My Current Beauty Favorites

1st October 20172nd October 2017

Hi Guys,

I’ve gathered together some of My Current Beauty Favorites from over the last month or two – products that I’m really enjoying and that I can not put down. I am always picking up new products to try so it can be tough sometimes to pick out the products that really stand out to me. Everything mentioned below are products that I have been really loving lately and that I haven’t been able to live without 😉

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette

One of the summers hottest releases this year was the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette. The palette instantly appealed to be as I tend to favor warmer shades in eye shadows. The palette has a collection of 12 warm, smoking browns and reddish oranges, If you are a fan of warm eyes like myself, then you will love this palette.

The palette contains a selection of both matte and shimmery shades, some of the shades I find translate very similar on the eyes for example “Chaser & “Sauced” , I would have preferred a more fiery orange shade to replace one of them. I also have a little trouble with the shade “Ashes” (Deep aubergine shade), the shade itself is very pigmented but find that some of the intensity is lost when blending, also I find that shade can be a little patchy and hard to layer. Apart from that shade, I am loving creating different looks with this palette, particularity now that we are in Autumn , it is a perfect palette for this time of year.

Note Cosmetics Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

Having dry skin makes it hard to find a foundation that doesn’t further dry my skin out, cling to dry patches and in general just sit comfortably on my skin with out feeling dehydrated. I also find it particularly difficult to find full coverage foundations that offer full coverage without having a matte formula….until now 😉

The Note Luminous Moisturizing Foundation does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, it is moisturising, hydrating and leaves a nice glow to the skin. I’m so impressed with this foundation that I have been constantly reaching for it over the last month or two. The foundation is so comfortable to wear, blends like a dream, offers really good coverage and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. I can’t say enough good things about it and is a MUST especially if you have dry skin. You can read my full review here

Available from Meaghers Pharmacy for €9.95 here and pharmacies across the country

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

I picked up a few buts from the Fenty Beauty range last month after it’s release and the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter duo in ‘Mean Money & Hu$tla Baby ‘ is by far my favorite product from Fenty Beauty thus far.

Mean Money’ gives a gorgeous subtle daytime glow, it is very sheer but I think that is the point with this highlighter – it melts into the skin effortlessly leaving a natural/”glow from within look” – it is perfect if you like a more subtle highlight.

Hu$tla Baby’ is just ‘WOW’, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! I am in love with this highlighter! It has the same almost peachy undertones as ‘Mean Money’ but is about 5 times as intense. It melts and blends in to the skin so easily leaving a super intense but yet natural glow. I’m in love. The glow it gives literally last all day long. I have not put this highlighter down since I got it..trust me, it is beautiful.

Available from Harvey Nichols and Fenty Beauty for €34 here

Benefit GALifornia Blush

I have owned this blush since March of this year but I haven’t appreciated it as much as I have done over the last month. It is definitely a more ‘summer inspired’ blush because of its coral/pinky tone but, like they say, “there’s no rules when it comes to makeup” and even though it is a warm blush and we are in the colder months of the year..”Don’t Care” …I love it 😉 It just brings so much life to me face when I put it on, I have nothing else like it in my collection, it is very unique and full of gorgeousness! You can read my full review here

L’oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara

I really dislike my eyelashes, they are short, sparse and have no curl to them whatsoever. Because I don’t have a lot to work with I find it really hard to find a mascara that works for me and I haven’t been a huge fan of L’oreal Mascaras (Apart from Fibre X Mascara, that one is great!)

The wand has an hourglass shape and does a great job at lifting the lashes and adding volume. I tend to really pack mascara on to get the effect I’m looking for and in most cases this creates clumping, but with this mascara you can add multiple layers without getting that clumpy look. It is super black and most importantly, it doesn’t flake! I can’t stand when mascaras flake so it is another reason why this is current favorite. I have already purchased a backup 🙂

Can be picked up from Boots for €16.49 here

Lierac Paris Hydrgenist Serum

This Serum was sent to be over the summer along with a few other products from the range including the Hydragenist Cream Gel & the Hydragenist Moisturising Face Mask, all products from the Hydragenist range are beautiful and are designed with the 30 plus age group in mind. The range was inspired by the “aesthetic technique of tissue oxygenation Hydra 02 complex, increases oxygenation of the cells in charge of creating moisture captors on the skin’s surface and deeper down for a water-full skin” – so, basically, it is super hydrating!

The Serum itself is super moisturising and really boosts and plumps moisture into my dry skin. It absorbs really fast and doesn’t leave that sticky feeling a lot of serums tend to leave on my skin. I have honestly noticed a huge improvement in my skins moisture levels using this serum continuously day and night. I was told in the press release that the Lierac Range would be coming to Irish Pharmacies over the summer but I have not seen it displayed anywhere as of yet. However, it can be purchased online, which I will link below, I’m literally down to my last drop of this serum and I will definitely be purchasing other bottle, Highly recommended if you suffer with dry/dehydrated skin like myself.

Available from allbeauty here

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Diamond Crystal Serum

I received this back in June in a Goody Bag from the Irish Beauty Blog Awards – This stuff is incredible and smells incredible!! As a blonde it is really important for me to give my hair as much nourishment as possible. Years and years of over processing has really taken it’s tole on my poor locks. My hair can look dull and dry a lot of the time due to over processing but this serum really brings it back to life without weighing it down or feeling greasy. I use 2 to 3 pumps in my hair when it is wet and it leaves my hair looking healthy with a gorgeous shine. I’ve used a lot of hair serums over the years and nothing has shown me benefits like this one, I also use a pump or 2 after styling for extra shine and it doesn’t make my hair look greasy like a lot of other serums do, it leaves my hair looking soft and healthy with shine.

The Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Diamond Crystal Serum is available from salons and from Beauty Features here for €16.95

Hope you enjoyed my favorites 🙂

Ciara xx

Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask – First Impressions

27th June 201728th June 2017

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

GlamGlow Gravitymud’ Firming Mask Review – Makeup Love Story

4th May 20174th May 2017

Product Description

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-looking, sexy contours. Powered byTEAOXI Marshmallow + Licorice Leaf.

GlamGlow Gravitymud’ Firming Mask Review

The GravityMud has an unusual sticky/ gel like consistency that almost feels and looks like melted marshmallow. It is pearlescent white in colour when wet, however the colour changes to silver when completely dry. It has the most incredible sweet coconut scent that is truly heavenly.

Unlike other Glam Glow masks I have tried, the Gravity Mud comes with a really handy mini brush for applying the mask. I love applying masks with a brush for a more even, less messy application. So, it was a nice touch to include this.

The application is really easy, just apply an even layer of it over the entire face or where you feel necessary. Once the mask is applied it quickly becomes more metallic by the minute. Half an hour later, you will look like The Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz 😉

Peeling off the mask is easy and super satisfying . If you peel the mask off when it is completely dry it will come off in one single piece and it will reveal instantly brighter, softer and firmer looking skin.

GlamGlow Gravitymud' Firming Mask Review

Unlike peels or detoxifying masks, I do not ever feel any discomfort or tightening with this mask. In fact it is really comfortable, cooling and soothing to wear.

After peeling, I rinse my face with water only because the ingredients continue to work to tighten and firm your skin. I would not advice using this mask at night, since the lifting effect lasts only a few hours. The formula contains hyaluronic acid to plump skin instantly, plus some anti-agers like Icelandic kelp, algae extract, and antioxidants. A polymer sticks around to lift skin a little, which makes this mask perfect to use before applying makeup. Perfect for big nights out, special occasions or just as a real treat.

The jar now comes with 25 per cent more product, however it is not cheap by any means at €50 a jar. I would suggest trying the Trail Size first to see if you want to make the splurge. The trail size will get you roughly three uses and can be picked up in Boots for €16.

I purchased my Glam Glow GravityMud from Boots which is now on offer at €45 and it can also be purchased from Debenhams

Let me know if you have used it and you like it as much as I do!

Ciara xx

Best of Soap & Glory Skincare

2nd April 20172nd April 2017

4-In-1 Wash off Deep Cleansing Milk

Product Description

Want to remove make-up and impurities in one clean sweep? Reach for Soap & Glory’s indispensable daily face cleanser, Peaches And Clean. It’s gentle, effective, melts away make-up (even waterproof mascara), and re-energises your complexion in two minutes.

OXYGINSENG TECHNOLOGY – an amazingly effective, organic complex that helps increase circulation and cell respiration (which then turns up blood supply and toxin removal), and also speeds oxygen and nutrient delivery to fight aging and re-energise skin
PEACH & GOJUICE™ (peach and goji berry extracts) – rich in antioxidants and vitamins A & C
QUILLAJA BARK – a Chilean soap bark tree-derived natural cleansing agent

My first Best of Soap & Glory Skincare Item is the Peaches & Clean Deep Cleansing Milk. This is one of my favorite cleansers. I use it in rotation with a few other cleansers that I have. I use it after the Soap & Glory 3 -In-1 Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash. It does a great job at cleansing my skin while keeping it moisturized. It’s a medium milky consistency that doesn’t foam. I think this would work well for any skin type. I have dry skin and I love it, it makes your skin feel clean but not stripped. I also heard it is great for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin.

Pick it up from Boots here

3-In-1 Daily Vitamin Facial Wash

Best of Soap & Glory Skincare

Product Description

Face Soap And Clarity is a 3-in-1 daily face wash with ultra-soft, jojoba scrub-beads, plus super-tasking vitamins, minerals, amino acids and Soap & Glory’s exclusive SUPERFRUIT YUZU complex. It cleans and purifies skin, effortlessly removes make-up, and gently exfoliates. In short, it’s one killer cleanser!

• cleansing, foaming and smoothing
• gently polishes and purifies
• rejuvenates, energises and brightens
• strategically formulated for oily/combination skin

I’m always worried that facial washes are going to dry out my skin which is usually the case, however this one is very gentle on the skin and does not leave my skin feeling tight after use. I use this in the morning and massage it on to my wet face. After a few moments it begins to slightly lather. The pink micro beads in this give a really gentle exfoliation for everyday use. It has a really nice cooling sensation and leaves my skin feeling very clean and refreshed for the day ahead. It also smells INCREDIBLE!

Pick it up from Boots here

No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask

Product Description

No Clogs Allowed is perfect for weekly use on areas prone to blackhead build-up or more often as a deep-oil-emulsifying face mask and all-round scrubby WONDER!

1-minute Hot Poreclea Technology – a fast-acting, smoothing and polishing blend of micropumice, salicylic acid and hot clay
Glycerin – to help skin feel soft and supple
Surface-polishing micro beads
Strategically formulated for oily/combination skin

The heating effect from the hot clay ingredient is really pleasant on the skin and this is a real treat to use. I only use this once a week as it contains Salicylic Acid which can make my skin dry. Using this once a week makes my my skin feel baby soft and smooth and my skin has become clearer using this. It keeps those nasty blackheads at bay and has definitely improved the overall texture of my skin. This is why it has made my Best of Soap & Glory Skincare list.

Pick it up from Boots here

Turbo Boost Hydro Gel

Best of Soap & Glory Skincare

Products Description

Loaded with anti-dark circle and anti-puff BOTANICAL PEPTIDES, detoxifying OXYGINSENG TECHNOLOGY, HYPER HYDRATORS and COOL-CUCUMBER-X, Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack hydragel is a fast-acting, de-bloating, skin-firming, collagen-boosting GENIUS IN A JAR!

BOTANICAL SOY & RICE PEPTIDES & YEAST PROTEINS – Clinically proven to reduce dark circles and undereye puff/inflammation, and boost elasticity, microcirculation and collagen production
OXYGINSENG TECHNOLOGY – an amazingly effective, organic, detoxifying ginseng-plus-caffeine complex that helps increase circulation and cell respiration (which then turns up blood supply and toxin removal), and also speeds oxygen and nutrient delivery to fight aging and re-energise skin
PATENTED BIONYMPH PLANT PEPTIDES – to boost collagen production
PLUS-CAFFINE COMPLEX that increases circulation and cell respiration

This is a real treat for the undereye area, it applies really smoothly and absorbs quickly. The cream-gel formula depuffs very effectively but gently, and leaves my under eyes really hydrated. Great for the them early mornings when you have not gotten your beauty sleep! It also works very well under concealer and helps with hydration throughout the day.

Pick it up from Boots here

New Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream & Micellar Water Review

19th March 201719th March 2017

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

Product Description

Forget moisturisation, start thinking hydration.
NEW from Neutrogena, Hydro Boost is your complete hydration regime. For skin so hydrated and supple, it bounces back.
New Hydro Boost Gel-Cream, a refreshing moisturiser that contains a unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix to instantly lock in intense hydration and continuously release it as and when your skin needs it throughout the day.
Recommended for extra-dry skin
Fragrance Free
Oil-free
Suitable for Sensitive Skin

The main ingredient in the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is something I always try and include in my skincare routine because it plays a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold in moisture 1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid. Keeping skin plumped and hydrated. Other ingredients include dimethicone and glycerin (maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, so water won’t evaporate faster than it can be reabsorbed)

As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which makes the skin lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold in moisture (1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid can enhance moisture content beyond comparison with anything else, and at the same time revitalize skin’s outer layers so they look and feel softer, smoother, and, especially, radiantly hydrated! That’s how it instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydro boost gel-cream for extra dry skin. I have only been using the Gel-Cream for one week but generally speaking it does not take me long to determine whether I like a skincare product or not. I am genuinely really enjoying as part of my skincare routine.

It has a really smooth, gel consistency. It’s cooling, silky, it is not heavy an in no way greasy on the skin. Once applied it absorbs really fast into the skin. I also apply this at night for plump, hydrated, supple skin in the morning. So if like me, you suffer from dry/dehydrated I’d feel confident in recommending this. And because it is fatty alcohol free, does not have any comedogenic ingredients, dye free, fragrance free, and oil free it is also very suited if you suffer from sensitive skin.

You can buy this now in most pharmacies and Boots for €11.99

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water

Product Description

Forget moisturisation, start thinking hydration. NEW from Neutrogena Hydro Boost is your complete hydration regime. For skin so hydrated and supple, it bounces back.
New Hydro Boost Micellar Water, a unique cleanser that gently removes make-up and impurities, while quenching skin with a boost of vital hydration
Hydro Boost Cleansers contain a patented cleansing technology combined with Hyaluronic Acid to cleanse effectively while protecting the skin’s barrier to help lock in hydration
Suitable for sensitive skin.

Although I was very impressed with the Hydo Boost Gel-Cream I was not so overwhemed with the Hydro Boost Micellar water. After soaking my cotton pads in the micellar water I apply it as I usually would with any micellar or cleansing water on my face. It does remove makeup somewhat but not as effectively as I’d like and I found it especially difficult to remove mascara. I would not feel comfortable using this solely to remove my makeup.

The Hydro Boost Micellar Water feels cool and refreshing when first applied however after a few seconds it presents an almost burning sensation on my face, leaving my skin with red patches and feeling extremely dry and taught. I did give this product a good run over a few days however I had to stop using it as I was continually getting the same results. The product claims to be suitable for sensitive skin however I can not agree with this claim as it was just way too harsh on my skin.

The Hydro Boost Miceller Water can also be picked up in most pharmacies and at Boots currently for €7.00

Thanks for reading guys!

Let me know if you have tried the Hydro Boost range and your thoughts?

Ciara xx

Superdrug Vitamin E Refreshing Toning Mist

5th March 201718th March 2017

Product Description

Vitamin E Refreshing Toning Mist with soothing Aloe Vera instantly revitalises and tones the face giving a boost of moisture with each spray.
Enriched with naturally sourced Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that will help to shield your skin against environmental damage and premature skin ageing by combating the harmful effects of free radicals.
The replenishing formula also contains a skin conditioning multivitamin complex, comprising vitamins A, B, F and H, which, combined with horse chestnut extract, helps to care for dry skin.

Benefits

Refreshes and tones with each spray
Multivitamin complex and Horse Chestnut to care for dry skin
Antioxidant protection to shield skin from environmental damage and to prevent premature skin ageing

I am a true lover of a good face mist and as some of you may know I suffer from dry/dehydrated skin, so I’m in constant need of hydration and mist sprays are perfect for this because they give me that instant moisture hit when I’m feeling dry.

When I apply the Superdrug Vitamin E Toning Facial Mist spray before I moisturise it gives me an extra boost of hydration and leaves my skin feeling really moisturised and glowy.

I also use it as a finishing spray after my makeup application and it helps to take away the cakeyness that can sometimes happen when applying powder products. It leaves my makeup looking more settled into the skin and it also gives my makeup a gorgeous dewy/glowy appearance.

My main use for this product would be using it throughout my work day to prevent my skin from feeling dry or dehydrated. I work in an office with air conditioning and it tends to suck any moisture I have from my face. Using the SUPERDRUG VITAMIN E REFRESHING TONING MIST every few hours prevents my makeup from clinging to dry areas, along with keeping me hydrated throughout the day.

Really enjoying the SUPERDRUG VITAMIN E REFRESHING TONING MIST at the moment and it is a complete bargain at only €3.50.

Available at all Superdrug Stores.

Ciara xx