Nivea's Newest Shower Treat

I am a pamper princess without a doubt. I love anything that allows me to spend extra time preening myself in the mornings. So when I seen the new Nivea In-Shower Moisturiser I wasn't too push on trying it because I though firstly, that it would cut out my favourite morning ritual of moisturising from head to toe and secondly, I thought it wouldn't moisturise me as well as a normal body butter would. But my blogger instinct to try all things new got the better of me and I picked it up not expecting too much.

So what exactly is it I hear you say? Well basically its a body lotion that you use in the shower after washing yourself with your shower gel. It needs to be applied to wet skin as the lotion is activated by water. Once you have it rubbed in you can then rinse it off and there is no need to moisturise after getting out of the shower, handy huh?

Well, what did I think of it? I actually love this product. It really does moisturise my skin very well and although it feels remarkably strange not applying moistuiser to my dry skin after the shower there really is no need to. My skin stays hydrated all day long and the best thing about this product is that it leaves 0% sticky residue on my skin.....or on my shower tray when I come to think of it! It couldn't be easier to use. The no fuss flip cap makes squeezing the products while you have soaking wet hands very simple and the lotion itself has a light texture but not too running so it doesn't run off your hands and down the plug hole.

If you are a fan of the infamous Nivea scent then you won't be disappointed with this purchase because it well and truly smells like the old school moisturisers I used when I was a teenager.

Another thing I was a little anxious about was that I thought it wouldn't work well with my fake tan and would lift some of it off but infact I think it makes it last longer if anything.

Nivea's In-Shower Moisturiser is available in both Dry and Normal skin formulas. I only tried the dry skin formula. I don't really have dry skin on my body but love nothing more than a really hydrating body lotion so thought it best to opt for this version. This product comes in a 250ml or a 400ml bottle and is on offer at the moment in Boots or on www.boots.ie.

Overall, I am really impressed with this purchase. I don't use it everyday because as I said before I love to make my morning time routine as long as possible but I definitely adore this for mornings when I am in a rush because I feel that I am not compromising a step in my routine as I still get great hydration from this. I don't think it would be great for anyone with really scaly dry skin but for everyone else I think its a must have.....

Nail Art Tutorial- Polka Dots

Hello Ladies, as promised I have photographed a nail tutorial for a simple but very popular type of nail art, Polka Dots. 

What you will need:
-A nail file
-A base coat (I use OPI Original Nail Envy Nail Strengthener. Its a great base coat but adds strength to the nails too).
-A colour of your choice or if you prefer a colour for each nail. I have choosen 4 different shades (I only did 4 nails). I choose Dare to Wear nail polish in "Old New Borrowed Blue", "First Love", "Moon River" and "Butterflies".
-A white nail polish
-A hard surface to place the white nail polish onto
-A dotting tool
-A top coat (I adore Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.


So lets get started:

      STEP ONE: File nails to your preferred shape and choose your favourite nail colours.

                                    STEP TWO: Apply one coat of the base coat to all nails

STEP THREE: Apply two coats of your chosen nail polish to each nail and leave to dry

STEP FOUR: Apply some of the white polish to a hard surface. This is to allow you to pick up the white polish easily with the dotting tool

STEP FIVE: Pick up a small amount of the white varnish on the dotting tool and apply two small dots to the top of your first nail. Then apply three dots in between the two dots that you just applied, then two dots, then three until you reach the end of your nail. Using this method gives a much more even application and looks much more professional. The dots don't have to be exactly the same size but it looks better if they are similar.

STEP SIX: Finally apply a coat of the fast drying top coat and allow to dry. Enjoy your new design.

So that's it ladies, seems simple and it really is when you get used to it but it can take practice. Let me know if you like these type of posts and I will be sure to do more for you in the future. Enjoy the rest of your day whatever you get up to. xxxx

Foundation 101: Right Tools for the Job

Following on from my last blog post Foundation 101:Choosing the right one next up is a post on the the different types of tools available to apply your favourite foundation. Hopefully this will be useful to you. 

The market is flooded with all types of tools/brushes to apply your foundation with. I have tried a lot of them and found that in their own little way they are all very useful and all provide different finishes. Here is a breakdown of what tools give what finishes:

Sigma F60 Foundation Brush

-The Flat Synthetic Foundation Brush-This is used almost like a paint brush, painting the products onto the face. This will give a fuller coverage. When using this make sure to blend the foundation well as it is very easy to miss an area of the face.  If not blended well it can also leave streaks on the face so be sure to blend any lines out with a sponge or fingers after application. There are a lot of good brushes on the market but one of my favourite is the Sigma F60 Foundation brush. These can be bought online on various websites.

Top: Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki and Bottom: Real Techniques Buffing Brush

-Kabuki Brush- This is a relatively new tool to apply foundation with but in my eyes it’s the BEST. These brushes have dense tapered bristles which means that they will give a full coverage application. There are synthetic kabuki brushes which are used for liquid and cream products and natural haired ones which are used for application of powder or mineral makeup.  Kabuki’s come in all shapes and sizes but the two which I love the most are the Real Techniques Buffing Brush (from the Core Collection) and the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush. They give amazing coverage and you only need a small amount of product. Full coverage that’s easy on the pocket……sold!!!!!!

Sigma F50 Fibre Brush

-The Duo Fibre Brush- This was my fav brush until the Kabuki’s came along. They are still great for applying liquid foundations and will give an air-brushed effect if you buff the product in a circular motion onto the skin. However, in my eyes they don’t come close to the Kabuki for full coverage but if you want medium coverage then this is your baby! I haven’t given up on this brush completely though as I use it on a daily basis for applying my bronzer. If you want a strong contoured bronze look this wouldn’t be the brush to use but if you want to just add a natural glow to the skin using a powder bronzer then this will do the job. This brush is also great for applying mineral makeup.  Again much love for Sigma as you just cannot beat their F50 Duo Fibre brush.

-A sponge- Used damp this will give a sheer finish to the skin or can be applied more heavily in places by dabbing the product onto the skin to get a heavier coverage (often this is only needed on the cheek area). However, the sponge does soak up a lot of product and so can waste a lot of product! Not to mention the fact that they aren’t particularly good for the environment if you are constantly throwing them away. They can also hold bacteria if you reuse them without washing them. I do love sponges for blending out any harsh lines left after cream products though!! Any brand will do the job in this case. 

Beauty Blender

-The beauty blender- This is egg shaped and does the same thing as the sponge except it provides a more seamless finish with less waste as it doesn’t absorb the product. This is a haven for bacteria too  so be sure to clean this regularly. Full review on the beauty blender coming very soon.

I hope this was of some help to you. I know choosing the best tool for foundation application isn't an easy task and I hope this little post has helped you get to grips with it a little better. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. xxxx

Foundation 101: Choosing the right one

Beautiful Image from www.beccacosmetics.com

Every girl wants the infamous flawless face and it is this that makeup artists and women across the globe strive to achieve everyday. The flawless face can involve any or all of the following basic products:

1)Primer

2)Foundation

3)Concealer

4)Powder

The main area that causes women the most heart-ache is trying to find the right foundation for their skin(colour and formulation). This post is here to help you with choosing the right foundation for you.

If you are going to wear foundation, primer is a must. Put a cent-size amount in your palm, spread it over your fingers and gently massage the product over your entire face, just as you would your moisturiser. If you have sensitive eyes avoid this area, however if you can tolerate it it is a great base for your eye makeup (there is also a specific eyelid primer available, check back here for future posts about eye makeup application). Primer seals in your moisturiser and provides a smooth surface for foundation. It also keeps your makeup from being absorbed by the skin, giving your makeup greater staying power throughout the day. I am a big fan of Inglot's Under Makeup Base, read my full review here.

In order to choose the best foundation for your skin type we need to look at two things 1)The colour of the foundation and 2)The formulation of the product.

1)CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR OF FOUNDATION:

To be sure you have got the perfect shade for you, pick three colours from the same range that are closest to your complexion tone. Put a small stripe of each on the skin right above the jawline. The one that seems to disappear is the best colour for you. Its also advisable to look at this in a natural sun light as the artificial lights of shops can be deceiving. Be sure to carry a hand mirror when shopping for foundation so you can go outside and look at the foundation in the natural light. Also do not be afraid to ask the sales assistant for a sample of the product so you can take it home and try it in your own comfort. This is highly recommended for anyone with oily/combination skin as alot of foundations tend to mix with the oils in your skin and get darker as they settle into the skin. If this is the case you may need to go a shade lighter to compensate for this. 

If your skin colour on your face, neck and chest do not match, you may have to adjust the foundation for them to blend evenly. You can bring all the tones in line by adding a darker foundation or tinted moisturiser to your existing foundation so your face can match a darker chest for example. You can also use this trick in the summer if you have a nice tan and your foundation doesn't match your skin anymore or also if you protect your face but have a tan elsewhere. Adding a touch of liquid bronzer (Estee Lauder do a beautiful one) to your foundation adds a sunkissed look to your skin. This can also be done with a liquid highlighter which will add some light reflecting particles to your foundation to give you a glowing look (but be careful not to overdo it as this can look very shiny if too much is applied). Also adding a moistuiser to a foundation makes the consistency more sheer and often people like this during the day and then use the foundation at night when heavier coverage is wanted.

2)CHOOSING THE RIGHT FORMULATION FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE:

There are 7 main textures of foundation. Each one is specially formulated to meet the needs of specific skin types.

1. Cream Foundation is ideal for: Normal, combination and dry skin. There are also oil free cream foundations which are perfect for oilier skins. It is especially well suited for women with uneven pigmentation and acne, or those requiring a heavier coverage.

Coverage: Medium to full.

Finish: Dewy to Matte depending on product you choose. The oil free formulas tend to be more mattifying.

What it does: Covers and conceals discolorations and  imperfections on the skin providing a flawless finish.

Application: Use a make up sponge or a foundation/kabuki brush.

Example of Foundation: Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation

2. Liquid Foundation is ideal for: All Skin types, if you have very oily skin you should only use oil free liquid foundations. It is especially well suited for dry or mature skin.

Coverage: Light to medium

Finish: Dewy, satin or matte depending on the formulation.

What it does: Evens out the skin tone by smoothing out any unevenness. It also provides added moisture to the skin.

Application: Use a make up sponge or a foundation/kabuki brush.

Example of Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Fluid

3. Pressed powder foundation is ideal for: Oily skin

Coverage: Medium to Full.

Finish: Matte.

What it does: Evens out the skin tone, hides imperfections and absorbs excess oil.

Application: Use a powder/kabuki brush. The denser the bristles, the more product will be deposited on the skin.

Example of Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Powder

4. Mineral foundation is ideal for: All skin types. It is especially well suited for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.

Coverage: Light to medium

Finish: Matte.

What it does: Evens out the skin tone, moisturizes, protects and absorbs excess oil.

Application: Use a kabuki brush to buff it on.

Example of Foundation: Bare Minerals Powders

5. Tinted Moisturiser is ideal for: Normal and dry skin. It is especially well suited for those who need extra hydration and just a touch of color to pull everything together.

Coverage: Sheer to light.

What it does: Lightly evens out the skin tone, while giving a “no make up” look.

Application: Use a foundation brush or your clean fingers.

Example of Foundation: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

6. Stick Foundation is ideal for: All skin types (except oily)

Coverage: Medium to Full

What it does: Can be used to even out the skin only in areas where coverage is needed or can be blended all over the face for a more full coverage finish.

Application: Apply from the stick and blend with a damp makeup sponge

Example of Foundation: Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation

7: BB Creams are ideal for : All skin types as there is a formula for every skin type

Coverage: Sheer to Light

What it does: Provides a small amount of coverage while at the same time has added skincare benefits. It's an all round product that replaces moisturisers, serums and tinted moisturisers in your daily routine

Application: Apply with clean fingers or for more coverage apply with a Kabuki brush

Example of Foundation: Dr Jart+ BB Cream

Whatever your skin type, you have a variety of choices. Pick the one that is best for you and start reaping the benefits today.

I really hope you found this post helpful and stay tuned for my next few posts in the foundation 101 series. Still to come is the best tools to apply your foundation with and then my tried and tested foundations which will give you an insight into my honest opinion of the foundations I have tried throughout the years.

Have a wonderful day xxxx

No7's latest lip lovelies

I am not a massive fan of BB Creams in general. There are two BB Creams for the face which I love but that's about it. So I was a little skeptical when I seen that Boots No7 had launched their new BB Lips. But a friend of mine was kind enough to purchase one for me so I was more than happy to give it a go! 

The colour I received was Berry Rose which is a bright reddish colour. I am more of a neutral lippy gal (I am getting better though) so I was a little scared of this colour but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The colour is quiet sheer and so is very workable for a bright lippy virgin like myself. I was so impressed with this one that I decided to purchase one which was more on the neutral side which I could wear to work everyday and really give this new discovery a thorough testing. The shade I purchased was Blink Pink and because I had No7 vouchers I ended up getting it for €6.50 (normally €11). I really love this colour, its a bright pink summery colour and great for everyday.        
                                                                           

                 

So what did I actually think of the product? Overall, I really do like these products. I am a big fan of lipbalms but also love coloured lipgloss and I think this product gives me the best of both worlds. The colour is sheer but not too sheer that it is not noticeable on the lips. The thick consistency is so moisturising and even after the product wears off (I do wish they were a little bit more long wearing) my lips still feel really hydrated and smooth which is not easy to find even in an expensive lip balm. I have definitely noticed a difference in the condition of my lips after using this product for a few days continuously. The main thing I like about this product is that it is not sticky in anyway, it has a lovely creamy texture so you don't have to deal with the dreaded hair stuck to lips look (not a good one when you are trying to strut your stuff down Grafton Street on a Saturday afternoon). 

Where does the BB claim come in I hear you say? Well this is definitely hydrating and nourishing for the lips and it also contains SPF 15 and UVA protection so I presume that is what the BB Claim is all about.

I have used a similar product to this before from Clairns. In fact there is very little difference between the two in my opinion apart from the fact that Clairns Instant Light Lip Perfector has a sponge applicator whereas No7's has a plastic one which in my opinion is much more hygienic  Oh and also Clairns offering is €17 euro as opposed to €11.  

No7 have really got it right with this new launch. It's exactly what we all should be looking for in a summer lip product, moisturising, a touch of colour and SPF protection. Tick, Tick, Tick. Well done No7, you have me hooked. 

Makeup for mature women

A friend of mine was very curious to see what makeup she could buy for her mam who doesn't wear alot so I decided to turn it in to a blog post and share my views on this subject with you all.

-The main issue that women face as they get older is that their skin begins to age. Some get wrinkles, sagging skin and also their skin looses the glow that it once had. The main way we identify if someone looks older is by their skin and so it's essential that when applying makeup that you keep your skin looking fresh and glowing. It is also important to ensure that the skin is well hydrated by applying moisturisers both day and night and also drinking plenty of water

-Starting with the base I would recommend a BB Cream for a fresh faced look. It will come of no surprise that I would recommend the Dr Jart+ range of BB Creams. If you would prefer something with a little more coverage then I would suggest something like the Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation which gives a beautiful glow to the skin without looking too heavy.

-Dark under eye bags and circles can be a big telltale sign of older eyes so applying a peachy based concealer will correct any dullness and brighten this area. You will not believe the difference this step makes. Bobbi Brown have amazing peach toned concealers but I am a big fan of the Corrector Wheels and a great one to try is the Sonya Colour Corrector wheel which is available from a Forever Living representative (contact me for details on your nearest stockist).

-As skin ages it may develop pigmentation and broken capillaries etc. The Sonya Concealer palette is great as it contains 5 different concealer colours which will help correct all of these issues. Be sure to use the green, purple and yellow under your foundation. And this little kit comes with instructions so its very handy indeed.

-Strong blush is a big no no for women of age at it will add years on to you before you know it. Peach tones suit most skintones so I would suggest using a cream blush like Boujours Cream Blush in 01 or 02 depending on how strong you would like the blush to be. Also applying it right onto the top part of the apples of the cheeks will make the cheeks appear more lifted and youthful.

-If you want to add bronzer I would suggest adding a cream or liquid bronzer in very small amounts. Again Boujour's Bronzing Primer would be my choice for all ages. My review is here.

-To set the makeup apply a small amount of loose or mineral makeup only on the t-zone area (forehead, nose and chin) as we want to try keep the skin looking as fresh and glowing as possible so caking it with powder products really isn't a good idea.

-Filling in eyebrows is a must for everyone but especially for older women. Lightly fill in your eyebrows with an angeled brush and a brow powder remembering to keep it looking as natural as possible. If you are unsure of what colour to choose start with the lightest shade and add more as you go along. The MUA Pro Brow kit is an excellent kit as it contains 3 eyebrow colours, a brow wax and a mini tweezers and brush. Well maintained brows is also essential so ensure you keep them trimmed and even tinted if you wish.

-Now on to the eyes. I do not like to see older women with alot of eye makeup. I think it ages the person considerably. As you get older the main focus should be on creating beautiful youthful skin. However to make up the eyes I would suggest using an eyeshadow base (or a lightweight concealer) all over the lids to correct any discolouration on the eyelids. I adore Mac's Painterly paint pot as an eyebase. Then for the eyeshadow itself I would always opt for a neutral toned eyeshadow all over the lid. A peach, light brown or taupe colour is very flattering for older eyes. Also applying a matte slightly darker brown eyeshadow on the outer corners of the eyes and in the eye sockets will help lift the eye and make them appear more youthful. In the MUA brow kit their are some really nice matte brown colours which could be used to blend into the crease.

-Lining the waterline with a nude toned eyeliner is an amazing way to brighten up the eyes. I would recommend Rimmels scandaleyes waterproof kohl in the shade nude.

-A great tip to make the lashes appear thicker is to line the eyes with a brown (less harsh than black) eyeliner  and really work this in between the lashes to give the eyes some definition.

-Curling the eyelashes will help make the eyes appear wide awake and then apply a decent coat of your favourite mascara. I tend to like the Max Factor mascaras for older women as they always have extra vitamins added in to help nourish lashes.

-Keep the lips very subtle buy ensure that the products used are very moisturising. I love Revon Lip butters or Cliniques chubby sticks to add a little colour and at the same time moisturise the lips.Again peach tones will be most natural and flattering looking on most skintones.

Well thats all for this blog post. I really hope you find this useful and please pass it on to anyone who you think might find it useful. It really is less is more when applying makeup to a woman who has age on her side. Caking makeup is not a good look on anyone but especially not on older skin as it will add years on to the person.

Take Care xxxx

June 2013 Favourites

I bought ALOT of new products in June because I was lucky enough to go to London for IMATS. However,as that was towards the end of June I didn't have time to test alot of the products yet so I cannot give my honest opinion on them yet. However, I did fall in love with one or two of them instantly so I think I will have to give them a mention below.

So lets get going.

My skin is misbehaving alot lately. One minute its dry and next I am full of zits, YUK!! The two masks I have  reached for time and time again in June (and in every other month since I purchased them a while back) is the Una Brennan's Superfacialist Rose Hydrate and Tea Flower Deep Clean Masks. Read my full review on these here. These really are amazing masks and are very reasonably priced. When I use these I feel I am using professional quality products but without the steep price tag.

Picture from www.michaeltoddtrueorganics.com

Keeping with skincare again. I am nothing less than obsessed with the Michael Todd Intense Organic Eyecream. I have searched long and hard for a great eyecream that I can wear both night and day and that actually makes a difference to my dehydrated eyes. Oh boy have I found it!!!! This eyecream has a very light texture so it can be worn during the day and doesn't cake your under-eye concealers but at the same time it is so hydrating and the minute I put this on I can see the fine lines (yes I have some) reduce significantly. I will definitely be sticking with this for the foreseeable future. Michael Todd is an american brand I discovered in the last few months and I cannot get over the quality of the skincare for the price they charge. You should take a look if you are in the market for a new skincare regime. I will do a blogpost in the future about this brand and my favs from the range.

Pic from www.stila.co.uk

Moving on to makeup....... I only bought this palette in London but I am seriously in love. I dare to say it but for me its the nicest neutral palette I have ever owned, and boy do I own a few! The Stila in the lights palette consists of (for me) the perfect mix of shimmery and matte shades that allow you to create endless eye looks.  Need I say more.....maybe I will in an upcoming blog post.

Another favourite of mine this month is the eyeliner that comes with the Stila in the lights palette. Its called Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in the shade Damsel and it is the perfect deep brown colour that really compliments the palette well but the most important thing is it stays put for a long time, even on the waterline. Two favourites in one....loving this palette.

I wrote about the Boujour Bronzing Primer in my Summer Lovin' blogpost in mid June. I am crazy about this product. I use it over my foundation as a cream bronzer. It in no way makes my skin look orange or cakey but instead really just makes my skin look radiant and healthy. I will use this even in the winter!!! I am sure of it. Because my skin is breaking out a good bit I am avoiding using fake tan on my face at the moment just incase it irritates it and so I find this is great to help even out the colour of my face to my body.

Pic from www.feelunique.com 

Some days I get oily skin (even though I wouldn't have oily skin...I know skin drama). Soooo to keep this at bay I am loving the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Shade 001 Translucent. This seriously is one of the best oil control powders on the market and it costs like €5.99 (I actually found this here for €4.99, BARGAIN). I would say Rimmel powders in general are a definite must have for every makeup bag. They are great quality for a teeny tiny price.

Pic from www.maccosmetics.com

Mac's Cultured Lipglass has been a fav of mine for a while now but I seem to have become obsessed with it in June. Its the "perfect" pink shade of gloss that just adds sex appeal to your pout without being OTT and dramatic looking.

Pic from www.cocoabrown.ie

I am not into the overly bronzed look lately. I really love having a tan but I hate the "you've been tangoed" look that some girls adore. Instead I love to look naturally golden. I think it suits me (and most people) better and the fake tan seems to wear off better if its not layered too much. To achieve this look I am using the Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan which I reviewed here. This is such an easy tan to use but gives a lovely tan without looking overly fake and unnatural.

Pic from www.theperfumeshop.com

My favourite scent of the month is Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum. What can I say??? You need to smell this to experience it's beauty. The only way I can describe this scent is that it's an oriental floral type scent that to me screams strong sexy woman. And the packaging keeps with the strong sexy team, I just adore the lid, it reminds me of a crown.....

Ok so that's it for my monthly favourites. I just want to mention quickly that I am still loving and using the below products which I have mentioned in previous monthly favourites. This is a true testament to these products because I try ALOT of new products so to continue using something is a big deal and really means that it really works well for me.
I still love all the products mentioned in my April Favourites aswell as the MUA pro brow kit, the Sigma Mrs Bunny Collection (full review here) and Avon's supershock gel liner pencil from my February Favourites. I do still like the other products mentioned in my favourites but I have either found a better alternative or am currently testing another product of this type...stay tuned for updates in the future!

Well I think I have done enough rambling for one day. I hope you all enjoyed the post and be sure to let me know your favourites for this month. Have a beautiful day no matter what you get up to xxxx