Origins Gloomaway - Does Exactly What it Says on the Tube

I make no secret of my love for luxe beauty brand Origins, their high performance skincare, their natural ingredients and their research proven by science. Above all else though, Origins are a brand that for me simply work. My cheeky January sale purchase of their Gloomaway set has only reinforced that opinion. 

Having found my taste for savoury shower ablutions with Origins Incredible Spreadable and Ginger Burst last year, when I saw both Gloomaway Shower/Bath and Body Souffle with the description 'Let lively grapefruit create a sense of optimism and contentment as your whole being is nurtured in silky-softness' for just €17 on Boots.ie - I knew it had to be mine. 

My first impression of Gloomaway is just how soft a citrus fragrance it really is. I get more juicy tangerines than grapefruit and that really isn't a bad thing. This duo are my go to stash for showers first thing in the morning and even when I'm just feeling a bit meh throughout the day. 

While not lathering up as much as I would have wished, the grapefruit body wash more than makes up for it with the wonderful fresh scent and the soft sheen it leaves on my skin before I even use the velvety soft and subtly scented body souffle. These are the true power couple of my bathroom right now - even if I've said nowt to the lads about them being hidden behind the cistern. 

Admittedly, we're talking pretty pennies to buy yourself some Origins (see here) but right now, if you're quick, the last of the Christmas sale stock is not only on shelves in Arnott's Dublin at incredible value but also in several of the larger Boots stores. 

I'm advising to not only stock up for yourself but to think about birthday gifts for loved ones throughout the year too. IMAGINE the gratitude for a gift this nice. You could be looking at free babysitting, dog walking AND enjoying freshly scented friends - it's selfish really. 

What wakes you up in the morning shower wise? (careful now)

Pop Up Mani Shops in Dublin! ft Ciaté & Chanel

I do love a good pop up and when that pop up happens to be a manicure mecca then mores the better. 

This weekend sees two leading brands showcase their polishes in a very temporary fashion. 

First up Ciaté have landed in BT2 Grafton Street:

Secondly, effortlessly chic, Chanel are taking up temporary residence in Arnott's, Dublin with their LETE PAPILLON DE CHANEL Summer 2013 collection.

The Sis & I availed of Azure (green) and Bel-Argus (Blue). Stunners!!

Tell me, will you be dropping by to see what Chanel or Ciaté have for in store for Summer talons? 

Ciaté Christmas About to be Available Exclusively in Arnotts!

When I spied this post from Karen of the LovelyGirlyBits yesterday there was an audible squeee, only to be repeated when the latest Arnott's Press Release touched down in my inbox last night. Turns out they've only gone and secured exclusivity for Ciaté's Christmas packs!

Ciaté Caviar Mini Bar : €35

The Caviar Mini Bar contains 4 beautiful polishes with 4 corresponding Caviar colours for endless combinations. Priced at €35, it would make a beautiful gift this Christmas for a nail art loving friend. 

Ciaté Mini Mani Month: €50

Behold something very special indeed, you may have heard of the Lancôme advent calendar this season but here we have 24 mini nail colours, one for almost every day of the month, what is not to LOVE about that? Priced at €50, not only will I be picking myself up one o' these but a couple of friends will be proud owners too. I'm a little biased when it comes to nail polish but I reckon it's genius. 

Ciaté Caviar & Velvet Manicure: €23 each

 Launching alongside both of these packs will be Ciaté's, now famous, Velvet and Caviar Manicure sets for €23 each. You might remember my DIY tutorials for each of these should you want the look yourself at home (Links in the sidebar over there -->) but as a gift, they're a great idea. 

All of these nail art goodies launch tomorrow, Friday 2nd of November, in the Arnott's Beauty Hall. Will you be checking them out? 

New to Arnott's - The Shoe Garden, a Manna from Heaven for Irish Shoe Lovers (Pic Heavy)

I come bearing seriously good news for the shoe lovers of Ireland, Arnott's, one of Ireland's oldest and most loved department stores has proven it's cutting edge metal once more with the introduction of the country's first Shoe Garden. 

With 100,000 ft chock full of 50,000 pairs of lust have shoes from 47 brands, there's something in here to make everyone swoon. I had the delight to pop along last night and take a peek at what's going on so I took a couple of snaps to share the love and hopefully whet your appetite. Those on spending bans, look away immediately!

Nine West mixing print with red leather and black suede. I'm in love. 

Fitflops new AW 2012 offerings are sure to keep your tootsies toastie this winter, or the much sought after Ballet Due. It took all my self control not to snap up the Cherry ones. 

Beautiful and wearable flats from Stuart Weitzman. A girl with a penchant for flat soled comfort can dream, can't she?

From the maker of the iconic Lita, Jeffrey Campbell had some surriously scurry shoes on show. There's no way I could teeter in these wonders but I just couldn't stop looking at them. That's the point, right?

Only the tip of the ballerina iceberg when it comes to Arnott's Shoe Garden. You'll literally be spoiled for choice. 

Some of the boots and one stunning Kurt Geiger shoe that made it straight onto my lust list. 

And finally, the one that will divide opinion like no other - Spuggs!  (ehm, sparkle Uggs that is)

If the unmistakeable scent of melting visa plastic last night was anything to go by the Shoe Garden is going to be an enormous hit. I love the quirky lay out and the original concept. The Arnott's display windows alone are worth a trip down Henry Street. 

Have you been in to see it yet? I'd love to know if you can escape without a purchase.