The Thursday Chattery - Products So Good You Buy Them As Gifts? (With Giveaway!)

I can always tell my true grá for a product when I can't wait to pick it up for friends and family. It happens often with nail polishes, sometimes with make up and sometimes with more expensive prettiness, such as creams or palettes. 

This morning over on the blogs Facebook page I've teamed up with a brand to giveaway one such product - the Perfect White Black toothpaste with active charcoal. Honestly, when I see people hover over toothpaste choices in Boots I want to whisper at them - that's how much I love it. 

In the spirit of sharing and caring, I'm going to give away a goodie bag stuffed full of Beverly Hills Formula here too, including Perfect White Black, so you can see what I mean. 

To be in with a chance of winning just tell us: 

What's one product that you've loved so much you had to buy it for a loved one? 

Let's Chat!

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? 

The Tuesday Chattery - Top European Cities for Christmas Markets?

Before you take the safety off the gun, let me explain. I understand it's just gone September, I also understand that some of us, me especially, are hanging on to the last of the summer with our fingernails. BUT today we feature Tuesday's Travels and today 

my wonderful skin & blister is going to explain why we need to be thinking about this years Christmas market trips STAT. 

We go every year, sometimes the travel itinerary and the number of people travelling changes but Corrina & I always make sure to get away for some mulled wine and festive shenanigans. We're forever looking for inspo for the next trip, so my questions are thus: 

Have you been? Where'd you go? Would you recommend? 

Let's Chat!

Brussels & Bruges Christmas Markets On a Budget - Just Do It!

Sorry not sorry! I know it’s nearly 4 months away (113 days, not that I’m counting) but, believe or not, now is the best time to start thinking of booking your European Christmas market trip as you get the best deals in early September. Sue and I have been visiting European Christmas markets for almost 10 years now so I thought you'd like some hints, tips and a peek at some of the best we've ever been to. 

For any trip research is key, I do all my research on christmasmarkets.com. They have invaluable info on Christmas market locations, also on the hotels that are in close proximity. However, I never book through the site, I usually use trivago.ie or do a general google search for the hotels listed on christmasmarkets.com. You can also book a package trip through a travel agent but you'll pay extra for this & I prefer to keep those few sheckles for mulled wine!

Place du Marche aux Poissons, Brussels

As I said, every Christmas CherrySue and I head off to a European Christmas Market, sometimes our brother & sis in law join us from Wales and sometimes the lads come too but we make it a rule to go regardless.

Two years ago we chose Brussels and Bruges. We took an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin Airport to Brussels Airport, it’s only a short 90 minute flight.

Brussels Airport is actually 11 km northeast of Brussels so we opted for public transport and got the Express Line Bus 12 to Luxembourg stop in Brussels business district. We used the Go vending machines to purchase our tickets for the bus as they are cheaper than buying from the driver. It costs just €4 for the 30 minute journey. 

  

We stayed at Leopold Hotel on Rue Du Luxemburg, it’s a newly refurbished 4* hotel, very convenient to bus and tram stops and Midi train station. There are plenty of bars and restaurants beside the hotel. We had a garden suite which occupied two floors, it was spotless and spacious. Breakfast was included in our rate, although we did pass on the curry and chicken stew for breakfast and opted instead for something from the array of fresh pastries and cold meats.

Brussels Tram

It’s very easy to navigate your way around Brussels. You can use the tram or, like us, just walk, you can explore more and get to see hidden gems you might otherwise miss! We used Viator.com to book the Hop-on hop-off tour bus before we went (€23pp). This is the best way to see a city in a short timeframe & on a budget. You can exchange your voucher for a ticket at any stop on the route, no need to go to the office.

There are two routes and they both depart from Central Station. We got to visit the Grand Place, Chocolate Museum, Beer Museum and the European Parliament among many other attractions.

                                               

                                                                                                              Atomium        

Our favourite meal was at the Atomium, a steel structure of spheres and tubes. Each of the spheres house exhibitions and the top sphere is a two storey restaurant with an amazing panoramic view of the City. 

Admission is €11 for adults and from €6 for children over 6 years.They have deals on set gourmet menus for lunch, while it can be quite expensive for dinner. If you find yourself there after dark there is an amazing laser light show each night.

Brussels Christmas Market Stall

Christmas markets typically run from late November to early January and the best place to find out exact information & maps before you go is on the trusty christmasmarkets.com. Grand Place is where the Town Hall is beautifully lit and one of many Christmas markets takes place. Wooden chalets are transformed into Christmas stalls selling homemade gift items such as traditional wooden decorations and sweets. The sweet aromas of cinnamon and mulled wine at the markets are mouth watering.

Brussels Christmas Market Stall Eile

While you will find many of the stalls replicated throughout the market, keep your eye on the prices as they can vary from one side of the market to the other!  After dark the sights and sounds are simply magical as the stalls light up and there is a big wheel for spectacular views. There is also a giant outdoor ice skating rink at place du Marche aux Poissons. Markets usually open till 9pm on week days and 10pm at weekends.      

                                                Bruges Train Station

We caught one of the frequent trains from Midi train station for the hour long scenic journey to Bruges. We went on the weekend so it was only €13.80 return but during the week it’s more expensive at €25 return. 

From Brugge train station it’s only a 10 minute walk to Bruges Markt Square or catch a bus for only €2. This is where the main Christmas market and ice rink are located. This is also where the famous scenes from “In Bruges” were filmed and you can climb the town’s musical bell tower of the Belfort (Belfry). 

                                                Markt Square, Bruges

                                                Chocolate Shop, Bruges

Bruges has maintained many of its medieval buildings so the architecture is a beautiful mix of contemporary and medieval.  Every corner we turned we found a little gem along with the many delicious chocolate shops! There really is no need to stray too far from Markt Square as it has all you need to see and do for the day. We had to get out of the cold and spent a glorious couple of hours having a beer and people watching. 

We sat in the window of one of the many restaurants with a view of the Belfort and market. When we tried to order a large beer they refused to serve us & offered a small beer instead, this was soon remedied when we told him we were Irish! Restaurants tend to close early so we had an early and reasonably priced dinner (total bill €25) before our train back to Brussels. 

Big Beer time! Markt Square, Bruges

I’ve spent the last few days researching our next Christmas market trip & we’ve chosen Cologne in Germany for this years festive fix. I currently have it priced at €160pp for flights & 2 nights B&B in a 4* hotel with spa & pool! 

Have you ever been? Any tips on where to go or what to see? 

Things I'm Trialling ft Maybelline, Estée Lauder, L'Oreal, Origins, The Body Shop, Rimmel, Chanel & Chantecailles

Can you believe that was a week already? Well it was and it's time to swap out the Things I'm Trialling. 

Without further ado, here's some speedy reviews and first impressions on the things I was trialling last week. Ready? 

1. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro: €3.99 Here. 

Maybelline Baby Lips are something of a cult phenomenon, State side, regularly topping US shopping wish lists before making the leap across the pond last year. Cracking value at just €3.99, they're not going to heal damaged lips, nor will they take the eye out of your head with colour pay off, despite their neon packaging. 

As a hydrating, semi sheer moisture boost though? You really can't go wrong. Minty sheer is by far my fave, reminding me of the spearmint flavour of the rollerball glosses of my youth. 

2. Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream: €55 Here 

One reason EL will consistently top my favourite brand list is consistency. At first glance €55 seems just a touch spendy for a CC Cream but even during application you can feel the difference between this and cheaper counterparts. This Supreme CC Cream leaves the tube as a greyish cream but transforms on the skin with the aid of micropigments. 

Lovers of full coverage bases won't find this is enough and I must admit the SPF 10 is almost too negligible to mention but BUT: My skin has never liked a base as much as it has this CC cream. Luminous and soft, it feels as though my skin has light reflecting properties with none of the sparkle. Yes, it's €55 but I'll gladly spend that again once I'm through with this one. Gladly. 

3. L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Lip Colour: 

€14.99 Here

This mini review was almost very different after my first use of the L'Oreal Infallible 24 hr lip. Billed as the first product with Hyaluronic gel and boasting 24 hr wear, I cursed the French brand when this rolled off my lips, like gathering silicone on first application. Then I slowed down a little. 

Applying the highly microglittered soft pink gloss to my lips, I waited a moment - then I applied the balm. Result? Soft, stained lips with every spec of microglitter in place. You'll definitely feel the glitter at first but not uncomfortably so. I've managed to get a full 7 hours from this colour without touching it and even then it was force of habit more than necessity. As long wear lippies go, this is a beaut. 

4. Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer: 

€32 Here

Not normally one to splash out on concealer, I normally stay within the Maybelline Age Rewind or Collection 200o confines, then splash the cash on foundation. Chanel's Correcteur Perfection concealer may have just changed my mind entirely. 

The soft, gel like texture applies like a dream, even under eye. I've had zero caking or drying issues and have even doubled its use as a highlighter, so brightening are its effects. Correcteur Perfection is slightly fragranced and that might be off putting initially for some. Please don't allow it to be. My beauty arsenal is all the better for this luxury secret weapon. 

5. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hr Foundation 

- Yet to Launch

I have a full post ready to go on Rimmel's new formulation Lasting Finish Foundation. If high coverage and lasting wear is your aim then you need to check this one out. 

While the summer months aren't the ideal time to put a foundation like this through its paces, the newly added comfort serum and vitamin E made that a doddle. I can see this gel like base being a firm favourite throughout the winter months. Watch out for the swatch fest!

6. The Body Shop All in One BB Cream: €19.95 Here

Another base that uses micro pigments to achieve its desired colour on the skin, the Body Shop All in One BB Cream is a light, hydrating cream that gives a semi sheer finish. 

Again not one for those that need a little more coverage but those that just want to freshen their complexion will enjoy it. I found this BB a little light for my skin tone at 00 but have re purposed it into an undetectable primer for under my own foundation. My skin is hydrated, and even with every use. If it's a BB you're looking for, I'd check this one out. 

7. Origins Ginzing Refreshing Face Mask: €30 Here

One of the standout refreshing masks to be released this year, Origins Ginzing is an icy cool gel that wakes your skin up in minutes. Formulated with coffee beans for an instant life, cucumber to calm and refresh and Hoelen mushroom to soothe troubled skin, the boys have been all over this one. 

Apply this gel to cleansed skin and tissue off just ten minutes later for brightened skin, ready to face the day. Adam will end me for telling you this but he's used this several times after his shower in the morning, while he eats his cereal. The first time wasn't by choice but since then I've kept it in the fridge he's used it, voluntarily, and commented on how it has brought down the redness when his skin is particularly angry. Anything that a 17 year old lad uses of his own accord has to be a win, right?  

8. Chantecailles Anti Stress Flower Harmonizing Cream: £88 Here

Unfortunately my skins expensive tastes have let me down where Chantecailles Harmonizing Cream is concerned. With essential oils, flower extracts, seaweeds and vitamins, I really wanted to love it but my visage unfortunately didn't. 

Though vegan friendly and marketed as an all 'round skin cocoon for even the most sensitive skin, my relatively normal skin broke out after just one evening's use. The diligent beauty blogger that I am, I waited the week and tried again with less than half the original amount used. Again, I was left with tiny raised lumps just under my skin's surface. Me no likey. 

(I will say though that Mama Cherry has been since gifted this Harmonizing Cream and can't get enough of it. Perhaps it's because I told her the price, perhaps that's just sour grapes on my part *shakes fist*)

Tell me, have you tried any of these beauty bits? Concur with my findings? 

Be sure to check out next week's Things I'm Trialling insta pic here, those reviews & first impressions will be up next week. And as ever, if you'd like more info on these or any products you see featured, just pop a question below or come hollah at me on the Twitters, yesh?