Beauty 2015 II: Best of My Beauty Discoveries

If you read my last Beauty 2015 post, you'll know that I was talking all about my favourite beauty launches throughout the year from my pick of Urban Decay's best palette to budget make-up brushes that seriously impressed. This post, however, is things that weren't new to 2015 but new to me - products I discovered and fell in love with and that I felt deserved a shout-out.

The biggest make-up favourite has to be Missha's Magic Cushion SPF 50 (~ €27) in the shade 21. This BB cushion has become my go-to base and it makes my skin all kinds of glowy. My mother is obsessed and laments that I don't wear it all the time because it makes me look "much better" (cheers). In fact, she'd have me ordering it for her, too, if it had heavier coverage. For me, though, that's good. It doesn't look like you're wearing lots, leaves your skin feeling happy and moisturised, is SPF 50 and is pretty reasonably priced. For me, however, the best proof of how good something is/how much I like it, is if I find myself using it all. I rarely finish mascaras or foundations/BB creams before they dry up as I'm always testing things and wear make-up so little. This cushion BB has been replaced twice now and is the closest thing I've ever had to daily make-up so that says a lot. 

The next make-up fave is a product from the Balm that I've seen hyped for so long by people I respect a lot; the Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter (€20.50). This gives you serious glow right away without looking like you've slathered it on or looking too glittery. It also comes in a super-cute vintage-inspired compact with a big mirror and there's quite a bit of product at 8.5g considering that a little goes such a long way. Best of all, it's the perfect shade for me to use on my cheekbones, the tip of my nose and cupid's bow and on my aegyo sal.

While mentioning cheek products, I can't leave out Too Faced's Love Flush blush (€26.00) in Love Hangover. Not only is the packaging so freaking cute, the product is soft and finely milled and applies beautifully. It's a really pretty natural rosy-pink shade with little tiny flecks of glitter throughout but beware: a little really goes a long way. Apply with caution. 

Seriously, though. How cute is this? It's like a Polly Pocket.

A firm skincare favourite this year has to be Sunday Riley's Luna Sleeping Night Oil treatment. I've been using this for months now, every second night and I have to say that it really lives up to the hype. In fact, my only complaint is that I can't use it every night (the ingredients are too active). My acne scars (which, admittedly, aren't that bad) are fading and I can barely see some at all any more, my overall skin texture is smoother and blemishes heal faster. It's seriously changed my skin and lasts for yonks which makes it, to me, worth the €105 price tag.

Finally, a simple but effect product that I loved this year for my hair is the Naked Style Little Miracle Leave-In Conditioner. It's got argan oil and shea butter in it, smells coconutty and generally tames my hair, and flyaways, even on its most boisterous days. Plus, I've been told my hair is in remarkably good condition but several professionals and I definitely attribute it to regular use of this product.

These are the things I'm taking into 2016 for sure. How about you guys? Any holy grail discoveries this past year?! I'd love to hear about it!

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Beauty 2015 I: Best Beauty Launches of 2015

With the new year upon us, it's a time many pause and reflect on what has happened in the past year and what they would like to happen in the one that is just beginning. I didn't feel the desire to do a recap post on the year and this blog but, suffice it to say, it saw change and progress as always. I began working with lots of new brands, went to amazing events, put lots of products on my face, met lovely people, attended my first fashion week, etc, etc. As a result of all this madness and all these new PR contacts, I tried out more beauty products than ever this year and was fortunate enough to be invited to some of the biggest launches and given samples that afforded me the opportunity to try out more things than I would have been able to otherwise.

Basically, what I'm try to say is, I've personally tried a lot of the year's beauty launches and feel that I am, therefore, able to round up some of the best ones as a result. Here are the things that rocked my 2015 and will be carried over into 2016.



Urban Decay are best known for their eyeshadow palettes but their full line is also home to many a cult favourite. This past year birthed some new icons, particularly when it comes to lip products. I already discussed the products that I'm about to list here in my Winter Lip Edit but I want to briefly reiterate why they rock for anyone who hasn't read that post. First off, is one of the new matte formula Revolution Lipsticks, which were launched this winter, in the shade Bad Blood (€19.00). These lipsticks are a magic formula that gives a matte finish but are rich and creamy enough that you don't feel as though your lips are being utterly drained of any moisture and that they don't catch on any pre-existing dry skin from winter weather harshness. Basically, all the nice points of a matte lip without the downsides. 
I also have one of the 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils (€18.50), which were launched before summer, in the same shade which is actually a slightly lighter colour but both are similar berryish, deeper reds. The two products look lovely together and make for some serious staying power as a pair but also work well separately. The pencil, on its own, feels and looks lighter and less intense but is equally pretty.
Also a favourite are the recently released Urban Decay Revolution glosses (€19.00). Glosses that are super-pigmented and infused with lovely ingredients, these products give the colour of a liquid lipstick, the shine of a gloss and the sensation of a balm. They're pretty magic. I was a big fan of  Apocalypse and Big Bang - both shades are intense purplish colours with the latter being pinker and specked with glitter and the former being deep and a little Goth, in the best possible way. I can't reccommend them highly enough as they even managed to convert me - a serious lipgloss anti-fan - just remember that these require more careful application as they are so pigmented that straying off the lip even a fraction will result in disaster.

Other than my serious love for Urban Decay lip products, one other product from another brand managed to capture my heart. Chanel's Lévres Scintillantes Glossimer Lipgloss (€27.00), in the shade Allegria, came into my life at the very end of the year as a gift and I instantly fell for it. Since I'd been converted to glosses thanks to Urban Decay, I went into the relationship hopeful and found a pigmented gloss in an exceptionally pretty shade which sits beautifully on the skin and blends out perfectly for creating a gradiated Korean lip look. While this product isn't a new one, the shade is Limited Edition and I felt that merited being included in this post.

Another favourite launch from Urban Decay (they really killed it this year, didn't they?) has to be their Brow Tamer (€18.50). I've already reviewed it in detail and ranted about it multiple times but the real proof here is that it immediately kicked all the other tinted brow gels out of my make-up bag. And that remains the case.

Of course, I can't end all this talk of Urban Decay without mentioning my, hands down, favourite launch from them (and probably anyone, really) this year: the Gwen Stefani palette (€46.00). I'm not a palette fiend as some might be but it's like the woman personally inquired of me what I would like in one. Seriously. There's the neutrals, yeah, but then the pretty pink of Harajuku for a girlier, sweeter look, shimmers perfect for accentuating my aegyo sal, gold and blue for braver moments and a dark brown and intense black for liners. I don't really need any other eye products if I have it on hand. Plus: Gwen Stefani. Plus, plus: that packaging tho. Need I say more?

It would also be remiss of me not to mention Billion Dollar Brows, who officially launched into Irish and UK retailers in November after previously only being available in salons. I could talk about the whole line but a particular favourite, which has been cracked out for multiple friends and family members now, is the Brow Buddy Kit (€31.00) which includes their innovative Brow Buddy tool that allows you to measure your brows to perfection and shows where you need to pluck or fill in, a pencil for marking it out and a step-by-step guide

When it comes to skincare, the most exciting launch for me, by far, was the Clarisonic Smart Profile (€249.99). I've been using it for months now and, overall, my skin looks visibly much more refined and smooth. It even looks okay under the horrid lighting in the bathroom at work which makes everyone look terrible an saps all self-confidence away in seconds. Hormonal breakouts do continue to plague my existence but this product is a genius tool not an actual miracle-worker so what can you do?

Another skincare fave was the Hydra-V line from Artistry which is uber-luxe and makes winter look like a wimp in the face of my skin's moisture levels. I was particularly fond of the Artistry Hydra-V Nourishing Gel Cream (€40.75) which I have tragically just run out of...It was my go-to daytime moisturiser this winter as it packs a serious punch but its cream-gel formula means that you don't have to look like an oil slick all day to keep moisturised. Sigh, if only it came in an industrial-sized tube...

Finally, I want to give a shout-out to the new range of Primark/Penneys make-up brushes. I got some at the press day to play with and while I've yet to try them all out, I'm majorly impressed so far! Pretty and sleek in black with rose gold accents, many are double-ended maximising value and make-up bag space. Prices begin at just €1.50 so they're really very reasonable. They've also seriously improved. The brushes are fluffy and soft yet denser (still a little bit rough around the edges but, at that price point, you really can complain) than previous incarnations. The double-ended eyeshadow and eyeliner brush, in particular, is amazing. It blends out beautifully and having the liner brush together on one is really handy for me as that's all I really need. Seriously, if you're in need of new make-up brushes these are well worth a shot.

Now, the astute among you may have notice items in the background of the pictures which were not mentioned. These are items that aren't new to the market, but to me, and were favourites of mine in 2015 but I felt they warranted a separate post to keep things in order here. Look out for that next post as it has deets about a lot of cult faves that I tried, and was pleasantly surprised by, this year.

That's all for now, folks!

(All of these items, bar the Chanel lipgloss, were press samples. However, I was not paid to write about any of them and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.)

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12 Days of Giftmas - Billion Dollar Brows ¦ Giveaway

On the fifth day of Giftmas my true love gave to me, brows that fill others with envy...

I recently attended a Billion Dollar Brows event with their founder Natalie Plain upon the Irish launch of the brand in stores and learned all about them. Previously, they had been exclusively on sale in salons but now they're available in Boots and other retailers. I also got their full range of products to play around with. And while I had enjoyed the few bits from them that I had tried before, my affection for the brand was really cemented once I got to give the rest of the line a whirl.

Which is why I had to include them in the 12 Days of Giftmas.

"But what, pray tell, might this 12 Days of Giftmas be?" you're probably asking.

If you didn't read yesterday's post about REN Skincare, let me explain it again!

The 12 Days of Giftmas is a project that occurred to me last week. An idea that I ambitiously decided to go through with very last minute - I must be a lunatic. It's a sort of advent calendar for me and my readers, a way of saying thank you for reading and rewarding you in a small way. For the first 12 days of December, I will be writing a post every day on a shop, brand or item that would make good gifts. This is instead of the long gift ideas posts I've done in the past and offers a more in-depth look at some amazing companies and things. To complement each post, I've also teamed up with these fantastic brands and will be giving something away each day! So, the 12 Days of Giftmas will give you some gift ideas and the potential to win something for a loved one (or yourself!).

The individual products include their clear Eyebrow Gel, Brow Powder and the Universal Eyebrow Pencil (universal because the shade of brown is so light that it can be used as lightly or as heavily as needed to match almost all hair tones) which would all make great stocking fillers for the beauty and brow addicts in your life.

However, their kits are really the perfect thing as gifts for co-workers, family, pals and Secret Santas alike. The 60 Seconds to Beautiful Brows Kit (RRP €34.00) includes their brow brush and powder and is equated to "putting your hair in a ponytail", i.e. it offers quick, easy, neat results without any fuss. It's a great entry-level kit as a gift which won't break the bank but will give someone all they need to get started. The Best Sellers Kit (€68.00), meanwhile, has the universal pencil, gel, a dual-ended pencil for concealing and highlighting, and a smudge brush for more advanced, elaborate brow prep. This one is for the real beauty lovers in your life, those serious about their brows or just someone you really like. And, for the beauty fans that love a bit of beauty innovation or tech, the Brow Buddy Kit (€31.00) is ideal. It includes their Brow Buddy tool which allows you to measure your brows to perfection and shows where you need to pluck or fill in, a pencil for marking it out and a step-by-step guide.

Having tried everything on both myself and family and friends, I'd recommend all the sets but the Best Sellers kit is really the most versatile if you have to choose one. It also seems a bit pricey but is really good value for what you get in it!

So, if you want to give this amazing brand a go, why not enter my giveaway of a special limited edition gift set that isn't available to purchase? It includes a BDB cosmetic bag filled with some of their best-loved products.

1. Sadly, I can only keep my giveaways open to Ireland this time around. I apologise to those who might disappointed but I have to keep the generous brands that I'm working with in mind!
2. The prize is one BDB Gift Set.
3. All you need to do is comment below here or on Facebook with who you'd give it to - or if you want it for yourself! However, you must be following me on at least one platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', Tumblr), let me know which one in the comment if it's not obvious!
4. Competition closes a week from now on the 12th of December 2015 at midnight Irish time.
5. Winners will be chosen at random.
6. I will then comment below the winner's comment and ask you to email my official blog email address.

And that's that! Good luck and see you again tomorrow for the next brand and giveaway!

(Thanks to BDB and Barbara and Naomi from Rachel Dalton Communications, in particular, for working with me!)

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Best Brows Ever - Billion Dollar Brows Arrives in Ireland

I've actually been using some Billion Dollar Brows (BDB) products for over a year now and they have been stocked in select salons around the country up till now but as they have just launched in Boots, there's now a much wider selection from them that is much more readily available. I headed along to the bloggers'  press day in the penthouse of The Dean Hotel (which is amazing for events and would be a dream to actually stay in) on Harcourt Street, where founder and CEO, Natalie Plain, was in attendance (and actually staying in the penthouse) to tell us all about the brand and their products.

The company was set up in the wake of the lingering results of nineties over-plucking, and brows never growing back in quite right, and the over-compensating Scouse brows of recent years. Natalie felt that the world of brows lacked balance, and this needed to be addressed. She wanted to help more people have the more natural-style, lush brows made so popular by the likes of Cara Delevingne. And she wanted them to be the right shape for each individual. But such things normally require regular trips to the salon, which can become expensive. So, in order to level the playing field, she established BDB, which brings expert brow-maintenance into your home and own hands, in a way that makes it easy for anyone to do.

This brow "revolution" is now more readily available to those of us on the other side of the Atlantic now as well, thanks to the American brand's partnership with Boots. Cruelty free and made in America and Mexico, it's a brand with a conscience as well as a serious vision for beauty and damn good products. Which is probably why they are now available in 32 countries around the world! They're always thinking ahead as well, with special products for men and redheads being launched in the new year - good news for Irish audiences, in particular!

The products which are now available include their clear Eyebrow Gel, Brow Powder and Universal Eyebrow Pencil (universal because the shade of brown is so light that it can be used as lightly or as heavily as needed to match almost all hair tones). However, more excitingly (particularly with Christmas fast approaching), there is also a selection of their kits. These include: the 60 Seconds to Beautiful Brows Kit (RRP €34.00) which includes their brow brush and powder and they describe as "putting your hair in a ponytail", i.e. quick, easy, neat results without fuss; the Best Sellers Kit (€68.00) which has the universal pencil, gel, a dual-ended pencil for concealing and highlighting, and a smudge brush for more advanced, elaborate brow prep; and the Brow Buddy Kit (€31.00) which includes their Brow Buddy tool which allows you to measure your brows to perfection and show where you need to pluck or fill in, a pencil for marking it out and a step-by-step guide.

I've also now used all of the product and am suitably impressed. The first time I tried them out I did my, my sister and her friend's brows and, thankfully, I didn't let anyone down. The results were natural, perfectly shaped and suited to each individual's face. If I were to recommend just one product, I'd probably go for the Best Sellers Kit but, honestly, the whole range is worth investing in - you'll save time, money and energy in the long run!

Do you guys have any secrets to beautiful brows? Or a brow idol? I'd love to know!

(Items included were provided as press samples by all opinions are my own)

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French Cosmetics Christmas Event

So, last night I managed to catch the end of the French Cosmetics Christmas event in which they launched/previewed the gift sets that will be available this year. Have to say, coming out of the cold and tired from work to a room with fairy lights, sweeties, cocktails and a bit of Bublé was...needed.

And the products themselves! Hallowe'en hasn't even passed but Christmas is starting to steal its thunder already for me! I'm so excited. There was such lovely stuff and I can't wait to put them into my gift guides this year.

French Cosmetics is a distributor established in 1996 that represent brands such as Jessica Nails, Steamcream, Billion Dollar Brows and Bronz Express. And they've really outdone themselves for the festive season this year. There's really something for everyone and across a wide range of budgets - which is awesome.

Keep an eye out for more info on individual pieces in the future...and remember, it's only 61 days until Christmas!

Feeling a wee bit jollier already? I know I am.