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. 

IRISH BRAND WEEK: MONDSS UNDERARM WEAR

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..

The next brand to feature in this series is MONDSS, a personal care company that have got us venturing down avenues we have never before considered 'round these parts- we're talking perspiring, and the latest form of antiperspirant protection i have been introduced to. 

Contrary to what you may believe, there are many antiperspirant solutions that do not come in the form of an aerosol can. MONDSS Underarm Wear*(£7.91/€9.99) is a highly innovative example of this; in the form of a discreet pad which adheres to the skin, it absorbs and prevents perspiration marks arriving on your attire as a hectic day in the office progresses, all while locking in odour. 

The main aim of the Underarm Wear is what sparked Jane Mc Ternan, CEO of MONDSS', initial idea. They have the ability to protect you in ways your typical deodorant can not; preventing yellow marks developing on your favourite white top and avoiding the need to fret about sweat patches developing on your favourite grey t-shirt on the hottest day of the year. Due to their direct skin application, these pads absorb perspiration once it leaves your pores. 

Ideal for special occasions such as nights out, family occasions or job interviews these disposable patches adhere to the underarm skin without causing a disturbance. Once put in place they remain put all day without budging, pinching or creating any form of discomfort, all while avoiding the white marks on your favourite dark tops, it's the ideal life, right?

While you may not be ready to hang up your deodorant just yet, these under arm pads are the ideal solution to resolving all your nights out fretting about your favourite white dress developing unpleasant underarm stains, and finally ceasing the unwanted white patches on your favourite black top. A real winner.

Sigh no more, MONDSS Underarm Wear have got you covered, from nights out to job interviews, create once less stress and opt for this incredibly innovative, breakthrough Irish product keeping your fresh all day long..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

IRISH BRAND WEEK: ADOREABUBBLES BEAUTY UNITS

Festivity has truly begun '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..

For the third instalment of this ongoing series, i am highlighting an incredible independent Irish brand; Adoreabubbles Beauty Units. Its no doubt that we are all victim of overlooking independent brands once too often in our lifetime, however they're the brands who need our custom the most and often the brands with the most appealing and relatable personal history, and one particular example of that is fellow Irish blogger Sarah who went about creating every beauty hoarder's essential with the help of her partner John.

Adoreabubbles Beauty Units came about a mere four months ago, with John's carpentry skills along with Sarah's never ending collection of both nail polish and other beauty goodies, exposing the need for such beauty units to have all your go to products on display and close at hand. All materials are locally sourced in the nearby county of Meath, and the pair knew immediately they were on to something good, bringing organisation to the typical clutter chaos of a woman's vanity.

Although the beauty units are specially designed for storing nail polish, the selection of two sizes available can also home other day-to-day products, as seen above. Each unit is wall mountable, however they can also be stored on flat surfaces such as vanities. With a choice of 3 colours available in the Baby Nail Polish Unit (€29.99) and two variations of colour in the bigger, 4 shelf Nail Polish Unit (€59.99), there is no fretting about these units acting as a contrast to your colour scheme! The tiered shelving, an innovative twist allows easy selection of your favourite tip shades or beauty holy-grails.

With the ability to complete an order for a collection of 300 nail polishes, this hand-made beauty units shop should not be undermined. Making their beauty units the perfect solution to justify the copious amounts of nail polishes you may have in your hidden stash.  Also a good'un to display your luxurious perfumes and other beauty luxuries in on your vanity.

Organisation is just one step away with these incredibly innovative, Irish-made beauty units from fellow blogger and partner. Such a simplictic design with the ability to add a splash of chic to your beauty organisation..

IRISH BRAND WEEK: FUSCHIA 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..

The brand Fuschia has already undeniably had it's fair share of coverage around these parts, but it's yet to receive it's share of deserving spotlight and there's no time like the present. Fuschia is an Irish makeup brand founded by Irish lady Gillian Moore, which since it's launch in 2005, has undoubtedly went from strength to strength, with the launch of two stand alone shops situated East of the country, and their products being widely available from pharmacies and salons nationwide.

When Fuschia first reached the lime light, there was slight controversy surrounding private labelling issues- which is essentially products being purchased from one company to be packaged and sold by another company, as their own. This whole process is completely acceptable and abides by the law while being of many advantages to the company, and is undertook by many other companies. After all, providing you are supplied with reasonably priced, high-quality products, their pre-story should be of no issue.

Here's the Fuschia line-up that has migrated into my stash and some products making their way onto this season's hot-list;

BROW KIT (£12.00/€15.50)*:
Fitted with both a brow powder and a wax, this eyebrow duo is an essential for achieving natural-looking beautifully groomed brows. While the pigmentation of the powder can't be marvelled over, and it's yet to turn me to the powder side of brow things, for those who prefer the softer brow finish or just wish to fill in slight sparse areas, this is the perfect offering.

MATTE LIPSTICK IN VAMP (£10.70/€13.50)*:
A show stopping deep red shade with berry under tones which is perfect for the party season, which has fast made it's way into my go-to Winter lip pile. In terms of formulation, this lipstick is not drying on the lips albeit a little waxy when first applied. For the price tag however, i feel the longevity is not highly plausible; fading off the lips in the sake of 1-2 hours, making it inappropriate for long-day wear but for short term wear it can be made work.

LIP LACQUERS (£13/€16.50)*:
From the sample's i have tried, the lip lacquers are undoubtedly my favourite offering from Fuschia. High intensity glosses with the pigmentation of lipsticks, these leave your lips with a beautiful velvet matte finish and feel rather lightweight. In terms of longevity, these lacquers tick all the boxes. Party Girl comes in as a vibrant pink with blue undertones, while muted mauve Love Affair is the perfect winter shade.

EYE DUST IN BLISS (£10.25/€12.95)*:
Another winner product, the highly pigmented eye dust works wonders when patted/dusted onto the lid with a flat shader brush, or used wet to achieve the perfect foil look. Bliss is an utterly beautiful champagne colour with a hint of glitter, perfect for a more subtle party eye or paired with a statement lip and heavy liner and voila, party makeup at the ready.

FACE PRIMER (£17.50/€22.00)*
A different twist on your typical silicone based primer, this primer contains subtle shimmer. Perfect for blurring imperfections and brightening up the complexion all while increasing the wear time of your base, undoubtedly a one for all primer.

CANDLE GLOW HIGHLIGHTER (£19.80/€25.00)*
This pink toned highlighter has been dubbed the Irish answer to Benefit's High Beam on numerous occasions. With it's creamy consistency it can be used mixed with foundation to radiate skin all over, or simply used on the high points of the cheekbones for a more precise glow and added definition. The incredible formulation provides an all day long glow, and the ability to achieve both a natural day glow, or a more night time associated radiance.

LIP LINER IN EGGPLANT (£10.25/€12.95)*
A deep plum, creamy lip liner that glides over the lips like a dream giving long lasting lip colour that remains intact all day. Co-ordinate with the Lip Laquer in Love Affair to add a touch of sheen to your dark matte lips.  Can also be used as an eye liner, smudge on the lower and upper lash line to try the trend of coloured eye liner without the need to leash your inner dare-devil, and make blue eyes pop.

CUSTOM 5 PAN PALETTE (£19.80/€25.00)*
Tailor this compact 5 pan palette, fitted with a mirror, to your needs and make it unique to you. Choose from a vast selection of pigmented eyeshadows from matte to shimmery, albeit the matte side of the range tend to be slightly on the powdery side. Longevity remains questionable as after a long day it's seen to be immensely faded, however primer undoubtedly prolongs the staying power. Blend-ability is incredible, allowing the ability to toy with various eye looks. The above palette consisting of;  #48 Amanda, #17 Lara, #18 Lucy, #CM18 Christy, #108 Jane. has made it's way to the top of my most reached eye palette of this season.

While i feel in some areas Fuschia's price tag may be a bit steep, as a whole the brand has won me over. It appears my list of things to buy from there is never ending, but at present I'm lusting after their luscious lip lacquers and fishing for some of their fabulous foundations..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

IRISH BRAND WEEK: TAN COSY

Festivity has truly begun '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..

First up is The Tan Cosy(€20)*; an incredibly innovative product designed to avoid destroying your pristine white bed sheets with your love of fake tan and glowing pins. This 100% cotton sleeper is tailored to maintain the effects of fake tan while you sleep or chill, leaving behind no bronze silhouette stain on your bed sheets the morning after.. the night before.

I admit, i was a little apprehensive when this first arrived. It seemed a little too good to be true, and i had initially prepared myself for disappointment; I presumed it would be too restricted to sleep in, uncomfortable, or just wouldn't fulfil the anticipated duty- but my pessimist self was let reeling when this ticked all the above boxes and more.

I was astonished at just how comfortable it is to fetch yo' beauty sleep in, with its medium weight fabric not feeling too overwhelming or chunky. Designed like a sleeping bag, the Tan Cosy comes fitted with two arm holes to allow arm movement throughout the night and extends from the neck down to the feet with a long length zip to allow you to get in and out. The one-size-fits-all design is also nothing to fret about, as this is notably spacious in both length and width, allowing for tan-aholics of all shapes and sizes.

With regards the prime purpose of this sleeper, it works wonders at containing all fake tan stains within the cotton fabric. Simply tan, hop in, sleep, and have no need to strip your otherwise fresh bed sheets and instead pop this in the wash ready for your next use, it really is that easy. Adding to the convenience, it comes in this beautiful cotton bag which is perfect for keeping it stored in between use.

There really ain't no denying that this revolutionary sleeper has changed the way i feel about tanning- I now no longer feel the need to fret about the remnants of tan lingering on my bed sheets long after the tan has faded if I don't get them popped in the wash immediately, it's any bronzed glow fiend's dream.

For all the avid tanners; i suggest you snatch this up speedily to reduce the notorious side of your usual tanning routine - i guarantee, you will never look back.. 

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.