October Favourites ft Bourjois, Balenciaga, Estée Lauder, Essie, Liz Earle, Kérastase, Charlotte Tilbury, Rimmel & Tiger!

I know, I know, a beauty post, who'da thunk it? It's only when I look back at the past couple of weeks posts that I realise they've been few and far between of late. Despite my sneak peeks at upcoming products over on Instagram and slapping the keyboard as the Style & Beauty Blogger for the Dublin City Guide, poor aul CherrySue le Blog has been losing out. Fear not though, I'm on it! 

In that vein, how about a look at the products that've been tickling my beauty pickle more than any other this past month? Excellent, let's do this: 

1. Kérastase Nectar Thermique: 

€20.28 Here

I've been rocking the Keratin Complex treatment from Queen in Aungier St this past few weeks so normal shampoos and conditioners have been given the heave ho in favour of sulphate free alternatives. Because of that, styling wise, I haven't needed a whole lot of product but after each and every wash I've been loving this leave in treatment from Kérastase. 

This ultra nourishing cream is applied to towel dried hair and not only cuts my blow dry time in half but leaves my locks soft and shiny too. The Royal Jelly Extract works to smooth down flyaways without ever feeling weighted or greasy. Of all the Kérastase loveliness I've tried, this Nectar is by far my fave. 

2. Essie Take It Outside: 

€9 Here

I've been recommending Essie's Take It Outside to all that will listen for the past month or more. Topping my favourite Autumnal Nails post just last week, I can't say enough good things about this flattering greige - though I try. 

If you're looking for a polish that you're likely to remove only to apply again then Take It Outside should be top of your list. That and Debenhams are selling the entire line for just €9 right now. Get. On. It!

3. Estée Lauder - Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream: €55 Here

One reason Estée Lauder will consistently top my favourite brand list is consistency in both quality and performance. At first glance €55 seems slightly 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. 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.

4. Bourjois - 1 Seconde Volume Ultra Black: 

€12.99 Here

The original Volume 1 Seconde was a stand out mascara for me this year, so I was thrilled to see an Ultra Black iteration make its way to our shelves. The patented brush is the same, one of my most loved shapes, with spherical bristles in among the straight sweeping ones to cover every last lash with ease.

While I didn't find this newer version 'ultra' black, I do prefer it to its predecessor in terms of longevity. Again Bourjois prove they can hold their own with high end beauty heavy weights. I've reached for this tube more than any other in the past month because I know it will just work. You can't always say that with mascara.

5. Charlotte Tilbury - Filmstar Bronze & Glow: 

€65 Here

Had you told me a couple of months back that I'd be contouring daily and feeling slightly naked without, I'd have scoffed in your face. SCOFFED. But then came Charlotte's Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I can't emote with sufficient intensity your need to try this palette. 

Forget Lion King scary contour lines and Kim K attempts at shading warpaint, this, THIS is what will give you that effortless contoured look with just a couple of sweeps. The matte Sculpt shade is my perfect shading colour and the champagne Highlight is the buildable highlighter of my dreams. Truly, I've worn the CC cream above, this and the Bourjois mascara and been told I've never looked better. It. Is. Love.

6. B. Balenciaga: 

€61 Here

B. Balenciaga is  Alexander Wang's first scent for the French fashion house & nothing like I had expected. A clean green scent grounded with dark wood, it smells like I imagine the rainforest does after a downpour. Absolutely gorgeous. 

I've been guarding closely my sneak preview sample but the urge to share the scent when people ask what I'm wearing is more than I can bear and I always end up giving them a spritz. THIS is why B. is smack bang top of my Christmas wishlist thusfar. Seek it out and spray it for yourself, I defy you not to fall in love. 

7. Liz Earle - Limited Edition Cleanse & Polish: €23.50 Here

I have made no secret of my love for Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish over the years - you can see my full review here. Always a sucker for a limited edition, it was the very same night that I met Liz Earle MBE herself (I KNOW!) that I eagerly opened this Sweet Orange & Mint version to put it to the test. 

That was last month, I've been using this cleanser every other night since. While the performance of this unctuous cleanser is just as luxurious and comforting as its standard counterparts, it's the scent that truly sets this one apart. Bright and zesty, I truly own no cleansers with quite the same scent and have looked forward to using it every single time. 

8. Tiger - Phone Charger: 

€9 In Store Only 

I don't normally recommend products that you can't easily get your own mitts on but were I to tell you that this €9 charger from walkaround mecca, Tiger is the fastest I've ever used would that sway you to make the trip? 

As is the case with most people these days, my phone is now an extension to my arm and never put down - unless I'm in the office of course - ahem. This means, more often than not, I'm scrambling to have it recharged before I head into town and start my Spotify accompanied trek home. 

This charger gives me 100% in less than 30 mins, without overheating or losing charge once I unplug. The slightly odd thing is, it's only when it's plugged into the wall but what matter? 100% in under half an hour that holds a charge longer than usbs 3 times its price. It's like a little Lotto win. Only better. 

9. Rimmel Provocalips: £6.99 Here

Another product I've raved about ad infinitum is Rimmel's newest lip laquer, Provocalips. Available in 11 shades of vibrancy, there is no lip product on the market today that will give you the longevity these bad boys do.

But a word of warning - though saturated in colour and a cinch to wear, you should make sure your lips are in top condition before applying. Not moisturised but prepped (I give mine a little scrub with my toothbrush when brushing my teeth). A second word of warning - there is zero room for error here, as the lacquer STAINS. Use a steady hand and go slow for instant, dramatic colour. All in all if you're looking for unparalleled wear time in a lippie, you're looking for Provocalips.

C'mom, tell us, what were you loving in the month of October? 

Autumnal Nail Faves - Five of The Best

For as long as I've been a beauty lover, I've been a huge polish fan too - maybe longer. While I don't dabble as much in the nail art end of things quite as much as I used to - blame ALL of the work I'm lucky enough to be doing - I still love to paint my talons on the daily. Yes, Summer colours are where my heart lie but there's just something about Autumnal shades that make that seasonal shift a little easier. Wouldn't you agree?

Essie Take It Outside

Essie's Take It Outside from their Fall '14 collection is easily the stand out nude of the year for me. Almost cast like in the bottle, this shade comes to life with purple and pink undertones once the light catches it. The unassuming shade is flattering on all skin tones and has been flattering mine on the regular these past weeks. 

Catrice Metalfusion

Catrice have never not impressed me when it comes to polishes. I can't count the amount of times I've sent pals and readers in the direction of their stands for high quality, cheap as chips polishes to suit all occasions. Metallure is the Autumn/Winter collection (more on that later) and Metalfusion here is the stand out lacquer for me. Opaque in one coat, stunning in two, this pewter foil wears like a polish 5 times it's €2.99 price. 

Essie Partner in Crime with China Glaze BOO-Gie Down

Talk about unassuming, Essie's Partner in Crime had to be the one from the collection that had me least enthused. I mean, it's brown. Straight up, no frills about it, brown. It's only when you paint it on that something magical happens - you realise that actually, you quite like brown. It's a stunning autumnal colour and with the aid of China Glaze's BOO-gie Down from their Halloween '13 collex, you get this gorgeous mani. It's one of my most liked Insta nail pics - who can argue with that?

Bourjois Violine Hypnotique

When it comes to autumn, nothing says seasonal nails quite like a rich burgundy metallic. Think Chanel's Rouge Noir but with a subtle microshimmer that lights up in sunlight. That and lasts a hella lot longer too. Bourjois' Violine Hypnotique has been a standing fave of mine since its introduction and is genuinely one that I look forward to wearing as the weather gets colder. It's also been known to make an appearance on my tootsies all year 'round. 

Nails Inc Porchester Square

The spendiest of the bunch and my second favourite nude, Nails Inc Porchester Square is a doozy. A dream to apply (Nails Inc know their brush shizz) this wears better than any nude I own. Though it's a beaut on its own, I can never help myself but add a little su'him 'su'him. The glitter here is an antique gold from a Claire's Accessories stack that probably cost a fiver for 10. BARG.AIN. That's the thing about autumnal nails, glitter is back in the game - choose your favourite base and go to town with complementing or contrasting colours. The world really is your glittery lobster. 


I could go on and on and Arist-on about favourite polishes but I'll leave my Autumn picks there... for now...

Tell us, what do you like to wear this time of year? If you have NOTD posts, sure the more's the better, pop you link in the comments below and we'll all take a squizz!

Things I'm Trialling ft Bourjois, The Body Shop, Eau De Gaga, Models Co, Rimmel & Shu Uemura

Did you miss us last week? My Inbox says HELL YES so apologies for that. Imma juggling 2 jobs, a full time blog and raising a family here peeps - I know you get this, I know I don't have to explain but I always feel the guilt - it's a Mammy thing. 

BUT we're not here for apologies, we're here to see how these new beauts perform, right? Right!

1. Model Co More Brows: €12 Here

A tiny little contender to the Benefit Gimme Brow crown, Model Co's More Brows is a more affordable purch at half the price. Packaging is identical and the premise too, a coloured fibre/gel hybrid that sticks to both hair and skin giving the illusion of thicker brows. 

It's instant, quick drying and will have your brows sorted with zero effort at all. I won't be giving up my Gimme Brow any time soon, because frankly it's better quality, but as a more affordable offering, More Brows is a definite winner. 

2. Rimmel Provocalips: £6.99 Here

The edgier sister of Rimmel Apocalips , these 7 new shades take long wear to the next level. Double ended, you apply the highly pigmented lacquer first and allow to dry. Next up is the clear gloss to add high shine and to refresh your look through the day. I don't think I've ever owned/used a product that lasts as long as Provocalips does. I applied Kiss Fatal at 10am, promptly forgot about it (they're weightless on the lip) and it was only at lunchtime, 1.15, when a colleague asked what I was wearing, that I remembered I was wearing anything at all. It still looked brand new. 

A word of warning - though saturated in colour and a cinch to wear, you should make sure your lips are in top condition before applying. Not moisturised but prepped (I give mine a little scrub with my toothbrush when brushing my teeth). Once you've applied both steps don't, as I tried to do, top up with a different colour. You'll end up with a goopy mess & no one wants that. A second word of warning - there is zero room for error here, as the lacquer STAINS. Use a steady hand and go slow for instant, dramatic colour. All in all if you're looking for unparalleled wear time in a lippie, you're looking for Provocalips. 
3. Bourjois Smoky Stories Palettes: €11 Here

Part of the A/W Bourjois launch, these Smoky Stories palettes were the one product I was itching for from the French beauty brand. They haven't disappointed. The creamy velvet texture makes the smokey eye of your choice child's play. The multi faceted glitter shades in each palette have to be used to be fully appreciated and remind me instantly of the 'Pop' shades in Charlotte Tilbury's luxury quads (though they're softer). 

Each shade is buildable, effortlessly blendable and the glitter, as a showstopping highlight, brings your look to the next level. Bourjois have long been a favourite for their shadow formulation and I'd happily place these Smoky palettes alongside some of my high end purchases 4 and 5 times their price. Get to Boots - Bring your swatching fingers!

4. Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Ultra Black: €12.98 Here

The original Volume 1 Seconde was a stand out mascara for me this year so I was thrilled to see an Ultra Black iteration make its way to our shelves. The patented brush is the same, one of my most loved shapes, with spherical bristles in among the straight sweeping ones to cover every last lash with ease. 

While I didn't find this newer version 'ultra' black, I do prefer it to its predecessor in terms of longevity. Again Bourjois prove they can hold their own with high end beauty heavy weights. I've reached for this tube more than any other in the past fortnight because I know it will just work. You can't always say that with mascara. (Keep an eye on Insta today, I'll pop up a pic) 
  
5. Shu Uemura Color Lustre: Starts €24.96 Here

I'm genuinely very lucky in that I get to try high end products that I couldn't afford to buy in another life. Well I could afford them but I couldn't also afford to eat. This new range from Shu Uemura, though spendy, gives me the fear in that Imma want to buy it again and again and again. 

The first haircare line proven to replenish hairs natural varnish, restructure the surface and prevent colour fade, if you spend a lot on your colour, this really is an investment worth making. Infused with Musk Rose Oil and Goji Berry Extract, the Color Lustre line is simply a beautiful shampoo to use. I'm down to washing twice a week now and even so, my blonde locks seem brighter, less brassy and smoother than before. I'll definitely be repurchasing. 


6. The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Eye Concentrate: €28.50 Here

Enriched with plant stem cells, these Drops of Youth promise to reduce eye bags, encourage cell renewal and help eyes appear less tired. When I was going through my post at 1 am last week and these popped out, it was as though a manna from heaven. 

While I haven't had them long enough to show any lasting effect, the one pump delivery and the cool metallic roller ball applicator are the most impressive packaging I've used from an eye product. Instantly cooling and with a noticeable reduction in puffiness from the first couple of uses, I'll be keeping these drops close to hand for my burny, burny eyeballs and will update the post when we've become better acquainted. 

7. Eau De Gaga: €26 Here

I have a troubled relationship with celebrity fragrances, I'll be the first to admit it. Most I'm happy to let pass on by, though to this day I hold Halle Berry's Closer as one of my top five scents. (David Beckham's offerings are surprisingly swish too). I wasn't hugely enthused when I learned of Mzz Gaga's second foray into the olfactory world as her Lady Gaga Fame EDT really didn't wow me when it hit counters last year. Eau de Gaga is different. 

A more complex scent than its sugary sweet precursor, this unisex fragrance brings a whole lot more bang for your buck. The floral note here is woody but almost drowned entirely by bright lime. The white violet heart on a leather base will no doubt draw comparisons to Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather but still, I just couldn't make it my own. 

On paper it's everything I love in a fragrance, masculine and sensual with a kick of something bright but ultimately it's just not for me. The finished product belies it's budget price tag and I can see this being hugely popular come gift giving season. I've since payed it forward to Aaron's gal pal and she is completely smitten. Sinéad of Viva Adonis fame is also a ha-YOOGE fan, check her thoughts here & maybe get to a counter & tell me which side you land on. Eau de Gaga, like the woman herself, is a divider of opinion. That's not always a bad thing. 


Anything here giving you the want? Fancy seeing the results of the second batch of trials before the end of this week? Lemme know! 

Be sure to check out 
this week's Things I'm 
Trialling when they hit 
Instagram today!

Bourjois Summer 2014 - New Sunshiney Shades

When it comes to 'ahead of the curve' beauty and up to the minute products at affordable prices, French brand, Bourjois have it down. Each launch brings something that instantly enters my makeup rotation and often they don't ever leave until discontinued. Summer 2014 is no different, Bourjois have extended their shade range in several top offerings to add a little sunshine to our stash and they've done very, very well indeed. 

Bourjois Cream Blush: Sun 05 - €10.49 Here

If you're a cream blush lover yet haven't tried these little award winning pots of awesome then you, my friend, are missing out. Foolproof for even the most cack handed among us, this silky soft formulation can be applied with either stippling brush or fingers and built up to the colour desired. 

Pink Sunwear is one of the two summer shades, this corally microshimmer blush leans bronze on the skin and instantly gives a fresh faced glow. Can't. Get. Enough. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Grand-Cru & Nude-ist - €12.49 Here

The beauty world has been ablaze with the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet matte lip colours. Intensely pigmented and extremely long lasting, my aim in life (one of 'em) is to own every single shade of these Velvets I can. 

Grand-Cru is a dark burgundy/red and once blended in with my finger is as wearable a statement lip as I'm likely to brave. Nude-ist on the other hand, once applied directly elicited a Churchill 'Ooooh Yess' from me - I'm a big fan of muted lippies you see. Nude-ist and I are going to be firm friends for a long time to come. 

Bourjois Dynamint & Gold Shine €6.99 & €8.99

This release brings 5 new Waterproof liners with matte, glitter or pearlescent effects. Dynamint here is a fresh matte mint that glides on effortlessly and stays put. Perfect for festival or summer holiday make-up. 

Gold Shine is a stunning meltallic felt tipped liner that applies with absolute precision. It can be worn as either liner or all over the lid for a gorgeous metallic shadow look and just like Dynamint, once dry, it's not going anywhere. If you pick up just one summer Bourjois offering, make it this!

3D Lipgloss in Or Feeric - €10.49 Here

Gloss lovers will know Bourjois' 3D lipglosses of old. Or Feeric is a thick, clear gloss with lashings of gold microshimmer thoughout. Applied to bare lips, it gives a volumising effect. Used on the centre of the lips it can make lips seem more plumped or worn over your favourite lip shade, it add hours of gloop free shine. As glosses go, it's gorgeous. 


Now not to enable anyone, that doesn't need enabling, the entire Bourjois Summer range is available now on 3 for 2 from Boots. Not only that, if you are tempted to buy 3 products you'll also get their gift with purchase: 

Not bad, huh? 

Tell me, anything here tickle your summer pickle? 

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? 

One Shadow To Rule Them All. The Eye of Satin Taupe! - Guest Post from Dolly Rouge!

This morning I'm delighted to say we're joined by one half of one of my favourite Irish blogs, Kat from DollyRouge.ie. Kat is a no nonsense, tech savvy sweetheart, working on a post grad in medicinal chemistry and debunking the beauty blurbs one by one. If you have a question about 'the science bit' Kat is your gal, also if you're a bunny lover, I've no doubt Kat is your pal too. Be sure to head over to Dolly Rouge to check out their straight up awesomeness as a blog. 

Take it away, Kat!

In the Land of MACdor where the shadows lie... Ok I'm sorry I'll quit with the LOTR quips now. I just couldn't help myself!

There's a belief in the beauty world that one needs an array of eyeshadows in every colour of the rainbow. An eye look is not complete without using at least 173 of said shadows on the little canvas that is your eyelid. YouTube gurus, makeup artists and bloggers alike are all guilty of perpetuating this myth. Well, as the laziest beauty blogger in the world, I'm here to tell you, IT'S ALL LIES. Srsly. All you need is one shadow. O.N.E.

Not good at pairing complimentary colour combos? Haven't quite mastered the art of blending? Have about 0.2 seconds to get yourself together in the morning? This post is for you. The key is to pick an eyeshadow with duochrome, and it can do all the work for you. Case in point? MAC Satin Taupe. I'm sure many of you have this in your collection already. If you don't, don't rush out and buy it. Wet N Wild do a perfectly passable dupe in their Silent Treatment trio, the one marked “eyelid”.

So here's the story (Rory). MAC Satin Taupe/ Wet N Wild Silent Treatment Eyelid shade is a mushroomy, brown-taupe shot through with a silver frost. The silver frost catches the light, while the taupe hides out in the recesses. This means that when applied all over the lid and blended into the crease, Satin Taupe alone does the job of multiple shadows – giving brightness on the lid and darkness in the crease. Don't believe me? BOOM.

For a daytime look, apply with a fluffy blending brush, ensuring to soften the edge above the crease. Pair with your daytime liner/mascara of choice and a nude lip and get out the door! It's a lovely, work appropriate look.

For a nighttime look, also smoke the shadow under the eyes and pair with black liquid liner, or smudged out kohl on the upper lid and water line. It goes very well with a strong lip, as the following pictures show.

There you go, that's my precious secret. Most times I've had compliments on my eyeshadow in my YouTube videos, this is what I've been wearing. Another one to try is MAC Club, which is a darker brown with teal duochrome. The teal comes through on the lid and the brown marks the contour. Gorgeous.

Will you be trying The Eye of Satin Taupe?

Kat. 

Unsung Beauty Heroes - Products I Rely on So Much That They Fly Below the Radar

While I love to share the latest goss about the newest product and what's coming down the beauty tracks, it struck me this week that there a lot of perennial products that I am literally never without. The Unsung Heroes that rarely get a mention but woe betide me if they're not in supply for everyday living. Ready for my repeat purchases? 

1. Kiss Nail Art Paint Stripers

Yep, I'm a fiend for nail art, yep, there's rarely a day that I don't have painted talons and/or have experimented with a new design. These Kiss Nail Paint Stripers will set you back just €7ish in Dunnes Stores and make it into my basket, probably once every two months. 

There's not many nail looks I don't use them for and you shouldn't either. Cheap as chips and a nail stash staple. I can't be the only die hard fan. 

2. Aquafresh Extreme Clean Whitening 

I'm fairly particular when it comes to our gnashers and despite veering off course a couple of times, it's been at least 10 solid years that Aquafresh Extreme Clean with Whitening has been a favourite in Casa Cherry. 

One of the few (the other 8 listed are the others) items that I'll bulk buy in Boots 3 for 2 or when there's Points specials on, you can be guaranteed there's at least two tubes of this minty fresh toothpaste under our sink at all times. At least two. 

3. L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray

This love goes back to way before Cherdill Cole ever claimed 'Wai I'm Worth IT'. Elnett is the first hairspray I ever used (as it was pilfered from my Momma for my 90's 'bump' way back when. 

There's a reason products like Elnett have been around for aeons and that's because the suckers work. Regardless of the hair care fanceries I have floating about the place, there'll always be a tin of Elnett. Always. 

4. Seche Vite High Shine Top Coat

Since my discovery of Seche Vite several years ago, no high shine top coat has ever come close. Yes, it goes gloopy and Hell YES that's a real pain in the bum but regardless of short life span, shrinkage issues and high cost on this Island, I won't be without this whizz. 

There is literally nothing that will give you the high shine Seche Vite will, NOTHING, believe me, I've tried and I've taken to bulk ordering from eBay for my fix but whether it's quick drying or mani rejuvenation you're after, Seche Vite is the best. Hands down. 

5. Bourjois Glitter 1 Seconde Polish 

Granted my nail polish stash wouldn't be out of place on Hoarders and that fact doesn't stop me perusing the polish aisles of Boots every time I'm in - there's only one glitter that I will repurchase time and again once it runs low. 

Bourjois Glitter 1 Seconde is a holo glitter in a translucent pink jelly that sparkly dreams are made of. No other polish will give you this glitter payoff, look effortlessly pretty over a French or breathe new life into a boring polish job. If you haven't tried this - Do. 

6. Johnsons & Johnsons Baby Oil Aloe Vera

Right at this moment there is perhaps 5 bottles of this oily baby in our bathroom. The go to oil to rub into damp skin before towel drying and proper moisturising, I taught the Gorgebags this soft skin trick many moons ago. 

Even if I don't have time or inclination to use a body butter/lotion (in pre Disco Nap showers for instance) the baby oil always makes an appearance. I can't be the only one still hooked on this practice? 

7. Boots Double Sided Cotton Wool Pads

This is a standard repeat purchase right? It has to be, I don't know anyone that doesn't stock up on Boosts Cotton Pads when there's a deal on (that's ALWAYS). From micellar water usage to cleaning my talons, there's something a little luxurious to me about this humongous cotton numbers. 

8. Rich Haircare Silk Oil Serum

Of all the haircare goodies I get to trial and those I'm suckered into shelling out for too (J'accuse Moroccan Oil!) Rich Haircare's Silk Oil Serum is the only consistent we've known for the past five years. 

Stupidly affordable for the quality of product, the three of this run this through damp hair before drying. I'd honestly credit it with my lack of split ends #humblebrag #notsorry. I only need to replace this probably once every 6 months as only the tiniest amount is needed but I love it. We love it. It's love. 

9. Estée Lauder Sensuous

Since its introduction in 2008, I have never not had a bottle of Estée Lauder Sensuous to hand. My staple airport purchase, pressie request and signature scent, I love this fragrance like no other. 

At a recent meeting I bemoaned the fact that the new EL scent, Modern Muse, was completely lost on me. I smell the scent and get nothing, nada, zilch but the expert in question told me that that means that's my fragrance?! Have you ever heard such jiggery pokery? Truly I wear a scent that I enjoy so that I can enjoy it, one that makes me feel good and brightens my mood with just one spritz. Sensuous is all that and then some. We won't be breaking up anytime soon. 

So now that I've shared, wrack your brain and tell me, what products do you rely on and love repeatedly in everyday life? Something so part of your routine now that it becomes second nature and flies below your beauty radar as it's just part of your life - Tell us!!