Having A Snoop At Another Beauty Blogger's Handbag Essentials - Emma of Ol' Green Eyes

Blogging isn't the friendliest scene in Dublin. I've never, personally, had a bad experience and get along with everyone but I have witnessed nastiness and I had never made any close friends that are bloggers. I'm friendly with lots of people but there wasn't anyone that I had clicked with or knew well and that was partly my own fault for being too shy to put myself out there more.

And then, one event, I ended up talking to Emma of Ol' Green Eyes. We had often hung out at events before and I genuinely really liked her and whatever got into me that day, I did put myself out there: I asked her if she wanted to hang out sometime. This doesn't seem like that big a deal but making new friends as an adult isn't easy! She agreed, we went for coffee and I put forward the idea of doing a collab, which is how we ended up in Dublin's trendiest new eatery and bar with both of our makeup bags spilled out across the table.

Both curious about Roberta's, we headed there last week to grab a cocktail and some fries (Lesson learned: they may give you fries to snack on with your drinks so hold off on ordering unless you want to end up with three portions, like us. If you do want that, go ahead.) and compare our handbag essentials. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a creep at what others deem must-haves, right?

Once we had our food and drinks and had chatted a bit, Emma started unpacking her products and spreading them out before us in an aesthetically pleasing manner, much to the amusement of our very friendly waitress. I immediately spotted Escentric's Molecule 01 perfume and had many questions. Did it really smell different on different people? (A little, apparently) Could you really not smell it on yourself? (Only immediately after application for a while) And most importantly: Is it worth the hype? According to Emma, her whole office had it first and she kept asking what they were wearing, loving it. Then she gave in and bought the (much more reasonable/affordable) refillable 30ml bottle, only to be met by others grabbing her wrist and wondering what she, too, was wearing. So, not hype without fire then. While it is one of her go-to scents now, she does admit that it is partially only in her bag atm because of its handy size.

Another non-makeup essential that Emma totes around is Rituals' Indian Rose and Sweet Almond hand cream. Ritual is one of her favourite bodycare brands as it stands but this is an essential. Not only does it smell delicious (and it does) but she swears by its effectiveness. In fact, after flying to New York recently and washing her hands with the harsh soap on the plane multiple times, they were in need of some TLC and her first stop upon landing was the Rituals store.

If we're talking lifesavers and skincare rescues, then YSL's Lip Perfector needs a mention as it is another item Emma swears by. In fact, in the slew of lip products (why does every beauty blogger always have, like, ten lip products on them at any given time - this coming from someone who doesn't wear much makeup very often and who still does the same?), this was the key item. Under matte lip products, it is a lifesaver and as a lip balm, it is perfect. Plus, Emma says she uses it at least twice a day and has been using the same tube since last year - that's some long-lasting product!

Emma is a woman after my own heart in many ways and doesn't like to have to re-do her whole face on the go. Instead, she tries to ease the process of makeup wearing off over the course of the day. As such, many of her must-haves were key to preserving and cleaning up makeup. For sorting out oiliness, she swears by Essence's oil paper that may come in a tatty little cardboard box but does exactly what it needs to and for just over a euro. After stealing it from her sister constantly, she began to carry some around all the time and has yet to be swayed by any more expensive alternatives. A bargain and effective? The dream, right? Finally, Emma has only recently discovered Mac's iconic Fix + and has fallen in love. She uses it to revive her face and makeup throughout the day and says she totally gets the hype now.

There was plenty of other stuff in Emma's makeup bag to rummage through - Mac's Lady Danger and a genius lip brush from Sephora, among other things - but the above items were the ones that seemed really to be her ride or die products. And once we had adequately made a show of ourselves photographing the place and endless beauty products we had covering the table, we finished all of the fries and swanned out of there, a little bit closer for having revealed our deepest, not-so-darkest beauty secrets.

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Menswear//Outerwear

I've played personal shopper to many a family member and friend over the years. If people want to know where to buy a particular kind of garment they tend to ask me. I'm known to pick up ridiculous bargains - how many people can say they bought a pair of Stella McCartney heels for less than the retail price of most Primark heels?

See, shopping is kinda my thing. If it were a sport, I'd surely be representing Ireland.

And, charitable and kind soul that I am, I thought I'd share my skills with all y'all and help any dudes/people wanting to shop in the menswear sections (I know I do often enough) out there who might be looking to find the perfect coat on the high street. I've broken this down into categories and, if I'm honest, I think any well-dressed individual would be remiss in having a wardrobe without a least one of each of the following sorts of coats. But if you're only in the market for one of them, you're in luck too.

The Leather Jacket

Timeless, endlessly wearable and, if chosen correctly, durable. The right leather jacket can last a lifetime. But, if you're not yet ready to invest, a cheaper faux version can get you by (or if you're opposed to the wearing of leather). If you have the patience and time I would actually recommend trawling charity shops, thrift stores or vintage shops for this item. More often than not, you'll get a better quality, more inexpensive version than you will on the highstreet. For those short on time or energy, this is a less feasible option so feast your eyes on the beauties I've dug up below.

(From Left to Right: Zara, €89.95, H&M, €79.99, Zara, €49.95, H&M, €199, Zara, €49.95)

The Dressy Coat

Sure, you can't wear it with every outfit but clean lines underneath will immediately seem dapper. Hell, even sweatpants are a go if you want to do dressed-up sport luxe. Think of it as women do nice lingerie, the thing to make you feel damn good even on a crappy day. Plus, you can't really throw a parka on over a suit.

(ASOS, €177.73, Topman, €165, COS, €190, ASOS, €142.69, Religion, €284.64)

The Everyday/Practical Coat

You might not be able to just throw that parka over a suit but you still need it, or something similar. Something just a stylish but a little less sleek and a little more practical. This is the coat you get the most mileage out of, the one to keep you warm and dry - it's one to think on a little.

(Top Row: Topman, €82, Topman, €140, Topman, €88, H&M, €59.99. Bottom Row: COS, €225, Topman, €76)

The Trench

A classic trench is exactly like a leather jacket, timeless. There is a sad shortage of the traditional variety in camel or beige in stores at the moment but the options below are pretty damn good all the same. This is one purchase you won't regret as long as you ensure a great fit with room for layers beneath. I've an awesome trench but you can't get a thick jumper underneath which renders it infinitely disappointing.

(Topman, €115, Topman, €94, Selected, €89.57, Diesel, €355.45)


The Road Less Travelled

These picks are coats that are a little different, a little fresher, with a bit more flare or adventure. We're talking a-symmetry, vintage appeal, decadent fur trims, interesting silhouettes and material choices. Less wardrobe classics or basics and more something to try if you're feeling brave.

(Zara, €79.95,  American Apparel, €221.80, Zara, €159, Zara, €159)

Well, any particular favourites?

(Please note that all items were available going to press and this may not be the case if you try to purchase afterwards. Furthermore, all Topman prices are converted from pounds as this is the only price given online, the instore conversion may differ somewhat.)

A new BB cream + giveaway.

As I mentioned briefly in a previous post, I'm not a fan of high-end BB creams. I've tried a bunch, some by Benefit, Mac, Stila amongst others, but none have stood up to their price-bracket or my loyalties to drugstore versions. I'm under no illusions that they don't all pale in comparison to Korean versions but I've yet to find the right shade to confirm or refute this. For now, I can merely state that my first was Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector which I continue to love. Then I tried Maybelline's Dream Pure BB which has Salicylic Acid and is, therefore, great for breakout riddled skin.

The latest I've begun to use is Rimmel's BB Cream which has the highest SPF at SPF 25. This is one of it's best selling-points for me, as is the smooth formula. However, I find that it has slightly more coverage than I want when I'm reaching for a BB cream - to me, a BB cream is for a no makeup look. For those who do want that extra coverage, it's probably the best drugstore BB cream out there for that. So, here's how I apply it and what I put with it.

1. As this has higher coverage and it's Summer, I use Aloe Vera as my primer. This is an excellent natural alternative for a primer with anti-bacterial properties that are great for blemish-prone skin. Using it instead of a regular primer extends the wear of the makeup without feeling caked in product.

2. I take a relatively small amount of the cream on the back of my hand and use my fingers to apply it. The heat in my fingertips helps blend it very naturally and evenly into my skin. I start at the middle of my face and move outwards in arching movements with the natural line of my bone structure.

3. I fill in my brows with powder from Benefit's Brows A-go-go, keeping the look fairly minimal and the brows relatively small. Then I add a little of Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish Give Me Sun into the hollows of my cheeks and along my jawline for definition and finish with Maxfactor's Creme Puff Pressed Powder on top. 

4. Using the Naked 3 palette I brush a little of Strange onto my brow bone and inner eye as a highlight. Then I cover two thirds of my eyelid in Dust before working Buzz into my crease and outer corner.

5. I now curl my eyelashes with Eyeko's curler and brush a couple coats of Seventeen's Superlash to the outer edges of my upper lashes to give a natural yet feline flick to my eyes.

Et voilà!

Like the look of the Rimmel BB Cream? Well, I've three to give away! Sadly, I only have them in the shade Light but I promise to get more varied shades next time! 

So, how do you win? Comment below telling me your go-to base (BB or otherwise) and make sure you're following me on at least one of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin (or all of  'em if you're feeling super-generous). Mention in the comment which one applies to you and your handle on that site so I can track you down if you win! This giveaway is open internationally to anyone (those under 16 need to get a guardian's permission to send me their address) and will close 11th of August at 00:00 GMT + 1:00.

Good luck x

EDIT: As some peeps were having difficulty commenting here I've opened up entry via comments on facebook/twitter etc as well.

Drawing on ma face.

Boredom in classes led to my drawing on my arms a lot as a kid. This urge to not only doodle but to doodle on yourself when less than stimulated followed me into adulthood. And the result of major internet usage over the past few years is that I cannot merely do one thing at a time. The insane range of things we can access at any moment in time and my lack of self-restraint has combined to make me gorge on the daily. I watch a movie while reading a manga or I watch tv while internet window-shopping and drawing on my face etc etc etc.

Drawing on your face? What ARE you talking about? - You may be thinking loudly at me through your computer screen.

I, of course, mean putting makeup on. 

I've not been drawing on my face with pens...much...

Putting on makeup is the female (generally - boo, repressed, strict gender roles), adult equivalent of drawing on your arms. Which is funny because on a daily basis I wear very little makeup. Not only because I'm lazy and don't care enough to get up earlier but because I have this weird thing where I only consider myself as attractive as I can be with minimal intervention. By this I mean that I feel hideous if I don't look passable sans hairstyle and makeup. Totally makes sense....And isn't a cycle of self-blame and disgust. Heh. I'm fine, seriously...But, basically, my wearing makeup generally means I was bored or procrastinating or both. If you meet me dolled up you can assume this to be the case.

The other day I caught myself unable to watch an entire episode of Dark Angel (despite the gorgeousness of early 2000s Jessica Alba and my loving the show) without needing to do something else at the same time. So, I started putting on makeup. Mostly I was playing around with eyeshadow which I normally never wear.

The following is the result of that evening. The above was just me being self-indulgent. Enjoy.

Smokey neutral eye + natural lip and flushed cheeks.

Products:

Benefit Porefessional Primer

Maybelline Dream Pure BB in Light

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Oriflame Translucent Pressed Powder

Estee Lauder All-Over Face Powder Quad - Used as a blush (it's a light pink)

Mac 168 Blusher Brush

Philosophy Divine Illumination Love at First Light Skin Luminizer in Honey Gold 02

Clinique Eye Pencil in Brown Sugar 104 - Used to fill in brows and line eyes

IsaDora Triple Eyeshadow in Sandy Sky 06

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara in Black

Ecotools Eyeshadow Brush

Smokey coloured eye + gothy burgundy lips

Products:

All are the same except:

Rimmel Colour Rush Mono Eyeshadow in Iris 350

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Jet Black 061

Catrice Baroque Glamour Lipstick in Purple Silk C04

Graphic cateye + peachy lips

Products:

Same once again except:

IsaDora eyeshadow repeated with only the white shadow used

Seventeen Superlash! liner in Black

Topshop Lip Bullet in Joyride

Heh, I totes know about makeup and shit...

Wide-Eyed and Bargain - SEVENTEEN SUPERlash Mascara

Another new segment here on Wide-Eyed and Blind is going to be bargains I share with y'all. This probably won't be a weekly post but I'll try to do one every time I've got a good'ne.

I mentioned having bought SEVENTEEN's new mascara in a previous post. Now, I'll admit to having initially been suckered in by the cute packaging - it intrigued me, what can I say? I've never bought anything from the brand before but have been previously tempted by its price bracket and packaging.

The pop art style of design and reference to superheroes in the bold primary colour scheme immediately drew my interest but it was the bargain that cinched the deal. At the moment, if you buy it in Boots, it's at a lower introductory price of €5.99 plus with a free gift of their SUPERlash eyeliner pen.

So, I bit the bullet and gave it a go.

And boy, am I impressed by both products. The mascara has a wand with a small brush that creates a fuller lash look that is very natural and suited to everyday use. The combination of the eyeliner pen (the first I've used) and mascara promises to be great for more dramatic event or evening looks. The eyeliner is very dark and the shape of the nib means that it can be applied quite thick or more thinly and precisely if you have a steady hand. I certainly am going to need some practice if I want to get the hang of it.

Overall, I'm impressed. The mascara is probably going to become a regular favourite and it rivals my sister's recent purchase of the Mac Extended Play mascara, at a much lower price. The liner proves tricky for someone as inept with makeup as I but I like it and it'll be fun for procrastination days.

If you're in search of a new mascara, look no further - especially if you're not up for spending a whole lot.