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!

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?)

Lush Valentines 2014 - Get in the Mooood for Luuuurve

I'll be the first to admit that I can be a little overwhelmed when passing a Lush store, to me it's not about the overpowering scents, it's more about the choice - I see a vast array of loveliness and I panic. That's why I'm probably the only person glad of the apocalyptic weather this week as it meant we had one on one attention at the Lush Valentine 2014 event and boy was it a good 'un. 

First up in this year's vegetarian offering is the Love Locket Bath Bomb. The heftiest bomb I've seen in quite a while, the Love Locket can be used 3 times for luxury each go or all in one for a dip with decadence that I recommend on the double. The perfect Valentine's night date escape from overpriced restaurants and wilting roses. Had we smelloscreens you'd order this NOW. 

Easily my favourite of the entire launch, Neon Love Soap is knuckle bitingly gorgeous. Blended fresh figs, passion fruit and soya yoghurt means I was never not going to love this. That header up there is the GINORMOUS version in the Grafton St window and I'd happily shower up and flop against it like a fish forever and ever amen. 

The Close to You Massage Bar takes it's inspiration from the Jammy Dodger, srsly. Cupachu butter, shea butter and olive oil mean we're talking slip sliding away with this sweetly scented massage bar. Smelling exactly like Rock Star soap & Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, it's a good 'un.

€6.25 - €20.95

Prince Charming takes it's inspo from Adam and the Ants!! I named my youngest chil' with the same thing in mind so I was always going to have an affinity with this marshmallow root, pomegranate and almond oil elixir. The additions of sandalwood, geranium and grapefruit mean although there's sweetness here, Prince Charming is a morning time shower treat to wake up the senses. 

I'm giving you a straight up warning, one sniff of Tender is the night gave me these feels  - that's the intended objective of a sexy time massage bar, is it not? With Shea & murumuru butter, jasmine, ylang ylang (that's the sexiness right there) & vanilla essential oils and absolute, you're gonna plough your way to the counter with this vegan delight. 

The Kiss Tinted Lip Balm blends mandarin & almond essential oils to give a light pink but nourishing sparkle to lips. This one will be going directly into my inside póca, very wearable and lip salving too? Sold. 

Of course, should you be unable to choose and/or a lad in a panic at lunchtime on Feb 14th, you really can't go wrong with one of the pre packaged Lush gift boxes. Taking inspiration from 80's classic (or as I say, film) (I feel old) Tom Cruise's movie Cocktail the neon packaged boxes are a little bit Gorge. 

Toucan Love, a 'one in yer eye' to Putin in the run up to Sochi, contains  best selling Tisty Toasty bath bomb with real rose buds & a Close to You Massage Bar. (€13.95)

Neon love (just like the Cocktail logo, geddit?) houses Red Fun, Neon Love Soap, Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie and From Dusk till Dawn Massage Bar. (€23.50)

Lots of Love (in a collectable box) gifts you Neon Love, Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, Prince Charming Shower Gel, Ro's Argan Body Conditioner & Tender is the Night Massage Bar. (€33.95)(Get this one, lads). 

All products are available now but limited edition so if you see summat you fancy, LEGGIT. 

What do we make of the Valentine's offerings? Are we Lush fans? 

November Faves ft New Look, Smashbox, Rimmel, Lush, L’Oréal, Bourjois & Max Factor

Now that we're slightly over the trauma of November being possibly the quickest month in the history of months ever, it's time for me to share my stand outs of the past four weeks. 

Having spent the vast majority of the month holed up at home and wearing little or no slap, this month's picks are  more about what makes me feel better quickly. Let me know if you agree with any of 'em!

1. L’Oréal Hair Chalk: €18.61 here. 

Having been too chicken and not at all 'too old' as Adam says to dip dye my hair this past year these L’Oréal hair chalks got an audible 'YUSS' when I opened the package a fortnight ago. 

Available in 8 colours these vibrant tress enhancers are more a liquid polish that dries in place than a chalk and can change your look in minutes and will wash out in two shampoos. I'll have a full post up with pics v soon but as of now, in my opinion, you NEED to check these out!

2. MAX Factor Wild Shadow Pencils: €8.99 here. 

When it comes to make up simplicity Max Factor have it down. These new shadow pencils are not only available in a cracking line up of 8 metallic smudgeable shades but once they've dried they're there to stay. 

I brought 4 of these beauties to Berlin with me to save on liquid allowance and palette schlepping and I was never once stuck for quick, swipeable onnable shadow simplicity (it's a thing). Caramel Rage is by far my favourite but do yourself a favour and swatch these pencils in store. You'll be impressed!

3. Bourjois CC Cream: €13.99 (launching Jan '14) 

Now normally I don't include a favourite that has yet to launch but Bourjois have once again knocked it out of the beauty park with their 123 CC Cream. 

Boasting 3 colour correcting pigments to combat bags, pigmentation and any number of other unwelcome visage shades this CC cream glides on effortlessly and really does last all day long. While I topped it with a little powder on my forehead, this really does help my pigmentation and feels like I'm wearing nothing at all (insert vision of Sexy Flanders here)

4. L'Oreal Paris False Lash Flutter Mascara Midnight Purple: €16.79 here

There's not many mascaras that WOW me straight from the tube and the unassuming butterfly wing shaped brush on this False Lash Flutter offering didn't promise to be anything more than a lash separating tool - how wrong I was. 

Batting it's way straight to the top my go to mascaras, this Midnight Purple lifts, separates and coats every single lash to perfection - think They're Real crossed with YSL's Babydoll and you're almost there. At less than €17, I would've paid twice that had I known what this would do for my súiles and I.   

5. SmashBox Wonder Vision Mega Palette: €60 here

I waxed lyrical about this mega palette with full pictures and swatches here  but honestly, until you feel the velvety soft shadows in this beauty bounty there's no way you can truly appreciate it. 

Having not been off my eyes since I bought it (bar Berlin)(when I missed it greatly) this palette is pretty much everything you need when it comes to eye shadow - no that doesn't mean I'll relinquish my stash nor that I'll stop buying but hand on heart, I haven't reached for any other shade since this joined my kit. 

6. Rimmel Precious Stones in Diamond Dust: €5.49 here: 

This post showed exactly how perfect this sparklefest polish is for silly season and it's another 'look at it with your actual eyeballs' product. 

Densely packed holo glitters in every shape and suspended in a thick charcoal jelly means there's not a finger tip in Ireland that wouldn't be flattered by this polish. 

7. Lush Sikkim Girls Body Cream: £24.95 here. 

While seeming a little pricey to begin with this unctuous body lotion from Lush is fast becoming one of my favourites of the entire natural brand. Chock full of Darjeeling Tea, Vanilla Pod and Jasmine Flower Infusion, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Cupuacu Butter, Organic Hemp Oil, Glycerine, Honey, Peach Kernel Oil, Sikkim Girls is an out and out thigh rubber when it comes to supple soft and delicately scented skin. 

This little vid shows how this pot of wonder is made but I urge you to ask the Lush ladies (or gents) for a tester of this body lotion and allow it to convert you entirely in just one use. 

8. Drink Me Chai Latte in Peppermint: €5 here. 

A new lover of spicy Chai tea and sweetened Chai lattes, I was thrilled to see this ready made tub on the market stalls in Berlin. The eldest whipped out his wallet and bought both the Sis and I a tub each, had I known he'd be drinking it religiously too I'd have bought more!

This sweet, peppermint drink puts me in mind of a pumpkin spice latte and is not only 99% caffeine free and a known killer of chocolate cravings but it's also a cinch to make. Loving it longtime!

9. New Look Wide Fit Knee High Boots: €49.99 here

These leather look boots have not only saved my skin but they've saved my legs and feet this past month too. With a little block heel that makes them some of the most comfortable boots I've owned, the elasticated backing makes them a doddle to pull on and off and to wear all day long without issue. 

Easily dressed down or up, these New Look boots came to my aid brilliantly as we walked the length and breadth of Berlin last week. Not one blister, cut or chilly knee to be seen. I'll be buying 'em in black too - you mark my words. 


And that's them, my November Faves. 

Tell me, have you had any stand outs, beauty or otherwise this past month? 

Lush Halloween Specials 2013

Even though I was delighted to catch a sneak glimpse at Lush's Christmas offerings a couple of weeks back, my inner voice is insisting on the natural order of things so before I show you Crimbo, I have to show you Halloween. There's 3 news additions for 2013, all for pocket money prices and all coming home with me on my next trip to the bath and body emporium. 

Pumkin Bubble Bar

First up, the Pumkin Bubble Bar, which I had previously misspelled. Turns out, it's a reiteration of the limited edition Mammy's Day 'Mumkin' Bubble Bar: 

"Crumble under a running tap to turn your bath water a vivid, rusty orange colour, creating mounds of sweet scented bubbles. With ylang ylang oil and orange flower absolute to leave you feeling uplifted and refreshed. His dairy free chocolate drop eyes and little liquorice hat complete the macabre look but he still can’t help looking cute!" (Vegan)

Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb

"This strange and magnificent bath treat, named after the ruler of the Pagan Feast of Fools, features a fragrance created by Gorilla Perfumer Simon Constantine. This bomb will slowly dissolve to reveal a wine coloured centre, with the added sweetness of the world’s first fair trade vanilla absolute. This is offset by the earthy scents of black pepper and patchouli oil. Arriving for Halloween 2013, the Lord of Misrule will be gracing us with his presence until Spring 2014." (Pssst You'll see Lord of Misrule feature in Christmas sets too!)

Soot Ball Bath Bomb

"Inspired by the ‘soot gremlins’ from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away, this spooky little guy won’t turn your bath water black but instead fill it with a radiant golden lustre to make you feel as though you’re bathing in luxurious liquid gold. The olibanum (frankincense) is known for its calming and grounding effect on the mind, whilst the burnt caramel scent of tonka absolute and earthy sandalwood oil together create a sweet, spicy fragrance that wafts through the steam." (Vegan)

I'll definitely be picking up a couple of each for the little ladies in my life but, tell me, are you tempted by Lush Halloween 2013 specials? 

You'll find all of the above on the Lush.co.uk site here, which includes The Witches' Ball and Twilight Shower Gel but, truthfully, single packaged Lush bath bombs rarely make it across the Irish Sea intact due to their delicate make up, which is grand if you're buying for yourself and chucking it straight in the bath. For gifts though, I'd advise popping into your local shop.

Lush for Mammy's Day: MUM Bubble Bar Wands

I mentioned the lovely Women's Day Soap from L'OCCITANE yesterday as a perfect Mammy's Day 'Pocket Money Pressie' but couldn't let the week pass without mentioning another. Lush are famed for their Bubble Bar Wands but I had yet to try one until sent a couple by the brand last week. Check out the very pretty 'MUM Bubble Bar Wand' (short for chrysanthemum)

Normally when I give you a Lush post I'll give you a low down on everything in that release but the 'MUM' bubble bar wand is such a stand out it had to get its own post. One we get over how cute the blahhdy thing is we have to talk about the scent. It's incredible. With the uplifting scent of orange, lime and juniper berries, I'm not kidding when I say this smells like a freshly mown lawn in the summer sun. The scent fills the room, even when dry but not clawingly so. The kind that makes you want to inhale deeply every time you're anywhere near it. 

This being my first Bubble Bar wand I was a little dubious about the actual bubble count I'd muster but can happily report that after just 4 'figure of eights' in the bath, THIS is what I got. As gorgeous as the scent is dry, it's phenomenal wet and the bubbles lasted for the entire soak too. 

Lush say that these bars will last up to 6 baths - I'm not sure I'll get three out of it but will certainly give it a shot. The brand's advice is also to lay your bubble bar to the side to dry to be used next time but how lovely would a couple of these be in a vase on the side? I know that's what I'll be doing with the next three I pick up. 

Of course there's a bajillion other gift ideas and sets from Lush for Mammy's Day shoppers but retailing at just €6.95 and smelling as good as they do wouldn't these make a beautiful alternative bouquet for D'Ma this Sunday? 

Valentines (Self) Gift Sets from Lush, The BodyShop & Pixy

There's no denying it, VDay is hurtling toward us at astonishing speed. I've held off so far posting any schmaltz (you're welcome) but over the past couple of weeks there's been a couple of press releases dropped into my inbox that have suddenly become my shopping list for self gifts this Valentines. Not very surprisingly they're all the kind that can be enjoyed by candlelight behind a locked door with a large glass of vino... steady now, we're talking bath time. 

Lush never fail to impress when it comes to soapy goodness and bath time treats. Their Heart of Gold offering is not only chock full of soaps, bars and bombs but comes packaged beautifully in a heat shaped box. IMAGINE the 'stuff' I can put in that for storage afterward! 

I wrote about my serious grá for The BodyShop's Chocomania range before, well the entire family's grá to be honest. That's why both of our sets disappeared as fast as they were bought. This lusciously scented range is the ideal sweet treat for a loved one, specially if that loved one is yourself. Again LOOK at that box! (I may have an issue with pretty boxes)(It hasn't been confirmed yet). 

Finally, from my favourite Irish Natural Skincare brand, bar none, comes the Valentine's gift set. Lovingly prepared (I know, I've seen the photos) by the diligent Pixy team in Co Cork, this bath time bonanza will stock the bathroom in Casa Cherry beautifully. Fantastic value for money and pretty much guaranteed bath time bliss, Pixy are definitely onto a winner with this one. 

And that's them, the three gift sets that will mysteriously appear in my possession this Feb 14th, once I've melted my Laser just a little bit. As my mother would say 'Good to yourself, aren't you?' Yes, Momma, yes I am. 

Tell me, are you a believer in the power of the self gift? Will you be splashing out on yours truly this VDay or are you against the 'holiday' altogether? 

Limited Edition & Delicious from Lush: Let the Good Times Roll & Popcorn

We all know I have a bit of a thing for the movies but I also have kinda a huge thing for popcorn and all of it's salty deliciousness so when I opened a Christmas press package from Lush, you can bet your bottom dollar that these two beauties went straight to the top of the trialling pile. 

Once again, I'm wishing the boffins would hurry up with Smellovision because, truly, you need to breathe deeply around these bad boys to appreciate the ingredient combinations. They're rich caramel scents so jaw achingly sweet that they seem good enough to eat straight from the pot. Both Let the Good Times Roll and Popcorn Lip Scrub are Limited Edition for the Christmas season so you're going to want to be quick to get your mitts on 'em. 

Popcorn Lip Scrub: €6.75

While a little steep at almost €7, this caramel scented soft sugar scrub is chock full of coconut and jojoba oils, sugar, sea salt and polenta. Having used it for the past fortnight to banish flakes and dryness on my kisser I can safely say it's worth every cent. 

A manna from heaven if you're a bright lipstick lover or just feeling the effects of the winter weather, Popcorn Lip Scrub will have your lips buffed and kissably soft in seconds. ALSO, a beauty product you rub in and hog the excess? Now you're talking my language, Lush!

Let the Good Times Roll Cleanser: €7.95 per 100g

Made with popped corn oil, polenta, maize flour and cinnamon, Let the Good Times Roll is probably the sweetest scented product I've ever had the pleasure to stick my snout in. A soft and buttery formulation transforms to an almost semolina like consistency once wet but applies easily. 

Soft particles of popped corn provide a gentle exfoliation as you cleanse and once rinsed away the traces of caramel scent are left on the skin. I had reservations about the sweetness of this product and the effect that might have on my skin but have been pleasantly surprised. While not my regular cleanser, as a pampering treat (especially on a movie night in) it's a winner. 

G'wan Smell 'em! 

Both of these products are limited edition for Christmas as I've said so high tail it to your nearest Lush store or check them out online with the quickness. 

Have you tried either of 'em yet? 

Choccywoccydoodah: Some Delicious (Not literally) Products for Chocolate Week

Did you know it's officially Chocolate Week this week? Well in the UK it is but I thought we might get in on a little of the action by having a look at some delicious chocolate products that will give you your sugar hit without doing any damage to your hips. 

First up Lush have some gorgeously scented products to whet the appetite: 

Therapy Massage Bar: This 100% organic massage bar is made with cocoa butter and shea butter to glide across the skin giving moisture and suppleness a boost. 

Cupcake Face Mask: Derived from the cocoa bean, Cupcake contains deep cleansing Rhassoul mud to absorb excess oils on the skin, Fair Trade cocoa butter to soften and spearmint and peppermint oils to gently stimulate. 

Soft Coeur Massage Bar: This Lush Best Seller is made from fair trade, organic cocoa butter and shea butter, once melted the molten chocolate centre is released. Chocolatey bliss. 

I couldn't let a chocolate post go without mentioning the masters at chocolate beauty products, The BodyShop. You'll see my review here but if chocolate is your thing then you've got to get to your nearest store to smell these divine offerings. We're currently on our second lot here at Casa Cherry such is the grá for the brown stuff. 

Never to be outdone when it comes to naturally beautiful products, Pixy.ie have 3 cocoa offerings to tempt your senses: 

Cocoa Shower Mousse: uses shea butter and apricot oil to soften and enrich your skin. Vitamin E and evening primrose oils and cocoa powder keep your skin healthy and supple. 

Chocolate Heaven Bath Bomb: promises a 'sensuous chocolate fragrance' with a sprinkling of gold mica to illuminate your skin. Goat's milk powder softens, exfoliates and cleanses your skin as you luxuriate in a bath of this chocolatey goodness. 

Pixy Chocolate Lip Balm: You'll see my review of this beauty here. Made with cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax and almond oil, once warmed on your lips, this silky soft balm gives you a chocolate hit like no other product I've tried. Gold mica adds a subtle shimmer to your softened lips (but I've not told the eldest that, tis his punishment for pilfering it on me) If you're cutting down on chocolate or trying to combat cravings, you need one of these tins in your mála. 

And that's my round up, each product as gorgeous as the last from both ends of the spendy spectrum. 

Are you a lover of chocolate products? Is there any others I should be checking out?