan of the packaging. It definitely screams 'CHEAP!' I understand you get what you pay for but I do wish the packaging was a little nicer. It does the job though so that's all that matters I guess!

I do like the indented sun image inside! I don't know I'm a sucker for details like that. Also I love that it has a mirror for touch ups! What the heck is up with the puff though? Unless you want to rub bronzer all over your face its pretty useless.

Onto the actual bronzer. I like that its a muted brown, not too pigmented so you don't have to worry about applying too much and looking crazy!

Overall for the price it's a good product that does its job! 

Which brand/product is your go to bronzer? 

'Look Like You're Not Wearing Makeup' Natural, School, No Makeup Look

Hi guys so I've wanted to do this post for A LONG TIME, I just never got round to it!

I know a lot of girls go to schools where there is a no makeup rule. I know when I was in secondary school we had a rule where we couldn't be caked in makeup, we were allowed to wear it just as long as we didn't look like a clown, and that was an all girls school! I know one of the other mixed schools in the area would make the girls go to the bathroom and remove ANY makeup they were wearing. Eeek I don't know how I'd have survived in a mixed school with no makeup! (Yes I'm very vain I know)

ANYWAY I thought I'd do a makeup look that would be suitable for occasions where you don't want to look like you're wearing makeup but you still want to look your best. Almost a 'how to trick people into thinking you're better looking than you actually are' (how very Jenna Marbles of me!). This is also great if you don't have time in the morning to do your makeup but still want to look as well as you can. This literally takes less than 5 minutes.

Of course you can alter this look and add more or less depending on your situation but I just thought I'd do a basic look for everyone.

Eeeek I hate how I look without eyeliner so this is a scary post for me to do! 

What I did/used:

Change to my blogging schedule: LATE NIGHT RAMBLE

So if you're a regular reader of my blog (Hi new followers! Welcome!) you'll know I post every second day. I pre-write my posts and schedule them. I don't know how to describe it but it makes me feel..safe. Knowing I have a post ready to go up. I'm the kind of person who panics about not having anything to post about. Having 2 weeks worth of posts pre-written makes me feel better. I think this is my crazy organisation. I think I must have OCD!

Although there is a down side to this. I end up feeling very disconnected and distant from my blog because really, I'm going weeks without writing as I already have posts ready. In my head its like 'oh you don't need to write up anything, you have plenty scheduled'. I know you might say oh sure you can still write more posts to schedule for the next few weeks but honestly it doesn't feel the same. Scheduling posts means I'm writing them, getting excited about them and then you're not seeing them until a week later and I lose my excitement about that particular post. 

So where am I going with this? I'm starting to run out of scheduled posts so when those are gone, I think I'm just going to write and post as I go. No pressure. Maybe I'll schedule them for a few days later but I definitely wont be 'planning' in a sense. If I feel like blogging/have inspiration I'll sit down and blog. If I don't, I won't. I don't ever want this to feel like 'work'. I started it as fun and I want to keep it that way. 

I could have a few posts a week, I could have one (I don't think I'll ever let it come to that!) but it certainly wont be on a set scheduled plan.

Who knows, maybe I'll end up hating it this way and want to go back to my organised crazy self but I'll cross that bridge when it comes! 

I've got a few ideas for posts that I'm quite excited about with this new schedule so I think it's going to be a good few weeks for the blog!

Anyway that was just a late night ramble, I'm going to head to bed now or I'll be wandering round like a zombie tomorrow.

Good night!

St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

Usually I'm not a huge fan of scrubs. I prefer chemical exfoliators like Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. Usually I find abrasive scrubs (the ones with the bits in them) to be pretty useless on my dry patches. 

That is, until I tried this baby.

P.S This is a 30ml sample size

St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub* 30ml. £2.86 for 150ml here

International Sleek Eyeshadow Palette GIVEAWAY

**QUICK NOTE: With all the crazyiess and rumours about GFC being scrapped, make sure to follow via Bloglovin!**

Yes I'm finally doing my first giveaway! *happy dance*

I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many eyeshadow palettes, in fact I only have a few single eyeshadows, the rest of my collection consists of eyeshadow palettes!

So, I decided to giveaway a Sleek Eyeshadow Palette of your choice from Cloud10Beauty.com.

If you win: You choose a Sleek Eyeshadow Palette from Cloud10Beauty.com, I will give them your name and address, and have it shipped directly to YOU from Cloud10Beauty.

I was actually going to purchase the palette myself and have it shipped to you, but when I emailed Cloud10Beauty to enquire about shipping costs, Blanaid was so kind and offered to provide the palette for the giveaway! This means I will be able to accept international entries. YAY.

This giveaway will run for 1 month and as I mentioned above is open WORLDWIDE.

The only rule is you MUST be following my blog via GFC as this giveaway is for my amazing followers.

I would also really appreciate it if you'd give Cloud10Beauty a follow on twitter to say thank you for providing the prize!

The rest of the entries are optional although the more you complete the better chance you have of winning.

I'll be using Rafflecopter and WILL BE CHECKING ENTRIES. If you attempt to cheat I will delete your entries & you will be excluded from future giveaways. I do know that there can be some difficulties with Rafflecopter asking you to enter again when you go back to the post but don't worry I won't eliminate you if this happens.

This also applies to those who unfollow immediately after the giveaway, you will not be included in future giveaways.

If the winner does not email back after 48 hours, I will be choosing another winner. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are under 18 please more sure its ok with your parents that I can send you your prize if you win. 

If you have any questions you can email me at EmmaLFx@gmail.com

Good Luck!

I'M ON FACEBOOK!

I just wanted to let you all know I've made a facebook page for my blog! I'd really appreciate it if you could like it? I think it'll be a great way to interact with you all more!

http://facebook.com/alltheprettythingsblog

Sigma Round Top Kabuki Brush

I've always lusted after Sigma makeup brushes. Recently I decided to make my first purchase and chose the round top kabuki brush as I needed a good foundation brush.

*warning picture heavy*

 Sigma Round Top Kabuki Brush $18.00 here €17.50 here

Perfect Summer Lipstick? Rimmel Lipstick in Coral Queen (620)

Hi guys so my lipstick collection has slowly (I say slowly but lets be honest its expanded rapidly in about 3 months) but surely been expanding and this little gem is one of the latest additions.

Its also my first coral lipstick ever! 

 Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Queen*

€7.65 here

£6.29 here

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in Perpetual Plum

I've had my eyes on these for ages now.

I didn't fancy paying €7.45.

My local chemist was doing a buy one get one half price across all cosmetics and while I was picking up a bronzer I decided to grab one of these too.

 Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in Perpetual Plum €7.45 or £5.99 here

These come in 6 shades: Carry on Cherry, Nothing But Nude, Perpetual Plum, Timeless Tango, Stay Very Berry, Endless Blossom (you can see them here) 

I think there were 4 shades in my chemist and I chose Perpetual Plum as it was a lovely pink shade.