The Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide for Every Budget

Mother's Day may be fast approaching and pay day may be long gone but no matter your budget, I got you (and your mammy/baby momma/wife). The temptation to pop in an eye wateringly large bottle of gin was almost too much to resist but know this, when all else fails, gin works. Corrina has already shared the top 5 experiences for under €50 to share with do mháthair HERE so I'm rounding that off with some pretty products should you prefer. 

May Faves ft Bioderma, Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, Dior, L'Oreal, MAC, New Look, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sure, Versace & Zerreau!

1. Versace Eros Pour Femme: €80 HERE & Salvatore Ferragamo Emozione: From €53 HERE

Vesace Eros Pour Femme & Ferragamo Emozione

Yep, it's unusual for me to feature two fragrances in one months favourites but the Gods honest truth is I couldn't decide between these two. Much as I can't decide between 'em day to day either.

Versace Eros Pour Femme is, possibly, the best advertisement for not judging a perfume by its bottle. The bawdy, gaudy high shine, heavyweight gold design is just about as in the face as you'd expect from Versace but, Sing Hosannahs, the scent is aptly named after the Greek God of love himself, Eros. It. Is FABOOSH!

Top Notes include Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot and pomegranate accords, with a heart of lemon, sambac jasmine absolute, jasmine infusion and peony. The base incorporates sandalwood, ambrox, musk and woody notes. It's as surprised at a scent as I've been in quite a while and anyone that's been within spritzing distance from me for the past month will agree. You gots to sniff it!

Ferragamo's Emozione happened to arrive on the same day as Eros Pour Femme and they've been duking it out ever since. Emozione is as powdery as I'm willing to go scent wise, I've never really been an Iris fan. Until now. 

Top notes are bright citrus bergamot, softened with powdery of iris & velvety peach bringing a roundness to the scent. The heart notes are feminine florals with peony, Bulgarian rose, heliotrope and patchouli. With base notes of suede and white musk, Emozione is easily the most elegant fragrance I own but, again, I've yet to accost a friend or colleague that doesn't love it too. 

2. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Veruschka: £22 HERE

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise - Veruschka

Having lusted after the Tom Ford Summer '15 cream shadows ever since early pics emerged, I was full sure that I'd need to own one or risk certain combustion. That was until I swatched the unadulterated beauty that is Charlotte Tilbury's Eyes to Mesmerise in Veruschka. 

Ridiculously pigmented, you only need the tiniest amount of this minky moss/greeny gold lustrous cream to transform your look in just one swipe. Easily buildable after the fact for desk to disco shenanigans, I'm pretty certain now that I'm going to need every shade in the range. IT'S AN ILLNESS I TELL THEE!

3. Clarins Aquatic Treasures Mascara: €26 HERE 

& Liner: €18 HERE

Clarins Aquatic Treasures

Summer wouldn't be summer without coloured liners and mascaras coming out to play and it certainly wouldn't be summer in my books without the newest Clarins limited edition collection. This year we have Aquatic Treasures and while, as ever, the bronzer is literally stunning (PEEK HERE), the stand outs this year for me are the Truly Waterproof mascara & liner in matching aquatic green. 

Not normally one to opt for greens when it comes to eye make up, being the sporter of green/blue siúls, this duo has seriously surprised me. I was sporting the peach/plum shades of Bare Minerals The Happy Place when this press drop landed so popped both on my lower lash line and HOLY NEW PEEPERS, BATMAN! 

I can't imagine an eye colour this combo won't flatter, aside entirely from the fact that they. do. not. budge! That's a tall order when it comes to the waterline. Should you be tempted I'd urge you to leggit, not walk to your nearest Clarins counter & pick 'em up!

4. Bioderma AR BB Cream: £10 HERE (at independent Irish pharmacies from this month)

Bioderma AR BB Cream

Boasting seven skincare benefits in one application, this AR (Anti Redness) BB Cream from Bioderma is definitely one for typical Irish lasses to get excited about. The first skincare/makeup hybrid of its kind, the main focus here is on preventing & concealing redness, without ever feeling too heavy on the skin. 

I was taken aback at first when I saw the colour 'Light' but it blends in beautifully with my skin tone, never felt heavy and lasted the full 8 hours of work. Sensitive skinned lovelies and those suffering from Rosacea will be particularly interested in this Bioderma first. Form an orderly queue, lads!

5. Sure Maximum Protection Stress Control: €7.50 HERE

Sure Max Protection Stress Control

When chatting with blogging pals a little while ago we got to chatting about old faithfuls. You know the products that, no matter what's thrown in your basket or dropped on your desk that you'll return to again & again. Well Sure Max Protection Antiperspirants are that for me and this newest version is no different. 

Though Stress Control is not as fresh as my ultimate Clean Fresh version, I've found it lasts a lot longer on me and yeah, possibly up to 48 hours. I walk most every day, 5k+ at a time and Stress Control has yet to let me down. Even in a pinch when it's a baby wipe & back to the desk situation, this stuff just works and smells bloody good doing it too. 

6. L'Oreal Hot & Go Spray: €1.50 HERE

L'Oreal Hot & Go Blow Drying Spray

There's not a lot I wouldn't do for faster blow drying time, some things, but not a lot. Handy then that L'Oreal have come out with this canned genius & handier again that you can nab it for just €1.50! 

It's a smoothing heat defense spray, that literally speeds up bow drying time and let's face it, who doesn't need both of those things. I'm genuinely not sure how the science works but I do know that if you have hair then you wanna try this spray. Trufax. 

7. DIOR Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Blush Edition Coral Sunset: €51.30 HERE

DIOR Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Blush Edition Coral Sunset

Is it possible for me to gush any more about Coral Sunset? Is it? I mean just look at her, sit there, take a breath & LUKATAR. 

I have a full review of this beauty & my other Cherry Picks from the limited edition Dior collection HERE but it's fairly safe to say that Coral Sunset will be my favourite this month and next month & the one after forever and ever AMEN. 

8. MAC Morange: €21.50 MAC Stores Nationwide

If you read my review of Smashbox Fireball Matte last week then you'll know I'm all about the orange lips this summer. Which is handy considering THE ENTIRE BEAUTY WORLD is all about orange lips too. 

Morange is  well known as one of MACs cult lip colours but I've always been too chicken to try it. Flash forward to this stunning little press kit from the brand and VOILA, I'm converted. Morange is vividly pigmented, with red undertones and applies like a dream, once I have my lips prepped. 

A show stopper on nights out and a heart stopper each time I catch a glance at the ombre Wash & Dry tube, it's safe to say we won't be soon parted. I feel now about bright lips like Steve Martin in The Jerk with his 'If this is out there, think how much MORE is out there!'

9. Zerreau Towel Off Foam Shampoo: £6.99 HERE

Zerreau Towel Off Foam Shampoo

What we have here is next gen dry shampoo!

Zerreau Towel Off Foam Shampoo is a revelation. Pump the foam into your roots, towel out grease, product build up & style as normal. You're left with volumised, fresh tresses with the slightest hint of green apples.Powerful enough, apparently, to remove even hair chalk, I can see this new hybrid being a manna from heaven for Gals at this summers festivals. 

Ideal for hair emergencies & last minute fixes. I'm loving it so far.

10. New Look Rose Gold Laser Cut Cross Body Bag: €9.20 HERE

New Look Rose Gold Bag - with added Cherries HERE

Metallic, laser cut, zip detail, cross body, bucket bag, ROSE GOLD - I mean if that combination of words isn't enough to sway you.. And that pic above isn't enough to bring you around then how about the price? 

Less. Than. A. Tenner. I KNOW. I've never been complimented on a bag as much as I have this one. It's served me well up & down the length of this country and Irish Sea hopping to London too. If you love the metallic trend and love a bargain, hell if you just love a friend that you think could do with a pick me up, you need to zip it over to the New Look sale and pick this beauty up. Frankly I'm shocked there's any left!!


So tell us, what was tickling your proverbial pickle in the month of May? I'd love to know!

Clarins Garden Escape - First Look at the Spring 2015 Collection with Swatches!

We may only be a couple of days into the new year but my yearning to shake off the drama of winter beauty and embrace lighter, brighter spring time colours is real. Handy then that Clarins have light and bright down with their upcoming collection, Garden Escape. 

The focus is firmly on pastel shades, with the colour influence taken directly from the spring floral canvas, as the name might suggest. The packaging is second to none, which we've come to expect with the high end brand, with weighty golden palettes that feel like luxury before you ever pop the lid. Let's take a closer look, shall we? 

Things I'm Trialling ft Aveda, Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, Gucci, Nails Inc, Paul Costello, Urban Decay & Vichy

It would seem ye're slightly partial to the oul Things I'm Trialling posts. Honestly as a blogger, it's very hard knowing what's going to work and what isn't - seems these posts are so they're goin' NOWHERE. (that's a long winded way of saying thanks very kindly for the support, every one of ye). 

My self taken photos are lacking this week but an overload of work, family, events and freelance features is being blemt. I'm jiggered! We'll be back to normal photography service for next weeks post, ja? 

Without further ado, here's Things I'm Trialling of the week past: 

1. Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish: €18.20 Here

It's not often I'll advocate spending the guts of 20 Eurobux on a polish and, while Nails Inc Gel Effect have been a fave of mine for a while, I still can't do it for these. 

Yep, the opaque in two swipes and shiny for five days formulation is fabulous but so are many, many polishes nowadays for 1/3 of that price. Think Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, or Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquer, you'll be hard pressed not to find the shade you're after with them. 

2. Paul Costelloe Living Fresh Fig Candle: €12 Here

I'm a firm believer that Mr Costelloe is a man that should never be given a microphone, nor a platform to speak publicly again (I'm good with grudges like that) but were he to spend the years of his dotage making candles like these? I'd be AOK with that. 

I was genuinely, out loud WTF, shocked when I saw the weenchy price point on these candles as they are, hand on heart, the most beautiful I've ever owned. I'm a fiend for fig scents at the best of times but these heavy tumbler style candles with their luxurious scent have fast become my favourites. Should the others in his collection be of a similar quality, I'll be buying 'em. Every. Single. One. 

3.Gucci Premiere Shower Gel: €35.77 Here

Woody, musky and unmistakably Gucci, this Premiere shower gel is a little touch of luxury that I'd happily indulge in all day long. Not overly lathering, nor overly moisturising on the skin, the ablution shortfalls are more than made up for with the lingering scent. Should you know a lass that likes a masculine scent or should you be that lass, you need to check this one out. 

4. Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Heavy Metal Liner: €19 Here

No, Mia Wallace wasn't wearing sparkle in Pulp Fiction but you know what? She wasn't wearing Urban Decay either. While the rest of the collection didn't quite blow me away, I knew when I saw the newest Heavy Metal glitter liner it would have to be mine. 

See my Gal, Phyrra's on eye swatches & vid here

I've only managed to wear it once this week but when I tell you that, once on the lash line, this densely packed black/silver glitter isn't going anywhere, you best believe me. The ideal pocket rocket to glam up an office to event look, I can see this little beaut getting hella lot of wear this coming season. 

5. Clarins Brow Palette: €41 On Counter

Should Mr Bond, James Bond ever be in need of a brow palette, I can categorically say that Clarins is the one he'd be packing. A redesign of the cult favourite, this handy little kit has everything you could ever want, bar a Thumbelina threader.  

Housed in signature Clarins heavyweight packaging, there's nothing about this brow palette that wouldn't make the most beautiful present you could gift to a brow savvy friend. I've been sailing on the crest of eyebrow heaven following a recent thread & tint but the miniature spooley for wax and tweezers for strays have been put to the test and passed with flying colours. It's just a gorgeous piece of kit. (Also, the word brow now means nothing to me.. brow..brow..brow.. NOTHING) 

6. Charlotte Tilbury Penelope Pink: €30 Here

It's true I'm a lover of coffee coloured lippies, so my initial thoughts on beige leaning Penelope Pink were that we'd be friends. I was right. Very right. This soft toned neutral is as flattering a nude as I've worn, mostly due its warm undertones. 

There's something very special about the formulations of these K.I.S.S.I.N.G lippies and I'd tell you what that were, if it weren't a secret ingredient or if, yaknow, I knew. Suffice to say my lips were hydrated and comfortable for the 90 minutes it took for this soft, neutral tone to wear away. I was very afraid that I'd love these lipsticks, again I was very right. Bye bye budget. 

7. Vichy Normaderm Night: €14.24 Here

As with all skincare products on Things I'm Trialling, I can only give you an initial impression of Vichy Normaderm Night Detox but chungfella, Adam, will be giving me his review to join with my own in a couple of weeks. 

Designed to target the overnight production of sebum and purify the skin while we sleep, we've been fighting over using Normaderm night since we both used it once. So much so that it's now kept on the landing window sill, halfway between our rooms for use at night. In just a week my pores seems reduced, and my skin fresher on waking. Adam reports that the 'tightness' on his jawline (his troublesome area) is gone and his face feels 'softer'. Sounds seriously promising, right? 

8. Aveda Shampure Body Lotion: €29.95 Here

Lovers of Aveda's signature Shampure scent will know exactly what to look forward to with this lightweight, beautifully fragranced lotion. 25 flower and plant essences make this body cream a boon for nourishing the skin and relaxing the senses. Though skin is left peachy soft post application, it truly is the fragrance that sets Shampure apart. A little touch of luxe that I'll definitely be buying for loved ones to enjoy. That's how much I've enjoyed just one week using it. 

And that's the end of that chapter *flicks scarf over shoulder*. Be sure to check out this weeks sneak Insta peek at Things I'm Trialling This Week  and lemme know if you're loving any of the above? Sharing is Ult caring, right? 

Things I'm Trialling ft Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, CND, Essie, Garnier, L'Occitane & Urban Decay

1. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: €25.40 Here

For the longest time the only setting spray I'd ever use was Thermal Spring Water and even then that was a rarity. You see if I've a full day or evening ahead, I'll use a primer (another rarity) and think no more about it. This All Nighter setting spray from Urban Decay has changed my mind about that entirely. 

The fine mist contains Temperature Control Technology, so not only does it hold my full face in place but I manage to avoid the unavoidable sweats in this hoomid indian summer. I don't use it every day but when I do, it does exactly what it says on the buidéal. 

2. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow: €65 Here

Can we just take a minute? Just. One. Minute. I know we're reaching peak saturation on Charlotte Tilbury blog posts but if I were to tell you that this Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette has actually overtaken my obsesh with the Hourglass Ambient Light would you allow it? 

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 BB cream, this and mascara and been told I've never looked better twice this week alone. It. Is. Love. 

3. L'Occitane Whipped Body Cream: €22 Launches Oct

This whipped shea body cream reminds me of exactly that, whipped cream. Whipped cream with a comforting scent of some seriously spendy Sudocrem. Don't for an instant think I mean that as a bad thing, this sumptuous whipped shea butter melts into the skin like no other butter I've used but the scent is unmistakably Sudo.  

For 25 years, L'Occitane have used shea butter from the women's co-operatives of Burkina Faso. The inspiration for this mousse like body cream came from the ladies themselves in their production of the butter. Deceptively rich, despite its light weight appearance, this has been playing a blinder in cocooning my skin before bed this week. A luxurious delight. 

4. CND Vinylux: Open Road Collection: €11.95 Each from Selected Salons 

One of the original gel effect polishes, without the need for lamps, CND have captured transitional autumnal shades beautifully with their Open Road collection. Always my choice of polish when it comes to holidays, because even I don't want to be fickle when sunning myself, it's a long lasting beaut. 

CND promise 7 days chip free once you skip the basecoat and use the topcoat correctly but truth be told I can never get more than 5 from my mani. Then again I am notoriously hard on my nails. Of Open Road, Clay Canyon HERE and Sage Scarf are by far the standouts to me. There just aren't polish shades like them in the nail varnish world right now. Love. 

5. Essie Fall '14: €9.99 Selected Irish Pharmacies

We know I love my Essie, right? It takes a serious collection to make me leave Summer shades behind without a backward glance and Essie Fall '14 is exactly that to me. 

These rich cream shades are pretty unassuming when you line them up but once you get them on the nail KABLAMMO instant autumnal fabulousness. Expect to see a hell of a lot more nail shots in the coming weeks. That's a promise. 

6. Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette: €41 Here

Clarins Ladylike collection for AW '14 is exactly that, subtle, effortlessly chic and ladylike. I had already fallen head over heels with the dewy True Radiance foundation, this mineral palette has just reinforced my love for the back to basics look for this season. 

All colours can be worn wet or dry, I find I prefer dry for the day time, as each shade is soft and blendable regardless. Of an evening though, with a dampened shadow brush, you can kick the intensity right up with these shadows. I'll have a full low down but do please stop by the Clarins counter and swatch these babies for yourself. Stunners. 

7. Garnier BB+Blur: £8.66 Here

When asked for my BB recommendations I will invariably go back to the original Garnier BB cream. No muss, no fuss, just a genuinely decent BB that gives a soft, semi sheer finish. Fast forward 2 years and past the introduction of Garniers show stopping 5 Second Perfect Blur primer and you have a hybrid many will want to rush out and buy. 

This BB iteration is everything the original was and then some, a big some, a Perfect Blur some. The addition of the blurring product sends this BB right to the top of my recommendation list. Even skin tone and blurred out fine lines for the entire day, without ever feeling heavy or mask like on the skin make Garnier BB+Blur a stonking great hit for me. 

8. Clarins Rouge Eclat in Pink Magnolia: €23 Here

Another winner from the Ladylike collection is the Rouge Eclat lippies. 5 new flattering shades provide soft, shiny colour with hydration not seen in other lipsticks that last quite this long. 

From delicate peaches right through to a rich red, there's something in this collection for everyone. Formulated with 100% plant waxes, such as jojoba and sunflower, you'll feel the hydration on your lips, without the need to reapply every hour. I'm a firm believer that everyone should own a Clarins lippie, just to see what €23 really should buy you when it comes to quality. This seems like the perfect collection to test your toe if you haven't yet. 

9. Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon: Bronzed Garnet - Colour Morphing Eye Shadow Pencil: €25 Here

We finish up with another Charlotte Tilbury product, the Colour Chameleon in Bronzed Garnet. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to receive this, I mean the swatch had me drooling for dayyyz. I love the idea of shadow sticks, the notion that one swipe and 30 seconds later you're out the door with multi faceted lids makes me very giddy indeed. You can imagine then the sadsies when Bronzed Garnet just didn't work for me as a shadow in that way. 

I don't have particularly greasy lids, in fact it's a rarity that I ever use lid primer, unless I'm looking to change a shadows depth or spend a night on the tiles but Bronzed Garnet just refused to stay put on its own. When used over primer I had better luck but, to me, using this as a base for the shadow palettes is where this stick comes into its own. 

The multi dimensional look I can achieve with this as a base for Golden Goddess had me double taking at myself! All that and this kicks actual ass as a liner, think Smashbox Shadow Liner level awesomeness and you're about right. I am bereft that Bronzed Garnet wasn't what I expected but given its deft at other uses, I'll definitely be picking up a shade or two more. 


Tell us, have you tried any of these products? Agree? Disagree? Wanna hear more? 

Things I'm Trialling ft Aussie, Clarins, Max Factor, The Body Shop, L'Occitane & Smashbox

Another seriously busy week in Casa Cherry this week with trials and testings. It must be said though, this weeks beauty batch were particularly lovely. Wanna see how I got on? 


1. Aussie Dual Personality Volume & Gloss: £4.99 Here

You know when they say 'it does exactly as it says on the tin'? That's this Aussie hairspray and then some. The scent is like exotic fruits, a personal favourite part of the entire Aussie brand. 

Just a couple of spritzes creates serious volume, without residue or crunch. It doesn't hold a candle to Elnett for the brush out factor (what does?), I found my hair easily matted when I tried to brush it through, which is a shame. If you're washing your hair straight after wearing though, that really doesn't matter. If you're looking for huge volume and noticeable shine - pick one of these bad boys up. 

2. Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquers: €8.99 Here

This incredibly bright nail polish launch from Max Factor garnered an audible gasp when I opened the package. Just look at them. Each shade is more vibrant than the last, with something for just about everyone's polish taste. 

There are many gel effect polishes on the market today and truth be told the Gel Shine Lacquers are way up there when it comes to formulation and finish. Three thin coats will give you a stunningly rich, high shine finish that actually looks like their salon counterpart. Promising 7 days of wear, I found they last more like 5 but for just €8.99 a pop, that's a win. 

3. L'Occitane Arlésienne Range: Launches Nov 1st

There really is no brand equal to L'Occitane for new, innovative scents through their ranges and the upcoming Arlésienne is no different. I was dubious to learn that their Christmas release would be a floral but oh how wrong I was. 

It's quite possibly the peppery saffron that makes this scent such a standout but rose and violet add beautiful light floral balance. You'll pick up bright mandarin orange on the first spritz but the dry down to sandalwood and tonka bean mean lovers of deeper scents will be drawn to Arlésienne too. I have never smelled anything quite like it. 

I'll have a full collection post showcasing the entire range in the coming weeks but if the queues of lovely ladies that swarm my desk for a spray on the daily are owt to go by, this is going to be a huge crowd pleaser come release. 

4. Clarins True Radiance: €31 Here

Again Clarins True Radiance is going to need an entire post so that I can sing its praises highly enough. This medium coverage, dewy finish foundation has replaced everything else for me since I managed to get my mitts on it a fortnight ago. 

Formulated with oats, samphire and morninga seed, it brings light and hydration to the face with ease, wears like a lightweight BB cream but will stay in place all day through. I've had several compliments since sporting True Radiance, it's definitely another base win from Clarins. 

5. Vichy Idealia Eyes: €20.99 Here

French brand, Vichy know skin and this newest member of the Idealia family is just further testament to that fact. The soft pink cream has a very subtle pearly shimmer to blur fine lines around the eye area and the lightweight, almost silicone feeling formulation works to neutralise under eye bags and discolouration in seconds. 

Containing Vitamin CG, B3, caffeine and anti-pigmenting Eperculine and Procysteine, Idealia Eyes just works. The silicone applicator, though strangely reminiscent of a platypus bill, (designed to mimic the light touch of your ring finger) distributes just the right amount of product so makes application child's play. If you're looking for a brightening, lightening under eye cosmetic that pulls no punches then you're looking for this. 

6. The Body Shop Sweet Almond Oil Polish Remover: €8.95

Our poor nails really do go through the ringer with polishes and removers but The Body Shop are about to do them a solid. This new Sweet Almond Oil remover is acetone free, conditioning and nourishing with thanks to soya and Fair Trade sugarcane essence but it also softens dried out, mistreated cuticles too. 

It can often happen with removers that claim to care for our nails that they're just no good at at their primary function, removing polish, but not so here. Gel effect polishes were removed with just one swipe and my nails felt no where near as dry as they can with harsher variants. All that and it's lightly scented too. Love this stuff. 

7. Max Factor Skin Luminizer: €17.99 Here

I wanted to love Max Factor's Skin Luminizer, I really did. Unfortunately it just didn't love me. Formulated with a swirl of skin luminizers (oh man I love a good swirl) that promise a dewy finish, this gave me anything but. 

I learned fast that brushes aren't your friend with this base so on my second application I tried with fingers only and that seemed to help. Just not enough. I'm pretty lucky that I usually have normal skin but this clung to every dry patch that I didn't even know I had. Though the coverage is only mid range with a semi matte finish, it just felt cakey on my skin. I'd proffer that dry skinned chicas should give this one a miss, despite the siren call of luminous claims. 

Should you be an oilier lovely though, I can see that this could very well work for you. Foundations that offer luminosity to oily skin types really are few and far between, so if you're in the market, I'd urge you to check it out.

8. The Body Shop Colour Crush Polishes: €7.50 (From Oct 2nd)

Holy instant polish hit, Batman, these Body Shop Colour Crushes are bloody gorgeous! Opaque in one coat and with a high shine, gel effect, finish in just two, I haven't been this instantly enamoured with a nail polish in a very long time. The added boon of quick drying time is just the cherry atop this HG nail lacquer cake. 

Not only vegan, cruelty free and 3-free, these polishes are formulated with Fair Trade marula oil that adds to the high gloss finish. I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop's Fair Trade ethos, particularly when it leads to cracking releases such as this one. A beauty product that not only looks good but makes you feel good too? This 24 strong nail polish edit is about to become very popular indeed. 

9. Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer: On counters Sept 17th

When it comes to beauty innovation, Smashbox are always a brand to watch. This upcoming launch of Lip Lacquers are about to change the pro longwear game once more and I couldn't be more excited. Usually to have saturated, high shine lip colour you sacrifice wear time - not so with this new 20 shade edit. 

The vibrant gloss applies like a dream with zero tack but wears beautifully for hours on end, thanks to the highly coloured staining pigments. While the high lacquer effect is gone in about 60 minutes, you're left with brightly stained lips that feel nourished, thanks to the Vitamin E inclusion but look like you've reapplied only moments before. Can't wait for this line to hit counters, I'll be picking up another 3-4 shades - at least!


Tell us, anything here you might want to investigate further? Be sure to check out this week's Insta pic HERE for Things I'm Trialling this week too, those speedy reviews and first impressions will be up next week!

Mother's Day Gift Guides - Whatever Your Budget - Under €20 - Under €50 - Under €100

I know a lot of you clever peeps will be well set for Mothering Sunday this week, - for those of you that aren't yet? You know it's Mother's Day this week, right? Should you be in possession of a Mother (Mother in Law/God Mother/Awesome Aunt) you might want to read on. 

I've put together a couple of ideas, whatever your budget, to show your Mamito that you love her. Of course love doesn't cost a penny and she will, most probably tell you - 'Arragh, you shouldn't have!!' but she will be grateful and you will be the favourite child. True story. 

We've spoken about or reviewed pretty much every product here before, so if you're unsure about an ingredient or different stockist just leave me a comment and we'll sort you and your Momma out. Rest your reading eyes and feast 'em upon your best buys for every budget: 

What say we? 

Of course all your Momma really wants is to spend some time with you, even if that's just bending your ear on a 30 minute phonecall home or even better a lunch somewhere swish. 

These are preeeety nice sweeteners too though, right? 

Tell us, have you bought your Mother's Day Gift yet? 

Are you a Momma yourself and looking forward to the day? 

To the Comments!

Giveaways for CherrySue's New Do - Week One Roundup!

It's been a pretty hectic week here at Casa Cherry since unveiling our new Do last week - we quickly followed up with two stunning Giveaways a day across all platforms and in the spirit of me being deadly, I've done a handy little round up of Week 1 (There's another coming!) with live links here. 

Enter as is our wont and prepare yo'selves for even more epicness in the week to come! 

1, Win 5 Benefit Make Upper Makeovers in South William St Boutique. (On Site) 

2. Win 1 of 3 Beyoncé Midnight Heat Gift Sets worth €28 each. (InstaGiveaway) 

3. Win the beaut that is a Benefit Bathina Oil. (Twitter)

4. Win 1 of 2 €50 Cineworld Vouchers! (On Site)

5. Win a Quirky Jasper Jewellery Swarovski Necklace. (Facebook) 

6. Win 1 of 2 Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Filled Washbags worth €50 each. (InstaGiveaway)

7. Win a Luxury Nuxe Skincare Collection worth over €100. (On Site)

8. Win 2 Beyoncé Midnight Heat Sets, 1 for You & a Pal! (Facebook)

8 Win Urban Decay's Naked 3 (On Site) 

I do want to thank each & every one of you that've commented, tweeted, FB'd and mailed to say you're loving the new site - it warms the ol' cockles so it does and I'm more grateful than ever. 

Handy then that we've another week of incredible Giveaways coming your way then isn't it? 

Have a great weekend everyone!