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

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

1. Fudge Urban Powder Styler: €6.33 Here

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

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

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

3. Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose: €22 Here



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

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

4. Estée Lauder Little Black Primer: €24.50 HERE 



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

5. Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes: €11.49 HERE

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

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

6. YSL Volupté Tint-In-Oil: €27 HERE



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

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

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

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

8. Maybelline Sensational Mascara: €11.99 HERE

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

9. Skechers Serengeti Trainers: €73 HERE

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


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

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?

Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara - Dual Takes on a Dual Phase Mascara - Collab with MyMakeUpPerspective!

Here at CherrySue we're all about giving you the most bang for your buck when it comes to perusing reviews before you make a purchase. Even when that purchase is the extremely affordable for the quality of product Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara. 

You might remember Chloe and myself put together a collaboration post about Maybelline's newest lash batter Big Eyes - you can see that review here. Well today I'm teaming up with one of my genuinely favourite Irish Youtubers right now (you'll see why in a mo), Laura from MyMakeUpPerspective to bring you a collab post and with a difference. Summat to watch and summat to read - take it away Laura: 

*Waves up at Laura, Brady Bunch Style* 

Well my hilarious Pal, I'll tell you what I think. I think you covered all bases brilliantly. Including the infuriating opening process for Excess Volume - Why do you hate our nails, Beauty Packaging Designers? WHY?!

Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara Brush 1 & 2

As Laura as already pointed out - 'The WAND on that!'

Laura is right on the money about the steps being apparently mixed up. With Step One: Extreme Volume, I found the mascara separated and lengthened my lashes rather than gave them any real volume. That's not a bad thing, it's just not what it said on the ginormous tube. 

Step 2: Dark Laquer is where the real magic with this mascara lies for me. Pumping up the volume with a drier formulation than the 'laquer' name implies, this is where you see a real lash transformation. Slightly clumpy but only in a good way, my lashes were boosted and felt as swishy as they would had I applied falsies. 

Now here's the clincher for me. Max Factor Extreme Volume certainly works - you can see on Laura's lashes above and in some of her more recent videos - her lashes are be-a-YOOT-iful. For me? It works just a little too well. 

I have naturally long and curled lashes - I know #firstworldproblem but with this mascara I spent the day blinking several times to separate my lashes as they were just too long. Raising your brows and widening your eyes wildly at everyone passing you in an office corridor is not advisable by the by. 

Here's another little sumthin' I wasn't going to tell - the night I went to Beyoncé last week? I never removed my make up. I know, I know, awful but I have a bandy back and zero flutes to give. I was up at the crack of dawn for work and never once touched my mascara - wanna see 36 hours wear? 

Look. At. That. Perfectly separated, no longer sticking together, no fall out, no spider legs, no lash breakage. Now I'm not for one minute suggesting you do the same but seriously - isn't that something?! It's definitely a tell tale sign of a lasting product if ever there were one. 

All in all, this is a cracker of a mascara. Although too large (Police Man's truncheon large) to be toting about with you, if you're looking for extreme lashes, this is where you'll get them. 

The fact that I have a bajillion and 4 mascaras meant I didn't have to hold onto this one, I can't be doing with Daisy the Cow and/or Asylum Escapee impressions in work but I did regift to a colleague of mine with shorter lashes and she is in the actual love. Compliment total on her lashes at last count? 6 over two days. 

You'll pick up Max Factor Excess Volume at Boots for €12.49, they're on 3 for 2 at the minute. 

Tell us, have you tried this bad boy out yet? Will you? 

Can we have a little love for Laura too? Truly her naturally hilarious and straight to the point reviews are a highlight of Youtube for me these days. Be sure to pop by and show here a lil' subby love - you won't regret it. 

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? 

October Favourites ft Essie, L'Occitane, Sally Hansen, Max Factor, Gorjuss, Benefit, Imperial Leather, Soap & Glory, Real Techniques & Laura Ashley

What better way to realise it's November than for someone to turn off the heating, eh? It's blahhdy briste out there but a couple of my October favourites have been absolute saviours in the changing weather. Read all about it: 

Ooh La Lash: 3 of the Newest Mascaras to Pump Up the Volume ft. Dr Hauschka Volume Mascara Black, Maybelline Rocket Volume & Max Factor Clump Defy

I'm an absolute fiend when it comes to volumising mascaras, mainly because I'm too cack handed to apply actual false lashes so mascara formulations that save me the time and effort get a big fat win from me. This past month has seen the release of three absolute gems when it comes to pumping up the volume Max Factor Clump Defy, Dr. Hauschka's Volume Black and Maybelline's the Rocket Volum'. Wanna see? 

According to Karim Sattar, Dr Hauschka's International Make Up Artist, 80% of the success of your mascara lies in the brush with the final 20 in formualtion and application. We can see above that each of these brands have redesigned their brushes with that in mind. More is more when it comes to bristles in the search for the perfect volumising brush. 

How do they fare on the súil though, eh? Well hold on to your jocks because someone just happens to have gotten a new camera that's not a potato and I gots Before and After shots!

Maybelline: the Rocket Volum'

Maybelline the Rocket Volum': €11.99

Maybelline's the Rocket glides on easily with minimal clumps, there's definite improvement in volume with just two coats but this mascara can be layered through the day should you be looking for a little more oopmh. There's no fall out or flaking but be warned, you're going to need a oil based cleanser to remove this formulation come night time (or morning time)(me no judgey). 

Max Factor Clump Defy

Max Factor Clump Defy: €13.99

Max Factor's Clump Defy does pretty much what it says on the tube. Application is simple with little or no clumps despite this being two coats. Lashes are separated evenly and curled nicely for added volume. Again you can layer this bad boy as is your wont. Just to note, the colour I've shown here is black/brown and is hugely flattering to green/blue eyes. 

Dr Hauschka's Volume Black Mascara

Dr Haushcka's Dear Eyes Volume Black Mascara: €24.25

I mentioned Dr Haushcka's Dear Eyes Volume mascara this morning as it's part of their newest limited edition collection but I couldn't not mention it here as I reckon it's well worth you nabbing a tube while it's available. This rose scented volume booster is a boon for those with sensitive eyes or short lashes. Refusing to clump or smudge, lashes are separated, lifted and held in place for the duration of the day (and night too if need be). Once more layering is not a problem with Dr Haushcka Dear Eyes mascara so pop the tube in your mála for day to evening touch ups. 

Tell me, what do you use to pump up the volume when it comes to your lashes or are you one of the steely handed wonders that can apply falsies no problem? 

Spotlight on Coloured Mascaras - 5 of My Faves

I've been chancing my arm with colour lately, well, not so much my arm as my lashes and it would appear that I'm not the only one. Pixiwoo's latest video on Ombre looks featured some of the most stunning burgundy mascara I've seen (By Terry Bordeaux) and it's prompted me to show you some of my favourite colours for adding a little life to my lashes. 

TopShop Mascara in Nettle - €11.99

Although highly pigmented, Nettle is actually one of the subtlest coloured mascaras I own. My eyes are a green grey, circled with blue and this works perfectly to complement them. I pair it with Estée Lauder's Intense Kajal Crayon in Dramatic Teal on my lower waterline to up the ante and create brighter look. 

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in Golden Sand - €31

From the YSL Summer 2012 Swimming Pool collection, Golden Sand is the perfect colour to use as a highlight over your regular mascara choice. I use it just on the very tips of my lashes and with NYX's Sparkle Leopard for a brighter, more awake effect, almost like frosted tips but not so 80's. 

Max Factor Eye Brightening Tonal Black - €8.99

As part of the new complement of gorgeous Max Factor mascaras (more of which soon), Eye Brightening Tonal Black for blue eyes is one of the three colour choices. It uses gem tones colour beads and light reflective particles to bring subtle shine to your peepers. The effect is so quietly blue that people have asked what I'm doing differently with my eyes when all that's changed is this mascara. I'm using it with the YSL Azure Blue from the Swimming Pool collection and it's a love from me. 

Clarins Wonder Mint - €24.40

Clarin's Wonder Mint is the brightest of all my coloured mascaras and I love it long time just for that. I haven't been brave enough to use it on all of my lashes yet (Festival territory maybe?) but on my lower lashes with a slick of the Estée Lauder Dramatic Teal I adore it. It's wetter than other mascaras but once dried it doesn't budge. Gorge. 

Clarins Intense Plum Instant Definition Mascara €25.42

From the Clarins Ombre Minerals collection for A/W 2012, Intense Plum is a go to mascara for me. The brush works brilliantly for precision and definition and the colour on the lashes is so close to black that you'll only ever notice that your lashes seem more soft focus that usual. I wear this with my go to liner Avon's SuperShock in Blackberry from their Smoke and Mirrors collection. (If you don't own that liner you should rectify that situation ASAP)

And they're my picks for bringing a little colour into proceedings in your day to day make up. Are you a fan of coloured mascaras? Are there any other brands or colours I should be checking out? 

By the by, if any of
these have tickled your fancy
& you'd like to see them
on the lash (fnar fnar) just 
let me know.