How I Pack 'Carry On' Friendly Makeup For a Weekend Away - My Top Ten

When it comes to throwing a bag together for a short break, I'm all about cutting back to the essentials only. That's mostly because I can't be doing with lugging tons of 'stuff'. As ever, on our recent trip to Wales, I wanted to keep my liquids to a minimum as I was hoping to pick up some beauty bits while away. This is what I brought so as to fly under the radar of airport security but still look FABulous doing it. 

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara: €8.99 (out July 9th)

Seventeen's newest mascara, Falsifeye HD, has blown me away this past couple of weeks. Having only managed to use it a handful of times in the week before the flight, I still knew it'd be the chosen one when it came to packing. 

The formulation adapts to building more than any mascara I've used, meaning I could use it for all occasions. Lashes are separated, elongated and black as night. This is a lash batting winner and took a deserved place in my makeup travel stash. (See it in action here) 

Dermablend Concealer: €16.95 here

Having been stricken with a couple of hormonal Vesuvius' before take off, this Dermablend concealer came to my rescue and then some. The high coverage, creamy concealer takes a moment to warm up between fingers but should really be renamed Photoshop in a Tube. 

The stick formulation meant that it was ideal for a carry on bag and the performance meant it was ideal for use all over my poor visage. There really is nothing else like this on the market today. 

 

Stila Deep Burgundy Smudge Stick: $8.75 Here (Seller restocks often)

This Stila Smudge Stick has rarely been off my súils this past few months so it really was a no brianer when thinking of coloured liners to make the trip. 

The Deep Burgundy shade is flattering as a mo' fo' on blue/green eyes and can be worn with just a slick of mascara and still look like I've still made serious effort. That's holiday genius right there. 

Benefit's They're Real Push Up Liner: €25 Here

The newest innovation in gel liners, Benefit's Push Up Liner has joined the They're Real collection with gusto. The patented design includes an AccuFlex nib to allow the jet black gel get right into the lash line with ease. 

Word(s) of warning: It takes 73 clicks for you to see product, thereafter just one click is more than enough product for each eye and despite the advertising - this takes practice. 

Given all of that, not only would I heartily recommend the Push Up Liner for not only your travel bag but your life but I'd also now like one in every colour please, Benefit, kthxbai.  

Benefit Gimme Brow: €24.50 Here

I mentioned this weenchy pocket rocket only yesterday on Instagram . The size makes it an ideal brow saviour for travel but also means that there's very little chance a burly security guard is going to think you're about to blow up the plane with the whole 3g of gel. 

Again, this is buildable, so whether I just wanted a quick tidy or want something more substantial for a night on the Welsh tiles - Gimme Brow had my back - well it had my brows but you know what I mean..

Clinique Chubby Stick - Mega Melon: €20 Here

Packed full of shea butters for lip nourishment, there really is no wrong a Chubby Stick can do in my eyes. Mega Melon is a muted smokey pink and is not only wearable anywhere but is incredibly flattering while doing so. No muss, no fuss products ideal for flying? Yes, please, Clinique.

Bourjois CC Cream for Eyes: €10.49

Part of this years CC Cream launch from Bourjois - arguably my favourite CC cream of all time, the 123 Perfect Eye Cream is a soft creamy concealer than not only disguises dark circles but also brings light back to the face so can be used as a highlighter too. 

This one I packed as I don't like to use Dermablend on the delicate under eye area - I also don't like to look dead. Win/Win. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette: £56 Here

Ah, my one true finishing powder love. I was never going to board a plane without this, just as there's not many places I ever go now without it. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is an unassuming package so won't attract any security scrutiny but Great Googly Moogly, the power it holds inside. 

Even with absolutely nothing else on my visage, this can make me look a million dollars. Who doesn't want that? 

Clinique CC Cream Compact: €36 Here

Colour correcting, hydrating, lightweight a humongous mirror and SPF 20 all in compact form. Is there anything about Clinique's CC Cream Compact that doesn't scream 'TAKE ME ON YOUR HOLLIER' to you? This little pretty was a life saver as a base and SPF in one, while away. 

My skin tone was even and didn't dry out once as can happen with compact formulations. If you haven't tried this one yet, I'd urge you to get it into your carry on tout suite. 

Cargo Contour Palette: €24 Here

My travel choice here doesn't really need explaining does it? Cargo have knocked it out of the park with this affordable, fool proof contour palette. The highlighter has just enough shimmer, the blush is a perfect pop of matte pink and the contour is a flattering matte shade of bronze that would suit most Irish skin tones. 

I reckon Cargo haven't been given nearly enough press of late. This handy, travel friendly compact should be enough for you to think so too. I loves it. 

Wet N' Wild Comfort Zone: €6.49 Pharmacies Nationwide

Finally, for my súils. One of my absolute favourite light weight palettes is Wet N' Wilds Comfort Zone. The ability to create a bajillion looks with a palette the size of your hand? That's always a good idea when travelling. 

These colours are so easy to use, whether as a wash of one colour or built up to something more - if you don't have this little budget beauty in your stash yet, you need to get it there!

And that's it. Everything I could ever possibly need, stuffed into my Space NK travel tote and chucked into my carry on bag with my passport. Nay a security brow was raised nor an alarm set off and I managed to use every stitch whilst there too, without wanting for more. 

Tell me, what's your go to travel beauty essential? 

Do you, like me, save the liquid allowance for the good stuff? 

Meeting Stila's Sarah Lucero & Her Top Summer Makeup Tips

I spoke yesterday about how very lucky I've been with blogging and some of the incredible opportunities it has afforded me. Meeting Stila's Global Director of Education and Pro Makeup Artist, Sarah Lucero is a prime example and I had that great pleasure just last week. 

Sarah has worked on some of the most prestigious fashion houses' runway shows in NY, Paris and LA, bringing her own twist to the makeup showcased. That twist can be seen echoed throughout Stila's makeup collections and is one of the reasons it's so popular with those that love to play with colour. 

(She is also a celebrity makeup artist and pal to the stars, counting Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham as one of her favourite people, professionally and personally. No biggie)

Of course I couldn't let Sarah swoop into Dublin's fair city without asking for some summer makeup tips for us Irish gals as there's a good chance we'll have a day or two of it this year. 

1. When it comes to summery makeup, Sarah, do you recommend Barely there or all the trimmings? 

I prefer to enhance the natural beauty that is there rather than mask it. Think about the product you're using and the effect you want before choosing brushes or fingers to apply to your skin. 

2. We know you love colour in your cosmetics, would you advise coloured liner or coloured mascara? 

You can achieve so much more with coloured liner.  Make it more wearable by framing the eye with black liner first and then draw your coloured liner on top (so you have two lines). Or think Periwinkle over navy, white over any darker shade. Play with your makeup, that's what it's all about. 

3. Would you advise concentrating on bronzer or highlighter? 

Both! I love fresh healthy glowing skin.

4. Playing it safe or taking chances? 

Taking chances!  As Stila products are multi-use you can play around with the function of the product. Bright colours such as peaches and golds give a carefree, natural look to summer skin. Metallic shadows can be played up or down with the rest of your products, depending on the look you're after. 

5. Daddy or Chips?

Sarah declined to answer this one as, let's face it, there is no definitive answer. Is there?

When asked the best overall advice she could give for people starting out, Sarah replied 'Find your passion and work at it'. That's pretty stellar advice, regardless of the industry you're in I reckon and so far it's obviously been working for Sarah herself as she left us to jet off to London for her next press stop.  

Apart from seeing her inspiration throughout Stila's beautiful products, you'll find Ms Lucero over on Twitter and check out her out on Instagram for behind the scenes peeks at red carpet events, rubbing shoulders with stars, life as a celeb makeup artist and some seriously inspirational juju. She's just good people. We like her. A lot. 

Had you a chance to ask Sarah just one question, what would it be? 

May Favourites 2014 ft Argan 5+, Beverly Hills Formula, Etsy, Geox, L'Occitane, Pantene, Nuxe, Rimmel, Shiseido & Stila

I'll spare you the 'How is it June?!' intro, I'm in a generous mood (I'm thinking it, you're thinking it but I'm sparing you). The month of May 2014 was a mixed bag, beauty wise but as ever there were silver linings to be had. Judging by some of the products I'm using as I type this post up, June has already more than made up for it. I digress, you came here for Favourites and Favourites you shall have!

1. Rimmel Fancy a Dip Nail Polish: £2.99 here (On 3 for 2 too!)

WIN one of five here!

This soft creamy blue polish is just one of the new Tropadelic collection that hit stores in January. Having spotted it a couple of months back, it took me time to warm to the shade though as I kinda feel blue nails of this shade need some sunshine to look their best. 

Having had several compliments from complete strangers and learning that the gorgeous Fleur de Force has had the same when I instagrammed this shade, I can categorically tell you that you need this colour in your collection and on your nails STAT. Much akin to Essie's cult classic Bikini So Teeny, I actually prefer Fancy a Dip, not only for price point but for longevity on the nail. It's a winner. You want it. 

2. Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White: Black: €2.39 Here

When the lovely crowd at Beverly Hills Formula sent me a box stuffed full of gnasher goodies for the Gorgebags and myself, it was the black toothpaste that intrigued each of us right off the bat. Formulated with active charcoal to combat bad breath and proven to whiten teeth effectively, the three of us used it within 10 minutes of opening the box and it's 6 big fat thumbs up from us. 

I noticed my teeth appeared whiter within just 5 days, not only that but my breath feels fresher. There's nothing quite like a bright white smile to brighten your day and the day of those you choose to smile maniacally at too. Within 5 weeks we've used two tubes between 3 of us and will continue to do so when I restock this week. Love. It. 

3. L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil: €41 here

There are many scents and products that L'Occitane produce that glide onto my HG list with ease. Divine creams with Immortelle, ANYTHING Cherry obvs and then the Almond collection, the beautiful, beautiful Almond collection. Every time I have a chance at reduced cost L'Occitane goods, it's the Almond collection I stock up on and that's not about to change. 

This new formula Supple Skin Oil is made with more than 50% almond oil, camelina oil and omegas 3 and 6 to nourish and soften the skin. Housed in a heavyweight glass bottle but with a handy spray dispenser, this light, non greasy oil fills the room with scent but absorbs into the skin easily leaving you with the softest, silkiest finish imaginable. Having shared this with my Momma on hols as a pre bedtime skin treat, it was a fight to the almost death (hers) to pack it back into my own bag come home time. I'll certainly be repurchasing and buying her one too. I'm the best child like that. I am!

4.Pantene Pro-V Youth Protect 7 BB Creme £6.99 here

The first of its kind (in a BB sense) on the market, I was dubious to try the Pantene anti-aging hair cream, full sure it was a gimmick. This one I handed over to my Momma and made her promise a full review. How shocked I was when she pulled it from her holiday bag and gushed about its brilliance, forgetting her solemn vow and thinking she'd bought it herself. How very dare she. 

Having used it for the week of holidays and being blown away by the sleek, shiny and altogether more put together grúaig it gave me, I picked one up for myself within days of our return. Lightly scented but packing a serious haircare punch, don't let the BB tag put you off this particular product. Unlike many of its counterparts this is an actual beauty balm worth 5 times its price. 

5. Geox Eleni Zip Lock Wedges, Pearl: €139.99 here

I have waxed lyrical about Purple Tag for weeks now, the Irish site with free delivery and free returns (collected from your doras!), their shoe selection for the whole family is stylish but competitively priced. I'll have a full post with a CherrySue discount code up very soon but I couldn't let May Favourites pass without mentioning my purchase from the site. 

Having been crippled (sometimes literally) with back woes since August, pretty heels or height in general is a distant memory for me. These Geox wedge trainers have changed all of that and then some. The most comfortable yet stylish trainers I've worn, these too have elicited compliments from strangers in the street (well on the bus and at beauty events) and they make me feel a little bit swish again. There's something about a good shoe (or trainer) that just makes you feel good and these do that for me. Thanks Purple Tag, you ledgebags. 

6. Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation: €39 here

I was delighted to receive this little blue bottle of beauty from Shiseido just 2 days before our trip away. Not normally one for any foundation while enjoying the sun, the Factor 30 element intrigued me and I knew I had to try it. 

Water (incl perspiration) and oil resistant, you only need the tiniest amount of this light weight liquid to glide across your entire face. I was genuinely blown away by just how much I like the soft matte appearance of this foundation on my skin. It blends easily and lasts for hours (but do reapply should you be using it as your SPF)(we all know that, right?). 

I've reached for it over any of my other bases once home too, so impressed am I with its colour correcting and tone enhancing skillz. Again, this is one I'll be buying again as soon as its through. Great for those with hyper pigmentation, to conceal the pigment present and prevent further discoloration. Gorgeous stuff altogether. 

7. Argan 5+ Body Butter: €7.98 here (Usually €11.99)

I had thought Argan Oil had had its day once more and more products emblazoned it on their labels but with questionable ingredient lists. There is no denying the luxurious effect it can have on skin and hair though, once blended properly. Argan 5+ have done just that in combining it with 4 other oils, vitamins, omega oils and antioxidants. 

Thick and luxurious to the touch, I found slathering it on aprés shower cocooned my skin and locked in moisture so that every morning I wake up with soft, supple skin, everywhere. Argan 5+ behaves more like a high end body butter than the affordable find that it is and, for that alone, you and your skin need to try it out, tout suite. 

8. Stila Smudge Stick in Deep Burgundy: $8.99 here

Long time Stila Smudge Stick fan, when I saw the Deep Burgundy shade lauded on Cora's (Vintage or Tacky) April Faves video I knew it would be mine. Having stalked the Stila UK site waiting for them to restock, to no avail, I turned to eBay. The seller had it in my mitts within the fortnight and it was love at first smudge. 

Burgundy colours do something pretty incredible to blue/green eyes and this Stila offering is no different. It glides on like silk, gives you a mo or so for smudging and kablammo, it's in place until it's physically removed anything up to 12 hours later. 

More subtle than black but not as obvious as most coloured liner, this is one of the most flattering eyeliners I've ever worn. I'll instagram my súil to show you just why I love it so and why I'm ordering another one this week. Cheers for the heads up Cora & Jamie!

9. Nuxe Sun Refreshing After-sun Lotion: €18.91 here

It's not often you'll find a paraben free, luxury after-sun that's gentle enough to use on both your face and body but Nuxe have come up trumps with their Refreshing After-Sun Lotion as part of their new Nuxe Sun range. 

Formulated, like their SPFs of the same line with water hyacinth, sunflower and carob seed powder (which stimulates melanogenesis and prolongs your natural tan for up to two weeks) it smells divine. The whole family used it following our showers, while away and it felt like giving our skin a much needed drink following long, hot days in the 30 degree sunshine. I'm still using this now, even though we're home and truth be told, were Nuxe to introduce a body lotion without the after-sun element but in this scent, I'd use it forever more. Has to be smelled to be believed. 

10. Handmade Watercolour Floral Infinity Scarf: €15.92 here

€5 off first purchase using this code 

There are very few times I'll venture outside the house sans scarf, there's something about their ability to complete an outfit, disguise last minute stains and their innate ability to save the day  that has me hooked. 

Coming into the summer months though, I always change up my scarf selection and as such I hit up Etsy this spring to prepare myself. Cue some of the most beautiful neck adornments I've ever laid eyes upon. This soft focus chiffon infinity scarf is one of the most flattering I own and goes with pretty much everything. I've paired it with jersey tops and coloured skinnys to add a little class to an otherwise casual look and worn it over work blouses to soften up the edge. Either way you slice it, it's a win. 

Yep I bought several scarves aswell as this one, it'd be rude not to at €15 but each are truly unique. You're not about to see 25 identical ones on the Luas, as you do when you make your scarf purchases in Penney's or the like... Unless of course you all buy this one now that I've pointed it out... You would do that, wouldn't you?

And that's them, my May Faves. Anything catching your fancy? 

If you've put together a May Favourites post or vid do please feel free to leave a link in the comments below and I'll check it out. I'm all about being enabled as well as enabling you know..

Happy June, everyone!

2013 Top 10 Beauty Faves ft Bourjois, Benefit, Rimmel, La Roche-Posay, Smashbox, Maybelline, Loccitane, Stila & L'Oreal

Were you to tell me at any stage during the year that I'd whittle down every purchase, pr sample and press release down to ten of my very favourites then I'd have laughed in your face so haughtily that the breeze would have ruffled your mane - but I've only gone and done it. 

These Top Ten of 2013 are not only products that knocked my beauty socks off but that I have purchased again, purchased for gifts and seriously believe your life could be enriched by purchasing too. They're great like. 

1. L'Oreal's False Lash Flutter Midnight 

Black Mascara

Choosing a mascara of the year is much akin to Sophie's Choice, that's how highly I rate the lash coaters ability to change your entire visage. Benefit's They're Real has been a stalwart of mine with YSL's BabyDoll elbowing it's way to the front and Maybelline's The Rocket holding it's own but once I'd given False Lash Flutter a... well flutter, they were all forgotten. 

This is all of those mascaras combined and then some. Perfect formulation, unusually effective brush and ne'er a clump nor flake to be seen. If you haven't tried these puppies yet - do it. 

2. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Again the competition was stiff in 2013 for one foundation to rule them all. Smashbox's Liquid Halo revolutionised gel effect coverage, Clarins Extra Comfort quenched the skins of the nation and Max Factor's Whipped Cream foundation changed the minds of thousands but Bourjois, my sneaky little petite pois, you did it again with Healthy Mix Serum. 

I have recommended no other foundation as often as I have this and that's across the board to friends, family, colleagues and even once or twice to undecided browsers in Boots. Healthy Mix Serum glides over your skin, and sits weightlessly in place affording me to look a hell of a lot better than I have any right to do and it has never, not once let me down. For a Healthy Mix, I have an unhealthy obsesh. 

3. Rimmel Salon Pro with Lycra in Assoc 

with Kate Moss

If ever I were to be run over by a bus the thing I'd most dread people finding is not my shady internet search history but my vast and I mean VAST nail polish stash. We're talking thousands so when it comes to choosing a standout for an entire year that's damn near impossible. 

Were I to choose the line that I repeatedly cleaned off and reapplied time after time though? The Rimmel Salon Pro line win, hands down. With a huge range of brights, nudes and pastels, these lycra infused polishes dry to a higher shine than any other I've worn sans top coat. They've also garnered the most compliments from random strangers. At just €6.45 (or 2 for €8) these polishes should be a staple in every girls stash. 

4. Benefit Rockateur

I've always been a big fan of Benefit's Box o' Powders collection, not so much the exorbitant prices they charge their Irish fans but as a product, I've loved each and every one. When the word broke that not only would their newest box, Rockateur be smaller but that it'd be the same price as the rest I swore I wouldn't cave. SWORE. 

That was until I was giftef a FeelUnique.com voucher and realised that I could nab it for £23 with free delivery. From the first swish it was lust. Rockateur gives me that subtle rose gold glow that even I have to do a double take to appreciate time and again. It's creamy soft, it's stupidly flattering and it's easily the prettiest blush product I've ever owned. (I even bought a second one and I NEVER buy a second one)

5. Smashbox Always Sharp Pencils

While Stila, Essence and even Sigma have all had my heart this year as far as liners go, the Smashbox Always Sharp Pencils just can't be beaten for me. In a range of six colours, that have been extended with 3D shimmering versions, these point tipped pencils give me a perfect line every single time. You get in and around a minute to smudge it up or leave it as is and Hey Presto, it's stuck. 

The innovative lid means you never have to find a sharpener again as with two twists the pencil is magically sharpened again to a perfect point. There are cheaper pencils but when it's a result you want every single time, without fail I'd go with this pencil again and again. 

6. Loccitane Divine Cream

I truly couldn't count the amount of ablutions, creams and concoctions that I was lucky enough to try this year. La Roche-Posay's Hydraphase Intense has to get an honorable mention, Shiseido's Ibuki moisturiser for luxury pampering and L'Oreal's Revitalift Laser Renew blowing both the Mother and me away, the top spot still has to go to Loccitane's Divine Cream. 

Relaunched in 2013, I have genuinely never used a face cream that made such a dramatic difference to the appearance and feel of my visage in such a short space of time. It's not chump change at €82 for 50ml but the tiniest amount goes a very long way. Having used my press sample sparingly, lovingly but religiously, I parted with my hard earned eurobux in December and re bought this elixir - not only that but I'll do it again. 

7. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Lips

You're right you know, as far as I'm concerned there's nothing the LRP team can't do when it comes to healing, treating and enhancing our skin. I have yet to try a product that I didn't love, even if the blue and white packaging baffles even me sometimes. 

The launch of Cicaplast lips in 2013, however, was a revelation. I use Cicaplast Baume B5 for anything and everything and recommend it until I'm as blue in the face but this paraben free, fragrance free lip version of the balm has literally saved my kisser several times. During a hellish few days in A&E over Christmas this was the only thing to save my dry and aching lips - giving me instant relief and comfort and healing my dry, sore lips in the space of a day. 

To be used as a cracking base for brightly coloured lippies, a salve for red sore schnozzes or just as a lip saviour for all the family, this little white tube is a handbag/pocket/purse/glovebox/desk essential. 

8. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Though a little hesitant about this concealer at first glance, I think it was the spnge applicator that gave me the heebie jeebies, Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind won me 'round and how. 

Bright enough to use under eye, it instantly vamooses my dark circles. I press the concealer onto my finger to cover up blemishes and I insist on having this in my bag when I get my brows threaded as it instantly calms and covers the tell tale redness associated. I've found it tough to find this one in stores but as soon as I do? STOCKPILE. 

9. L'Oreal Studio #TXT Supersizing Volume Spray

I can only imagine that Trish from Love/Hate was going through cans of this stuff in Season 4 to achieve her majestic disco lion's mane. L'Oreal's #TXT works better than any other volumising spray I've ever used and at half the price too. 

No stickiness, no shine, no mahoosive knottage as a result just larrrrge voluminous grúaig in just a couple of sprays. This stuff does EXACTLY what it says on the tin. Awesome. 

10. Stila In the Light Palette

The amount of shadows and palettes I possess is not natural, I know this. I have recognised it as an illness and accepted it about myself (whilst buying more palettes) but if I were to pick one of the stacks of 'em that stood out in 2013 it would have to be the Stila In the Light wonder. 

Easily the most beautiful and versatile neutral palette I own, there's rarely a day goes by that I don't reach for this. Basically any eye look can be achieved with zero fall out and incredible staying power. Every single time I travel, this is the one palette that comes with and that's not for nothing. If you're a neutral fan, I'd urge you to add this to your collection sooner rather than later. I guarantee you won't regret it. 

And that's them, the Top Ten standouts for me of 2013 - what do you reckon? Agree? Disagree? 

Have you made a similar list? I'd love to check it out or is there some product that you're certain I'd love for 2014? Lemme know!

Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream Trio: Warm

It's not often that a product taunts me as much as Stila's Convertible Color Trio for warm tones has done for the past 6 weeks. Not having owned any Color Convertibles up to now, despite hearing the grá they receive, not least from our very own Stila Freak, Mags, Gerbera has been at the top of my lust list for an age. When Janie Howarth, Stila's international make up artist gave me a quick squizz at both of these trio palettes though, I knew one had to be mine. 

Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream Trio: €26

Considering the Color Convertibles are €21 each, €26 for the three is not too shabby at all. There are two palettes available, Cool and Warm and each consist of two favourite shades and one exclusive limited edition shade. Once I saw that the elusive Gerbera was included in the Warm version that was my decision made. 

HoneySuckle is the Exclusive LE Shade Here

Creamy soft and versatile these colours brighten up lips on the go but their real selling point is in the sheer colour they give to cheeks. HoneySuckle (a matte peach pink) is flattering to most skin tones, Camelia (a warm tan brown) doubles beautifully as a cream contour and Gerbera (Peach pink with rose gold shimmer) is a stunning blush that would rival Nars Orgasm or Sleek's Rose Gold with ease. 

Despite being off work for the past 5 days I've used this palette daily, even when I never made it out of my slanket and slipper socks and that might tell you quite how much I'm loving it. Stippling is your friend when applying cream blushes and this trio is no different, they take a minute to perfect but they're 100% worth it. 

Housed in heavy plastic with a large mirror inside. It's ideal for the mála!

Both the warm and cool palettes are Limited Edition from Stila so I'm advising you to hot step it to your nearest counter should you feel the want. You'll find Stila stocked in Boots Liffey Valley, Harvey Nic's Dundrum and online here from Nordstroms (though expect to pay hefty delivery charges). 

Right now I'm fighting the urge to pick up the cool tone version are you feeling the urge for either? 


**Update** Stila.co.uk have these palettes available online this week AND they do free shipping to Ireland! If you're feeling the want then that's your best bet, lovelies x  

New Stila Color Balm Lipsticks: Gemma Swatch

While chatting with Janie Howarth, Stila's UK Pro Make Up Artist last week, one of the newest introductions from the brand for their Spring 2013 collection really caught my eye. These brand new Color Balm Lipsticks, housed in high shine silver tubes and available in 18 stunning colours really pack a punch when it comes to pigment (Look Maw, I can do Ps)

Stila Gemma: €21.50

These creamy, extremely glossy shades have all the colour pay off of a long wear lipstick but are chock full of what makes balms so comfortable to wear. Hydrating emollient and cooling peppermint oil soothe the lips and mean that these Color Balm Lipsticks will give any lip butter a run for its money. There's also sunflower based polyglyceride that promises to ass volume and definition to your kisser. 

I've shown you here my natural lips, Gemma (bright violet pink) touched on lightly for a very wearable daytime lip tint with serious staying power and then full on colour. I've spoken before about how I'm more a coffee coloured lipstick fan  but this bright beauty is actually very flattering with my colouring and I've found myself reaching for it more and more. 

You'll find Stila Color Balm Lipsticks on counters now for the princely sum of €21.50 and with 18 shades to choose from you're guaranteed to find your perfect shade match. I know I'm hankering after another two already. 

Stila in the light: Eye Shadow Palette

I told you about Stila setting up shop in the lovely Harvey Nichols last week, it was and is music to the ears of Irish beauty lovers the country over. While at the launch though, I managed to get my hands on the Stila in the Light palette. A neutral delight that I was sure would fit right in round here at Casa Cherry. Wanna see some swatches? 

Bare is a yellow toned, matte cream, ideal as a base colour and as a blending aid for smokey eyes. 

Kitten reminds me a lot of Side Car from Urban Decay. It's a bright gold taupe shimmer with a creamy soft formulation. Beautiful for highlighting as well as a wash of shadow in its own. 

Bliss is a pink toned beige matte, again great as a base or a blending shadow. I've also worn this one on its own for a muted eye look with a stronger lip. 

Sunset is a rich creamy copper, it applies beautifully with just one swatch. I've been using this under the eye for an autumnal shadow look this past couple of weeks. 

Sandstone is a creamy matte brown with surprising lasting ability. It doubles very easily as a liner should you want a softer look. 

Bubbly is a bright gold, silky soft and full of shimmer. There's almost a wet to the touch texture with this shade that lends itself well to staying power for a night out. Another gorgeous highlighter too. 

Gilded Gold is probably my only let down of this palette. In the pan it's a deep russet brown with golden shimmer but the colour pay off is wojus. The above swatch is wet and still it's not up to much. Pity. 

Luster is a deep taupe with a slate grey undertone, there's pink and gold microshimmer here but still it's soft and malleable. 

Night Sky is probably my favourite shade of the lot. A blue grey with silver shimmer in the pan, it transforms to a stunning purple, silver iridescent shade. Love. 

Finally, Ebony is a charcoal black matte, perfect as a liner or a base for a smoulderingly smokey eye. 

Also featured in the palette is a waterproof smudgestick eyeliner in Damsel. It's twistable uppable (technical term) and incredibly soft. Once in place it's smudgeable (another term) for up to a minute before it sets in place. 

In the Light is €32.60 from the Harvey Nics Stila counter, sound like something you might like? 

It's Baaaack - Stila Arrives Back to Ireland to Huge Delight of Beauty Fans

If you're living around the Dundrum area of Dublin, expect to hear a consistent thundering over the coming days, no there isn't road works planned, it will be the sound of hordes of  beauty lovers and avid fans descending en masse on the new Stila counter in Harvey Nics. 

Revered for their smudge pots and convertible colours among many other products, Stila left Irish shores over 10 years ago, leaving many bereft in their wake. There has been a micro stand in Boots Liffey Valley of late to tide us over but this week sees the launch of a beautiful, fully stocked counter in Harvey Nichols in the Dundrum Centre. 

Stila Autumn 2012 Collection

I managed to catch up with the lovely folk behind the brand last night with their Pro Make Up Artist, Martin Carter and even got a glimpse of the beautiful Autumn 2012 collection that will be flying from the Harvey Nic's counter as of this week. The emphasis is on wearable, beautiful products that stay all day and work with your colouring. They are designed to complement every skin tone and age range. 

Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer - €39.50

The latest addition to the Stila Stay All Day range is this High- Definition Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer. Water based and oil free, this foundation gives a matte, flawless finish without feeling too heavy on the skin. It comes in 16 colours (all yellow toned) and Martin assures us that even the palest of Irish beauties are catered for with Bare 1 and Fair 2. 

Cleverly hidden in the lid of the Stay All Day Foundation is a creamy full coverage concealer pot in the perfectly matching shade. With vitamins A, C & E this concealer treats the skin as well as covering blemishes and dark circles. The weenchy mirror for touch ups on the go is a nice design feature too. 

Stay All Day Foundation beautifully matte but luminous on the gorgeous model's skin

Stila In the Know Eyeshadow Palette - €32.60

With 10 very flattering matte shades, that can be worn wet or dry, Stila's In the Know palette is sure to to be a huge hit. Suitable for any occasion and with the versatility to be played up or down, these matte shadows are a great choice for any make up kit. 

Martin revealing the In the Know palette to a chorus of oohs and aahs (mostly mine)

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick - €19.90

My favourite of the entire range has to be these beautiful liquid lipsticks. They're enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to provide full, comfortable coverage with no bleeding or feathering. Each colour is richly pigmented and promises to stay put for 6 hours. There are 10 shades with a mix of matte and shimmer finishes.They might just be the lip product to break me out of my nude/pink/gloss safe zone. 

While the counter is brimming with stock right now, both the Foundation and Liquid Lips won't be with us until next week. A word of warning though, Stila fans, there's already been talk of a waiting list for both! 

Is anything here piquing your interest? Are you as über excited about Stila coming back to us as I am? 

Credit:
Header pic
is borrowed from 
Stila's FB page