Bronze. Glow. Blush.

I feel like Urban Decay just get us pale girls, they know what we want and they always produce the goods. Another thing they get is palettes. This knowledge combined has lead to what I believe to be my favourite makeup product this year to date and in ten months that's quite the achievement.

 I'm talking about the original Naked Flushed Palette in 'Naked'. A medium, warmed toned satin bronzer teamed with a rose hued highlight and a plumy pink blush. While I don't often opt for pink tones, preferring more neutral colours for my cheeks normally I'm quite surprised by how much I find using the blush colour in this compact, a lot of it being down to the convenience of the palette and the fact the it is a deeper almost berry toned shade, I feel it's more wearable than most, very unoffensive and it will in suit most complexions. It's perfect for this time of year paired with a dark lip.

The compact similar in both style and size to that of the Naked Basics palette comes with a large mirror and what I can only describe as the most satisfying magnetic snap when you close it. 

The pigmentation as with all things Urban Decay is superb, second to none in fact. A little goes a long way and you can of course build up the colour to your hearts desire. The powders themselves are so finely milled that no matter how opaque you apply them you won't end up looking cakey and your chiseled cheekbones will be the envy of all your friends.

This palette is perfect for travel, not only do you have the convenience of having your contour, highlight and blush in a neat little compact but the highlight shade is perfect lazy days as it double as a single shade eye shadow. The packaging makes it very durable so will survive a few knocks and bumps without shattering.

Its quite affordable too, it is priced at €29 which when you consider you're getting 3 highly pigmented products it is nothing short of a bargain. I picked mine up in Debenhams. With just 10 weeks left til Christmas, it would make a great gift, one I'd gladly receive. The 'Strip' palette is next on my hit list (mom in case you're reading this).

Have you tried any of the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palettes? Would you recommend trying any of the other three?

Nuxe Masque Crème Fraîche de Beauté | Review

Autumn is undoubtedly my favourite season; chunky knits, endless cups of tea and roaring fires - pure bliss! While it's all very exciting initially, the reality of this season, with its onslaught of harsh winds and artificial heat is the havoc it wreaks on my already dry skin.

Dry, tight and weather-beaten are just a few adjectives I would use to describe my skin this time of year, that was until I discovered this mask. Throughout the year, I use it once a week, bumping it up to three times a week this time of year and my skin is loving me for it.

Nuxe Masque Crème Fraîche de Beauté is described as a "rescue treatment" and it really could not be anymore accurate. It is concocted with a blend of plant milks and white blossoms, providing intensive moisturisation for even the driest skin, soothing skin irritation instantly (including sun and wind burn) while leaving your skin looking plump and radiant.

You are recommended to apply it liberally, leave for 10 minutes and either massage the remnants into your skin or wipe away with cotton pads but my skin drinks this stuff up so I don't have to faff around with it. I use it at night time when I'm getting ready for bed and it soaks in without leaving my skin feeling greasy.

Like all things Nuxe is smells incredible, you can thank the Orange Blossom for that and while potent it doesn't aggravate the skin like a lot of perfumed skincare does. I happen to find it particularly effective on the dry, flaking skin you get around your nose that comes with the cold and flu season. 

I've yet to come across a Nuxe product that I don't love but this? This is the cream of the crop! (Do you like what I did there?)

It is priced at €21 and is available from stock-lists throughout Ireland and the UK.

Mondss: Your sweaty saviour? | Review*

I have to say, of all the products I've tried over the years these are definitely up there with the ones I've been most skeptical about.  They have received so much media attention since their initial release that when Jane contacted me, I simply could not turn down the opportunity to give them a go. In all honesty, I’m not sure if I would have gone out and bought them of my own accord.

What are Mondss?

In a nutshell, Mondss are adhesive underarm patches designed to lock in odour while absorbing perspiration so you can “wear the clothes you love” without the fear of being left with sweat patches.

Now I wouldn't say I was excessively sweaty, however in high pressure situations whether it’s a job interview or an event - especially when meeting new people like a lot of you, I perspire more. This combined with my love of fake tan can be disastrous. As if sweat patches alone weren't bad enough, imagine orange marks under your arms? I’m cringing as I type.

Admittedly they feel a little weird when you first put them on, a bit like having giant plasters under your arms but you soon forget they are there at all. The neutral colour means they are almost invisible so don't have to worry about them being seen while wearing sheer blouses. They are so thin and contoured to sit comfortably under your arm. They move with you without losing their adhesive grip.

You can apply roll-on deodorant to the absorbent patch if you wish for added protect unfortunately roll-on deodorants irritate my underarms so as you can imagine I was quite apprehensive going without any deodorant while trialing them initially. 

I had warned a few of my colleagues I would be wearing them and would inconspicuously do a smell test throughout the day. To my surprise and delight, there was no odour, my underarms felt dry and fresh.

I have to say as skeptical as I was, I've been blown away by how well they work. I'll be in Australia for Christmas where temperatures will hit the high 30's on the daily so I'll definitely be stocking up on these bad boys for my trip. I'm really into shirts right now and Mondss will allow me to wear them confidently without having to worry about the dreaded sweat patches. 

What I will say is that while these patches work wonders for us ladies at controlling perspiration, I feel that the men of the world are missing out. The patches are a little small for  their underarms and for wedding speeches etc. I am certain Mondss for men would go down a treat. 

Mondss are available exclusively here from their website and are priced at €9.99 for 10 pieces (enough for 5 outings).