Wednesday, April 16, 2014

The Humpday Chattery


Yay, midweek already!

I spent yesterday being inundated with brand new sun creams, oils, lotions and ablutions and it put the holiday goo on me something chronic. 

Tell me, have you holidays booked already? Or have you already been? 

My Sis sent on a link from GoHop.ie for 7 nights in Portugal, 4* hotel AND flights for €101 pp - that's pretty phenomenal. 

Where do you go for your holiday deals OR are you choosing to stay in good old Éire this year?

Let's Chat!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Shiseido Ibuki Skincare Review. Collab Post WITH Giveaway!


I'm a big lover of Japanese prestige brand, Shiseido, we know this. Did we also know that they have an entire range of skincare dedicated to Generation Y? In layman's terms, those of us between the ages of 25 and 35. Shiseido Ibuki is for US! *whistles nonchalantly while not making eye contact*. 

Because we're all about fully encompassing reviews here at CherrySue, myself and the fanciest of faces, Lorraine of John, It's Only Makeup! have come up with a collaboration idea to bring you a review from both ends of the Ibuki target market spectrum. I'll be taking on the higher end of the age range and Lorraine the lower (I had to clarify that, it makes me feel better, OK?!)



Shiseido Ibuki Review
It really does. 
When it comes to expensive skincare, I love the notion of starter kits. It gives those of us dipping a toe into a brand way more than a sachet or even a deluxe sample to gauge our skins reaction to new ingredients. To truly know if a skincare product suits me I always need at least a fortnight, at least. The Ibuki Starter Kit gives you just that. 

Their initial trial results suggest that 90% of women have said that their skin is in 'the best condition ever' after just these two weeks. While I'd be hesitant to leap blindly into that 90%, this range has to be trialled to be believed. 



Gentle Cleanser 30ml, Softening Concentrate 30ml & Refining Moisturizer 30ml

To the contents: Shiseido are making sure we have all we need to fully test Ibuki with 30ml each of the Gentle Cleanser (€35 full size), Softening Concentrate (€28 full size) & Refining Moisturizer (€50 full size). But what does my visage make of it? 


Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser
The Ibuki Gentle Cleanser is an extremely soft but unctuous cream that lathers almost instantly with warm water. The smallest amount transforms into a rich cleansing treatment that removes every trace of the day without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped. 

Point to note here, the Gentle Cleanser smells UH-MAZING. As in inhaleitinhaleitagainandoncemoreforluck UH-MAZING. It smells like a luxury treatment should smell. UH-MAZING. 


Shiseido Ibuki Softening Concentrate
The Ibuki Softening Concentrate is designed to work on a deeper level and ready your skin for moisturiser. The operative word here is concentrate, less is definitely more. You only need the smallest amount on a cotton pad swiped across your cleansed face to soften and smooth the skin. This concentrate is everything toners aspire to be, soft, gentle and bloody effective. 


Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer
Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer is the moisturiser that taught me to be a little lighter handed with my ablutions. Although it feels light to the touch, the rich cream is intensely hydrating and adds more than a little shine to my skin if I overindulge. Used just right though I've seen my face emerge brighter than it has been in quite a while. I didn't notice any pore reducing or line minimizing effects but the overall tone of my kisser appeared more even each morning and throughout the day, even under makeup. 

The skinny is thus: Shiseido Ibuki has breathed new life into my skincare routine and once I have finished revelling in this Starter Kit (it's my second)(THANKS Shiseido) I will be purchasing the Gentle Cleanser and the Refining Moisturizer with my very own cash dollar, without hesitation. 

The Softening Concentrate is a superb product though it didn't have as much of an impact on my 36 year old skin as it might have were I a smidge younger (I blame the job). I'm hugely interested to see what Lorraine's porcelain visage has made of the lot though, she's naught but a chil' but I can see these suiting her skin perfectly. 




Here's where this post gets a little bit awesome - Lorraine and I have teamed up with Shiseido Ireland to bring 5 of you the chance to bag yourself an Ibuki Starter Kit (unavailable to buy in Ireland as yet) and the chance to experience this luxury skincare in your own home. 

I want you to head on over to Lorraine's review to see what she makes of Ibuki. Was I right about her adoring the entire range? Bet I am. To be in with a chance of winning a Starter Kit, we need you to leave a comment either here or on Lorraine's post to tell us: What does Ibuki mean? (Lorraine's post is more helpful for this one). 


Open to ROI lovelies this time only, winners will be announced on May 1st. Just in time to kickstart your summer time skincare routine. G'wan, what are you waiting for? GO! (Do come back though, I'm dying to hear!)



The Tuesday Chattery

Morning All, you made it through Monday then? 

I wanted to chat about something I saw tweeted yesterday that I thought was pretty interesting. Apparently 1 in 3 women today would happily pay for their own engagement ring?

Twitter has been aflurry with stats, polls and opinion pieces since Kelly's engagement and ensuing rumours but I wanted to see what ye made of it. Would you or have you paid for your engagement ring? 

To the lads, is this something you'd welcome in these cash strapped times? 

Let's chat!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Monday's Moments: 14/04/14



You'll be glad to see, or some of you won't, that normal Monday's Moments service has resumed after IFTA mania last week. This week doesn't have Fassbender or even Jamie Dornan but it does have five Moments that have made my week easier and my Monday brighter. 

Ready? 

1. Adoption Proceedings: CANCELLED. 


There are days in your life when you thank the lord you didn't sell your children to the Carnies and last week I had just such a day. Having been in the office from 8am until after six I was all set to make the dinner quickly then collapse but Aaron had other ideas. 

As soon as I walked through the door he handed me a chip sandwich (Atkins would roll in his grave) and told me that they'd already eaten. Truly, there is nothing as tasty as an unexpected chip sambo and nothing as fulfilling as a lad that minds his Momma. Moar chip sambos I say, MOAR. 

2. Big Brother: Little Sister


For the first time since moving, Corrina (AKA the little Sis) got herself wifi in Athy. Can you believe it? For years the excuse was 'There's a tree in the way' - seriously but now set up I gave her my Netflix account so that she could catch up on the show we're all twittering on about. 

Cue 7pm on Wednesday I get a text from her 'Hey, I see you're watching Homeland, any use?'. Wait, WHAT? 'Oh you've added The Returned to your Must Watch list, have you heard good things?' WHAT THE WHAT?! Turns out she's using Netflix to spy on me, in my own living room. Now I'm afraid to even look at gick lest I be judged... *Deletes Nude Nun with Big Guns off the Must Watch List*. 

3. #Blessed

Following an evening at The Amazing Spiderman last week, we dropped into BK to get the lads a burger before getting the last bus home. It was only when the gal behind the counter asked to be paid that I realised there was a problem. My purse was gone. 

Both Adam & his pal backed up, much akin to Homer drifting backward into a bush while Aaron and I panicked and searched pockets. It was gone, I was sure of it. Having checked my pockets again, I emptied my bag onto the counter and nada, nothing. It was only when I went to walk away that I felt it - nestled in the folds of my scarf - SRSLY. 

I have no idea how it got there or how close I was to losing the lot but the day was saved and burgers were had. I've advised Adam not to go into Crisis Management as his career. It's best for everyone.  

4. Secret Stash FTW


That very same purse caused consternation the following day when I had been so careful to zip it into my jacket pocket, I never thought of it as I hared off to work the following morning. It had been a pretty manic week, yes? 

It was only sitting at my desk as lunch approached I realised it. Being the only one in the office I had consigned myself to starvation for the afternoon until I racked my brain trying to remember if there had been a communal stash of bikkies, then it hit me. I'd only bought chocolate the week before with the intention of bringing it home to the lads. Open the drawer and BOOM party time. I've never been so happy to see a scaldy Toffee Crisp in all my life. 

Note to self. I need a new purse. This one doesn't like me. 

5. We're ALL Winners Here


Last but by no mean least, a huge shout out to Warner Bros is due in Moment 5. They very kindly sent out passes for both Gorgebags to head off to the MCM Comic Con in the RDS this weekend with some nifty tees to boot. 

Both lads were up and out by 7.30 am both days, not returning until late, laden down with comics and loot and beaming from ear to ear. Momma here spent the entire weekend lounging about the place and getting over the series of unfortunate events that was the week before. Win/Win/Win. Thanks WB, from each of us. 



Tell me, what's brightening up your Monday so far? Any happy haps in your corner of the universe today? 


The Monday Chattery


Morning All, how was your weekend? Anything hugely exciting occur? 

I spent the entire weekend lounging and binge watching Netflix. The Returned was grand like but the ending? Por quoi? 

Any recommendations for my next series to devour would be hugely appreciated - what are you loving on the on demand service? Or are you not a Netflix fan at all? 

Let's Chat!