A Blogger Recommends - New Tag Post

Trying a little something new this afternoon with my first Tag Post. As a beauty blogger, the one question I've been asked a bajillion times is 'So what's your favourite product?'. I can't be alone in that so thought a Tag would be the ideal way to garner shout outs for some much loved products but also be somewhat helpful for those wanting to see our ultimate buys too. 

The premise is simple, share your favourites, ones that in a sea of beauty goodness shine bright like beacons of what a product truly should be. Game changers, life helpers and all 'round good eggs. I'll start with my top five, can't live without, will recommend till the cows come home, shall I? 

1. Benefit Gimme Brow

Benefit Gimme Brow: €24.50 Here

I've recommended this weenchy pocket rocket so many times that I'm pretty sure I'll be putting all of the Benefit babies through college. The size makes it an ideal brow saviour for chucking into your mála, whether travelling or just as a fail safe tidy up. 

Its genius fibre/gel formulation is buildable and flatteringly adheres to both hair and skin so is a boon to patchy browed babes. Whether I just want a quick tidy in the morning or want something more substantial for a night on the tiles - Gimme Brow has my back - well it has my brows but you know what I mean..

2. Bourjois CC Cream

Bourjois CC Cream: €10.49 Here

Another constant in my recommendation repertoire, I have never suggested another base as often as I have Bourjois' 123 CC Cream. We all know by now that I'm a huge fan of the French brand but when it comes to the pinnacle of their game, Bourjois have knocked it out of the beauty park with this. 

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

It's the one product that people come back constantly to tell me that they share my unfaltering love for. It's that universally good. 

3. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow: €65 Here

The most expensive of my beauty mannas from heaven but the most complimented in all my years of beauty loving, is the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. Earning a prize place in my October Faves just this morning and in my daily routine since the day I got my mitts on it, I genuinely can't recommend this enough. 

Flattering on every skin tone, if you're looking to change the (perceived) shape of your face with just a swish or two, this is the baby for you. The spendy price tag might be a little off putting for some but only the slightest touch is needed for incredible definition. I've used this every day for almost 3 months now and barely dented the pan so cost per use is minimal. You could spend a tenner on several duds a year or spend once on this - that's just good beauty maths. 

4. Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Black

Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Black: £2.45 Here

Ever try a product so good that when you see others choosing between brands in the store that you want to whisper to them? Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Black is formulated with activated charcoal so might be a little startling in all its blackness on your toothbrush but rest assured it'll whiten your teeth like no paste before. 

I noticed a difference instantly in breath freshness and in the colour of my pearly whites within 5 days, quite frankly, I wouldn't be without this black number now. I've bought this for friends and family and recommended ad nauseam - for less than a fiver a tube, you've nothing to lose in giving this a bash. 

5. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

€20.80 with Free Worldwide Delivery Here

Do you struggle with insomnia? Have trouble switching off of an evening? Wouldn't it be nice to have a product that guarantees zeds in minutes? Let me introduce you to the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from This Works - this actually works. I'll go one further and tell you that this should be labelled as chloroform in a bottle because within minutes of spraying its relaxing scent onto my pillow, I'm sound asleep. Every. Single. Time. 

Infused with essential oils of Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Camomile to soothe the body and mind, the pillow spray is completely natural so safe for use with restless kiddies too (proven by my nephew Séamus (6)). I thought originally that it might be a placebo effect, sheer coincidence that every time I spray this, I sleep, but then I bought it for friends. It works for everyone, every time. Wouldn't it be nice to buy sleep? Well tan-spankle-ah-dah - now you can!

And that's them, products I'd happily put my name against and have done, regularly. 

Imma Tag some of my faves in the beauty blog business to throw in their two cents, whether in a blog post, a comment here or an Instagram with the hashtag: #ABloggerRecommends (that's a nod to Ruth, of course!).

I read these gals on the daily & of course you should too but there's a bajillion others, so if you're not linked, sozzles, do please take part & Tag your fave bloggers too!

Step right up & show us your ultimates: 

Agoraphobic Fashionista

Laura over at Beaut.ie

British Beauty Blogger

DollyRouge

Emerald Eyeliner

Fluff & Fripperies

Frillseeker

John, It's Only Makeup

Leanne Woodfull

LetzMakeUp

Nurse FancyPants

Makeup Fairy Pro

Miss Makeup Magpie

Makeup Monster

My Makeup Perspective
Makeup Over Mind
Sarah Lanagan

Sharon Farrell

Simone Loves Makeup
So Sue Me

Viva Adonis

October Favourites ft Bourjois, Balenciaga, Estée Lauder, Essie, Liz Earle, Kérastase, Charlotte Tilbury, Rimmel & Tiger!

I know, I know, a beauty post, who'da thunk it? It's only when I look back at the past couple of weeks posts that I realise they've been few and far between of late. Despite my sneak peeks at upcoming products over on Instagram and slapping the keyboard as the Style & Beauty Blogger for the Dublin City Guide, poor aul CherrySue le Blog has been losing out. Fear not though, I'm on it! 

In that vein, how about a look at the products that've been tickling my beauty pickle more than any other this past month? Excellent, let's do this: 

1. Kérastase Nectar Thermique: 

€20.28 Here

I've been rocking the Keratin Complex treatment from Queen in Aungier St this past few weeks so normal shampoos and conditioners have been given the heave ho in favour of sulphate free alternatives. Because of that, styling wise, I haven't needed a whole lot of product but after each and every wash I've been loving this leave in treatment from Kérastase. 

This ultra nourishing cream is applied to towel dried hair and not only cuts my blow dry time in half but leaves my locks soft and shiny too. The Royal Jelly Extract works to smooth down flyaways without ever feeling weighted or greasy. Of all the Kérastase loveliness I've tried, this Nectar is by far my fave. 

2. Essie Take It Outside: 

€9 Here

I've been recommending Essie's Take It Outside to all that will listen for the past month or more. Topping my favourite Autumnal Nails post just last week, I can't say enough good things about this flattering greige - though I try. 

If you're looking for a polish that you're likely to remove only to apply again then Take It Outside should be top of your list. That and Debenhams are selling the entire line for just €9 right now. Get. On. It!

3. Estée Lauder - Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream: €55 Here

One reason Estée Lauder will consistently top my favourite brand list is consistency in both quality and performance. At first glance €55 seems slightly 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. 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.

4. Bourjois - 1 Seconde Volume Ultra Black: 

€12.99 Here

The original Volume 1 Seconde was a stand out mascara for me this year, so I was thrilled to see an Ultra Black iteration make its way to our shelves. The patented brush is the same, one of my most loved shapes, with spherical bristles in among the straight sweeping ones to cover every last lash with ease.

While I didn't find this newer version 'ultra' black, I do prefer it to its predecessor in terms of longevity. Again Bourjois prove they can hold their own with high end beauty heavy weights. I've reached for this tube more than any other in the past month because I know it will just work. You can't always say that with mascara.

5. Charlotte Tilbury - Filmstar Bronze & Glow: 

€65 Here

Had you told me a couple of months back that I'd be contouring daily and feeling slightly naked without, I'd have scoffed in your face. SCOFFED. But then came Charlotte's Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I can't emote with sufficient intensity your need to try this palette. 

Forget Lion King scary contour lines and Kim K attempts at shading warpaint, this, THIS is what will give you that effortless contoured look with just a couple of sweeps. The matte Sculpt shade is my perfect shading colour and the champagne Highlight is the buildable highlighter of my dreams. Truly, I've worn the CC cream above, this and the Bourjois mascara and been told I've never looked better. It. Is. Love.

6. B. Balenciaga: 

€61 Here

B. Balenciaga is  Alexander Wang's first scent for the French fashion house & nothing like I had expected. A clean green scent grounded with dark wood, it smells like I imagine the rainforest does after a downpour. Absolutely gorgeous. 

I've been guarding closely my sneak preview sample but the urge to share the scent when people ask what I'm wearing is more than I can bear and I always end up giving them a spritz. THIS is why B. is smack bang top of my Christmas wishlist thusfar. Seek it out and spray it for yourself, I defy you not to fall in love. 

7. Liz Earle - Limited Edition Cleanse & Polish: €23.50 Here

I have made no secret of my love for Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish over the years - you can see my full review here. Always a sucker for a limited edition, it was the very same night that I met Liz Earle MBE herself (I KNOW!) that I eagerly opened this Sweet Orange & Mint version to put it to the test. 

That was last month, I've been using this cleanser every other night since. While the performance of this unctuous cleanser is just as luxurious and comforting as its standard counterparts, it's the scent that truly sets this one apart. Bright and zesty, I truly own no cleansers with quite the same scent and have looked forward to using it every single time. 

8. Tiger - Phone Charger: 

€9 In Store Only 

I don't normally recommend products that you can't easily get your own mitts on but were I to tell you that this €9 charger from walkaround mecca, Tiger is the fastest I've ever used would that sway you to make the trip? 

As is the case with most people these days, my phone is now an extension to my arm and never put down - unless I'm in the office of course - ahem. This means, more often than not, I'm scrambling to have it recharged before I head into town and start my Spotify accompanied trek home. 

This charger gives me 100% in less than 30 mins, without overheating or losing charge once I unplug. The slightly odd thing is, it's only when it's plugged into the wall but what matter? 100% in under half an hour that holds a charge longer than usbs 3 times its price. It's like a little Lotto win. Only better. 

9. Rimmel Provocalips: £6.99 Here

Another product I've raved about ad infinitum is Rimmel's newest lip laquer, Provocalips. Available in 11 shades of vibrancy, there is no lip product on the market today that will give you the longevity these bad boys do.

But a word of warning - though saturated in colour and a cinch to wear, you should make sure your lips are in top condition before applying. Not moisturised but prepped (I give mine a little scrub with my toothbrush when brushing my teeth). A second word of warning - there is zero room for error here, as the lacquer STAINS. Use a steady hand and go slow for instant, dramatic colour. All in all if you're looking for unparalleled wear time in a lippie, you're looking for Provocalips.

C'mom, tell us, what were you loving in the month of October? 

Win The Freedom of Dublin City with Two Dublin Passes!

Giveaway time!

Whilst we're all about travelling the cities, seeing new sites and learning what this great big planet has to offer; nothing quite compares to our own home town, Dublin. 

Have you ever wanted to do the touristy thing in your own town but never gotten the chance? Well today is your lucky day as we're giving away the freedom of this fair city so you might truly get to know our history and our culture. 

I know since I was a little girl I had always wanted to visit Guinness Storehouse, we eventually went on our school tour back in the late 80’s (STOP doing your sums!). Unfortunately for me the closest I got was to the door, as a scuffle broke out with the lads in the queue & I was pushed, resulting in a fractured foot. So while my classmates were enjoying the story of Guinness I was whisked away to hospital in the Guinness ambulance. 

Tragic right? I've been several times since and it's honestly one of the places, though you might think cliche, that I'd recommend everyone visits at least once. At least. 

G.P.O & The Spire on a sunny day in Dublin

If you're from Dublin I have the ultimate tourist in your own town experience for you. If not, this is your ideal opportunity to get thee inside The Pale and see what we have to offer as it includes all of the best tourist attractions our Fair City proudly boasts.

Watching the world go by on the quays in Dublin

We are giving away two 2-day Dublin Passes worth over €60 each. Hopefully this will give you the incentive to get around to immersing yourself completely in Dublin’s charm. These passes are your keys to Dublin & allow you free entrance into 33 major attractions. Some are even fast pass so no need to queue. 

Dublin Pass also entitles you to 23 extra benefits, offers & discounts at various locations around the city. All details are in the 2014 guide book worth €4.99 which we’ll also send you if you are our lucky winner.

One of many stunning Georgian doors in Dublin

The impressive list of attractions includes: 

• GuinnessStorehouse
• Old Jameson Distillery 
• Kilmainham Gaol 
• Dublin Zoo
• The AvivaStadium 
• Dublin City Hall
• Glasnevin Museum 
• Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship Museum
• Croke Park Stadium Tour  - amongst many others!

Source

Entry couldn’t be easier, just use the widgery doo dah below! 

Winners will be announced on the 25th, ideal time to plan your Christmas trip!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday's Moments - 03/11/14

November, can you believe it? I'm just loosening my dead man's grip on Summer and Winter is about to hit us upside the head. 

Less about the times gone though, this is Monday and there's Moments to relish: 

1. Nespresso's New Editions Arriving In The Post

2. Pulling €5 From The Pocket of My Winter 

Walking Jacket On It's First Wear of The Year!

3. Enjoying Dinner & Drinks for Corrina's First Post Pregnancy Night Out!

4. 19 Degree Weather on Halloween - In IRELAND!

5. Getting to Do Aaron's Hair & Make Up FINALLY

How was your week then? Got any highlights you wanna give a shout out? 

Have a great week, everyone! 

Cherry Pick Of The Week: Sam Smith ~ I'm Not The Only One

We're taking it back to the roots of the Cherry Pick of the Week this week as this track from Sam Smith WILL NOT GET OUT OF MY NOGGIN!

Swoonworthy hair & makeup on Dianna aside, the vid's a dud but I defy you to press play and not be humming this in half an hour. 

Well played, Mr Smith, well played!


Tell us, what's on repeat in your noggin this week?