April Faves ft EcoTools, Isa Dora, Clinique, L'occitane, L'oreal, Image, NYX, Origins, Roger & Gallet & TopShop!

Hello, May! It's a seriously exciting month ahead, beauty blog wise with upcoming trips, conferences & campaigns but before we say goodbye to April how's about we chat beauty favourites? Hmmmm?

1. Eco Tools Face & Body Sculpting Brush: $11.99 HERE  ($6.99 with code RLL469)

2. Isa Dora Bronzing Powder: €25.95 HERE

This pair are a match made in sculpting heaven. The Eco Tools Body Sculpting brush is densely packed, staggeringly soft, seriously affordable & one of my ultimate faves. It literally feels like brushing your face (& bod) with the softest fur. Cruelty free and adept at any manner of sculpting you might need, I can't recommend it enough. 

Hand in hand with that bamboo beauty goes Isa Dora's Ha-YOOGE Brozing Powder. That pic doesn't go this Goliath of a product justice. We're talking a pan the size of a roundy face.. or a small hub cap. Finely milled but richly pigmented, this bronzer hasn't been far from reach for the entire month. The ginormous mirror really doesn't hurt either. 

3. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial: €43.01 HERE

I'm all about instant skincare, especially when it can deliver results. This revitalizing facial cream from Clinique does just that. 100% fragrance free, this pale blue mask is gritty to the touch thanks to the inclusion of "Diatomaceous Earth" (powdered sedimentary rock) for a manual exfoliant effect. 

Applied all over your visage, you leave for 5 minutes (it'll dry to a clay) and let the ingredients do their bizz. Salicylic acid - which provides the chemical exfoliant leads the ingredient list, alongside rice bran, clary, caffeine and chestnut, all designed to rev up skin cell turnover and soothe your new skin surface. It's recommended to use 2-3 times a week, though it's a little spendy for me to use in that way - I am LOVING it for a skin pick me up before a night on the tiles or a big event. 

4. L'Occitane's Amande Velvet Balm: €49 HERE

I simply can't say enough good things about this newest Amande addition to the L'Occitane line. You can see my full review of the Youthful Duo HERE but, even without the silky skin precursor of the serum, this Velvet Balm is an absolute beaut. More powdery & feminine in scent than it's Almond predecessor, this has rightfully toppled Kiehls Creme de Corps from my body skincare HG list. You gotta try it. 

5. L'Oreal Elvive Nutri Gloss Crystal Sparkling Shampoo & Conditioner: €5.09 Pharmacies

We got the press pack for these new Elvive lovelies two weeks ago, you see that line on the bottom of the bottle? That's how much is left. All three of us have taken a literal shine to this affordable tress newbie. It promises 48 hour sealed in shine and boy does it deliver. Aaron is sporting a purple undercut, I'm blonde and Adam is mousey brown, all three mops are in better condition than they've been in the longest time. I had mad love for Elvive's Fibrology, still do, but this salon perfect shine enabler may just have beaten it to the top of my recommended list! 

6. Image Skincare's Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder: €38 HERE

This luxurious polishing powder gently cleanses and exfoliates and reminds me more than a little of its Dermalogica counterpart. The difference here is the immediacy with which you see results. I mean IMMEDIATELY. The ultrasoft micro-exfoliating blend removes debris and oil from pores while providing long-term hydration and anti-aging benefits. 

The ingredients contain a new generation of natural botanicals (which smell AMAZE by the by), enzymes and antioxidants to help skin reach a new level of radiance. To up your face mask game you can combine this powder with your mask of choice, following the instructions on the mask. Light aircraft will be drawn to the beacon that is your visage having used this. In the very best possible way. It's LOVE. 

7. NYX Pore Filler: €15.99 HERE

If you're a Porefessional fan but not so much of its pricetag then you're gonna wanna listen up. NYX have pretty much blown it out of the water with their new Pore Filler. Talc free, oil free, and chock full of vitamin E to smoothe & enhance your skin, this makes your kisser the ideal canvas for painting. I've been so impressed with this tinted primer that I've even worn it solo and forgone the slap altogether. It doesn't block pores like the name might suggest but instead gives a beautifully dewy finish to the skin, with or without your full face on. It's a win. 

8. Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil: 

€28 HERE

Even the most cursory of CherrySue searches will reveal my love for high end skincare brand Origins and not without cause. I have yet to be led astray or overpromised on products that didn't deliver. The Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil is no different. 

Bereft at the end of my Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel last month I returned to an old favourite that had been wrongly set aside and my skin has been thanking me profusely for it. Olive Oil, Sunflower, Sesame and Safflower Oils remove every scrap of makeup & the build up of the days grime. Kukui Nut Oil and Macadamia Oil help retain moisture. Vitamin E soothes the skin as the oils do their work and the delicate scents of grapefruit, orange & lemon make this oil an absolute joy to use. If you're considering an oil cleanser (and you really should) I can't recommend this one more. 

9. Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Eau de Parfum: €49.50 M&S & Large Pharmacies Nationwide

If THIS POST last year about the Fleur de Figuier Nourishing Oil wasn't enough to tell you about my fig feelz then the audible squeal when I opened the press pack containing the first R&G EDP of the same scent would be! Dogs cowered for miles around, truly. 

The fig here is more candied than previous edits so your initial hit is sweetness, almost immediately though it dries down. Patchouli, woody notes, fig leaf & musk round out the scent to be one of the most intense, all encompassing fig fragrances that I've ever adored. If fig is your bag, and quite frankly, why wouldn't it be? You need to smell this, yesterday. 

10. TopShop GlowStick in Play Up: £10 HERE 

As soon as I saw this Duracellalike GlowStick peeping out from the edge of the minimalist TopShop beauty stand I knew I'd have to have it. You see I've been loving their Prism highlighting stick for nigh on four years now - REALLY and only now is it coming to an end. Not only is Play Up the ideal replacement but a recent Smashbox event tells me it's the highlighting way to go - bearing an uncanny likeness to their upcoming LA Lights Lip & Cheek multiples SEE HERE. 

So far it's been absolute love, the sturdy packaging means I can chuck Play Up in my mála & add a little highlight to bring me from desk to event with ease of an eve. Just one swipe gives a creamy peachy brightening effect that has garnered more than a few compliments. Oh, TopShop, if you would just lower your comparison prices for Irish lasses & maybe stock our shelves a little more we could be the very best of besties. I know we could! 

Tell us, what was floating your beauty boat in the month of April? #bbloggers do of course pop in a link to your roundups should you have one in the comments. 

Happy May one & all!

New Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer in One!

I'm all for cutting a minute or twenty off my morning routine, more so when that routine is done in the office loos just to eek out as many precious zeds of a morning as I can. As soon as I laid eyes on Clinique's upcoming Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer in One before the Christmas break, I knew it, I and my snooze button would get on very well indeed. 

There's 21  shades incoming with one of the lightest feeling full coverage formulations I've used to date. Aimed at the over 30 lady with a tendency toward oiliness, I've found it's worked a boon on my normal 30ish skin this past several months. 

Just one large doe foot of product is enough to do your entire fizzog. I know, I was doubtful too when makeup artist Florrie White gave me the lo-down but she is entirely right. The formulation feels dry on application but blends in nicely and is buildable as and where needed. Despite initial Saharan worries, I found it felt hydrating during its 12 hour wear time. Full comfortable coverage with very little product so that it never feels 'masky', that's a feat in itself but Clinique have pulled it off. 

Less than half a buidéal left - that's good going!

I've been so impressed with this double duty formulation that even when trialling other bases I've been reaching for Beyond Perfection as my concealer of choice. Now that's unheard of for me. I find the consistency ideal for my under eye area with enough slick so that it never creases or dries into fine lines. That's a sure fire sign of a product I'm loving, when I'm reaching for it unbeknownst to myself. 

Clinique Beyond Perfection Foundation & Concealer in One hits counters on February 6th and might just be the answer to many a busy woman's prayers. 

What say we? Will we be giving it a looksee when it drops? 

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? 

Things I'm Trialling - 18/08/14

I mentioned last week on Instagram that I'd be starting a new mini series called Things I'm Trialling. I'm a seriously lucky duck (& a hard shaggin' workin' one too) so each week sees a beauty influx of products to trial and review. 

Because of the sheer volume, I thought an easy way to make sure you're seeing more of the good stuff would be a weekly series. Each Monday I'll post an instagram pic of Things I'm Trialling, the following Monday will see a blog post with first impressions and speed reviews. What say we to that? Let's see, shall we? 

1. Pantene Dry Shampoo Volume Booster: £3.99 Here

The newest dry shampoo on the fit to bust block is Pantene. This is no ordinary powdery spray though. Being a fiend for the shampoo dodging tins, I can safely say this is one of my top OF ALL TIME. Pantene uses Tapioca starch to soak up excess oil, which means no scalp residue, no powdery finish and the ability to brush out with ease when needed. Use the night before needed for gorgeously scented, game changing results. 


2. Darphin Revitalizing Oil for Face, Body & Hair - Launches Sept (€29). 


Hydration is the name of the game with Darphin's The Revitalising Oil. One of the most comforting scents I've yet to try in an oil, it is comprised of 98% natural ingredients. The mixture of 4 essential oils and 9 precious plant oils that protect and nourish the skin and hair. Less is definitely more with this oil, with 5 drops being the recommended application. I softly press it on, massage it in and rub the slight excess through my hair. It's a high end oil with an affordable price. Fabulous. 

3. Physician's Formula Extreme Shimmer Strips - €8.56 Here

These Extreme Shimmer Sticks are just the last in a long line of bargains from iherb,com. Though the shimmer count is HIGH in these twistables, the formulation is still smooth and long lasting. While the purple is nowhere near as opaque as I would have hoped for, both the black & brown make up for it. Creamy and long lasting with barely noticeable shimmer on the eye, these are winners. 

4. YSL La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer in 53 Taupe Grain- €24 Here

From the Black Fetish collection, this YSL leather effect polish is one to wear this A/W. The dark taupe polish dries to a semi matte textured finish that'll have all and sundry asking what you're wearing. Ideal for tootsies as the weather changes, it's a winner for me. 

5.Clinique Chubby Sticks for Cheeks & Baby Tint for Lips €24 & €20

You'll find my full review for Clinique Chubby Sticks for Cheeks here, soft and nourishing, they're a winner for summer make up but might need a little setting powder should you be looking for long wear blush. 

The Baby Tints are sheer, moisturising balms that are said to work with your own chemistry to change colour on application. They're very subtle but very soft. Chubby Stick collectors will love 'em. 

6. Halle Berry Wild Essence - €19.99

With citrus notes, white flowers, sandalwood & patchouli all grounded with musk, I had high hopes for Wild Essence. It sounds like just my kind of scent, right? Unfortunately it just didn't grab me the way her Closer scent from last year did. That could be entirely my sniffer's fault though as it's already been plucked from my mitts by Adam's girlfriend who is already a quarter way through the bottle!

7.Rimmel Wonderf'full Mascara - €6.99 Here

The highly anticipated Rimmel Wonder'full mascara boasts Argan Oil in its formulation and promises smooth clump free lashes. Yep and yep. 

Though not one to reach for should you be looking for volume, Wonder'full does a mighty fine job of separating lashes and adding shine. Think the feathery effect of Clinique Lasting Power Mascara at a snip of the cost. It's not as long lasting as Clinique but at less than half the price it is more budget friendly. 

8.Aurelia Probiotic Serum - £47 Here

I picked up this ickle serum sample when chatting with the brands founder, Claire Vero in Space NK a couple of weeks back. This age prevention fluid is chock full of cruelty free, natural ingredients and antioxidants that pack a powerful punch. 

Though I find it doesn't sink in as easily as other serums, I've been adding just a drop to my daily moisturiser before foundation and have been LOVING the results. I'll have a full review up soon but do please check out this luxe and lust worthy brand. 

9.Ambre Solaire 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. Check it out sooner rather than later. 

10.Bia Beauty Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser - €16.95 Here

Oh I do love a bit of natural skincare and when that skincare is also Irish made, more's the better. This Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser is from Irish skincare brand Bia Beauty and couldn't be softer on stressed out skin. 

Blending Mandarin to combat sebum production, Calendula to nourish and repair damaged skin and sweet almond oil to soften skin naturally, this gentle, subtly scented moisturiser is an absolute gem. 

11.Origins GinZing Revitalizing Mineral Make-Up - €30 Here

I haven't always had great results with mineral make up in the past so was a little hesitant to put Origins new GinZing offering to the test. This ultra fine formulation is encased beneath a mesh so as to limit messy fallout and over release of product. It works just fine & dandy. Rice, Barley, Caffeine and mineral pigments work to create a mineral foundation that can be worn sheer or built up to achieve higher coverage. Not only did my skin not break out in protest but it truly glowed with this natural finish foundation.Brighter skin with zero shine - it's an Origins miracle!

So what say we? See anything that tickles your pickle? 

Be sure to check out today's Instagram pic to see the Things I'm Trialling this week coming!

New Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balms - Swatched

Let me count the ways I love thee, oversized Crayola style make up products. Let me count the ways and never stop counting. Pioneers of crayon style beauty, Clinique are back with Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balms and you want to see them. You do. 

This is the second time this year that Clinique have knocked it out of the park when it comes to flattering cheek colours. The first being some of the prettiest blushes ever released, the Cheek Pops reviewed here. The formulation of the Chubby Sticks for Cheeks, however, is more a cream balm than the sheer powder offering of the Pops. 

This #nofilter shot is all four Chubby additions swatched, not too gently, to show their true colours, Cyndi Lauper style. Just one swish of each, however, will result in a much lighter, more natural colour payoff. As you can see, they're buildable. 

These Chubby Stick Cheek Balms (I type that and say Chubby Cheeks)( Every.Time) are more robust than your average Chubby Stick and that makes application child's play. Simply apply straight to the apples of the cheeks and buff in with your brush of choice or blend in with your fingers., building to the colour intensity desired. Zero shimmer but all of the oil free sheen makes these colours flattering on most every skin tone. 

While the heat we've been enjoying of late has meant that I have had to set Plumped Up Peony here for all day longevity, that hasn't been an issue as I'm still using Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Powder daily. I have been making a conscious effort to pare back on makeup products during the summer months and these handy dandy sticks fit right in with those efforts. Bloody marvellous for chucking in your mála too to brighten cheeks AND lips on the move. 

Available on Clinique counters now, priced €24, the Chubby Cheeks Stick Cheek Balms are well worth a swatch. 

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? 

New Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara - Review & Pics

When it comes to mascaras my numbers are many. When it comes to mascaras that actually do what they say on they do on the tube, those numbers dwindle significantly. I was thrilled to get the chance to meet with Clinique at a recent Dublin stopover to see what the brand had in store for summer 2014. One of those things was Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara - you'll be delighted to hear that it passes the 'truthful tube' test with flying colours. 

Designed to stand up to the humidity in Asian climates (we should be so lucky), Lash Power Feathering Mascara is waterproof (tick), sweat proof (double tick) and tear proof (ALL of the ticks after watching Eastenders last night whilst hungry, hormonal & dog tired). 

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara: €23 in BTs exclusively now & Nationwide April 25th

Lash Power Feathering Mascara is not one I'd automatically reach for were I hoping for tons of volume or for say, a night on the tiles when MOAR is more. It's more subtle than that. The small wand and brush are easily manageable to get right into the smallest of lashes and the wet, almost tacky formulation works a treat as it grabs every lash root to tip and coats them evenly. 

As buildable a mascara as you're likely to try, each coat dries quickly and allows you to add another and another to layer up to your desired eye look in no time at all. I expected clumps, they didn't appear. I expected my lashes to feel weighed down with product but again, nope. Feathery soft with a natural fuller lash look and zero fallout after a 10 hour day. We like this stuff. We like it a lot. 

Aside from the mascara mojo Lash Power offers through the day, there's another reason I'm impressed. I was dubious to say the least about instructions of removing this 10 hour strong formula with just warm water on a cotton pad (They're Real removal struggles, anyone?) but believe it or not it works. 

I've been using and loving Ren's Hot Cloth Cleanser  and only using a separate cleanser to remove my mascara, with this little pocket rocket, I don't need to do that. One gentle wipe on each eye of the rinsed out hot cloth and I'm baldy eyed again. Impressive stuff. 

We're not talking false lash effect with this mascara by any stretch of the imagination but for a wearable, flattering day time look that lasts and for genuine ease of removal, Clinique's Lash Power Feathering Mascara is a cracker. If you're looking for something to pop in your holiday bag or for natural, smudge free lashes for your work outs. Look no further. 

What think we? Are we a fan of the feathered look?