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? 

Take 3 - Burgundy Cream Shadows ft Chanel, Estée Lauder & Autograph

On this Take 3 offering we're looking at one of the most flattering shades of shadow for blue/green eyes and an absolute autumnal winner too, burgundy cream shadows. Yes, the shade works wonderfully with brown or hazel eyes too but there's something about the warmth of burgundy against blue that can transform the eye in your head. My top three picks are Chanel's Ébloui, Estée Lauder's Cosmic and Autograph (Marks & Spencer's) Russet, so there's something here to keep every purse happy. 

Though the three lined up seem vastly different, we'll go through them one by one with a final comparison swatch just to see how much burgundy bang you're getting for your buck. 

Autograph Russet: €10 (or €6.66 on 3 for 2)

Starting with the most affordable of the lot, Autograph's Russet is from the Marks and Spencer's line and the first product of their brand I've tried. The softest of the 3, Russet is a bright, coppery red toned burgundy mousse with lashings of pink and gold microglitter, though doesn't feel gritty. I use this with a lid primer (Smashbox is my fave) for an all over the eye look or buffed into the crease of a cream/gold shadow for a little more oomph. 

Though light as air on application, you have to be quick as once this Pure Color Mousse has set, it's not budging. I'm talking a good eight hours, crease free wear. I managed to pick up Russet on a 3 for 2 from M&S here, that's 3 shadows for €20 and, hands down, it's the best beauty bargain I've managed to bag. I'm in the actual love with it.  

Estée Lauder's Pure Color Shadow Stay on Paint: Cosmic: €23

Next up the price point ladder we have Estée Lauder's Cosmic. One of the nine in its line, Cosmic leapt at me from the Estée Lauder stand in Sephora on my last jaunt to Paris. A deeper bronzey shade of burgundy, the golden shimmer is woven through the soft touch shadow. I'd liken these more to MAC Paint Pots than Russet's mousse texture above. 

Again, speed is your friend when applying this cream shadow, I wear it as a wash on the lid, buffed out to bejebus or as an under eye liner applied with an angled brush. When I say you're looking at longevity with this shade, I'm talking after the A bomb, there'll only  be cockroaches and Estée Lauder's Cosmic left - they'll be some FANCY roaches.  You can pretty much sleep in this burgundy bad boy and greet the post man at the crack of dawn with everything still in place. You'll find it and its counterparts here for €23.

CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow: Ébloui: €29

Just like Cosmic, Chanel's Ébloui is one of nine stunning colours available from the brand. The most expensive of the lot, it took me over 6 months to get my mitts on this burgundy beaut. The formulation of this cream shadow is pure luxury, spongey to the touch and ridiculously soft, it glides on to the lid effortlessly as only Chanel can. 

A deep russet red, brown with multi coloured micro glitter, Ébloui is an absolute dazzler in the sunshine and an ideal shadow for a rich autumnal smokey eye. I wear it pressed over Catrice's Made to Stay Charcoal paint pot and buffed out liberally for a statement eye (it's a thing). You'll pick up Chanel's Ébloui here for €29.50 and I'd recommend every cent of it. 

And that's them, my Take 3 Burgundy Cream Eye Shadows. I honestly couldn't choose a favourite. I find myself reaching for Chanel more but wouldn't be without the other two, despite how eerily similar they are. 

As with all Take 3 posts, if you have a link to a similar post (about burgundy shadow), please feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll be sure to check it out. 

June Faves 2013

So the lurgy very nearly beat me this week but I couldn't let the month go on without a shout out to the stand outs of the past four weeks. June, you were a good 'un, here's some of your best bits: 

1. Essie, The More the Merrier: (€12.99)

I've made my grá for this Essie Summer collection very clear here but given Sophie's Choice and having to pick a favourite, the truth is I've been reaching for this stunning lime creme more than any other polish in the past month. 

If I remove a polish just to reapply it then I know it's a winner. THREE TIMES I've done that with The More the Merrier. That's a Win. 

2. The BodyShop's Vineyard Peach: (from €13.50 in store)

This body butter was sent for review last month and one sniff of the Fuzzy Peachesque wave of nostalgia and I broke my own Blogger cardinal rule - I delved in immediately and rubbed the heady scented gorgeousness up my arms. 

I've since rebought the entire collection having realised it's Limited Edition. The scent lingers for the entire day and the body butter is definitely a thigh rubber (as in I have a little rub of my thighs when on the loo just to feel the loveliness) (It's how I judge all body creams)(I never claimed to be sane). 

3. Clean Marine's Krill Oil: (€21.99)

I'm a big believer in supplements helping us out of a tight spot but fish oils usually repeat like goodo on me so I avoid 'em like the plague. I was dubious when this Krill Oil pack dropped on my desk and the smell once the packet was opened was nowt short of noxious. The fact is though, that these don't repeat once swallowed, not even a little bit. 

I've found my nails are stronger, skin a little clearer and my general mood seems to be lifted. Apparently they're recommended for PMS too, though I'm not a sufferer, thankfully. The lads were also sent the male version and I thank them for getting them through their recent exams, they've continued taking them without me asking and that's a miracle in itself. We like you Krill Oil, you can stay. 

4. FitFlop's Electric Indigo Yoko Summer Sandal: (€99)

I'm a FitFlop fan, I say this, I tweet this, I Facebook this, we know this. This Electric Indigo pair has to be one of the highlights of my shoe wearing Summer. 

I'm no longer driving so am now walking to and from work everyday. These wobbleboard workout pretties have not only made that trudge more bearable but my legs are really feeling the advantage too. Keep an eye out early next week as I'll have something verrry exciting to share from the FitFlop Gods. Keep Peelers Pelt. 

5. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Collection: (from €7.89)

When it comes to budget beautiful hair care, John Frieda really do have the (Super)market cornered. This newest collection, Luxurious Volume, is just that, luxurious to use and volumising to boot. 

Normally I'll use several combinations of serums, oils and sprays with my shampoo and conditioner but on a recent weekend away I realised I didn't need to do that with John Frieda. My grúaig is soft but full and easily manageable for up to three days. It's a busy Momma's dream. 

6. Versace Yellow Diamond: (from €41)

Though I will always call this brand Ver-sayce in honour of Showgirls, I've never really been a fan of the ostentatious style that goes with it. That was until I took one sniff of this pretty on a Sephora stop in Paris. 

Light and bright the smell is exactly what a Summer scent should be. It's uplifting, lasting and incredibly easy to wear. I like it. A Loh. 

7. Dove Compressed Deodorant, Invisible Dry: (€3.49)

These new compressed bottles that house exactly the same amount of spray are not only space saving genius but a manna to all ladies on the run. 

Not only does it fit in the smallest of málas but the scent is beautifully fresh and lasts. Ideal for a quick spritz during the day. I'm not a usual groper of pits but I have noticed that mine seem softer since using Dove Invisible Dry (that could be subliminal from all the flashing of pittage in the ads). Either way, I've since bought three more for my desk, dresser and mála. Love the stuff. 

8. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Paint in Cosmic: (€23)

While haring around Sephora in Paris last week one of the only counters to stop me in my tracks was Estée Lauder. Once I'd set eyes on this super soft, ridiculously pigmented paint shadow I knew we were going to be friends. 

A deep copper that's literally stuffed with multi coloured micro glitter I had worried that it'd be dry on the lid, not so. It applies like a dream and once set (in a mo) it lasts all day long. Be-A-YOOT-iful with green/blue eyes, I'll certainly be checking out the rest of this SS/13 collection. It's love. 

Wheeeweee, that's them, my June faves that'll be the cream of the crop for the foreseeable. You might have noticed that a lot of the links I've included are to Boots.ie, have you used it yet? I'm afraid of Laser meltage. 

Do let me know what your June favourites were and, of course, if you're a fan of any of my ones - it's always good to know that a great product works brilliantly for more than just me. 

Happy weekend, everyone!

Bronze Goddess Nails!

There are very few perfumes I adore. Sensuous is one, Bronze Goddess Soleil another and of course Bronze Goddess Original (are you sensing a theme?) Finding myself in Arnott's last night, the mecca of all things beauty, I happened to pass the Estée Lauder stand and spritz myself with this baby. Bronze Goddess Original. It's only out for the Summer months and sells out fast so I was delighted to see it. 

Estée sez it's 'A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood and Vetiver. All heat. All desire. All woman.'. I sez I could barely concentrate on what the gawjus Mark from Benefit was saying as I spent the entire chat sniffing myself! It's a sunshine holiday in a bottle. 

Anywho, the buidéal, to me, is fabulous, so fabulous that I want to bring it everywhere to show it off (ridiculous!). So I thought I'd Bronze Goddess up my nails instead (Not quite so ridiculous). This is actually an easier glitter gradient than the two I showed you previously. 

Here's HOW easy: 

You need just two polishes (Revlon Gold Coin and Inglot 207 for this look)

After a coat of clear basecoat apply your metallic polish to your nail tip

Apply a thin coat of your glitter, in a staggered motion from halfway up the nail bed

A swish of high shine top coat and that's you done!

Didn't I tell you they were peasy? Of course you can replicate this glitter gradient using any colour combination. Just be sure that both your tip colour and glitter are from the same colour palette, ja?

One more golden shot for the road

Tempted to give them a go? Or even Bronze Goddess a go? Lemme know!

Estée Lauder - Intense Kajal Eye Crayon

When I first clapped eyes on the Estée Lauder Topaz Collection courtesy of make up & Youtube guru Dustin Hunter, the Dramatic Teal Intense Kajal Eye Crayon almost lept from the screen at me. I'm a big fan of teal liners and an even bigger fan of kajal liners as they're so easy to use. Off I jolly well popped to Debenham's to have a little peek. 

Kajal Eye Crayon and chunky sharpener that's included (phew) €25

As soon as the sales assistant swatched this beauty on her hand I knew I had to have it. It's soft, vivid and has the most beautiful formulation that gives you two minutes to blend out and wear as a shadow or leave as is and it will dry and not budge for the day. 

One line dried as is or blended out to a soft teal base or all over shadow

I'm absolutely in love with this product and have used it to recreate the stunning smokey peacock look by Sara over on Beaut.ie but have also used it in everyday wear.

Although I have a huge fondness for Estée Lauder and their elegant ways, if €25 for a liner makes your eyes water I have found two beautiful tealy alternatives.

Rimmel Soft Kohl in Jungle Green is €4.67 from Boots, it's soft and pliable and once in place stays put all day long. It leans more to the green side of teal but is a very flattering shade.

Bourjois Kohl and Contour in Bleu Virtuose is €6.60, also from Boots, it's a vibrant teal that promises 16 hours wear and more than delivers. Bourjois is closer to the formulation of Estée's crayon as it can be smudged and blended before it dries for a softer look.

So what do we reckon? Have you made any purchases from the Topaz collection? Is teal your thang?

Estée Lauder - Blockbuster Bounty

As some of you may know I depleted my Boots points last week in favour of Estée Lauder's blockbuster of gorgeousness. Unfortunately I haven't hared home quick enough from work all week to catch the daylight & take the pics. Today I managed to get some.

Fancy a goo inside? Course you do...

First up, exhibit A M'Lud. My (latest) empty bottle of Sensuous, my signature scent (I always feel as though I should be wearing twinset & pearls when I say that). If you haven't tried this, please do. It's the most beautiful musky, citrussy scent. I've never once worn this without compliments. Aaand it smells like CherrySue (Win/Win). This one is completely empty, thus proving my NEED to avail of this offer, k? K. 

Original pic of all the loveliness

4 fantastic quality brushes. I love these with the muchness always my favourite part of EL's offerings

18 pure colour eyeshadows, mattes, shimmers and satins. The consistency of these is nothing less than velvet. Colour pay off is great dry & I haven't even attempted them wet. (Yet).

This Gentle Eye Make Up remover is tough enough to remove They're Real! That's my kinda gentle.

Here we have 3 very wearable shades of lipstick, coming from a non lipstick wearer. Top to bottom are: Candy (Shimmer), Exotic Orchid (Shimmer) & Barely Nude (Creme). They'll definitely be featured in my future looks. 

Oh man I love the gloss. 2 Shimmer Glosses in Electric Ginger and Orchid Passion. They're long lasting and delicious. Lightly stickier than your average EL gloss but not too much so. Electric Ginger hasn't been off my kisser since purchase.

The beautiful Deluxe All Over Face Compact. I can't look too closely at this one as it's a prize (including the brush) in mah current Facebook Only Giveaway. I sicken myself.

A Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara with a black & brown Soft Smudge Pencil. I have to admit these pencils aren't very soft or smudgey. I'm thinking they'd have to be heated slightly for best effect. 

And a handy Colour Stylist Look Book for attempting simple but effective looks using your new bounty.

Last but fo' sho' not least, the redness. One huge red patent vanity case with a matching purse and laaaarge mirror to go with. To be honest I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to do with these, I'm thinking future Giveaway, for the purse and mirror at least...

So what do we reckon? This 'gift' is €69 with any Estée Lauder fragrance purchase but contains products to the value of €360. Great deal in my opinion, considering I will use the majority of it (& regift the rest)

Are you tempted? 

That's a Lorra Lipgloss!

Changing over my bag on Sunday I pulled out a lipgloss, then another, then another.. repeat to fade..

I knew I had a difficulty with product piggery but how, in the name of God, did I end up with 9 lipglosses in one bag? Nine!

Realising that this was just the tip of my lipgloss iceberg I was tempted to count my entire collection then realising, in turn, that that may stop me buying any more I decided against. 

Lets have a looksie at the 'few' I've been carting around shall we? 

L-R:
L'Oréal 6hr Glamshine in Hold on Rose: This is a lot pinker than the swatch would have you believe. Non sticky & long lasting, nowhere near 6 hours long but long nonetheless. I happen to have 3, in this shade my love is so great for 'em. Great daytime colour. 

Essence XXXL Shine, would love to tell you the colour of this one but Essence aren't known for packaging that survives the belly of handbags. This blends to a lovely berry plum with a silver shimmer, bit sticky but great colour. 

Lancome Juicy Tube mini in Fraise, it's been a while since I've abandoned Juicy Tubes for their sticky ways and hair catching annoyance but this one is a lovely pick me up colour. 

Essence XXXL Shine in Big Night Out, this is a lovely nude pink, part of their new Nude range, funnily enough, that I happen to have several of. Their non sticky and taste like sweeties. Their longevity is not the best but, again, they taste like sweeties. 

Catrice Colour Show, a clear gloss with golden shimmer, lovely as an over gloss for lipstick and almost gone! (Must pick up another one)

Estée Lauder High Gloss in Berry, these are probably some of my fave glosses ever made. Great colour choice, not an ounce of stickiness and a biscuity sweet taste. This happens to be one of a pack of 6 minis. That's not mentioning the full size ones. 

Smashbox O Gloss Noir, this is a blackish gloss in the tube but changes colour according to your own lip colour. Turns out as a lovely berry colour on my kisser. Hugely expensive (€26) for what it is so while I'll never replace it, I loves it. 

Smashbox Limitless Lipstain & Colour Seal Balm in Berry. This stain is a felt tip one end and a corresponding  balm on t'other. I wanted to love this, I really did but with the dried up felt tip (after only 6 weeks) I just don't reach for this one. Hence the languishing at the end of my bag status. 

Essence XXXL Nude, another of the nude range. Sweeties. That is all. 

Having cleared out my bag & some of my conscience, I'm feeling a bit better. 

Any of these catch your fancy? Want to make me feel better & count your glosses and/or your own product obsesh? G'wan... 

Love at First Rub - Estée Lauder Idealist Illuminator Review

My first product review! Was planning on waiting to do this but, after several more compliments today, couldn't.

I bought the Idealist Illuminator as an afterthought and in the frenzied WANT of the Estée Lauder gift (Beautiful navy patent shoulder bag stuffed with goodies). My main purchase was the EL Bronze Goddess Soleil scent, which is se-here-riously gawjus, my new summer scent & the star of an upcoming post.

Anyway, EL idealist is pricey at €56 for 30ml in Boots but me, being me, rounded it down to €100 for the two. I have to say it is, by far, the best €56 I've spent on a long while.

It claims as their first fast acting serum to dramatically reduce the look of uneven tone, dark spots, blotchiness & sun spots. And by God does it deliver. The SA recommended to use it morning and night before moisturiser for the first couple of days then once a day after that.

The product itself is a pearly lemonish iridescent gel like serum that has the scent of sweet citrus, I had taken a couple of swatch photos but on account of them looking a little, er, rude decided to leave them out.

I cannot state enough the dramatic difference this has made to my skin in a short space of time. Within a day or so I was doing a double take in the mirror, now 12 days later I am receiving compliments from several people a day. Its that good. I have noticed a big difference in my pores, which I didn't realise was a focus of this product but also the general evenness of my skin tone now is astounding. My face looks lighter, brighter and well healthier.

I have one tiny patch of pigmented skin high on my cheek, that my mother affectionately calls my 'prison mark' because she knows how much I love it (Not) and I think my real Aha moment of Grá for this product was when I noticed it has all but disappeared. In 12 days people!

EL you have surpassed yourself with this one and in one illuminating stroke become my new HG fave.