Tellybox Beauty Breakdown ft Armani Neo Nude, YSL, Bobbi Brown, Tilbury & More

Instgram has for sure been getting the best of me when it comes to my Tellybox Beauty Breakdown posts, but let's go retro with an old style blog post too, shall we? As ever in these posts I'll break down the beauty products that I wear for TV appearances and let you know if they're worth your hard earned cash or not. In this post we're all about that Base and I have bad news, they're all killer. Fancy a look? 

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. 

A Roller Lash Dupe Before Launch?

There are times when being a beauty blogger is hugely advantageous, yep, that's most of the time but never more so than when you can identify a cracking beauty dupe before either even launches. There has been much a social media flutter about the upcoming release of Benefit's newest wonder mascara, Roller Lash and quite rightly so - it does exactly as it says on the tube. How about a mascara that does exactly the same as that but with a price tag of almost twenty eurobux less? Truthfully, Maybelline have smashed it with Sensational. 

Both brushes are curved and while Benefit have patented hooks, Maybelline has 10 layers of lash grabbing, fan effect bristles. Both formulations are inky black, wet on application but layer well and curl beautifully. Both last the entire day without flaking either. 

I've been trialling both for weeks now & truthfully I'm reaching for Maybelline more. Sensational is every bristle as good, if not better than Roller Lash for an incredible €7.99! That's just good beauty maths!

Have you tried either? Thoughts?

August Faves 2014 Ft Ambre Solaire, The BodyShop, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Lorac, Maybelline, Nuxe, Sally Hansen & Shiseido!

1. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Collection

From €6.50 Here

I've loved The Body Shop body butters for as long as The Body Shop have made body butters but this Wild Argan Oil is a different animal entirely. Easily the most luxurious edit yet and that's saying something. I genuinely can't get enough of it. 

We're talking Hawaiian Tropics levels of incredible scent (seriously) that lasts the whole day long. Subtle but enough for people to ask just what you're wearing. Between the Nails Inc scrub and this show stopping body butter my limbs haven't been in this good a shape in many, many moons. I'll be picking up the entire Wild Argan Oil range, including a back up or two of this. Just one whiff and you'll do the same. I guarantee it. 

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

€9.99 each or €14.99 for the Top Coat Duo

I was only home from the Sally Hansen launch an hour when I felt the need to write about them. You'll see that review here . This 18 strong polish collection is on shelves from this week and I urge you to go pick your favourite colour or three at speed. 

My professional mani lasted a full eight days under seriously gruelling conditions, that's hugely impressive. The gel retains it's high shine for the duration and removes just like a normal polish. #OMGel it's a game changer. 

3. Clinique Sonic Cleansing System

£79 Here

I didn't hop on the Clarisonic bandwagon on its first or second circle 'round the course. The price point, starting at €149 was too eye watering for me to ever justify. Clinique's new Sonic Cleansing System will change many a mind like mine over the coming weeks I'm sure. 

The only sonic brush to rival the Clarisonic, this handy white brush is a cinch to use. The brush has a changeable, ergonomic head with soft white bristles that gradient into more coarse green fibres on a tapered tip for cleansing your chin and T Zone. Working on a 30 second cycle, I keep this waterproof brush in the shower and use it nightly for a one minute cycle. In the four weeks I've been using it, I've actually looked forward to cleansing and the resulting effect in the morning. That's new for me. I'll have the full low down very soon but, for now, put this baby on your Christmas list. 

4. Garnier 1 Week Glow: €12.99 Here

Ambre Solaire's new 1 Week Glow gives me more like a 4 days of sun kissed skin ~ though knocks the socks of my favourite high end gradual facial tanners two and three times its price. 

I apply it before bed at night and it dries in in moments, with only the slightest scent. When people ask me 'Hey you're a beauty blogger, what products do you love?' (that's asked more often than you know) this bronzer is one of the first products to roll off my tongue. Check it out, sooner rather than later.

5. Nuxe Merveillance Night: €40 Avail Late Sept

Aimed at skin heading toward 40, my visage and I still have a good 4 years to go but are thankful for this newest Nuxe formulation. Merveillance Night is designed to break down sugars that can have seriously damaging and aging effects on the skin and leads to cell breakdown, lines and wrinkles. 

This lighter than air plastic jar has never been further than my bedside table for the past month. Once cleansed and oiled my skin drinks up every drop of the lightly scented cream for a soft, supple finish. I'm unsure yet as to whether it's changing my skin at a molecular level but if you're looking for a lightweight, heavy hitting night cream, look no further than Nuxe. 

6. Lorac Pro Palette: €32 Here

You're online looking at this post so it's pretty much guaranteed that you've seen the Lorac Pro palette before. A stalwart of beauty blogger stashes and vlogger hauls, it was only a matter of time before I made the Amazon purchase. 

While I've been giving Lorac Unzipped most of my eyelid attention over the past several months, I've made a concerted effort in August to give the Lorac Pro its rightful airing. With 8 shimmers and 8 mattes, the world of eyeshadow looks truly is your lobster. I can't tell you the compliments I've had while wearing it, including from every single beauty PR I've had the pleasure of meeting this past month. If you have eyeballs, you need this palette. 

7. Estée Lauder Modern Muse Chic: 

€58 Launches Oct

Estèe Lauder's new Modern Muse Chic is woodier and muskier than the original but bright florals still bind the scent beautifully. I've made no secret of the fact that I could smell absolutely nothing from the original Modern Muse once spritzed on me. I even had scent experts tell me that's because it's my scent, the one I should wear always. Unfortunately the scent of nothing on me, for everyone else's olfactory pleasure was never going to fly. 

Modern Muse Chic though? I'm trying not to overstate it, but there's a chance Sensual will be ousted this season. *Gasssps* It's certainly chic. It's definitely love. 

8. Maybelline Colour Drama Velvet Pencils:

€6.79 

These Nars Velvet Matte dupes are another product that I would happily recommend to all and sundry in an instant. You'll see my full gushing review here but truthfully, the second these bad boys hit stands in their entirety, I'll be there. 

9. Shisiedo Ulitmune: Launches This Week!

Marketed by Japanese skincare giants, Shiseido, as a game changer in caring for our skin, Ultimune launches this week.  A power infusing concentrate that aims to not only enhance our skins natural defenses but to work with our skincare products to bring radiance and light back to tired, dull and lacklustre visages. 

Ultimune is a gel like cream that is meant for use as a pre-serum step, ideally after cleansing and before your normal skincare. For the first 2-3 weeks that's exactly how I used it and really enjoyed the extra hydration it gave. Unfortunately I became a little lax (read lazy mare) and began to use it instead of my serum. (can we really convince peeps to do an extra step?). Truthfully though? I'm still achieving the same great effect by swapping it out for serum altogether. 

It has only been a month of use so I'm not sure about overall, lasting changes and will update you but, as it stands, Shiseido Ultimune is a little touch of luxury in my night time routine that I'll be loathe to give up. My hyper pigmentation has calmed and my skin tone is definitely more even. Looks to me like I've found my ideal skincare combination with the Clinique brush, Ultimune and Merveillance of an eve. Sa-WEET!

Tell me, what were you loving last month? Any of these raising a brow? 

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

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

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

1. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro: €3.99 Here. 

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

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

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

One reason EL will consistently top my favourite brand list is consistency. At first glance €55 seems just a touch spendy for a CC Cream but even during application you can feel the difference between this and cheaper counterparts. This Supreme CC Cream leaves the tube as a greyish cream but transforms on the skin with the aid of micropigments. 

Lovers of full coverage bases won't find this is enough and I must admit the SPF 10 is almost too negligible to mention but BUT: My skin has never liked a base as much as it has this CC cream. Luminous and soft, it feels as though my skin has light reflecting properties with none of the sparkle. Yes, it's €55 but I'll gladly spend that again once I'm through with this one. Gladly. 

3. L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Lip Colour: 

€14.99 Here

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

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

4. Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer: 

€32 Here

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

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

5. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hr Foundation 

- Yet to Launch

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

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

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

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

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

7. Origins Ginzing Refreshing Face Mask: €30 Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things I'm Trialling - 25/08/14

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

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

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

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

2. Nails Inc Eaton Exfoliator: €13 Here

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

3. Escada Cherry In The Air: €55 Here

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

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

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

I've loved The Body Shop body butters for as long as The Body Shop have made body butters but this Wild Argan Oil is a different animal entirely. Easily the most luxurious edit yet and that's saying something. I genuinely can't get enough of it. 

We're talking Hawaiian Tropics levels of incredible scent (seriously) that lasts the whole day long. Subtle but enough for people to ask just what you're wearing. Between the Nails Inc scrub and this show stopping body butter my limbs haven't been in this good a shape in many, many moons. I'll be picking up the entire Wild Argan Oil range, including a back up or two of this. Just one whiff and you'll do the same. I guarantee it. 

5. Lancome Colour Design Infinité 503 

Electrifying Sparkle

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

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

6. Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Nuit: 

€85.50 Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils - Swatches & Review!

Boy oh boy do I love a good lippie, you know what I love even more though? A good lippie that dupes a high end lippie more than 3 times its price. Watch your house, Nars Lip Pencils, Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils are coming up behind you fast & furious. 

These pigment loaded pencils are impressive at first glance but even more so once applied. I'm a huge fan of the pencil design, especially when it comes to brights such as these as you really can't go wrong when lining your lips. And the cack handed crowd go wild - YAAAAY. 

The intense colours might seem a little daunting to those more used to a muted lip shade but the semi-matte finish make the lighter of the shades day time friendly and the more daring ideal for a night tripping the light fandango. 

As you can see, each shade saturates the lip in intense colour, while keeping the soft shine needed to make it comfortable on the lips. For wear time we're talking a good two hours before reapplication is needed to bring Velvet Pencils back to their initial intensity. 

On the bright side, the stain fades evenly and can be topped up with balm should you want a more muted look as the day goes on. Truthfully though? Chuck that handy dandy peann luaidhe in your mála and slick it on as needed.  

We're getting 10 of the 22 shades available Stateside and for just €6.79 a pop and I can tell you right now that these will fly off the shelves with ease. Maybelline  Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils are available from this month. I'd hugely appreciate if you could shout out as and when you spot 'em as I'll be stocking up too. 

What say we? Are you a Nars Lip Pencil fan? Reckon these could topple them?

New Maybelline Big Eyes Volum' Express - Two Sides of a Two Sided Brush (Collab Post with Chloe from Very Lovely Stuff )

We've summat a little different today. Maybelline's new Big Eyes Volum' Express is new to shelves here on the Emerald Isle but the the very lovely Chloe from the aptly named Very Lovely Stuff has had her mitts on it for longer, having picked it up in Germany. 

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum' Express: Two Brushes: One Aim = HUGE lashes

When Chloe commented on a post of mine I knew we had to give Maybelline the twice over in the interest of fairness and here's how we got on, respectively: Take it away Chloe: 

After seeing Sue upload a photo of Maybelline's Big EyesVolum Express mascara to Facebook, I had to comment about how it just hadn't worked for me. Sue being the brilliant blogger that she is, quickly had the idea of doing a double post for this double ended mascara! So that's why I'm here today, to explain just why Big Eyes just isn't getting big love over here.

Now, seeing as I picked it up in Germany, I wasn't 100% sure what this mascara was promising me, but all I ever want are big eyes, & big lashes. I'm a girl after volume, & lots of it. But this just did not deliver. I felt it went more for length (which is grand, if that's what you want) & not the 360 degree volume it claims. Basically, it did extend my non existent lashes out a bit, but after about 10 minutes, they drooped & behind my glasses, it just looked like I'd accidentally put eyeliner on my lashes instead of mascara.

The bottom lash mascara however, I did quite like. That was one of the reasons it caught my eye in the first place – I figured €8.99 for a dual mascara was a lot better than forking out for one specifically for bottom lashes. It did the job, & gave much more definition under my eyes, but I wouldn't repurchase just for that alone.

Normally, I don't like to waste. But ever since first trying it, Big Eyes has stayed at the bottom of my stash until I took the photos for this post. Put it this way: If this mascara was my date, it didn't make me want to climb out a window. But it didn't make me snapchat my friends exclaiming “THE ONE!” either. I'm shocked because I usually love Maybelline mascaras, but it's very much a 'meh' response from me & my unvolumised lashes.  

Now for my side of the scéal: 

Very much like Chloe, I'm a big fan of Maybelline mascaras and am a firm believer that they're consistently one of the best high street brands when it comes to lash batters. I spied Big Eyes Volum' Express on Boots shelves before my press sample arrived and picked it up immediately, such is my make up illness. 

It's not often that I like a mascara formulation straight from the tube as with a lot of volumising editions they'll need a day or two to plump up/dry out in tube in my experience. 

I really liked this idea of a two brush approach though with lower lashes specifically catered for with a dinky brush but will readily admit that more often than not, just as I do with USBs, I get it wrong the first time, every time and end up with the brush in my left hand. It's not a big jimmie rustler, just a little niggle. 

While I don't agree with the Maybelline tagline for Big Eyes 'The New Falsies', it's really not, I genuinely like this two step approach with it's separating and volumising formula. I applied just one coat top and bottom in zig zag fashion (results above) and that lasted me the entire day with zero clumping or fall out. That's a win for me. 

The post that started the trouble! 

Granted Big Eyes Volum' Express isn't the most volumising or plumping mascara you can get for its price (€11.99/€8.99 right now) but it is the one I've been reaching for absent mindedly for about two weeks now. For me, that's big. I agree with Chloe with regard to glasses though, I'm lucky enough not to have to wear 'em but if I were heading to a 3D movie, I can see how Big Eyes would give me issues. 

Tell us, have you tried Big Eyes? Which side are you on with your verdict? We'd love to hear. Is there an upcoming product that you'd like to throw in your tuppence on? Well send me on a mail so & we'll see if we can collab. I love to see two sides to each story, 'One Gal's trash' an' all that - it's very helpful to those of us trying to save a few sheckles too. 

Do please take a moment to pop over to Very Lovely Stuff and check out Chloe's work, she's a gorgeous Gal and I don't say that lightly. Thanks again C! 

2013 Top 10 Beauty Faves ft Bourjois, Benefit, Rimmel, La Roche-Posay, Smashbox, Maybelline, Loccitane, Stila & L'Oreal

Were you to tell me at any stage during the year that I'd whittle down every purchase, pr sample and press release down to ten of my very favourites then I'd have laughed in your face so haughtily that the breeze would have ruffled your mane - but I've only gone and done it. 

These Top Ten of 2013 are not only products that knocked my beauty socks off but that I have purchased again, purchased for gifts and seriously believe your life could be enriched by purchasing too. They're great like. 

1. L'Oreal's False Lash Flutter Midnight 

Black Mascara

Choosing a mascara of the year is much akin to Sophie's Choice, that's how highly I rate the lash coaters ability to change your entire visage. Benefit's They're Real has been a stalwart of mine with YSL's BabyDoll elbowing it's way to the front and Maybelline's The Rocket holding it's own but once I'd given False Lash Flutter a... well flutter, they were all forgotten. 

This is all of those mascaras combined and then some. Perfect formulation, unusually effective brush and ne'er a clump nor flake to be seen. If you haven't tried these puppies yet - do it. 

2. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Again the competition was stiff in 2013 for one foundation to rule them all. Smashbox's Liquid Halo revolutionised gel effect coverage, Clarins Extra Comfort quenched the skins of the nation and Max Factor's Whipped Cream foundation changed the minds of thousands but Bourjois, my sneaky little petite pois, you did it again with Healthy Mix Serum. 

I have recommended no other foundation as often as I have this and that's across the board to friends, family, colleagues and even once or twice to undecided browsers in Boots. Healthy Mix Serum glides over your skin, and sits weightlessly in place affording me to look a hell of a lot better than I have any right to do and it has never, not once let me down. For a Healthy Mix, I have an unhealthy obsesh. 

3. Rimmel Salon Pro with Lycra in Assoc 

with Kate Moss

If ever I were to be run over by a bus the thing I'd most dread people finding is not my shady internet search history but my vast and I mean VAST nail polish stash. We're talking thousands so when it comes to choosing a standout for an entire year that's damn near impossible. 

Were I to choose the line that I repeatedly cleaned off and reapplied time after time though? The Rimmel Salon Pro line win, hands down. With a huge range of brights, nudes and pastels, these lycra infused polishes dry to a higher shine than any other I've worn sans top coat. They've also garnered the most compliments from random strangers. At just €6.45 (or 2 for €8) these polishes should be a staple in every girls stash. 

4. Benefit Rockateur

I've always been a big fan of Benefit's Box o' Powders collection, not so much the exorbitant prices they charge their Irish fans but as a product, I've loved each and every one. When the word broke that not only would their newest box, Rockateur be smaller but that it'd be the same price as the rest I swore I wouldn't cave. SWORE. 

That was until I was giftef a FeelUnique.com voucher and realised that I could nab it for £23 with free delivery. From the first swish it was lust. Rockateur gives me that subtle rose gold glow that even I have to do a double take to appreciate time and again. It's creamy soft, it's stupidly flattering and it's easily the prettiest blush product I've ever owned. (I even bought a second one and I NEVER buy a second one)

5. Smashbox Always Sharp Pencils

While Stila, Essence and even Sigma have all had my heart this year as far as liners go, the Smashbox Always Sharp Pencils just can't be beaten for me. In a range of six colours, that have been extended with 3D shimmering versions, these point tipped pencils give me a perfect line every single time. You get in and around a minute to smudge it up or leave it as is and Hey Presto, it's stuck. 

The innovative lid means you never have to find a sharpener again as with two twists the pencil is magically sharpened again to a perfect point. There are cheaper pencils but when it's a result you want every single time, without fail I'd go with this pencil again and again. 

6. Loccitane Divine Cream

I truly couldn't count the amount of ablutions, creams and concoctions that I was lucky enough to try this year. La Roche-Posay's Hydraphase Intense has to get an honorable mention, Shiseido's Ibuki moisturiser for luxury pampering and L'Oreal's Revitalift Laser Renew blowing both the Mother and me away, the top spot still has to go to Loccitane's Divine Cream. 

Relaunched in 2013, I have genuinely never used a face cream that made such a dramatic difference to the appearance and feel of my visage in such a short space of time. It's not chump change at €82 for 50ml but the tiniest amount goes a very long way. Having used my press sample sparingly, lovingly but religiously, I parted with my hard earned eurobux in December and re bought this elixir - not only that but I'll do it again. 

7. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Lips

You're right you know, as far as I'm concerned there's nothing the LRP team can't do when it comes to healing, treating and enhancing our skin. I have yet to try a product that I didn't love, even if the blue and white packaging baffles even me sometimes. 

The launch of Cicaplast lips in 2013, however, was a revelation. I use Cicaplast Baume B5 for anything and everything and recommend it until I'm as blue in the face but this paraben free, fragrance free lip version of the balm has literally saved my kisser several times. During a hellish few days in A&E over Christmas this was the only thing to save my dry and aching lips - giving me instant relief and comfort and healing my dry, sore lips in the space of a day. 

To be used as a cracking base for brightly coloured lippies, a salve for red sore schnozzes or just as a lip saviour for all the family, this little white tube is a handbag/pocket/purse/glovebox/desk essential. 

8. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Though a little hesitant about this concealer at first glance, I think it was the spnge applicator that gave me the heebie jeebies, Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind won me 'round and how. 

Bright enough to use under eye, it instantly vamooses my dark circles. I press the concealer onto my finger to cover up blemishes and I insist on having this in my bag when I get my brows threaded as it instantly calms and covers the tell tale redness associated. I've found it tough to find this one in stores but as soon as I do? STOCKPILE. 

9. L'Oreal Studio #TXT Supersizing Volume Spray

I can only imagine that Trish from Love/Hate was going through cans of this stuff in Season 4 to achieve her majestic disco lion's mane. L'Oreal's #TXT works better than any other volumising spray I've ever used and at half the price too. 

No stickiness, no shine, no mahoosive knottage as a result just larrrrge voluminous grúaig in just a couple of sprays. This stuff does EXACTLY what it says on the tin. Awesome. 

10. Stila In the Light Palette

The amount of shadows and palettes I possess is not natural, I know this. I have recognised it as an illness and accepted it about myself (whilst buying more palettes) but if I were to pick one of the stacks of 'em that stood out in 2013 it would have to be the Stila In the Light wonder. 

Easily the most beautiful and versatile neutral palette I own, there's rarely a day goes by that I don't reach for this. Basically any eye look can be achieved with zero fall out and incredible staying power. Every single time I travel, this is the one palette that comes with and that's not for nothing. If you're a neutral fan, I'd urge you to add this to your collection sooner rather than later. I guarantee you won't regret it. 

And that's them, the Top Ten standouts for me of 2013 - what do you reckon? Agree? Disagree? 

Have you made a similar list? I'd love to check it out or is there some product that you're certain I'd love for 2014? Lemme know!