THE BATTLE OF THE TAN REMOVERS

Fake tan removal is without a doubt the biggest, most tedious beauty chore of them all. As a self-proclaimed fake tan fiend, it has always been a duty I too often avoid and exclude from my weekly routine, but with throwing intense exfoliators into my pamper line-up it has been made relatively easy..

*/ COCOA BROWN TOUGH STUFF 3-IN-1 BODY SCRUB - EXFOLIATION AND TAN REMOVAL IN ONE (LINK)

Described as a 'no-nonsense body scrub', this offering from reknowned fake tan brand Cocoa Brown removes any old tan while also creating an even canvas to re-apply your bronze. Coming in as a liquid with grain particles it delivers a more intense exfoliation to that of it's competitors while carrying Cocoa Brown's signature floral scent. Used on dry skin you obtain optimum results while the scrub feels a little more harsh, not particularly ideal for sensitive skin. It also works wonders when used on damp skin for a more gentle exfoliation scrubbing in circular motions with or without a loofah to relieve any dead skin cells. For ensuring old patches of tan that haven't faded quite as quick as others are banished pre re-tan or for exfoliating the skin so that a flawless application ensues this is your best-bet, while for removing areas of extremely stubborn tan it may fall a little short.

*/ NO MORE DRAMAS SELF TAN REMOVER - STUBBORN TAN REMOVAL AT IT'S BEST (LINK)*

A body scrub specifically designed to remove self tan, it comes in a sugar scrub formulation to help erase even the most long-lasting, persistent tans. Due to it's much thicker formula, those with any slight sensitivity to the skin should stay away, as this is incredibly harsh on the skin and may cause irritation. Again with the thicker consistency, it proves a little more difficult to work with than the aforementioned, but when used on damp skin and slightly warmed up between the palm of your hands to merge the particles together and then rubbed into the skin in circular motions it really does work. For optimum results, use with an exfoliating glove to bid farewell to any signs of your faux-glow and release your inner pasty goddess. Without a doubt it's one for the hardcore tanners, one to quickly remove your tan before your early Monday morning shift and one to quickly banish and correct any tan errors to recommence the tanning process before anyone catches a glimpse. While it too can be used as an exfoliator for pre-tan prep, i feel it comes in a little too harsh for my skin, and if it was to be used for such purpose i would stick to the rough areas - knees, elbows, etc.

For a quick tan fix and the removal of fresh or persistent tan the No More Dramas' offering makes the cut, while for the removal of old lingering tan and an all overall exfoliation pre-tan the Cocoa Brown exfoliator is the go-to.

Have you tried any of these? What is your favourite method of removing fake tan?

* denotes PR samples, full disclaimer here

A SPRING SUITABLE BASE

With Spring upon us, the lust for luminous skin is on. A recent shake up of my routine and a quick shop of my stash and I've sorted that ideal foundation base for the radiant, dewy look we all want this season..

1 / PREP AND PRIME THAT FACE

Radiance wise, this line-up sources it's glow from this unbeatable duo. I like to mix a pea sized amount of both the Osiris CC Cream(a huge love!!) and NYX Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam, to achieve a flawless, illuminated base. The CC Cream works at bluring and smoothing out any imperfections, creating the perfect canvas on which to apply your foundation, while the illuminator injects radiance to the skin.

2 / FOUNDATION

For foundation, this season this little drugstore gem has stolen my heart. The Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr foundation does exactly what it says on the tin and delivers a long lasting finish, albeit not 25 hours(!!) Equipped with SPF 20 its the ideal candidate for this Spring line-up, delivering a medium build-able coverage that feels light and comfortable on the skin, allowing the radiance of the underlying illuminator to subtly peer through. I opt to apply with a buffing brush for a seamless application.

3 / HIGHLIGHT AND CONCEAL

It's all about adding extra dimension and an all over glow to the skin, and to do so we're calling in the Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer. While i still lie a little on the fence with the applicator, this bad boy does comes in a shade lighter than my foundation and thus acts as a highlight. I appply in a V shape under the eye, down the bridge of the nose, on the cupids bow and on the centre of the forehead to highlight these areas. For any imperfections, in comes the Physicians Formula Concealer Duo - the concealing and correcting dream team, hiding the appearance of spots and blemishes, while correcting any areas of redness.

4 / SET AND SPRAY

To me, the dewier the finish, the better. I like to gently set the concealer in place to prevent any slipping as the day progresses, and to do so the Natural Collection Loose Setting Powder comes in. Without mattifying the concealer too much, it sets it in place and prevents eye makeup smudging under the eyes. You can get away with not powdering this foundation without it looking greasy or unfinished, so a quick spray of the NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray to lock the whole base in place and your good to go.

This line-up creates the ultimate basis for the perfect spring look, pair with a subtle bronze, a pop of highlight on the cheek bones for an extra glow and a glossy lip for a beautiful radiant makeup look.

What product line-up is your go-to for the ultimate glowing skin?

THE 7 USES FOR BIO-OIL YOU PROBABLY AREN'T AWARE OF

Whether it's in our mothers' first-aid boxes, our grans' cupboards or in fact present in our very own beauty stashes, bio-oil is without a doubt a hidden gem of many beauty regimes. Forget it's ability to dramatically reduce scaring and stretch marks, this little beauty has much more to offer..

1 / A BATH OIL FOR BEAUTIFULLY SUPPLE SKIN

Gently drizzle a little oil into your bath with your usual bath products for the ultimate pamper evening. Skin will feel hydrated and nourished as the oils' long list of beneficial ingredients(including Vitamin A & E) get to work.

2 / AN UNLIKELY FACE & SKIN MOISTURISER WITH ANTI-AGING BENEFITS

No longer shy away from the image of an oily residue after moisturising  this oil works wonders as a face & body moisturiser. With the aforementioned vitamins A & E work at fighting off any visible signs of aging as you tackle day to day life. On top of that it works at gradually evening out skin tone and reducing blotchiness over time.

3 / A HIGHLIGHT, OR EVEN A PRIMER TO ACHIEVE NATURALLY GLOWING SKIN

Forget your typical powder highlight, gently dab a little bit of Bio-Oil on the tops of cheek bones for a subtle glow sans the usual shimmer chunks. If that's not enough - glow all out and pop the oil on beneath your foundation as a primer, to boost your natural radiance and achieve a foundation finish. Don't fret about any oily residue, the PurCellin Oil present in the formulation has got you covered, seeing Bio-Oil sinking deep into the skin within seconds.

4 / AN AFTER SUN OIL TO SOOTHE SORE SUN BURNT SKIN 

The long line of beneficial ingredients contained in this little bottle of goodness lock in moisture and creates a protective barrier between the suns harmful rays and your delicate skin. Natural botanical ingredients such as camomile extract and rosemary oil soothes the skin back to the norm, promoting a healthy post-sun glow.

5 / A HAIR SERUM TO TAME YOUR MANE

Your typical hair saviour has run out? No fear, Bio-Oil is more than capable of filling the gaping hole in your hair-care routine. Gently smooth a pea sized amount of the oil onto the ends of your hair after washing - as you would with your typical hair oil, then follow with a quick drying for beautiful, silky smooth tresses. 

6 / A SHAVING PRIMER FOR EXTRA SMOOTH PINS

Slather a decent helping of the oil on pre-shaving to soften the skin and create a barrier to help prevent any mishaps and save your skin from the unwanted shaving cuts. It also promotes a smoother for longer shaving finish - soft legs for days!

7 / A MASSAGE OIL TO RELIEVE THE STRESSES OF THE DAY

Massage your way to relaxation with this skin bettering oil. The notes of camomile, lavender and rosemary oils help to relax the senses after a stressful day. The oil also nourishes parched, fatigued skin and simultaneously gives a much needed pamper to your skin, locking in moisture.

The best of beauty is often found in the most basic of products, and for this gem it's no different. Dig this little miracle-worker out of your stash and your skin is guaranteed to reap the benefits or grab Bio-Oil* here to add a little somethin' to your everyday beauty routine.

* denotes PR samples, full disclaimer here

NEW BRAND ON THE BLOCK | ARTISTRY

Artistry is a brand that never appeared on my radar- up until now, with their recent (rather silent) release onto the Irish market. Regardless of my ignorance, it's safe to say they have been making shapes in the industry, earning the title of one of the world's top 5 premium skincare brands they are definitely one to watch. I briefly dabbled into the world of the Artistry makeup range, and here's the verdict;

INDIGO SKIES EYE CRAYON TRIO (£43.05/€51.69)*

One of the latest releases from the brand comes in the form of this eye crayon set, a trio of soft spring shades ranging from a beautiful beige to a deep indigo blue. These eye crayons are the ultimate addition to anybody's collection, with the tip of the pencil being thin enough to act as an eyeliner. The creamy long lasting formulation see's them apply and blend seamlessly before drying to a powder-like finish. Undeniably the one that received the most lovin' was the beige shade, as it works perfectly as an inner corner highlight on both natural and full-on makeup days and it doesn't budge as the day progresses. While the remaining two shades remain a little, different and for the more dramatic-makeup embracing gals of the bunch - however, they will be getting some love as Spring slowly comes into full swing. The formulation is impeccable, but the colour palette of the trio has yet to grow on me and i feel it would not be everybody's cup of tea.

SHEER LIPSTICK IN HONEY (£19.95/€25.10)*

The sleek black casing and gold hardware of this lipstick bares resemblance to that of the Chanel packaging. With a nifty twist and pop removal of the black lid, it's one of the most sophisticated lippies in my collection to date. The beautiful sheer, light-weight formulation of this beautiful rosy colour is the one to convert me from my usual love of liquid lipsticks. It's glossy finish and moisturising formula surprising doesn't slip on the lips and remains in place for a decent period of time. It hasn't particular wowed me with outstanding longevity but due to it's sheer build-able cover, it slowly fades rather than all disappearing at once. It's packaging is not only luxurious, but i too feel their is something about the lipstick it'self that seems very Chanel-esque, and it delivers similar pigmentation and shine to what i'd imagine the Rouge Coco Shine range do (a girl can imagine the feeling of Chanel lipsticks, right?!) Undoubtedly it's the perfect summer formula with it's lightweight moisturising finish for the perfect everyday is a beach day pout. A little note however, the rosy-your-lips-but-better colour may suit the taste of an older, more sophisticated wearer than that of a more daring gal.

Artistry is definitely a brand that has been kept under wraps for far too long, the distinctive black and gold packaging is enough to sell it, and throw the fabulous products that lie beneath the packaging into the mix and well we've got ourselves a real winner. It still remains a brand thats pretty hard to get your mitts on, with it being exclusively available from Amway Ireland and Amway UK and all products featured here are part of their Indigo Skies Spring/Summer 2015 Collection.

* denotes PR samples, full disclaimer here

BEAUTY :: LIP LINER LOVIN'

Lip liners are often a product associated with - particularly in modern day society - overdrawn lips, a craze we simply cannot shake, and one that is plastered all over the majority of our Instagram feeds on a daily basis but one that can look incredible when done right. However, while many of us struggle to pull off the aforementioned look, lip liners can still be our best friends. Giving us longer lasting lip colour, more precise application and a much more vivid colour pay off. 

On a quest to find the ultimate everyday appropriate lip liner, my paths seemed to have diverted seeing me slowly accumulate quite a selection of deep winter shades and i have compiled a brief run down on whats hot and not;

WET N WILD COLOUR ICON LIPLINERS (£1/€1.99)

At a mere €1.99 a piece, these fall in as the cheapest of the bunch, while being runner up in how much product each liner contains. These liners glide on effortlessly without tugging at the lips in any way, delivering a high colour pay off that lasts. As they are not all that drying on the lips, for a natural tint to the lips they could be used for all over, but for an intense colour i like to opt for a lipstick on top. Fab Fuchsia comes in as a rich berry pink shade, which surprisingly works perfect under Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet 07, for a wearable everyday pink. Chestnut on the other hand is a deep coffee shade, with a slight red undertone - ideal for achieving the deep lip of the 90's.
(Now available in a selection of Dunnes Stores throughout Ireland)

MAC LIP PENCILS (£12.50/€16.50)

A range of lip liners said to be sported by Queen Kylie herself. Coming in much greater in price than the aforementioned Wet N Wild offering, these are on the much more luxurious end of the scale. Yes they are good, they deliver and are probably a little more long lasting and creamier than the others in the bunch - yet to me, they really don't excel given the price comparison. I'd happily add more to my collection for the incredible shade range, but for the basic shade the cheaper alternatives can happily do the work. However, Burgundy comes in at a deep red, burgundy shade, obvs - the ultimate offering for a deep vampy lip.  Another thing worth noting: these lip liners really seem to wear down quite rapidly given the hefty price tag.

ESSENCE LIP LINERS (£1.00/€1.69)

On the drier end of the scale, these liners have a tendency to slightly pull and drag on the lips during application. In my opinion the are slightly too drying to use as sole all over the lip colour, but when paired with a lipstick or even lip-balm, they can work. Due to their dry formulation, they remain in place and do not smudge. In terms of colour, Satin Mauve is the ultimate dupe for MAC's Whirl, with a slightly drier formulation. For extremely dry lips, i wouldn't recommend - unless you wish to just outline the lips in preparation for lipstick application. However, for those of us blessed with well moisturised lips there's a possibility a little balm on the top will make it work.

FUSCHIA LIP PENCILS (£10.25/€12.95)*

In complete contrast to the Essence range, Fuschia's selection of lip pencils have an extremely creamy formula, gliding on beautifully. However, this also sees them having a tendency to smudge, particularly immediately after applying. Furthermore, out of them all they appear to have the shortest staying power. I feel it's quite ambitious to sport these entirely on their own, and while they work under lipstick, for me their creamy formula makes for the perfect pencil to use when creating an ombre lip - as they are easier to blend than the norm, with Eggplant - a beautiful purple berry shade -working wonderfully for vampy ombre lips.

It's quite a varied bunch, each liner with different characteristics that lure me in. With such a broad price spectrum, each delivering some similar qualities - it demonstrates that price tags do not influence the quality of your lip-liner line-up.

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

BEAUTY :: YVES ROCHER LE PARFUM COMME UNE EVIDENCE

Yves Rocher, the natural French beauty brand, is a brand that briefly featured round these parts in the late stages of last year, and since then a selection of their products have made it into my daily routine, with their selection of scents becoming my go-to.

The latest of their fragrances to come onto my radar is Le Parfum Comme Une Evidence(£51.00/€70.41)* - the ultimate romantic scent. With a slight hint of floral- it's a subtle one, one that reminds me slightly of the smell of talcum powder in all the right ways. Being a complete novice to the world of scent descriptions- i can only describe it with words such as classy, feminine, and elegant. Providing a long lasting fragrance, it's an ideal option for a any night out or special occasion. 

In terms of packaging, the ditsy bottle of this Yves Rocher offering is fitting for any ladies dressing table. The baby pink squeeze bulb adds to the overall elegance of the fragrance itself. A down fall the squeeze bulb carries, however, it restricts the amount of product per spray, only slightly diffusing the spray in comparison to the norm - which doesn't seem a huge negative, but as a person who likes a good dose of perfume to carry me through the day, it has proven to be.

Overall though, it's a winner, a winner with quite a hefty price tag- but a winner all the same. The feminine packaging, the overall elegance and the aura of class it carries. With a further selection of products available in the Comme Une Evidence fragrance, it's a scent i will undoubtedly be delving further into, harmonizing my body products with my signature perfume.

Inject a little extra class into any date night with this Yves Rocher perfume, and bag yours for half the price tag now on the Yves Rocher site.

BEAUTY :: VALENTINES/DATE NIGHT PREP

While i won't be celebrating Valentines day with Leonardo DiCaprio, or the next best thing - i know this weekend will shape up to be quite a big'un for date nights, what with the release of Fifty Shades of Grey and all, ey ladies? Regardless of how comfortable you are around your other half, when it comes to date night, both parties are going to aim to look their best in order to spice things up and make things extra special, and i've compiled the perfect list of products to do just that for both male and female. And well, for those like myself who are going to spend Saturday evening cocooned in a duvet on the couch engrossed in soppy films such as The Notebook and devouring copious amounts of pizza, we can turn this line-up into the ultimate pamper evening.

F O R  M E N:

Not to paint all men with the one brush, or fall into the ridiculous world of gender stereotypes but in general, and from what i've learnt from those around me, men in are much more reluctant when it comes to preppin' themselves for the big date night. A decent skincare routine is often never even given a second thought when it comes to men, but the impeccable range of all-natural skincare from Bulldog may have what it takes to get your other half moisturising. A budget-friendly range that's not going to break the bank, but covers all skin types with their Original and Sensitive, and Anti-Aging ranges with a signature sweet, yet masculine scent all homed in simplistic clean packaging and the ideal range to prep your skin for an anticipated date night.

A simple cleanse of their skin using the Original Face Wash(£4.95/€6.50)*, followed by a quick moisturise with either the Original Moisturiser(£4.26/€5.66)* or the Sensitive Moisturiser(£6.95/€8.95)* - depending on the skin's condition, is all that a man needs to have skin that is guaranteed to glow for the night ahead. For the non-bearded of the bunch, a shave is always a good idea - particularly on a date night and with the help of both the Shave Gel(£3.95/€4.95)* and After Shave Balm(£5.50/€6.95)*, you guaranteed to get a good clean shave, one that she is guaranteed to notice. And for the men who want to delve into the complexity of a full skincare routine, use the Face Scrub(£5.25/€6.50)* every 2-3 days to bid farewell to dead skin cells, and get those under bags a little less obvious, while illuminating the said area with the Eye Roll On(£6.66/€8.66)*. 

F O R  L A D I E S:

Any excuse for a pamper evening with a long bath and a woman will be all over it, even if a date night ensues. A typical pamper night for me usually consists of a leg shave, some body care products and a more detailed skin care routine than the norm, all before painting my nails - a duty my impatient self has grown to detest.

The key to any pamper evening, particularly for me is getting my tan on - and unfortunately something i enjoy so much comes with alot of preparation. Before becoming something that resembles a wannabe bronze goddess, i like to exfoliate my skin. Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff (£6.95/€7.99) is a good 'un for this, on the more intense side of other body exfoliators i have tried, it's works wonders at removing any remaining stubborn tan while also priming the skin before another tan sesh' creating the perfect canvas. Typically, i input most of my effort into shaving my pins and exfoliating that the steps that follow often are carried out with a "the less fuss the better" attitude. Cue the entry of the Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser(£3.75/€4.69), a less fuss moisturiser that see's no need for loitering in between tanning and moisturising. An ideal tan for date nights that doesn't come with a long line of orange toned risks is the Baby Browne Medium Tan Lotion(£14.95/€20.15)*- an easily applied lotion that requires no fuss while adding a glow to even ghostly white skin. One coat delivers a subtle natural golden glow, while two coats manages to deliver a medium tan, perfect for any date night.

Nothing preps the skin for a date night quite like the REN 1 Minute Facial(£31.95/€38.00)*, a luxurious multi-use skin care products, equipped with many benefits to illuminate and renew skin cells just in time for the big night - a full review with many benefits readable here. Follow up with a list of nourishing skin care to inject further radiance and moisture into the skin, and a covering of Nivea Lip Butter Raspberry Rose(£2.10/€2.80) for the perfect canvas. For the finger tips, a good 'un to opt for is one from the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish(£9.99/€9.99), with Red Eye coming in as the perfect true red shade, delivering a long lasting, high-shine colour. To avoid regurlar trips to the ladies' room, choose a long lasting lip colour such as the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lip Lacquers(£8.99/€12.49),with shades 01 and 08 providing the perfect classy red lips for Valentines day.

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

BEAUTY :: KARORA TAN

My love of a good ol' tan has definitely not been kept in the dark round these parts, in fact it's probably one of the sub-categories of beauty that i have covered most often. Mousses, lotions and tan mists- you name the formulation and i've tried it. One thing i've grown to understand throughout this never ending tan love-affair and as a result of trying copious amounts, is that Irish brands do self-tanners like no other.

The latest Irish brand I've been introduced to is KARORA Tan - a brand that have all tan formulations covered - even down to the up-keep of tan with their CC Cream. The signature sleek purple packaging of their terrific tan adds a hint of luxury to the whole process, while delivering. And while i have only delved into the shallow end of the brands' selection of products, it's safe to say it's made the hit-list.

K A R O R A  T I N T E D  S E L F  T A N   M I S T - L I G H T / M E D I U M - (£16.30/€22.00)*

Undoubtedly the winner of the pair, this mist is one of the best i have tried. This delivers, and delivers real good. Mist formulas, to me are the most difficult to apply - i often find the soak into the skin much quicker than its opponents, but surprisingly this mist begs to differ and is tres easy to work with while soaking into the skin just in time to avoid that idle time between tanning and getting dressed - ain't nobody got time for that! I like to spray onto a mitt and apply in a circular movement ensuring an even cover ensues. Delivering a gorgeous medium-brown golden glow, it's one of the most resistant and long lasting tans i have ever tried. Once applied this tan really stays put for days before fading beautifully evenly remaining as a sublime glow for anything up to 7 days! 

K A R O R A  C C  C R E A M - (£19.66/€26.50)*
I must admit the concept of this is what initially drew me in, CC creams are a very intriguing product with their colour correcting abilities and the various other benefits they host - so when i discovered this face and body CC cream, i was consumed with wonder! To me, this is a hybrid of a very heavy coverage foundation and a tanning lotion, and to be perfectly honest i found it extremely difficult to work with, particularly on the face. It's incredibly heavy duty, tres difficult to blend and quite suffocating on areas of the skin such as the visage. With it's one colour for all skin tones, it can run a little dark, verging on orange if you don't use the less is more way of thinking, and plaster it on without another thought. However, the concept still has me good, and while it will never be the first CC cream i will reach for for day-to-day makeup - i can completely get how this miracle cream could work. Fake tan fails are extremely common, and no matter how experienced you are in the field, nobody is excluded from the possibility of having orange hands, or a big white patch on your neck where you completely forgot to cover due to dodgy lighting and your lack of night vision. And all the qualities that make it unsuitable for the face, make it the perfect offering for rectifying these faux pas'. Missed a spot on your neck? Not a bother, blend this cream into the said area and it is guaranteed to stay put all day with it's long-lasting qualities. The same goes for any other fails, which appears to be when this cream shines. So while it won't be making my list of face CC cream faves any-time soon, this CC cream is a miracle worker when put to the correct use. Fret no more about the unavoidable fake tan disasters because to me, this CC cream can resolve all these issues to see the day run more smoothly and less.. patchy.

KARORA have definitely set the bar high for the qualities i now desire in a tan, and give a whole new meaning to a long-lasting, evenly fading golden glow. Their Instant Tan Mist is a real winner for me, with the instant glow it delivers that stays, and stays and stays. With one bottle down, cash is at the ready to repurchase my the beloved mist and delve deeper in to their range of glow-getters, adding more formulas to my ever-growing abundance of tan, just watch this space..

F i n d  a  f u l l  l i s t  o f  K A R O R A  s t o c k i s t s   h e r e.

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

BEAUTY:: SKINCARE SAVIOURS | THE MOISTURE EDIT

It's safe to say the recent weather conditions seen my typically healthy combination/dry skin evolve into something dehydrated and lacking serious moisture, cue a frantic search of my skincare stash to solve this atrocity with a quick remedy routine that will renew and restore much needed moisture to my visage.

Surprisingly, the remedy routine consisted of basic brands like Nivea - a brand i have discovered i began to belittle because of my 'beauty blogger' status but one that should most definitely not be overlooked. Nivea, for me, has been the saving grace of drugstore skincare and with the assistance of some more expensive products, has restored what moisture and nourishment my skin had been lacking.

N I V E A  R I C H  M O I S T U R I S I N G  D A Y  C R E A M: (£4.49/€5.99)

I have a vague memory of using this daily moisturiser back in the day, when VT was non-existent, but it didn't stand out to me or amaze me in any way. Used as part of this little mix-up however, it's a good'un. Targeted to dry skin, its the perfect morning moisturiser to pop on the skin before makeup application- it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave the skin feeling oily or greasy, just well nourished.

N I V E A  G E N T L E  C L E A N S I N G  C R E A M  W A S H: (£3.59/€4.80)

One thing i've always found difficult is to find a face wash that assists in the quest to well-hydrated skin, as most cleansers i have tried can be very stripping and harsh on the skin- but this offering from Nivea manages to do exactly that. Due to it being a cream formulation, rather than a gel or foam means it doesn't strip the skin of natural oils but instead gently cleanses the skin while retaining the natural moisture. Gently massaged into the skin it manages to breakdown dirt and free the skin of any residue from pre-cleansing.

N I V E A  L I P  B U T T E R - R A S P B E R R Y  R O S E: (£2.10/€2.80)

Another Nivea offering worth the mention is their lip butters. A thick buttery consistency, i like to apply this generously to my lips in the evening to work its magic overnight so i can wake up with beautiful soft and moisturised lips. I do however, find it much to thick for use throughout the day as i am not a huge fan of thick lip products and often feel like my lips are suffocating, but for overnight use this is a real winner! Also worth noting is how delicious it smells!

E O S  L I P  B A L M - L E M O N  D R O P: (£5.95/€6.95)

Behold one of the most renowned lip balms going, and surprisingly one that doesn't disappoint cynical ol' me. While i like to use the aforementioned lip butter for overnight use, throughout the day i like to use this citrus-y sweet lemon lip balm to lock in moisture throughout the day. It's quite a thick balm, but one that manages to not feel too heavy or suffocating on the lips. The only downside is the awkward in-compact packaging, that's not the most easy to chuck in a pocket!

N I V E A  S E N S I T I V E  N I G H T  C R E A M: (£4.49/€5.99)

This is my favourite of this moisture-ridden line up. An almost balm like consistency, this rich moisturiser is perfect for lathering on before bed. Like most of the aforementioned Nivea products it's targeted for sensitive skin so it's gentle on the skin and contains no fragrance or harsh ingredients. I like to apply as part of my night-time routine, with the products mentioned below and let the trio soak into the skin as i sleep to re-hydrate after a day of being smothered in foundation and parched by artificial heating - allowing me to wake up with beautifully soft and well nourished skin.

Y O U  O R G A N I C  N I G H T  B A L M:(£22.50/€29.99)*

Dry skin is banished with this offering from Irish Natural Skincare brand YouOrganic.  Packed with a collection of natural anti- oxidants and skin protecting ingredients which work at nourishing the skin and hydrating any dry areas, this balm is the perfect assistance to the aforementioned Nivea products, locking in moisture. With its thick consistency a little goes along way, and when massaged onto cleansed skin before bed your skin looks visibly much more radiant and smooth the following morning, appearing much more hydrated.

R E N  O M E G A  3  O P T I M U M  O I L: (£23.00/€28.00)*

REN are a brand that have continued to wow me with their remarkable range of natural skincare of impeccable quality. This oil from their range is no different, i like to alter use between this and the aforementioned balm. The oil is again enriched with a range of nourishing ingredients that work at promoting cell repair and visibly increasing the skills moisture levels, while also optimising the effects of your skincare routine. Used in conjunction with the above product line up, it's the cherry on top seeing my skin become visibly healthier, plumper and rejuvenated. 

While each of the products mentioned work wonders alone, when used as part of a moisture-mash routine you have the perfect line-up with results become much more visible on the skin. Each product mentioned compliments each other, assisting in each others' effectiveness to create the perfect list of skincare saviours in the moisture department..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

BEAUTY: THIS YEAR'S MOST ADORED | 2014

With the first day of 2015 upon us, i thought it was time to round up my most loved beauty products of the past year. Undoubtedly, 2014 saw the rapid expansion of my makeup collection, feeding my beauty hoarder tendencies and upping the standard of products i seek dramatically. Many products gripped my attention this year which can be seen in a collection of This Months Most Adored posts, but only a set range made this hit list..

MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH IN SOFT AND GENTLE: (£23.00/€30.00)
On the more luxurious end of this apparent budget-friendly collection, this highlighter has carried me from start to finish. The velvety soft texture of this champagne toned highlighter gives it the ability to apply seamlessly, allowing for blending for a more subtle glow. Highly pigmented, it's important to note to need for a light-handed when applying, to avoid an over-powering glow. Since my review in the earlier stages of the year(here), my opinion still remains the same as it is quickly becoming my holy grail highlight.

ELF COOL BRONZER: (£3.95/€5.04)
2014 saw my love of contour reach an all time high, and while many methods of contouring were experimented with, the old reliable powder contour undoubtedly came out on top. With a swirl in the centre of the pan, this ELF quad makes the perfect matte warm brown contour shade to sculpt how cheek bones and add an overall definition to the face or to add an overall glow to the complexion. Undoubtedly, a budget-friendly highly pigmented bronzer to add to any collection.

SLEEK BROW KIT: (£8.49/€9.99)
To me, beauty-wise 2014 has been dubbed the year of eyebrows and my trusty old powder methods of filling brows were fast replaced with this highly-acclaimed brow offering from Sleek. Fitted with a wax and powder duo, this highly pigmented kit is ideal for shaping the brows and adding definition paired with an angled shadow brush this has been an important member of my daily makeup routine the past 12 months.

KARORA SELF TAN MIST: (£17.00/€22.00)*
An abundance of fake tans made their way into my stash this year, however one tan managed to stick out from the rest due to it's ability to fade evenly while carrying you over five days with a sublime glow. While it's on the more luxurious end of the scale, it's fulfilled the role as my occasion tan since it's found it's way into my collection. As a tan mist, it absorbs into the skin almost immediately while being tres easy to apply. A fast absorbing tan that there ain't no denying i have been loving.

L'OREAL MISS MANGA MASCARA: (£8.99/€13.49) 
Undeniably, this mascara was a firm favourite for me in the earlier parts of the year and no else seemed to outweigh it's glory. While it has since been somewhat out done, it was still deserving of a mention.  Equipped with it's highly celebrated flexible wand, its the perfect offering to apply an even lashing of mascara, while separating and adding a notable amount of volume and length to the lashes.

YVES ROCHER LASH PLUMPING MASCARA: (£18.50/€23.50)
This mascara is the one that robbed the aforementioned of it's spotlight fast becoming a firm favourite in my daily get-up. With a pretty standard mascara wand it works wonders at working through the lashes creating volume and length all in one go. While the wet formula suggests the possibility of clumpy lashes, it goes against all odds leaving behind to clumpy lashes. The waterproof formula makes it entirely smudge-proof allowing for long lasting wear.

YOU ORGANIC NIGHT BALM: (£11.60/€14.99)*
Dry skin be gone with this offering from Irish natural skincare brand You Organic. Packed with a collection of natural anti- oxidants and skin protecting ingredients which works at nourishing the skin, working on hydrating any dry areas. A little goes along way with this balm, and when massaged onto cleansed skin before bed your skin looks visibly much more radiant and smooth the morning after..the night before.

BOURJOIS ROUGE EDITION VELVET LIP LACQUER: (£8.99/€12.49)
These lip creams in all their long lasting glory have satisfied every checklist in my book that a lip product must satisfy. The fact i have accumulateda trio of shades with full intentions on gathering more of the vast shade range available suggests my ever-growing love of them. In terms of formulation they have got it all goin' and the list of positive qualities is seemingly never ending, scoring them a full blog post in their dedication.

BOURJOIS CREAM BLUSH 02 NATURAL GLOW: (£7.99/€10.49)
Blush has gotta be a staple in any girls makeup collection at any time of the year. This highly pigmented coral cream blush from Bourjois is the perfect shade for adding colour to any skin tone. With long-lasting staying power and a cream finish it provides the perfect natural glow to brighten any complexion during any season. Applied with my trusty Real Techniques Buffing Brush dabbed just above the cheek bones and worked back to the temples its perfect for both day time and night time wear.

FUSCHIA EYESHADOW PALETTE: (£19.80/€25.00)*
Fuschia is an Irish makeup brand that came onto my radar during 2014, one particular product from there that managed to woo me was this custom shadow palette fitted with five beautiful eyeshadows that i've found myself regularly reaching for for daily wear. The decent colour pay-off and notable longevity of the shadows all make it a real winner in my book.

BLANK CANVAS COSMETICS BRUSHES*
BCC brushes really grabbed my attention this year with some incredible new releases. They are most definitely a brand to watch; with supreme quality brushes at affordable prices while still looking on the expensive end of the spectrum. Two of their brushes that particularly woo'ed me was both the F40 and F42. The F40 comes in at a small tapered contour brush perfect for fitting under the eyes, down the sides of the nose or in the hollows of your cheekbones to add precise contour. The F42 on the other hand is quite big in comparison, perfect for adding an all over glow. With a full review readable here.

A outstanding collection of products that have ticked all the boxes in my year long makeup routine, covering all bases while ending the lust for long lashes..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

  

BEAUTY: YVES ROCHER BEAUTY

With party season in full swing, it calls for floral scents, dramatic lashes and a statement lip. Fortunately, for all the aforementioned necessities, French natural cosmetic brand Yves Rocher have ticked all the above boxes and more with their vast selection of high-quality products available at affordable prices. A bundle of their products recently made their way into my stash just in time for this said season, and here's the verdict..

MOISTURISING CREAM LIPSTICK - ORANGE MUSCADE (£15.00/€19.00)*
The sheer consistency of this lipstick makes it the most unusual, yet the most wearable orange lipstick i have ever encountered. It glides on beautifully, and gives a buildable colour from a subtle orange tint to a vivid orange pout. Fitted with a long-lasting formula, its the perfect party season lippy paired with a golden glitter, or winged liner.


FLOWER PARY BY NIGHT FRAGRANCE (£38.00/€48.00)*
If the beautiful bottle of this perfume doesn't make it a strong contender, the stunning scent will definitely make it a winner. Described as a fruity floral with signature notes of addictive flavours, it's the perfect aroma to opt for on any night out while lingering all night long. It's strong sturdy, yet lightweight packaging, also makes it the perfect clutch companion for any late night party.

LASH PLUMPING MASCARA (£18.50/€23.50)*
Undoubtedly my favourite of the bunch, this mascara has become a firm favourite in my daily get-up, kicking all my old reliables out of the spot light. The apparently basic wand works wonders at working the mascara through the lashes, creating volume and length all in one go. Unlike other mascaras i have tried, there's no clumpy lashes, albeit the wet formula. The waterproof formula allows for long-lasting hold, while not smudging as the night/day progresses. It's undeniably becoming my holy grail mascara!

This trio form the perfect party line-up from dressing table to handbag essentials, paired with glitter galore you are neatly kitted out for any party night out, and now you can nib them at a nifty half price over on Yves Rocher..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

IRISH BRAND WEEK: WAXPERTS

Festivity has truly began 'round these parts as for the following 10 week-days, i will be showcasing the crème de la crème of Irish beauty products, and brands alike in order to share the love and convey the impeccable products originating from the Emerald Isle, available both here and further a field..

So far us Irish appear to have all everything from makeup and makeup brushes to tan covered. The next avenue to by opened by the Irish is waxing, with thanks to Waxperts. An Irish Waxing company which was established in 2008 when Ellen Kavanagh and Trish O'Brien went about creating their own wax and has been making waves in the beauty industry ever since.

Waxperts unique wax has gained truly deserved popularity in salons and is now widely available in salons in both Ireland and the UK since its release, with a salon in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin run by both founders. With cleanliness, client safety and comfort their top priority, all suppliers of the wax abide by the reknowned Waxpert "no double dipping" policy to ensure these priorities are always achieved.

Their first retail product to be released to the Irish market comes in the form of their Ingrown Hair Pads(€9.99)*. A multi-use product, these award winning pads are the ultimate beauty must have. Ideal for the treatment and prevention of ingrown hairs after waxing or shaving, while also working at banishing breakouts, skin rashes and Keratosis Pilaris (bumps found on the upper arm). Equipped with salicylic acid they are tough enough to achieve results while being gentle enough for daily use.

Essentially like exfoliating pads, you simply rub it over the area you wish to treat, be it your upper arms to reduce the keratosis pilaris, or simply swiping over your face to help combat any break outs. These pads feel gentle and rather soothing on the skin while guaranteeing results. For it's principle use of treating ingrown hairs for both men and women alike, these pads can be used on the skin 24 hours after waxing and 12 hours after shaving. 

After multiple uses, these pads are seen to cause little to no irritation to my skin, while greatly reducing the appearance of keratosis pilaris on my upper arms, and treating any ingrown hairs left behind from shaving and waxing. Leading me to believe we have a new found beauty stash essential.

The wonder product status of these Waxperts Pads is undoubtedly one of true deserving. Anything that can reduce my loathing of my arms and i am all over it, thank you Waxperts for your incredibly innovative addition to the beauty world, and more importantly- my regime..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

IRISH BRAND WEEK: COCOA BROWN

Festivity has truly began 'round these parts as for the following 10 week-days, i will be showcasing the crème de la crème of Irish beauty products, and brands alike in order to share the love and convey the impeccable products originating from the Emerald Isle, available both here and further a field..

Undoubtedly of the whole bunch of products featured this series, Cocoa Brown is the most renowned and the one most widely available to my international followers. An Irish tan brand, founded by the beauty expert Marissa Carter, they offer a vast variety of tanning products to help you get your glow on all year round. With their wide selection of formulations to choose from, Cocoa Brown are quite easily the royalty of tanning on a budget.

With the release of a jolly good selection of gift sets this Christmas, it's almost a given that one is going to make it under any tan lover's tree. One particular gift set that made it my way is the Bronzed & Beautiful Gift Set (£7.95/€9.95)* equipped with the perfect trio of products to maintain a long lasting glow; 1 Hour Tan Mousse, Tough Stuff 50ml Sample, and Gentle Bronze Gradual Tan.

1 HOUR TAN MOUSSE: (£6.99/€5.95)*

This creme de la creme of all tanning mousses has already had a full feature where i excessively sung it's praises (read here), but a quick low-down; an easily blended, non fake-tan smelling mousse that glides on to the skin for an even, all over glow. Whether you opt to build it up for a medium to dark glow, or keep it au naturale for a subtle tint, this no-fuss tan is a must have for all your upcoming parties this glitzy season..

TOUGH STUFF EXFOLIATOR: (£6.95/€7.99)*

Undeniably, this is an essential in any tan fiend's routine. This multi-use product can be used to prep skin before a pamper evening tanning sesh' before the big work night out, or can be used to frantically remove your tan the morning after the night before as your 6am shift calls. On the more intense side of all exfoliators i have tried, this may not be the one for sensitive skin gals. However, for ladies with normal skin it can be used on both dry or wet skin, opt for massaging it onto dry skin to deeply exfoliate and banish all stubborn tan present, or on wet skin for more frequent use. Used the day before applying tan, it creates the perfect canvas on which to get your bronze on.

GENTLE BRONZE GRADUAL TAN: (£4.95/€5.95)*

The perfect addition to any ghostly pale girl's stash, this gradual tanner adds a soft subtle glow to the skin after just one use. Fitted with Cocoa Brown's signature floral scent, this tan glides onto the skin, and absorbs into the skin almost immediately. Without the fretting of getting tan on your bed sheets, or carrying the fake tan stench for the following day, this tan has got all us lazy, hassle-free girls covered. Gradual top up as the week progresses to achieve the desired bronzed pins just in time for the weekend, or keep it natural by slowly letting it fade. Without the need to use a mitt to apply it in order to achieve a streak-free application, this offering is a real winner in any girl's book.

An stunning summer glow in the midst of Winter, Cocoa Brown's range have got you covered whatever the occasion may be, while ticking all the boxes on the lazy-girls fake tan requirements check-list, achieving that olive toned glow really can be hassle free with this Bronzed & Beautiful Gift Set..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

IRISH BRAND WEEK: BUFF MAKEUP

Festivity has truly began 'round these parts as for the following 10 week-days, i will be showcasing the crème de la crème of Irish beauty products, and brands alike in order to share the love and convey the impeccable products originating from the Emerald Isle, available both here and further a field..

It's only recently this Irish makeup brand has been brought to my attention, but Buff Makeup is the latest award-winning home-grown makeup brand on the scene. The range of makeup available is as a result of a collaboration between nationally renowned Hession Hairdressing, and internationally acclaimed makeup artist Paula Callan with the aim of producing a high performance makeup range suitable for both us ladies at home and the professionals.

Undoubtedly the Buff range is designed to fulfill the needs of all ladies, with an extensive shade range of shades and tones designed to suit all skin, they cover all bases. With a unique formulation found in each product, some of their range come equipped with vitamins to soothe, nourish and moisturise the skin while enhancing the features. The vast variety of products includes over 31 eyeshadow and 27 lipstick shades to choose from.

Similar to Fuschia, this exclusive to Ireland brand is not manufactured here due to the lack of resources, however it is packaged on Irish soil, providing jobs to the Irish population. This is all carried out in a process called private labelling, which is all legal and presents many advantages to both companies involved.

Their fabulous product range already has a cult celebrity following, becoming holy grails in some makeup bags, with ladies like Holly Carpenter and Kathryn Thomas supporting them on the red carpet. Even appearing in high profile magazine suits on Síle Seoige and Jamelia - they are undeniably going from strength to strength.

As eager as i am to get my hands on some of this impeccably promising range, i have yet to add any to my stash. However, in terms of review of their products, i will leave you in the hands of some beauty queens, to give their opinion; 

SO SUE ME - BUFF BEAUTY SUIT / XPOSE - BUFF MAKEUP / SNAPPED UP - HD FOUNDATION REVIEW 

IRISH BRAND WEEK: BLANK CANVAS COSMETICS

Festivity has truly began 'round these parts as for the following 10 week-days, i will be showcasing the crème de la crème of Irish beauty products, and brands alike in order to share the love and convey the impeccable products originating from the Emerald Isle, available both here and further a field..

Blank Canvas Cosmetics are no stranger to the blogging world, what with receiving rave reviews left right and centre from Irish beauty bloggers galore and a vast selection of highly affordable brushes and cosmetics available, with no compromise on quality. However, undoubtedly the main influence of my love of this brand is their powerful philosophy; "The face is a blank canvas with endless possibilities" undoubtedly the meaning behind their branding.

I am a strong believer that the ability to apply good makeup all depends on the tools you use. High quality brushes are undeniably a huge factor to the final look, and with tools from this superior brand, you are guarantee'd to get that desired finish. From fluffy blending brushes, to tapered contour brushes, these black glossy handled brushes have overtook some old reliables for a place in my daily line-up. With their retractable brush range, BCC even extend to covering your on-the-go touch ups..

F03 LARGE DUO FIBRE STIPPLING BRUSH: (£11.00/€13.99)*
This beautifully soft stippling brush works wonders both creams and powders. From stippling liquid foundation to lightly dusting powder blush, the semi-dense bristles work at providing that air brushed finish. Stippling brushes are a definite essential in any brush starter kit, however this is undoubtedly one of the softest and easiest to work with, the i have tried.

F42 LARGE CONTOUR/POWDER BRUSH: (£12.60/€15.99)* 
For those blessed with already sculpted features this slightly tapered contour brush can be used to further define. For those lacking, this brush works best to achieve an all over bronzed glow, or the the dense bristles to blend out harsh contour previously applied with a more precise brush. An all rounder,  and a good 'un to add to the collection.

F05 FAN BRUSH: (£7.80/€9.99)*
The loosely packed bristles of this fan brush make it perfect for dusting away any fall-out left behind post eye makeup application. However it's multi-purpose nature leads it to work incredibly at lightly dusting powder highlight along the tops of the cheek bones, or for lightly sculpting out cheekbones.

F40 SMALL TAPERED BRUSH: (£11.00/€13.99)*
Undoubtedly my most used of the bunch, the tapered design of the bristles make this brush perfect for sculpting out cheek bones for a high-definition contour and for blending concealer under the eye area. This brush's uses are never ending, even extending to be used to lightly dust highlight on the upper cheek bone.

E24 FLAT SHADER BRUSH: (£5.50/€6.99)*
Perfect for packing on the shadow, the dense bristles of this flat shader make it the perfect companion for working with pigments both wet and dry. Also ideal for precision application, particularly applying a touch of glitter to centre eye-lid to add shape and definition to an otherwise deep smokey eye. Undeniably the brush to start all eye-makeup brushes collections.

E26 BLENDING BRUSH: (£5.50/€6.99)*
The only brush one needs to fulfil the duty of both a crease brush, a precise blender or for lightly dusting shadow all over the lid. Made of soft natural hair, the bristles make this the perfect brush for blending shadow through the crease for a natural finish. To create even further definition, use to achieve diffused edges of any smokey eye.

GLOSSY BLACK RF20 RETRACTABLE: (£11.80/€14.99)*
This flat-top kabuki brush encased in a sturdy glossy black hardware is the perfect on-the-go essential. It's densely packed bristles make it perfect for applying foundation during your daily work commute, or topping up powder throughout the day.

METALLIC RF20 SHORT RETRACTABLE: (£11.00/€13.99)*
The smaller answer to the aforementioned RF20, this brush is even more compact. The beautifully metallic pink hardware makes it perfect for achieving the desired levels of hand bag chic. With a smaller surface than the RF20 it's more suited for topping up blush or bronzer on the go, or even for chucking in the bag to fulfil a multitude of duties.

With a vast variety of brushes available, choose from a range of different bristle types from synthetic to natural fibres. Whether you are adding to your never-ending collection, or starting out your collection, BCC touch all bases at a budget friendly price..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.