Wednesday 31 July 2013

July favourites ! 💐

Seems like only yesterday I was wecoming June let alone July. Summer is simply flying by but I am enjoying using lots of products and in this post I am goin to share my loves for the month of July.
  • Dior highlighter


Summer makeup looks are never complete without a little highlighting. Sometimes all you need is a lash of mascara, a lip balm and a swipe of highlighter for a perfect summer look. This highlighter is just perfect for that look. It's bright yet delicate. It does not clump but can be built upon and it has staying power! I have aide comprehensive review HERE but in summery Dior are treating us to a lovely versatile long lasting product in this product!
 
  • Philip Kingsley hair masks





 
Volume! Glorious volume! If it is not my mascara that I am longing to give me volume it's my hair products. This product is a pre-treatment for your hair. Apply to damp hair before you wash your hair and leave for a minimum of 20 mins. Wash and condition then as normal! Results are soft hair that seems to have a little left form the root, my hair is smooth and feels like it has been treated to a salon treatment! You only need a very small amount meaning the product lasts ages (always good for a high end product as they seem always to be a little more expensive). I am really enjoying this product so much so I am just about finished my second tube and will defiantly repurchase again soon.
If you’re interested in this product check the shopping channel QVC as they sometimes have good deals on this range of products - a little tip for ya!!! 
 
  • Lipstick
 



Summer seems to have awoke my love of colourful lips and I have been using a few I mentioned in a previous post click here







 
In addition to these I have been using
- Divine Choice Mineralize Rich by MAC - a fabulous pink shade that is so mositurising on the lips and easy to wear

- Tuti Fruiti from the LipButter Range by Revlon - this balm lipstick in vibrant coral is perfect for summer wear

- Waikiki from the Aqualluminere range by Chanel - the perfect day wear lipstick, a natural pink shade with a hint of shummer
All of these lipsticks are colourful, bright and really kind on the lips - perfect for summer kisses !
 
  • Intuition razor
 


 
Summer time means we ladies have to have our legs in top condition constantly. Being dark haired means I have to shave my legs (am not a fan of waxing - bad experience) every second day! For this reason my intuition razor has been a blessing.
For use in the shower or bath this razor is easy to use and hassle free! Blades are surrounded by a block bed of moisturising balm that ensures a smooth close shave. No need for foam or soap. Gentle on the skin leaving no irritation and I have never cut myself! A hassle free, fuzz free scrap free leg shave - simples! Worth a try.
 
  • La Roche Posa factor 50
 
 
 
Sunshine! I love it. Despite the face I have dark eyes and hair my skin burns. When I say burns I mean turns tomato red, gets itchy, burns, skin peels and I look awful - no joke. For this reason I need a good facial SPF. Some lotions can be too rich or oily or irritating but thankfully I seem to have found a good SPF in La Roche-Posay Anthelios Xl 50+ . This is a very high protection UVB and UVA fluid. It is for sensitive skin and in short it really works. My skin was protected; it did not burn or become irritated. It is very water resistant, non-perfumed and paraben free. During the current heat wave it has been near at hand constantly. I have been using it in conjunction with factor 3O for my body. Both products protect the skin but allow a healthy safe glow. What more could you hope for from a sun screen!
 
 
Disappointing products
Rituals Perfume

I adore ritual's products they are my favourite bath and shower time treats so I was excited to try their perfume range.
I bought a sampler pack contains three different scents but the one I really did not like was White Patchouli and Cedar Wood


 
 
I just did not like this scent. It was far too masculine for my liking. It actually remained me of a Dior aftershave! I used it 3 times I think and then gave it away. I would always recommend you try before you buy!
 
Other things I am loving
 
  • The sunshine! who does not love the sunshine
  •  Despicable Me 2 - the best film I have seen in an age I literally cried laughing. I love the minions just love them. Watch the trailer HERE
  •  Mistress (USA) - An American version of the BBC show this is actually really good. Good story line and likeable characters what more can ya ask for . Watch the trailer HERE
  •  Nail Art Dotting Tool - Having so much fun. Acheap and cheerful tool for my nails

 
  •  Bellx 1 song "be careful what you wish for" - A new song from the new ablum "chop chop". One of my favourite bands offer up a lovely tune. Click here to have a LISTEN AND A LOOK OR JUST A LISTEN. I went to see this band a few weeks ago, every time I see them live I am reminded just how much I love them! Proud that they are Irish and look forward to seeing them again.

  • Flip flops- Sumer would not be summer with out colourful toes and flipflops. I am loving Havan's and Croc this year.


Hope you enjoyed this post and find one or two items would like to try. Am looking forward to finding more products I love during August.

xoxo
 

Friday 26 July 2013

Michael Todd Organic Skincare Sampler Packs


Michael Todd Organic Skincare Sampler Packs 




A few months ago I watched the ever fabulous FleurDeForce speak about a Michael Todd toner and I simply had to try it. Try is I did and I feel I love with it. I am actually just about to order my 3rd bottle so that is recommendation enough to just how good it is for my skin. As part of my last order I decided to treat myself to one of Michael Todd's sampler packs. Again I have really enjoyed using each and every one of the products contained in this pack for normal to combination skin. The pack contains 5 good sized samples (30 ml) of all the products you could use to achieve an excellent skin care routine. This pack contained:
Heavy exclamation mark symbolHoney and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser

Heavy exclamation mark symbolBlue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner

Heavy exclamation mark symbolJojoba Charcoal Scrub

Heavy exclamation mark symbolCitrus Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic acid

Heavy exclamation mark symbolPumpkin Nutrient Facial Mask

Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser. 






This cleanser is really nice to use. It smells so good as it is packed with lovely ingredients like organic lavender, aloe, honey and vitamin A and E. the consistency is a light smooth gel - which I was surprised with as I expected it to be a little rougher due to the oats component in the name. This cleanser does give your face a good clean it removed oil and make up. Waterproof mascara was the only make up that I had to use separate cleanser for. I really enjoyed the sample of this cleanser so I purchased a full size and am presently using it morning and evening.

Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner


my most favourite Michael Todd product! I adore this toner and firmly believe it had worked wonders with my skin. This toner works magic on breakouts by having anti inflammatory qualities, the antibacterial ingredients ensures the skin is clean and prevents breakouts and the consistency and ph balancing properties ensure the skin is not left dry or irritated in any way. I have recommended this product to so many of my friends and they have used it and fine it just as good as I do. All I can say is trying is believing!! A must have in my skin care routine.

Jojoba Charcoal Scrub 


I like to use this scrub as an exfoliating scrub 2 or 3 times a week to remove dead skin and renew my skin. Its consistency is like most scrubs with particles to ensure skin renewal. Packed with organic aloe, coconut oil and jojoba it removes dead skin leaving your skin very smooth and fresh. It also smells amazing!

Citrus Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic acid 



This is a light soothing moisturiser. Once again it smells amazing due to the organic ingredients and essential oils present. I found it good for morning use and under makeup as it was light but I would prefer a heaver consistency for night-time use. It does hydrate the skin and leaves a really fresh feeling.

Pumpkin Nutrient Facial Mask -




I had been using the charcoal based masks from Michael Todd which I like but found a little harsh. This mask is a better option for my skin. Applied once a week or when really needed this mask was a pleasure to use! It is a rejuvenating facial mask containing over 100 vitamins. It exfoliates, cleanses and treats the face. It also contains glycolic acid with really does promote skin renewal. I think I will be repurchasing this mask in the future! 


Over all I genuinely enjoyed using this sampler pack. All the products smelt so nice and were gentle yet effective on my skin. I haven't favourites which, if I have not already repurchased I defiantly will in the future. If you are trying to decide to purchase any products from the Michael Todd range this sampler pack is just perfect as you get to have a good try before you buy! The packs come for different skin types sensitive, normal to combination and oily. To have a look at the options CLICK HERE

I think these sampler packs are a great idea as how many products have you been dying to try, bought and then did not like? Do you know of any other brands that I've sampler packs? Leave a comment below sharing.

Xoxo 

*** Just a little disclaimer: the opinions outlined in this post are my own opinions formed as result of my own experiences using the products mentioned. This post has not been sponsored in any way.  



Wednesday 24 July 2013

Summer Pedicure At Home

Summer Pedicure At Home 





Summer brings sandals and flip flops. For this reason it's a necessity to give your feet a good old pampering to keep them in tip top presentable condition. Recently I treated myself to a homemade pedicure using some of my Beauty Routine products and I bought I'd share my pedicure routine with you! 

Step 1 - Fill a basin (or foot spa if you have one) with warm water. I really like a hot soak. 

Step 2 - add a little anti bacterial wash to the water. I also added about 5 drops of Caudalie Divine Oil. This oil is pure luxury and is perfect to soften hard skin. 





Step 3 - Soak your footies for as long as your little heart desires. Sit back and relax. I used this time to catch up on a missed TV show I am loving at the mo - Mistresses USA - love it! 

Step 4 - When you are ready take one foot at a time and using the Soap and Glory Scrub massage each foot. This scrub smells amazing really zesty and clean. The particles in the scrub are excellent in removing dead skin and leaving your feet super smooth and soft. 



Step 5 - Using the Pedi Egg or similar remove more hard skin from the soles of your feet and heels. This little egg is super handy as it is shaped so it’s easy to handle and hold and it collects any skin inside and Ta easy to clean. Your feet will be so soft and smooth. I like to finish this part of my pamper session by just rinsing my feet and towel drying them. 

Step 6 - Once dried I like to fill my toe nails. After being soaked the nail is a little softer and easier to shape. Using a file - for this purpose I like to use a larger file - I shape as best I can! 

Step 7 - The last stage is moisturising. I use a little 24 hour moisture mask from Origins. I know this is a face mask but it also works wonders in your feet so why not pamper a little! I rub in my moisture mask and pop a pair of cotton socks over each foot and leave to soak in. 



Result! Prep'ed and Primed homemade pedicure using product I already know, have, use and like! 
Hope you enjoy your little pamper session if you have one! Let me know of any pedicure products you enjoy using so I can have a try! 



Xoxo


Tuesday 23 July 2013

False Lashes by House of Lashes

                          False Lashes by House of Lashes




As a result of my love mascara and volume packed eyelashes it is no shock that I love false eyelashes! I have tried and tested many many brands, sizes and shapes. Traditionally I have come to use mainly eylure lashes as I find them to be natural looking and easy to apply. After seeing a few good reviews for House of Lashes I simply had to try them. In short my experience with these lashes has been nothing short of excellent. 

I ordered online. The customer service was exceptional. As this company is based in the USA (and I am in Ireland) they contacted me to confirm my postal address as I do not have a post code and they wanted to ensure my order arrived safe. This is impressive customer service! 

I order a few different styles if lashes and their own brand lash glue. I also ordered a cute little storage box for my lashes. Everything arrived in perfect condition, extremely well packaged in a matter of days. Once again impressive. 



House of Lashes provides lashes made from 100% human hair, are cruelty free and are hand crafted. All this sums up to a good quality product sold at very competitive prices. The lashes can be used a number of times so this adds to the value factor! Even including delivery
the exchange rate these lashes worked out approximately the same as what I was paying for lashes in my local drug store. 

The lashes I have loved are titled "Sweet Romance". They are genuinely so so pretty. They add volume and flutter making your eyes pop! They fall under the "au natural" collection. They are perfect for day wear but also for night wear. I have also purchased lashes from the other collections on offer (Goddess Collection and Premium Luxe) an they look so good I simply cannot wait to wear them. I plan on wearing Pixie Luxe for my engagement party - a girl needs special for such a special occasion!! 




The lashes are very easy to apply. The House of Lashes glue is very easy to use; you simply paint on a little amount of glue to the strip and apply to your lash line. There is no smell from the glue, it dries really fast and is in no way irritating on the eyes or skin. To remove the lashes a gentle pull is all it takes. By storing the lashes in the storage box the lashes are kept clean and ready or their next use! 




Over all I think it is pretty clear to see I am extremely impressed by theses lashes by House of Lashes. If you are like me and adore eyelashes and all things bright and voluminous for your eyes have a look at tear lashes and treat yourself! They are simply fabulous!! 
For more information Click Here  



*** Just a little disclaimer: the opinions outlined in this post are my own opinions formed as result of my own experiences using the products mentioned. This post has not been sponsored in any way. 


Monday 22 July 2013

June Fav’s ………………………………better late than never?

June Fav’s   
………………………………better late than never?


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I genuinely cannot believe how long it has been since I blogged so I am hoping this post is better than never! The last few weeks seen to have flown by so fast and been filled with both good and not so good experiences – from crippling back pain to sun filled evenings listen to my favourite band.  Anyway without further ado I shall share with you my June Fav’s.


Bioderma 



I genuinely don't think any self respecting blogger has not heard of this product and I would be surprised to find a person whom did not like this product. For me personally it is a miracle facial cleanser that is just perfect for my skin type (normal to combination) 
this is cleansing water that is colourless and odourless. It is a non detergent, non foaming, Soap free and has a neutral ph. essentially it is a makeup remover and cleansing solution. It is so gentle and soothing - I have been using it nonstop even on skin the was in the sun a little too long! I simply love this product and genuinely recommend everyone to try it! 

There is only one negative aspect to this product - it can be hard to purchase! I have bought it through both eBay and amazon.co.uk. I am constantly on the lookout or friends who may be travelling to France so they can get it for me. All in all it is worth the effort to get this product as it is a definite in my skin care routine. 
INFO 


Sche Vite







Recently I was on the search for a good long lasting top coat for my nails. I also wanted a fast drying top coat that was also hard wearing. In short this Product ticks all the boxes it is the perfect top coat for me.

The formula of this product is such that it is designed to penetrate the polish and transforms the combined polish and top coat to become one layer. It dries so fast it is almost impossible to smudge. It last so long - I think the longest I have worn it without chipping was 5 days ( it was an experiment to see how long it would last).

Once again I highly recommend this product to any one who loves to polish and go ! 

MAC Vanilla Pigment 







I was recommended this little pot of wonderful by a really helpful MAC make up artist.
MAC pigment is always a pleasure to use and this is no exception. It is a shimmer shade that acts as a highlighter as well as colour pop when built upon through a concentrated rich powder.

The vanilla shade is delicate enough to highlight areas such as the tear area of the eye, brow bone or even the high cheek area!
A multi purpose product that is great for any summer make up look !
Nivea a Kiss of Shimmer Radiant Lip Care SPF 10




I have used this product for years! It is one of those lip products that I use for an age then put aside only to return to use and wonder why I ever stopped using it!

NIVEA Lip Care Pearl & Shine with moisture store effect pampers your lips and enhances natural beauty of your lips with a sweet pearly shimmer. It's so natural with a hint of pink shimmer!
Contains natural ingredients like caring jojoba oil and shea butter the result of which can only be good for your lips. This little gem is so moisturising it feels so nice on my lips! It is also a great day wear lippy if your lips need a little pampering !
Gentle, moisturising and looks pretty - not bad for a cheap little lip product!

NAR Bronzer in Laguna 

Another extremely popular beauty product! I have really been enjoying using this product especially since the sunshine has been making an appearance as it gives me a lovely bronzed glow!

This bronzer by NARS is really easy to use. It is really fine defused powder that has speckles of gold shimmer running through it. It provides a great wash of colour that gives an even coverage and almost smooths out the skin! It is a natural shade that adds a subtle shimmer and is perfect for contouring and bronzing. A cult product for a reason - it's a good bronzer! 

 I love this bronzer so much it is almost gone !!


Disappointing Product 

Heavy exclamation mark symbolWalla shampoo and conditioner 

I am always on the look out for a good shampoo and conditioner and in particular a duo that adds volume. I was hopeful when I came across these two products am was quick to purchase!

Unfortunately I won't be repurchasing. I found the shampoo to be average. It took a bit to lather up and I found it a little difficult to remove fully from my hair. The conditioner I felt added weight to my hair. Over all I experienced very little volume results. The smell was just typical shampoo smell that did my last . Over all this duo is simply average. My search for the next best volume cleansing duo continues! If you have any suggestions please leave a comment for me so I can try new shampoo and conditioner duo's 



Other favourites this month !!!! 

Medium white star School holidays  - as a teacher I love the holidays....no work, no early mornings and no home work !!
Medium white star cross the body bag   - I absolutely love Micheal Kors cross the body bags I have his signature brown leather version at the mo and am using it non stop
Medium white star my engagement ring - need I say more
Medium white star Robin Thicke "blurred lines"  - the song of the summer