Limited Edition Virgin Mojito Body Range from The BodyShop incl GIVEAWAY!

If ever my 'Cocktail Half Full Kinda Girl' tag line was an appropriate one, it was when I audibly squealed on first sniffage of the new Virgin Mojito range from The BodyShop. Lads, it's DELECTABLE! You know that burst of zesty iced mint freshness you get from a freshly poured mojito? This is exactly that. Oh you don't? Well.... this is exactly that. 

Virgin Mojito Body Scrub

First up we have the Virgin Mojito Body Scrub. This wibbly wobbly tub of zesty heaven is your first port of call for summer scrubbing. Ideal to give your shower a blast of minty lime freshness in the morning, there's nothing quite like this scrub to set you up for the day ahead. While I wouldn't say it's the scrubbiest scrubber in the world, I would say that the combination of Fair Trade honey & tiny scrubbers are enough to, not only revive your skin, but to leave it visibly softer for a long while after too. 

Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet

For those of us that prefer a softer scented affair, the Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet ticks all those boxes and then some. This super soft sorbet absorbs almost immediately and leave the most beautiful sheen for up to 24 hours on the skin. Truly, my only difficulty with this was the undeniable urge I had to ask strangers to smell my arms. Community Fair Trade Aloe Vera & extracts of Caribbean Lime and Mint makes this sorbet one you're gonna want in your summer skin arsenal. 

Virgin Mojito Body Butter

The BodyShop body butters have always been and may always be my favourite part of any limited edition collection and the Virgin Mojito range is no different. We're talking the intense hydration and skin comforting that you're used to with this one but the addition of Carribean Lime & Mint to the Fair Trade Shea Butter elevate the Virgin Mojito version to another level entirely. 

I've been pairing this with my favourite summer scent of all time, Aqua di Gio Femme from Armani and I can't tell you the compliments I've had. I'm talking people turning to sniff the air in my wake á lá Linda Bellingham in the Bisto ads (Lord rest her soul). 

Bottom line is thus. If you are in any way mojito inclined then you need some, if not all of this limited edition Virgin Mojito line on your radar, in your life & on your body. STAT. 

For those of you lucky enough to live on the Emerald Isle and left with a serious case of the WANTS following this post - nip on over to our Twitter & don't say we don't spoil ye!

This Cocktail Half Full Kinda Gal & @thebodyshopirl have #VirginMojito Treats for you! Follow both & RT to #WIN! pic.twitter.com/Lo50oOQERT

— CherrySue (@ItsCherrySue) June 16, 2015

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! 

February Favourites 2014

Being one of the shortest months of year definitely puts February in my good books. That and the fact that both mornings and evenings are getting brighter. Daffs are springing up all over the shop and there's the slightest hint of heat to the sun when we get it. 

As Favourites go, February was a lot to so with a fresher approach to both skincare and make up for me, so without further ado - here be my February Faves: 

1. HealGel Eye: €40.33 w Free Delivery Here  

You might remember a while back we reviewed HealGel Intensive and were pretty amazed by the results on his scar. HealGel Eye, made by the same crack team of plastic surgeons and skincare specialists. You only need the tiniest amount of this aqueous gel patted onto your eye area to have an effect and boy has it. 

HealGel will tell you it's the duel action hyaluronic acid complex but I'm telling you it's jiggery pokery that has all but eliminated the tell tale dark line under my dark circles that rat me out after a night of House of Cards binge watching. The skin around my eyes is definitely more hydrated after 3 weeks use and I've found myself skipping under eye concealer & reaching just for a swish of highlight to see me through the day instead. Jiggery. Pokery. 

2. Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush: €7.50 Here 

I admitted my ineptitude when it comes to gel liner and the elusive flick in this Monday's Moments. I also revealed in the same post, however, just how much this revolutionary doohickey has done for me and my liner skillz. 

The tiniest silicone tip means that we're talking cork on your fork level natural lining ability to create a beautiful flick with much less effort and definitely less profanity than ever before. I've a second one of these bad boys stashed for precision nail art work. Inspired invention, Sam Chapman, Inspired. 

3. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray: €19.50 Here 

I first mentioned my initial reaction to This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray here. That was only one night in and I can truthfully say that this natural sleep aid has changed the way I conk out through the week. 

A fragrant blend of lavender, vetivert, wild chamomile and witchcraft, I have yet to spray my pillow and not be catching deep and meaningful zeds within 10 - 15 minutes. I read reviews and didn't believe them. I used the product and didn't believe it. Several weeks later though with consistent results? This Works. I believe it. 

4. The BodyShop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil: €22 Here 

Staying with the sleepy sleepy snooze time theme, The Body Shop have struck silky skin gold with their latest release, the Overnight Vitamin E Serum-in-Oil. Relying heavily on Community Fair Trade Soya Oil and Wheatgerm Oil, this nourishing blend is just the right balance between oil & serum to leave your visage refreshed and appearing fully rested. 

There was a notable difference from my first use but within just 3 days my skin was nearing newborn baby's bum territory and led to several second glances from colleagues as I stroked my own face, Disney Princess style (albeit trapped in a cubicle shaped dungeon). If you're looking for some oomph for your nightly skincare routine, look to the BodyShop. It's so nice I almost justified the price comparison to our UK sisters (£12 v €22!!) *strokes face again to calm down*. 

 5. Bdellium Tools 776 Blending Brush : €5.57 here (RLL469 - Discount Code)

If you're a lover of a good blending brush or even just a fan of the smokey eye, you need this Bdellium brush in yo' life. Lauded as an affordable dupe to MACs much hyped 217, there's not a day since receiving this brush that I haven't reached for it. Not. One. Day. 

Although I was unsure at first, it seems the 776 just needed a little breaking in and, truth be told, I wouldn't be without this brush or its natural fibres and swishy ways again. If you pick up just one thing this month. Make it the 776. You won't believe your eyes. Literally.  

6. Paperchase Screen Cleaner: €5.50 Here

I picked up this cute little feller in Arnotts last week and he has quickly become a firm pal of mine. Just a tiny disc of cotton, I give my, consistently grubby, phone screen a quick wipe and he sticks back on to the back of my phone for next time. 

Admittedly I was dubious as to how gimmicky he'd be but it turns out the back of the disc is made with that not stick, sticky stuff - you know like the dashboard mats? I would have preferred a darker colour as he himself is looking like a grubster already but for handiness, ease of use and an ideal pressie to slip into someone's card? You can't go wrong with this little lion. 

7. Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana: €62 - launches March 6th - More Info Here

Normally I won't include a Favourite that hasn't launched yet but I want ye to be on the lookout for this little spritz of Spring heaven when it lands this week. Dolce by D&G is the kind of scent that tells you spring has sprung. Neroli & papaya, blended with white florals (daffodil & Amaryllis) and musky base notes had me spraying Dolce liberally onto several of my scarves for the working week ahead. 

The bottle itself, clear to reveal the spring green coloured fragrance and topped with a pretty resin flower, an homage to Sicilian Confectioners and their use of the marzipan flower. Trust me on this one: Dolce = pretty, in every sense of the word. Check it out on the 6th. (Momma's will LOVE this one for their dressers. Just sayin')

8. Shiseido Lacquer Gloss RD305 Lust - More Info Here 

Launching this month, Japanese high end skincare and make up market leaders, Shiseido are bringing us 8 shades of Laquer Gloss, a sheerer, though buildable version of brand favourite Laquer Rouge. 

Shimmer & scent free with only the tiniest particles of micro glitter, Laquer Gloss in Lust frightened me in the tube in all honesty. I get panicky around reds. On application though my lips were transformed. Sheer hot coral can be built up for a non sticky, full on, vamped up red and I'm actually loving it. Several passing (complimentary) comments later and I'm sold. 

Keep an eye out over on Instagram as I'll be posting swatches of this and others before the full Shiseido SS14 breakdown later this week. Shiseido to me is grown up glamour and Lust has only reinforced that feeling. I do glamour me. 

9. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure: €33.97 here

The beauty world is alight with Hourglass and their Ambient Lighting Blush releases right now and that's not for nowt. These hybrid affect blushes, each hand poured work to bring light to your face that really has no business being there. 

A natural extension to last years Ambient Lighting Powders, each colour complements one of the previously released compacts and I can safely say, not owning one of them, this blush complements me too. 

I pre-ordered Mood Exposure and Dim Infusion from Space NK last month and, shocked that I received them two days later, Mood Exposure hasn't been off my face or out of my reach since. Benefit's Rockateur was my Holy Grail blush - Mood Exposure is what Rockateur's classier cousin would wear for fancy dinners in an Amy Huberman advert - for the same price(!). I've already bought a backup but get thee to a Space NK counter and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you. 


Tell me, what were you loving last month? Anything I should be checking out? 

Valentines for Him ft L'Occitane, Molton Brown, Sennheiser, Odeon, Netflix, Body Shop, Blue Beards Revenge & IRFU

Hands up, Ladies, I know the majority of you, that celebrate the Hallmark Holiday, have sorted your Valentine's weeks ago. For those of you, however, much like me have nowt done and could do with some suggestions. (Of course Poppa's Day & Birthdays are always cropping up too). 

1. The Bluebeards Revenge Starter Kit - (€25.95 Here)

One of the Gorgebags' favourite manly brands, this starter kit is exactly the kind of grooming your man can cut his teeth on. A taster of most of what the brand has to offer and a beard rash free fizzog for you. Score. 

2. Sennheiser In-Ear Buds - (€42 Here) (OR in store in Arnott's Dublin)

There's not many men I know that don't always need earphones, my own Pops included. Sennheiser are one of the most sought after brands in the business and that's not for nowt. With powerful sound, deep base and noise isolation, the CX300 II are about as much bang for your buck as you can get. 

3. Netflix Subscription - (from €7.99 Here)

Look, I'm not saying 'Buy the man a bowling ball' but the fact that Season 2 of House of Cards launches on Netflix on February 14th is a very happy coninkadink, OK? 

4. Molton Brown Silverbirch EDT - (€49 Here)

Again, purely conincidental but Silverbirch just happens to be one of my favourite scents in the Molton Brown range. Rich and spicy with cedarwood, silverbirch & jasmine, you're going to want to get up close and personal just for a sniff. Win/Win. 

5. Odeon Vouchers - (€10 upward Here)

Ooh a night or two at the flicks, that'd be nice wouldn't it? AND, he's probably going to want to bring you along too. Yep, it's another bowling ball. DO IT. 

6. BodyShop Maca Root Skincare Trio - (€30 Here)

If you, like me have ever walked in on your SO liberally applying your Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser by the lashing load then you're gonna want to get that man some visage wash of his own. STAT. With Maca Root and Fairtrade Brazil Nut Oil, both lads loved these washes & creams. 

7. Ruggers FTW: Misc

This is more than a suggestion to yell COYBIG. A nice little gesture for the one you love could be to buy some ticéadaí to his favourite team/sport/ball throwing peeps and accompany him to a match. This is an especially nice gesture if you can't stand the shower but short shorts and tree trunk thighs? I'll say no more. 

8. L'Occitane Collection for Men - (€49 - SAVING €28.50 Here)

Here's a little known fact about the brand I've been bigging up lately - L'Occitane do some Kick Ass Men's collections! This bountiful set of 4 luxury products is blended with lavender, black pepper, nutmeg and smoked woods and smells like MAN. As with the Molton Brown justification, you get to mooooove closer and enjoy the process very much indeed. 


Again, as with the For Her post yesterday, I'll suggest that the simplest things can be the way to go this Friday. Allow him the remote for an hour or so (don't go too mad now), bring him his brekkie in the leaba or even just turn off your mobile for the evening to give your beloved some undivided attention (I get cold sweats just thinking about that one). 

Tell us - have you bought your gift yet, will you be buying one? You know I'm nosey - you also know he's not reading...

The Body Shop White Musk Smoky Rose Collection: Prepare your Noses for Smoky Roses

Admittedly The Body Shop's White Musk of yesteryear was my Sis' ultimate scent, I was more of a Fuzzy Peach kinda gal. This years addition to the White Musk line though has change my mind and how. Made with man made, cruelty free musk, the White Musk Smoky Rose collection is exactly the kind of scent that puts me in mind of Autumn/Winter - spiced, musky and darkly floral. 

Priced exceptionally well for such an expensive smelling scent, the entire collection can be picked up for less than €50 and once you catch a sniff of this darkly delicious scent, I guarantee you'll think that's a bargain too.

Top notes are bergamot, pink pepper and black currant; middle notes are tobacco blossom, black rose, orange blossom and immortelle; base notes are olibanum and white musk. 

My Mam has already wrestled the EDT from my reluctant paws as when driving me to my last four doctor's appointments, every single time I sat into the car she inhaled deeply and looked at me forlornly like only an Irish Mammy can. I'll be replacing it this week to go alongside the richly perfumed body wash (heaven with scrubby gloves) and the thick, moisturising body lotion (that lingers on the skin for hours). 

You'll find the White Musk Smoky Rose collection here online or in The Body Shop stores now. I'm recommending you give it a whirl real soon. 

The Body Shop Honeymania Range - Luxuriously Rich Bodycare

It would seem honey is the hottest beauty ingredient of both scents and skincare in 2013. From Marc Jacobs to L'Occitane this amber nectar is bolstering ingredient lists the world over but The Body Shop's upcoming Honeymania range contains honey that's just a little bit different. 

The indulgent bath and body Body Shop Honeymania range uses Ethiopian Community Fair Trade honey in its products and it uses quite a lot of it too. Just one of the facts that blew my mind hole is that it takes over 100 bees visiting over 50,000 flowers to make enough honey to put into just one product. I was a little sceptical at first but then I tried them. (The products, not the bees)

The scent of the products is sweet but not overly so with a delicate floral kick that makes this one of the most subtle, comforting Body Shop ranges I now use. The honey smells light but authentic, very unlike some of the cheaper, synthetic honey scents on the market. 

Honeymania Bubble Bath Melt: €13.95

This literal honeypot of goodness is the Bubble Bath Melt and is unlike any Body Shop product I've tried before. With the same golden, slow moving consistency as honey itself, a little of this luxurious melt goes a very long way. I've not only used it to bathe but the tiniest amount on a flannel makes a foaming, indulgent shower time treat. 

Honeymania Body Butter: €18.95

The Body Shop body butters are my weakness and Honeymania's offering is no different. Designed for dry to very dry skin, this subtly scented, rich moisturiser promises 24 hours hydration and delivers. I had thought this would be a winter time staple to keep my legs soft and supple but nope, the youngest has taken a serious shine to it and we're almost through our first pot already. He has expensive tastes that boy. 

Honeymania Lip Balm: €7.50

 Finally in my press pack I was kindly given the Honeymania lip balm. This melting balm takes a moment to become malleable but gives just the right amount of hydration without becoming greasy on the lips. More pleasant than sweet tasting, this will be a manna for dry kissers this Autumn. 

Also included in the Honeymania range are a honeycomb shaped soapless soap (€3.95), an Eau De Toilette (€13.95), shower gel (€8.95) and a rich exfoliating scrub (18.95). 

Having heard the story of just one Ethiopian Mum that has been able to send her children to school based soley on the money she earns producing the Community Fair Trade Honey that The Body Shop use, I'll be picking up the shower gel and the scrub too. Well that and the fact that they smell incredible... but mostly the loving playing a small part thing. 

Honeymania launches this month, look out in store and online for further information and make a bee-line for a sniff once you see it.