The Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide for Every Budget

Mother's Day may be fast approaching and pay day may be long gone but no matter your budget, I got you (and your mammy/baby momma/wife). The temptation to pop in an eye wateringly large bottle of gin was almost too much to resist but know this, when all else fails, gin works. Corrina has already shared the top 5 experiences for under €50 to share with do mháthair HERE so I'm rounding that off with some pretty products should you prefer. 

A Roller Lash Dupe Before Launch?

There are times when being a beauty blogger is hugely advantageous, yep, that's most of the time but never more so than when you can identify a cracking beauty dupe before either even launches. There has been much a social media flutter about the upcoming release of Benefit's newest wonder mascara, Roller Lash and quite rightly so - it does exactly as it says on the tube. How about a mascara that does exactly the same as that but with a price tag of almost twenty eurobux less? Truthfully, Maybelline have smashed it with Sensational. 

Both brushes are curved and while Benefit have patented hooks, Maybelline has 10 layers of lash grabbing, fan effect bristles. Both formulations are inky black, wet on application but layer well and curl beautifully. Both last the entire day without flaking either. 

I've been trialling both for weeks now & truthfully I'm reaching for Maybelline more. Sensational is every bristle as good, if not better than Roller Lash for an incredible €7.99! That's just good beauty maths!

Have you tried either? Thoughts?

The Tuesday Chattery - Your Top MUA YouTubers For Halloween Looks?

Blahhdy love me some Youtube and never more so than this time of year when the ridiculously talented makeup artists begin to upload their Halloween looks. Chances are I wouldn't be able to recreate a single one but dayum if they aren't fun to watch. 

I've linked up 3 of my faves to keep tabs on and would love to see your picks in the comments or on Twitter/FB. 

1. Siobhán from LetzMakeUp

Simply put, there's no one quite like Siobhán on the Irish beauty scene. For over 5 years she's been uploading her amazing looks to Youtube. She's one of the most down to earth 'gurus' you're likely to find, her love for the art of makeup is only matched by her natural born talent. 

Some of the most basic of makeup skills I learned from our Siobhán's vids but when it comes to her Halloween looks, I have to leave it to the expert. If she's not already a fave, prepare to up your sub list by one!

2. Julia From Julia Graf

I love everything about this girl! She's a Swiss/Canadian beauty blogger and Youtube creator that's one of the most straight talking and honest in the business. Her Halloween looks are unparalleled, with the Masquerade Mask & Harley Quinn being just two of the standouts for me. Check her out and tell me you don't love her just as much. 

3. Joanne From TheMakeupFairyPro

Another shout out for an Irish lovely, this time one of the hardest working MUA/Bloggers in the business and someone I happily call a pal. Joanne has an effortless way with makeup and always makes me want to be more adventurous in my own looks. Her Halloween vids are genius in their simplicity but the finished look is never less than flawless - that's the trademark of someone that's honed her craft through years of hands on work. Check out her channel and add her to your must watch list. I did from day one. 

I know YouTube is a vast catalogue of varied uploads and it can be very easy to miss a crazy talent, while watching your personal faves so tell us - who do you love to watch at this time of year? 

Let's Chat!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup - Top Tips, Before & After AND Bumper Giveaway

For as long as I've been skirting off to last minute events, I've been loving Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs in the tin. As I mentioned in my review last March I use the spray everywhere, I've just never found an instant pick me up like it elsewhere on the market. It was only when at a manicure & tan session in Bespoke Beauty last month that I was reintroduced to the Airbrush Legs Makeup but also given some new uses for it that are well worth a share.

Available in 4 colours : €16.89 Here

My treatment of choice on the day was a manicure and upper body tan. While I knew that it's not called 'Airbrush' for nothing, I certainly underestimated the effect when applied professionally. As I said, I normally throw some product on before lashing out the door but with a little bit more time and some concentrated buffing with a tan mitt - WOWsers. 

Like many unfortunates, I suffer with dreaded KP (Keratosis Pilaris) so can be self conscious about my arms without a little coverage. Not only does Airbrush Legs provide coverage but it evens skin tone and gives a buffed bronze effect with minimal fragrance at all. Once set (in moments) it's not going anywhere - ideal for festival goers in rainy old Ireland and will only come off with gentle scrubbing with a warm soapy flannel. 

So what were Elaine's Top Tips for achieving this 'Pasty to Tasty' look at home? 

1. Do not use moisturiser before you apply your product - clean, recently exfoliated skin works best. 
2. Use a tan mitt and buff, buff, BUFF! If in doubt, buff some more. 
3. Use different shades of Airbrush Legs Makeup to contour the body - light on the tops of arms and fronts of legs with medium as a counter colour will give a contoured finish (GOODBYE Bingo Wings!)
4. Allow the makeup to set before getting dressed. 
5. Use the leftover product on the mitt to pat onto hands and fingers for a natural finish.

I finished my treatment with the gorgeous Sally Hansen Tahitian Sunset - Perfect for Summer

Thanks very many to Bespoke Beauty and to Sally Hansen for the reintroduction. Airbrush Legs is once more part of my summer arsenal as the weather heats up. My boddeh has never looked better. 

Of course I couldn't be entirely selfish about this rediscovery,so after chats with the brand I have 3 summer Sally Hansen packs stuffed to the gills with all you need to put these tips to the test and care for your talons too. Head on over to Facebook Here and simply leave a comment for your chance to win. Simples!

Are you an Airbrush Legs fan?