Cherry Pick of the Week: The Velvetizer from Urban Decay!

When the brand new Irish Urban Decay flagship store opened on Dublin's Grafton Street last month, one of the most exciting elements was that we would have exclusive access to certain products. One of those products, The Velevetizer Translucent Mix-In Medium is worth the trip to the city alone. A new take on Makeup Artists' old trick of using translucent powder to alter foundation finishes in a pinch, The Velvetizer is about to be a go to makeup product, rather than a last resort. I was thrilled when UD Ireland popped a sample my way. 

Nars Kalahari & Kuala Lumpur: A Sneaky Pay Day Purchase

Being a newbie to Nars (Outlaw being my first purchase) I haven't paid much attention to their eye shadows - I know, bad beauty blogger - but on a recent sojourn to BTs these two duos almost leapt from the shelf to be with me. How could I refuse? 

Nars Kuala Lumpur & Kalahari

Nars Kuala Lumpur

Nars Kuala Lumpur is a pink/peach with gold shimmer on one side with a reddened purple with gold micro shimmer on the other. Both are hugely flattering to green/blue eyes - luckily I have 'em and blend beautifully. 

My one note with these is the huge benefit to be had from dampening the brush before application. The colour payoff almost doubles and the fallout is negligible. Not only am i using these alone to create a full eye look but they blend beautifully with the neautrals already in my stash. 

Nars Kalahari

Nars Kalahari is a neutral duo with golden brown shimmer and a brighter golden brown with reddish undertone to complement. Both ridiculously easy to wear I've been reaching for this duo more than any other over the past week. 

Again, I'd recommend a dampened brush for true colour payoff but Kalahari is an ideal duo for buffing out other colours or wearing on it's lonesome for a subtle day time look. 

Nars duos are priced at a fairly spendy €33 each but I'll be honest and say that I had to stop looking. There's some truly beautiful duos on offer but my moment of madness had to be limited to two. (Those pesky kids and their need to eat!)

Tell me, are you a Nars fan? Anything you reckon I should see immediately? 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer & Skin Repair Moisturiser

A little while ago I brought you my review of Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. (Despite using it most days, it's only now coming to an end, which is fantastic value for a product). Following that post the lovely PR rep for the brand contacted me to see if I would like to try the following two steps in the beauty regime, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer & the Skin Repair Moisturiser. 'Absolument, lovely lady' was my grateful response. 

Because I'd been trialling a lot of skin care over the past couple of months, I wanted to hold off on reviewing these until I could give them a proper trial and I'm delighted I did, as is my visage. I've been using all three products to varying degrees over the past few weeks to find the perfect combination for me and I think I've cracked it. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer -  €14.75

First up, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer, to be used after the Hot Cloth Cleanse & Polish, is full of naturally active ingredients, such as organic aloe vera to revitalise and soften and calendula, chamomile, cucumber and natural source vitamin E to soothe and refresh. They all combine to make a floral, almost herb like scent in a refreshing spritz. 

I've never been convinced of the need for a toner for my skin as in the past they have tended to strip it or leave it drier than before. Not so with with this tonic. My face is actually more moisturised following use, so much so that I've occasionally skipped the moisturiser altogether. Working much like a Thermal Spring Water, this Liz Earle offering has many uses, not just its intended application. I've found myself spritzing my face in the evenings just to freshen up. It really does round out the regime and I'd recommend giving it a try. 

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser - €22.25

The final step in the Liz Earle regime is the Skin Repair Moisturiser. My jar is for Normal/Combination skin and suits both my skin type and my needs perfectly. Naturally active ingredients include borage and avocado oils to moisturise and smooth with beta-carotene and regular skin saviour, vitamin E. 

Again this is scented slightly on the floral side but not overwhelmingly so. It's consistency isn't too thick and once massaged in it leaves no residue on the skin but my face appears brighter and softer having used it. Following a weeks use I found that Skin Repair Moisturiser was a little too rich for me to use both morning and evening but confining it to just evening use suits me perfectly. 

My skin is bright and feels refreshed using the Liz Earle full regime but tailoring it to my needs. If you'd like to try them for yourself there's a fantastic deal on at the moment on their site: 

Check out this fantastic deal here. 

I know some of the feedback I've gotten from you about the Liz Earle range is to do with price of postage. This offer looks like it might just circumvent that problem, that and the fact that this deal is £41 for our British sisters, means we really are getting a decent saving. 

Have you tried Liz Earle products before? Have you a favourite? 

Avengers Assemble - Movie Review

Who's in it?

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston & many, many more.

What's it About?

Samuel L Jackson is back as S.H.I.E.L.D's Fury to assemble the superheroes and form The Avengers, their mission is to ward off the nefarious Loki, his impending alien army assault on earth and to regain the Tesseract - an alien source of pure energy.

Any Good?

Four years in the build up and cruel teasers at the end of every adventure haven't been fair to serious Marvel fans or y'know lovers of all things Super Hero *raises hand sheepishly* but Joss Whedon as Director here has given all of us more than expected with Avengers Assemble. The film is OTT and absurd in the most delightful way. Despite a particularly drawn out and wordy first act, used to tie up the loose ends from each of the heroes' solo quests, Whedon has surpassed himself in combining all of these larger than life characters and presenting a balanced ensemble of super. 

The Avengers. Assembled. 

Even though there has been a staggering overload of clip and footage releases for this movie there are still surprises, such as the crossover of characters from previous super hero incarnations, Pepper Potts and consistent Marvel lurker Agent Coulsen's characters are fleshed out and add to the layered, cohesive story telling. The script, while not as rapier as some reviews have gushed, is clever, sharp and at times laugh out loud hilarious. Robert Downey Junior (by far my favourite character) is on form and again leads me to wonder if he and Tony Stark are actually one, his one liners and quips flow easily and serve to slice through some of the more absurd elements of the film. 

The Hulk himself is epic, in every sense of the word, Ruffalo brings a sense of self loathing and depression to Banner, which dissipates entirely when 'the other guy' shows up. This green beast provides two of easily the funniest moments in the movie, drawing an enormous rupture of laughter from the audience, a near choking by myself and a lot of appreciative chuckles even as the show went on. 

Despite the common misconception, he's actually incredibly likeable when he's angry. 

 I'll come right out and say that, to me, Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow did nothing to add to the plot, it kills me to add that Hawk Eye (Renner) also seemed a little lost. In a cast of super heroes, their characters weren't very super is all - though I can appreciate the eye candy element each of them brought to the screen. Souped up Thor raised in my estimation though, following his wojus solo expedition last year and Captain America played his role with absolute conviction. Despite some shortfalls, they all amounted to a fairly kick ass assembly. 

If you're a fan of any or all of the Marvel characters you're going to love this. I found the beginning a little clunky but once the pace picked up, the 3D set pieces of mayhem were unleashed and the enormous CGI serpents roller coastered their way onto the screen spewing destruction I was in my element. To me, it's the popcorn, super hero blockbuster of 2012 to beat, that's said fully aware that the Dark Knight is poised to knock my socks off this Summer, but for now, grab your friends, grab your tickets and get yourself to see this!


Rating:

The Descendants - Movie Review

Who's in it? 

George Clooney, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller

What's it About? 

The Descendants is the story of Matt King (Clooney) as a descendant of old Hawaiian royalty and the trustee of the estate on the island of Kauai, ‘25 acres of paradise’ that is set to make his family up to half a billion dollars. It's a touching tale of a man having to deal with his family for the first time in a long time and struggling with a life changing decision, once he has all the facts.

Any Good? 

Oscar winning movie maker Alexander Payne is back and 8 years after taking Hollywood by storm he couldn't have chosen a better film for his return.

The movie opens with Clooney’s narrative, shots of ‘the real’ Hawaii and the revelation that his wife is on life support following a speed boat accident.

I’m going to try not to hype this one but from the opening scenes I was hooked and reeled in. Clooney plays not only a husband and father suffering a potentially devastating loss and a shattered heart; he’s also a real person. A likeable, relatable, real person that you can’t help but care for.

Look at ALL that scenery...

Fans of Garden State will recognise the beautifully done, up close scrutiny of the family unit, its intricacies and the fact that reality is very rarely like the movies. Both Clooney and his on screen daughter (Woodley) play the relationship with ease. She’s definitely one to watch. There’s not one character I could fault or expect more from.

Payne has said that this movie is certainly no tourist postcard of Hawaii but I beg to differ. It’s a dark portrayal, certainly, but there’s also unmistakeable and breathtaking beauty. Even in the rain, Hawaii is somewhere I’d like to be. (I’m blaming 50 First Dates, the finale of Modern Family & IZ Kamakawiwo`ole for that too). You can almost feel the breeze in your hair and you can’t help but empathise with Clooney in his struggle over whether to sell out or not.

Daddy & Daughter. A director's dream, no doubt. 

With one of the most beautiful and fitting scores I’ve heard for quite a while and the ability to make you laugh and cry effortlessly I’m recommending you go see The Descendents. Having already won the Golden Globe for Best Drama and Best Actor, if Clooney doesn’t get his statuette for this I’m finished with the Oscars (and I mean it this time). Mahalo.

Rating:

50/50 - Review

Who's in it? 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick

What's it about? 

Inspired by a true story, 50/50 is a dark comedy based on Adam, a 27 year old radio worker who's life takes a sudden turn with the news that he has cancer. We see him receive his devastating diagnosis and the subsequent battle with the disease and its effect on the relationships of those he loves.

Any good? 

50/50 is a touching tale of life and the shocking, bewildering curveballs it can throw. Adam (Gordon-Levitt) seems to be a pillar of fortitude once he gets over the initial shock of the news he has cancer yet slowly the cracks begin to appear as he struggles to cope and battle this aggressive illness.

Critics have compared this to Funny People and Love & Other Drugs because of the subject matter but this movie is so much more. It's compelling and heartfelt, which is a testament to both lead actors' skills.

Seth Rogen felt like a natural best friend, they were effortlessly funny together while with an illness you would assume needs the most effort to make you smile. There are genuine laugh out loud moments but it's never forced and they're coupled with a poignancy that really does the subject matter justice.

Anna Kendrick makes an appearance too as a trainee therapist and plays the role wonderfully. Angelica Houston as Adam's over distraught Mother is perfectly cast. She provided more than one reach for scarf as the tears threatened to roll.

The eldest Gorgebag accompanied me to this one and reckons he hasn't seen a better film all year. I did thoroughly enjoy it, in an off beat Garden State way and can almost forgive it making me ugly cry considering they had Radiohead's High & Dry in it's fantastic soundtrack.

Well worth a looksie (but bring the hankies). 

Rating? 

La Roche-Posay Tolereine Teint Review & Giveaway!

Not being a huge lover of compacts in the past, the mess factor puts me off, it's been quite a while since I've purchased one. Cue Lady Luck intervening, well her and the beauty brains that are Sinéad & Dee over on VivaAdonis.com that saw me winning this baby last week. 

So what think I? Initial impressions saw me agreeing with the girls on the clinical look of the compact. It's not the prettiest, nor the most eye catching accessory to have in your mála, but I'm loving the large mirror for touch ups of every kind. 

La Roche market this new formulation as having 'New Exclusive Ultra Melting Texture' and you know what? It does. It glides on effortlessly, that'd be the 3D network leaving a homogeneous fine film right? Right. 

Dabbed straight on the colour appears dark

But blends beautifully 

This compact creme is aimed at 20-45 year olds and very unlike the Garnier B.B. offering seems to incorporate everything we're looking for in coverage, without drying out skin or appearing mask like.

I've noticed my skin can breathe easily through this formulation, which is more than I expected given the usual tendencies of compacts to cake. This lasts all day too, which rocks. Toleriane Teint provides SPF 35 protection, great news for those of us battling the dreaded crow's feet dancing a jig on their Súiles (not me, I'm only a chil').

Having received 3 compliments on my makeup in the first day wearing this it's safe to say I'm loving it. Available in 4 shades Ivory, Light Beige, Sand Beige & Golden, exclusively from chemists, for a not too extortionate €20, this is one I'm recommending.

So enamoured am I with this new discovery that receiving one as a press sample today from the oh so generous Paula my first instinct was to keep it to my face.

But that's just selfish, right? So, in honour of you lovely followers and in the spirit of sharing the love, I'm giving the new 'un to you.

Rules are simpler than ever & this time it's open internationally. Only stipulation is that you're a follower of the blawg through GFC (Blue doohickey on the right).

Leave me a comment below with your email address & Random.org will choose a winner on the 4th of October. Should you be under 18 & wanting this (You're gorgeous, you don't need it!) do please ask parent's or guardians for permission. 


Comp Closed Lovelies. 

Garnier Skin Perfector - All it claims to B.B.?

I, no doubt like you, have been reading the reviews for the new B.B. (Blemish Balm) creams that have saturated the market of late. Yes, I'm a marketer's dream, so picked one up. 

First up, the claims! Being in possession of this little (it is very little) beauty means you should have: 

• More even toned skin with a boost in complexion
• A highlighted & illuminated fizzog
• Smoother fine lines (not wrinkles though)
• 24hr hydration
• A unified complexion thanks to the antioxidants & pigments
• SPF 15 UV protection

Actual size is only ickle (50ml)

I've been using this, on and off, to gauge results. The first thing to compliment is the smell, it is Divine! While the Asian original B.B. creams tended to be a deeper colour (obsv) I'm not sure I'm convinced Garnier have got the colouring right for calíns with this one. 

It does give a dewy finish but pulls towards orange, even on my skin. It seems like a good choice for those that like sheer coverage though. The problem being that the target audience for this product is 25-35, not a whole lot of us that would brave the sheer look any time past August. 

You're 37 & a half?! Stop using me. At once!

Even the light version is dark for us Peigs

It does make for magnificent mawlers though

While I do like this product, it's not one I'll be repurchasing. It's too sheer for work wear yet too robust to be used as a base. I can't help but feel that had Garnier released this pre 'summer' they would have sold an awful lot more. 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector is available in two colours, Light & Dark, nationwide for €14.99, I picked this one up in Dunnes Stores for €9.99 a fortnight ago. 

What do you reckon, have you tried a B.B. cream yet? Are you bovvered?

**Edit** After 2 days straight of wearing this BB and nothing else my poor face broke out shockingly in painful, raised lumps. I'm gutted but it's definitely not for me. 

Movie Fest Day Uno Reviews

Day one of Movie Fest is a wrap and we're officially pooped. It has to be handed to Movies.ie and CineWorld for pulling this off. Judging by the scramble for the last few seats and the stuffed goody bags by 10.15 this morning, word spread fast. We've already secured our tickets for tomorrow, fortunately for us, as it sold out during the week. 

First up we had  Fright Night a remake of the 1985 Horror, starring this time Colin Farrell (Coddle Farddle), Anton Yelchin, David Tennant and Toni Colette. This film, to me, was Disturbia with teeth. A teenage lad's obsession with a neighbour he knows is up to no good. This time the neighbourino is a vampire, no less. We saw the 3D version, which I found very dark but the lads seemed to love. Fright Night really didn't try too hard and that's why I liked it, switching quickly from laugh out loud to genuinely frightening. I'm convinced that had anybody else attempted the role of Coddle they would come off as Ham, maybe Ham & Cheese but Mr Farrell just made it work. He commanded the screen with comic timing and micro expressions of the seasoned Hollywood professional he has become. 


Christopher Mintz Plasse also making an appearance, still riding high on his role as Red Mist in Kick Ass, this kid is naturally funny and proves as much, once more, on this outing. David Tennant as the Las Vegas magician and self confessed vampire killer appeared at first as an homage to Russell Brand but quickly came into his hilarious own. All in all I'm not sure I would send you running out to see this one, while I genuinely enjoyed it I might suggest waiting for the DVD. The Lads disagree entirely, according to them you need to see this with immediateness. If you fancy a cinema trip, you can't go far wrong with this one.

Following this we were treated to clip upon clip, sneak peak upon exclusive footage and a specially recorded intro from the Master himself Guillermo del Toro. We were given a taste of some serious blockbusters here, notably The Avengers probably the one I'm most excited about. Haywire and from Jo Nesbo with the delectable Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Headhunters. 

And so to our Mystery Screening, the compare's announcement of Smurfs 3D was met with a collective groan, his 'Eh, I'm joking!' with relieved laughter and appreciative applause. 

Drive 
Open scenes of Los Angeles with Ryan Gosling speaking, enjoy this as he doesn't do much of it for the duration. The premise has Gosling working as a stunt driver and part time grease monkey but also picking up a heist or two. Offering five minutes of his time for the job, no more, no less then expertly driving to escape. 

From scene one this film is beautiful, pounding, at times genuinely terrifying and as good an action thriller as you're likely to see for quite a while. The soundtrack, based in techno but reaching so far beyond that is haunting at times but never less than a perfect fit. This is my first time in a long while to wonder how soon I can get the CD soundtrack only 10 minutes in.

Carey Mulligan plays the neighbour, a young mother to a cute kid whose father is inside. Gosling's on screen chemistry with Mulligan is electric, only using words when absolutely necessary, every movement carefully thought out and every emotion hidden. This makes the horrific violence that much more shocking when it happens. Gosling is as effortlessly cool as he is truly frightening. Scenes are shot with dramatic and voyeuristic angles, seeing character's actions and reactions in mirrors or from an awkward angle as if you are realistically part of the conversation. A genuinely absorbing movie with real character involvement. I'm not even mentioning car chases to rival Bullitt or The Bourne Identity at its best.

Some scenes have echoes of a superhero at work, a man with morals and a dogged determination to protect what he loves at all costs. When a heist goes disastrously wrong you can almost hear the cogs turn as Gosling attempts to set things right. With moments of true tenderness in stark contradiction to cover your eyes terror, this film is like no other I've seen. From a girls point of view, there's a kiss that would blow Spidey's upside down socks off followed immediately by the most horrific, in your face, murder I've ever witnessed on the silver screen. Incredible.

A collaboration between Gosling himself and Danish Director Nicolas Winding Refn and based on the novel by James Sallis, Drive is an instant classic. Receiving wide acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival it is truly frightening, flawless and beautiful, I want to see this again. And again. And again.

Final screening of the day was Change Up, have to admit I wasn't looking forward to this one. I'm not a big Ryan Reynolds fan, there I said it! He plays himself in every movie, I'm wholly convinced if he were made of chocolate he'd nom off every chocolatey digit and lick his cartoony lips for effect. 

This film saw the body swap formula trotted out like a show pony that's only fit for the glue factory. Again with the body swap? Seriously? Wait for it... I was pleasantly, comically surprised! These guys made it work. Jason Bateman acts his pants off in this to hilarious effect. There are scenes with the babys, so outrageous that they had to be watched through fingers. Even Reynolds wasn't cringe inducing, no mean feat. 

This film has heart, profanity, plenty of boobs and the stunning Olivia Wilde, funny, intelligent and a lover of the Emerald Isle? What's not to girl schwing over? If you want a funny night out this is a safe bet. Don't be put off by the rehashed formula as this production has some real originality. 

Phewwweee, that was a long post, does anything grab your interest? 

I'm leaba bound now as we're up bright and early for day 2 of Movie Fest. Tune in tomorrow for the low down. 

Kiehl's - Loving Their Work!

The washbag of loveliness featured above was a gift from Dan (obviously) as an apology for shoddy service form UPS (yup, obvious too).

Can I just start by saying that I love Kiehl's? I love their ethos, their products (mostly), their samples and now, more than ever, their Customer Service. 
BackStory
My last order with Kiehls.co.uk was taking a little longer than expected when I got a strange text. From a 'neighbour'. That lives 10 minutes away. Turns out UPS delivered my package to him days before, believing him to live close to me. Why the delivery dude couldn't use my mobile number on the shipping label as this good Samaritan had, I'll never know. Anyway, an inquisitive email to Kiehl's Customer Service to highlight the issue resulted in this little gift. So I thought I'd let you have a looksie at what was included: - 

These 3 creams are scent free and fairly gawjus. I found the Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate to be too sticky though, put me in a mind of when it was the fashion to wear vaseline instead of shadow and everyone went round with their eyelids gummed open. Not for me. The Ultra Facial cream though, I will be buying post haste. It has a light hydrating texture and my face drank it up. 

Fuzzy Pics - everyone's favourite 

The Ultra Facial Oil Free Lotion is meant to visibly reduce excess oil on the skins surface. Meant for normal to oily types. This smelled a little too astringent for my liking, the label full of '-oxyls' and '-anthyns' explained why. To be honest I've been testing this on the eldest teen's fizzog and it's really working. He had oily prone skin (Hullo he's a teen), but I have a feeling this would be too harsh on normal faces. He shall enjoy this sample and no more! It's far from Kiehl's The Ultra Facial Oil Free Lotion we were raised! Seriously though, I think you can get just as good a product for a lot cheaper. 

Citrus Delicious

This Liquid Body Cleanser is exactly that, a body cleanser. Not thick enough to be a gel or foamy enough to be a wash but it does smell delicious. I'm a big fan of the Body Shop's grapefruit offerings so this was a treat. I do prefer my body washes a bit more luxurious (read sudsy) so this has been left in the bathroom for general  washage. My current fave being Kiehl's Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish. There are no words for how lush that body polish is, not even Lush!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah... repeat to fade

At this stage I am considering writing to Mr Kiehl to request commission, the amount of recommendations I give for this product is ridiculous albeit well founded. I have been using this product for about 2 years now and never, ever found a body cream to do what this does. Having suffered from the dread chuck feed arms most of my adult life I have spent a fortune on potions & lotions that this baby eliminated in 10 days. My skin is lighter, brighter and almost completely even toned. With little or no bumps. This is without doubt my HG product to end all HG products & this sample has already been re gifted. 

Beeyooriful

I think of all of the samples this is the one I'll be repurchasing on my next order. This Ultra Facial Cleanser, smells slightly medicinal but is formulated with a sugar derived glycoside, dont'cha know. It's thick, viscous and leaves your mush squeaky, squeaky clean without stripping any natural oils. I used this before reapplying my gradual facial tanner (Xen Tan) and the difference it made for the following 2 days was fantastic. Get into my number one slot for cleansers immediately!

So there we have it, some good, some meh and one or two 'Oh Yeshs'. The very fact I had the opportunity, Thanks to Dan, to do this post shows why I reckon Kiehl's Customer Service Team are second to none.

I pay €52 for the 500ml pump of Creme de Corps, its certainly not cheap but considering the money I’ve shelled out over the years I’d pay this every time, gladly & do. I believe when it comes to skincare you get what you pay for.

Kiehl’s.co.uk no longer ship to Ireland (I hope not because of UPS effing up) but have a Wicklow St Store in Dublin that's lovely for a wander round or you can order over the phone. They're hugely generous with samples if you let them know what you're interested in before shelling out. Always a bonus.

Anything here tempt you lovelies?