June Favourites ft Clarins, Clinique, MAC, Urban Decay, Bourjois, Hourglass, Lancome, Parfois, The BodyShop, Nuxe & The Domestic Geek!

I toyed with the idea of allowing June to escape us sans CherrySue Faves but when I began my customary list of beauty standouts I knew that couldn't be tolerated. My skin this month has been the best it has been in years and that's in no small way thanks to the skincare combo I've been rocking. 4 of which claimed top spots this month. 

As ever if you have any questions, concerns or points to note about anything mentioned pop you link or a comment below. Now what's been tickling my beauty loving pickle? 

1. Clarins Mission Perfection Serum: €60 HERE

Clarins Mission Perfection

There will 100% be a full break down and in depth review of Clarins new super serum, Mission Perfection massaging your eyeballs in the week to come. What you need to know now is that this innovative serum from skincare deities Clarins will most likely change the way you see your skin in just days. 

Of course I'm slightly partial because Mission Perfection relies heavily on Acerola Extract (that's cherries, yo!) to counteract pigment disorders but truly I'm in the love. Aimed at all skin tones, we're promised help with age spots, discolouration, dark areas, marks from acne, dullness and redness without altering the skin's natural tone. All I know is this serum has replaced every single one I own and I'm using it both day and night (unheard of) with great success. 

2. Clinique Take the Day Off Balm: €29 HERE

Clinique Take the Day Off

I'll need to preface my new grá for Clinique's cult favourite Take the Day Off Balm with one note. With this balm we're talking purely function over form, substance over style. This starkly unfragranced solid balm transforms with the slightest touch to a fluid silky oil. 

Just the smallest amount is needed to literally disintegrate your day's slap, including waterproof mascara - though I found I got the dreaded foggy eye twice so I'm now using Bioderma for my siúls. If you're a fan of cleansing oils being an intoxicating experience (as with Emma Hardie's Moringa Balm say) then TTDO is probably not for you. To be honest I was hesitant after my first application too as cleansing oils and balms are a beloved part of my ablutions but that was until I saw my skin about 3 days in. I'm hooked. 

Granted it could be the combination of skincare I've been favouring of late but scented or unscented, this balm is one of the heaviest hitters in that line up. I have no doubt. 

3. The BodyShop Virgin Mojito Body Range: 

From £4 HERE

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito

The BodyShop body butters have always been and may always be my favourite part of any limited edition collection and the Virgin Mojito range is no different. We're talking the intense hydration and skin comforting that you're used to with this one but the addition of Carribean Lime & Mint to the Fair Trade Shea Butter elevate the Virgin Mojito version to another level entirely.

I have a full review of the line up HERE but please know that if you have a body and a penchant for mojitos, you need this. STAT. 

4. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: €21.50 HERE

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

First up, I know twenty quid is hella expensive for a concealer when you have the likes of Collection knocking it out of the park for just over a fiver but seriously now, MAC Pro Longwear is everything is says on the little glass vial and then some!

I first tried this in NW20 thanks to the girls in MAC Brown Thomas Galway giving my slap a jujj up before Xposé. Truthfully, I've never been so instantly impressed with a concealer, then consistently impressed when it lasted for the entire evening, pool party and all!

The lightweight formula is ideal for under eye dark circles and covering pigmentation. I'm unsure if it's all encompassing enough to cover major breakouts (YET) but as an every day, brighten your entire kisser in just a few drops kinda concealer? I'm HOOKED.  

5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light: £42 HERE

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Bronze Light

I've seen the blogosphere being divided over the latest Hourglass launch, their highlighting bronzers and, for the shortest while, that put me off succumbing. You see 60 Eurobux is a bug chunk of change to drop on another bronzer to add to a pile of bronzers if it's just going to languish in a drawer. 

I'm thrilled I trusted my gut and took the plunge though. Luminous Bronze Light is the lighter of the two shades available (though they both seem fairly similar) and having seen Christine Temptalia & Orla Makeup Over Mind give theirs the thumbs up I knew it was the one for me. 

You're going to need a duo fibre brush and the lightest of touches to get this marbled beauty to work for you but BY JOVE when it works it really works. I've been ditching my contour and highlighter in favour of this bad boy and I can't see that changing for the forseeable summer months. Well worth the splurge. Well, well worth it. 

6. Urban Decay All Nighter: From €12.69 HERE 

Urban Decay All Nighter

Looking to save face in this humidity? Quite literally? I've been relying heavily on All Nighter this past couple of weeks. Can't recommend it enough for keeping my face in place!

I had the travel size bottle that you can nab for €12.69 above but as soon as I realised just how good this fine mist was at keeping everything in place for the day and then some I had to invest in the Mama bottle. Holding the bottle at arms length away, I spritz liberally, two pumps is usually enough (ahem) but I've literally never found another setting spray to work as well as this. 

7. Bourjois Only Bluuuuue: €10.49 HERE

Bourjois Only Bluuuuue

Only Bluuuue.. Can make my nails this bright... O Hoooonely Bluuuue can make my nuuuubs look right... Only Bluuuue & Bluuuue alone... No. Filter. Needed!!

Only Bluuuuue is just one of the juicy new Bourjois La Laque shades for summer 2015, see the others swatched HERE. There's just something about a strong blue in the blazing sun that pleases me no end and this one coat wonder is certainly no exception. There are many things Bourjois do right but hand on heart, I truly believe their nail polish formulations and shade choices are top of the class for the beloved French brand. 

8. Parfois Oil Slick Watch: €39.99 HERE

Parfois Oil Slick Watch

You might remember this multi coloured time piece from THESE Monday's Moments but I've legit worn it every day since. I've never once seen an oil slick coloured watch and Parfois don't even market this one as such but it has to be seen to truly be believed. 

Not only is it difficult to find on site but the picture in no way does it justice. I'd wager I'm asked twice a day where I've gotten it, more when I'm out at the weekend and every single time it appears in pictures. It's the most unique watch I've ever seen and I'm so in love with it that I've already bought a back up. I KNOW!

9. Nuxe Merveillance Expert Night Cream: 

€40.50 HERE

Nuxe Merveillance Expert Night Cream

I'm an avid lover of French skincare giants NUXE and have, hand on heart, never been let down by them in the past. Merveillance Expert Night here fell into the unfortunate position of being one of a bajillion night creams I had been sent to try out at the time of its launch earlier this year. 

It was only when I found myself reaching for it more and more that I decided to forgo all others for a while to see what this white pot was really made of. It's a rich and unctuous cream, aimed at women 40+ or yaknow, me since I have a couple of lines creeping in. I think the comforting and calming fragrance of ylang, jasmine and soft vanilla are what led me to it but the results have held my firm attention for months now. 

It's possible that I don't mind forgoing the scented experience with Take the Day Off above because I know just how good Merveillance feels to apply and to sleep in. It definitely compensates but it also gives my skin a plumpness that I haven't seen before. Forty Schmorty, my skin is loving this stuff NOW!

10. Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tan: €20.65 HERE

Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tan

Another fave in my luminous skin arsenal of late is Lancome's Flash Bronzer. Again this arrived amidst a sea of self tans that I was working my way through steadily but as soon as I woke up on the second morning having used this I knew I'd have to treat my visage for a little longer. 

I always apply my facial tanner at night and usually every other night when I'm using one. This brightly scented Flash Bronzer has a thicker consistency than I'm used to, with golden microshimmer but it applies beautifully in about two pumps and dries in instantly. It was the first morning that I awoke and rubbed my face I was amazed with how soft it felt. Of course as a beauty blogger you run through the mental notes of what you're using to find the culprit. I went through the list, washed my visage and thought no more of it. 

The bronze glow is more olive based than orange so looks perfectly natural. More sunkissed than sun drenched and that's AOK by me. It was on waking after the second application that the penny dropped. I have never, like ever had a self tanner react so well with my skin before. My skin is notably softer after use and makeup simply glides on. I'm just using the smallest pea size of Bioderma's AR BB and my skin has never looked better. Lancome's Flash Bronzer has officially replaced my HG Xen Tan and knocked my second favourite Clarin's Radiance Plus off my radar too. That's some going!

11. La Roche-Posay Serozinc: €11 HERE

L Roche Posay Serozinc

I'm going to hold my hands up on this one. I got it wrong. Amid the blogger hubbub of La Roche-Posay finally bringing much hailed skincare fave Serozinc to Ireland I felt whelmed. The brand sent me a tin to try out and I wanted to love it, I really did but it just didn't do anything for me. 

A zinc rich fine mist, I likened it to their Thermal Spring Water (of which I'm a HOOGE fan) in that it felt quite lovely to use but didn't really DO anything for me. That was until I had a hormonal breakout. You know one of those pain in the bone of your jaw before mount Vesuvius even erupts sweinhunds? Serozinc was the only thing I used as I couldn't even bear to touch my own skin. Within two days? Gone. 

I've now taken to spraying the lads shoulders and faces liberally, their oil prone teenage skin is lapping it up and both have commented at how much quicker breakouts are clearing up. I've already bought a second tin and use it as my toner both morning and night in conjunction with the other skincare faves above. Not only is it refreshing on muggy mornings and humid nights but I haven't had a breakout since. I was wrong. There. I said it.  

12. The Domestic Geek Youtube Channel

Salad Jars Aplenty! I bought my jars for €3.99 each in TK Maxx but they're 3 for €4.99 this week in Aldi!

If you follow me on Snapchat (ItsCherrySue) you'll know that my love for The Domestic Geek has been in overdrive this past couple of weeks. Above is my fridge, stocked full of salad jars and overnight oats inspired by the no muss, no fuss genius that is Sarah Lynn. 

I've been trying to up my fruit, veg and wholly nutrious food intake and these time saving recipes are bang on the money for doing just that. Her fruity salad jar that consists of balsamic dressing, strawberries, blueberries, red onion, goats cheese & leafy greens is one of the most delicious food combinations I've ever tried, and I've tried some doozies. There's no fancy ingredients either, just good wholesome food in fantastic combinations. 

The only issue I have is trying to concentrate on paperwork all morning when I know I have a jar calling me with the sweetest siren song from the shared fridge - that and the multiple forks of colleagues trying to nab a taste at lunch. Do yourself, your tastebuds and your all 'round well being a favour &  check Sarah out - tell her I sent you! 

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? 

June Favourites 2014 ft: Benefit, Cards Against Humanity, Image Skincare, Hourglass, Face D, Roger & Gallet and Spotify

Oh ma ma ma,oh, ma ma ma,oh, ma ma ma 

My July!

Oh June you were a good one where beauty and shenanigans were concerned. You even managed to kick ass on the weather front too, nicely played. Your time is done though as we're now in July but let's reflect on the favourites you brought into my life, shall we?

1. Cards Against Humanity £20 Here

You know those strange people that have an eight pack instead of a six? Well I'm one o' those following a night playing Cards Against Humanity with la Familia. The most offensive game known to man, played in the most offensive way known to ANYONE, CAH had all five of us Muttley laughing for a solid 2 hours as we tried to outdo each other in shock value. This was just one hand Aaron played to me. Get this game. Get it and go to Hell with us. Laughing. 

2. Garnier Ultimate Blends Colour Illuminator 

1 Minute Treatment €3.53 Here

The quality of this budget hair treatment well belies it's weenchy pricetag. Part of the larger Garnier Ultimate Blends collection, that I've used every single one of, this Argan oil and cranberry extract 1 minute treatment smells INcredible and works like a pro to boot. 

For use just twice a week for a minute each time, I've replaced this twice now as, although it's designed to give coloured hair shine - the Gorgebags are using it by the fist full for the delicioso smell alone. It's a keeper. 

3. Image Skincare Iluma Intense Lightening Serum €35 Here

A newbie to Image and their many skincare ways, I was delighted to learn more about the brand last month. To say my socks were blown off with 'the science bit' is an understatement. Happy in the knowledge that Image knew what was what I began using Iluma Intense Lightening Serum that very night. 

While the smell is slightly overpowering (like an intense suncream scent), the product is Holy Cow this is Holy Grail level gorgeous. My skin was instantly softer, felt plumped and nourished but within 3-5 days I noticed changes. Glowy changes. My pigmentation is no longer as pronounced and skintone just seems more even. I've had several compliments about my skin glowing and this little buidéal is entirely to blame. I swear. 

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette £56 Here

If you're a beauty lover/obsessive, you need no introduction to the Hourglass palette. Cruelly teased with a limited edition release last year, the world promptly lost its shizz once it was discontinued so Hourglass did the daycent thing and made it permanent this May. 

Made up of 3 infused skin finishing powders, witchcraft and wizardry, this photoshop in a palette is easily one of my most loved beauty products to date. I KNOW. I hadn't believed the hype but this is 'Double take at yourself in every reflective surface' sensational. 

The gorgeous Sinéad of Viva Adonis fame advised that I swirl all three colours together for each use instead of just choosing one. I'm currently petitioning the government to have a holiday named after her as thanks. Happy Sinéad's Day, Bishes, we all look FABULOUS. 

5. Face D 3-Luronics Instant Effect Cream Serum €29.99 Here

Psst check out your chance below to win one of three of these babies!!

It warms my instant gratification cockles to see 'Instant Effect' written on any beauty product though the Grinch like skeptic in me is always wary. When Face D's cream serum landed on my desk I was cautious to say the least but one look at the ingredients meant we might just be on to a winner. 

3 hyaluronic acids with 3 different molecular weights are combined in this gel like, non greasy cream. The higher weight packing the instant brightening and plumping punch with the lighter ones working at a deeper level to bring sustained change to the skin. The instant softness I get from this serum is incomparable. I keep it on my work desk for a quick pick me up in the afternoon and it works a treat. In yo' face, 3pm slump! (I'll have to report back on long term changes).

6. Sally Hansen Tahitian Sunset Polish €6.95 Here

My love for this soft peach corally creme was reignited at a recent Sally Hansen event. This mani lasted 5 whole days, unheard of for me, even WITH passport searches and garnered not only compliments but glances too. 

I have a bit of a grá for muted shades in the summer months and Tahitian Sunset has rocketed back into my top polish picks as of last month. 

score 1 of 3 Sally Hansen summer packs, incl Tahitian Sunset & 

worth €100 each here

7. Spotify

Yes, I'm very late to the Spotify game but I can't tell you how good it is to have music back in my life again. One of the things I miss most about driving is heading out with the radio blaring - it's also one of the reasons I've decided I need a car again sharpish - it's called LOGIC. 

I've managed to follow some pretty cracking playlists but not yet managed to make daycent ones myself. Imma recommend the San Lorenzo Lunch list first off in terms of eclectic awesomness and also my dear old Bro Rob Jordan, mainly because he has his Spotify shizz together. Do please lemme know who else I should be following! #addicted

8. Benefit Big Easy Complexion Perfector €37 Here

Ever the lover of faff free products, Benefit's Big Easy is a stand out of the year, so far, for me. The liquid to powder formulation claims to self adjust to your skin tone, balance and perfect oily skin and protect from UVA and UVB (Factor 35 no less!). I'll agree, wholeheartedly on the oil balancing and warn ye dry skinned ladies away with a vengeance - oily to normal skinned lasses though? You gotta try this. 

With only slightly more coverage than a BB, this base lasts me the whole day through with only slight touch ups as needed. I do use a primer underneath as the powder consistency threatens to cake but the velvety smooth result is 100% worth it. You'll find Big Easy in 6 shades but they're Irish lass friendly, so porcelain skinned beauts will love it. €37 might seem spendy but grab yourself a sample when next chatting to a Benebabe and tell me you don't love it. I dare you.  

9. Roger & Gallet Fleur De Figuier 

Ultra Nourishing Oil 

€26.95 Pharmacies Nationwide

You know when you love a product so instantly and so intensely that you know it's going to be a standout of the year for you, even though we're only half way through? That's what Fleur De Figuier Ultra- Nourishing Oil is to me. And then some. 

Read my full review here but know that I've since bought two spares and with the slightest whisper of discontinuation, I'll be buying crates. I like it a LOH. 

Tell us, what were you lovin' in June? 

If you can get the gickball that is Google+ comments to work do please leave links to your June Faves posts and vids too - I love to have a nosey. 

We've teamed up w @lloydspharmacy to bring you 1 of our June Faves. FaceD 3-Luronics! Follow & RT to win #bbloggers pic.twitter.com/lWGXU73O4X
— CherrySue (@ItsCherrySue) July 3, 2014

February Favourites 2014

Being one of the shortest months of year definitely puts February in my good books. That and the fact that both mornings and evenings are getting brighter. Daffs are springing up all over the shop and there's the slightest hint of heat to the sun when we get it. 

As Favourites go, February was a lot to so with a fresher approach to both skincare and make up for me, so without further ado - here be my February Faves: 

1. HealGel Eye: €40.33 w Free Delivery Here  

You might remember a while back we reviewed HealGel Intensive and were pretty amazed by the results on his scar. HealGel Eye, made by the same crack team of plastic surgeons and skincare specialists. You only need the tiniest amount of this aqueous gel patted onto your eye area to have an effect and boy has it. 

HealGel will tell you it's the duel action hyaluronic acid complex but I'm telling you it's jiggery pokery that has all but eliminated the tell tale dark line under my dark circles that rat me out after a night of House of Cards binge watching. The skin around my eyes is definitely more hydrated after 3 weeks use and I've found myself skipping under eye concealer & reaching just for a swish of highlight to see me through the day instead. Jiggery. Pokery. 

2. Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush: €7.50 Here 

I admitted my ineptitude when it comes to gel liner and the elusive flick in this Monday's Moments. I also revealed in the same post, however, just how much this revolutionary doohickey has done for me and my liner skillz. 

The tiniest silicone tip means that we're talking cork on your fork level natural lining ability to create a beautiful flick with much less effort and definitely less profanity than ever before. I've a second one of these bad boys stashed for precision nail art work. Inspired invention, Sam Chapman, Inspired. 

3. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray: €19.50 Here 

I first mentioned my initial reaction to This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray here. That was only one night in and I can truthfully say that this natural sleep aid has changed the way I conk out through the week. 

A fragrant blend of lavender, vetivert, wild chamomile and witchcraft, I have yet to spray my pillow and not be catching deep and meaningful zeds within 10 - 15 minutes. I read reviews and didn't believe them. I used the product and didn't believe it. Several weeks later though with consistent results? This Works. I believe it. 

4. The BodyShop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil: €22 Here 

Staying with the sleepy sleepy snooze time theme, The Body Shop have struck silky skin gold with their latest release, the Overnight Vitamin E Serum-in-Oil. Relying heavily on Community Fair Trade Soya Oil and Wheatgerm Oil, this nourishing blend is just the right balance between oil & serum to leave your visage refreshed and appearing fully rested. 

There was a notable difference from my first use but within just 3 days my skin was nearing newborn baby's bum territory and led to several second glances from colleagues as I stroked my own face, Disney Princess style (albeit trapped in a cubicle shaped dungeon). If you're looking for some oomph for your nightly skincare routine, look to the BodyShop. It's so nice I almost justified the price comparison to our UK sisters (£12 v €22!!) *strokes face again to calm down*. 

 5. Bdellium Tools 776 Blending Brush : €5.57 here (RLL469 - Discount Code)

If you're a lover of a good blending brush or even just a fan of the smokey eye, you need this Bdellium brush in yo' life. Lauded as an affordable dupe to MACs much hyped 217, there's not a day since receiving this brush that I haven't reached for it. Not. One. Day. 

Although I was unsure at first, it seems the 776 just needed a little breaking in and, truth be told, I wouldn't be without this brush or its natural fibres and swishy ways again. If you pick up just one thing this month. Make it the 776. You won't believe your eyes. Literally.  

6. Paperchase Screen Cleaner: €5.50 Here

I picked up this cute little feller in Arnotts last week and he has quickly become a firm pal of mine. Just a tiny disc of cotton, I give my, consistently grubby, phone screen a quick wipe and he sticks back on to the back of my phone for next time. 

Admittedly I was dubious as to how gimmicky he'd be but it turns out the back of the disc is made with that not stick, sticky stuff - you know like the dashboard mats? I would have preferred a darker colour as he himself is looking like a grubster already but for handiness, ease of use and an ideal pressie to slip into someone's card? You can't go wrong with this little lion. 

7. Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana: €62 - launches March 6th - More Info Here

Normally I won't include a Favourite that hasn't launched yet but I want ye to be on the lookout for this little spritz of Spring heaven when it lands this week. Dolce by D&G is the kind of scent that tells you spring has sprung. Neroli & papaya, blended with white florals (daffodil & Amaryllis) and musky base notes had me spraying Dolce liberally onto several of my scarves for the working week ahead. 

The bottle itself, clear to reveal the spring green coloured fragrance and topped with a pretty resin flower, an homage to Sicilian Confectioners and their use of the marzipan flower. Trust me on this one: Dolce = pretty, in every sense of the word. Check it out on the 6th. (Momma's will LOVE this one for their dressers. Just sayin')

8. Shiseido Lacquer Gloss RD305 Lust - More Info Here 

Launching this month, Japanese high end skincare and make up market leaders, Shiseido are bringing us 8 shades of Laquer Gloss, a sheerer, though buildable version of brand favourite Laquer Rouge. 

Shimmer & scent free with only the tiniest particles of micro glitter, Laquer Gloss in Lust frightened me in the tube in all honesty. I get panicky around reds. On application though my lips were transformed. Sheer hot coral can be built up for a non sticky, full on, vamped up red and I'm actually loving it. Several passing (complimentary) comments later and I'm sold. 

Keep an eye out over on Instagram as I'll be posting swatches of this and others before the full Shiseido SS14 breakdown later this week. Shiseido to me is grown up glamour and Lust has only reinforced that feeling. I do glamour me. 

9. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure: €33.97 here

The beauty world is alight with Hourglass and their Ambient Lighting Blush releases right now and that's not for nowt. These hybrid affect blushes, each hand poured work to bring light to your face that really has no business being there. 

A natural extension to last years Ambient Lighting Powders, each colour complements one of the previously released compacts and I can safely say, not owning one of them, this blush complements me too. 

I pre-ordered Mood Exposure and Dim Infusion from Space NK last month and, shocked that I received them two days later, Mood Exposure hasn't been off my face or out of my reach since. Benefit's Rockateur was my Holy Grail blush - Mood Exposure is what Rockateur's classier cousin would wear for fancy dinners in an Amy Huberman advert - for the same price(!). I've already bought a backup but get thee to a Space NK counter and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you. 


Tell me, what were you loving last month? Anything I should be checking out? 

Valentines For Her - ft Hourglass, Lush, The BodyShop, L'Occitane, Estée Lauder, GlossyBox, Chanel & ALL the Irish Mags

I'm going to try very hard not to use the word 'Self Gift' in this post but if you happen to be single on VDay or PALentine's Day this year just know that you totally deserve these gifts of gorgeousness too and should most probably buy one or all for yourself. 

With that disclaimer out of the way, MEN OF IRELAND, listen up - if you have a girlfriend and/or SO and consider yourself a pretty cool dude then she probably has great taste. These last minute Valentine's gifts are sure to earn you some brownie points - you can thank me afterwards (I prefer PayPal). 

1. Hourglass Ambient Blush - £28 Here. 

The world and her Aunty want this blush, the world and her Aunty need this blush. You don't need to know why but you do need to know that, upon review, Mood Exposure is the way to go and Space NK is the way to get it. Dogs may cower at the sound she makes when she opens this. GO. 

2. Lush Love Box - €33.50 in Store (Review Here)

We know you think the shop smells weird, we care not for these schmetails. Go to Lush, buy this box. Over 1/2 of the contents are sexy time oriented with baths, massages and whatnot. They're NEVER a bad Valentine's thing. GO. 

3. Body Shop White Musk Smokey Rose Collex - (€32 Here)

Assuming you or your lovah aren't 16, she is going to have fond memories of White Musk from the Body Shop. This Smokey Rose edit is that only sexed up - a lot. A stunning combo and the entire range for just over €30?! GO. 

4. Irish Mags Subscription (from €30 for a YEAR here)(or directly from site)

Nothing says repeat pay off louder than a gift that keeps on giving. What magazine have you spied your loved one fawning over in the past? You know what would rock her cashmere socks? A year's supply of that very glossy right to her doorstep courtesy of you. Google the site of her mag of choice to get the best sub deal and possibly a cracking subscription gift too - remember to think Irish first (as pictured) and again, I take PayPal. GO. 

5. L'Occitane Sensual Red Cherries Gift Set - (€52 here)(€25.50 off!!)

Sensual. Red. Cherries. One. Third. Off. Entire. Set. Go. 

6. Estée Lauder - Polish (€17.30 Here)

Is your gal of choice a nail polish fiend? Well then you have great taste, my friend. The nicest thing you can do for a nail polish nut is pick her up a polish she would never dare splash out on herself. Take a quick squizz at what she usually likes and find a similar colour to completely and luxuriously blow her mindhole. GO. 

7. GlossyBox Subscription - (From £30 for 3 months Here)

Much akin to the mag subscription suggestion, a sub to have a box of surprise beauty delivered to your Chica's doras every month will equally float her boat and rocket you into her good books, repeatedly. A lovely idea for beauty lovers and surprise addicts alike, you really can't go wrong with a Glossybox sub. GO. 

8. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - (€28 Here)

There's just something so luxurious about a brand like Chanel. Again, it's something your beloved might have trouble splashing out on herself but a little black box from the man she loves this Friday is guaranteed to raise a smile if it has Chanel emblazoned across it. The Rouge Coco Shines are the easiest colours not to get wrong and most flattering on most skin tones so pick a colour you'd like to kiss passionately from her lips and enjoy. GO. 


Of course all of these suggestions are for beauty loving babes and truthfully your lady would be very happy with a fresh cup of tay and perhaps a little brekkie in bed, at a stretch a tank of petrol so she doesn't have to worry about it for the week perhaps? - Hell she might settle for you whipping the hoover about the place. But should you be stuck and wanting to impress - I can't recommend this little lot enough. 

Have a lovely evening, whatever you get up to. 

(Ladies, I'll have 
a fellas post up later, yesh?)