Mums on the Run ~ Your New Favourite, NO BS Groups!

That's us, literally being Mums on the Run on our US fly drive with thanks to WOW Air last month. There'll be a WHOLE lot more about that imminently but I'm here today to chat to you about our newest loves, probably the most rewarding thing we've done online to date, our Mums on the Run Facebook groups! 

Blogging Help ~ The Top Ten Questions Answered!

If you've been following along on Snapchat HERE you'll know that the way I do things has been evolving. That's always a good thing. For the past several weeks I've been offering up #AskCherrySue sessions where I give a Tip of the Day that I think others might find helpful. To say the response has been overwhelming is an understatement. Every platform now has messages daily to say women, real women, are implementing my tips and seeing real change. I'm ecstatic. The catalyst for this was the stupidly popular Snapchat Blogging Q&A so I thought the first actual blog post should be in honour of that: The Top Ten Blogging Questions Answered. 

I'll set out the top ten (of the hundreds of) questions that were asked for that Q&A. Basic answers that I've learned throughout my blogging career. If you know me you'll know I don't mince my words. Were we to have a coffee, this is what I'd tell you (to start with) (and with less swearing)...

The Importance of Clear Communication in Blog Collaborations

Many of you that have been following along for a while will know that I’m known for honesty and integrity when it comes to blogging, I've gone on record several times for that reason. I regularly work with brands, setting out digital strategies for working with bloggers and online ‘influencers’. I pride myself on the ability to communicate effectively and help other Bloggers do the same. It might be a surprise then, because it certainly was to me, that having worked professionally in the digital world for almost six years now that I can still be caught out.

I’ll err on the side of kindness and put my most recent debacle down to digital ignorance rather than deliberate misrepresentation but it’s a cautionary tale nonetheless and one that can be learned from. For the most part, the PRs and agencies in Ireland are some of the best in the world and adapt very quickly to our ever changing digital landscape; for the most part. 

What follows are some golden rules for professional blogging relationships, there’s something to be learned here for everyone (myself included): - I’d love to hear yours too – from either side of the coin…

Take 3: A/W Foundations ft Clarins Extra-Comfort, Shiseido Sheer and Perfect & Smashbox Liquid Halo

I mentioned last week the introduction of this new series, called Take 3. The idea is simple, I'll choose a beauty category and take 3 products that have been especially impressing me of late. As always, I'm a firm believer in sharing is caring and trying to support a friendly community within the beauty blogging world so your links in the comments are actively encouraged. 

First up... Autumn/Winter foundations:

Smashbox Liquid Halo
Clarins Extra Comfort
Shiseido Sheer & Perfect foundation

Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation: €35.50: 10 shades available

True to their LA Studio roots, Smashbox's Liquid halo HD Foundation uses liquid light technology and has been developed specifically to look great on HD cameras. To give flattering, light responsive coverage without feeling heavy on the skin or be detectable on film. 

My first impressions of this oil free beauty were just how silky soft the microscopic gel covered pigments feel on your skin, second impressions were 'Oh Holy, I look FABULOUS'. I've been dusting Liquid Halo lightly with my Smashbox Halo powder but I'm talking luminous skin ALL DAY, I'm talking weightless wearibilty, I'm talking get your tuckus to a Smashbox stand and try this out for yourself come September 18th. Feeling really is believing. 

Clarins Extra Comfort Anti -Aging Foundation: €43: 9 shades available

The powerhouse of Clarin's A/W13 Graphic Expression collection, Extra-Comfort Foundation is not only comfortable to wear but its full coverage, organic Argan oil infused unctuous formulation is a manna for dry skinned beauties that have previously shied away from full coverage for fear of filling in lines and wrinkles.  

My only hesitation with Extra-Comfort is the initial scent, which I can't quite place but it's not unpleasant and dissipates once the foundation blends easily into my skin. I've had several compliments wearing this bright, hydrating foundation and despite feeling like I'm not wearing anything on my skin - my flannel tells a different story at night. We're talking serious staying power with zero touch ups. Who doesn't love that? 

Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation: €35: 18 Shads Available

 On our shelves since September 2nd, Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation was my first foray into the brand and I couldn't be more impressed. The first thing to strike me was the lightweight plastic, small but perfectly formed, travel friendly, handbag hero 30ml bottle. Genuinely, other beauty brands, you need to take note. 

And then I tried it... Sheer and Perfect is extremely fluid and surprisingly highly pigmented, given its formulation. Coloured powders are used to counterbalance and correct colour issues in skin tone and problem areas. Green powder to combat redness, blue powder to disguise purple tinged under eye circles and white powder to smooth over visible pores. 

Shiseido feels more like a moisturiser on the skin than any foundation I've tried. the luminous finish means that I don't need highlighter but still catch sight of my cheekbones in the mirror at the end of the day - UNHEARD OF. The colour correcting technology means I'm not covering myself in concealer or powder either, so my skin feels soft, supple and free to breathe all day long. It may be sheer but it is my perfect foundation. 


And now comes the community bit: Let me know in the comments which foundation you're loving of late and why. Absolutely feel free to include a link to your blog should you have a post to better show us why you're loving it so much. Here's hoping we'll all find something a little bit special foundation wise for Autumn/Winter. 

Cherry Link Love for #BBloggers: Your Earliest Make Up Memory

Hi all, we're back following a quick hiatus last week and this time we've a little change to the set up to level the playing field for all. 

This week we're talking memories, specifically your earliest make up memory, it's always something I love to hear about from peeps that are as passionate about their products as I am. 

I'll kick off with mine, had to be when I was 12 or 13 and beginning to experiment with foundations until I discovered the Max Factor Pan Stick - what a glorious invention that was. I proceeded to cover my entire visage in this industrial strength goop until my Dad staged an intervention. 

Telling me that he couldn't hug me tightly with a face full of makeup... 

My Dad: blurring the lines between hugs and headlocks since time immemorial but you know what? It worked. I eased up on the slap and my skin thanked him for it, even if I never did...

So tell me, what's your earliest make up memory?  - You can leave a comment below with your memory, whether it be nicking your Mam's lippie or colouring your cheeks with chalk dust... 

Be sure to leave a link to your site too so we can all visit, I reckon that'll be easier for everyone to be involved this week, ja? 

Looking forward to reading 'em! 

Cherry Link Love for #BBloggers: Super Dupers!

Aloha, beauty bloggers and lovers alike. Here we are with this week's Cherry Link Love and we're talking about something very close to my penny pinching heart - DUPES!

I'm talking beauty bits that are a fraction of the cost of an original product yet do an incredible job nonetheless. MUA are prolific dupers but I'm going to link my post that's an Estée Lauder Modern Mercury dupe from MAC - Superb. 

There's also an upcoming post this week about my favourite MAC shadow dupes but for now I'm dying to see your bargainous buys. Remember, if you don't have a post to hand about the topic you can still comment with your blog link and a dupe suggestion to share in the Stat Love!

 Guidelines for Cherry Link Love 

• Link up one of your posts in your comment that best suits the topic
• Be sure to leave your CherrySue follower ID so that I can backlink
• Take a mo to check out the other lovely links
• Share the love, by commenting on posts or tweeting fellow bloggers (we all know how great it feels to get a supportive comment.)
• Pay it forward: By Rt'ing links or just spreading the #CherryLinkLove word

Happy Monday, everyone! 

Cherry Link Love for #BBloggers - Holy Grail Products!

How do, lovely ladies? It's time once more for some #CherryLinkLove. 

This week we're talking Holy Grail products, products you've used that you'll buy and use for as long as they make it and even long after if you can source it on eBay.

I'll kick it off with my post about HG products but I'm DYING to see what's floating your beauty loving boats. 

Guidelines for Cherry Link Love 

• Link up one of your posts in your comment that best suits the topic
• Be sure to leave your CherrySue follower ID so that I can backlink
• Take a mo to check out the other lovely links
• Share the love, by commenting on posts or tweeting fellow bloggers (we all know how great it feels to get a supportive comment.)
• Pay it forward: By Rt'ing links or just spreading the #CherryLinkLove word

Since we've started this little love fest the blog's monthly views have topped 55,000 hits and continue to grow - with the most recent Cherry Link Love post receiving 10,768 hits (so far). I'd love to know if you're seeing a jump in your views but also and more importantly if you've found some great new blogs to follow. 

Looking forward to seeing your comments! 

Cherry Link Love: Nails, Nails, Nails!

How do, Week 2! For those of you that have just joined us I'll run through the 'guidelines' really quickly (you can also check out Week 1 below): 

Guidelines for Cherry Link Love 

• Link up one of your posts in your comment that best suits the topic
• Be sure to leave your CherrySue follower ID so that I can backlink
• Take a mo to check out the other lovely links
• Share the love, by commenting on posts or tweeting fellow bloggers (we all know how great it feels to get a supportive comment.)
• Pay it forward: By Rt'ing links or just spreading the #CherryLinkLove word

Last weeks post was hugely successful in terms of stats with one day alone seeing 3,767 hits but more importantly connections were made and people found a platform to meet each other - at the end of the day that's what the blogging community should be all about, no? 

This weeks topic is one that I'm a little nutty about NAILS so if you have a post about nails, nail art, nail polish or anything of it's ilk link it on up below. I reckon the one (of hundreds) of mine that best fits the bill would be Handy Do's & Don'ts for Tip Top Talons. 

Remember to just have fun with it, if you don't have a link that fits, link up a favourite blogger (with their permission of course) and be sure to share the love by spreading the word. Hopefully we'll have a fabulous list of new and older blogs and we'll all learn a little suh'im suh'im. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Cherry Link Love Week 1: Getting to Know YOU!

Lovely Nail Links!

Its Only Makeup, John
Here Comes Clo
A Beauty Moment
High Life of Mars
Marilyn Walsh
Bright and Beautyfull
Rare Opal
Very Lovely Stuff
Squidgy Moments
Colour Me loud
Miss Green Eyes
Glamour & Go
Happy Bubble Gal
The Oxford Owl