| My Most Loved Products In 2017! |
Another year has come and gone and I've discovered lots of new products this year. After much deliberation, I've managed to pick my top products of 2017 for today's post!
Best Beauty Launches In 2017
Wednesday, 27 December 2017
| Best Beauty Launches In 2017! |
2017 is almost over which means it's time for my annual roundup of the best beauty launches during the year. There were lots of great beauty launches this past year from palettes to lipsticks to highlighters, but here are my top picks....
During the Summer, Becca launched their Sunlit bronzers and I bought the palest shade in the range which is perfect for my fair skin tone. The bronzer adds a healthy radiance to the skin due to the fine golden shimmer particles in it and it looks subtle on the skin so it's been my most-used bronzer for everyday wear.
During the Summer, Becca launched their Sunlit bronzers and I bought the palest shade in the range which is perfect for my fair skin tone. The bronzer adds a healthy radiance to the skin due to the fine golden shimmer particles in it and it looks subtle on the skin so it's been my most-used bronzer for everyday wear.
Another Becca launch that caught my eye was their Apres Ski Eye palette. It contains five of their Shimmering Skin Perfectors which can be used as highlighters or eyeshadows. It's a great palette to get if you want to try a Becca highlighter and don't know what shade to go for and it's also perfect for creating simple everyday eye looks.
Another festive release that was the highlight of my year was the Mac Snowball collection. I got the Happy Go Dazzlingly highlighter, the Stylishly Merry eyeshadow and the Frostwinked eyeshadow. It's hands down the prettiest collection of products ever!
The Mac x Nicki Minaj {Review} collaboration was another great launch! The pink packaging is beautiful and the peachy pink nude shade is very flattering.
Speaking of pink favourites, Too Faced released three highlighters called Love Lights Prismatic highlighters and I opted for the pink hue called Ray Of Light. It's a lot more wearable than I first thought it was going to be and it's actually ended up being one of my most worn highlighters recently!
Urban Decay palettes are a cult classic and it was a great year for the Naked family as a new member was added - Naked Heat. The palette contains a vast array of warm-toned shades including browns, coppers and even purple hues.
My last pick was a Summer favourite! Benefit introduced a new addition to their collection of box blushers called GALifornia. The vibrant coral hue is the perfect Spring/Summer blush and I can't wait to start wearing it again in a few months!
What was your favourite beauty launch in 2017?
Love,
Cliona xx
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Cosy Christmas Days
Sunday, 24 December 2017
| Cosy Christmas Days! |
There are lots of things I love about Christmas but my favourite thing of all is the cosy lazy days spent relaxing, reading and watching films. Christmas Eve has arrived at last and I've ticked everything off my to-do list so now all that's left to do is relax. For today's post, I'm sharing some of my cosy Christmas rituals.Champagne, Gold & Rose Gold Festive Favourites
Friday, 22 December 2017
| Champagne, Gold & Rose Gold Festive Favourites! |
A festive golden highlighter is a must-have at this time of year and my Mac Happy Go Dazzlingly highlighter from the Snowball collection is one of my Christmas highlighter options this year. Everything about it is Christmassy from the stunning gold packaging to the snowflake imprint to the ethereal golden sheen it provides.
My gold eyeshadow pick is an oldie but a goodie: Mac Amber Lights, a bronzey gold hue with a foiled finish that looks so festive!
Another Mac eyeshadow favourite is their Extra Dimension eyeshadow in Stylishly Merry. This is another product from the incredible Snowball collection. The shade is very unique as it's a coppery pink/gold duochrome shade - Ideal for the sparkly season!
My top rose gold pick is the Jouer highlighter in Rose Quartz. The shade is a stunning pink-toned rose gold shade and it provides an intense glow to the skin. My highlighter will be brighter than the Christmas tree lights if I wear this one on Christmas *insert love heart eye emoji*
For the eyes, I have the Stila Magnificent Metals Liquid Eyeshadow in Kitten Karma. This liquid glitter is a quick and easy product to use to achieve a statement eye look that's perfect for the festive period.
Mac Mythology is another festive rose gold eyeshadow offering - A frosty rose gold with warm coppery undertones.
My first champagne favourite comes from the queen of makeup, Charlotte Tilbury with her Eyes To Mesmerise Eyeshadow in Jean. This cream eyeshadow is the perfect option if you go for a minimal makeup look on Christmas Day. It looks lovely on its own all over the lid or paired with a brown in the crease for a simple but festive eye look.
If I decide to go for a statement look then I might opt for the Mac Vanilla pigment for some festive sparkle. This vanilla champagne hue looks amazing on the centre of the lid for a pop of shimmery highlight.
The Becca Apres Ski Eye Palette is also a contender as it has a range of pretty shimmer shades including some champagnes and golds.
Have you any champagne, gold or rose gold favourites for the festive season?
Love,
Cliona xx
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5 Ways To Feel Festive & Cosy This December
Sunday, 10 December 2017
| 5 Ways To Feel Festive & Cosy This December! |
December is the cosiest month of the year and there's nothing better than having a cosy evening on the couch by the Christmas tree, especially when it's so dark and cold out. I've been busy working on assignments recently so I'll feel like I haven't gotten a chance to fully embrace the festivities yet. But I've been trying to make the most of my free evenings by incorporating some festive rituals into my evening routine. Here are five ways to feel festive if you're not already!50 Shades Of Christmas
Friday, 8 December 2017
| 50 Shades Of Christmas! |
The festive season is always brimming with seasonal colours that brighten the place up from berries to reds to copper. For today's post, I've rounded up my favourite Christmassy makeup hues to wear during the holiday season.
Rich Berries & Burgundy:
A rich berry hue to coordinate with the mulled wine is a must *insert winking emoji* and my current favourite berry nail polish is Essie Big Spender - a vibrant berry with purple undertones!
The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Prague is basically the same shade in lipstick form. Unlike many other liquid lipstick formulas, it's comfortable to wear and I can get a good few hours wear from it.
For a deeper, vampier burgundy option, Essie Its Genius is the perfect option! It also has little flecks of shimmer in it so it's a subtle way to add some sparkle to your festive party look.
A rich berry hue to coordinate with the mulled wine is a must *insert winking emoji* and my current favourite berry nail polish is Essie Big Spender - a vibrant berry with purple undertones!
The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Prague is basically the same shade in lipstick form. Unlike many other liquid lipstick formulas, it's comfortable to wear and I can get a good few hours wear from it.
For a deeper, vampier burgundy option, Essie Its Genius is the perfect option! It also has little flecks of shimmer in it so it's a subtle way to add some sparkle to your festive party look.
Luminous Champagne & Icy White:
Champagne highlighters are my favourite shade of highlighter to wear during the festivities. My skin has been severely dry and flaky recently so I've been trying to opt for cream/liquid products as much as possible. My current liquid champagne highlighter favourite is the L.O.V Cosmetics Highlighting Drops in No.20 Sunlight Glow {Review}. I blend a few drops on my cheekbones with my Real Techniques beauty blender for a natural dewy look.
My icy white pick that will transform your lids into a winter wonderland is the Mac Snowball Frostwinked Extra Dimension Eyeshadow.
Champagne highlighters are my favourite shade of highlighter to wear during the festivities. My skin has been severely dry and flaky recently so I've been trying to opt for cream/liquid products as much as possible. My current liquid champagne highlighter favourite is the L.O.V Cosmetics Highlighting Drops in No.20 Sunlight Glow {Review}. I blend a few drops on my cheekbones with my Real Techniques beauty blender for a natural dewy look.
My icy white pick that will transform your lids into a winter wonderland is the Mac Snowball Frostwinked Extra Dimension Eyeshadow.
Warm Coppers & Bronzes:
Another eyeshadow favourite from the ethereal Mac Snowball collection is Stylishly Merry, a gorgeous coppery pink shade that has a golden shift to it. It's easy to see why it sold out instantaneously!
If you're feeling bronzey then Stila's Magnificent Metal Liquid Eyeshadow in Smoky Storm is the one for you! A sparkly smoky bronze shade that will make you the belle of the ball at your Christmas party.
Sparkly Rose Gold Hues:
The By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Frozen Quartz has Christmas written all over it, from the celestial pinky rose gold hue to the dreamy festive gold packaging.
For the nails, Essie Buy Me A Cameo is a great option! A dreamy metallic nude shade that looks rose gold in certain lights - Swoon!
Seasonal Reds:
Red is the epitome of Christmas and I love sporting a festive red lip at this time of year. I've said it before but I'll say it again, my top pick is hands down Nars Cruella - It's the perfect Christmas red!
Another Nars red favourite is their lip pencil in Iberico. This one is an orangey-red hue but it's a versatile shade as it works well for this time of year as well as in the summer months.
What are your favourite Christmassy makeup shades?
Love,
Cliona xx
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Magical Makeup To Get You Into The Festive Spirit
Friday, 1 December 2017
The Best Christmas 2017 Beauty Launches
Thursday, 23 November 2017
My Most Loved Autumn Products
Sunday, 12 November 2017
| My Most Loved Autumn Products! |
It feels as though Autumn is officially starting to fade away with the abundance of Christmas lights being displayed all over the world and with the shops gearing up for the busiest time of the year. I thought I'd gather my most loved products this Autumn and share the old favourites that were in my makeup bag a lot this season as well as a few new additions.50 Shades Of Autumn; The Beauty Edition
Wednesday, 8 November 2017
| Autumnal Berry, Mauve & Copper Hues! |
The Winter season is slowly creeping up on us, but before it arrives in full force I want to embrace the last few weeks of Autumn by sporting my favourite Autumnal makeup hues. A few months ago I shared my favourite Autumn fashion shades in a post called 50 shades of Autumn so I thought I'd do a beauty edition too. From rich berries to pretty mauves to warm coppers, here are a few of my favourite Autumnal makeup shades...
Five Favourite Things In The Month Of October
Sunday, 5 November 2017
| Five Favourite Things In The Month Of October! |
The spookiest month of the year has come and gone but before the time comes to start getting into the festive mood, let's have a chat about five things that made me happy last month. October was a cosy month filled with evenings snuggled up on the couch watching some of my favourite shows, and as well as that it was my birthday so I was treated to a few new makeup releases.A Dreamy Mac Lipstick {Mac x Nicki Minaj}
Friday, 3 November 2017
| A Dreamy Mac Lipstick! |
I've lusted after a limited edition Mac lipstick for a few years now but every time I miss out because they sell out by the time I'm ready to purchase one or else the shades don't suit me. However, I finally got my hands on one and I think it's the best limited edition lipstick they've released to date so it was definitely worth the wait!
Beauty & Lifestyle Picks For Halloween
Sunday, 29 October 2017
| Beauty & Lifestyle Picks For Halloween! |
"Double double toil and trouble", the spookiest day of the year is almost here and before the ghostly ghouls and goblins appear it's time to gather the Halloween treats near. I'm starting to get into Halloween mode with ethereal makeup picks, pumpkin scents, a supernatural read, rich Autumnal Essie hues and a fiendish fancy or two.Five Too Faced Favourites
Wednesday, 25 October 2017
| Five Too Faced Favourites! |
Over the last few months, I've been sharing a few of my favourite products from various brands I love. We've had the Hourglass, Nars and Charlotte Tilbury instalments but today it's all about Too Faced. There are lots of sweet-smelling products that will have your mouth drooling in this roundup and stay tuned for the dreamy ethereal highlighter *insert love heart eye emoji*
The Hangover Primer was my second purchase from the brand and the hydrating lightweight cream leaves my skin feeling smooth and ready for makeup application. A must-have for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin, and it's also the perfect pick-me-up for the skin during the Winter months! It's formulated with coconut water and probiotics which hydrates and revives dry, lacklustre skin. As you can imagine it has a sweet delicious scent of coconuts but it isn't heavily scented so it's kind to my sensitive skin.
Top Photo: Too Faced Sweet Peach Shadows; Bottom Photo: Too Faced Ray Of Light Highlighter
The Sweet Peach eyeshadow palette became a favourite of mine during the Summer due to its beautiful selection of shades. There's a bit of everything in there from purples to browns to pinks so you can create many versatile looks. And who could resist that cute pink packaging?
A recent addition to my collection is the Sun Bunny bronzer which has a satin finish so it adds a slight golden glow as well as warming up the face. The formula of the powder feels soft and luxurious and is easy to blend. It has great pigmentation that you can apply with a light hand for a subtle look but you can also build up the colour.
Another recent addition that I got for my birthday was the Love Light Prismatic Highlighter in 'Ray Of Light'. This swoon-worthy pink-toned highlighter is unlike anything else I have in my collection and I initially had reservations about the shade as I thought it might be too pink. I decided to step out of comfort zone and I'm so glad I did because on the skin it looks peachy and has a golden shift to it when the light hits it.
What are your favourite Too Faced products?
Love,
Cliona xx
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Five Autumn Skincare & Bodycare Favourites
Monday, 23 October 2017
| Five Autumn Skincare & Bodycare Favourites! |
Autumn is the epitome of cosiness and every evening I treat myself to a mini pamper session by slathering my body in nourishing creams and applying hydrating as well as clarifying products to my skin. Recently I've been reaching for five products that have become a staple in my skincare routine.
I begin my evening routine by removing my makeup and cleansing my face. My favourite type of cleanser to use is a cleansing milk and I recently stumbled upon a cheap but cheerful one. The Nivea Sensitive cleansing milk has been a welcomed addition my skincare routine as the formula is gentle and nourishing for the cold months. I use it as the second cleanser in my double cleanse routine and whilst it's not the best cleanser I've ever used, it does the job and the price makes my bank account happy!
My skin gets quite congested as a result of sugary treats around this time of year and the weather and central heating also wreak havoc on the condition of my skin. To combat this I've been using Hylamide Pore Flush* recently and this plant-based facial spray has been helping decongest my skin. When I first started using it I got two spots as the product was extracting the dirt from my pores. I think it has a refreshing plant-like scent that also has a hint of sweetness to it. I also think my skin looks a little less lacklustre and it hasn't dried out my skin, nor did it feel harsh either.
Another facial spray that's ideal for this time of year is Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist. The spray is formulated with numerous skin-loving ingredients such as linoleic acid, provitamin A and hyaluronic acid which promote healthy and hydrated skin. I apply it every morning and evening but if my skin is feeling more parched than usual I often spritz it a few times throughout the day without it interfering with my makeup.
My first bodycare favourite is one I discovered during the Summer and I've been reaching for it ever since. The Garnier Ultimate Blends body lotion contains a blend of oat milk which is known for its restoring properties as well as white almond cream which nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft. The hypoallergenic formula is also soothing and kind to my sensitive skin. It also helped revive my skin when it became dry and itchy after a reaction to suncream during the Summer.
I begin my evening routine by removing my makeup and cleansing my face. My favourite type of cleanser to use is a cleansing milk and I recently stumbled upon a cheap but cheerful one. The Nivea Sensitive cleansing milk has been a welcomed addition my skincare routine as the formula is gentle and nourishing for the cold months. I use it as the second cleanser in my double cleanse routine and whilst it's not the best cleanser I've ever used, it does the job and the price makes my bank account happy!
My skin gets quite congested as a result of sugary treats around this time of year and the weather and central heating also wreak havoc on the condition of my skin. To combat this I've been using Hylamide Pore Flush* recently and this plant-based facial spray has been helping decongest my skin. When I first started using it I got two spots as the product was extracting the dirt from my pores. I think it has a refreshing plant-like scent that also has a hint of sweetness to it. I also think my skin looks a little less lacklustre and it hasn't dried out my skin, nor did it feel harsh either.
Another facial spray that's ideal for this time of year is Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist. The spray is formulated with numerous skin-loving ingredients such as linoleic acid, provitamin A and hyaluronic acid which promote healthy and hydrated skin. I apply it every morning and evening but if my skin is feeling more parched than usual I often spritz it a few times throughout the day without it interfering with my makeup.
My first bodycare favourite is one I discovered during the Summer and I've been reaching for it ever since. The Garnier Ultimate Blends body lotion contains a blend of oat milk which is known for its restoring properties as well as white almond cream which nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft. The hypoallergenic formula is also soothing and kind to my sensitive skin. It also helped revive my skin when it became dry and itchy after a reaction to suncream during the Summer.
When I want something a little bit more indulgent I reach for The Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin body butter*. The quintessential Autumn scent always has me craving homebaked Autumnal treats and the rich, creamy formula is perfect for dry, parched skin but it still sinks into the skin fairly quickly so I can pop my jammies on straight away. The scent makes me feel oh so cosy and it's the perfect rainy evening treat!
What are your favourite Autumn skincare & bodycare products?
Love,
Cliona xx
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Hit & Miss Products
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
| Hit & Miss Products! |
As a beauty enthusiast, I love trying out new products and sometimes I find products that are holy grail status but sometimes I try products that end up being lousy or not worth the money. Today I'll be sharing some products that have wowed me as well as a few products that get a thumbs down from me in the latest instalment of my hit & miss posts.
Hits:
The first product that made it onto the hit list is the Sunkissed Bronze & Contour palette*. I received this little palette about a year ago and I used it lots during the Autumn/Winter last year. However, during the Spring/Summer, my makeup collection got quite messy because I knew I was moving house and I completely forgot about the palette as it was hidden at the back of my drawer. I rediscovered this gem a few weeks ago and I forgot how much I loved it! Inside the palette, you'll find a warm matte bronzer, a petal pink blush as well as a radiant champagne highlighter. The powders blend easily and they look beautiful on the skin, especially the highlighter which adds a gorgeous radiant glow that's perfect for daytime makeup looks.
I bought the Nars All Day Luminous Weightless foundation a few months ago and I wasn't blown away by it at first. However, I pulled it out of my drawer again and I've fallen in love with it! I would describe it as a full coverage foundation as it completely covered and concealed everything including spots. I only need to apply concealer under my eyes whenever I use this so I've been reaching for it on early mornings as it means I can skip concealing redness and spots on the face. It has a luminous finish, it feels light on the skin and it doesn't cling to my dry patches. I highly recommend this one!
I've also been reaching for the Tanya Burr My Paradise eyeshadow quad a lot lately. The quad houses four easy-to-wear daytime shades to achieve a quick look. The shadows have subtle pigmentation so you can build the colour up gradually for a soft daytime look.
Misses:
I love my Mac Mineralize Rich lipstick in Pure Pout as the neutral pink shade is the perfect everyday nude hue and the formula is creamy and moisturising. However, I wouldn't repurchase the lipstick and I wouldn't recommend it to people because I think it's over-priced for what you get. It's a little bit more moisturising than the creme-sheen formula but not by much so I'd say save yourself the extra €8 and just buy the creme-sheen formula instead as this formula is not worth the extra money in my opinion.
The next product is a little controversial as most people love it; Benefit They're Real mascara was not worth the hype for me, unfortunately. I thought the spiky ball (it looks like a weapon used in The Hunger Games!) on the end of the wand was a bit gimmicky and it was often the cause of mascara ending up on my eyelid. It did give me good length and volume but I can get just as good results from a more budget-friendly mascara. I think it's over-priced and over-hyped, to be honest!
Another disappointing product is the NYX Professional Makeup jumbo eye pencil in Lavender. I loved the milk jumbo pencil so I wanted to try another shade and I thought the lavender one was so unique so I gave it a try. Lavender is a hard shade to get right and sadly NYX didn't get the formula of this particular shade right. It creased and faded noticeably after 2-3 hours of wear and after a few hours, my eye makeup looked like a complete mess. I tried lots of different things to make it work but unfortunately, I couldn't make it work for me in the end.
What products have you been loving or not loving recently?
Love,
Cliona xx
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*Products marked with an asterisk have been gifted from a brand.
Cosy Rituals To Brighten Up The A/W Evenings
Friday, 13 October 2017
| Cosy Rituals To Brighten Up The A/W Evenings! |
The shorter evenings and the cold weather means there's always an excuse to have an abundance of cosy evenings. The simple pleasures like a steaming cup of tea, a fluffy dressing gown and a binge-worthy Netflix series are the perfect pick-me-ups after a long, tiring day.
Adding Sparkle To My Autumn Makeup
Wednesday, 11 October 2017
| Adding Sparkle To My Autumn Makeup! |
With Halloween just around the corner and the festive period slowly creeping up on us, it's the perfect excuse to start adding some sparkle to your makeup bag! I've recently been trying out some swoon-worthy pressed glitter eyeshadows from Prima* which will add some magic to your makeup look.
I never usually bother with glitters as they can require a lot of effort to apply and are normally quite messy to use as well. But the first thing I loved about these pressed glitters is the easy application. I've been applying them using my ring finger, packing the product onto the lid over some matte eyeshadows but they can also be applied straight to the naked eye and the best part is you don't need to use glue! There isn't any fallout so I was able to apply my foundation first and I was also able to apply my usual makeup in the morning for College, and then in the evening, I added some of the glitter eyeshadow to transform my look from day to night - An essential for party season!
As you can see from the photo below, the glitters have a beautiful iridescent finish that glistens in the light. The staying power is excellent too as once they're on they don't budge until you remove them with a makeup remover and as well as that they're affordable, costing a mere £3.75! I received six shades in a beautiful silver palette* and I was really impressed with all of the shades and how well they performed.
The first shade I have is Merry Berry*, a vibrant red shade (perfect for Christmas!!), Hot Chocolate* is a bronzey chocolate brown, Liquid Gold* is a beautiful golden shade, Pink To Make The Boys Wink* is a light pink shade (my favourite one!), Drama At The Disco* is black with flecks of rainbow shimmer and last but not least is Starlight*, a gorgeous silver shade.
For my pink eye look, I used my Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette for some matte pink shadows as well as my inner corner highlight. I decided to go for a spotlight eye and I applied the pink glitter to the centre of my eyes. It was so quick and easy to do!
What are your favourite glitter eyeshadows?
Love,
Cliona xx
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An Autumnal Pair From The Body Shop
Sunday, 8 October 2017
| An Autumnal Pair From The Body Shop! |
October seems to be whizzing by already and before we know it it'll be time for the spookiest day of the year! As we delve further into the month, the cold weather is starting to slowly creep upon us each day, and subsequentially, hydrating and enriching body-care products have become a staple in my beauty routine in order to prevent parched skin.
Every year, The Body Shop creates amazing seasonal ranges and this year for Autumn/Halloween they've released some of their cult classics in a vanilla pumpkin scent. They've blended two quintessential autumn fragrances together, Madagascan vanilla and pumpkin, and added a dash of tonka bean, hazelnut, as well as maple syrup to create a rich indulgent scent that's reminiscent of homebaked Autumn treats.
Pumpkin is an acquired scent on its own as it's quite strong but the perfect blend of sweet and nutty fragrances in this range tones down the scent. The vanilla is the strongest note and as I rub the products onto my hands and body I can detect a whiff of pumpkin as well as maple syrup. The Body Shop always get scents right and if you like anything vanilla scented then you will definitely love this!
My hands always suffer from the harsh elements of Autumn/Winter so I've been loving the vanilla pumpkin hand cream* recently to banish dry patches and replenish my hands. The formula is non-greasy and sinks in quickly which means I can carry on with any tasks I'm doing straight after applying it instead of waiting for it to dry. For the first few days I was applying it twice a day but now I'm getting 24-hour hydration from it. It costs €6.50 and it would be a great stocking filler *wink wink*
Another hydrating hero I've been reaching for is the vanilla pumpkin body butter*. The formula of the body butters is much thicker and creamier compared to the lightweight gel texture of the hand creams. But the cream still dries very quickly and a little bit goes a long way so they usually don't run out quickly. I find the scent of the body butter lasts long and I can smell the delicious scent throughout the day. My skin can be quite sensitive at times, I'm not even able to use any of the Lush shower gels as they give me a reaction but I've used these body butters for years without any problems and this fragrance is no different.
Every year, The Body Shop creates amazing seasonal ranges and this year for Autumn/Halloween they've released some of their cult classics in a vanilla pumpkin scent. They've blended two quintessential autumn fragrances together, Madagascan vanilla and pumpkin, and added a dash of tonka bean, hazelnut, as well as maple syrup to create a rich indulgent scent that's reminiscent of homebaked Autumn treats.
Pumpkin is an acquired scent on its own as it's quite strong but the perfect blend of sweet and nutty fragrances in this range tones down the scent. The vanilla is the strongest note and as I rub the products onto my hands and body I can detect a whiff of pumpkin as well as maple syrup. The Body Shop always get scents right and if you like anything vanilla scented then you will definitely love this!
My hands always suffer from the harsh elements of Autumn/Winter so I've been loving the vanilla pumpkin hand cream* recently to banish dry patches and replenish my hands. The formula is non-greasy and sinks in quickly which means I can carry on with any tasks I'm doing straight after applying it instead of waiting for it to dry. For the first few days I was applying it twice a day but now I'm getting 24-hour hydration from it. It costs €6.50 and it would be a great stocking filler *wink wink*
Another hydrating hero I've been reaching for is the vanilla pumpkin body butter*. The formula of the body butters is much thicker and creamier compared to the lightweight gel texture of the hand creams. But the cream still dries very quickly and a little bit goes a long way so they usually don't run out quickly. I find the scent of the body butter lasts long and I can smell the delicious scent throughout the day. My skin can be quite sensitive at times, I'm not even able to use any of the Lush shower gels as they give me a reaction but I've used these body butters for years without any problems and this fragrance is no different.
Have you tried anything from the Vanilla Pumpkin range?
What's your favourite range from The Body Shop?
Love,
Cliona xx
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Autumnal Lipstick & Nail Polish Favourites
Friday, 6 October 2017
| Autumnal Lipstick & Nail Polish Favourites! |
Another instalment of my Autumn makeup favourites is coming your way today and this time it's all about the lips and tips. Expect to find an abundance of rich burgundy hues, some deep nudes as well as a pop of red in my stash of autumnal lipstick and nail polish favourites.
An Autumn favourite that I wait patiently all year to crack out is my trusty Rimmel 107 lipstick, a deep burgundy colour with red undertones. I would describe it as the epitome of Autumn and the creamy matte formula lasts quite well whilst feeling comfortable on the lips. I usually pair this in the classic way with glistening gold eyeshadow for all the cosy Autumnal vibes.
If you're in a daring mood then Nars Cruella is another bold option for Autumn. The pencil applicator allows for precise application, avoiding any red smudges around the lips, and the matte formula is long-lasting and doesn't bleed.
During Autumn I tend to reach for deeper nude hues, Silk Rose by Rosie for Autograph being one of my favourites. The dark rosy nude shade complements a burgundy or copper eye look and the cream-sheen formula feels lightweight and hydrating on the lips.
Another nude favourite that has stood the test of time in my makeup collection is the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Elusive, a pretty rose pink shade. The cool-toned hue is perfect for the colder weather and the minty scent smells delicious! However, this won't be in my makeup bag this year because after swatching the lipstick I found a tiny speck of mould on it so I had to throw it out *insert crying emoji* This is what happens when you're a lipstick hoarder, haha!
I'll also be reaching for a new favourite this season, the Fatal Muse liquid matte lipstick in no.730 Confession* from L.O.V Cosmetics. This liquid lipstick provides great staying power without compromising on comfort as the velvety, mousse-like formula is non-drying much like the NYX soft matte lip creams.
Lipstick Swatches L to R: Nars Cruella // Rosie for Autograph Silk Rose // Rimmel 107 // Revlon Elusive // L.O.V Cosmetics Confession
My first nail polish favourite is a muted nude option; Essie Eternal Optimist is a gorgeous nude pink shade but the deeper rosy undertones make it the perfect Autumn nude shade.
In Stitches is a little bit more festive for the cosy season as the reddish-brown shade mirrors the brown leaves flitting down from the trees.
Chinchilly is a cool grey hue to match the grey clouds and rainy weather! As you can imagine the shade is quite dull so to perk it up I usually add a sparkly accent nail. The polish is opaque in two coats and lasts a few days before the first signs of chipping.
It's Genius is my favourite Autumn shade! Not only is it a rich burgundy hue but it also has tiny flecks of shimmer in it which adds a little bit of detail to the nails.
An Autumn favourite that I wait patiently all year to crack out is my trusty Rimmel 107 lipstick, a deep burgundy colour with red undertones. I would describe it as the epitome of Autumn and the creamy matte formula lasts quite well whilst feeling comfortable on the lips. I usually pair this in the classic way with glistening gold eyeshadow for all the cosy Autumnal vibes.
If you're in a daring mood then Nars Cruella is another bold option for Autumn. The pencil applicator allows for precise application, avoiding any red smudges around the lips, and the matte formula is long-lasting and doesn't bleed.
During Autumn I tend to reach for deeper nude hues, Silk Rose by Rosie for Autograph being one of my favourites. The dark rosy nude shade complements a burgundy or copper eye look and the cream-sheen formula feels lightweight and hydrating on the lips.
Another nude favourite that has stood the test of time in my makeup collection is the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Elusive, a pretty rose pink shade. The cool-toned hue is perfect for the colder weather and the minty scent smells delicious! However, this won't be in my makeup bag this year because after swatching the lipstick I found a tiny speck of mould on it so I had to throw it out *insert crying emoji* This is what happens when you're a lipstick hoarder, haha!
I'll also be reaching for a new favourite this season, the Fatal Muse liquid matte lipstick in no.730 Confession* from L.O.V Cosmetics. This liquid lipstick provides great staying power without compromising on comfort as the velvety, mousse-like formula is non-drying much like the NYX soft matte lip creams.
My first nail polish favourite is a muted nude option; Essie Eternal Optimist is a gorgeous nude pink shade but the deeper rosy undertones make it the perfect Autumn nude shade.
In Stitches is a little bit more festive for the cosy season as the reddish-brown shade mirrors the brown leaves flitting down from the trees.
Chinchilly is a cool grey hue to match the grey clouds and rainy weather! As you can imagine the shade is quite dull so to perk it up I usually add a sparkly accent nail. The polish is opaque in two coats and lasts a few days before the first signs of chipping.
It's Genius is my favourite Autumn shade! Not only is it a rich burgundy hue but it also has tiny flecks of shimmer in it which adds a little bit of detail to the nails.
What are your favourite Autumnal lipsticks and nail polishes?
Love,
Cliona xx
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Everyday Makeup Menu; The Autumn Edition
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
| Everyday Makeup Menu; The Autumn Edition! |
Having a quick makeup routine is a vital component to surviving early mornings *wink wink* and over the years I've managed to cut my getting ready time in half. Applying my makeup was always the longest part of my morning routine but using these quick and easy products allows me to get ready in a few minutes.
My makeup routine begins with one of my favourite budget foundations, L'Oreal True Match. I always gravitate towards foundations that have a satin finish on an everyday basis as they make my skin look healthy and rejuvenated. This budget gem provides exactly that and the formula is quick and easy to blend, speeding up my makeup routine.
Concealer is a must-have on early mornings and the Seventeen Skin Wow concealer has been residing in my makeup bag recently. The creamy, moisturising formula is perfect for my dry skin, the finish is dewy, adding luminosity to my dark under-eye area and once the concealer is set with powder it lasts for hours.
I couldn't go a day without bronzer, it has the ability to transform my complexion from looking ghostly to looking healthy by adding some warmth to the face. For everyday wear, I usually reach for my Becca Sunlit bronzer as it looks subtle which is perfect for my College makeup look.
Another product to perk up my complexion during the dreary A/W months is my Hourglass blush in Diffused Heat. This vibrant coral pink hue adds subtle radiance to my cheeks which helps beat lacklustre skin that normally arises during the colder seasons.
One can never have enough radiance in my opinion so I also like to sweep some of The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer onto the cheekbones and on the brow bone for some extra glow.
Concealer is a must-have on early mornings and the Seventeen Skin Wow concealer has been residing in my makeup bag recently. The creamy, moisturising formula is perfect for my dry skin, the finish is dewy, adding luminosity to my dark under-eye area and once the concealer is set with powder it lasts for hours.
I couldn't go a day without bronzer, it has the ability to transform my complexion from looking ghostly to looking healthy by adding some warmth to the face. For everyday wear, I usually reach for my Becca Sunlit bronzer as it looks subtle which is perfect for my College makeup look.
Another product to perk up my complexion during the dreary A/W months is my Hourglass blush in Diffused Heat. This vibrant coral pink hue adds subtle radiance to my cheeks which helps beat lacklustre skin that normally arises during the colder seasons.
One can never have enough radiance in my opinion so I also like to sweep some of The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer onto the cheekbones and on the brow bone for some extra glow.
Good quality makeup needs a good set of tools to apply it with and I've been trying out some new launches from Essence. The brand is one of my top budget brands and they always release swoon-worthy limited edition collections. For their latest trend edition, they've released an abundance of beautiful brushes. I've been using the blush & draping brush* for applying a pop of blush to my cheeks. The round shape of the brush is ideal for precision blush application and it's also great for applying powder under the eyes. I've also been loving the contouring brush* to apply a subtle contour for everyday wear using my Charlotte Tilbury palette. Both of the brushes feel very soft and luxurious, and I can't believe they're only €4.10 each! *Runs to Penneys to buy the rest of the collection*
For the eyes, I usually opt for eyeshadows that can be worn on their own for a quick and effortless look. Matte browns are ideal for blending out all over the eye to add some definition and recently I've been reaching for my Urban Decay Ultimate Basics palette. This all-matte palette has some great shades in it that can be worn alone and the formula is easy to blend, meaning I can have my eyeshadow applied in 30 seconds.
To finish off my eyes, I apply a little bit of the L'Oreal Paradise mascara, the Soap & Glory Brow Archery pencil to fill in my brows and finally I complete the look with Mac Brave lipstick.
What are your everyday makeup essentials?
Love,
Cliona xx
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