WIN ~ No7 Ultimate Collection Set with Boots! #CherryChristmas

Helloooo, Nurse! Day 17 of #CherryChristmas has arrived thanks entirely to everyone's leading health & beauty retailer, Boots! It's their Star Prize for this week, no less, the No7 Ultimate Collection Set. This amazing product is the star gift of the week and is available in store from today ooooor it could be winging it's way to you for nathin'!

Should you want to pick up this beauty bounty with 9 full sized, much raved about No7 products, it's half price at €52.50, down from €105 . Like all of Boot’s Star Gifts, this is going to be in sky high demand, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Should you want to avoid the stampede though, alls you need to do is pop a comment below and tell us 'Do you prefer to shop online or in store with Boots & why?'. 

For postage reasons this one is ROI only & usual T&Cs apply. 

Good Luck!

(for more info on our #CherryChristmas extravaganza & to see how you can transform one prize into a GRAND PRIZE see HERE)

How to Wash & Dry Your Makeup Brushes in Minutes!

There's not one among us that enjoys washing our makeup brushes, NOT. ONE. What if I told you that you didn't need to make prunes of your fingers, labour over washing & rinsing and the wait all night for them to dry? Thanks to Garnier's new Micellar Cleansing Water for combo skin, here's how to wash and dry your makeup brushes in minutes!

How does it work?

Micellar water gets its name from the science behind the product. It’s made of “micelles,” which are tiny oil molecules suspended in water. Those small molecules grab on to all of the unwanted makeup particles clinging to your brushes and dissolve them. The alcohol included in the Garnier Micellar Water ensures sterilization of the bristles as well as super fast cleansing. 

What you'll need: 

• Garnier's Micellar Water (the one with the green lid/alcohol): €4.53 HERE
• Spray Bottle (to decant water & make life hella easier) - €2.19 HERE
• Cotton Pads - €2.79 HERE 
• Silicone Brush Egg ~ Optional for Foundation Brushes - €1.50 HERE
• Maggedy Makeup Brushes - EVERYWHERE

How to Clean Makeup Brushes - Step 1 - Spritz Your Maggedy Brush

How to Clean Makeup Brushes - Step 2 - Give Your Brush a Swirl on the Egg or Cotton Pad

How to Clean Makeup Brushes - Step 3 - Tan-Spankle-ah-DAH!

The inclusion of alcohol in the micellar water means that not only are your brushes cleansed but drying time is obliterated to minutes, rather than hours. This means you can gather your top brushes and have them cleaned and dried in no time at all. No more forgoing your favourite brushes because they're waiting for a wash. 

Word of Warning:

Just one word of warning to keep in mind, this handy trick is great for synthetic brushes but I'd err on the side of caution when cleaning makeup brushes made with real hair. The alcohol will have a stripping effect and can/will lead to the deterioration of your spendy brush. For those I'd continue to give them a deep clean with baby shampoo/your favourite brush cleanser, reshape and leave to air dry. 

My Full Face Worth of Fave Brushes - Clean AND Dry in Less than 10 Minutes!

Will you be giving this seriously time saving trick a go? Mad props to new beauty pal, Siobhán from LetzMakeup for drawing it to our attention! 

Soap & Glory's Sugar Crush - My New Scrub Love

Yep, I'm pretty late to this Soap & Glory party but HOW has the Sugar Crush range escaped my product piggery attention for so shaggin' long?! I have, of course, been stocking up on the bright pink products every Christmas for years now but somehow this sweet lime slice of heaven has escaped me thus far. Not no more, Sugar Crush, not no more. 

Sugar Crush Body Scrub: €11.25 Here

The indulgent Sugar Crush Body Scrub is one of the thickest I've ever used, usually I'll apply a scrub to my dry skin and give it some circular rubs before even stepping under the shower stream but Sugar Crush is having none of that messing. Substantial enough to sit on the skin like fragrant, scrubby molasses, you're going to need uisce to work this over the skin and plenty of it. 

Blended with smashed brown sugar with a fruity lime fragrance, sweet lime oil and almond oil with macadamia grains and glycerin, you have to smell Sugar Crush to believe it. The sweet lime is tart enough to keep the scent the right side of sickening and the instant soft sheen on my skin is enough to rocket this scrub into the top Soap & Glory spot product for me. 

Sugar Crush Body Buttercream: €14.75 Here

You know those scents that have you smelling your own wafts as you move? The kind that elicit furrow browed glances as you've buried your head in your own elbow again? That's what Sugar Crush Body Buttercream is to me. Smelling incredibly like Key Lime Pie, this sweet biscuity scent is astoundingly long lasting for a body butter and I'd wear it every single day, even if it wasn't a kick ass skin smoother too. 

I've been cocooning myself in this unctuous buttercream after my shower before I hop into the leaba and fanning the duvet at myself as I drift off to dream about a silky soft bod in the morn. It's gorgeous! 


I picked these up on the 3 for 2 offer in Boots and had the body wash not been ravaged from the shelves I'd've picked that up too. 

Have you tried it yet? Am I exaggerating when I say 'BEST SOAP & GLORY SET EVARR!'?

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)

November Faves ft New Look, Smashbox, Rimmel, Lush, L’Oréal, Bourjois & Max Factor

Now that we're slightly over the trauma of November being possibly the quickest month in the history of months ever, it's time for me to share my stand outs of the past four weeks. 

Having spent the vast majority of the month holed up at home and wearing little or no slap, this month's picks are  more about what makes me feel better quickly. Let me know if you agree with any of 'em!

1. L’Oréal Hair Chalk: €18.61 here. 

Having been too chicken and not at all 'too old' as Adam says to dip dye my hair this past year these L’Oréal hair chalks got an audible 'YUSS' when I opened the package a fortnight ago. 

Available in 8 colours these vibrant tress enhancers are more a liquid polish that dries in place than a chalk and can change your look in minutes and will wash out in two shampoos. I'll have a full post up with pics v soon but as of now, in my opinion, you NEED to check these out!

2. MAX Factor Wild Shadow Pencils: €8.99 here. 

When it comes to make up simplicity Max Factor have it down. These new shadow pencils are not only available in a cracking line up of 8 metallic smudgeable shades but once they've dried they're there to stay. 

I brought 4 of these beauties to Berlin with me to save on liquid allowance and palette schlepping and I was never once stuck for quick, swipeable onnable shadow simplicity (it's a thing). Caramel Rage is by far my favourite but do yourself a favour and swatch these pencils in store. You'll be impressed!

3. Bourjois CC Cream: €13.99 (launching Jan '14) 

Now normally I don't include a favourite that has yet to launch but Bourjois have once again knocked it out of the beauty park with their 123 CC Cream. 

Boasting 3 colour correcting pigments to combat bags, pigmentation and any number of other unwelcome visage shades this CC cream glides on effortlessly and really does last all day long. While I topped it with a little powder on my forehead, this really does help my pigmentation and feels like I'm wearing nothing at all (insert vision of Sexy Flanders here)

4. L'Oreal Paris False Lash Flutter Mascara Midnight Purple: €16.79 here

There's not many mascaras that WOW me straight from the tube and the unassuming butterfly wing shaped brush on this False Lash Flutter offering didn't promise to be anything more than a lash separating tool - how wrong I was. 

Batting it's way straight to the top my go to mascaras, this Midnight Purple lifts, separates and coats every single lash to perfection - think They're Real crossed with YSL's Babydoll and you're almost there. At less than €17, I would've paid twice that had I known what this would do for my súiles and I.   

5. SmashBox Wonder Vision Mega Palette: €60 here

I waxed lyrical about this mega palette with full pictures and swatches here  but honestly, until you feel the velvety soft shadows in this beauty bounty there's no way you can truly appreciate it. 

Having not been off my eyes since I bought it (bar Berlin)(when I missed it greatly) this palette is pretty much everything you need when it comes to eye shadow - no that doesn't mean I'll relinquish my stash nor that I'll stop buying but hand on heart, I haven't reached for any other shade since this joined my kit. 

6. Rimmel Precious Stones in Diamond Dust: €5.49 here: 

This post showed exactly how perfect this sparklefest polish is for silly season and it's another 'look at it with your actual eyeballs' product. 

Densely packed holo glitters in every shape and suspended in a thick charcoal jelly means there's not a finger tip in Ireland that wouldn't be flattered by this polish. 

7. Lush Sikkim Girls Body Cream: £24.95 here. 

While seeming a little pricey to begin with this unctuous body lotion from Lush is fast becoming one of my favourites of the entire natural brand. Chock full of Darjeeling Tea, Vanilla Pod and Jasmine Flower Infusion, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Cupuacu Butter, Organic Hemp Oil, Glycerine, Honey, Peach Kernel Oil, Sikkim Girls is an out and out thigh rubber when it comes to supple soft and delicately scented skin. 

This little vid shows how this pot of wonder is made but I urge you to ask the Lush ladies (or gents) for a tester of this body lotion and allow it to convert you entirely in just one use. 

8. Drink Me Chai Latte in Peppermint: €5 here. 

A new lover of spicy Chai tea and sweetened Chai lattes, I was thrilled to see this ready made tub on the market stalls in Berlin. The eldest whipped out his wallet and bought both the Sis and I a tub each, had I known he'd be drinking it religiously too I'd have bought more!

This sweet, peppermint drink puts me in mind of a pumpkin spice latte and is not only 99% caffeine free and a known killer of chocolate cravings but it's also a cinch to make. Loving it longtime!

9. New Look Wide Fit Knee High Boots: €49.99 here

These leather look boots have not only saved my skin but they've saved my legs and feet this past month too. With a little block heel that makes them some of the most comfortable boots I've owned, the elasticated backing makes them a doddle to pull on and off and to wear all day long without issue. 

Easily dressed down or up, these New Look boots came to my aid brilliantly as we walked the length and breadth of Berlin last week. Not one blister, cut or chilly knee to be seen. I'll be buying 'em in black too - you mark my words. 


And that's them, my November Faves. 

Tell me, have you had any stand outs, beauty or otherwise this past month? 

Boots No7 Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit - Review

Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit is probably one of the biggest surprises for me from the No7 range of late. Having tried the No7 Beautiful Skin Pore Vacuum Mask to disastrous flaming skinned end, I was more than a little hesitant to try this peel. Now having used it for a month, I've already ordered a replacement. It's that good. 

This three step system starts with the gycolic peel itself (you get 8 of these). The tiny vial packs a real punch containing 10% glycolic acid and 0.5% glucono delta lactone. Using this on a cotton pad and swiping all over your face and neck, there's more than enough in each dose. Given 10 minutes to work this gel works, without any tingling or stinging, to slough off dead skin cells and reveal the newer cells beneath. 

With glycerin and pro-vitamin B5 the Post Peel Neutraliser works to instantly stop the effects of the active glycolic peel. This unscented liquid spreads quickly and easily and again, doesn't sting the skin, a quick splash of cold water to rinse the lot and you're ready for recovery. 

The Calming Recovery Balm with a blend of emollients, ceramides and shea butter with white lupin peptides and extracts of liquorice and chestnut smells and feels beautiful on the skin. This balm genuinely belies the puny price tag and could stand alone as a great little product for refreshing and brightening the skin. 

I've been using this Youthful Peel twice a week for the past four weeks and yes, I can see a difference. The tiny raised lumps (thanks KP!) on my jawline have all but disappeared, my pores appear smaller and skin just feels better. 

While marketed to give 'Fast Anti-Aging Results' this peel does work fast but it's not going to get rid of wrinkles or even Crow's feet, no topical cream or peel will ever do that (for now anyway) but as a refreshing, brightening and softening peel that shows true radiance in your skin the No7 Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit for just €20 per month is a winner. 

NOTD: Rimmel Precious Stones - Diamond Dust

I'm a firm believer in the term 'Glitter, it's not just for Christmas' but Rimmel have knocked it out of the park this holiday season with their Precious Stones polishes. This one pictured is Diamond Dust and I'm a little bit infatuated. 

Taken in dimmer light you can see that the sparkle is very wearable and isn't about to take the eye of anyone. But once the light catches this glitter, it truly comes to life. 

I used two thin coats over a base of Essie's Vested Interest (dark green) but the glitters in Diamond Dust are so densely packed into the charcoal jelly polish that you genuinely can't tell. I'd recommend a dark base regardless as worn alone, the polish can seem a little sheer, that and glitter is a pigdog for scratching the nail bed when being removed.  

As with all thick glitter polishes, Precious Stones is gritty to the touch so you'll need a topcoat to even it out, brighten the glitter (as if it needed it) and prolong wear time. Again, glitter is a fickle mare when it comes to chipping but two coats of this with a Seche Vite top coat meant I got three straight days with zero chips. I used my remover of choice, Cutex Moisture and it rubbed right off with no scrathcing or fluting about. 

There's two colours in the Rimmel Precious Stones line this and Ruby Crush (red & silver), they're €5.49 each but on 3 for 2 at the moment in Boots and you'll find 'em here. 

Are you a glitter fan when it comes to nails? Liking the look of Precious Stones? 

Beauty Advent Calenders - The Best of 2013

Personally I'm a newbie to advent calendars that don't involve me popping  a Dairy Milk stocking into my mouth before porridge of a December morning but the burgeoning beauty advent calendar is slowly converting me. I say slowly as I've yet to part with my cold hard sponds for one yet but 2013 is looking like the year that that just might happen. 

Ted Baker - The Name on Everyone's Lips: Boots Exclusive

Fans of both Chubby Sticks and Revlon's Kissable Lip Balms will love this new Ted Baker set housed in a beautiful purple tin. Exclusive to Boots, available from their Christmas catalogue and, priced at just €19, they're bound to be hugely popular as both a gift and a self gift this season.  

Though not individually named, these glossy lip crayons are each flattering shades of pinks and reds that are very easy to wear. Unscented and seriously soft, they glide onto the lips with ease for a high gloss finish. 

While not the longest lasting, approximately one hour before touch up is required, these Ted Baker shades lipstick crayons are a great budget beauty buy. 

Have you checked out anything else from the Ted Baker beauty range? 

17 Eyes - Some Really Superb Shimmers

Yes, it is the season to shimmer & sparkle but I'm going to go right ahead and admit I've been loving these bad boys for months now.

17 is a budget beauty range, exclusive to Boots, that has never really caught my attention before. I think I always assumed it was for younger lasses. In and around 17, let's say, but once I picked up one of these metallic shimmer shadows I was hooked.

So far in my collection we have:

1. Statuesque:  a light, bright pinky taupe shimmer
2. Rose Quartz:  a duskier pink with a more brown undertone
3. Mardi Gras:  a deep, taupey brown with, again, high shimmer

Swatches in natural light: L-R 2, 1, 3

Under artificial lighting the shine is just gawjus!

I think I've been most impressed with the longevity of 17 Eyes, only €4.89 a pop gets you highly pigmented shimmer in a pretty decent sized pan. I've been using these with brushes and barely made a dent! While I haven't tried any of the mattes or brighter colours in the range, as yet, I can safely say this is a collection that'll be growing. 

Have you tried 17 Eyes before? Impressed?