Sunday, October 27, 2013

Be open to whatever comes next..

Hi Guys,

I hope you're all enjoying your bank holiday weekend. The last one of 2013, crazy isn't it? I, myself am off all next week to do a little D.I.Y work at home. Well.. When I say "D.I.Y", what I really mean is I will be chief tea maker while my dad builds a much needed wall-to-wall wardrobe for my growing shoe obsession. 

Anyway.. As I'm sure some of you know from Facebook last week I have some exciting news to share with you all. I wanted to wait for my log-ins (which I received last night) to make it all official before sharing...

 *drum-roll please* 

I am very excited to announce that I will be working with an online newspaper called The Daily Shift. To say I've been having a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw moment is an understatement!! I'll be working alongside some very talents writers who cover everything from Celebs to Current Affairs - it's great Craic! 

I've been given the opportunity to reach all of you recessionista's on a broader scale which is great, along with that it means I get to blabber on about beauty/fashion twice as much. Not forgetting the odd little lifestyle piece. If it's worth raving about, I'll rave!

Be sure to head over to their Facebook page by clicking here and give them an ole "like". You won't be sorry. While you at it, check out The Daily Shift's website by clicking here. They'll keep you up to date with all that's happening both locally and around the World. 


Since starting the blog back in May, it really has gone from strength to strength. I am so proud of it - to think I'm heading for nearly 500 "likes" on Facebook is phenomenal.. Thank you!

Thank you for the continued support and all the praise, whether by private message, email or in person it really does mean a lot. I really wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't for you!

I've loads of bits and pieces to come so watch this space. But for now.. I'm going to watch some Breaking Bad. I'm not a big TV person by any means but I started watching it about 2/3 weeks ago (after the finale) and I'm on season 4! I'm so hooked on it!! It's funny how a show about drugs brings on a sudden interest in chemistry isn't it? I joke..

Rebecca 

Ps: If someone doesn't dress up like this on Thursday night I'll be seriously disappointed!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Face Value | How much is yours worth?




Have you ever sat down and asked yourself what the true cost of beauty is? or consciously asked yourself how much your makeup bag is worth? 

Well tonight I am going to do that! Sad as it may seem to some of you, I am the person who would be far more traumatised about losing my makeup bag than I would be if I lost my wallet because in reality it's probably worth far more. (Deny it all you want ladies.. I know I'm not alone in this).

I'm delving into the depths of my "day-time" makeup bag and doing some simple calculations out of sheer curiosity. I know I'm not going to be anymore penny-wise as a result, well I might.. If the shock doesn't kill me first!!

I have based today's products on the ones I am currently using, they do vary from time to time depending on my skin, the seasons etc. Also this is my "day-time" makeup so I won't be going into the price of lashes and heavy contouring.

Right, less blabbering Rebecca.. It's time to get down to business!

Base products:
 Primer - New CID cosmetics i-Prime €24
 Foundation - Bobbi Brown Luminous moisturizing foundation €39
 Concealer - Benefit 'Boi-ing' €24
 Highlighter - Benefit 'Moon Beam' €27

Eye products:
Eyeshadow Primer - Maybelline 24hr color tattoo €8
Eyeshadow - Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette €42 or Bobbi Brown Basics eye palette €50
Mascara - MAC in extreme dimension lash mascara €19
Eyeliner -  Natural Collection eye lines €3
Brows - Me Me Me 'Arch Angel' €12

Finishing touches:
Pressed Powder - Maybelline Fit me €12 
Bronzer - Me Me Me Shimmer Stack € 14
Blusher -  Sleek 'Flushed' €6
Finishing Spray - MAC Fix + €19

Lips:
Benefit 'Ladies Choice' €22 or if I want to go really natural I wear my EOS smooth sphere €7

 These prices are approximate. I'm not going to argue over a few cent..


So there you have it... My current make-up bag is worth approximately €328.00 and this doesn't even include makeup brushes. 

I know it may seem as though it is laden down with high-end products but these are my staples. My go-to products. The good ole reliable's that I go back to time and time again.  Don't worry they have all been trialed and tested against cheaper alternatives to no avail!

I get gifts of vouchers and make up for birthdays and christmas and as with with everything else, if you take care of your makeup it will last a lot longer. Take my Bobbi Brown Palette for example.. I've had it almost 2 years and it is still going strong. (I know we are "supposed" to dump makeup after it has been opened for a period of time - BUT who decided that? The one's who benefit form the naivety of the consumer.. Of course!) Don't be fooled ladies.. Clean brushes make a hell of a difference with increasing your makeups shelf life.

So... Have I piqued your interest enough for you to do a bit of calculating of your own? How much is your makeup bag worth? I'm dying to know!!

Thanks to Makeup Monster for the inspiration to do the post. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Karora Glow Glamster Instant Tan | Review



I'm a big believer in supporting Irish and of course supporting local so I'm delighted to announce that tonight's review is of Irish Owned 'Karora' tan. Not only is this brand Irish Owned, it is also Organic. It is full of skin caring botanical's to keep your bronzed skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.

The tan under scrutiny this evening is the Glow Glamster Instant Tan in Medium/Dark. I know INSTANT TAN, I know exactly what has come to mind - Rimmel Sun Shimmer after being caught in a shower of rain? Streaks galore? We've all been there. Luckily for us this instant tan is water resistant making tanning nightmares like the one you just had a distant memory. It contains grape seed, macadamia and sweet almond oils to keep your skin nourished and hydrated - something that you just don't get from other chemical-laden tans on the market. 


This tan looks like liquid gold as you squeeze it from the tube and applies like a dream. It can be worn on its own or you can apply it on top of your regular tan for a deeper glow. This is how I wear it. My pins are far from perfect and being completely honest I hate getting them out whether I have a tan or not, but for you? I dared to bare them and I have to say the difference in my own eyes was uncanny. There is a hint of shimmer in this tan however as the glitter particles are absolutely tiny it looks completely natural, a sun-kissed glow if you will. It also has such a beautiful scent, a really clean, fresh citrusy orange scent - Devine!


Liquid gold


This is the medium/dark tan applied to clean (pale and pasty) skin


I have donned this tan on three occasions on my arms, legs and chest and I have to say, a little really goes a long way with this tan, you'd think it was a brand new, unused tube. 
These three particular occasions happened to be 21st's. My own and those of two of my best friends so as I'm sure you can imagine the drink was flowing and as for the dancing? Well the dancing wasn't flowing as well as it could have been. 

Heat, sweaty nightclubs and spilled drinks and still my tan did not budge. I was so impressed!


With all the excitement of the past few weeks, it never occurred to me to take a close up of the tan on my legs and I haven't had a chance since. Instead I offer you this.. A photo of me taken on a friends iPhone. You may not get the complete effect of the tan but at least you'll get a laugh and a look into all the shenanigans of the past few weeks! 

  
It is priced at approximately €14.99 and available locally from LA beauty Clinic in Clonakilty or Online it can be purchased from my beloved www.cloud10beauty.com (they are offering 15% off Karora Tan at the moment so be sure to check them out).

Remember to shop local and Glow Glamsters ;) 

Thursday, October 10, 2013

New CID Cosmetics : i-Prime Primer | Review


Primer is a big part of my makeup routine, anything to improve the appearance of my from perfect complexion. However I have struggled over the years to find one that was right for me. A lot of them tend to be very siliconey and feel quite cakey under my makeup. 
One I have found myself coming back to time and time again is one by Laura Mercier, which surprises a lot of people when I tell them. 


It is one of the pricier ones at approx. €40 in Brown Thomas. I was definitely looking for a cheaper alternative.
Have I found one? Yes, yes I have.

'i-Prime' by the brand New CID Cosmetics immediately piqued my interest. It comes in a pump bottle which needs to be twisted at the base to unlock it. I thought it was really quirky and a nice change from a boring old squeezy tube (I'm a sucker for packaging). It also makes it perfect for travelling as it prevents any spillages.


Most of the primers that I have used in the past have been "Fragrance free" which we all know at this stage is a myth. There is no such thing - they smell chemically, its horrible. But i-Prime? i-Prime is lightly scented. It smells really fresh and clean and is a pleasure to apply to your face.

i-Prime contains both Shea Butter and Vitamin E meaning its really moisturising. You can wear it on its own to add a bit of luminosity to a bare face. It instantly makes your skin look healthier and you look more awake. 
It also smooths out imperfections and creates the perfect base for your foundation which will glide over it like a dream and helps your makeup last all day.

This product is something I would highly recommend for those of you with oily skin. It is currently 21st season for myself and my friends and I have worn i-Prime under my makeup for all of those late nights/early mornings and I promise you, my makeup has not budged!!

It is priced at approximately €26, so it is slightly more expensive than your high-street brands. A pea sized amount will cover your entire face and it is substantially cheaper than my go-to brand. I will definitely be repurchasing it.

It is available locally from LA Beauty Clinic in Clonakilty or for those of you living further a field you can buy it online from Feel Unique. If you own a salon and are thinking about stocking some New CID cosmetics, they are available in Hennessy's Salon supplies.


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