June Favourites ft Clarins, Clinique, MAC, Urban Decay, Bourjois, Hourglass, Lancome, Parfois, The BodyShop, Nuxe & The Domestic Geek!

I toyed with the idea of allowing June to escape us sans CherrySue Faves but when I began my customary list of beauty standouts I knew that couldn't be tolerated. My skin this month has been the best it has been in years and that's in no small way thanks to the skincare combo I've been rocking. 4 of which claimed top spots this month. 

As ever if you have any questions, concerns or points to note about anything mentioned pop you link or a comment below. Now what's been tickling my beauty loving pickle? 

1. Clarins Mission Perfection Serum: €60 HERE

Clarins Mission Perfection

There will 100% be a full break down and in depth review of Clarins new super serum, Mission Perfection massaging your eyeballs in the week to come. What you need to know now is that this innovative serum from skincare deities Clarins will most likely change the way you see your skin in just days. 

Of course I'm slightly partial because Mission Perfection relies heavily on Acerola Extract (that's cherries, yo!) to counteract pigment disorders but truly I'm in the love. Aimed at all skin tones, we're promised help with age spots, discolouration, dark areas, marks from acne, dullness and redness without altering the skin's natural tone. All I know is this serum has replaced every single one I own and I'm using it both day and night (unheard of) with great success. 

2. Clinique Take the Day Off Balm: €29 HERE

Clinique Take the Day Off

I'll need to preface my new grá for Clinique's cult favourite Take the Day Off Balm with one note. With this balm we're talking purely function over form, substance over style. This starkly unfragranced solid balm transforms with the slightest touch to a fluid silky oil. 

Just the smallest amount is needed to literally disintegrate your day's slap, including waterproof mascara - though I found I got the dreaded foggy eye twice so I'm now using Bioderma for my siúls. If you're a fan of cleansing oils being an intoxicating experience (as with Emma Hardie's Moringa Balm say) then TTDO is probably not for you. To be honest I was hesitant after my first application too as cleansing oils and balms are a beloved part of my ablutions but that was until I saw my skin about 3 days in. I'm hooked. 

Granted it could be the combination of skincare I've been favouring of late but scented or unscented, this balm is one of the heaviest hitters in that line up. I have no doubt. 

3. The BodyShop Virgin Mojito Body Range: 

From £4 HERE

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito

The BodyShop body butters have always been and may always be my favourite part of any limited edition collection and the Virgin Mojito range is no different. We're talking the intense hydration and skin comforting that you're used to with this one but the addition of Carribean Lime & Mint to the Fair Trade Shea Butter elevate the Virgin Mojito version to another level entirely.

I have a full review of the line up HERE but please know that if you have a body and a penchant for mojitos, you need this. STAT. 

4. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: €21.50 HERE

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

First up, I know twenty quid is hella expensive for a concealer when you have the likes of Collection knocking it out of the park for just over a fiver but seriously now, MAC Pro Longwear is everything is says on the little glass vial and then some!

I first tried this in NW20 thanks to the girls in MAC Brown Thomas Galway giving my slap a jujj up before Xposé. Truthfully, I've never been so instantly impressed with a concealer, then consistently impressed when it lasted for the entire evening, pool party and all!

The lightweight formula is ideal for under eye dark circles and covering pigmentation. I'm unsure if it's all encompassing enough to cover major breakouts (YET) but as an every day, brighten your entire kisser in just a few drops kinda concealer? I'm HOOKED.  

5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light: £42 HERE

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Bronze Light

I've seen the blogosphere being divided over the latest Hourglass launch, their highlighting bronzers and, for the shortest while, that put me off succumbing. You see 60 Eurobux is a bug chunk of change to drop on another bronzer to add to a pile of bronzers if it's just going to languish in a drawer. 

I'm thrilled I trusted my gut and took the plunge though. Luminous Bronze Light is the lighter of the two shades available (though they both seem fairly similar) and having seen Christine Temptalia & Orla Makeup Over Mind give theirs the thumbs up I knew it was the one for me. 

You're going to need a duo fibre brush and the lightest of touches to get this marbled beauty to work for you but BY JOVE when it works it really works. I've been ditching my contour and highlighter in favour of this bad boy and I can't see that changing for the forseeable summer months. Well worth the splurge. Well, well worth it. 

6. Urban Decay All Nighter: From €12.69 HERE 

Urban Decay All Nighter

Looking to save face in this humidity? Quite literally? I've been relying heavily on All Nighter this past couple of weeks. Can't recommend it enough for keeping my face in place!

I had the travel size bottle that you can nab for €12.69 above but as soon as I realised just how good this fine mist was at keeping everything in place for the day and then some I had to invest in the Mama bottle. Holding the bottle at arms length away, I spritz liberally, two pumps is usually enough (ahem) but I've literally never found another setting spray to work as well as this. 

7. Bourjois Only Bluuuuue: €10.49 HERE

Bourjois Only Bluuuuue

Only Bluuuue.. Can make my nails this bright... O Hoooonely Bluuuue can make my nuuuubs look right... Only Bluuuue & Bluuuue alone... No. Filter. Needed!!

Only Bluuuuue is just one of the juicy new Bourjois La Laque shades for summer 2015, see the others swatched HERE. There's just something about a strong blue in the blazing sun that pleases me no end and this one coat wonder is certainly no exception. There are many things Bourjois do right but hand on heart, I truly believe their nail polish formulations and shade choices are top of the class for the beloved French brand. 

8. Parfois Oil Slick Watch: €39.99 HERE

Parfois Oil Slick Watch

You might remember this multi coloured time piece from THESE Monday's Moments but I've legit worn it every day since. I've never once seen an oil slick coloured watch and Parfois don't even market this one as such but it has to be seen to truly be believed. 

Not only is it difficult to find on site but the picture in no way does it justice. I'd wager I'm asked twice a day where I've gotten it, more when I'm out at the weekend and every single time it appears in pictures. It's the most unique watch I've ever seen and I'm so in love with it that I've already bought a back up. I KNOW!

9. Nuxe Merveillance Expert Night Cream: 

€40.50 HERE

Nuxe Merveillance Expert Night Cream

I'm an avid lover of French skincare giants NUXE and have, hand on heart, never been let down by them in the past. Merveillance Expert Night here fell into the unfortunate position of being one of a bajillion night creams I had been sent to try out at the time of its launch earlier this year. 

It was only when I found myself reaching for it more and more that I decided to forgo all others for a while to see what this white pot was really made of. It's a rich and unctuous cream, aimed at women 40+ or yaknow, me since I have a couple of lines creeping in. I think the comforting and calming fragrance of ylang, jasmine and soft vanilla are what led me to it but the results have held my firm attention for months now. 

It's possible that I don't mind forgoing the scented experience with Take the Day Off above because I know just how good Merveillance feels to apply and to sleep in. It definitely compensates but it also gives my skin a plumpness that I haven't seen before. Forty Schmorty, my skin is loving this stuff NOW!

10. Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tan: €20.65 HERE

Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tan

Another fave in my luminous skin arsenal of late is Lancome's Flash Bronzer. Again this arrived amidst a sea of self tans that I was working my way through steadily but as soon as I woke up on the second morning having used this I knew I'd have to treat my visage for a little longer. 

I always apply my facial tanner at night and usually every other night when I'm using one. This brightly scented Flash Bronzer has a thicker consistency than I'm used to, with golden microshimmer but it applies beautifully in about two pumps and dries in instantly. It was the first morning that I awoke and rubbed my face I was amazed with how soft it felt. Of course as a beauty blogger you run through the mental notes of what you're using to find the culprit. I went through the list, washed my visage and thought no more of it. 

The bronze glow is more olive based than orange so looks perfectly natural. More sunkissed than sun drenched and that's AOK by me. It was on waking after the second application that the penny dropped. I have never, like ever had a self tanner react so well with my skin before. My skin is notably softer after use and makeup simply glides on. I'm just using the smallest pea size of Bioderma's AR BB and my skin has never looked better. Lancome's Flash Bronzer has officially replaced my HG Xen Tan and knocked my second favourite Clarin's Radiance Plus off my radar too. That's some going!

11. La Roche-Posay Serozinc: €11 HERE

L Roche Posay Serozinc

I'm going to hold my hands up on this one. I got it wrong. Amid the blogger hubbub of La Roche-Posay finally bringing much hailed skincare fave Serozinc to Ireland I felt whelmed. The brand sent me a tin to try out and I wanted to love it, I really did but it just didn't do anything for me. 

A zinc rich fine mist, I likened it to their Thermal Spring Water (of which I'm a HOOGE fan) in that it felt quite lovely to use but didn't really DO anything for me. That was until I had a hormonal breakout. You know one of those pain in the bone of your jaw before mount Vesuvius even erupts sweinhunds? Serozinc was the only thing I used as I couldn't even bear to touch my own skin. Within two days? Gone. 

I've now taken to spraying the lads shoulders and faces liberally, their oil prone teenage skin is lapping it up and both have commented at how much quicker breakouts are clearing up. I've already bought a second tin and use it as my toner both morning and night in conjunction with the other skincare faves above. Not only is it refreshing on muggy mornings and humid nights but I haven't had a breakout since. I was wrong. There. I said it.  

12. The Domestic Geek Youtube Channel

Salad Jars Aplenty! I bought my jars for €3.99 each in TK Maxx but they're 3 for €4.99 this week in Aldi!

If you follow me on Snapchat (ItsCherrySue) you'll know that my love for The Domestic Geek has been in overdrive this past couple of weeks. Above is my fridge, stocked full of salad jars and overnight oats inspired by the no muss, no fuss genius that is Sarah Lynn. 

I've been trying to up my fruit, veg and wholly nutrious food intake and these time saving recipes are bang on the money for doing just that. Her fruity salad jar that consists of balsamic dressing, strawberries, blueberries, red onion, goats cheese & leafy greens is one of the most delicious food combinations I've ever tried, and I've tried some doozies. There's no fancy ingredients either, just good wholesome food in fantastic combinations. 

The only issue I have is trying to concentrate on paperwork all morning when I know I have a jar calling me with the sweetest siren song from the shared fridge - that and the multiple forks of colleagues trying to nab a taste at lunch. Do yourself, your tastebuds and your all 'round well being a favour &  check Sarah out - tell her I sent you! 

June Favourites 2014 ft: Benefit, Cards Against Humanity, Image Skincare, Hourglass, Face D, Roger & Gallet and Spotify

Oh ma ma ma,oh, ma ma ma,oh, ma ma ma 

My July!

Oh June you were a good one where beauty and shenanigans were concerned. You even managed to kick ass on the weather front too, nicely played. Your time is done though as we're now in July but let's reflect on the favourites you brought into my life, shall we?

1. Cards Against Humanity £20 Here

You know those strange people that have an eight pack instead of a six? Well I'm one o' those following a night playing Cards Against Humanity with la Familia. The most offensive game known to man, played in the most offensive way known to ANYONE, CAH had all five of us Muttley laughing for a solid 2 hours as we tried to outdo each other in shock value. This was just one hand Aaron played to me. Get this game. Get it and go to Hell with us. Laughing. 

2. Garnier Ultimate Blends Colour Illuminator 

1 Minute Treatment €3.53 Here

The quality of this budget hair treatment well belies it's weenchy pricetag. Part of the larger Garnier Ultimate Blends collection, that I've used every single one of, this Argan oil and cranberry extract 1 minute treatment smells INcredible and works like a pro to boot. 

For use just twice a week for a minute each time, I've replaced this twice now as, although it's designed to give coloured hair shine - the Gorgebags are using it by the fist full for the delicioso smell alone. It's a keeper. 

3. Image Skincare Iluma Intense Lightening Serum €35 Here

A newbie to Image and their many skincare ways, I was delighted to learn more about the brand last month. To say my socks were blown off with 'the science bit' is an understatement. Happy in the knowledge that Image knew what was what I began using Iluma Intense Lightening Serum that very night. 

While the smell is slightly overpowering (like an intense suncream scent), the product is Holy Cow this is Holy Grail level gorgeous. My skin was instantly softer, felt plumped and nourished but within 3-5 days I noticed changes. Glowy changes. My pigmentation is no longer as pronounced and skintone just seems more even. I've had several compliments about my skin glowing and this little buidéal is entirely to blame. I swear. 

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette £56 Here

If you're a beauty lover/obsessive, you need no introduction to the Hourglass palette. Cruelly teased with a limited edition release last year, the world promptly lost its shizz once it was discontinued so Hourglass did the daycent thing and made it permanent this May. 

Made up of 3 infused skin finishing powders, witchcraft and wizardry, this photoshop in a palette is easily one of my most loved beauty products to date. I KNOW. I hadn't believed the hype but this is 'Double take at yourself in every reflective surface' sensational. 

The gorgeous Sinéad of Viva Adonis fame advised that I swirl all three colours together for each use instead of just choosing one. I'm currently petitioning the government to have a holiday named after her as thanks. Happy Sinéad's Day, Bishes, we all look FABULOUS. 

5. Face D 3-Luronics Instant Effect Cream Serum €29.99 Here

Psst check out your chance below to win one of three of these babies!!

It warms my instant gratification cockles to see 'Instant Effect' written on any beauty product though the Grinch like skeptic in me is always wary. When Face D's cream serum landed on my desk I was cautious to say the least but one look at the ingredients meant we might just be on to a winner. 

3 hyaluronic acids with 3 different molecular weights are combined in this gel like, non greasy cream. The higher weight packing the instant brightening and plumping punch with the lighter ones working at a deeper level to bring sustained change to the skin. The instant softness I get from this serum is incomparable. I keep it on my work desk for a quick pick me up in the afternoon and it works a treat. In yo' face, 3pm slump! (I'll have to report back on long term changes).

6. Sally Hansen Tahitian Sunset Polish €6.95 Here

My love for this soft peach corally creme was reignited at a recent Sally Hansen event. This mani lasted 5 whole days, unheard of for me, even WITH passport searches and garnered not only compliments but glances too. 

I have a bit of a grá for muted shades in the summer months and Tahitian Sunset has rocketed back into my top polish picks as of last month. 

score 1 of 3 Sally Hansen summer packs, incl Tahitian Sunset & 

worth €100 each here

7. Spotify

Yes, I'm very late to the Spotify game but I can't tell you how good it is to have music back in my life again. One of the things I miss most about driving is heading out with the radio blaring - it's also one of the reasons I've decided I need a car again sharpish - it's called LOGIC. 

I've managed to follow some pretty cracking playlists but not yet managed to make daycent ones myself. Imma recommend the San Lorenzo Lunch list first off in terms of eclectic awesomness and also my dear old Bro Rob Jordan, mainly because he has his Spotify shizz together. Do please lemme know who else I should be following! #addicted

8. Benefit Big Easy Complexion Perfector €37 Here

Ever the lover of faff free products, Benefit's Big Easy is a stand out of the year, so far, for me. The liquid to powder formulation claims to self adjust to your skin tone, balance and perfect oily skin and protect from UVA and UVB (Factor 35 no less!). I'll agree, wholeheartedly on the oil balancing and warn ye dry skinned ladies away with a vengeance - oily to normal skinned lasses though? You gotta try this. 

With only slightly more coverage than a BB, this base lasts me the whole day through with only slight touch ups as needed. I do use a primer underneath as the powder consistency threatens to cake but the velvety smooth result is 100% worth it. You'll find Big Easy in 6 shades but they're Irish lass friendly, so porcelain skinned beauts will love it. €37 might seem spendy but grab yourself a sample when next chatting to a Benebabe and tell me you don't love it. I dare you.  

9. Roger & Gallet Fleur De Figuier 

Ultra Nourishing Oil 

€26.95 Pharmacies Nationwide

You know when you love a product so instantly and so intensely that you know it's going to be a standout of the year for you, even though we're only half way through? That's what Fleur De Figuier Ultra- Nourishing Oil is to me. And then some. 

Read my full review here but know that I've since bought two spares and with the slightest whisper of discontinuation, I'll be buying crates. I like it a LOH. 

Tell us, what were you lovin' in June? 

If you can get the gickball that is Google+ comments to work do please leave links to your June Faves posts and vids too - I love to have a nosey. 

We've teamed up w @lloydspharmacy to bring you 1 of our June Faves. FaceD 3-Luronics! Follow & RT to win #bbloggers pic.twitter.com/lWGXU73O4X
— CherrySue (@ItsCherrySue) July 3, 2014

June Faves 2013

So the lurgy very nearly beat me this week but I couldn't let the month go on without a shout out to the stand outs of the past four weeks. June, you were a good 'un, here's some of your best bits: 

1. Essie, The More the Merrier: (€12.99)

I've made my grá for this Essie Summer collection very clear here but given Sophie's Choice and having to pick a favourite, the truth is I've been reaching for this stunning lime creme more than any other polish in the past month. 

If I remove a polish just to reapply it then I know it's a winner. THREE TIMES I've done that with The More the Merrier. That's a Win. 

2. The BodyShop's Vineyard Peach: (from €13.50 in store)

This body butter was sent for review last month and one sniff of the Fuzzy Peachesque wave of nostalgia and I broke my own Blogger cardinal rule - I delved in immediately and rubbed the heady scented gorgeousness up my arms. 

I've since rebought the entire collection having realised it's Limited Edition. The scent lingers for the entire day and the body butter is definitely a thigh rubber (as in I have a little rub of my thighs when on the loo just to feel the loveliness) (It's how I judge all body creams)(I never claimed to be sane). 

3. Clean Marine's Krill Oil: (€21.99)

I'm a big believer in supplements helping us out of a tight spot but fish oils usually repeat like goodo on me so I avoid 'em like the plague. I was dubious when this Krill Oil pack dropped on my desk and the smell once the packet was opened was nowt short of noxious. The fact is though, that these don't repeat once swallowed, not even a little bit. 

I've found my nails are stronger, skin a little clearer and my general mood seems to be lifted. Apparently they're recommended for PMS too, though I'm not a sufferer, thankfully. The lads were also sent the male version and I thank them for getting them through their recent exams, they've continued taking them without me asking and that's a miracle in itself. We like you Krill Oil, you can stay. 

4. FitFlop's Electric Indigo Yoko Summer Sandal: (€99)

I'm a FitFlop fan, I say this, I tweet this, I Facebook this, we know this. This Electric Indigo pair has to be one of the highlights of my shoe wearing Summer. 

I'm no longer driving so am now walking to and from work everyday. These wobbleboard workout pretties have not only made that trudge more bearable but my legs are really feeling the advantage too. Keep an eye out early next week as I'll have something verrry exciting to share from the FitFlop Gods. Keep Peelers Pelt. 

5. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Collection: (from €7.89)

When it comes to budget beautiful hair care, John Frieda really do have the (Super)market cornered. This newest collection, Luxurious Volume, is just that, luxurious to use and volumising to boot. 

Normally I'll use several combinations of serums, oils and sprays with my shampoo and conditioner but on a recent weekend away I realised I didn't need to do that with John Frieda. My grúaig is soft but full and easily manageable for up to three days. It's a busy Momma's dream. 

6. Versace Yellow Diamond: (from €41)

Though I will always call this brand Ver-sayce in honour of Showgirls, I've never really been a fan of the ostentatious style that goes with it. That was until I took one sniff of this pretty on a Sephora stop in Paris. 

Light and bright the smell is exactly what a Summer scent should be. It's uplifting, lasting and incredibly easy to wear. I like it. A Loh. 

7. Dove Compressed Deodorant, Invisible Dry: (€3.49)

These new compressed bottles that house exactly the same amount of spray are not only space saving genius but a manna to all ladies on the run. 

Not only does it fit in the smallest of málas but the scent is beautifully fresh and lasts. Ideal for a quick spritz during the day. I'm not a usual groper of pits but I have noticed that mine seem softer since using Dove Invisible Dry (that could be subliminal from all the flashing of pittage in the ads). Either way, I've since bought three more for my desk, dresser and mála. Love the stuff. 

8. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Paint in Cosmic: (€23)

While haring around Sephora in Paris last week one of the only counters to stop me in my tracks was Estée Lauder. Once I'd set eyes on this super soft, ridiculously pigmented paint shadow I knew we were going to be friends. 

A deep copper that's literally stuffed with multi coloured micro glitter I had worried that it'd be dry on the lid, not so. It applies like a dream and once set (in a mo) it lasts all day long. Be-A-YOOT-iful with green/blue eyes, I'll certainly be checking out the rest of this SS/13 collection. It's love. 

Wheeeweee, that's them, my June faves that'll be the cream of the crop for the foreseeable. You might have noticed that a lot of the links I've included are to Boots.ie, have you used it yet? I'm afraid of Laser meltage. 

Do let me know what your June favourites were and, of course, if you're a fan of any of my ones - it's always good to know that a great product works brilliantly for more than just me. 

Happy weekend, everyone!