Beauty & Makeup Products I am Loving – May Favorites

30th May 201730th May 2017

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

The first of my May Favorites is the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, this one is probably not a surprise you if you have read my last post. I love this foundation that much that I dedicated an entire blog post for this foundation here

The Nars Sheer Glow Foundation has a silky texture and a satin matte natural-looking finish. Despite being called ‘Sheer Glow’, this foundation is not dewy and it doesn’t leave your skin looking extra glowy, it leaves a subtle glow and has a good medium that is build-able.

The Nars Sheer Glow is truly a beautiful foundation and has most definitely made it into my top 5 foundations. I can see now why it is a “Holy Grail” foundation for so many.

I bought mine from feel Unique here , it can also be picked up from Brown Thomas here

Clinique Take the Day Off

Best cleanser ever! It breaks down everything on my face, even thick layers of mascara without any problem. Does not irritate, break out or dry out my skin. Leaves the skin glowing, but not greasy afterwards. I really love this stuff.

There is no residue after rinsing which I can find with some oil based cleansers, just clean, soft skin. It is perfect for sensitive and dry skin types like mine. Incredible!

Buy it here

Penneys Havana Complete Face Palette

I have really been loving this palette over the past couple of weeks. It is definitely my favorite Penneys palette to date. I am very impressed with all the shades, all are very pigmented and blendable. The highlight shade is absolutely stunning and is super pigmented. It transfers as a very pretty champagne shade that is ridiculously flattering on top of the cheekbones.

Can be picked up from Penneys for €6

Nars Laguna

When I first got this and seen the shade I though it looked like a mucky/grey colour however, this is not the case on the skin. The Laguna bronze gives a gorgeous natural bronzed glow to the skin. It is a light – medium tone and is said to have a matte finish however, it does have the teeny, tinniest bit of shimmer, but it leaves a beautiful glow to the skin.

The bronzer is very easy it is to blend out and also makes for a good contour shade.

I’ve worn this everyday for the past few weeks..love it!

Can be bought here for €39

NYX Micro Brow Pencil

I am a huge fan of the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil and The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz , nothing I have tried before compares to them …until now!!! I love this Brow Pencil and it is almost a third of the price. This brow pencil is very thin and it isn’t intensely pigmented, making it a perfect choice for creating a natural, yet defined brow.

I really like the texture of the pencil, and the formulation is achieved with the perfect balance of soft and firm. It draws on with ease and really grips on for long wear hold. The super fine nip allows you to imitate brow-like strokes while also giving a sculpted and defined look.

You can buy it here from Boots for €10.50

And my final favorite for the month is…..

My Lovely Lash Extensions!!!

I could not have talked about my favorites this month without mentioning my Lash Extensions.

I got my lashes done for the first time this month from Wild Beauty in Tallaght and they did a fantastic job, highly recommend!

My natural lashes are short and sparse, so the lash extensions really open up my small eyes and most importantly, you do not need to apply mascara with them, so it’s saves me a very valuable 3 minutes in the morning 😉 I can see now why people say they are addictive! 🙂

Thanks for reading guys!

Ciara xx

Superdrug Glycolic Acid Cleansing Pads & Overnight Peal Review

28th May 201728th May 2017

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Cleansing Pads

Product Description

Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads. 60 pads soaked in a specially developed blend of Glycolic Acid & fruit AHA’s. Help to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin leaving it fresher. With witch hazel to help tone the skin and added Aloe & Pro Vitamin B5

If you’re a fan of Nip & Fab’s Glycolic Fix Pads, Superdrug have released their own version for half the price! The pads are soaked in a blend of Glycolic Acid and Fruit Acids to exfoliate the skin and improve the overall texture, plus they’re great for adding some glow to your complexion as well.

The Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads tub contains 60 pads which have been soaked in a specially developed blend of Glycolic Acid and Fruit AHA’s. This blend helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to leave it feeling and looking much fresher.

The pads also contain Witch Hazel which helps tone the skin, along with added Aloe to soothe the skin and Pro Vitamin B5. All you need to do is take a pad and gently wipe over the face, avoiding the delicate eye area, for skin which looks much more glowy, with an improved skin tone and texture.

I was initially worried that these might strip my dry skin when actually they are very gentle and did not cause any irritation whatsoever. I actually loved this product so much that the entire tub is now gone. I used a pad morning and evening and I can honestly say I have noticed an overall improvement in my skin tone and texture. If you are looking to introduce a low level of Glycolic Acid into your skincare routine, I would recommend these guys. And because my tub is now gone, I will definitely be repurchasing 🙂

I purchased mine from Superdrug here for €5.99

Glycolic Overnight Peal

Product Description

Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel is formulated with a unique energising complex infused with Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry Extracts to help revive skin’s radiance and even out skin tone. With Glycolic Acid, a powerful Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) and a Fruit Acid blend, the refreshing gel formula also refines and retexturises the skin’s surface, providing a brighter, more youthful complexion.

This Glycolic Overnight Peel, contains glycolic acid, vitamin C and fruit extracts such as Kiwi and Mulberry to boost and brighten your skin overnight. These ingredients work together to revive radiance, even out your skin tone and with the glycolic acid it also helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

To apply, I use a pea sized amount and spread it over my face (avoiding the eyes) and then leave it on overnight and wash it off the following morning. Superdrug state that you should use an SPF the following morning after using this product and that is because of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which can leave your skin more sensitive to sunshine.

The gel is clear and see through and has a slight fruity scent to it but for me it is more floral and a further look at the ingredients tell me that there is also Lotus Flower extract also included.

Superdrug Glycolic Acid Cleansing Pads & Overnight Peal Review

I have been using this gel along side the Glycolic Pad for the last 8 weeks, I do not use the gel every night because I don’t think my skin needs it, but at least once a week. Once applied on the skin, it does take a while to sink in and settle, so it is best to apply at least 20-30 minutes before going to bed. I wash it off the next morning and it leaves my skin texture feeling soft and an overall more even complexion. In fact, I notice that my foundation applies seamlessly after using it!

I purchased mine from Superdrug here for €5.99

Because these products contain a low percentage of Glycolic Acid , I would recommend if you are thinking of introducing it to your skincare routine.

Ciara xx

The New Ordinary Colours Coverage Foundation – First Impressions

28th May 2017

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock or you just just aren’t that into skincare, you’d have heard of The Ordinary by now. The newest brand from Deciem (parent company of NIOD and Hylamide) aims to bring effective skincare to the market at affordable prices. It is quite a comprehensive skincare range that I hope to be able to review in the near future. But we’ll just go though the Coverage Foundation today.

The Ordinary have now released their Colour range that includes 2 foundation 1. Serum Foundation and 2. Coverage Foundation.

The Serum Foundations are said to be lightweight medium-coverage formulations. These foundations offer moderate coverage that looks natural with a very lightweight serum feel. They are very low in viscosity and are dispensed with the supplied pump or with the optional glass dropper available for purchase separately if preferred.

The Coverage Foundation is the one I opted for as I tend to go for higher-coverage foundations. The Coverage Foundations are said to be full-coverage formulations. These foundations contain higher pigment levels than our Serum Foundations but still offer a smooth finish that avoids the heavy makeup look that can make skin appear more aged. The texture is that of a lightweight, non-oily cream.

What the foundation promises.

Formula: “Pigments used within each formula are suspended in a unique spreadability system, allowing for even coverage and ultimate skin naturalness.”

Finish: “With a semi-matte, breathable finish both foundations promise long-lasting, durable wear and avoid collecting in fine lines.”

Shade range: “The Ordinary’s unique suspension system allows shades to look so natural that three colours or more will suit most skin tones.”

The New Ordinary Colours Coverage Foundation – First Impressions

The shade range very impressive and I found it very easy selecting my shade online. I chose the shade 1.2Y (Light Yellow Undertones) and I found the match perfect for my skintone.

I have to say I was not initially blown away by the coverage of this foundation. The coverage is decent, however in my opinion it is not a full coverage foundation.

Below are photos of me with one layer of The Ordinary Colours Coverage Foundation on. You will see in the pictures above the foundation applied with one layer. I noticed that pigmentation in my skin was still peeping through. With one layer applied, I would give it a medium coverage.

The New Ordinary Colours Coverage Foundation - First Impressions — One layer of The Ordinary Colours Coverage applied

Below are photos with two layers of the foundation on. With two layers it definitely appears more full coverage but I would in no way say that it is a High Coverage like it claims

The foundation has a matte to satin finish. After applying the first layer with a buffing brush I noticed that it was clinging to dry patches particularly around my nose and my forehead. The first time I tried the foundation I wore it to the office. I noticed throughout the day the foundation was making my skin dryer and dryer. By the end of my working day the foundation had left my skin ridiculously patchy and so dry that it was actually flaking in parts.

Now, if you read my posts you’ll know I suffer with dry/dehydrated skin but I usually get away with matte foundations if I have prep’d my skin well and use hydrating mists throughout the day .

I’m a huge fan of spritzing my face throughout the day to keep me hydrated (especially in the office) but with this said, it did not seem to be combating the dryness that this foundation was leaving my skin .

My second time wearing the foundation was yesterday (Saturday). I prep’d my skin in the usual way and applied the foundation with a damp beauty blender, this technique seemed to work better for me as oppose to using a buffing brush like I did my first time testing the foundation. And although dry patches did not appear immediately after application they came through throughout the day and again leaving my skin feeling dry and dehydrated. I found the wear time not particularly great either; 4 to 5 hours before it started to fade and become patchy on me.

I will still continue to put the foundation through the test but at this moment in time I am not overly impressed with this foundation. And as it stands, I would not recommend this foundation if you suffer with dry or dehydrated skin.

I purchased the foundation directly from Deciem here for €6.90 plus shipping.

Please note that this foundation is in huge demand, so expect long delays in delivery. Mine took almost 4 weeks to arrive.

Thanks for reading guys and as always, I’m happy to answer any questions.

Ciara xx

NEW!!! BROWN THOMAS Beauty Box – What’s inside?

26th May 201726th May 2017

Brown Thomas have launched their very own Beauty Box and I can barely contain my excitement!

The Beauty Box is an online exclusive to Brown Thomas and can be bought for €50 when you spent €75 or more on these selected brands: MAC, AVEDA, TOM FORD, LA MER, ESTEE LAUDER, CLINIQUE, GLAMGLOW, and BOBBI BROWN.

The total value of the Beauty Box is €203 including 2 full sized items. BARGIN!!

So, here is what’s inside the box…

M·A·C Vesicolour Stain – Tattoo My Heart Full-Sized

A liquid lip colour that’s the ultimate fusion of gloss and stain.

AVEDA Damaged Remedies Split End Full Sized

Leave-in treatment instantly repairs split ends, and helps prevent future splits from forming. Formulated with nangai oil, this powerful treatment attracts the separated ends back together, helping to smooth and seal hair fibers. Repair lasts through your next wash.

TOM FORD Black Orchid 4ml

A dramatic signature unfolds with the custom-made Tom Ford Black Orchid blended with dark, tempting florals and rich fruit accords.

LA MER Moisturising Cream 3.5ml

he Miracle Broth™ in Crème de la Mer is suspended in an extraordinary formula. The secret to activating its renewing power and enjoying its profound benefits lies in a soothing ritual. Crème de la Mer must be warmed for a few seconds between the fingers until it becomes translucent, then pressed gently into the skin.

La MER The Eye Balm Intense 3ml

The Eye Balm Intense provides a fast-absorbing formula instantly hydrates skin, and contains a potent blend of ferments, exclusive Marine De-Puff Ferment™ and The Lifting Ferment™. Suspended in a comforting balm, this power couple penetrates helps put visible puff out to pasture while firming and lessening the look of lines and wrinkles.

ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Serum 7ml

Address the look of all key signs of ageing with exclusive chronoluxCB technology to help skin’s natural nightly renewal. Proven in consumer testing: Lines and wrinkles appears significantly reduced while leaving the skin feels smoother, hydrated and stronger. It also looks younger, radiant, more translucent and even toned.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Balm 7ml

This lightweight balm melts into a silky cleansing oil as you massage over skin, then transforms with water into a milky emulsion that rinses easily for a clean, conditioned feel.

Estee Lauder Knockout Mascara Deluxe-Sized

Be a Knockout. Now turn ordinary lashes into knockout lashes: lifted, separated and fanned out for maximum lash impact. Lush, full… the blackest black.

CLINIQUE Sonic Brush Head 1 month supply (Battery Operates)

GLAMGLOW Gravity Mud 5oz and Youth Mud 5oz

The YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment moisturizes, exfoliates, and lifts away impurities without disturbing skin’s essential oils. Antiaging ingredients brighten and smooth while delivering a tighter, more youthful appearance with visibly minimized pores.
GRAVITYMUD is an Out of This World Innovative Peel Off Mud treatment that instantly leaves skin feeling firmer and more lifted. Mega-Targeted ingredients transform from White to Brilliant Chrome, delivering toned, sexy contours. Powered by TEAOXI Marshmallow + Licorice Leaf. Check out what I make of it here

BOBBI BROWN Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in Taupe deluxe-sized

A long-lasting, do-it-all eye shadow that’s a stroke of genius—just swipe and go. This budge-proof formula stays put for 8 hours.

Stock is limited so head to the Brown Thomas website if you want to get your hands on it!

But, what do we think? Is is worth having to spend €75 worth of products for?

Ciara xx

“Holy Grail” Foundation? Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Review

24th May 2017

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

I’ve always wanted to try the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation; I have heard this foundation being raved about for years and so many people have given it their “Holy Grail” Foundation status. So, I eventually bit the bullet and bought it. Let’s see what I think..

Product Description

A glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin’s brightness and texture. For normal, normal-to-dry and dry skin types . Hydrates for softer and smoother skin. Contains powerful anti- oxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and turmeric extract to improve skin’s radiance and tone.

“Holy Grail” Foundation? Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Review

Nars Sheer glow is a water based foundation and has a runny consistency. A little bit of this foundation goes a long way. It spreads and blends on the face effortlessly. I apply the foundation with a buffing brush, The Real Techniques Buffing Brush to be exact. After buffing the foundation into my skin I take a damp Real Techniques Beauty Sponge and blend it out so it looks seamless on the skin. The finish the Nars Sheer Glow leaves it just perfection.

This foundation does not contain SPF, which means it’s ideal for flash photography. Do remember to wear a separate SPF on your face before sun exposure!

A layer of the foundation gives a lovely natural finish, however the foundation is perfect for building and in my opinion it can achieve a medium to full coverage

With two layers on, the foundation covers all of my skin blemishes (pigmentation and redness) without looking cakey or heavy.

Nars Sheer Glow is incredibly comfortable to wear, it feels light on the skin and keeps me hydrated throughout the day. What amazes me most about this foundation is the wear time. It literally lasts all day long and I only notice it fading at the 10 hour mark but at that stage of the day I’m usually getting ready to take my makeup off anyway.

The only downside I found with this foundation is that it does not come with a pump. I find that I tend to always poor out more product then needed. And nobody can afford to waste product on an expensive foundation. A pump can be purchased separately at an additional cost (bit cheeky, I know)

Shades

I chose the shade Light 6 – Ceylan and it blends in perfectly with my natural skin tone.

Here is a list of all of the shades available:

Light: Siberia (Light 1 – light with neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones); Mont Blanc (Light 2 – light with pink undertone); Gobi (Light 3 – light with yellow undertone); Deauville (Light 4 – light with neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones); Fiji (Light 5 – light with golden peachy undertone); Ceylan (Light 6 – Light-medium with yellow undertone);
Medium: Punjab (Medium 1 – medium with golden peachy undertone); Vallauris (Medium 1.5 – medium with pink undertone); Santa Fe (Medium 2 – medium with peachy undertone); Stromboli (Medium 3 – medium with olive undertone); Barcelona (Medium 4 – medium with golden peachy undertone);
Medium Dark: Syracuse (Medium Dark 1 – medium dark with brown undertone); Tahoe (Medium Dark 2 – medium dark with caramel undertone); Cadiz (Medium Dark 3 – medium dark with caramel and red undertones); Macao (Medium Dark 4 – medium dark with deep yellow undertone); New Guinea (Medium Dark 5 – dark with red undertone);
Dark: Trinidad (Dark 1 – dark with warm yellow undertone); New Orleans (Dark 2 – dark with yellow undertone); Benares (Dark 3 – dark with golden undertone); Khartoum (Dark 4 – dark with espresso undertone).

The Nars Sheer Glow is truly a beautiful foundation and has most definitely made it into my top 5 foundations. I can see now why it is a “Holy Grail” foundation for so many.

As with all high end foundations, I recommend trying before buying! Go to your nearest counter and ask for a sample or even ask for a colour match. This will give you a better feel for the foundation before you commit to purchasing an expensive foundation.

I purchased mine from Feel Unique here where it is priced at €38.40

As always, I’d love to hear from you!

Let me know if you have tried Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and what you think of it, do you think it is worth the “Holy Grail” status it is most commonly given?

Ciara xx

Best Bronzers for Summer 2017

11th May 201711th May 2017

Bronzer is the perfect solution whether you want to add a little radiance to your complexion, enhance a natural tan or create definition with a little clever contouring and with summer now here I have put together my Best Bronzers for Summer 2017.

MAC Mineralise Give me Sun

Mac Give me Sun is described as a “light summer peachy tan.” This shade is well suited to light/medium skin tone , because it is not too dark, too orange, and it has very natural look. It blends out easily, so I would also recommend it for lighter skin tones as well as medium skin tones. All the Mineralise Skinfinish have low level pearlised pigments that leave a beautiful satin finish. Definitely one of my favorites.

Available from Brown Thomas here for €31.50

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

A cream-gel bronzer that glides on to leave a velvety finish. Sun-kissed and natural this can be worn either over or under your usual foundation. The finish of this is not completely matte. Would say this is more like a satin/skin-like finish. it blends out like a dream and leaves a beautiful natural bronze finish. It would also be perfect for contouring if you are fair to light in skin tone. It’s a bit on the pricey side at €40 but you do get a lot of product for that price.

Can be picked up from Debenhams here , Boots and all Chanel counters.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Everybody needs a Benefit Hoola in their life, it is the most versatile piece of makeup I have in my collection and I will always continue to repurchase.

I personally love Hoola for contouring as it is very cool toned compared to other bronzers, it is incredibly blendable and has a matte finish. During the warmer months I like using a warmer bronzer, however Hoola is a perfect bronzer for me during the cooler months. Not only does it work great as a bronzer and a contour shade, it is perfect for the eyes to, I pop in the crease as a transition shade.

Available from Debenhams for €34, Boots ands all Benefit counters.

Nars Laguna

The bronzer is very easy it is to blend out and also makes for a good contour shade.

Can be bought from Brown Thomas for €39

Catrice Sun Glow Matt Bronzing Powder

I love this bronzer as a more affordable option. It is really creamy and very blendable. It does not become patchy throughout the day for fade into nothing which I sometimes can find with more affordable bronzers. The shade I have is for Medium skin and I would describe the colour as a natural tan brown.

You can pick this up at most Pharmachies nationwide for €4.49

Ciara x

Penneys Tanning and Bronze Makeup Collection

9th May 2017

Penneys/Primark have seriously got us covered this summer with their HUGE range of tanning and bronzing products. Everything you could possibly need for that perfect sun kissed glow this summer can now be found in Penneys. Yay!

Check out everything from the range here including new products and the new Bronze Makeup collection.

PS Tan Range

PS Instant Tan & Bronzing Beads (New)

Is a daily moisturizer with apricot oil that leaves a subtle instant tan glow. The contains bronzing beads to release radiant hues. For all skin tones. Price €6

PS Instant Tan Shimmer Gel (New)

Instant shimmer gel with apricot oil. Leaves a luxurious finish and gives an instant bronzed glow. Price €5

PS Tanning Water (New)

I’m really excited to try this one! Ps Tanning Water is suitable for all skin tones and will give anyone a soft skin-kissed look. Tanning water is a quick-drying translucent formula which means you can literally apply and go, developing a radiant glow in just a few short hours. Price €5

PS Shimmer Oil (New)

Shimmer oil can be applied on body and face. I absolutely love shimmer oils and I think this one will look great over your tan, on the collar bones and anywhere you want to highlight, even cheekbones! Price €4

PS Pre-Tan Exfoliator

Dry skin will absorb your self-tan, leaving you with dark patches, so soft supple skin is the base you need. Penneys/Primark have now developed an exfoliator, The PS… Pro Skin Perfecting Buffing Beads. Price €4

PS Gradual Tan

This can be used twice a week to build up a natural tan and can be used on the body and face. Price €5

PS Instant Light Tan/Dark Tan

Perfect for if the sun decides to pop out unexpectedly, this tan can be applied with a mitt for an instant bronzed glow. It comes in two shades, Light and Dark. Price €4

PS Face Gradual Tan

This can be used twice a week to build up a natural tan and can be used on the body. Price €6

PS Tan Accelerator Oil (New)

This oil helps prepare the skin for tanning and to prolong tan. It contains Tyrosine, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A & E. Price €5

PS Tan Accelerator Lotion (New)

Helps prepare the skin for tanning and to prolong tan. Its contains Tyrosine, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A & E and Pro Vitamin B5. Price €5

PS Instant Tan Eraser (New)

Colour control tan eraser with apricot oil. Removes instant tan only. Leaves skin soft and smooth. Suitable for all instant tans. Price €3

PS Tan Optimiser Body Cream (New)

Shea and coconut moisturising body body cream with apricot oil. Hydrates skin to keep tan lasting longer. For all skin types. Price €4

PS Self Tan Mouse (New)

Bronzing moose with Apricot oil. Streak free application and easily absorbed.

PS Bronze Range

PS Tanning Moose Light/Medium & Medium/Dark

Lightweight moose can be applied over a period of time for a richer tan. Best of all, the mousse bottles boast an easy-to-use pump action dispenser. Price €5

PS Tanning Gel Light Medium & Medium Dark

Instant Gel Tan! The concentrated formula produces a deeper tan, much quicker. Price €5

Penneys/Primark have also released a MASSIVE Bronze Makeup collection which includes loads of new goodies. Prices range between €3 – €6

Bronzed Baked Bronzer
Bronze Highlighting Stick
Bronze Bronzing Brick Palette
PS Bronze Highlight and Glow Kit
PS Bronze Liquid Bronzer
PS Bronze Shadow and Shade Kit
PS Bronze Body Bronzer
3pk Bronze Metallic Nail Varnish

Gorgeous!!!! I can not wait to try that eye shadow palette!