August Faves 2014 Ft Ambre Solaire, The BodyShop, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Lorac, Maybelline, Nuxe, Sally Hansen & Shiseido!

1. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Collection

From €6.50 Here

I've loved The Body Shop body butters for as long as The Body Shop have made body butters but this Wild Argan Oil is a different animal entirely. Easily the most luxurious edit yet and that's saying something. I genuinely can't get enough of it. 

We're talking Hawaiian Tropics levels of incredible scent (seriously) that lasts the whole day long. Subtle but enough for people to ask just what you're wearing. Between the Nails Inc scrub and this show stopping body butter my limbs haven't been in this good a shape in many, many moons. I'll be picking up the entire Wild Argan Oil range, including a back up or two of this. Just one whiff and you'll do the same. I guarantee it. 

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

€9.99 each or €14.99 for the Top Coat Duo

I was only home from the Sally Hansen launch an hour when I felt the need to write about them. You'll see that review here . This 18 strong polish collection is on shelves from this week and I urge you to go pick your favourite colour or three at speed. 

My professional mani lasted a full eight days under seriously gruelling conditions, that's hugely impressive. The gel retains it's high shine for the duration and removes just like a normal polish. #OMGel it's a game changer. 

3. Clinique Sonic Cleansing System

£79 Here

I didn't hop on the Clarisonic bandwagon on its first or second circle 'round the course. The price point, starting at €149 was too eye watering for me to ever justify. Clinique's new Sonic Cleansing System will change many a mind like mine over the coming weeks I'm sure. 

The only sonic brush to rival the Clarisonic, this handy white brush is a cinch to use. The brush has a changeable, ergonomic head with soft white bristles that gradient into more coarse green fibres on a tapered tip for cleansing your chin and T Zone. Working on a 30 second cycle, I keep this waterproof brush in the shower and use it nightly for a one minute cycle. In the four weeks I've been using it, I've actually looked forward to cleansing and the resulting effect in the morning. That's new for me. I'll have the full low down very soon but, for now, put this baby on your Christmas list. 

4. Garnier 1 Week Glow: €12.99 Here

Ambre Solaire's new 1 Week Glow gives me more like a 4 days of sun kissed skin ~ though knocks the socks of my favourite high end gradual facial tanners two and three times its price. 

I apply it before bed at night and it dries in in moments, with only the slightest scent. When people ask me 'Hey you're a beauty blogger, what products do you love?' (that's asked more often than you know) this bronzer is one of the first products to roll off my tongue. Check it out, sooner rather than later.

5. Nuxe Merveillance Night: €40 Avail Late Sept

Aimed at skin heading toward 40, my visage and I still have a good 4 years to go but are thankful for this newest Nuxe formulation. Merveillance Night is designed to break down sugars that can have seriously damaging and aging effects on the skin and leads to cell breakdown, lines and wrinkles. 

This lighter than air plastic jar has never been further than my bedside table for the past month. Once cleansed and oiled my skin drinks up every drop of the lightly scented cream for a soft, supple finish. I'm unsure yet as to whether it's changing my skin at a molecular level but if you're looking for a lightweight, heavy hitting night cream, look no further than Nuxe. 

6. Lorac Pro Palette: €32 Here

You're online looking at this post so it's pretty much guaranteed that you've seen the Lorac Pro palette before. A stalwart of beauty blogger stashes and vlogger hauls, it was only a matter of time before I made the Amazon purchase. 

While I've been giving Lorac Unzipped most of my eyelid attention over the past several months, I've made a concerted effort in August to give the Lorac Pro its rightful airing. With 8 shimmers and 8 mattes, the world of eyeshadow looks truly is your lobster. I can't tell you the compliments I've had while wearing it, including from every single beauty PR I've had the pleasure of meeting this past month. If you have eyeballs, you need this palette. 

7. Estée Lauder Modern Muse Chic: 

€58 Launches Oct

Estèe Lauder's new Modern Muse Chic is woodier and muskier than the original but bright florals still bind the scent beautifully. I've made no secret of the fact that I could smell absolutely nothing from the original Modern Muse once spritzed on me. I even had scent experts tell me that's because it's my scent, the one I should wear always. Unfortunately the scent of nothing on me, for everyone else's olfactory pleasure was never going to fly. 

Modern Muse Chic though? I'm trying not to overstate it, but there's a chance Sensual will be ousted this season. *Gasssps* It's certainly chic. It's definitely love. 

8. Maybelline Colour Drama Velvet Pencils:

€6.79 

These Nars Velvet Matte dupes are another product that I would happily recommend to all and sundry in an instant. You'll see my full gushing review here but truthfully, the second these bad boys hit stands in their entirety, I'll be there. 

9. Shisiedo Ulitmune: Launches This Week!

Marketed by Japanese skincare giants, Shiseido, as a game changer in caring for our skin, Ultimune launches this week.  A power infusing concentrate that aims to not only enhance our skins natural defenses but to work with our skincare products to bring radiance and light back to tired, dull and lacklustre visages. 

Ultimune is a gel like cream that is meant for use as a pre-serum step, ideally after cleansing and before your normal skincare. For the first 2-3 weeks that's exactly how I used it and really enjoyed the extra hydration it gave. Unfortunately I became a little lax (read lazy mare) and began to use it instead of my serum. (can we really convince peeps to do an extra step?). Truthfully though? I'm still achieving the same great effect by swapping it out for serum altogether. 

It has only been a month of use so I'm not sure about overall, lasting changes and will update you but, as it stands, Shiseido Ultimune is a little touch of luxury in my night time routine that I'll be loathe to give up. My hyper pigmentation has calmed and my skin tone is definitely more even. Looks to me like I've found my ideal skincare combination with the Clinique brush, Ultimune and Merveillance of an eve. Sa-WEET!

Tell me, what were you loving last month? Any of these raising a brow? 

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel - High Shine Without the UV Light! #OMGel

I make no secret of the fact that I'm not a gel nails fan, nor shellac, nor gellish, nor any other polish that requires buffing my nail bed and frazzling my fingers under a lamp just to set. I am, however, a wanton mare when it comes to a high shine finish. Cue Sally Hansen stepping up with the answer to all of my highfalutin' nail ways with their new Miracle Gel collection. #OMGel is right. 

I've shared my grá for gel effect polishes before, Nails Inc and your €19 price tag, I'm looking at you. With this Sally Hansen line we're looking at something different though. How's about an expert tells us exactly what that is: 

"Miracle Gel is distinguished by its photoinitiator in the topcoat that forms with the oligomer in the color polish, producing the shine resembling a gel manicure that lasts up to 14 days."

Let me break that down for you and I: two coats of your favourite colour and one swish of the top coat create a gel texture that would not only take the eye out of your head with shine but will also stay in place for up to two weeks. Win, right?

Sally Hansen's Polish Naming Game is STRONG!

Another ha-YOOGE plus with this new line is the removal process. Gone are the days of tin foil witch fingers to remove your gel , this Miracle Gel formulation is removed with your very own common or garden remover. No soaking, no scraping, no buffing, no messing. 

You know I'll never see you wrong when it comes to nail polish recommendations and 'run far aways' - remember the Red Carpet Manicure, anyone? I'll need to wear my fingers about the place to report back on actual longevity of wear for Miracle Gel but first impressions are hugely favourable. 

Game of Chromes (BEST NAME EVAR) & All Chalked Up

All 18 shades will be hitting Sally Hansen stockists from mid September priced at €9.99 each or €14.99 for the colour/topcoat duo. Take that, extortionate gel polishes!

Are you a gel nails fan? Reckon Sally Hansen have it right with these? 

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? 

October Favourites ft Essie, L'Occitane, Sally Hansen, Max Factor, Gorjuss, Benefit, Imperial Leather, Soap & Glory, Real Techniques & Laura Ashley

What better way to realise it's November than for someone to turn off the heating, eh? It's blahhdy briste out there but a couple of my October favourites have been absolute saviours in the changing weather. Read all about it: 

NOTD: Banana Sunday with Sally Hansen, Essie & Inglot

It's been a while since I've posted a Nail of the Day so thought I'd share this simple look today. Bright and sunny and more than a little inspired by my bargainous Lidl roses, this mani is stoopidly simple but I've had so many compliments it's silly. 

Essie's Sunday Funday is a bright coral from my favourite of this Summers collections and Go Bananas is Sally Hansens pastel lemon from the gorgeous limited edition Exotica range.  Both topped with Inglot's stunning Holo glitter: 201. 

Of course these colours would make a stunning sponged ombre mani too but, when in a rush, any creme bright will complement creme pastels and give you a lovely effect. Go forth and  mix/match from your stash, yo!

What's on your nails today then? 

New Limited Edition Exotica Range for Sally Hansen with Swatches (Pic Heavy)

Behold, nail polish lovers, the brand new and limited edition Exotica collection that's joining the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line for the Summer months. 

Not your typical summer line up these seven shades range from a creamy nude to a burnt orange shade that has to be worn to be believed. 

Some Press Day Shots

How about a look at them in action, eh? 

Shore-ly: Cream beige nude with pink undertone

Tahitian Sunset: Creamy peach with a subtle silver microshimmer

Vitamin Sea: Light bright aqua blue cream

Go Bananas: Light pastel lemon with silver microshimmer

Palm Treat: Pastel mint cream with green leanings

Sgt Preppy: Cream mauve that shows as pink pastel on the nail

Evening Glow: Bright burnt orange (wowsers!)

These colours are €8.95 and available from all good pharmacies and larger Boots stores but if you like the cut of their jib then you need to be quick - they're available for 6 weeks only come May and only in the States and the Republic of Ireland (Soz, UK sisters). 

Go Bananas & Palm Treat (with a thin white basecoat)

What so we think? Anything calling you? 

NOTD: Oz the Great & Powerful: Evanora Inspired How To

I did mention that a new camera has joined the familia here at Casa Cherry didn't I? One of the things that makes me happiest about this news is that I get to back into the swing of things with both make up reviews AND nail art! Admittedly I'm a leedle bit rusty by Evanora from Oz the Great and Powerful up there has done me a solid and sported one of the simplest nail art looks to be seen in the movies in donkeys. Wanna see how simple? 

1. For this look you're going to need a nude polish and a black and glitter striper. Of course you could use normal polish and a skinny brush but considering you can get 3 stripers for €7, I'm thinking make it easy on yo'self. 
2. Paint each nail with two coats of your nude (mine is the new Naked Ambition from the Sally Hansen Complete Manicure range)(It's a nude with silver microglitter stunner)
3. Using your black striper, start at the nail bed and draw two lines that meet at the tip, then colour in with the remainder of polish on the brush. You can use tape for this if you prefer but just placing the length of the brush on the nail will give you a almost straight line. 
4. Using your glitter striper run two lines inside your new black triangle, allow them to meet at the tip. 
5. Repeat for every pingy and finish with a high shine top coat i.e Seche Vite.
6. Admire your ridiculously simple manicure. 

As you can see from this fuzzy close up, lines don't have to be perfectly symmetrical to achieve the desired look. Not only that the pointed tip gives the illusion of much longer nails so this is a great look for short tipped ladies too. 

What do we think? Will you try 'em? And of course, if this look still isn't easy enough for you, you could always give Evanora's Sister's Theodora's talons a blast? 

New: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Make-Up

Lovers of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs rejoice, the award winning aerosol version has just been given a new member of the family and it's a doozy. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Make Up may be a mouthful to say but come its release this month I've an inkling it'll be the name on everyone's lips. 

I've long advocated Sally's spray version as a cheap, fool proof saviour for pasty, veined or scarred skin in need of a little colour, it sprays on quickly and once rubbed in stays put for hours, on any part of the body. This new Leg Make Up does all of that but with a lot more coverage. 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Make Up: €16.95

I'm a sufferer of the dreaded KP (Keritosis Pilaris) (Chuck Feed skin) on my upper legs and upper arms so have, for a long time relied on spray tans to make me feel more at ease when showing more flesh. When I'm not in the spray tan mood MAC Face & Body is my staple and that's what I thought of as soon as I swatched this new line. 

Water and transfer resistant, the soft make up applies easily to any area of the body but provides enough coverage for skin confidence in whatever you happen to be wearing. As for durability? Eldest Gorgebag, owner of the hairy arms up there, spent a good ten minutes scrubbing his arm full of swatches. Whereas I wore the Medium version for an evening on the tiles - it stayed flawlessly put for the duration with no bed sheet or PJ transfer that night and minimal scrubbage in the morning to remove the last traces. 

Once more Sally Hansen have developed a leg product that's not just good for legs, I'm talking l-arms, l-ecolletáge and l-aces (occasionally l-arses, if I'm off for a swim) too and coming in at €16.95 for 118ml, it's a good sight cheaper than MAC Face & Body, that's got to be a win.  

The four natural looking shades Light, Medium, Tan and Deep will be available from this month in pharmacies and super markets nationwide. What do we think? Reckon you'll be adding Leg Make Up to your make up arsenal? 

When Sally Hansen Meets High Fashion: Bandage & Blue Rose

This September saw the Autumn Winter collection of every designer who's any designer hitting the runways for worldwide fashion weeks. Being an avid nail nut I was glued to the media to see what that meant for nails and nail art and this year didn't disappoint. 

Always seeming to be right there on the forefront of fashionable happenings, Sally Hansen have teamed up with two of today's hottest designers Alexander Wang and Prabal Gurung to bring us two limited edition Complete Salon Manicure collections to coincide with those fashion weeks and they're pretty lovely. 

From the Prabal Gurung runway comes Blue Rose, an intensely deep blue navy that belies its bottle colour. The formulation is beautiful to work with, needing only two coats for perfect opacity, though that is to be expected with any of the Complete Salon Manicure range. 

Just one whisper of warning though, the selling point of these polishes is that there's neither a base coat nor a top coat needed but with Blue Rose be sure to use a base. I've had green/blue staining on my nails as a result of using this colour on its todd but with a base coat to protect the nail bed you won't have any issue. 

While I can't for the life of me think of a worse name for a polish, Bandage, from the Alexander Wang collection, is actually a creamy delight once on the nail. A yellow toned neutral, it too applies perfectly and is almost opaque in one coat. 

There's no difficulty here with staining at all, it's just a perfectly wearable nude that flatters any skin tone without giving the mannequin hand effect (It's a thing). 

The Prabal Gurung collection has 4 new shades, while Alexander Wang has 3, both are available from all good pharmacies now priced at €8.95 each but they are limited edition so if you fancy a look, I'd say pick them up now. 

By the by, you should absolutely check out Karen of the LovelyGirlyBits for a swatch of Gurung's Gilded Lily from the same collection. It's a stunner and is on my list for picking up as soon as it's spotted. 

NOTD- Sherbet Dots

Nails today are about as simple as they can be, I wanted something light and summery but quick to put together as I was running late and Tan-spankle-ah-dah! This is what I came up with.

Colours Used:

• Ciaté - Purple Sherbet 
• Sally Hansen - Greige Gardens 
• Revlon - Metallic 860
• NYC - Prince Street

So simple a tutorial isn't even needed, two coats of Purple Sherbet followed by random dots of the rest of the colours. This look takes, literally, minutes and is an easy one to replicate on your non dominant hand. 

We like?

Gold Finger - 3 Gorgeous Gold Polishes

I've seen several tweets over the past week or so looking for gold polish recommendations so I thought I'd show you three of my favourites. Sally Hansen's Gilty Pleasure, Models Own Gold Rush and Essie's Good as Gold. These are, by no stretch of the imagination, the only golds in my collection but they are the ones I reach for most often, so let's have a little look, shall we?

Sally Hansen's Gilty Pleasure (€8.50) is part of the seriously fabulous Complete Manicure range, meaning you need no base or top coat. It's a subtle champagne gold with just a hint of sparkle. It's buildable to a deeper gilt colour but this is how I wear it, two coats and out the door. Flattering and oh so easy to wear.

Models Own (€6 in Republic) is the blingingest in your faciest gold that I have in my possession (so far). This is perfect for bright night out nails or stunning in the sunshine on holidaying tootsies. You can be guaranteed that Gold Rush will get your nails noticed.

Essie's new Mirror Metallics range (€12.99) boasts 5 new silver based metal look polishes. With my love of TopShop bling though, I couldn't justify hoovering up the lot. At €12.99, they're pricey but I couldn't pass Good as Gold. It reminds me a lot of Barry M's 320 Foil but without the gold Tippex finish. This is a beautiful choice for a Wedding nail, be you the Bride or the tipsy guest.

Any of these polishes would suit the Bronze Goddess manicure perfectly, my go to manicure when I'm in a rush (a gold rush)(ho, ho, ho).

Do you have a grá for the goldiness? Got any recommendations for others that I might try?