Dupe Alert: MAC Superb Given a Run for it's Shimmery Money with TopShop's Horizon Highlight!

If there's one thing I like more than a good highlighter it's a blahhdy good dupe for a higher end highlighter and TopShops Horzon is exactly that. I heard whisper that it was a MAC Soft and Gentle pretender, a brightening skin finishing highlight, the yen for which I've never given in to. On closer inspection though, it's not. On further inspection and on the much brighter side, it's a very close match to MAC stunner and one of my all time favourite highlighters, Superb. You can read my full post on that HERE. 

TopShop Horizon: £10 HERE

Swatched lightly this warm toned highlight adds bronzed luminosity to paler skin but the darker toned lovelies among us, or even those with an already bronzed visage will apply liberally and LOVE it. While in the pan it's not a direct dupe for the MAC fave, Superb, once this richly pigmented highlight is applied the magic happens. 

If you're bemoaning missing out on Superb or even Estée Lauder's predecessor in the Illuminating Gelee then you need to get yourself on the hunt for this bargainous highlighting beauty.  

Speaking of on the hunt, I do have to mention, as is my wont, that I've had a love/hate relationship with TopShops makeup for the longest time. I love almost everything that I've gotten my mitts on, as this quick Google search will show you but it's the inflated price for limited stock here in Ireland that rustles my jimmies on the regular. 

Why? Why when we live just 40 minutes away do you have to do us like this, TopShop? I wouldn't mind if their products were mediocre but Horizon here proves, once more, that they're not. They're really very good and that's a shame because they are missing out on an entire untapped market of beauty lovers in our little Republic. 

Tell us, will you be hunting down this highlight? Do you think I'm being unfair on TopShop and, most importantly, do you know of a well stocked shop in the good ol' ROI? Spill!

March Favourites ft Estée Lauder, Makeup Revolution, Stella, L'Occitane, Emma Hardie, Morphe Brushes, Lush, Google Goggles, Urban Decay & Kiehl's

I mean, it's not like the year is rocketing past a rate of knots.. it's not like it was Christmas like last Tuesday and we're already in the second quarter of the year... Complain not though, there's a distinct sniff of spring between torrential downpours and there's literally a 'grand stretch' in the evening so we're all good, right? March was a good month for trips, for travel, for Poppa Cherry getting hella better and for beauty. Ready to see some faves? 

1. Smashbox Double Exposure Palette: €44 Here

I know I'm a die hard brand fan when it comes to Smashbox but, truth be told, I really wasn't wowed by Full Exposure last year. The shadows felt chalky to me and seemed to run together to create any and every shade of mud you might imagine on my lids. For this reason exactly I wasn't holding out huge hopes for Double Exposure but GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY this palette is an actual babe. 

The 14 shades are a mixture of matte & metallic and tend toward the neutral, flattering on most every skin tone I've no doubt. The real beauty though, is when you use the (legitimately fab) brush (included) spritzed with water (I use the PhotoFinish Primer Water). Shades are transformed to metallic stunners, without the pan ever glazing over. Muddy blending problemz of Full Exposure are a thing of the past.

 I've genuinely stepped away from several make up counters in the past month, safe in the knowledge that I can get the same shadow effect with the Double Exposure palette. That's a rarity for a make up junkie like Moi. 

2. Stella EDT: €52.50+ Here

I have a full review of this light, bright sure fire summer hit for Stella McCartney HERE. If you're a fan of the original you genuinely have to get your sniffer into the vicinity of this Rose beauty sooner rather than later. Of all the fragrances that've graced our counters thusfar in 2015, I have to say this is the one that I'm reaching for time and again, regardless of situation or even time of day. It takes a pretty special fragrance to do that to me. 

3. L'Occitane Precious BB Cream: €35 Here

L'occitane's Immortelle Divine Cream is quite possibly my all time favourite face cream in a sea of face creams so when I first caught sight of their Precious BB creams containing essence of Immortelle I knew we were gonna be friends. 

There's 3 shades in the range and you may get excited now, fellow Celtic skin toned friends because the Fair is as close to porcelain as I've yet to see in a BB. Coverage is fantastic with dark shadows and pigmentation dealt with with ease. That's the Immortelle you see, it packs a powerful skincare punch that's it's nigh on impossible to beat, without ever feeling heavy or caked on the skin. 

I was lucky enough to be sent three to trial, Medium is perfect on my slightly sallower skin but Corrina is loving Light and Mama Cherry is adoring Fair. That's three age ranges and three skin types in  the love. That's good going, right?

If you're looking for a new summer love that will actually do your skin good as well as look incredibly good, L'occitane's Precious BB creams, with SPF 30 are seriously worth your time. Like seriously. 

4. Emma Hardie's Brilliance Facial Oil: €43.09 HERE

Back in August of last year I was given a lab sample of Emma Hardie's upcoming facial oil. No blurb, no info, just an innocuous little sample pump to test out. It was a revelation! You can see my first impression HERE . 

We've since learned that this little bottle of brilliance contains 9 essential oils: Palma Rose, Orange, Mint, Vanilla, Geranium, Camomile, Lemon, Rose and Lavender that help to condition, hydrate and smooth the skin's texture. It also includes 5 plant oils: Grape Seed Oil, Apricot, Almond, Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil that contain Omega 3, to help restructure the skin and promote elasticity and moisturise. Top all of that off with the unique Camelina 'Gold of Pleasure' oil for its powerful anti-oxidant properties to protect the skin from free radicals and you're some way to explaining the jiggery pokery WITCHCRAFT that is this oil. 

Hand to God, popping this on over my night time cream I am guaranteed to wake to fresher, more radiant, brighter skin in the morning. Just this week Lorraine asked what I'm using as, get this 'You have no pores on your nose!' SERIOUSLY. I couldn't possibly tell you the ridiculous anguish I put myself through over nose pores, since my teen years but I could tell you that you and your face NEED to sample Emma Hardie's Brilliance Facial Oil, like yesterday. 

4. Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar Blush & Contour Palette: £6 HERE

I was late to the budget beauty behemoth game that is Makeup Revolution, considering Jane British Beauty Blogger & Gemma Miss Makeup Magpie have been extolling their virtues for nigh on the entire year of their brand life. As soon as my first order plopped on the mat though, I was hooked. 

This Golden Sugar baked blush, baked highlighter and contour palette is stupidly good value at less than a tenner but there's nowt stupid about this solar system of loveliness. Shades are in no way as sparkly as you'd imagine once applied and I've been having great success in using Golden Sugar as I do my Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette - that is by swirling a brush through several shades and applying the lot. 

Not only do these baked beauts work beautifully as blushes and highlights but I've found myself dipping into the palette for shimmery shadows too. While Golden Sugar is an absolute gem, I'd be remiss not to send you legging it toward Makeup Revolution with your sheckles in hand. Their products (especially Lorac dupes) really do have to be seen to be believed. Vive la kick ass budget beauty brands!

5. Lush's Sandstone Soap: HERE & Kiehl's Grapefruit Creme de Corps: €42 HERE

This exfoliating/cocooning skincare combo has legitimately blown me away this past month.

Lush's Sandstone soap mixes Coriander Oil, Lemon scented Listea Cubeba & a scrubby layer of sand. It scrubs. Hard! The best exfoliating soap I've ever used for the most immediate results, especially for skin trouble spots such as tops of arms and legs. KP sufferers (like Moi) will LOVE it!

Kiehl's limited edition Crème de Corps Grapefruit Whipped Body Butter has to be sniffed to be believed. Luxurious yet lightweight, the Shea & Jojoba butters sink into newly scrubbed skin to nourish & cocoon like no other. Don't even start me on the bright, uplifting grapefruit scent.

6. Urban Decay's Perversion Mascara: €21 HERE

I know this mascara was originally marketed with a white priming mascara to be worn underneath but seriously, SERIOUSLY, you don't need it. My full blown love affair with bigger, badder, blacker lashes was reignited on a recent trip to Poland as it was the only mascara chucked in my mála - I have no notion why I ever stopped fawning over this bad boy. Yes, I'm loving budget lash batters too, yes I have a bajillion to choose from but should you be in the market for a false lash effect, zero clump, zero fall out, night on the tiles mascara? YES you should check Perversion out. 

7. Morphe Brushes Flawless Blenders from $5.99 HERE

For the longest time I've followed the Morphe Brushes Insta, besotted with their brushes and the looks fans can achieve using them. As soon as I saw the Flawless collection launch though I knew I had to have 'em. 

I ordered the above 5 blenders (because blending brushes are my crack) and while, yep, they took their sweet time getting to me (almost 5 weeks) once they were in my lámh it was love. 

The synthetic hair is slightly scratchy on hte M511 & the M514 but all the better to pick up shadow with. My blending game has been brought on significantly and already I'm planning on buying the rest of the collection. Because ya'know.. I need more brushes. *whistles*

8. Estee Lauder's Pure Color Envy Sculpting Shine in Charmed: €31 HERE

I've recommended Estee Lauder's Pure Color Envy Sculpting lippies to any and all that will listen to my beauty rambles. There's legitimately nothing like those saturated high shine cream sheen lippies on the market today. NOTHING. That's a rarity in a beauty world that churns out dupes in a matter of weeks as a matter of course. 

The newest Lauder edit, Pure Color Envy Sculpting Shine are the most multi faceted, hydrating and illuminating lippies since. Charmed here applies like a hydrating glossy balm and wears beautifully. For me it's the perfect my lips but better colour and doesn't need the top up of gloss that I'm wont to apply TO EVERYTHING. 

When I popped up this pic a work pal commented 'Oh cos you really needed a lipstick?' the truth is, once I saw Charmed I really, really did - though I'm legit afraid to visit the rest of the range on counter for fear of the splurge. 

9. Google Goggles - Free Google App!

I do love a clever app, especially when it makes me feel like we're actually living in Tomorrow's World (if you get that reference highest of fives!). I downloaded Google Goggles when in Auschwitz last week, it scans photos of text and translates so I used it for the harrowing German docs on show. It was brilliant. When we got back to Krakow square though, I took a pic of the cathedral, instantly the app pinged and not only told me where I was but offered Wiki pages on each of the cathedrals and buildings around us - genius I thought. 

While bleating on about its qualities to Mama Cherry, I took a pic of a recipe in her Asda magazine to try at home. Again the app pinged and gave me the option of the original recipe on site or the shopping site directly with the ingredients already added to my basket - MIND. BLOWN!

Not only is the app a cracker for translations but it's honestly changed the way I look at several things. All for free. Download it peeps. Come join me in the future wha?!

 

And that's what's been tickling my pickle for the month of March. Are you loving any of the above? Have you put together a post of your faves, feel free to pop your links below & let me know what you're loving!

February Faves ft Elemental Herbology, Estée Lauder, Maybelline, Max Factor,Molton Brown, Philosophy, Skechers & YSL !

February, February, FEB-RU-ARY - that's a very weird word to say innit? Thankfully it wasn't a weird month, beauty wise, with some serious faves coming to the fore. 

1. Fudge Urban Powder Styler: €6.33 Here

A more purse friendly option than my HG Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder (€30), this Fudge Urban offer has been saving my bacon dry shampoo and volume wise this year. The fine powder is sprinkled into the roots of dry hair and after rubbing in (and getting over the weird sticky sensation) it gives serious OOMPH. I've been applying it to freshly blow dried hair and not only does it give me great body, it doesn't change the colour of my hair or itch my scalp as dry shampoos can tend to do. 

2. Elemental Herbology Macadamia & Papaya Body Scrub: €32.64 Here

A tropical mix of essential actives and bio-oils, Carlsberg don't do body scrubs but if they did, it probably wouldn't be a patch on this stunner. Papaya, sea salt & sugar provide the scrubbiness with macadamia & Buriti oil providing the unrivaled, nourishing softness. A boon for self tanning prep or post care or skin simply in need of a Spring lift. I apply this thick scrub before I step into the shower and continue my ablutions before washing off. You're looking at at least three days of asking yourself 'Is this new skin?!'. Blahhdy love it!

3. Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose: €22 Here



I've waxed lyrical about Molton Brown's new baby, Rhubarb & Rose already here and I'm not ashamed to say we're already half way through the bottle. Easily my favourite release of theirs in quite a while (and there's been stiff competition) this sudsy wash smells exactly like rhubarb & cream sherbets of yesteryear. 

If you're a fan of the tart pink stalks then you need this in your life and on your boddeh. STAT. I also have it on good authority that a Rhubarb & Rose candle is about to launch. THRILLED!

4. Estée Lauder Little Black Primer: €24.50 HERE 



You'll find my gushings for Lauder's Little Black Primer HERE but I guess the fact that since it's now gone on sale and I've bought one for both my Mum & a friend should really be testament too. It's a very simple idea, stunningly executed and should you be in need of a little lash lift, or indeed a waterproofing wonder then you need look no further. 

5. Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes: €11.49 HERE

You'd have to be living under a particularly large rock not to have seen these marbled beauties from Max Factor taking over the blogosphere. Available in 6 flattering shades, Makeup Artist Pat McGrath lauds them as a new era in colour contour. She's not wrong. I've been using 3 shades interchangeably with my large kabuki as I would a bronzer and I can't count the compliments I've had on my skin. 

There have been justifiable comparisons made between the Creme Puff blushes and both Hourglass Ambient Light and cult favourites Milani, they're very, very similar. A fabulous addition to any makeup stash, you need one of these affordable pots toute de suite. 

6. YSL Volupté Tint-In-Oil: €27 HERE



Should you follow me on any social media at all, you'll be well used to my fawning over the YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oils. I've a full review HERE including swatches of the entire line. Everything I hoped a lip oil would be, despite receiving Peach Me Love here as a pre drop Press Sample, once the line launched I dashed out and bought another two too. Again, that's a serious beauty blogger testament, especially considering the €27 price tag. With Mammy's Day coming up, I don't know a Mammy alive that wouldn't love once of these nourishing, flattering, lip plumping oils. 

7. Philosophy's Time in a Bottle Serum: €70 HERE

I won't often recommend a product with as spendy a price tag as Time in a Bottle unless it's life changing. Time in a Bottle is life changing. The high potency vitamin C activator is added to the serum before use, ensuring the freshest, most potent possible active ingredient. Let's be honest, even the sciency feeling of that alone would've sold me at first. 

The difference it's made to my skin over the past 8 weeks though is visible and that's why I'll be buying this again, regardless of price. For any age and any skin type, my newly plumped, softened and brighter visage and I legitimately recommend this with all our might. 

8. Maybelline Sensational Mascara: €11.99 HERE

You may have missed my comparison between Maybelline Sensational and current mascara must have Roller Lash from Benefit. You can read all about that HERE but suffice to say Sensational is every lash as good, if not better than its much, much more expensive counterpart - so much so that I happily gifted Roller Lash to my Mam, safe in the knowledge that I had Maybelline. Offering curl and lift with zero smudging or flaking, this inky black mascara is a definite fave and will be for quite some time. 

9. Skechers Serengeti Trainers: €73 HERE

These light weight, memory foam insoled trainers have literally changed the way I walk. Like literally. I had been managing 4-6k every other day at lunch day in work but, hand to god, these have gotten me out the doras more days than not. They genuinely feel like I'm wearing nothing at all ( a la Sexy Flanders) and the breathable mesh means not only are they comfortable, regardless of the distance traveled but also that I've no fear of storing 'em in my desk drawer between walks. My colleagues and I thank you, Skechers. We thank you very kindly indeed. 


Tell us, are you a lover of any of the above? What took top spots in your February Faves this year then? Do feel free to pop in a link should you have posted about them and I'll be sure to check it out. 

New Estée Lauder's Little Black Primer

Every so often a beauty product launches that's so simple in its design that you wonder why it hasn't been released many, many moons before and many times over. Black lash primer for example, yep we've all lashed on its white counterpart with gusto and marvelled at the results but black? Why hasn't this been done before. Not only have Estée Lauder taken a simple product idea with their upcoming Little Black Primer but they've executed that idea brilliantly. 

Marketed as a little black dress for your lashes, I'd offer that it's more like little black spanx. Once in place, this tinted lash primer keeps everything in its place with zero effort. Short lashes are extended, sparse lashes given volume and cheaper mascaras made waterproof with Little Black Primer applied as a seal. Seriously. I tried!

While I've yet to use a lash primer that comes close to this Estée Lauder offering, and there have been many, I honestly believe the true beauty in this primer is the subtle tint. Applied directly to lashes and worn alone, it gives the most beautiful 'your lashes but better' effect. Perfect for fuss free make up days. 

It was only when audibly admiring my almost naked lashes that Adam piped in 'You know that'd be great for guys that wanted to wear mascara without wearing mascara' and you know what? It would. This tiny tube seems to have a very many uses for very many people. 

Little Black Primer has been available exclusively at Boots since January and with a price tag of €26 we'll see it launch nationwide this March. Will you be picking one up? 

Things I'm Trialling ft Maybelline, Estée Lauder, L'Oreal, Origins, The Body Shop, Rimmel, Chanel & Chantecailles

Can you believe that was a week already? Well it was and it's time to swap out the Things I'm Trialling. 

Without further ado, here's some speedy reviews and first impressions on the things I was trialling last week. Ready? 

1. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro: €3.99 Here. 

Maybelline Baby Lips are something of a cult phenomenon, State side, regularly topping US shopping wish lists before making the leap across the pond last year. Cracking value at just €3.99, they're not going to heal damaged lips, nor will they take the eye out of your head with colour pay off, despite their neon packaging. 

As a hydrating, semi sheer moisture boost though? You really can't go wrong. Minty sheer is by far my fave, reminding me of the spearmint flavour of the rollerball glosses of my youth. 

2. Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream: €55 Here 

One reason EL will consistently top my favourite brand list is consistency. At first glance €55 seems just a touch 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 CC cream. 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. 

3. L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Lip Colour: 

€14.99 Here

This mini review was almost very different after my first use of the L'Oreal Infallible 24 hr lip. Billed as the first product with Hyaluronic gel and boasting 24 hr wear, I cursed the French brand when this rolled off my lips, like gathering silicone on first application. Then I slowed down a little. 

Applying the highly microglittered soft pink gloss to my lips, I waited a moment - then I applied the balm. Result? Soft, stained lips with every spec of microglitter in place. You'll definitely feel the glitter at first but not uncomfortably so. I've managed to get a full 7 hours from this colour without touching it and even then it was force of habit more than necessity. As long wear lippies go, this is a beaut. 

4. Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer: 

€32 Here

Not normally one to splash out on concealer, I normally stay within the Maybelline Age Rewind or Collection 200o confines, then splash the cash on foundation. Chanel's Correcteur Perfection concealer may have just changed my mind entirely. 

The soft, gel like texture applies like a dream, even under eye. I've had zero caking or drying issues and have even doubled its use as a highlighter, so brightening are its effects. Correcteur Perfection is slightly fragranced and that might be off putting initially for some. Please don't allow it to be. My beauty arsenal is all the better for this luxury secret weapon. 

5. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hr Foundation 

- Yet to Launch

I have a full post ready to go on Rimmel's new formulation Lasting Finish Foundation. If high coverage and lasting wear is your aim then you need to check this one out. 

While the summer months aren't the ideal time to put a foundation like this through its paces, the newly added comfort serum and vitamin E made that a doddle. I can see this gel like base being a firm favourite throughout the winter months. Watch out for the swatch fest!

6. The Body Shop All in One BB Cream: €19.95 Here

Another base that uses micro pigments to achieve its desired colour on the skin, the Body Shop All in One BB Cream is a light, hydrating cream that gives a semi sheer finish. 

Again not one for those that need a little more coverage but those that just want to freshen their complexion will enjoy it. I found this BB a little light for my skin tone at 00 but have re purposed it into an undetectable primer for under my own foundation. My skin is hydrated, and even with every use. If it's a BB you're looking for, I'd check this one out. 

7. Origins Ginzing Refreshing Face Mask: €30 Here

One of the standout refreshing masks to be released this year, Origins Ginzing is an icy cool gel that wakes your skin up in minutes. Formulated with coffee beans for an instant life, cucumber to calm and refresh and Hoelen mushroom to soothe troubled skin, the boys have been all over this one. 

Apply this gel to cleansed skin and tissue off just ten minutes later for brightened skin, ready to face the day. Adam will end me for telling you this but he's used this several times after his shower in the morning, while he eats his cereal. The first time wasn't by choice but since then I've kept it in the fridge he's used it, voluntarily, and commented on how it has brought down the redness when his skin is particularly angry. Anything that a 17 year old lad uses of his own accord has to be a win, right?  

8. Chantecailles Anti Stress Flower Harmonizing Cream: £88 Here

Unfortunately my skins expensive tastes have let me down where Chantecailles Harmonizing Cream is concerned. With essential oils, flower extracts, seaweeds and vitamins, I really wanted to love it but my visage unfortunately didn't. 

Though vegan friendly and marketed as an all 'round skin cocoon for even the most sensitive skin, my relatively normal skin broke out after just one evening's use. The diligent beauty blogger that I am, I waited the week and tried again with less than half the original amount used. Again, I was left with tiny raised lumps just under my skin's surface. Me no likey. 

(I will say though that Mama Cherry has been since gifted this Harmonizing Cream and can't get enough of it. Perhaps it's because I told her the price, perhaps that's just sour grapes on my part *shakes fist*)

Tell me, have you tried any of these beauty bits? Concur with my findings? 

Be sure to check out next week's Things I'm Trialling insta pic here, those reviews & first impressions will be up next week. And as ever, if you'd like more info on these or any products you see featured, just pop a question below or come hollah at me on the Twitters, yesh? 

Things I'm Trialling - 25/08/14

Hey, welcome along to the second in the Things I'm Trialling series. Last weeks post here was one of the most read posts of 2014 so far so ha-YOOGE thanks for that. Let's see how this weeks batch got on, shall we? 

1. La Roche-Posay's Physiological Cleansing Gel: €15.25 Here

You only need to do the most cursory of seaches on this blog to see I have a serious grá for French skin saviours La Roche-Posay. Surprisingly enough I had yet to try this Physiological Cleansing Gel but when it came through a press drop as an ideal cleansing tool partner, I knew I had to give it a go. 

With zero soap, alcohol, colourants or parabens, this clear cleansing gel is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Applying it directly to the Clinique brush head it only foamed slightly as I cleansed but did a great job of removing all makeup (apart from my eyes, natch) grease & grime. I had heard that others found this gel under performed when used alone, as far as I can see the pairing with your facial brush is a a match made in cleansing heaven. 

2. Nails Inc Eaton Exfoliator: €13 Here

I picked up this sugar based exfoliator from the Nails Inc counter in BTs. While I've been loving it as a hand exfoliator, it's with arms and feet that this beautifully scented scrub really comes into its own. The sugar granules exfoliate gently, while Geranium essential oil softens and hydrates the skin, leaving a soft sheen behind. In terms of scent and softening results, this genuinely feels like a mini spa treatment in your own home. Love. 

3. Escada Cherry In The Air: €55 Here

It goes without saying that I have an affinity to anything cherry, right? RIGHT? I have waited a long time to get my mitts on this Escada scent but have never justified the splurge when I have so many other perfumes to be getting on with. Cue press drop. Cue delirium. 

With the unmistakable scent of cherry blossom brightened by red fruits and rounded by gourmand notes, this really is a beaut of a fresh summer scent. Here's the snag though, I have been utterly and completely spoiled for all cherry scents by L'Occitane's Red Cherry Intense. While I love this from Escada, it falls on the synthetic spectrum for me and doesn't hold a candle to its L'Occitane counterpart. I'd urge you to smell both and prove me wrong, yesh? 

4. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter: €18.95 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. 

5. Lancome Colour Design Infinité 503 

Electrifying Sparkle

Part of the limited edition Colour Design Infinté range, Electrifying Sparkle is both of those things, electrifying and sparkly. An olive metallic/steely taupe shade that, had it legs, would jump up and bite you.

The breathtaking sparkle wears evenly throughout the evening leaving the most beautiful, crease free taupe lid colour imaginable. It's stunning, absolutely and completely stunning. The end.  

6. Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Nuit: 

€85.50 Here

The blurb says 'Formulated with a unique GF-Volumetry TM complex to support cellular communication after just one night' meaning my visage cells should have been telling each other to sort themselves out all week long. The soft, comforting cream has been a real treat post cleanse at bed time but I'm unsure yet as to any skin changes. 

My face does feel a lot softer and perhaps more supple but truth be told Imma need at least another month or so to give this baby a proper test. I and my chastised cells will keep ye posted. 

7. Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils: €6.79 

I posted these beauts last week, the instant they landed on my desk - full review here- suffice to say it was immediate and unequivocal love. Since posting I've gifted the coral shade to a good pal in work (Hi Therese!) and she can't stop gushing either.

When it comes to lippie application these soft, mid sheen pencils are child's play to apply and wear evenly throughout the day. As soon as I see the other 7 shades in the siopa, they're mine!

8. Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Shadow in 04: Launches Sept. 

One of the ten stunning Pure Color Envy Sculpting shadow palettes to land this September, number 04 (Rebel Metal) is a neutral shadow lovers dream. Encased in the new look navy & gold packaging, that weighty luxe feel is still there with aerated brush storage, a rounded finish and a decent size mirror included. 

Each palette has a mix of shadow finishes that can be worn wet or dry. I've been using this one daily with a dampened brush to use the darkest colour as liner. I can't tell you how many compliments I've had. These palettes will set you back €52 and having played with it for the week, that's a luxury barg! I'll have a run down on the entire Lauder launch coming up so stay tuned & start saving your sheckles - NOW!

Make sure to check out this week's Insta pic on Things I'm Trialling This Week & be sure to let me know what you think of the series so far! 

Estée Lauder: Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick - Defiant Coral. A Guest Post from Lorrrrrrrrraine!

You know what we haven't had around here in a while? A visit from a Fancy Face, let's remedy that, shall we? Thanks for popping by Lorraine of John, It's Only Makeup, what have you got for us today?

Did I need another coral lipstick? Er, maybe not. Did I need another coral lipstick in the new Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting formula? YES. Hey, I probably wouldn't have turned down a lime green from the range. 

The lipsticks are blend of all the best bits you want - longevity, comfort, moisture and high colour. 

How'd they do it? I'd imagine the zillion years and billions of eurobux that Lauder can pour into research helps, but the nitty gritty is a premium selection of ingredients. Hyaluronic acid keeps things looking and feeling smooth, while buckets of pigment and bonding agents make for full-on colour that lasts.

And, even though it's bursting at the seams with fantabulosity, it doesn't feel like it. The texture is light, creamy and totally comfortable. Blindfold me and I'd think I was wearing a balm.

Defiant Coral: €29

Defiant Coral, is the one that Cherry Sue gave to me. It's not a true coral - orange tones are low and there's a dusty pink element that makes it much more wearable. 

It's not cheap, but there's no compromise in quality. A great lipstick, packaged in sleek and sturdy casing - it's luxe in every way. 

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!