FOTD #1 - Bourjois

Bourjois is one of those brands that always comes out with new products that excite me. I already have my eye on a couple of their Rouge Edition lippies.

In the picture below is a makeup look I've come up with using only Bourjois products and I really like it. I think this look would definitely be glam enough to take you from work to a night on the town. My favourite products from the bunch are the Healthy Mix foundation* and Colour Edition 24HR cream eyeshadow*. The latter just gives the perfect smokey eye when blended out into crease while the foundation leaves you with a nice glow, perfect for those early mornings. Healthy Mix foundation is one of my favourite foundations from the brand followed closely by their Happy Light foundation. I was a bit unsure of the shade as it is a little dark but I think it would be perfect with a bit of tan so I'll definitely be using this one. On top of the cream eyeshadow I used the Smokey Eyes trio and the Light Concentrate de Lumiere for highlighting my brow bone. For mascara I used their Coup de Theatre 2 in 1 mascara, I've never tried any of their mascaras before and I was really impressed with this stuff. My eyelashes are quite long as it is but this mascara gives them that oomph factor.   To finish off the look I used their Effet 3D Gloss from their Summer collection in the shade 49 Rose Pacific which contains an spf and is apparently waterproof, I haven't put the latter claim to the test but we'll see how that goes.

What products from Bourjois are you a fan of so I can add them to my wishlist??

Laura<3

Ultimate Girl's Day Out & Giveaway

This weekend is the annual Ultimate Girl's Day Out in the RDS Dublin. Held in the Main Hall, the event brings together a host of popular brands under the one roof, including Benefit Cosmetics, E45 and Scholl to name but a few. There will be talks from some of my favourite authors as well as Catwalk Shows that will be showcasing all of the latest fashion trends of the moment. Being the seventh year running it's sure to be bigger better than ever they always have amazing offers, I can't wait to find a good bargain.

The event itself is sponsored by Gilette Venus and No7. The latter is one of my favourite brands from Boots and I always  make a beeline for their counter when they give out their vouchers. There's also going to be fabulous competitions to look forward  to on the day. The 1st 1,000 people through the doors each  day will also receive a fab goodie bag aswell.

I'm heading along over the weekend with my Mom so hopefully I see some of you there. If you and a friend would like to go along on the day I'm giving away 2 tickets over on my Instagram (@allmadeup21).

Are you going to the Ultimate Girl's Day Out? Have you been before?

Laura<3

Benefit Hydrating Lip Balms.

Benefit Cosmetics have done it again for me. I'm a big fan of lip products as you probably all well know already and I was really excited to see the launch of their new hydrating lip balms. There's four shades to choose from, Bene Balm, Lolli Balm, Cha Cha Balm and Posie Balm. I'm lucky to have three of the four shades to show you guys. First off I have to say I'm a huge fan of this brand, I adore their packaging. In true Benefit style this particular release does not disappoint, they look sleek and uber fun. Cha Cha Balm is a coral shade, while Posie Tint is a sheer baby pink shade. My favourite though has to be Bene Balm it's a nice rosie red on the lips and definiely shows up alot more than the other two balms.  I can still see myself using all three as they are hydrating on the lips and with the Winter months ahead can see myself use them alot.

 I like the idea that these lip balms can be used on top of their coinciding tint or on their own for a hint of colour. At the moment  Bene Balm has a permanent spot in my makeup bag and has definitely become a firm staple of mine. At €21.50 these lip balms are a steal, I think I may even treat myself to Lolli tint in the near future.

What lip balm do you have your eye on?

Laura<3

Brand Love: Alex and Ani

The last few months have been pretty hard for me. In June I lost a family member who was really close to my heart. I know alot of people out there find it difficult to remain positive, I can definitely put my two hands up to that. I have such an amazing support around me who have stuck with me through the good and bad times. It's been a struggle at times but now I know there's definitely a light at the end of the tunnel.

My good friend from college, Serena introduced me to the Alex and Ani range in May and I've become a huge fan of their pieces. Serena actually has a blog to you can check it out here. All their pieces are blessed in America when they are made. The brands ethos is to live consciously whilst turning a lifestyle brand into away of life. I'm all for positive energy at the moment and I really like the idea behind this brand. I've already bought quite a few of their bangles as you can see from the picture above. They come packaged in beautiful sleek black boxes which I store them in at night. There's a different meaning behind each symbol which I myself really like the idea of.

The five symbols I have are as follows

Starfish = Vigilance. Intuition. Ability

The star of the sea symbolises guidance, intuition and vigilance. It's said that when you were this you're given guided direction and a sense of potential. I bought this cause I love the sea and swimming, so when I look at this bangle it reminds me of that. Aquarians are known as water carriers so it definitely is appropriate that I love water!!

Birthstone

My birthday is the 15th of February, I know I was a couple of hours short of being a Valentine's Day baby. My favourite colour is purple so it was pretty apt that my birthstone is amethyst, which is a mixture of violet and red. The stone itself represents courage and inner strength, seems just about right.

Everything Happens For a Reason

This is obviously self explanatory in itself. I do believe everything happens for a reason in life but I know aswell that sometimes things happen in life that we can't control even if we'd like to. Sure if you get thrown a hard ball you have to hit it out of the park. There's so many exciting things in store in life and the future is always brighter than what it may seem at times.

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life represents strong roots, consistent growth and fruition. It also acknowledges the strong bond between mankind and mother earth. I really enjoy being out and about, I'm not one for staying in and moping around so I fell in love with this the minute I saw.

Seven Swords = Love.Radiance.Strength

The seven swords represent the seven archangels, when you wear it your meant to find a inner love for yourself.

I have a feeling my obsession with this brand may continue for a while. I've already seen their Disney collection online and I have a couple of pieces I want to get. Pity the postage is extortionate, $60 to Ireland if you were wondering. The bangles differ in price, the ones I bought myself range from €26 to around the €35 mark.

Have you become obsessed with Alex and Ani like me? If so let me know what pieces you've acquired? 

Laura<3

Real Techniques Roadshow!

Yesterday I met none other than the Pixiwoo sisters (queue fan girl moment), Sam and Nic. Anyone who looks at YouTube beauty videos will know these two well known beauty gurus. They were in Dublin's Boots in Jervis street for their much anticipated Real Techniques Road Show. The girls are a real success story and just shows the power of social media. I've always been a huge fan of the girls and really enjoy watching their beauty tutorials as who doesn't want to look like their fave celeb. I know I've gotten quite a few tips and tricks from their videos that's for sure.

I headed for a ramble around town with my Dad and popped into the Jervis centre to see the girls. I absolutely loved Nic's outfit, I definitely need to find out where she got it from. Of course I left my old Dad a little on the embarrassed side as I dragged him into the photo with me. I picked up the Real Techniques Retractable lip brush and makeup sponge on the day as I know I'll get plenty of use out of both items. As I picked up makeup brush on the day I was eligible to the free gift they were giving out on the day which was there amazing buffing brush. I have to say it is my go to makeup brush and I use it to apply my makeup everyday.

I can't wait to pick up Nic's makeup brush kit when it launches in October, it can't come quick enough.

Did anyone of you go to the Real Techniques Roadshow?

Laura<3