There are certain things that I always get behind and like to support here on this blog. Anyone who knows me or has been a long-time reader will be familiar with these things that I am so passionate about and it really is important to me that beauty and fashion have a conscience.
Easilocks ticks a lot of boxes and has a lot of conscience. The brand is Irish, started by a young entrepreneur who worked his way up, cruelty-free, vegan friendly and all the hair extensions in the line are made from ethically-sourced human hair from around the world (largely Russia and Mongolia).
The company was started by Irish award winning hair stylist Shane O'Sullivan, who started out in the industry at age thirteen in his family owned salon (also named Easilocks) in Dublin. Having worked in the industry and with extensions, in particular, for years, he noticed that they could be better and spent five years designing a line of high-quality extensions that could be used at home.
Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength and can boast Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie and a whole host of other celebrities as fans.
The range of extensions is large with lots of pieces that can be added to instantly change a look and are available in a wide selection of shades and tones. In addition to this, Easilocks has also now launched a range of products and tools to help take care of your extensions and your own hair at home.
I attended the exceptionally packed launch a couple of weeks ago and, though I could only stay briefly, was amazed by the crowd and buzz of excitement. Bloggers and press were getting extensions put in to try them out first-hand, drinks were being had and Shane was on hand to answer questions personally.
Admittedly, I didn't get a chance to personally try out any of the extensions but I have been using the press samples I received on the evening on a daily basis since then: a rather impressive-looking copper styling brush and their Rose Gold Oil.
The brush is nice enough but a little big considering how short my hair is now and how bad I am at hair styling. However, the Rose Gold Oil is an absolute star product for me. I've been using hair oils for around 6 months now to help maintain the softness and smoothness of my hair and tame fly-aways and there have been a few I've really liked. This one, however, smells like an absolute dream, as well as performing well, which is why it has become my go-to. Seriously, it smells so good. I love me a spicy rose scent.
If you're interested in extensions or haircare but can't afford to entirely break the bank, check Easilocks out.
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Recent and Upcoming Urban Decay Launches
Urban Decay have been busy, haven't they?!
When I went to their presentation on recent and upcoming launches last week, I was properly blown away. Both by particular launches (*cough* Vice Vault *cough*) and the whole presentation. They are a brand that is savvy about trends but also about listening to their customers and what they actually want. We were told that Wende, one of the founding partners of the brand, personally reads through comments on their social media and considers fans' opinions when launching and creating new products.
The biggest launch of recent months is the Naked Ultimate Basics Palette (RRP €47.00), which went on sale on the 29th of September and is already proving a firm fan favourite. The latest in the Naked family, it delivers the all matte selection of shades that lovers of the previous palettes were crying out for. Featuring 12 all-new neutral shades that are exclusive to this palette and different from the shades in Naked Basics and Naked 2 Basics. Some shades, however, may trigger memories of colours from other UD palettes, such as Extra Bitter, as they are refined versions of some of the most popular eyeshadows that the brand has produced. Speaking of Extra Bitter, of the sample pool of bloggers and makeup fans I have chatted with, it's the winner and the one shade I've managed to wear yet. I can state that it truly is gorgeous and blends out and builds like an utter dream.
Another product that had people oohing and aahing was the Naked Illuminated Trio (RRP $36.00), which is part of this year's Holiday collection and brings together three of the brand's beloved marbled highlighters in one palette that makes for a perfect gift. Given the obsession with highlighting, I struggle to think of anyone I know that likes makeup who wouldn't be pretty delighted with this as a gift. Featuring a gold (Pyrite), ivory (Oasis) and peach (Twilight) highlight shade, the palette suits a variety of skin tones and preferences or someone who merely likes options/layering/mixing highlight shades.
Other new products include the long-lasting, high-coverage All Nighter Foundation; the re-invented Brightening and Tightening Complexion Primer Potion that is now for all over the face and not just the cult-favourite for the eyelids; the Perversion Waterproof Fine Point Eye Pen, that extends the ultra-black Perversion line from just mascaras to eyeliners as well; and the Razor Sharp Long-Wear Liquid Eyeliner, that is offered in a very wide range of shades.
It was, however, the Vice Lipstick Vault that blew everyone away. The second it was put on the table, the room erupted in excitement. This limited special edition and latest "vault" product houses all 100 shades in the Vice line in one giant, beautiful box. It's enough to make one weep at the beauty of it. I don't know who's buying it but it's damn gorgeous.
(In the interest of fairness and full disclosure, while I did not strictly review any of the products here, I would like to point out that I did receive free samples but was not paid for my comments and all opinions are entirely my own)
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When I went to their presentation on recent and upcoming launches last week, I was properly blown away. Both by particular launches (*cough* Vice Vault *cough*) and the whole presentation. They are a brand that is savvy about trends but also about listening to their customers and what they actually want. We were told that Wende, one of the founding partners of the brand, personally reads through comments on their social media and considers fans' opinions when launching and creating new products.
The biggest launch of recent months is the Naked Ultimate Basics Palette (RRP €47.00), which went on sale on the 29th of September and is already proving a firm fan favourite. The latest in the Naked family, it delivers the all matte selection of shades that lovers of the previous palettes were crying out for. Featuring 12 all-new neutral shades that are exclusive to this palette and different from the shades in Naked Basics and Naked 2 Basics. Some shades, however, may trigger memories of colours from other UD palettes, such as Extra Bitter, as they are refined versions of some of the most popular eyeshadows that the brand has produced. Speaking of Extra Bitter, of the sample pool of bloggers and makeup fans I have chatted with, it's the winner and the one shade I've managed to wear yet. I can state that it truly is gorgeous and blends out and builds like an utter dream.
Another product that had people oohing and aahing was the Naked Illuminated Trio (RRP $36.00), which is part of this year's Holiday collection and brings together three of the brand's beloved marbled highlighters in one palette that makes for a perfect gift. Given the obsession with highlighting, I struggle to think of anyone I know that likes makeup who wouldn't be pretty delighted with this as a gift. Featuring a gold (Pyrite), ivory (Oasis) and peach (Twilight) highlight shade, the palette suits a variety of skin tones and preferences or someone who merely likes options/layering/mixing highlight shades.
Other new products include the long-lasting, high-coverage All Nighter Foundation; the re-invented Brightening and Tightening Complexion Primer Potion that is now for all over the face and not just the cult-favourite for the eyelids; the Perversion Waterproof Fine Point Eye Pen, that extends the ultra-black Perversion line from just mascaras to eyeliners as well; and the Razor Sharp Long-Wear Liquid Eyeliner, that is offered in a very wide range of shades.
It was, however, the Vice Lipstick Vault that blew everyone away. The second it was put on the table, the room erupted in excitement. This limited special edition and latest "vault" product houses all 100 shades in the Vice line in one giant, beautiful box. It's enough to make one weep at the beauty of it. I don't know who's buying it but it's damn gorgeous.
(In the interest of fairness and full disclosure, while I did not strictly review any of the products here, I would like to point out that I did receive free samples but was not paid for my comments and all opinions are entirely my own)
*
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Tuesday, 4 October 2016
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.
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.
Monday, 3 October 2016
Photo Post - September 2016
September opened to heartbreak. We had just lost our dog, Belle, and my brother and I, in particular, were devastated. The day after she died I had to go back to Dublin for work and I spent the following days physically separated from her absence, which made it emotionally somewhat easier to cope. When my brother had to come up to the city for the day, I brought him out to lunch and was shocked by how bad he looked. We sat over bibimbap and talked things through and, if anything good has come from all of this, it is that we are definitely closer now.
The next day my friends came over with flowers, homemade cookies, hugs and consolation and we spent the night talking, laughing, crying with laughter and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. They listened to what I needed to say, held my hand and cheered me up and made me realise just how lucky I am to have friends like that in my life. Similarly, I had a Skype date with one of my best friends, who is currently living in Hong Kong, and she listened to everything I needed to get off my chest, hearing me out and just being there for me. Then she dropped the wonderful bombshell that she was returning in November and I suddenly had something to look forward to.
In the following week I had a minor existential crisis, fell deep into a new book and spent an evening with my bestie wandering around and drinking a pot of tea in our local bar, before heading home for the first weekend since Belle had died. I promptly cried upon arriving home and realising she wasn't going to rush outside to welcome me home, when we opened a bottle of Champagne and she wasn't there to eat the cork, when we left the back door open and she didn't sneak in - moments everyone else had had time to get used to but I was experiencing for the first time.
The next week was the run-up to fashion week and mostly involved packing, washing, ironing, planning, buying bits for the trip and attending the launch of Youngblood Cosmetics in Ireland. Then, on Thursday evening, I flew into London and my friend and her boyfriend met me at the train station to walk me home with them. As they went on to bed to get ready for work the next day, I settled into the room they had prepared for me and made friends with their new dog, delighting in having one to play with and pet. Friday was busy with four shows to attend and I had gotten cocky about knowing my way around central London so I got lost lots and spent much of the day running around like a sweaty lunatic but it was a wonderful start and I loved all of the collections I saw. The following few days were a blur of meeting friends and going to shows.
When I finally got home on Tuesday night, I was exhausted but on a high from Fashion Week. Said high meant that I crashed right back down to earth the next day when I had to go back to work as per, but the very next day I had Lloyds Pharmacy's #BeVersionofYou breakfast in the morning and the Bryt skincare launch in the evening. That weekend I went home to my family to celebrate my birthday and went out for dinner in Richmond with my pals on Sunday night and everyone made me feel all kinds of loved and appreciated.
The final week of September saw me start a Korean language course in Trinity, have dinner with my bestie, walk down memory lane and meet one of the stars of comedic cinema disaster, "The Room" with the society I used to run in college, and get ambushed on my walk home by a friend who dragged me into a pub.
Overall, September was a fucking crazy month. A lot happened and I'm still working through the incredible backlog of blog posts and articles that I need to do based on all that happened. The month opened to sorrow but it was mostly filled with love: friends appearing when I needed them most, bonding with my family over shared loss, people making sure to gather from all over to see me when I was in London and, not one, not two, but three birthday celebrations.
It was a month filled with chaos and hard work but also with the amazing opportunities that I am given - largely because of this blog and everyone who reads it. I get to meet designers, travel, attend shows, sample all sorts of products and, even, sit front row at Fashion Week because of hard work, of course, but also because you guys stick around to read what I write and look at pictures I take. And I am incredibly thankful for that.
I'm not quite where I want to be in my career or life just yet but the journey thus far has been (mostly) a good one, one I'm lucky to be on.
Thank you for travelling it with me thus far, may we have many more adventures in the future.
Love,
Colette x
The next day my friends came over with flowers, homemade cookies, hugs and consolation and we spent the night talking, laughing, crying with laughter and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. They listened to what I needed to say, held my hand and cheered me up and made me realise just how lucky I am to have friends like that in my life. Similarly, I had a Skype date with one of my best friends, who is currently living in Hong Kong, and she listened to everything I needed to get off my chest, hearing me out and just being there for me. Then she dropped the wonderful bombshell that she was returning in November and I suddenly had something to look forward to.
In the following week I had a minor existential crisis, fell deep into a new book and spent an evening with my bestie wandering around and drinking a pot of tea in our local bar, before heading home for the first weekend since Belle had died. I promptly cried upon arriving home and realising she wasn't going to rush outside to welcome me home, when we opened a bottle of Champagne and she wasn't there to eat the cork, when we left the back door open and she didn't sneak in - moments everyone else had had time to get used to but I was experiencing for the first time.
The next week was the run-up to fashion week and mostly involved packing, washing, ironing, planning, buying bits for the trip and attending the launch of Youngblood Cosmetics in Ireland. Then, on Thursday evening, I flew into London and my friend and her boyfriend met me at the train station to walk me home with them. As they went on to bed to get ready for work the next day, I settled into the room they had prepared for me and made friends with their new dog, delighting in having one to play with and pet. Friday was busy with four shows to attend and I had gotten cocky about knowing my way around central London so I got lost lots and spent much of the day running around like a sweaty lunatic but it was a wonderful start and I loved all of the collections I saw. The following few days were a blur of meeting friends and going to shows.
When I finally got home on Tuesday night, I was exhausted but on a high from Fashion Week. Said high meant that I crashed right back down to earth the next day when I had to go back to work as per, but the very next day I had Lloyds Pharmacy's #BeVersionofYou breakfast in the morning and the Bryt skincare launch in the evening. That weekend I went home to my family to celebrate my birthday and went out for dinner in Richmond with my pals on Sunday night and everyone made me feel all kinds of loved and appreciated.
The final week of September saw me start a Korean language course in Trinity, have dinner with my bestie, walk down memory lane and meet one of the stars of comedic cinema disaster, "The Room" with the society I used to run in college, and get ambushed on my walk home by a friend who dragged me into a pub.
Overall, September was a fucking crazy month. A lot happened and I'm still working through the incredible backlog of blog posts and articles that I need to do based on all that happened. The month opened to sorrow but it was mostly filled with love: friends appearing when I needed them most, bonding with my family over shared loss, people making sure to gather from all over to see me when I was in London and, not one, not two, but three birthday celebrations.
It was a month filled with chaos and hard work but also with the amazing opportunities that I am given - largely because of this blog and everyone who reads it. I get to meet designers, travel, attend shows, sample all sorts of products and, even, sit front row at Fashion Week because of hard work, of course, but also because you guys stick around to read what I write and look at pictures I take. And I am incredibly thankful for that.
I'm not quite where I want to be in my career or life just yet but the journey thus far has been (mostly) a good one, one I'm lucky to be on.
Thank you for travelling it with me thus far, may we have many more adventures in the future.
Love,
Colette x
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