Saturday Night Makeup | FOTD I

Let me start off by saying I cannot even begin to comprehend the reaction to last saturdays "selfie". Nearly 300 of you liked it so I must have been doing something right - I'm assuming its the makeup or the Shirley Temple curls because it can't possibly be my awkward pose.

I hate taking selfies although if you were to look at my phone you'd think the complete opposite because it is absolutely full of them. 40 odd photos at a time, each one taken at a slightly different angle in a bid to find one thats "workable". Oh the joys of being a blogger...

Anyway, I've been getting a lot of questions about the makeup I'm wearing in the photo so I thought you might like me to do a post on all of the products I used to create this look!? (Look at your one. She thinks she's a Pro MUA now - notions..)

So to the products..

Base: 
I started off with the Nivea for Men post shave balm. There has been so much hype surrounding this recently that it was inevitable that I would jump on the bandwagon sooner or later. So I bought it about a week and a half ago and have used it maybe 3-4 times. I dunno how I feel about it yet but I'll report back.

I used the Garnier Perfect Blur 5 seconds primer around my nose, under my eyes and on my chin. These are areas where I have larger pores and texture. I always use this and it's brilliant - quite similar in texture to the Porefessional primer by Benefit but a fraction of the price.

Foundation:

 I used the Urban Decay Naked Skin weightless Ultra Definition Liquid foundation in 3.5. If you like high coverage you'll like this however err on the side of caution if you're on the drier side because it can look a little cakey if you're not careful. I always add a little bit of the Nars Sheer Glow foundation to the centre of my face to ensure I still look a little dewy. 

Concealers:

I used two. My holy grail budget concealer is the catrice camouflage concealer both formulas the liquid or the cream. I used the liquid one this time as it was closest to hand. I also used the IsaDra Color Correcting concealer (the green shade) to combat redness. If you've followed the blog for a while then you'll know that about 2 and half years ago I had my eyebrows embroidered. Well the colour is beginning to fade and they look a little bit red now. For the time being I've decided not to have them redone so I apply around the brows before carving them aout with the catrice concealer. 

I used the SoSu Contour palette in shade 1 to highlight and shade 2 to contour. I've been absolutely loving this palette. It's so creamy it blends like a dream - If you pick up one product after reading this post make it the SoSu Contour Palette. It blows the Crown Brush one out of the water and I have my suspicions that it was created through them..

Powders:

I set all of this in place with the Catrice Prime and Fine powder before bronzing the rest of my face and deepenig up my contour with the Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in 'Bronzed'.

I've been using a flormar eyeshadow as a blush recently. It's in the shade 'coral wind' and it's literally the only blush I've used in about 4 months. As for highlighter? It's gotta be MaryLou by TheBalm. Hugely hyped and worth every bit of it. Just thinking about MaryLou makes me happy! I apply so much of this I might as well use it as a setting powder.

Eyes:

I always start with my brows and I've been using the Inglot AMC Eyebrow gel in '16'. I love the contrast of the dark brows with my almost white/grey blonde and this is a nice ashy brown shade. I then go on to prime my lids and to do this I use MAC's Paintpot in 'painterly' and set that with Inglot 355 eyeshadow. I used a peach shade 312 as my transition colour and blended 335 into my crease and under my lower lashline. I applied shade 563 to my lids and blended it into the burnt orange. From there I applied the AMC Gel liner in '77' to my waterline and smoked it out in my upper and lower lashline. Applied a generous coat of MAC's In Extreme Dimension Lash Masara and a set of lashes. I wore the Kiss i-Envy Lashes in '01 Au Natural'

And finally to Lips.
I'm wearing a RImmel Lip Liner in the shade 'Cappucino' all over the lips except for the very centre where I put a little bit of MAC 'Syrup' to give it a slightly glossy finish. 

Hair: 

I used the Remington Silk curling wand with a 13mm - 25mm barrel - No hair spray afterwards and the curls held in place for 3 days!!

So there you have it.. All of the products I used on Saturday night. I chop and change the products regularly but for the most part the routine stays more or less the same. It takes me about 30 minutes to do the whole thing. 
If you'd like to see more of these types of posts just let me know and yes I am 100% aware of the fact that this is really long winded and I could have literally made a list but it's been a while and I'm excited to be back!!  

Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove | Review

I have lusted after the Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove for as long as I can remember. I constantly complain about what a trek having to clean my makeup brushes is but for a long time, I just couldn't justify the splurge (€34 to be exact). So when I saw that Cloud10beauty were offering a 15% discount a while back, I bit the bullet and bought it.

Now don't get me wrong, a rough sponge or the palm of your hand works fine but when you're washing 40 odd brushes, to say it is a tedious task is an understatement (your hands end up looking like prunes too!). 

The silicone mitt is dual sided - one for face brushes, the other for eye brushes. With a variety of different textures; wash, rinse and refine, it is designed to give your brushes a deep clean in no time at all. 

*Excuse how dirty it looks - I just used it*

Does it work? Yes. It has literally halved my brush cleaning time. You simply wet your brushes as normal, apply a small amount of brush cleaning solution or if you're like me baby shampoo to your mitt and swirl your brushes around the mitt. 

The different grooves make it easier to clean down into the base of the bristles, removing any and all product build up whether it be foundation or gel liner. Once you've finished shampooing your brushes, give them a good rinse and set them aside to dry. Et voila, they are like new the next morning.

While it was pricey, I see it as an investment and it will last forever, a must in any MUA's beauty arsenal in my opinion, it really does make one of my most despised tasks just that little bit more bearable and will save your so much time. 

The Sigma glove is priced at €33.95 and is available here.

However, if you're not quite ready to commit to it, Soap and Glory have brought out a similar product. While being advertised as a massage glove, I have no doubt it would work just as well and is priced at a mere €11. It is available here. 

The Ultimate Powder Contour Duo?*

Being a self confessed queen of contouring, I love my Crown Brush concealer palette. It's perfect for a dramatic night time look but I wanted something more subtle for during the day. I was using the sleek contour palette and although I love the highlight powder, the contour was verging on the muddy side. 

While on the hunt for my 'go-to' day time contour, I was kindly gifted some bits from W7 to trial. It really couldn't have come at a better time and to say they've blown me away is an understatement. The quality of these products for the price is mind blowing. 

The Matte Bronzer Compact has taken up full time residence on my face since receiving it. It is completely matte, it isn't orange and it doesn't cake on top of my foundation. It feels silky to the touch and while it is perfect for during the day, it's very buildable. Ideal for anyone who is new to contouring or someone who isn't ready to embrace a cream contour. 

I was also sent some brushes to try out. Being a bit of a brush snob, Sigma are my brushes of choice. I've been be left out of pocket on more than one occasion after "investing" in high end brushes so when I find one that works for me, I rarely change it up. That being said, I was completely blown away with the brushes I was sent. The Face Blending brush has completely changed my opinion on branded brushes, it so soft and such a unique shape. The angle of the brush and the fact that the bristles are curved mean it fits under my "cheekbones" perfectly. Chiseling them in one quick sweep. It's narrow enough to use down the sides of your nose too and perfect for disguising a high forehead like mine if you want to rock a slicked back ponytail.

What surprised me most about the brush was the complete lack of fall out where the bristles are concerned, even after washing the brush. I haven't seen one loose hair - Success! It just goes to show that price doesn't always indicate quality in the beauty industry.

This pair combined is a match made in makeup heaven. The W7 brushes start at €1.49 and the Bronzer compact is a mere €1.99. You can pick W7 online from Cara Pharmacy where these products are regularly on SALE. They're practically giving the products away at full price. 

I may have a few W7 Designer Dupes of Cult Beauty products up my sleeves so be sure to keep an eye out for those in the coming weeks.

Stila Convertible Color | Review

I must admit, I've had Stila's Convertible Colors on my wish list for quite some time but could never settle on a shade.. I bit the bullet last month after clasping my eyes on the beauty that is 'Camellia'. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you'll know I'm big into Bronze and even more so now that it's Summer here in Ireland - this was fate!

When it arrived, it was everything I imagined and so, so much more. It packs one hell of a punch colourwise - one dab and you're good to go. It is the most pigmented cheek product I have ever owned, glides on effortlessly and is buildable meaning you get your desired look with minimal effort on your part.

You can apply it with your fingers and your foundation doesn't budge underneath however down to my spot prone skin I apply it using my real techniques stippling brush to avoid touching my face where possible.

*I have it on my cheeks here*

What I wasn't expecting from it was the gorgeous healthy, dewy glow it gives my skin while wearing it, so much so that I've actually stopped highlighting my "cheekbones" since I got it. It is a convertable color so doubles as a lip stain as well which is great if you're on the go or need to travel light.

Hands down my favourite beauty buy in a long time. It is the only blusher I've worn since purchasing which completely justifies the €20 price tag in my opinion. I see a lot more of them in my future. The only question left.. What colour do I want next?

Benefit - They're Real 'Push-Up' Liner | Review

Growing up I was such a 'Benebabe' and for a long time the majority of my makeup bag consisted of purely Benefit  but I grew out of it and for a long time I hadn't purchased anything new from them other than the cult product that is the 'They're Real' Mascara (which admittedly I am still not completely sold on).

Well today I'm here to talk to about the latest addition to the 'They're Real' family and ever since I clasped eyes on it, I knew I had to have it. God only knows why because I can't wing out my liner to save my life. None the less I bought into the hype. It launched here in Ireland on the 25th of June. I picked it up straight and have been familiarising myself with it ever since..

So what makes it different to other gel liners you ask? Well for starters it comes in a twist up pen as apposed to the typical pot meaning it won't dry out quickly, you only dispense what you need. The blacker than black gel is dispensed out through a soft, flexible, silicone nib. A nib so thin that it gets right up into your lash line, not only are you defining your eyes you're actually giving the illusion of fuller, thicker lashes!! 

The formula of the liner itself is a little drier than others I have tried in the past, now this is not a bad thing by any means especially if you, like me are somewhat of an amateur when it comes to winged liner.  The consistency is, in my opinion PERFECT! Not too thick, not too runny. Matte and Jet Black.

Like any new product, it does take a little getting used to but I'm getting there - slowly but surely. The nib is great for beginners too as you really do get a far crisper line with it, it also takes the hassle out of having to wash a liner brush (which we all know is torturous). 

Like it's predecessor, once this liner is on, it will not budge. I mean hail, rain, or snow. Sun, sweat or tears it is going nowhere. With the release of the liner so too came the release of an eye makeup remover in the form of the They're Real 'Strip-down' Waterproof eye makeup remover. I like what you did there Benefit, with the names!

Being so sucked into the hype surrounding the liner I picked up the remover too. It's pretty basic if you ask me, an emulsifier type remover. Apply it directly to the liner, and wipe away with a soaked cotton pad. It does the same as any oil-based makeup remover and at €19.50 it was a waste of money on my part. Oh well, you live and learn as they say..

As for the liner itself? The hype is REAL! If you're willing to part with €25 it is well worth investing in. It's also on sale from Cara Pharmacy online here at a reduced price of €20 currently in their sale! You can thank me later ;)

Soleil Tan De Chanel | Review

After a particularly long week in the office a while back, I deserved a treat and through the process of elimination decided on Chanel. Lets face it, Chanel makes everything better! I have been lusting after Soleil Tan de Chanel for about 2 years now but could never commit to a purchase convincing myself that I was far to pale and it wouldn't look right. After that week I just bit the bullet and I haven't looked back since. 

I wanted it primarily as a makeup base for matching my face to my body especially for nights out over the summer because as a rule I don't tan my face. Real or Fake. 

While it is marketed as a makeup base and it works well as one, over the past few weeks I have become more accustomed to using it as a cream bronzer applying it with a stippling brush in the typical "3" motion. It's the perfect colour for contouring the face and blends effortlessly into foundation with a matte finish.

However, for days where I am tan free, I can still wear it. For daytime I mix the tiniest amount of moisturiser (about the size of a grain of rice) in the jar with it, swirl my brush around it and apply it in the same "3" motion, for a dewy day time look with just a hint of colour. A healthy sun-kissed glow if you will.

It has become a staple in my makeup routine, to the point where I feel naked without it. How typical that I'd feel naked without Chanel? 

It is priced at €38.50 and available here. While it is on the pricer end of the scale, I see it as an investment product. I'll get so much use out of it during the summer as cream based products feel so much lighter on the skin, you can have a full face of makeup with looking cakey. 

I've ordered a Stila Convertable Colour to wear with it, now I have to wait patiently for it to arrive so I can bronze up my cheeks to match.

May Favourites |

Hello Lovelies,

Let me start off by apologizing for the sort of blogging hiatus. I have not given up completely, I'm currently doing a course outside of my full-time job so I have little time  between the two to sit down and actually blog. I'll explain more about what I'm doing in good time. For now I thought I share with you some of my May Favourites. Can you believe it is June already?

Vichy Purete Thermale Purifying Foaming water - €14.99

This little wonder was sitting idle in my bathroom until a couple of weeks ago when it caught my attention, now I can't figure out why I ever stopped using it. I just looks like water in the bottle and when you pump it out it foams up. It's a really gentle face wash, lightly scented and it leaves my skin looking brighter and my face looks plumper and so so smooth - even before moisturizing. It contains Captalae, a shea plant extract which acts like a magnet to draw impurities from the skin without needing any harsh chemicals making it great for those with sensitive skin. I love it!

Liz Earle Instant Boost Tonic Spritzer -  €16.00

It is almost unheard of for me to be mentioning a toner let alone be "favouriting" it. I find a lot of them to be very drying and leave my skin feeling stripped and sometimes quite raw. I have been using witch hazel and rose water for years and it has been doing the job just fine. However, I received a 30ml travel size of this at Christmas in a Liz Earle giftset. It contains aloe vera  to revitalize and soften skin and refreshing chamomile and cucumber. It smells so fresh, its mood boosting! It comes in bottle form like a normal toner or you can get a spritzer version which I prefer. It is alcohol free and the natural vitamin E adds a veil of moisture. I've just repurchased! 

Clarins Daily Engerizer Cream - €24.00

This moisturizer is one I find myself coming back to for spring/summer again and again so you could say its a long term favourite of mine. The Daily Energizer range was specifically designed with younger skin in mind (late teens - to early twenties). It contains Vitamin C to tackle fatigued, dull skin, Turmeric a powerful antioxident, Alchemilla a plant extract designed to regulate the production of sebum for clearer pores and complexion and finally Ginkgo Biloba to increase the skins intake of oxygen for brighter, more radiant skin. It does all of this without leaving the skin feeling greasy, it is my go to day time moisturizer for the summer months. My one and only gripe with this product is the lack of SPF, when designing a range of skincare for for younger skin I thought it would have been of paramount importance. Maybe that's just me..

The Body Shop Tinted Glow Enhancer - approx €19.00

I have had this highlight for ages.. I rediscovered it recently when I was doing a massive clear out and have fallen for it again in a big way. You can do so much with it, mix it in with your foundation for a dewier look, apply it on bare skin for a glowing complexion or apply it as you would a normal hightlight - on your cheek bones, your cupids bow, down the centre of your nose, etc. However, I'm unsure it is still available and fear it may be discontinued. I haven't been able to find it online, I have tweeted the body shop and am awaiting a response. How typical would it be that I would fall in love with a discontinued product? 

No.7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in 'Truffle' - €9.25

To be totally honest I never thought much of No.7 as a brand, I'd see it in Boots and walk past it seeing it a brand for the more mature woman. I received this eyeshadow in a goodie bag at the launch of the Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff Scrub, why I haven't blogged about it before now is beyond me. I get countless compliments when wearing it. It is the most beautiful warm bronze colour that really makes blue eyes pop! The texture is so silky and it has the finest shimmer, it blends effortlessly and although quite pigmented as it is, you can really build it up for your desired look. Desert Island eyeshadow? I think so!  It creates a single shadow smokey eye - Perfect!

Essence Get Big Lashes Triple Black Mascara - €2.89

This Mascara has knocked me for six, it has literally blown me away. It is the blackest black colour, it adds length, volume and definition to my lashes with a single coat. It doesn't clump and doesn't dry out my lashes and make them feel crispy. It has undoubtedly knocked my beloved YSL Faux Cils Mascara off of its pedestal and what's more? I can get 11 of these mascara for the price of the YSL one. It deserves Holy Grail Status - Life made!

So there you have it, a look into some of the products I have been loving throughout the last month and a little look into some of my skincare routine. What have you been loving this month? 

Rebecca x

April Favourites

Hello Lovelies,

Its hard to believe its May tomorrow isn't it? I'm back to you today with a Monthly Favourites. I haven't done one in a while purely out of lack of inspiration. I've tried a million new products since the start of the year and so many of them leave a lot to be desired and I wasn't going to post about February's "you'll do's".

April has been a somewhat more fruitful month where products are concerned, some are new, others are rediscovered gems. 

1. Wet n' Wild CoverAll Concealer Palette

As you all know, back in February Wet n' Wild launched in Ireland and the blogging world went nuts. I have to say I wasn't overwhelmed by the brand and still think there's a lot to be said for the more widely available Essence and Catrice where "drug store" brands are concerned. I did really enjoy the concealer palette though. You get 4 concealers in the colour corrector palette for €4.49. One to brighten, one to neutralize reddness, one to cover and a highlight. They are really creamy in consistency and the 'brighten' and 'cover' are the perfect shades for contouring and highlighting especially for day to day. They match my skin tone to perfection and I would go so far as to say I actually prefer them to my Crown Brush Contour palette. Definitely worth a go. It could however do without the icy silver "highlight" - its a bit gaudy in my opinion! 

2. Garnier Ultimate Blends The Silky 7-in-1 dry shampoo

For far too long us brunettes have been left out where dry shampoo is concerned, unless you were willing to fork out big bucks you'd never get to fully experience the joys of second or third day hair. Well you could but you'd run the risk of rocking grey roots down to the chalky residue left behind from the likes of Batiste. However garnier have come to the rescue with the release of their very own dry shampoo range and it is supurb- no residue whatsoever. I picked it up in the vanilla milk and it is fantastic. It would definitely give its higher end competitors a run for their money and the smell? OMG THE SMELL!!! 

3. Sleek i-Divine Vintage Romance eyeshadow Palette

I've had this palette for months and didn't really give it a chance until ths month. I'm a massive fan of Sleek as a brand, everything is so pigmented and such value for money and the eyeshadow palettes are no different, you get 12 shadows for €9.99. The colour payoff is second to none. I really don't know why I've overlooked the palette for so long, you can literally create a million different looks with this palette. This month I've been focusing my attention on adding a hint of colour to my smokey eye with the help of the gorgeous purple's in this palette. They really make my greeny blue eyes pop! Oh and talk about wanderlust with the fab names "Meet in Madrid", "Propose in Prague" "Marry in Monte Carlo" etc. It was limited addition when I purchased it, if you can get your hands on it at all - you need it!

4. Vichy Normaderm Tri Activ cleanser + scrub + mask

With the warmer weather on its way, I've noticed an my skin has started to become oily again so to avoid the inevitable break out due to excess oil production I dug out the old reliable and it is working a treat. This multitasking beauty contains both salicylic and glycolic acid both well known for treating acne along with Kaolin to fight imperfections and clay to dry out any impurities and excess oil. It is also soap, paraben and alcohol free making it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. In a nutshell, if you suffer from oily, acne prone skin or hormonal break outs, this cleanser will quiet literally save your life. It is priced at appox €14 and available in chemists nationwide.

5. Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 220 'Showy Flamboyante'

I'm going to start off by saying that I think, maybe Revlon might be my favourite of the "drug store" brand. To date not one of their products has let me down and the foundation range for the paler than pale like me is just a dream come true. We're not talking foundation today though. We're talking lips and I am in love with these matte balms, throughout the month of April I have obsessing over the vibrant pink. What says spring has sprung better than big, bold, bright lips? Eh.. Nothing! They fact that it's matte makes it even more desirable in my eyes and I'm just so in love. Move out of the way MUA, you have been replaced. They consistency is just that of a balm and although the product does dry onto your lips, it isn't drying. The staying power is phenomenal and it doesn't flake away like some of the other Matte lip products. I have an orange shade knocking around my bedroom somewhere too and i'm looking forward to trying it out. 

But for know just look at the pink lip perfection that is 'Showy Flamboyante'. I've been using MAC's 'Magenta' lip liner to add a bit of depth and volume to my lips with it but it isn't necessary.

So there you have it, some of the products I have been loving through out the month of April. In honour of the 10th Anniversary I'm off to watch Mean Girls before bed! 

Whats been tickling your fancy of late? Any recommendations?

Rebecca x

Karora CC Cream | Review

I was never someone who bought into the whole BB cream/ CC Cream hype. I've always been someone who either wanted full coverage or no coverage at all so they seemed somewhat pointless for me. Admittedly, I tried a few out of sheer curiosity but nothing tickled my fancy.

I think a lot of that was the fact that they seemed to cling to any dry patches on with my face. I also found that the colour of a lot of them was quite ashy and made me look like death warmed up. They were a big NO from me!

I have however, found a Diamond in the rough. It comes in the form of the Karora CC Cream and I have fallen head first for it. It isn't ashy like the others, it enhances your natural skin tone - your skin but better! It feels really light-weight on the skin while still offering a buildable coverage, So if I'm having a particularly good skin day (rare as they might be) A quick sweep of this cream evens out my complexion and I feel completely put together and ready to take on the day.

It is packed full of amazing, uber-hydrating ingredients such as; Green tea leaf extract, jojoba seed oil, acai berry and argan oil so it glides evenly over any problem areas, blurring out any imperfections on its way.

What I love most about this product is the fact that it isn't intended solely for use on the face. It covers a multitude, working wonders on the likes of bruises, thread veins and skin pigmentation.

My "makeup free" look featuring the Karora CC Cream in question. 

What Karora Say: "Become a skin sensation with this multi-tasking beauty wonder that delivers unrivalled radience,coverage and complexion perfect." 

Now who wouldn't want in on that? I couldn't agree more with the statement if I tried. It has quickly become a staple in my makeup bag and for the price could you possibly blame me?

It is priced at €24.99 for 100mls and available from Cloud 10 beauty and salons nationwide.

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer | Review

Hello Lovelies,

I hope you're all having a great weekend. Sunday is definitely my favourite day of the week, one spent trialling new products and researching online. Today I come to you with a review of one of my stand out products of 2013. It comes in the form of the MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquers.

Matte is like the beauty equivalent of marmite - you'll either love or you'll hate it. Personally I am a huge fan of the trend having rocked a matte gel manicure on more than one occasion. It was massive for A/W 13' and everyone wanted the perfect velvet complexion. 

I spotted these beauties on the MUA site when I was making my first purchase. My immediate thought was they were an identical dupe for the Lime Crime 'Velvetines' a product I had been lusting after for months. Unfortunately for us Lime Crime is not available in Ireland. At £3 each I just couldn't leave them behind. I picked up 2 shades.

Left is 'Reckless' and Right is 'Atomic'

 'Reckless' which is the perfect blood red with blue undertones which instantly makes your teeth look whiter and brighter. It has been my go to lip product over the festive season. I have rocked it at every given opportunity. 

'Atomic' was the second shade I picked up. On the online swatch it looked corally and I immediately thought of summer. On actual application it is a vivid orange which is even better. I LOVE it and cannot wait to rock it with a tan this summer.

They are uber pigmented and look so good on. You simply apply the with the doe foot applicator like you would with any other gloss, smack your lips to insure the product doesn't gather in places and leave it dry for a second and you're good to go.

What I will say about them is that they are not the product to wear if you're planning on a 4-course meal as excessive moisture will lead to the product crumbling on your lips. However if it a few drinks with the girls you're planning you won't need to reapply it any more than you would with regular lipstick or gloss.

Of course you can get the equivalent from the higher end of the market. Giorgio Armani's 'Lip Maestro' lip lacquer for example. However, I don't see the point in spending 7-8 times the price of the MUA version for the same end result. Do you? 

I am so obsessed with these little beauties, so much so I'll be purchasing the remaining 3 shades. They are available to buy here at £3 a piece. 

Are you pro or against matte? 

December favourites

So it's that time again.. Monthly favourites time! To say December has been hectic is an understatement.. Between last minute Christmas shopping, family reunions (my aunts return from Oz) and Christmas itself. It has been a whirlwind of fun, food and festivities. 

Santa was extremely generous this year and I received some beauty bits that I have been lusting after with quite some time. Undoubtedly many of these will make an appearance in my January favourites if they haven't been reviewed in the mean time. I cannot wait to delve into them all! 

But for now. Here are a few bits I have been absolutely loving throughout the month of December.

The Body Shop 'Ginger Sparkle' Collection - €18.99 (for the set)

I have never been one for the typical spicy/cinnamon winter scents. But this? This caught my attention immediately. I mean.. How cute is the tin? Not only is the tin cute but the products themselves smell ah-mazing! Such a comforting scent. There really is nothing better than lathering on the body butter after a hot shower, putting on some cozy Jammie's and curling up in front of the fire with a good book and a tin of sweets - sheer perfection! I could see myself using this collection all year round.

MUA Cosmetics - Undress your skin foundation in the shade 'Beige' - €6.02

Now I know I have only reviewed this foundation recently but I couldn't not include it my monthly favourites as it has been my go-to foundation all month long and In all honesty it has hardly left my face. For something so ridiculously cheap it has been such an investment buy! I'm in L-O-V-E!! You can read my full review here. 

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in 'Reckless' - €3.61

Continuing on with the same brand and another product I have reached for at every given opportunity is this little beauty. It is two of my favourite things combined. The classic red lip, mattified. I have worn it to all my Christmas parties and have even rocked it around the house in my pjs. I also picked it up in the shade 'atomic' an orangey red colour. I have a feeling I'll be going back for the rest of them. Reviewed here or check out my Instagram for some snaps of it on.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - €10.50

THIS!! Omg this brush. If it was humanly possible to be in love with an inanimate object, then it would be mad, passionate, hopeless love. It has knocked my Sigma, Mac and Laura Mercier out of the ball park. The combination of this and my Undress Your Skin Foundation, or any foundation for that matter work flawlessly together. I'm so obsessed that I'm seriously considering investing in a second one. The brush is only €10.50 but my god is it hard to get a hold of. If you do spot it when you are out and about I urge you to pick it up. You won't be disappointed!!

 

Rimmel Color Rush Balm in 'Drive me Nude' - €7.99

Now as much as I love my matte red lips, they aren't the most wearable. I think I'd get more than one strange look if I was rocking it in my local Supervalu picking up the messages. So this has been my alternative. It is Rimmels take on the chubby stick, all of the high street brands have brought them out of late and I have been on the hunt for a day to day nude shade that isn't drying. This has been perfect! Although I'm not a fan of a glossy finish normally, this isn't sticky at all and it is extremely moisturising which is exactly what we all need with the weather we're having at the moment.

Cocoa Brown's Chocolate Whip Oil-free Moisturiser - €7

Well here's a suprise. NOT! Cocoa Brown's Chocolate Whip Oil-free Moisturiser is next up on my list of favourites this month. Early in December I headed to Dublin to Celebrate the first birthday of the brand and I was not leaving Dublin without it. I had searched high and low here in Cork to get my hands on it and it was like gold dust. It has been a beauty staple for the month of december as I have been tanning more or less constantly throughout December and it really does extend the life span of your tan. It smells divine, edible almost. It is really thick and so luxurious to apply and soaks in almost instantly which is a must with the cold weather as after showering these days you really cannot get dressed fast enough. Full review to come.

Sleek Makeup Blusher in 'Suede' - €5.49

I know, two months in a row and two different Sleek Blushers. This month I have been absolutely loving 'Suede'. It is a light matte brown which I have previously used as a contour powder if I'm not sporting any fake tan. This month however I've been using it for its intended purpose, a blusher. I've been keeping my face and lips quite neutral over the past few weeks while rocking a smoky eye and this blush colour is works a treat. I'm naturally ghostly white and I do not fake tan my face so this colour is perfect. it adds warmth to the face without you looking flushed. I have reviewed it here previously.

So there you have just a few of my favourites for the month of December. I have really gotten into skin care this past month and have a few bits to share with you so I've decided to dedicate a separate post entirely to that. It includes a very exciting new product which will be on sale early in 2014! 

Last but by no means least I'd just like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2014! And just a thank you for all your continued support with the blog from the start. I can't believe I'm heading for 600 Facebook likes. 2014 can only bring bigger and better things with it!

Just a reminder to myself to blog more.. Ryan Gosling is reading ;)