My first International Make Up Swap!!!!:):)

Hey Girlies,

I recently completed my first beauty swap which I've been so excited about. I did this swap with my friend Jenn Staz from the United States. Jenn's YouTube videos are so good, there's everything from hauls to inspired makeup tutorials and much more. ( If you haven't seen her website/youtube channel I shall link it below). She's been following my blog from the beginning and she is such a amazing girl and has been so supportive. This whole swap came about when we were chatting about different brands and I was telling her how we couldn't get certain ones in Ireland.

I recieved my package from Jenn on Tuesday. Girls, to say I was shocked by what she sent me is an understatement. I told Jenn before we did the swap that I'd never tried any ELF or NYX products and she sent me heaps to try out and some other goodies which I can't wait to show everyone. I was so overwhelmed with what Jenn sent me she has to be one of the most generous girls around. I hope to do another swap with her in the future.

The following are some pictures and swatches of the products she sent me!!:):)

ELF Summer Ready Super Glossy Lip Gloss Collection

Top Row- Mango Madness, CandleLight, Pink Lemonade

Bottom Row- Pink Kiss, Trendsetter

ELF Beautybook

Smoky Eye and Neutral Eye Collection



4 ELF Pigment Eyeshadows

Top Row- Naughty Noire, Innocent ivory

Bottom Row- Golden Goddess,  Passionate Purple

I can't wait to try out these eyeshadows I love all the colours:)

ELF Conditioning Lip Balms SPF15

LtoR- Peaceful Pink, Nice & Natural

I have been using these lip balms so much as I suffer with quite dry lips. I love Peaceful Pink its the perfect summer shade!!

ELF Summer Ready  48 piece Lip & Eye palette- Warm Collection

NYX Nude On Nude Natural Look Collection and  NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

All these shadows are so wearable and it's such a great size for my handbag!!!:)

ELF Matte Lip Colour in Coral, Avon Smooth Minerals Lip Gloss In Plumberry( I think the writing is a bit small) and Avon Moisturizing LipTreatment SPF15

LtoR-Avon Smooth Minerals Lipgloss, ELF Matte Lip Colour and NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

Last but not least Jenn sent me this cute card with my package!! I love it!!!

I can't wait to try out all these amazing products. Thanks for taking part in this swap with me Jenn, you seriously seem to know exactly what I like:) You can also check out what I got for Jenn on her beauty channel.

I would definitely love to do another swap in the future as they are so much fun.

Have any of you girls taken part in a makeup swap before??

Laura<3

Jenn Staz Website- http://www.jennstaz.com/

Jenn Staz Beauty Channel- http://www.youtube.com/user/BellaPepper53

Weekly Round Up #1

Hey Girlies,

Weekly Round Up is going to be a post at the end of  every week that's going to show what I've been up to.This week has been a pretty eventful one, so I'd like to share it with you girls. Some exciting things happened this week actually so I'm so excited to talk to everyone about. I'll start from the beginning.

Monday - I recieved some product samples from a few companies on Monday which I'm so excited to share with you girlies. I'm currently trying them out but expect to see a post very soon.

Tuesday - Some of you might know I recently took part in a International Beauty Swap with the lovely Jenn Staz from California. The parcel was dropped off on Tuesday and I was so shocked with the amazing products she sent me I was blown away!!! I've never tried NYX or ELF products and she sent me such a collection from both brands to try out. Jenn is the most generous and nicest girl ever. Thank you so much:) I know you got your products today so I hope you like them!!! When you try them all out let me know what you think. I'm going to put up an individual post over the weekend to show you girls what Jenn sent me. (If you haven't checked out her website/youtube videos I shall leave the links below).

                                           

A quick picture of the goodies Jenn sent me!!:)

Wednesday - I went to see Water For Elephants if you haven't seen this film it's definitely one to watch and really enjoyable. It did help alot that Rob Pattinson was the lead actor in it and I have to say he looks totally hot!!:) Have any of you girls seen Water for Elephants?? I also got a email from the Liz Earle Pr Team about their event in Dublin.I'm going on Saturday 18th for a skin care consultation. I'm very much looking forward to it.

Thursday - Yesterday I bought a gorgeous notebook in the Disney store. I got this to write down all my ideas for new posts and for my monthly favourites. It's been so hard picking my faves this month as I've loved so many products that I've used. My boyfriend also went to Manchester to watch the Champions League Final. I miss him alot already but he's back on Tuesday and I know I'll get a nice little gift!!:):)

                                                                     Isn't it the cutest??

Today- I went shopping with my mom after work because I got paid...YAY!!! I made a few purchases but I'm most excited about two in particular. The first product I'm excited about is Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B20. I've seen good reviews about this new foundation lately on alot of beauty blogs. I've been using MAC Pro Longwear foundation for a while now and I thought I needed a change. When I was in Brown Thomas last weekend I got a sample of it to try and I've fallen in love with it so I decided to buy the full size foundation today.I just feel it blends in with your skin so well and it is also light weight which you need in the summer. I also bought a ultra-lipgloss from Chanel's Summer Collection, Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Pink Peony. The lipgloss is a gorgeous pink shade that shows up real well on the lips, perfect for summer. Have you tried any products from Chanel' Summer Collection???

    

 I got some little Active Moisture Gel Ceam minis to try out and a gorgeous Pink Chanel charm too!!

So that comes to end of what happened in my week so far. Hopefully the weekend is even better!!!:)

Laura<3



Jenn Staz Website-http://www.jennstaz.com
Jenn Staz Youtube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/user/BellaPepper53

Liz Earle Event Dublin 16th-18th June 2011

Hey everyone,

I was kindly told by the lovely Liz Earle PR team that there is a event on in Dublin this June. This year Wilde & Green Milltown celebrates it's third birthday. This is also Liz Earles third year of  partnership with the store. I recently just tried a sample of their Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I can't believe I've never tried this product before and will definitely be stocking up on it.

To mark this occasion, their will be a  choice between complimentary personal skincare consultation or hand and arm massages. This event takes place from Thursday 16th June to Saturday 18th June,11am to 4.30pm.

If you book into either of these treatments you will also recieve a complimentary goodie bag on the day which will include a Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and a Botanical Essence No.1 sample. If your like myself and haven't tried out many Liz Earle products I think the samples are a great way to get to know the brand.

To reserve a complimentary treatment on the day just email the Liz Earle Customer Care Team and they can book you in at whatever suits you.:)

I know I will be definitely booking a treatment!!!:) Will you girlies?

Hope to see everyone there!!:)

Laura<3

Wilde & Green is located at Unit 2, Milltown Road, Milltown, Dublin 6 if you need directions they can be found at http://maps.google.com/ (Sorry the link wasn't working for me on the post!)

If you are interested in finding out more about Liz Earle- http://ie.lizearle.com/

A Shopaholics Journey #2- Debenhams and Brown Thomas

Hey Girlies!!...:)

Hope everyones weekend went fab!!!...Mine was pretty hectic from working on Friday to shopping on Saturday then working again on Sunday!! I really didn't have a minute to myself..so I'm happy to sit down now and write this post to tell you all about some of the beauty products I've purchased recently.Looking at the products now, it looks like I bought alot more than I thought. I don't realise how much I've actually bought until I go home and have a rummage through my shopping bags. Does this happen to any of you girlies??

Debenhams and Brown Thomas( which must seem like a shop I go to alot)  are the shops were I bought these lovely goodies!! I always go to these stores as there are promotions and events on alot. They also both have good reward schemes, Brown Thomas Black and Debenhams BeautyClub Card which is always a good way to get something back on all the purchases you make instore.

 I went to Debenhams Henry St on Thursday. There was a promotion on where you could avail of 10% off everything from Beauty & Fragrance. I picked up my first purchase instore, Smashbox Cosmetics Limitless Beauty Collection.

In this box you get as follows:
Blush Rush in Everlasting
Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Round-The-Clock
Photo Finish Primer-Travel Size
Limitless Beauty Eyeshadow Palette (includes a brush)
Limitless Eye Liner in Java

I haven't got the chance to really try out these products with work and stuff. I've used the eyeshadow palette for everyday looks as all the colours are very neutral, I love it. I've also used the lipgloss I love the shade of peach but I don't like the taste of the product on your lips at all. Do any of you girls feel the same??

On to my Shopaholic Journey on Saturday. My day only consisted of going to one shop as the weather was completely horrendous and I was wearing a cardigan to make matters worse. Brown Thomas sometimes have beauty events instore which I like going to as it's a good way to find out about the latest products from brands you may never of heard of before. When I heard the Irish Independent's Beauty Editor, Triona McCarthy was showcasing her summer must-haves on Saturday instore I knew I had to go. I enjoyed listening to her beauty tips for the summer and also the products she thought were essentials.

While I was there I also picked up a two products from Nars for myself. To be quite honest I'm a bit of a Nars virgin as I've never tried anything before even though I read how good they are on a regular basis.

I got two products from the Portrait Of Paradise Collection, the Blush Bronzer trio and the Laguna Illuminator.

Blush Bronze Trio (Limited Edition) consists of Orgasm Blush, Albatross Highlighter and Laguna Bronzer. I've used this product twice since I got it on Saturday and I'm glad it's one of my first purchases from Nars.

Laguna Body Illuminator (Limited Edition) I like this illuminator as it leaves you with such a natural glow and  I was told in store once you apply it it doesn't rub off on your clothes which is such a good thing.

At the time of purchase there was a promotion on:)!!. When I bought the two products from this collection  I got a complimentary makeup bag with deluxe samples!

I love the makeup bag as it is so spacious..it even has room for my brushes.

The Deluxe Samples I recieved-

Pro-Prime Mulit-Protect PrimerSPF30- 2ml

Copacabana Illuminator- 2ml

Super Orgasm Illuminator- 2ml

Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Aigle Noir- 2g

I can't wait use all these new purchases and let you know what I think soon. Do you recommend any Nars/Smashbox products for me to try next?

I also was given samples of Bliss's Triple Oxygen Energizing Mask and Chanel Aqua Lumiere in the shade 20 to try out which I'm really looking forward to.

Has anyone tried this Chanel foundation? How do you find it??

Talk to you girlies soon,

Laura<3

Myface Cosmetics Lipstick Review

As far back as I can remember I've always been a lip products and  eyeshadow girl!! If I ever come across a new brand I've never seen before I gravitate towards these products. Why you may ask??...Well I just like that I can play around with endless shades and not feel limited to what I try. Brands are also always coming out with new shades to try out too!! :)

A while ago I came across a Myface cosmetic stand in Boots and as per usual I glided toward the lippies!!! I picked up one Gigabite lipstick in the shade"Vintage Pink". This lipstick is a completely neutral pink shade which can be worn day/night for a natural look.

I've never heard much about this brand so when I went home I googled it. I love the concept Myface Cosmetics have come up with. Basically they have put together colour ranges to suit everyones skin tone be it  fair,medium or dark! So when you are at the stand all the products are separated into these groups which makes for easier browsing if you don't particularly know what is the right shade for you. The brand also has an range of eyeshadows and mascaras to suit all skin tones.

The lipstick I purchased is for "Fair"skin tones which I am quite frankly not. I didn't know when I bought this product that it was meant to be for a certain skin tone as Myface cosmetics is a new brand to me. Fair skin tone or not I really love this lipstick. As I said above this lipstick is a neutral shade of pink and being a being a big fan of nude lip colours this product definitely ticks all the boxes for me. "Vintage Pink" gives and amazing glossy finish on the lips. I feel the packaging has a very futuristic feel and I love it.

Swatch of Vintage Pink.

Being a fairly new brand for me I can safely say I will definitely be buying another lipstick for my collection maybe a lipgloss aswell The brand is currently available in Boots stores throughout the UK and Ireland.

 Have you heard of Myface cosmetics?..If you haven't I will leave a link below. If you have what do you think of this brand??

Laura<3



Myface cosmetics website-http://www.myfacecosmetics.co.uk

My "Make Up Forever" Trip

Hey Girlies!!

Sorry I could'nt blog yesterday!!!  I was so busy with different things going on so I was literally not even home a second until I was running out the door again.

On my way to my destination, I passed the Make Up Forever store on  Clarendon St. Even though I was in such a hurry I did a double take and went inside.I don't particularly use Make Up Forever products, I only own an eveyshadow or two. It's not by choice as there is only one store in Dublin which is located in the city centre and I don't get in their quite as often as I would like.

The store on Clarendon St in Dublin is half shop, half makeup studio for trainee artists so the inside looks unreal. When I went inside I was browsing, getting swept in by all the lovely summer shades when I came across a stand alone table in the centre of the store. The table was covered with numerous shades of lipsticks and eyeshadows that really caught my eye. When the sales assistant told me everything on this table was €5 as it was being discontinued I knew I was going to buy something!!!:)

I bought three products in total which amounted to 15€....:)

As you can see I bought two Make Up Forever lipsticks and a Face2 eyeshadow..

I bought two lipsticks in the shades 60 (bronze shade) and160 (pink shade). Both shades are very wearable.

I haven't had much time to properly review them yet as I only bought them yesterday but I'll let you know soon.

Next up is the eyeshadow...

The Face2 Sheer Satin Shadow is in the shade 573. Here is a swatch, it's a charcoal grey colour perfect for a smokey eye. I'm really looking forward to trying it out :)

I'm glad I called into Make Up Forever as I don't think I would of gotten such a bargain anywhere else. I will definitely be going back there soon to try out more products:)

Any recommendations??...Whats your fave Make Up Forever product??

Laura<3

Diet Coke Limited Edition Collection by Karl Lagerfeld 2011

A few months ago, this collaboration was announced and ever since I've been keeping my eyes on it!!:)

This is Karl Lagerfield'd second collection for Diet Coke. Apparently only three thousand bottles were made so they are due to sell out pretty quick and are exclusive to Harvey Nicholls.

I purchased the Collector's Box which is €11.95 and contains all 3 bottles. I really like the prism shaped box as all the bottles fit in perfectly at each angle.

I took a few pictures so you can check it out for yourselves.

All the bottles feature Karl Lagerfied's recognisable silouette and have pretty pink caps. I love the bold pink design of the last bottle as it brings alot of colour to the collection.

Laura<3

What's in my Bag?!

A girl's bag is a very personal possession and the inside/outside of every bag is going to be different. I have so many bags as I love having a one to suit each occasion,event or time of year.

At the moment I am currently using a Paul's Boutique bag that was kindly bought for me for christmas by my lovely boyfriend  two years ago. I really love this bag as it fits so much into it without looking bulky. I basically bring everything with me wherever I go, so I always use this bag. I have so much in my bag because I hate being in town and looking for lipgloss or a pen and realising you don't have either.

I also love bag charms and this bag comes with such a lovely one as you can see in the picture.

Next to what's inside my bag. Most of the following items I carry around on a regular basis and couldn't be without them:)

My Juicy Couture Purse

My sister got me this beautiful purse in San Fransico for my 21st birthday!! I really love it and have be using it since she got it for me in February this year. It's so spacious and has loads of space for my cards and coins.

My Glasses

Yes I have glasses. I just don't tend to wear them much. I just use them for reading and writng on my blog:) The only other  time I'd usually wear them is if I get tired eyes which isn't alot.

This month Stellar Magazine and Vampire Diaries Book

Whenever I travel on buses I find it a perfect time to read. I love Stellar as it has all the latest fashion trends and beauty must-haves. Vampire Diares is the current book I'm reading at the moment and it must be said that I am really enjoying it.

Sure Deoderant and Impulse Body Spray

"Sure" is my favourite deoderant of all time I don't think I've ever tried a deoderant as good so I always carry one of these around with me. For a body spray I use Impulse and the scent I love the most is Tease so I repurchase this alot

 Ipod

I actually have the worst luck with Ipods for some reason and this must be my fourth....I got this gorgeous purple  one a few years ago as a xmas gift from my Mom. I couldn't be without my Ipod as music is such a big deal to me. I love Taylor Swift's latest album, Speak Now.

Make Up Bag

I only got this make up bag recently but I love it..It's so easy to clean as it has a "wipe clean" interior. The polka dot design makes me admire it a little bit more.

YSL Elle Summer Edition 2011

I only recently got this perfume as a gift from my mom. I really like it so far as it smells like the original Elle just alot fresher in my opinion. I will probably do a review on this when I've used it a bit longer.

MAC Lip Products.

I actually have these sitting in a pocket in my bag. I use them all alot. The cremesheen lipstick is in the shade "Shy Girl" and the lip gloss "Good Lovin' " is from the new Surf, Baby collection. I use these two products together as they compliment each other really well and they can be both worn individually. I love the lip  conditioner. I probably use it the most as my lips are a bit on the dry side lately.

My Teddy Gloves

As you all know I live in Ireland so the weather is pretty much never sunny day. Seeing as thats the case I always carry around these gloves with me as their so cute. I got them for a gift but I think you can still get them in River Island I'm not too sure. I think their really worth investing in a pair as they are so comfortable.

My 2011 Forever Friends Organiser

This is essential for me as I always like to write down if I have events coming up (e.g birthdays,concerts etc.) or just to keep track of my work hours.

My Pocket Mirror

I have this mirror for years I picked this little gem up the first time I went to Manchester. It's so pretty and I love it::)

Soap And Glory Hand Food

As I  frequently get dry hands from the weather, I always have a tube of this in my bag. If you haven't used it you should try one as they smell gorgeous.

So that's everything in my bag it may change in the future, but if that ever happens I will update you.

Laura<3