Showing posts with label Beauty Bitz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty Bitz. Show all posts

13 June 2018

Dia daoibh!
So today's post is one from the vault!.... Well, that's a bit dramatic; perhaps six months ago! I came across a memory card I thought I had lost and found lots of products images I had ready for review on my blog. So, rather than letting them go to waste, I will share the products (that are all still available now) here. First up are up close pictures of the, sell-out, SoSu Hot Fire Palette.
Suzanne Jackson is one of Ireland's biggest beauty bloggers and beauty business women and this was her first eye shadow palette launch.  It retails for €29.95 and is available in pharmacies nationwide.  The palette itself is made from a sturdy board so it's not too heavy and I was delighted to see that it included a large mirror in the lid - always a plus.
The palette contains 12 eye shadows - 8 mattes and 4 shimmers, ranging from pale creams and champagnes to warm apricots and deep chocolate browns.  Here's a list of the colours:
.  Naked - Pale, matte cream
Heat - Soft pale peach
Spark - Rich warm brown
Ignite - Matte sandy ochre
Embers - Warm apricot
Pot of Gold - Burnished metallic gold
Iced - Shimmering buttermilk
Blaze - Metallic taupe
Flame - Shimmering copper
Depth - Matte cocoa
Copperlight - Warm chestnut
Smoked - Deep chocolate
Most of the shadows have great colour payoff and are quite pigmented with the exception of the darker shades surprisingly. These work better under the lash line rather than over the lid as I found them separating otherwise. Some of the eyeshadows do have a bit of fall out but most of them stay surprisingly pigmented.  The palette is Paraben Free, Cruelty Free and Vegan Friendly
Like I mentioned, the palette is still available from SoSue's website and from pharmacies nationwide. To buy online click >HERE< to get it for just €23.96 or >HERE< for €27.50 from Cloud10Beauty.


Slán!

10 April 2018

Dia daoibh!

So today, it's back to skincare.  In general, my skin is typically "normal" but at times it can sometimes feel quite dehydrated.  I had ran out of my previous moisturiser so I popped into my local Lloyds Pharmacy and saw these Eucerin ones on sale.  Initially, I just bought the night time one, but was so impressed, I returned to buy the day time moisturiser and lip balm also. Here's a round up of of each.
Eucerin is a German brand founded by a pharmacist, so all products in the brand are scientifically & clinically tested & proven.  They have a range of products, but the line I purchased all contain... wait for it!..... urea! Ring any bells? You might recognise this word as being pee BUT fear not, there are different types of urea, and the one used in skincare, isn't actually urine, as it's made from a synthetic sources! Phew!! 

The sciency bit!!

Urea exists in all body fluids & tissues & is an important part of skin's natural moisturising factor. In many dry skin conditions, natural urea levels are reduced, leading to further moisture loss. By replenishing this active ingredient, urea effectively relieves itching &skin dryness. Unlike many other skincare "miracles", once applied to the skin, it doesn't just lay on top. It actually penetrates & is absorbed so that it can retain water &then increases the capacity of the skin to hold moisture and rehydrate.
The day time Eucerin face moisturiser isn't overly thick, so it works well under my make up, but still gives me enough moisture so that any dry patches are concealed.

The night time version, however, is  different story.  I was really impressed with this one.  It's much more rich & a lot thicker in consistency - something that I love in an evening moisturiser as I feel it seeps into the skin as I sleep. When I woke up the next morning, my skin was noticeably softer & felt really hydrated and smooth. 
I'm a big matte liquid lipstick lover, so I apply lip balm every single night before bed to keep my lips moisturised,  This one is also nicely thick &a little goes a long way. I tend to get cracked lips at the corners of my mouth & this worked a treat at easing the sting.
In the above image, you can see the consistency of each product.  From left to right, starting with the night moisturiser you will notice it is much thicker than the 2nd daytime moisturiser, with the last lip balm being more of a gel balm.  Overall I'm thoroughly impressed.

Pricing

As an added bonus, Eucerin products won't break the bank:

Eucerin Smoothing Face Cream 5% Urea - €9-€10 (currently buy 1 get 1 half price in Boots >HERE< or get it for 25% off on Feel Unique >HERE<)

Eucerin Smoothing Night Creme 5% Urea €10-€11 (but still €6.69 in Lloyds at the moment >HERE<)

Eucerin Intensive  Lip Balm - €7 from SamMcCauleys >HERE< (€4.50 currently out of stock on Inish Pharmacy >HERE< but keep an eye out as it's the lowest price I've seen).

Slán!

13 March 2018

Dia daoibh!
So I posted a sneak peek of the newly launched Luna By Lisa Liquid Eyeshadows to my Instagram and Facebook and you voted YES to a review, so let's get started!!
If you're new to Luna by Lisa Jordan, let me tell you a little about her.  Otherwise known as "Just Jordan", Lisa Jordan is a professional makeup artist and fashion & image consultant from Cork City.  She launched her beauty line ''Luna by Lisa" last September.  So far she has brought out a Lip Gloss collection, a leave in miracle hair treatment and her newest venture is with her liquid eyeshadows, which is what we will be taking a look at today.  

Described as a "Liquid Pigment for everyone" the two liquid eyeshadows come together in one set priced at €25 - shades Rose Quartz and Midnight Onyx.  On first impression, I was a bit apprehensive as to how chunky the glitter looked in them, but nonetheless, I caved and picked them up!
MIDNIGHT ONYX is described as "A smoky midnight grey embellished with silver glitter, this sultry shade is perfect for adding drama to your look. Easy to wear and apply, Midnight Onyx will soon become your go-to shade for after dark".
ROSE QUARTZ is described as a "soft rose liquid pigment enhanced with ultimate shine and showstopping sparkle. An adaptable shade that works with any eye colour – wear Rose Quartz and shine bright every day.
Surprisingly, once I swatched the liquid eyeshadows they didn't feel as grainy as I had thought they might and the glitter was super sparkly.  These wouldn't be for a day to day look - more so for nights out! In the image above you can see that the liquid eyeshadows can be applied directly from the doe foot applicator (blend with a brush or your finger once it's on the lid) to work on their own, or layered over an eyeshadow. 
The silver sparkles in Midnight Onyx did seem more chunky than the gold sparkles in Rose Quartz which blended down more evenly.  In certain lights, Midnight Onyx did look a little on the green side than the black/grey but this will depend on whether you apply it over a shadow or not.  Rose Quartz is definitely my favourite out of the two (sidenote: it's not rose gold in colour..... just gold!)

One word of advise though.  Don't layer this product, as it will break up. For testing purposes I applied one layer, then went in to see if I could add a second to intensify it.  Once it's dried on the lid, leave it be. Otherwise you'll end up with something like this!!
I have to say, I was a bit dubious to begin with because they are quite sparkly but.... I do like them.  I think in particular they will suit people who find glitter/powder pigments too difficult or messy to work with.  These liquid piments will add lots of glitz to your eye look in seconds and for that, they are quite unique.  

The Liquid Eyeshadows were released into pharmacies nationwide last week. So far they are available online from the >Luna website<  >Meaghers Pharmacy< and >SamMcCauley< websites.  

Slán!

10 January 2018

Dia daoibh!
If you follow me on >Snapchat< or >Instagram Stories< you will know that I have been suffering from dehydration - my lips are cracked, my skin is tight and my body is, in general, lacking in the H2O department (I blame the Christmas and New Year celebrations....).  I've been using the Bioderma Hydrabio Mask and wanted to share my thoughts as there are not as many masks available for dry or dehydrated skin as there is for say the likes of oily or blemish prone skin. Here we go.
So, first up; the claims.  Bioderma state that the Hydrabio Mask provides deep-down, long-lasting moisture during periods of extreme dehydration. Second on the list of ingredients is Glycerin (also known as "glycerol" if you want to keep an eye out for it when you're buying a new skincare product) - an ingredient that attracts water to your skin from the air around you and locks it into the skin. It's a skincare ingredient that is compatible with all skin types and people of all ages so I was delighted to see it was high up in the list of the Hydrabio Mask.  Although the mask does contain fragrance, there is no offensive smell (barely detectable in fact) and thankful didn't seem to have a negative effect on my skin.
It is advised to use the mask daily for the first week and then as often as you need it after that.  It's advised to be used regularly at the beginning so that something called the "Aquagenium biological complex" can re-train the skin to generate the hydration essential to its natural balance and to lock it in on its surface..... Now I don't know about all that.  In my opinion just whack it on for a few goes in a row and see how your skin is feeling after that.
Personally, the mask reacted very well with my skin.  Please keep in mind that skincare will work differently on my skin than yours so don't take this as me swearing that it will work for you!!  It left my skin feel super soft and looked and felt plumped and thankfully it eased the tight feeling of my skin..  It's advised to apply a thick layer and leave on for 10 minutes.  The thing about this mask is that is doesn't "set" or harden on the skin.  The consistency of the mask is a mix between a lotion and a cream so it stays feeling moisturised whilst on the skin.  It basically just looks like a moisturiser that isn't fully rubbed in yet!
You can remove any excess with a cotton pad.  Personally, most of the mask actually absorbed into my skin (I'm tellin ya.... dehydration central over here!!) but after about 2 weeks of using it on and off there has been a bit left over afterwards.  In the application instructions it says to remove any excess product with a cotton pad but I really didn't like this as it seemed to go bitty on my skin which I hope you can see in the image above. If I do want to remove it completely from my skin, I wipe it off with a warm facecloth and moisturise after.  The mask is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic so is suitable for those with sensitive skin also.
The Bioderma Hydrabio Masque is priced at a quite reasonable €13 and is available in most pharmacies nationwide.  You can buy online from >Cloud10Beauty<


Slán!

The above product was sent to me from the brand's PR team for reviewing purposes. All opinions above are completely my own, 100% honest thoughts on the product.

04 January 2018

Dia daoibh!
Just within the last few days of 2017, I received what was probably THEE most exciting package I had received all year... the brand new release from my favourite make up brush brand, the Blank Canvas Cosmetics Magnimarble Set.  The set goes beyond just looking stunning.....
Ok, lets start with the obvious; the design.  I don't know when or why white marble became so crazily popular within 2017, but I'm fully on board the band wagon! Each brush has a beautiful copper and white marble design.
Now, like I said, it's not just about the design; it's about the "hidden" function of the base of each brush.  As you will see, each brush is tipped with what looks like a regular rose gold design.  Here's the secret..... it's magnetic! You might be stumped as to why that's a big deal so wait.... there's more.
Within the luxurious and sturdy marble keepsake box is a metal frame.  Because the casing is metal, the tip of each brush can adhere to the base therefore creating an instant and fuss free stand for the full set of brushes.
Not only will your brushes be displayed beautifully, in a row like above, or every second one reversed like in the image below, but it's an ideal way of letting your brushes dry after cleaning.  Because the brushes can hang upside down in the frame, this prevents water from entering the ferrule and extending the lifespan of the brushes!
Included in the set are ten face and eye brushes, which are all multi purpose, but here's  list of what each one works best at:

FACE BRUSHES
MF47 Medium Powder Brush: Ideal to use as a finishing brush for application of blush/powder 
MF38 Duo Fibre Face Brush: Ideal for sculpting, contouring, blending and highlighting the face. 
MF08 Dome Buffing Brush. Ideal for foundation/blush/contour application. 
MF56 Medium Buffer: Perfect to use with liquid, cream or powder products such as concealer/contour/highlight. 
MF35 Small Angled Edge Face Brush: Use to apply or blend concealer, foundation, cream contour, and powder products. 
MF49 Jumbo Buffer: Ideal for buffing concealer/foundation to smaller areas. 
MF48: Flat Concealer Brush. Use with cream or liquid products. 

EYE BRUSHES 
ME04 Flat Shader: Ideal for applying or shading product. Also great for applying lip product.
ME45 Duo Fibre Eye Blender: Amazing eyeshadow blending brush. Great for concealer too. 
ME11 Brow/Liner Brush: Perfect for brow grooming or applying liner to the lash line. Great with powder/gel/cream product. 
I am beyond impressed with the design and quality of the Magnimarble set.  The full set including gift box, metal frame, 7 face brushes and 3 eye brushes retails for €99.95 from >INISH PHARMACY< or €100 at  >BLANK CANVAS COSMETICS<, or >MEAHERS PHARMACY<

Slán,
The above products were sent to me from the Blank Canvas Cosmetics team for reviewing purposes. All opinions above are completely my own, 100% honest thoughts on the product.

20 July 2017

Dia daoibh!


Primark, or Penneys as it's known here in Ireland, recently launched their PS Pro Lip Kit Matte Collection.  This is basically a dupe for the Kylie Jenner Lip Kit which is available for a substantially larger amount of money.
In the review video below, I tried out the shade Chocolate Brownie. It also comes in a lighter nude shade called Cookie Dough.  They're priced at €4 and available in store now (if you're lucky enough to get your hands on one).  They've also since come out with a matte metallic range.



Slán!

22 May 2017

29 April 2017

23 April 2017

Dia daoibh!
Today I'm here with my two absolute favourite skincare items of the month.  Kinvara is an Irish, oil based skincare brand - amazing for anyone looking for a bit of moisturisation and hydration for their skin.  I've been trying out two award winning products; the Kinvara Absolute Cleansing Oil and their 24HR Rosehip Face Serum. I'm obsessed.  As with all of my skincare reviews, I have been trying these products for about a month and have had no bad reactions.... at all,; only positive. 

04 April 2017

Dia daoibh!
Today I'm here to fill you in on the reinvigorated and iconic Teint Idole Ultra Wear by Lancôme; formally known as Teint Idole Ultra 24h.  In celebration of its 20 years, the brand have given the popular foundation a facelift in the form of a new bottle and additional shades, now totalling 40! I tried out one of the lightest shades, 005 Beige Ivoire. Here's how I got on.

14 March 2017

Dia daoibh!
Today I'm here with a nail post and it's on falsies by Elegant Touch. This 'Totally Bare Mixed Nails' bumper set, in particular, caught my eye as it includes three different shapes - Stilletto, Oval and Square.  As I'm not a regular false nail wearer, I thought this would be an ideal set to try out to decide which shape I prefer.  If you do know what shape is your fav, then these sets also come individually with each shape too.  

27 February 2017

Dia daoibh!
Last year, L'Oreal launched the Pure Clay range of facemasks. The range went down a storm with skincare fans.  Just recently, they have launched 3 matching face washes.  I introduce to you,the L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Purity Wash, Glow Scrub and Detox Wash.
First off, the packaging. Each face wash comes in a 150ml, pastel army green squeezy tube. The Pure Clay Purity and Pure Clay Detox are both face washes. The green Purity version is more of a cream wash and the blue Detox version is more of a gel wash.  They are both soap-free so your skin won't be left with that tight feeling after washing. The Pure Clay Detox is a a scrub containing little microbeads.

Each of the three face washes contain the following 3 clays:
 Kaolin- a highly effective natural clay, known to absorb impurities and excess sebum 
Montmorillonite- rich in minerals, a clay recognised for helping to eliminate imperfections 
Ghassoul- a pure clay highly concentrated in minerals, renowned to help clarify complexion 

Purity Wash - for a purified deep clean

This one contains Eucalyptus extract, which known for its purifying properties. It aims to give you clearer, fresher skin, without shine. Its non-drying gel texture transforms into a light foam, eliminating impurities and excess oil, and visibly reducing shine. 

Benefits - skin is deeply cleansed and purified, with excess oil reduced.

Glow Scrub - for a healthy glow

This scrub contains Red Algae extract and exfoliating micro-beads for brighter, smoother and fresher skin.. Its non-drying texture transforms into a light foam and releases the micro-beads, which exfoliate impurities and dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and brighter. 
Red Algae- known for its brightening properties and will leave your skin with a healthy glow.

Benefits - skin feels deeply cleansed, purified and refined. Pores feel tighter. With continued use, skin is visibly transformed, smoother and has an even, healthy glow.

Detox Wash - to draw out impurities for a skin detox

This gel wash contains Charcoal for clearer, fresher skin.. The dark tinted blue gel transforms into a light foam once in contact with water, which detoxifies the skin's surface by capturing impurities, including excess oil and make-up residue. Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out impurities from the skin

Benefits - skin is deeply cleansed and purified

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

Each of the Purity Clay washes are priced at €7.99 in Boots but I found them for €6.85 from Inish Pharmacy >HERE< plus use promo code FITZNBITZ for an 10% off that!

Slán!

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