Youngblood Cosmetics Launch + Brow Artiste Review

Just before I headed off to fashion week I attended the launch of Youngblood Cosmetics to hear all about the brand, how it started, what it stands for, their hero products and what is launching in the next while from their MUA Daniel Chavez.

I was already majorly intrigued by the brand, having received press releases about it for a few months, but had never personally tried any of their products or seen them in action IRL. One of the particular selling points for me is that Youngblood was established by a former medical aesthetician, Paula Youngblood, who made sure that the formulations of their products would be both effective and kind to the skin. And, importantly, they are also a cruelty-free brand.

The launch itself was very entertaining (in spite of the unnatural heat that had a packed room of beauty bloggers perspiring their makeup right off) and Mr Chavez is an absolutely gas character. Tara O'Farrell interviewed the MUA about the brand and his own particular tips and tricks of the trade before he demonstrated some of the products on model Claire Treacy.

Key take-aways from the whole thing? Apparently a brow can never be too arched and there is no such thing as too much highlight, blush shades are made for mixing, and a good base does most of the work in a makeup look.

Physical take-away? Youngblood's iconic Brow Artiste (RRP €37.50), one of their Hero Products. At first, I was surprised by the price on the press release and thought it was kind of expensive. Then I compared it to similar products from the likes of Benefit and found that it is actually in pretty much the same price bracket. I've also used a lot of other similar kits in the past and, have to say, I genuinely think this is one of the better versions on the market. The packaging is sleek and sturdy and is slim and compact enough to travel well. It is also big enough, however, that the mirror in the lid is one I would actually use. Normally mirrors in compacts are so irritatingly small that I never use them but I found myself using this one. Similarly, brushes and tools in kits are usually crap but the double-ended corkscrew and angled brush has a slightly longer handle and is quite handy, as is the little tweezers.

The formulation of the powders and wax is designed to be gentle so that it will be suitable for both those with sensitive skin and people who may have just had their brows plucked, waxed or threaded and have temporary local sensitivity. The two shades in the brunette kit look very similar but the ashier colour is light enough for those with brighter hair and the darker shade built up nicely so that it worked even with my rather dark hair. I can't say that the wax alone was effective in taming the movement of my brows or getting the shape completely down but, then, only the strongest formulations are up to the task and I expected as much. 

I've found myself reaching for the kit every time I've done my brows since I got it and that's the best compliment I can ever give a product.

(This product was given to me as a press sample. However, I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own.)

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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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Quick Brow Routine

Brows are the one thing I rarely leave the house without. I'm not a massive make-up wearer day to day but my brows grow so sparsely that I can look odd without them filled in. Therefore, they are a bit of a priority.

Sometimes, however, you don't have time for pencil + powder + wax/gel - I like them to look good but ain't nobody got time for that in the morning. Which makes perfecting a routine that is quick and looks great is important.

Of late, two products have made that possible for me. The first is Soap and Glory's Archery Brow Tint and Precision Shaping pencil (€13.50, in the shade Brownie Points). I tend not to use the tint as it requires a lot of working and effort to look any way effective but I love the pencil. It twists up which is handy as I don't have to pare it all the time and I'm a lazy butt like that. I start off by using small quick strokes to fill in my brows, beginning at the centre and working to the outer edge before going back to the inner edge and meeting with the centre again. I read about this method somewhere ages ago and it basically keeps the shape believable and easy to follow. Afterwards I like to use a brush or spoolie to work the product in and take away any excess.









The second product is Mememe's Arch Angel (€10.50, in the shade Light Brown) which I am OBSESSED with. It's a two-in-one product with a tinted brow gel on one end and a highlighter on the other. The brush is the perfect size for brows which is great because many tinted brow gels often have mascara-sized brushes that are awkward to use on the brows. The formulation is wonderful too and doesn't go crunchy the way some do. I just brush this gently over the pencilled-in brows to set them and give them some more oomph - being careful not to add too much product. But the best part about this product is probably the highlighter which has a lovely, not overly-intense glow. I take a little beneath the brow, on the tip of my nose and on my cheekbone. A friend immediately noticed it the other day and said I looked like I was glowing which is always a good thing. Also I'm just mad keen on the name and packaging.













So, that's it - quick, easy and effective! Let me know if anyone has tried these products and what they thought. And, if you've been eyeing them up, I highly recommend giving them a shot!

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Armani Launches for SS15 with Thoa Tran - II - Tips and Tricks

When you're watching a make-up artist at work who expresses personal knowledge about the things that "Mr Armani" likes and dislikes, you pay attention not only to the products that she is showcasing, but the gems of wisdom she casually drops into conversation. When you see her transform an, admittedly very pretty, girl into someone who could easily blend into the Giorgio Armani SS15 runway line-up in less than half an hour, you realise just how good she is. So, here are some tips, tricks, trends and titbits that Thoa Tran let us in on at the new launches event a few weeks back.

1. Want to look like an Armani girl? Ditch the winged liner. I know, I know. A difficult thing to process. Seemingly impossible to let go of. But Mr Armani prefers a straight line. So, now you know.

2. Speaking of straight lines, that's the brow shape that's going to be all over the place. Apparently Victoria Beckham has been in the process of growing hers like that for years. And they're Armani-approved.

3. Now that we're on the topic of brows...want to enhance yours? When using powders or gels to fill in your brows, first apply the product against the growth. This way the hairs will pick up the product better and look fuller.

4. The further boost the look, apply concealer all around the edges of the brows, defining them clearly.

5. P.S. Thick brows are back and bigger than before.

6. Armani is all about the glowing look. To look sun-kissed, glamorous and like you fit right in with the old Italian stalwart of style, ditch the blush and put the emphasis on good contouring instead.

7. The new launch, the Eye Tint, is multi-use and gorgeous. It is primarily a shadow but can be used as eyeliner in an awesome range of shades if applied with an angled eyeliner brush. And, number 12, also makes a mighty fine highlighter.

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Well, just wanted to share these little gems instead of leaving them hanging out and useless in my notebook! Any you'd try yourself?

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Review: Blink & Wink Salon

Blink & Wink are a new Eyelash and Eyebrow business based on 21 Dawson Street. And while they've not been open that long, they're building a great reputation - probably because everyone on board is very kind and professional. The salon offers eyebrow threading and tinting, eyelash tinting and extensions, waxing, facials, nails and make-up application but they pride themselves especially on their expertise when it comes to brows and lashes (hence the name). 

They invited me to come in and try their signature treatment of an eyebrow shape and brow and lash tint and, as I'm all about brows, I gladly accepted. 

First of all, I don't just trust just anyone with my brows, so abandoning my usual haunt put me well outside my comfort zone. I was expertly assured that everything would be perfect and, y'know what? It was. I love the results.

On the first day, my brows were threaded and we did a patch test with the dye. Certain that nothing was going to react, especially so close to my eyes, I was asked to come in on a second day where my lashes and brows were tinted and the shape of the brows was neatened up a little.

Before

After

As the residual blondeness from my childhood exists only in my lashes and my brows are naturally sparse, this treatment means that I really have to do very little with them now. They're much more defined. And being able to use less make-up is always a good thing.

I will say that getting your lashes tinted is not the most fun thing in the world but that's because of the nature of the process and because I'm very precious when it comes to my eyes. Just listen to everything you're told during and, for the love of God, keep your eyes closed. At Blink & Wink, you'll be guided through it expertly.

The whole procedure will set you back €35 but it's well worth it for everything you get done and the care, time and attention that you get. 

With cute decor, quality services and great staff, I really can't recommend them more highly. Pop in store, call (01) 254 9012 or go to their facebook page to book an appointment today!

P.S. Thanks for everything, guys! x

Favourite Things - April 2014.

Here be a post of the things I've been enjoying this month!

Dad brought this necklace home to me from Singapore. I was convinced it wouldn't fit because it looks SO TINY. But it actually does fit and rests in the hollow of my neck in a lovely way. Kinda obsessed - it looks so cool on.

The dress this is sitting on is from Next and should feature in posts soooon. I love it!

No real explanation necessary here. So delicious! But dangerous. I could easily polish off the whole thing in one sitting...Eep!

I don't like putting my hair through too much and while this is not entirely natural, it's slightly better! Leaves my hair feeling lovely, doesn't weigh it down and lathers brilliantly in spite of not being a chock-full of chemicals.

I'm loving anything from the Sapien Women line from Surya Brasil but the body moisturiser is a particular favourite. It smells SO GOOD. Seriously. I love it. My mam loves it. My brother loves it. It's coconut and mango...connect the dots right there. Good enough to eat (though I wouldn't recommend that).

So multi-purpose and so effective!

I've been late more often since I started using this as I spend waaayyy more time on my brows. Still, worth it. Obsessed.

L'Oreal Elvive always smells amazing and, bonus: this has GLITTER in it. I can't say I've noticed it after washing my hair but, hey, I'm a sucker for a gimmick.

Re-reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road. Because, I mean, who needs sleep? Yeah, I felt empty and hollow after I finished it last time and had to sleep in my mam's bed that night but it's a damn good book.

I'm loving Wuthering Heights everything and anything at the moment. Major obsession coming on. 

Not Teletubbies - but the sun! How I've missed thee! It's nice to get some Vitamin D into the system.

So, those are my faves du moment. What are you guys loving? I'd love to know...ahahah...I'm going now.