L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Collection - NEW!

 

Are you in need of a skincare shakeup? In one of the most teased trials I've done to date, which I'm in no way sorry for, I can finally reveal the secret to my skin's sudden turnaround. L'occitane Immortelle Divine Collection, as though it could have ever been anything else. If you're looking for plumped, hydrated & beautifully luminous skin, look no further. Well look down below, obviously..

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

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

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

2. Isa Dora Bronzing Powder: €25.95 HERE

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

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

3. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial: €43.01 HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. NYX Pore Filler: €15.99 HERE

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

8. Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil: 

€28 HERE

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

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

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

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

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

10. TopShop GlowStick in Play Up: £10 HERE 

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

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

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

Happy May one & all!

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!

Things I'm Trialling ft Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, CND, Essie, Garnier, L'Occitane & Urban Decay

1. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: €25.40 Here

For the longest time the only setting spray I'd ever use was Thermal Spring Water and even then that was a rarity. You see if I've a full day or evening ahead, I'll use a primer (another rarity) and think no more about it. This All Nighter setting spray from Urban Decay has changed my mind about that entirely. 

The fine mist contains Temperature Control Technology, so not only does it hold my full face in place but I manage to avoid the unavoidable sweats in this hoomid indian summer. I don't use it every day but when I do, it does exactly what it says on the buidéal. 

2. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow: €65 Here

Can we just take a minute? Just. One. Minute. I know we're reaching peak saturation on Charlotte Tilbury blog posts but if I were to tell you that this Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette has actually overtaken my obsesh with the Hourglass Ambient Light would you allow it? 

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 BB cream, this and mascara and been told I've never looked better twice this week alone. It. Is. Love. 

3. L'Occitane Whipped Body Cream: €22 Launches Oct

This whipped shea body cream reminds me of exactly that, whipped cream. Whipped cream with a comforting scent of some seriously spendy Sudocrem. Don't for an instant think I mean that as a bad thing, this sumptuous whipped shea butter melts into the skin like no other butter I've used but the scent is unmistakably Sudo.  

For 25 years, L'Occitane have used shea butter from the women's co-operatives of Burkina Faso. The inspiration for this mousse like body cream came from the ladies themselves in their production of the butter. Deceptively rich, despite its light weight appearance, this has been playing a blinder in cocooning my skin before bed this week. A luxurious delight. 

4. CND Vinylux: Open Road Collection: €11.95 Each from Selected Salons 

One of the original gel effect polishes, without the need for lamps, CND have captured transitional autumnal shades beautifully with their Open Road collection. Always my choice of polish when it comes to holidays, because even I don't want to be fickle when sunning myself, it's a long lasting beaut. 

CND promise 7 days chip free once you skip the basecoat and use the topcoat correctly but truth be told I can never get more than 5 from my mani. Then again I am notoriously hard on my nails. Of Open Road, Clay Canyon HERE and Sage Scarf are by far the standouts to me. There just aren't polish shades like them in the nail varnish world right now. Love. 

5. Essie Fall '14: €9.99 Selected Irish Pharmacies

We know I love my Essie, right? It takes a serious collection to make me leave Summer shades behind without a backward glance and Essie Fall '14 is exactly that to me. 

These rich cream shades are pretty unassuming when you line them up but once you get them on the nail KABLAMMO instant autumnal fabulousness. Expect to see a hell of a lot more nail shots in the coming weeks. That's a promise. 

6. Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette: €41 Here

Clarins Ladylike collection for AW '14 is exactly that, subtle, effortlessly chic and ladylike. I had already fallen head over heels with the dewy True Radiance foundation, this mineral palette has just reinforced my love for the back to basics look for this season. 

All colours can be worn wet or dry, I find I prefer dry for the day time, as each shade is soft and blendable regardless. Of an evening though, with a dampened shadow brush, you can kick the intensity right up with these shadows. I'll have a full low down but do please stop by the Clarins counter and swatch these babies for yourself. Stunners. 

7. Garnier BB+Blur: £8.66 Here

When asked for my BB recommendations I will invariably go back to the original Garnier BB cream. No muss, no fuss, just a genuinely decent BB that gives a soft, semi sheer finish. Fast forward 2 years and past the introduction of Garniers show stopping 5 Second Perfect Blur primer and you have a hybrid many will want to rush out and buy. 

This BB iteration is everything the original was and then some, a big some, a Perfect Blur some. The addition of the blurring product sends this BB right to the top of my recommendation list. Even skin tone and blurred out fine lines for the entire day, without ever feeling heavy or mask like on the skin make Garnier BB+Blur a stonking great hit for me. 

8. Clarins Rouge Eclat in Pink Magnolia: €23 Here

Another winner from the Ladylike collection is the Rouge Eclat lippies. 5 new flattering shades provide soft, shiny colour with hydration not seen in other lipsticks that last quite this long. 

From delicate peaches right through to a rich red, there's something in this collection for everyone. Formulated with 100% plant waxes, such as jojoba and sunflower, you'll feel the hydration on your lips, without the need to reapply every hour. I'm a firm believer that everyone should own a Clarins lippie, just to see what €23 really should buy you when it comes to quality. This seems like the perfect collection to test your toe if you haven't yet. 

9. Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon: Bronzed Garnet - Colour Morphing Eye Shadow Pencil: €25 Here

We finish up with another Charlotte Tilbury product, the Colour Chameleon in Bronzed Garnet. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to receive this, I mean the swatch had me drooling for dayyyz. I love the idea of shadow sticks, the notion that one swipe and 30 seconds later you're out the door with multi faceted lids makes me very giddy indeed. You can imagine then the sadsies when Bronzed Garnet just didn't work for me as a shadow in that way. 

I don't have particularly greasy lids, in fact it's a rarity that I ever use lid primer, unless I'm looking to change a shadows depth or spend a night on the tiles but Bronzed Garnet just refused to stay put on its own. When used over primer I had better luck but, to me, using this as a base for the shadow palettes is where this stick comes into its own. 

The multi dimensional look I can achieve with this as a base for Golden Goddess had me double taking at myself! All that and this kicks actual ass as a liner, think Smashbox Shadow Liner level awesomeness and you're about right. I am bereft that Bronzed Garnet wasn't what I expected but given its deft at other uses, I'll definitely be picking up a shade or two more. 


Tell us, have you tried any of these products? Agree? Disagree? Wanna hear more? 

Things I'm Trialling ft Aussie, Clarins, Max Factor, The Body Shop, L'Occitane & Smashbox

Another seriously busy week in Casa Cherry this week with trials and testings. It must be said though, this weeks beauty batch were particularly lovely. Wanna see how I got on? 


1. Aussie Dual Personality Volume & Gloss: £4.99 Here

You know when they say 'it does exactly as it says on the tin'? That's this Aussie hairspray and then some. The scent is like exotic fruits, a personal favourite part of the entire Aussie brand. 

Just a couple of spritzes creates serious volume, without residue or crunch. It doesn't hold a candle to Elnett for the brush out factor (what does?), I found my hair easily matted when I tried to brush it through, which is a shame. If you're washing your hair straight after wearing though, that really doesn't matter. If you're looking for huge volume and noticeable shine - pick one of these bad boys up. 

2. Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquers: €8.99 Here

This incredibly bright nail polish launch from Max Factor garnered an audible gasp when I opened the package. Just look at them. Each shade is more vibrant than the last, with something for just about everyone's polish taste. 

There are many gel effect polishes on the market today and truth be told the Gel Shine Lacquers are way up there when it comes to formulation and finish. Three thin coats will give you a stunningly rich, high shine finish that actually looks like their salon counterpart. Promising 7 days of wear, I found they last more like 5 but for just €8.99 a pop, that's a win. 

3. L'Occitane Arlésienne Range: Launches Nov 1st

There really is no brand equal to L'Occitane for new, innovative scents through their ranges and the upcoming Arlésienne is no different. I was dubious to learn that their Christmas release would be a floral but oh how wrong I was. 

It's quite possibly the peppery saffron that makes this scent such a standout but rose and violet add beautiful light floral balance. You'll pick up bright mandarin orange on the first spritz but the dry down to sandalwood and tonka bean mean lovers of deeper scents will be drawn to Arlésienne too. I have never smelled anything quite like it. 

I'll have a full collection post showcasing the entire range in the coming weeks but if the queues of lovely ladies that swarm my desk for a spray on the daily are owt to go by, this is going to be a huge crowd pleaser come release. 

4. Clarins True Radiance: €31 Here

Again Clarins True Radiance is going to need an entire post so that I can sing its praises highly enough. This medium coverage, dewy finish foundation has replaced everything else for me since I managed to get my mitts on it a fortnight ago. 

Formulated with oats, samphire and morninga seed, it brings light and hydration to the face with ease, wears like a lightweight BB cream but will stay in place all day through. I've had several compliments since sporting True Radiance, it's definitely another base win from Clarins. 

5. Vichy Idealia Eyes: €20.99 Here

French brand, Vichy know skin and this newest member of the Idealia family is just further testament to that fact. The soft pink cream has a very subtle pearly shimmer to blur fine lines around the eye area and the lightweight, almost silicone feeling formulation works to neutralise under eye bags and discolouration in seconds. 

Containing Vitamin CG, B3, caffeine and anti-pigmenting Eperculine and Procysteine, Idealia Eyes just works. The silicone applicator, though strangely reminiscent of a platypus bill, (designed to mimic the light touch of your ring finger) distributes just the right amount of product so makes application child's play. If you're looking for a brightening, lightening under eye cosmetic that pulls no punches then you're looking for this. 

6. The Body Shop Sweet Almond Oil Polish Remover: €8.95

Our poor nails really do go through the ringer with polishes and removers but The Body Shop are about to do them a solid. This new Sweet Almond Oil remover is acetone free, conditioning and nourishing with thanks to soya and Fair Trade sugarcane essence but it also softens dried out, mistreated cuticles too. 

It can often happen with removers that claim to care for our nails that they're just no good at at their primary function, removing polish, but not so here. Gel effect polishes were removed with just one swipe and my nails felt no where near as dry as they can with harsher variants. All that and it's lightly scented too. Love this stuff. 

7. Max Factor Skin Luminizer: €17.99 Here

I wanted to love Max Factor's Skin Luminizer, I really did. Unfortunately it just didn't love me. Formulated with a swirl of skin luminizers (oh man I love a good swirl) that promise a dewy finish, this gave me anything but. 

I learned fast that brushes aren't your friend with this base so on my second application I tried with fingers only and that seemed to help. Just not enough. I'm pretty lucky that I usually have normal skin but this clung to every dry patch that I didn't even know I had. Though the coverage is only mid range with a semi matte finish, it just felt cakey on my skin. I'd proffer that dry skinned chicas should give this one a miss, despite the siren call of luminous claims. 

Should you be an oilier lovely though, I can see that this could very well work for you. Foundations that offer luminosity to oily skin types really are few and far between, so if you're in the market, I'd urge you to check it out.

8. The Body Shop Colour Crush Polishes: €7.50 (From Oct 2nd)

Holy instant polish hit, Batman, these Body Shop Colour Crushes are bloody gorgeous! Opaque in one coat and with a high shine, gel effect, finish in just two, I haven't been this instantly enamoured with a nail polish in a very long time. The added boon of quick drying time is just the cherry atop this HG nail lacquer cake. 

Not only vegan, cruelty free and 3-free, these polishes are formulated with Fair Trade marula oil that adds to the high gloss finish. I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop's Fair Trade ethos, particularly when it leads to cracking releases such as this one. A beauty product that not only looks good but makes you feel good too? This 24 strong nail polish edit is about to become very popular indeed. 

9. Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer: On counters Sept 17th

When it comes to beauty innovation, Smashbox are always a brand to watch. This upcoming launch of Lip Lacquers are about to change the pro longwear game once more and I couldn't be more excited. Usually to have saturated, high shine lip colour you sacrifice wear time - not so with this new 20 shade edit. 

The vibrant gloss applies like a dream with zero tack but wears beautifully for hours on end, thanks to the highly coloured staining pigments. While the high lacquer effect is gone in about 60 minutes, you're left with brightly stained lips that feel nourished, thanks to the Vitamin E inclusion but look like you've reapplied only moments before. Can't wait for this line to hit counters, I'll be picking up another 3-4 shades - at least!


Tell us, anything here you might want to investigate further? Be sure to check out this week's Insta pic HERE for Things I'm Trialling this week too, those speedy reviews and first impressions will be up next week!

July Faves ft Max Factor, Lancome, LORAC, Kiehl's, Dream Dots, L'Occitane, Vichy & Guardians of the Galaxy!

It feels like an age since I've done a beauty post on here, does it feel like an age to you? 

Quite possibly because I'm beautying up a storm over on the Dublin City Guide or bringing you sneak peeks of all things beauty over on Instagram but this little old corner of my world seems to be lacking in #bblogger posts - let's amend that, shall we? 

We'll kick it off with July Faves!

1. Max Factor Colour Elixir Glosses: €10.49 - Here

I intagrammed these beauties almost two months ago here and there has rarely been a day since that they've been further than an arms length away from me. 

Not only are they seriously high shine but they're non sticky and taste delicious too (v important). The range of colours means there's something to suit every skin tone and taste and for colour wusses, like me, the brights are a sheer yet vibrant delight. 

HIGHLY recommend. 

2. Lancome's Grandiose Mascara: €30 Here

I've shown you Lancome's Grandiose in action here and given it a full review here - spoiler alert - I am in the love. I'm still unsure if the swan necked wand is responsible, though I do have an interesting post coming up testing that theory, but whatever it is, it works. 

Fans of bigger, grander lashes will love this blacker than black formulation. It lifts, separates and gives more of a false lash effect than I've previously managed to garner from a tube. Even better? It holds the lash curl all day long without flaking or smudging. In. The. Love. 

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix - $10 Here or online Here

You might have caught Aaron's 5 Cherry review of Guardians of the Galaxy here. If you haven't managed to see it yet, please do. We're planning on going again this week just to catch the lines the entire audience laughed over. 

Without doubt though, The Awesome Mix Volume 1 is the soundtrack of the year so far for me - it's also quite possibly entered my all time top ten. Shoulder dancing, hairbrush singing, CARaoke crooning and all round Awesome - you need these songs in your life!

4. LORAC Unzipped - $40 Here

While I try very hard not to describe eyeshadows as buttery, the ten mattes and shimmers in LORAC Unzipped are the Kerrygold of the eyeshadow world. Have you ever used a palette a couple of times and already known you'll be buying another? That's Unzipped for me. 

On our recent trip to London it was the only palette I brought. The minimal, lightweight packaging was one factor, sure, but the endless, effortless looks you can create with these colours are the real WOW factor. I can't count the amount of questions I've had asking about the shadow I'm wearing. It's LORAC, baby!

5. Lancome Golden Riviera Kabuki Brush: €35 Here

This two toned, densely packed, synthetic fibred, bevel cut Kabuki is easily the softest brush I've ever used. It's from the limited edition Golden Riviera collection though, so if you quite fancy the look of this one you'll have to be quick. 

I've been loving the airbrush effect I can achieve with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette using this brush all over my visage. The bevel cut means it works perfectly with the contours of the face for bronzer too. 

I actually look forward to using this each morning or to touch up in the evening. It's a little bit of luxury every day. We like daily luxury.   

6. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum: €21.99 Here

Newly packaged and reformulated, Vichy's Aqualia line has once more been brought to the fore of my stash as a skincare staple. An increased concentration of hyaluronic acid and a blend of three sugars to capture water in the skin makes this iteration a sensitive or oily OR NORMAL skinned lass's best pal. 

Lightweight and with lightening fast absorption I've been using the Aqualia Thermal Serum after exfoliation this past month and it honestly feels like a cool drink for my visage with lasting moisture. There's something very comforting about the slightly floral scent of the serum, even more so that it doesn't irritate the skin as some scented products can. It's a hydrating winner.

7. L'Occitane Aromachologie Revitalizing Body Scrub: Coming August

I don't normally include products that have yet to launch in my monthly favourites but the truth of the matter is, this scrub will be gone before it's launch date even dawns. 

Me waxing lyrical about L'Occitane scents will come as a surprise to no one but the contents of this jar genuinely stopped me in my tracks. The zingy smash of sugar, orange, grapefruit, mint, lemon and rosemary is nothing like you've inhaled before. 

Ideal for morning showers, this has me bright eyed and bushy tailed regardless of the hour and the silky soft sheen left behind means I can forgo body oil altogether. Hurry up and launch, Aromachologie, I need a refill!

8. Dream Dots: €14.99 Here

You might have seen Dream Dots pop up all over your social media feed of late as they've been enjoying an Irish PR boost. We were sent a pack a couple of weeks back but having been very lucky with the products I'm using of late, I hadn't needed to use them. 

Our plan was (and is) for Adam to give them a trial and give me the low down. Problem being, when I went to pull one out last week, it was the last one! The little git has used every single dot, bar one, without a word. His words now? 'They take the sting out and stop me picking' that's something, right? 

I managed to use the final dot myself, a mini Compeed lookalike, and whether it's fluke or not, I'm hugely impressed. I popped it on a hormonal Vesuvius on Sunday morning at 10am (I'm a rebel) and didn't think of it again until that night. I have to agree with Adam, the pain in my jaw was relieved, the spot itself reduced and the healing time cut significantly. We'll be picking up more for an in depth review but they're getting four thumbs up from us!

9. Kiehl's Creme De Corps: €19  or €53 Here

Speaking of luck with trialling skincare products, my poor old arms haven't fared so well. I'm going to do a full whinge post to explain exactly why Cane & Austin's Retexture Glycolic Treatment Lotion hates me so very much but suffice to say here that my KP hasn't flared as badly in probably 5-6 years. Suddenly I was back to long sleeves in summer time and feeling very self conscious in company. Blahhdy nightmare. 

That's why props go out this month to my all time holy grail Kiehl's Creme De Corps for literally saving my skin once more. Within days my arms had calmed down, skin had begun to heal and tiny bumps disappeared as balance was restored. LUV U, Kiehl's. LUV U LONG TIME. 

Tell me, what's been tickling your pickle in July? Hmmm?