Things I'm Trialling - 18/08/14

I mentioned last week on Instagram that I'd be starting a new mini series called Things I'm Trialling. I'm a seriously lucky duck (& a hard shaggin' workin' one too) so each week sees a beauty influx of products to trial and review. 

Because of the sheer volume, I thought an easy way to make sure you're seeing more of the good stuff would be a weekly series. Each Monday I'll post an instagram pic of Things I'm Trialling, the following Monday will see a blog post with first impressions and speed reviews. What say we to that? Let's see, shall we? 

1. Pantene Dry Shampoo Volume Booster: £3.99 Here

The newest dry shampoo on the fit to bust block is Pantene. This is no ordinary powdery spray though. Being a fiend for the shampoo dodging tins, I can safely say this is one of my top OF ALL TIME. Pantene uses Tapioca starch to soak up excess oil, which means no scalp residue, no powdery finish and the ability to brush out with ease when needed. Use the night before needed for gorgeously scented, game changing results. 


2. Darphin Revitalizing Oil for Face, Body & Hair - Launches Sept (€29). 


Hydration is the name of the game with Darphin's The Revitalising Oil. One of the most comforting scents I've yet to try in an oil, it is comprised of 98% natural ingredients. The mixture of 4 essential oils and 9 precious plant oils that protect and nourish the skin and hair. Less is definitely more with this oil, with 5 drops being the recommended application. I softly press it on, massage it in and rub the slight excess through my hair. It's a high end oil with an affordable price. Fabulous. 

3. Physician's Formula Extreme Shimmer Strips - €8.56 Here

These Extreme Shimmer Sticks are just the last in a long line of bargains from iherb,com. Though the shimmer count is HIGH in these twistables, the formulation is still smooth and long lasting. While the purple is nowhere near as opaque as I would have hoped for, both the black & brown make up for it. Creamy and long lasting with barely noticeable shimmer on the eye, these are winners. 

4. YSL La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer in 53 Taupe Grain- €24 Here

From the Black Fetish collection, this YSL leather effect polish is one to wear this A/W. The dark taupe polish dries to a semi matte textured finish that'll have all and sundry asking what you're wearing. Ideal for tootsies as the weather changes, it's a winner for me. 

5.Clinique Chubby Sticks for Cheeks & Baby Tint for Lips €24 & €20

You'll find my full review for Clinique Chubby Sticks for Cheeks here, soft and nourishing, they're a winner for summer make up but might need a little setting powder should you be looking for long wear blush. 

The Baby Tints are sheer, moisturising balms that are said to work with your own chemistry to change colour on application. They're very subtle but very soft. Chubby Stick collectors will love 'em. 

6. Halle Berry Wild Essence - €19.99

With citrus notes, white flowers, sandalwood & patchouli all grounded with musk, I had high hopes for Wild Essence. It sounds like just my kind of scent, right? Unfortunately it just didn't grab me the way her Closer scent from last year did. That could be entirely my sniffer's fault though as it's already been plucked from my mitts by Adam's girlfriend who is already a quarter way through the bottle!

7.Rimmel Wonderf'full Mascara - €6.99 Here

The highly anticipated Rimmel Wonder'full mascara boasts Argan Oil in its formulation and promises smooth clump free lashes. Yep and yep. 

Though not one to reach for should you be looking for volume, Wonder'full does a mighty fine job of separating lashes and adding shine. Think the feathery effect of Clinique Lasting Power Mascara at a snip of the cost. It's not as long lasting as Clinique but at less than half the price it is more budget friendly. 

8.Aurelia Probiotic Serum - £47 Here

I picked up this ickle serum sample when chatting with the brands founder, Claire Vero in Space NK a couple of weeks back. This age prevention fluid is chock full of cruelty free, natural ingredients and antioxidants that pack a powerful punch. 

Though I find it doesn't sink in as easily as other serums, I've been adding just a drop to my daily moisturiser before foundation and have been LOVING the results. I'll have a full review up soon but do please check out this luxe and lust worthy brand. 

9.Ambre Solaire 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. Check it out sooner rather than later. 

10.Bia Beauty Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser - €16.95 Here

Oh I do love a bit of natural skincare and when that skincare is also Irish made, more's the better. This Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser is from Irish skincare brand Bia Beauty and couldn't be softer on stressed out skin. 

Blending Mandarin to combat sebum production, Calendula to nourish and repair damaged skin and sweet almond oil to soften skin naturally, this gentle, subtly scented moisturiser is an absolute gem. 

11.Origins GinZing Revitalizing Mineral Make-Up - €30 Here

I haven't always had great results with mineral make up in the past so was a little hesitant to put Origins new GinZing offering to the test. This ultra fine formulation is encased beneath a mesh so as to limit messy fallout and over release of product. It works just fine & dandy. Rice, Barley, Caffeine and mineral pigments work to create a mineral foundation that can be worn sheer or built up to achieve higher coverage. Not only did my skin not break out in protest but it truly glowed with this natural finish foundation.Brighter skin with zero shine - it's an Origins miracle!

So what say we? See anything that tickles your pickle? 

Be sure to check out today's Instagram pic to see the Things I'm Trialling this week coming!

March Favourites 2014 ft Aveda, Garnier, Clinique, Guerlain, Physician's Formula, Bourjois, Bare Minerals, Blank Canvas Cosmetics & REN

It's April, APRIL but you'd be FAR from an April Fool were you to pick up one and/or all of these favourites. March has been a great month, beauty wise and I honestly think some of these will be reaching Holy Grail status for me in the months to come. While I've found some incredible bargains, I've an inkling you'll want 'em all... read on if your Visa dares....

1. Aveda Stress Fix Body Creme: 

€44.29 Here (for 5-10% off - Insert Code: SECRET)

I'm all about catching the zeds of late what with a busy work schedule, this site and working my tush off for Groupon too, it can be hard to relax. Having added This Works Sleep Spray to my slumber arsenal last month, a meeting with the beautiful Aveda PRs this month has blown me away with the introduction of Stress Fix Body Creme. 

Containing organic sunflower oil, organic shea butter, lavender and sage, you can't help but feel sleepy with the first inhalation of this unctuous beaut but your silken soft skin the following morning will mean you reach for this bedtime treat more than any other. I guarantee it. 

2. Garnier Body Beauty Oil Nourishing Lotion: €6.49 Here

Garnier Beauty Oil-Infused Nourishing Lotion is infused with 4 oils - Argan, Macademia, Almond & Rose. If the scent alone isn't enough to entice you (it WILL be!), the nourishing, healing properties of this lotion will be a revelation. 

Having brought this to try out this weekend, the lotion saved my Sis' skin, literally. She has a tendency to shave with a machete, not literally, but let's just say the razor burn is never pretty. Just one rub of Garnier on Friday and the stinging instantly eased, within 30 minutes the red, angry colour had abated and the following morning her legs were brand new. 

Of course I have been alleviated of my sample of this Nourishing Lotion but I've already ordered a new one. It's that nice. 

3. Clinique Cheek Pop - Ginger Pop: €20 Here

I can't mention Clinique's Cheek Pops and not mention the incredible price. Twenty squidoos for the nicest blush I've tried since Hourglass' Mood Exposure. Probably the prettiest design there's been for quite a long time, there's not a pair of súiles that wouldn't light up at one of these babies. You can see +Lorraine Haigney's full guest post here but, hand on heart Ginger Pop is my favourite, so far. 

You'll see Ginger Pop in all its Insta Glory here but for €20? I'll be picking up the other 3, guaranteed. 

4. Guerlain Cils D`Enfer Maxi Lash Violet Mascara: £23 Here

I can't count the amount of times regular reader Felicity (Hi Felicity) has recommended this lash wonder in The Chattery Chats. Having a sheckle or two in PayPal, I knew it was time to invest. 

They say a picture speaks a thousand words so look at Cils D'Enfer LOOK AT IT. You can't even decipher the violet tones but this is, hands down, the most flattering mascara I've ever owned AND the one that's been complimented the most. A true beauty and worth every cent. Thanks, Felicity!

5. Physician's Formula Eye Enhancing Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Trio: €8.34 Here (Code RLL469 for discount)

These Espresso, Purple and Black Shimmer Strips are waterproof, paraben free, hypoallergenic and feckin' amazing. Marketed toward brown eyes, do not believe that tosh and get these kajals in your life, regardless of eye colour, pronto. 

Application is a dream as the wide pencils sweep across the lid, waterline AND tight line with ease. Once set, in a mo or so, they're going nowhere until removed. There's a slight shimmer that wears more as luminosity than glitter and you will love them. I love them. 

6. Bourjois Nail Polish Remover Hands & Feet: €6.79 Available April

One of the most exciting reveals for Bourjois' Spring Summer line up HAS TO BE the addition of the Magic Nail Polish Remover for Hands AND Feet. An ancestor of the much loved Magic Nail Polish Remover Pot, I've often whinged about not being able to stick my tootsies in. 

There's a very real chance Bourjois have my house bugged as they've answered my bandy backed prayers with this new addition. As well as the standard sponge in a tub, the lid has a scrubbier sponge attached and it makes toe nail polish removal a cinch. Summer tootsies are going to need this. I'll be buying 'em as gifts. 

7. Bare Minerals - The Happy Place: €18.51 Here

It's been a very long time since I've been so enamored so quickly with a shadow palette. This video from Emily Noel (Beauty Broadcast) meant I knew I NEEDED the muted apricot/rose gold/smoky taupe/eggplant quad in my stash but I wan't prepared to love it as quite as much as I do. 

My first foray into Bare Minerals territory, I can safely say it won't be my last. Blending is a dream come true with these soft, malleable shadows. No parabens, binders or harsh chemicals make Bare Minerals a sensitive eyed lass' dream come true. The fact that they last an entire day without creasing or dulling even slightly make them mine. The Happy Place is still £36 on the Bare Minerals site but make like me and eBay this beauty, you won't regret it. 

8. Blank canvas F20 Flat Buffer Brush: €13.99 Here

 When the very lovely Anita, Owner & Editor over at DolledUp.ie heard that I hadn't tried Blank Canvas brushes yet, the dote that she is, she brought this hot pink pretty to our next catch up. 

I haven't ventured into BCC offerings before but this short, densely packed synthetic brush is not only a Sigma F80 dupe but it's also a bloody marvel for foundation. My Beauty Blender and Real Techniques have been cast aside in favour of this buffing beauty and I haven't looked back. I find I'm using less product and buffing it in with little or no effort. Thanks BCC and THANKS Anita! Check 'em out, quick smart. 

9. Ren Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser: €19.69 Here

(10% off First Order Using LFNEW)

Another PR sample brought on our weekend jollies, Ren's Hot Cloth Cleanser did for my visage what Garnier (above) did for my Sis' gams. This velvety soft, rose scented lotion is applied to dry skin in a circular motion and the hot cotton cloth laid on your face to cleanse, tone and rejuvenate skin. We spent a weekend of pampering in both the Radisson Blu and the g Hotel, Galway and I can honestly say, a soak in the bath with this hot cloth cleanser was as relaxed as I was all weekend. 

All make up was removed with ease, though I didn't use it in my eye area, my skin was bright and nourished and sparkly clean without the squeak. The biggest surprise though was how soft and fresh my skin felt the following morning and right through the next day. I genuinely can't believe this cleanser is less than €20. Again, I'll be buying this as gifts for loved ones. If you tell them it cost me next to nowt, I will hurt you. 

Phewee, that's them. Tell me, have you tried any of the above as yet? Planning on it? 

If you've compiled a March Favourites post or video, do please leave a link in the comments - I love to have a nose. It's an illness you know? 

Physician's Formula Happy Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Rose: Available to Ireland!

On a recent post about What to Buy in the States one of the brands I lamented our inability to access was the budget beauty, super cute brand, Physician's Formula Inc. Lo and behold the very lovely All the Little Things let us know in the comments that iHerb.com - provider of cut price Real Techniques brushes  is also our saviour when it comes to Physician's Formula!

Physician's Formula Happy Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Rose: $11.36 = €8.39!

I immediately logged into my iHerb account, less than a tenner and just under two weeks later, this absolute beaut arrived at my door. The Physician's Formula Happy Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Rose. Was my mood boosted? Hells to the yesh. I mean look at it. Just look at it. 

Packaging appreciators will adore this bright fuchsia metallic compact. The sturdy mirror and soft, surprisingly long brush hidden in the bottom compartment belie the budget price attached to this mood boosting booster too. I lie not when I tell you I take a second just to look at this blush before I use it, every single time. 

Close up you can see the slight differences in each of the hearts and the micro glitter that helps give your cheeks the flattering fresh rosy glow without being overwhelmingly Edward Cullen-a-like. It's hypoallergenic, paraben free, non comedogenic and extremely pretty but how is the pigment I hear you ask...

In answer? They're blahhdy beautiful, I've swatched each heart seperately here. You can see that not only is the colour payoff bright and even but the glitter is kept to a minimum. You can use the provided brush to single out one colour but a swirl of the ultra soft lot gives the most natural, most wearable look in my opinion. 

You'll find this particular Mood Booster on iHerb.com here but remember that the CherrySue discount code is still live and RLL469 will get you between $5 and $10 off that. 

There are whispers afoot that Physician Formula will be making its UK debut before this year is out but if their comparative Real Techniques prices are anything to go by, I'll be sticking with iHerb for my PF fix for now. 

Nice, right? 

What to Buy in the States: US Beauty Brands We Don't Have (*cries*)

Are you lucky enough to be heading Stateside? Wondering what you should be spending your hard earned dollits on? The USA really is the land of plenty when it comes to beauty products, so I thought a handy little heads up might help cut through some of the bewilderment and point out some gems when it comes to holiday buys. 

I've chosen a few brands that it's damn near impossible to get your mitts on in the UK and/or Ireland but if you have any to add to the list I'd love to hear 'em in the comments too, sharing is caring y'all...

The very lovely Fleur from FleurdeForce.com first alerted me to the gorgeousness that is the packaging on Physicians Formula bronzers and blushes. The entire range is peppered with gems, for as little as $11, as a first step into beautiful products, you should definitely check this brand out. You'll find it in Walgreen's, Ulta and most large drug stores. 

My first glimpse of cruelty free cosmetic brand Tarte came courtesy of Estée of EssieButton.com, her haul videos from home (her home, Canada) always leave me yearning for some (ALL) of Tarte's products. The cult favourite and multi award winning Amazonian Clay blushes will set you back around $25 but you just need to check out their reviews to make you wibbly with want. You'll find Tarte in Sephora, Ulta and most large department stores. 

The state side equivalent to our MUA, Wet n' Wild does budget beauty brilliantly. Classing itself as 'All Access Beauty', there's guaranteed to be something to catch your eye. Be sure to check out their Color Icon shadows that are causing a stir in the online community and try very hard not to buy a bajillion nail polishes for next to nathin' (not that I'd judge you for that). Again Wet n'Wild is widely available, drug stores being your best bet. 

Yep, I'm well aware that we have Maybelline on our shores but are we as spoiled for choice as our American sisters? Hells no! Be sure to check out mascaras, limited edition Color Tattoos and the full complement of Baby Lips when perusing the aisles of drug stores and supermarkets. You're guaranteed to spot something we just don't have and who doesn't want that? You're also pretty much guaranteed that it'll be a damn site cheaper too. 


While we're on the subject of cost, no US trip would be complete without a quick calculation of just how much you can save on brands that we do have. The likes of Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown and Benefit will cost decidedly less than here (mostly because we're woefully ripped off price wise) so now's the time to stock up on firm favourites. 

Tell me, have you been shopping Stateside or are you heading that way soon (you lucky sucker)? I'd love to hear what you've been buying and of course what you plan on picking up. 

To the comments!