Category Archives: Haul

J’adore Dior! Dior Nude Skin Glowing Makeup and Powder

Posted : 15th May 2013

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A few weeks ago i had the chance to get a sample of the Dior Nude foundation, after being intrigued by all the awards and praises received lately. I was skeptical, i was told before it wont suit my oily-combination skin and that will be too light coverage for my liking. Oh boy, it was so further out of the truth.

Dior Nude is the best foundation i have ever tried in my life so far! Paired with the loose Nude Skin Powder, creates the most flawless glowing skin i have ever had. My sample (shade 030 if you are wondering) lasted about a week of daily use and without fail, every day somebody complimented my skin. I was simply glowing and it was in a good way.

Rich in water, this foundation simply glides to the skin and somehow manages to last the daily eight working hours. I use a flat foundation brush for application, but when on a hurry i used my fingers with the same success.

The loose mineral powder is magnificent as well, using the buffing brush i simply work it into the skin for a truly flawless airbrushed effect. Apparently it has a gel technology that helps to glide into the skin whilst looking natural. The compact is great for on the go touch-ups and its best to use a kabuki type/buffing brush for perfect results.

The only downside to my Dior discovery is the price: €54 for the refillable compact powder and €45 for the foundation. A bit steep for daily 9 to 5, but for special occasions definitely give it a whirl.

Unfortunately for my bank account, i simply must have now the Amber Lights highlighter and their new coral Bird of Paradise limited edition cheek palette. See for yourself here, how can you say no to that?!

Clarins Splendours Summer Bronzing Compact

Posted : 13th May 2013

Clarins Splendours Summer Bronzing Palette IMG_7682 IMG_7686 IMG_7688

I always tend to get excited about the Clarins Summer Collections, they bring out the most beautiful makeup to complement a tanned, gorgeous skin. Like the Estee Lauder Bronzed Goddess perfume, the Clarins Splendours literally screams summer holiday and its a totally must have!

After seeing preview teasers online on some of my must read blogs and constantly harassing the Clarins counter with a release date, i finally got my hands on the most coveted item: the Splendours Bronzer. And with a discount too, in Clerys. Score!

For €39/£30 you get a rather large matte bronzer, prettily decorated with Aztec motifs which blend harmoniously shades of tan beige with terracotta, centered by a shimmery golden heart. I almost don’t want to touch it, almost…

I was on the look out of a matte bronzer, suitable for a light contouring and that would look pretty in pictures and the Splendours didn’t disappoint one bit. Ultra soft and pigmented, applies like a dream creating a flawless ‘sun touched’ skin.

Definitely a collectors item, will you be investing? See the rest of the collection here.

Dior Rosy Glow Awakening Blush

Posted : 8th May 2013

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Dior Rosy Glow YourBeauty.ie

This blush had me with one word: Awakening! Due to my recent health issues, lately i look fatigued, tern and dull so i have been struggling with my makeup routine to perk things up a bit.

Dior Rosy Glow is not the most affordable blush out there, but is a seriously beautiful one. Super pigmented, soft and luxurious – it can be applied instead of a blusher or on top of, to intensify the look. The tone is cool, but i would definitely classify it as a neutral shade, suitable for everyone.

As a concept, its similar to the Smashbox O Glow – it adapts to the skintone, delivering a custom made, personalized colour.

I have paired it with the pink Clarins Instant Light Lip and used as a base a sample of the Dior Nude foundation in shade 030. Think i found my wedding foundation! So light, fresh and with a gorgeous cover im convinced.

All i need is something to erase the pesky dark circles!

RRP. €45.

Barry M Gelly Nail Polish

Posted : 4th April 2013

Barry M Gelly Nail Polish

Seche Vite and OPI Nail Envy

Barry M Gelly Nail Polish

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I must say im not a high street/drugstore fan, im not a snob by any means – i suppose i was just unlucky in my choices. Found myself often spending hundreds in pharmacys on bags of products that just didn’t agree with me/ didn’t work. The best example would be that bathroom cabinet filled to the brim with half used shampoo and cleansers, that would probably end up being more expensive than a trip in Brown Thomas/Selfridges.

Saying that, i found some really affordable gems lately like the Rimmel Apocalips and the newly Barry M Gelly Nail Polishes.

They are blooming fantastic!

The texture is ticker than your normal polish, two coats needed for a fully opaque glossy nail. And have you seen the color choices?! Show stopping brights, right up on my alley. I swear, every time i wear any of the colors someone will comment on how gorgeous they are.

Ive also invested in some OPI Nail Envy that im using as a base coat – didn’t think would be that expensive, i mean €24? It better work wonders. And the cult Seche Vite, which truly changed my life. I was a bit skeptical, but it rocked my manicure world. Painting nails in bed before sleep and waking up with messed up textures are a thing of the past, it dries in seconds leaving the shiniest of gloss.

I decided to keep my little collection (bought in an exciting 3for2 offer in Boots) in a recycled large Yankee Candle jar on my vanity, think is rather chic looking and reminds me to look after my neglected nails not just my face.

If you have any other high street product suggestions let me know, im on a roll now.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Posted : 12th January 2013

Vivienne Westwood

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Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon Amethyst Blue Globe Heels from My-Wardrobe.com.

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Ted Baker Ballerina Safire Jelly Glitter Bow Flats (here). If you are ordering from Ireland, beware of the outrageous £14 delivery fee. I got them from a Ted store, i would only pay that cost if a shirtless Abercrombie boy would deliver them personally.

And so my friends, a new obsession is born…

Recent Purchases: Mac, Chanel, Laura Mercier

Posted : 10th January 2013

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After getting rid of some of my makeup stash in a recent blog sale, i finally made room for new purchases. Its the start of a new year, so no better time for a new face isn’t it?

Laura Mercier Travel Size Brush Kit

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Although i enjoy using my Real Techniques brushes, i couldn’t let this set go when it went on sale: was €100 and i got it for €40. I got 5 brushes (4 being dual sided) and very nice pouch to keep them all together. Although the handles are made for traveling, the heads are full size and the same quality as if you would be buying individual ones. You get in the set a powder/blush brush, dual sided concealing brush, eyebrow brush, eyeshadow brush and eye lining/defining brush. Looking forward to play with them.

Chanel Bronze Universal

Chanel Bronze Universal

Everybody and their mother are using this cream bronzer and it was on my wish list for ages. Great for contouring, fixing a bad tan or just by itself for an overall glow during holiday, its definitely living up to its reputation. I plan on using it with my Bourjois Kabuki brush and maybe with the Real Techniques Stippling brush when i want a more defined contour.

Mac Mineralized Blush in Stereo Rose

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Initially i went to Mac to check it out, convinced im not going to like it and that its probably overly hyped. Boy was i wrong! Was love at first swatch: delightfully soft, shimmery coral with golden undertones. Whats not to like?

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Overnight Hair Healer and Intense Rescue Melting Balm

Charles Worthington

I’ve treated my hair so bad last year with all the repeated bleaching and box dyeing that im surprised i still have some left. So i promised this year will be all about repair and regeneration. The Charles Worthington products caught my eye in Boots (currently on sale) and they seem to be exactly what i need. The Overnight Ultimate Hair Healer is a leave in overnight (!) treatment that strengthens your hair while you sleep, while the Intense Rescue Melting Balm with a blend of 7 essential oils and butters its a balm to oil, meant to be applied on dry hair for 20 minutes before shampoo and conditioner.

Both of the products promise to double hair strength, reduce hair breakage by up to 80%, repair split ends by 56% and deliver a smooth frizz free hair in just a week of using the products. Very excited to try them properly.

Still have some more stuff to get from my wish list, love this ‘new year’ feeling and im going to embrace change with open arms. Any other must have products out there?

PS. Ive done my first YouTube video! Subscribe if you like :) .

Huge Sale Haul

Posted : 10th July 2012

I’m in Sale heaven!!! Ive gone a bit overboard with the shopping last week and still have a few bits to pick up. Went mainly to Zara and River Island and got a few summer dresses for my holiday.

Floaty, light, happy dresses – I always go for color and prints.

The Zara grey with rose gold bag and a very practical black cross over black Trf bag.

Zara black pleated skirt, ideal for work and a River Island coral and peach mid length pleated skirt.

Zara linen T-Shirt.

Zara basic sandals, River Island coral boat shoes and River Island espadrilles.

- To be continued -

New In My Closet: Michael Kors Fulton Bag

Posted : 13th June 2012

I was on the lookout for a nice work bag for ages, like simple models, medium size and light weight. So this made me justify this little sale purchase:

Michael Kors Fulton Bag

Perfect size for my daily use, buttery soft leather and beautiful tan color. I’m really pleased with it, thinking to style it with a light cream trench coat for work. Got it with 40% off in the Brown Thomas Sale.

Also i wanted one of the Marc Jacobs laptop cases in ages, so quickly i snapped one in the most gorgeous purple/fuchsia colour. Was looking for one for the Ipad too, but wasn’t anything nice left. Also 40% off in the BT sale and its made for 13inch laptops.

Cant wait for the Zara sale now, my poor bank account will take a serious hit this month.

Belfast Haul

Posted : 20th April 2012

We went to Belfast on Monday to have a browse in the shops and finally go to the blogospere famous Junction 1 outlet. We had a fabulous day, himself got so many nice things in Topman (a lot cheaper in the North then in Dublin) and i picked some bits too, mainly in the Outlet.

Ojon Daily Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask (474ml x 2, plus the mask only £33)

Have already used the shampoo and conditioner twice and im really impressed with them. Very moisturising without feeling heavy, i mean my hair is detangled and feels bouncy without spending hours of brushing. Haven’t used the mask yet, it will be a weekend affair. Ill do a more in-dept review after using the products for longer.

Also there is a great offer on Ojon products at the moment: buy £20 worth of stuff and get for free  full size volumising shampoo and conditioner plus free shipping. Haven’t come across such a good offer in ages! Link

Asda Toffee Dry Shimmery Body Oil £1

Candy scented, gorgeous sheen and gold particles?! For £1?! Should’ve gotten two.

Got some basics from Zara Trf: a pair of blue distressed skinny’s and two organic cotton t-shirts in yummy summer colours. Oh and these wedges:

Been lusting after these burnt orange wedges for ages, seen them first on Vivianna’s blog in black and then fell in love with the orange ones. Because i’ve become obsessed with coral lately, i accumulated a fair amount of bright coral pieces of clothing so these babies are the final piece of the puzzle.

And my favorite shopping item: Nike runners from the Factory Outlet (were £50, got them for £35).

I’m absolutely in love with them! They are not bulky, black and so, so light. I’m never going to get them off haha!

Hope ill manage to do an OOTD, honestly those posts are so hard to do…im an awful body poser :) .