Haircare | Favourites

Hello Lovelies,

Can you believe we've reached the end of January already? This month absolutely flew. It feels like I have done absolutely nothing all month, which isn't necessarily true. It has definitely been a month of change for me anyway..

As many of you know I took the plunge early this month and chopped up all my hair into a "Lob" (Long Bob), getting rid of approximately 8 inches of it. For me it was a particularly big decision as I suffer from Alopecia brought on by stress mainly but there is a hereditary aspect to it too. For girls especially alopecia can be quite traumatic and I can't tell you how heartbroken I have been as a result of a "bad" haircut in the past. How shallow do I sound? 

I have to say a big Thank You to Olga in 'A Cut Above', Clonakilty for the amazing job she did. I really couldn't be any happier with it - It's exactly what I wanted! 

Because of this change I have invested more time than usual on hair care products  and I've decided to share a few of my favourite hair care products with you. So without further ado here is my January Hair Care Favourites.

Redken 'All Soft' Shampoo and Conditioner - approximately €30 per set available from feelunique

Yes, they are expensive and they are not something I would pick up for myself but they were a gift from my Gorgeous Godmother for Christmas. They are so luxurious and they make my hair feel incredibly smooth and sleek and the shine is like nothing I've ever experienced before. They are quite rich though, the conditioner especially. It is so thick, it's like an intensive treatment for my hair. I have noticed that over using these two can make my hair look almost greasy so I use them once every week to ten days.

In between washing with my Redken set I've been using L'oreal Elvive's new 'Fibrology' Shampoo and Conditioner. 

They are priced at approximately €5 each

These are L'oreal's latest and greatest in hair care magic containing Filloxane which expands the hair fibre. Not only did it leave my hair looking and feeling thick and healthy. It didn't weigh down my hair and left it full of body and bounce. Can you see the appeal yet? To top it all off it smells like blue raspberry bon-bons. LOVE <3 font="" nbsp="">

Carino Miracle Oil with Argan Oil - €5 approx 

I love hair oil and have a couple of different ones on the go at the moment. One I have really taken a shine to (pun intended) is this one from the Aldi brand Carino. I rub a drop or two between my palms and pull my fingers through the my hair avoiding the roots and paying special attention to the end after blow drying it. It leaves my hair silky smooth and frizz free AND it smells really good too.

Mane n' Tail Detangler - €12

I'm pretty lucky when it comes the tangly hair as I rarely suffer from it, however when I do I reach for this bad boy and will recommend it no end, especially to those of you with fine hair. Spritz it all over wet hair, comb it through and dry s normal. No more knots!! 

Batiste XXL Plumping Powder - €4

I picked this up a couple of months ago in Penneys but didn't get around to trying it until recently. I don't like to backcomb my hair a lot as it can break your hair but I do love me some volume at the root. This is foolproof and creates as much oomph as you like. They texture won't appeal to everyone but who cares what their hair feels like as long as it looks good? Not me! 

Babyliss Big Hair -  €59.99 available from Boots

I cannot finish this post without mentioning my hair care saviour. I literally don't know what I'd do or how I ever survived without this beauty. I've reviewed it here in more detail. I cannot dry my hair without running this through it a few times to finish even more so now that I have short hair. It adds volume and bounce and just makes me wanna *swish*

So there you have it, just a few of my haircare must haves. Do you use any of them or have you any product recommendations for my new shorter hair? Leave them in the comments below and I'll be sure to check them out! 

Rebecca x

Ps: I'll have my January favourites post up in the next few days :)

Cleanse off Mitt | Review*

As a beauty blogger I am lucky enough to get the opportunity to try lots of new and exciting things. Most of which I to pay for myself but some are sent to me as PR samples. Today's review is of the 'Cleanse off Mitt'. I was sent this to try out before it launches later this month.

I have to say it is one of the products that I was and still am very excited to receive. I have very temperamental skin at the best of times. It is dry, acne prone and of late it has a tendency to get quite oily in my T-zone. (some of us just have all the luck don't we?)

As I mentioned in previous posts I am not massively concerned about what goes on my body however as my face is so sensitive I am a little more cautious with what I use on it and wipes are a big no, no!

For many face wipes are a beauty essential. While they may be convenient, these moist cloths are chemically-laden and so they have to be to last up to 18 months on the shelf. This requires ingredients such as Propylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol. Both of which are skin irritants. As well as being irritating, high levels of alcohol and anti-bacterial agents can cause extreme dryness and PREMATURE AGING of the skin. Moral of the story? Wipes are bad!

The 'Cleanse off Mitt' however is different. It is a microfiber mitt designed to remove any and all traces of makeup and day to day grime without the need to use a cleanser. Just add warm water and wipe clean.

The microfibers are so teeny tiny that they can work even the heaviest of makeup (including mascara) off without irritating the skin making it especially good for those off us with sensitive skin. The tiny microfibers also make the mitt really soft - I'd urge anyone who uses a muslin or flannel to try the Cleanse off Mitt. It's softer!

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how well this little blue beauty worked. Without anything only water it took off all of my makeup including gel eyeliner and mascara. My skin felt fresh and clean afterwards, it wasn't red and irritated nor did it feel tight like it does after using some products.

On days where I am not wearing makeup I tend to be more laxidaisy about my skincare routine. I wash it morning and night but don't pay much attention to what i'm cleaning. The cleanse off mitt left nothing to my imagination and I could see the mitt was slightly discoloured from grime my face had picked up throughout the day. My skin looked brighter afterwards, radiant if you will. As a result, my bad skin days didn't seem so bad!

I could go on all day listing the pro's of this product but I'm pretty sure I'd bore you all to death so here are a quick few:

• The Cleanse off Mitt is chemical free
• It is reusable. It has a lifespan of 3-6 months.
• It is ideal for travelling - perfect for freshening up on the plane (and no liquid restriction with it)
• It won't irritate sensitive skin or those suffering from psoriasis, acne, rosecea etc.
• It is cost effective (see below for my an example of my crazy maths skills)
• It is perfect for people on the go, moms especially!!
• Perfect for wipe users. It is as quick and gives a better cleanse
• It is cheaper than its market competitor which is priced at €22 (Cleanse off Mitt is €5)
• It can be used along side your favourite cleanser

Cost Efficiency:

The Mitt lasts on average 3-6months. So say your mitt lasts for 3 months, I got my thinking cap on and did some maths out of curiosity. How much on average could you save by binning the wipes?

  Say you have 3 x 30 day months. You use 2 wipes a day. That’s 60 wipes a month. A total of 180 wipes in the 3 months.  The most popular face wipe brands; Nivea, simple, garnier etc. are priced on average at €4 per packet of 25.

180/25 = 7.2 (round that down) Say you use 7 packets of wipes in the 3 month period.

At €4 per packet that totals €28.

The Cleanse off mitt costs €5 and is available from Beauty Emporium and will be available in pharmacies and shops in the coming weeks.

So by binning the wipes you will save on average €23 in 3 months. I can think of plenty better things to spend it on that wipes. Can you? 

Cocoa Brown Chocolate Whip Body Moisturiser | Review

Well hello there 2014!!

We've survived Christmas and New Years and here we are in January all bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to take on the world! Resolutions are in full swing for everyone, myself included. One of those being to give my lovely little blog some TLC. My bloglovin account especially as I have completely neglected it. It's so handy and I use it all the time to keep up to date with the blogs I read myself as all the blogs are in one place. Here is the link to my account and I'd love for you to click the little follow button!

Anyway, enough about all that. I come to you today with a little review and surprise, surprise it's a Cocoa Brown related one. As some of you may know, late last year the Cocoa Brown Empire released a brand new product. An oil-free moisturiser designed to be used in conjunction to your tanning. Both in prepping your skin for your tan application and in prolonging the lifespan of your tan. 

I didn't know what to expect when I heard it was called "Chocolate Whip", I presumed it would smell like Cocoa Butter which I personally am not a fan of. It doesn't. Instead it has the 'typical' Cocoa Brown scent -Tahitian Gardenia with just a hint of chocolatey goodness. The second surprise was the colour of the moisturiser, its brown. I can remember thinking "Is this tinted?". It isn't, but you'd never know whats in the pipeline..

The product itself feels so luxurious and I have to say it has been an absolute godsend throughout the festive season. I have spent the month of December applying and reapplying tan for one event or another and we all know how cold it has been. Nobody wants to sit around in the cold waiting for their moisturiser to soak in so they can get dressed. This stuff sinks right in and doesn't leave you feeling greasy or sticky under your clothes. 

It left my skin feeling soft and supple and because there is no oil in it, you can moisturise to your hearts content without having to worry about your tan breaking down. There was a noticeable difference in the longevity of my tan - another bonus in this cold weather! The Vitamin E and Panthenol are like a skin care dream team. Panthenol makes the moisturiser suitable for even the most acne prone skin, while the Vitamin E works wonders at reducing the appearance of scars and stretchmarks, it also protects the skin from the damaging environment elements. 

Call me biased but it's another winner for me. Don't believe me? Try it out for yourself. It's available in Penneys for a mere €7 or internationally on feelunique.com with FREE shipping!

The Cocoa Brown Empire are set to release 3 new products in 2014. I cannot wait to see what Marissa  and the Cocoa Brown team have in store for us all. They are literally taking the tanning world by storm!

Pull up your Socks | Stocking filler Ideas

It is only six weeks until Christmas so whether its Kris Kringle or stocking stuffing you're doing - I have compiled a list of a gift Ideas for the girlie girl in us all! Budget wise - the most expensive gift is priced at €30.00 which in my opinion isn't too bad!

So without further ado let the merriment begin!!

1. This first gift on the list HAS to be the EOS Smooth Sphere lipbalm's. They are priced at €6.95 and come in a range of colours and flavours. The packaging is so cute and quirky - they are the perfect stocking filler. Everyone from The Kardashians to The Directioners have them. Meaning what? We all want one!! 

If I haven't already convinced you to purchase one I have reviewed them before so be sure to check it out here.

    

   2. My beloved Cocoa Brown Tan have brought out these really cute gift sets for Christmas. They contain a sachet of their AMAZING Tough Stuff Scrub, a bottle of their 1hour tan and exfoliating gloves. They are available in Penneys priced at approx €9.99 considering the Tan on its own retails at €7.99 - It is well worth picking up! 

    3. Real Techniques Brushes are created by Sam Chapman, one of the Incredibly Talented Pixiwoos sisters from YouTube. These brushes can be bought individually or very cleverly in sets. They have a face set, an eye set and an essentials Kit. I picked up the essentials kit myself a few months back and I have to say it is FABULOUS. You get a foundation brush, a powder brush and an eyeshadow brush. It is perfect for beginners and experts alike as it gives you a really good idea of what the brushes are like. It would be the perfect gift for your daughter, sister or niece who is just getting into makeup.  Each of the sets in the above image are priced at €24.99 - About the same as one MAC eye shadow brush. I cannot recommend these brushes enough.

   4. Boots 3 for 2 on gift sets seem like great value Christmas gifts. However, how much of these products do we every actually finish using? I did a big clear out of my room last week and I am telling you in hindsight they were wasted on me. I tend to try each product out once or twice and forget about them again. If you do decide to venture into Boots while Christmas shopping my advice would be to opt for the 3 for 2 offer on the makeup bits or alternatively pick up some of the full size versions of the minis in these sets. They are priced at approx. €10.00 each meaning you will get 3 full size products for €20.00 and these are far more likely to be used - The Soap and Glory Scrubs especially!

   5. Sleek Makeup has to be one of the most reasonably priced Makeup brands on the market. The quality you get for the price you pay for is second to none. Their products are so pigmented, they would honestly give any product three times their price and run for their money. I have reviewed a few of the sleek blushers in the past, which you can find here. They got a rave review if I may say so myself. I have since invested in one of their 12 eyeshadow palettes which are priced at only €9.99. I have my heart set on a second one for Christmas - Sleek Makeup i-Divine in Vintage Romance 

   6. Laura Mercier's Holiday Body gift sets are so Luxurious. As pricey as they are, they do make a lovely gift at Christmas. Last yearI treated myself to their Hand Cream Sampler - it contains four of their bestselling hand creams; Almond Coconut Milk (My personal favourite), Creme Brulée, Creme de Pistache and Fresh Fig. All 50g tubes. The set is priced at €30.00 which to some may seem expensive for hand cream. Divide it by four and they work out at €7.50 each which is the average price of a tube of hand cream in your local chemist minus the luxury. You can share the set out between friends of keep it all to yourself. This is definitely on my own wish list again this year. It is available from Brown Thomas.

7. Goodbye Sleepless Nights, Hello Great Hair. This saying could not be truer if it tried. I picked up my Sleep In Rollers not long after they came out. They are velcro hair rollers with a spongey centre so you can wear them to bed. When they are taken out in the morning its as if you're just out of the hairdressers after treating yourself to a big bouncy blowdry. The original set comes comes in pink a cute pink drawstring storage bag to keep them together - this includes 20 rollers which is more than enough for your whole head of hair. Since their initial release the brand have expanded and have the rollers in a varity of colours and sizes. They also have brushes, clips, donut rings and hair dryer hoods. Everything you could possibly want when it comes to hair styling. The original set is priced at €20.45. I love mine so much I'm tempted to go back and get another set in a different colour!!

So there you have it. My budget friendly stocking fillers.. Well a few of them anyway! If you have any further questions or want anymore ideas please don't hesitate to contact me as I'd be more than happy to help out! I have a few more Christmas gift posts to come later on in the week including gifts for him and her (the big gifts that is).

** The majority of these gifts are available from Cloud10Beauty an Irish owed Online shop so please don't forget to support Local and of course support Irish this Christmas. 

 

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!

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 ;) 

Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff Scrub | Review

I am a Cocoa Brown Fanatic! There is no denying that... But what happens when the time comes to tone down the tan? Whether you're going back to work or simply preparing your skin for the next application a good scrub is a necessity.

I was lucky enough to be sent some of Cocoa Brown's latest creation. 'Tough Stuff' scrub is the latest and greatest from our very own Marissa Carter. What you get is a sachet filled with vibrant girly pink goodness, with the light gardenia scent associated with cocoa brown - A girly girls dream!

I have tried my fair share of scrubs over the years and have been less than impressed with the majority. As I have stated in a previous post I find myself going back to my own home-made scrub. But there is something different about 'Tough Stuff', maybe its the runny consistency or the tiny scrubbing particles. Whatever it is - it works! 

To be honest, when I first saw the product I was a bit iffy about it. A sachet? Really? Would that be enough? I'm no size 6 supermodel after all! I have to say I have been more than impressed with it! This sachet has scrubbed me from head to toe twice already both before and after my last application of Cocoa Brown 1hr Tan (My personal favourite) with enough scrub left to remove my next application- Success!

The scrub is recommended for the rough area's such a feet, elbows and knees and although it is non invasive it is not recommended for the face. I used it all over the night before applying my tan and it left my skin absolutely glowing, dare I say radiant even? Silky smooth, the perfect canvas for my tan.

 When applying the tan you could feel the difference, I mean Cocoa Tan is fool proof but after scrubbing with tough stuff? It just seemed to glide on more smoothly than before. I was left with a perfect, even golden brown tan!

           (The lighter patch on my hand is down to lighting - I would not leave the house with a white patch on my hand)

 However, it wouldn't really be a proper review if I didn't have something to work with so solely for the intention for review I had to let my tan get a little funky! 

(Be warned there are feet to come!!) 

Here is a before and after of the tan on my feet - as you can see Tough Stuff brings your skin back to the harsh reality with a bang. Pasty white once more!

When removing the tan I applied the scrub to my dry skin working it into the areas that needed it most then jumped into the shower and using a mitt I gave my skin an all over buff and I was ready to apply again the next morning, It really is as easy as that! The scent in the shower makes the daunting task almost desirable and doesn't leave your skin feeling raw! I really cannot praise it enough and I hope it gets the appreciation it deserves. 

All I want to know now is when the rest of the Cocoa Brown Bath and Body products are going to be on our shelves as I have no doubt that there is plenty more to come.

I am also very excited to be one of a few invited to meet the lady herself. I will be traveling to Dublin on Saturday next to meet Marissa and some of the lovely Irish beauty bloggers I come to know over the past few months! I will have my camera at the ready so expect loads of snaps! I will even be braving PINK nails for the occasion!!

Although Cocoa Brown's 'Tough Stuff' isn't widely available throughout Ireland just yet, you can pick it up for €2.99 on Cloud10beauty or for those of you a little further afield you can get 2 sachets for just £4.50 on FeelUnique

Happy Tanning! x

M.A.C In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara | Review

Remember way back when I said I didn't think I'd ever find a mascara that tops my love YSL's Volume effect faux cils? Well I think I may have to eat my words...

As some of you may know from Facebook, I went on a bit of a MAC binge last week. A well needed one might I add. I picked up lots of bits and pieces and to be totally honest I was in two minds about buying this mascara. All I could think at the time is am I really going to spend another €23.50 on something I'll use once or twice? Luckily I'm easily persuaded and might I add Sinead at the MAC counter in Brown Thomas, Cork did a great job convincing me. Thank you Sinead!

I am absolutely besotted. Head over heels in LOVE with this Mascara. It is amazing! The brush is massive, has rubber bristles which are all exactly the same length to give you a long, full lash look. These bristles extend onto the tip of the brush making it easier to work with the shorter lower lashes and those on the inner corner of your eye. One coat of this lightweight formula and your lashes are good to go - no curlers required for this beauty.

The formula is not thick and dries quickly without becoming flaky to give you a dramatic, wide-eyed look. This is exactly what I look for in a mascara, all the bonus' with minimum effort. Everything down to the handle of this mascara has been designed to absolute perfection, it is longer than the average wand and the shape of it makes it easier to grasp and switch from left to right eye and back again.

I genuinely think I have found 'THE ONE' and to say I'll be disappointed if MAC ever decide to discontinue this mascara is an understatement. There will be a strongly worded email sent - let me tell you. I know it isn't as affordable as the likes of Rimmel and Maybelline but it is a good bit cheaper than YSL's faux cils and thats good enough for me. Especially when it's for something like mascara, no look is complete without it! Life is all about compromise!

Cocoa Brown Night&Day Tan Review

So as some of you may know.. Last week I purchased the New Cocoa Brown Night&Day Tan, I was beyond excited, and to see it in my local chemist not long after it was first released.This will tell you just how MASSIVE Cocoa Brown has become.. Delighted! 

A quick run down on the tan:
The main difference between the original Cocoa Brown and the new night and day version is that the new one is instant, no need to wait the hour or 3 for it to develop. You simply apply, get dressed and you're good to go! It does, however, develop slightly while you are wearing it to create a light and healthy glow (similar to the colour achieved by leaving the original on for 1hour) once you have showered which I must say is a really nice touch.I know myself from experience that you can look a little worse for wear after a night out! Such an ingenious idea - I wish I thought of it!!

 Again like the original your tan is BROWN, not orange. However it is a lot lot darker, so if you like your tan really deep and bronzed this is the perfect tan for you! Now it is instant, so bear that in mind when you are wearing it as there may be a slight amount of transfer onto clothes but nothing near as bad as other instant tans. *ahem* 'Rimmel Sun Shimmer' *ahem* 

It smells a lot nicer than other instant tans too, you get that same light, floral Tahitian Gardenia scent! 

*This picture really does not do the Tan any justice.. It was like DARK dark!*

For me? The colour is my only gripe, I like my tan to look quite natural, light and sun-kissed! So I felt that the immediate intensity of the colour was just too much for me personally! I know some of you will be thinking that I'm mad and maybe I am but at the end of the day it is all down to personal preference and I am by no means knocking the tan itself! I just wish it came a shade lighter.. (Hint, Hint Marissa!!) So personally I will be sticking with the original, leaving it on for 2 hours to create my ideal shade! 


Finally, so irrelevant yet so relevant is this..

I just thought it was such a personal touch to add to the bottles. Again maybe that's just me!


Hope you're enjoying the blog! I'd love to hear your opinions/feedback on the products I've been reviewing. Have you tried any of them? Feel free to leave a comment, message me on facebook or tweet me!