28 Days of Kisses - Day 11 = Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate

I'm on my way out to college but before I go I want to put up today's 28 Days of Kisses post. I went back to work today after 2 weeks off which was kind of weird, it was like I never left. Does anyone else get this feeling going back after holidays? I  have my birthday to look forward to on Friday, I'm really excited! Hopefully I can keep up with this tag with work and college as I'll be so busy over the coming weeks.

I love Korres lip butters and I had to feature them in this tag at some stage. I know I'm cheating a bit cause it's not a lipstick but oh well! My lips have been so dry lately and these have been a lifesaver. They're really moisturising aswell as giving a nice amount of colour to the lips. They come in a great variety of shades too, so there's definitely one for everyone. Pomegranate is a gorgeous coral shade which would be perfect for the Summer months I think. If I want to change up any old makeup look I just use this! Again it's great for girls like me that don't usually rock a bright lip. They give a sheer wash of colour but they're definitely buildable. I did a full review on these gems back in my early days of blogging and they are still one of my favourite lip products. I have them in a couple of different shades so definitely let me know if you'd like to see them featured in one of the upcoming 28 Kisses posts.

Have you tried Korres lip butters?

Laura<3

Christmas Gift Ideas #1 - Skincare & Body

I'm a bit late starting my Christmas series this year but better late than never I guess. I really enjoyed doing these kind of posts last year which I thought you guys enjoyed so I wanted to do the same for this Christmas. My first part in this series is going to show some skincare and body products. I feel alot of brands bring out gorgeous sets this time of the year so it would be a shame if I didn't mention them I think. I know skincare can be a bit of a messy gift to get someone as everyone has different skin types so you may not necessarily know what to get them. I've made two skincare suggestions that I think would make a nice gift this Christmas so I had to give them a mention.

First off is Lush's Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser which is a new addition to their Limited Edition festive collection. This was always going to be a winner for me as it smells like cinnamon which I adore! For €7.95, this exfoliating cleanser would make a super stocking filler to go with other small gifts. With such a small tub some of you may think that you don't get much product but seriously a little goes a long way. This cleanser may not look too appeal in the tube, it reminds me of cake mix but it works amazingly well. I know I'll be picking up another one before Christmas comes and goes.

My other skincare selection is from Liz Earle and it's their 24 Days of Liz Earle Advent Calendar. Alot of the brands products make up my daily skincare routine. I love their Cleanse & Polish and Skin Repair Light Moisturiser, I always make sure that I'm stocked up on both these products. Their new beauty range has been much talked about this year and the range definitely contains some must try products like their Signature Foundation and Natural Glow Bronzer. This gorgeous gift set is on the pricier side of things at €120.50/£100 but saying that I think this would make a truly lovely gift. First of the advent calendar itself is enormous, I love how it opens up like a big book. On the run up to Christmas under each door is a gorgeous mini treat. This would be perfect for someone who is maybe new to Liz Earle or hasn't tried too many products. With this set they'll definitely get a feel for the brand, how could you not with twenty four miniatures. These little treats would also be great for post Christmas holidays as they are the perfect size for travelling. There's a great selection in this advent calendar from haircare to bodycare to skincare etc. Liz Earle always run brilliant offers in the weeks coming up to Christmas, there always worth having a look at too. I've opened up door #1 just to show you how big the products are, I decided not to open up all the doors as I didn't want to ruin the surprise just in case one of you get this for Christmas.

Next is a favourite among alot of bloggers, The Body Shop. They've gone all out their seasonal  range this year, I was lucky to go along to their Christmas launch back in October where I got a sneak peak of their festive collection. There are three seasonal scents to choose from Cranberry Joy, Ginger Sparkle and Vanilla Bliss. My favourite scent out of the bunch is the latter, it's not artifical smelling in the slightest and has a gorgeous sweet scent. Vanilla Bliss doesn't only come in a body butter, you can get it in a shower gel, lip balm, body polish etc. Stay clear of the shimmer body lotion though as it leaves you totally sparkly, unless you like the Edward Cullen then you go right ahead and pick it up! If you're looking for something for a friend or a kris kindle gift look no further than this gorgeous gift set, shaped as lollipop how can you go wrong. It contains five of their  popular body butters that are sure to be a hit with just about anyone. The packaging definitely did it for me with this one and for €25.50 you can't really go wrong. To celebrate Black Friday tomorrow, The Body Shop is offering 30% off all their products in store for tomorrow only. It's the perfect time to get some Christmas presents sorted and to also treat yourself. My Nanna loves the Ginger Sparkle hand cream in particular so I may pick her up some more bits in the same scent for Christmas.

Another brand I have alot of time for is Korres, I am a huge fan of their amazing lip butters. Every Christmas they bring out really nice gift sets which contain lovely products and this year is no different. I have two to show you, one for the guys and one for the girls. For the latter, there's the Fig Collection gift set which contains a full sized shower gel and body butter. At first I wasn't too gone of the scent but I actually rather like it now. I find both products to be super moisturising so they'd be perfect for people with dry skin. The body butter sinks into the skin quickly so there's so messing around. Korres products contain alot of natural ingredients which it always states on their packaging. They don't contain any nasties like silicones, parabens etc. I love the body butter packaging as it reminds me of toothpaste so it's definitely more hygienic than sticking your hand in a tub. This personally doesn't bother me but I know it's a issue for some people. Now one for the man in your life the Korres Men's Vetiver Collection contain a full sized Aftershave Balm and Shower Gel in the same scent. This time last year my brother reviewed the Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood Eau de Toilette here on my blog and he loved it. Being the exact same scent as the two products in this gift set, of course it was inevitable that he'd like this too. He described this as a great one for everyday and for the men who like musky scents.

For great gift sets for any ages look no further than Lush. A brand that I always come back to, I love getting their products as Christmas gifts myself. All their festive sets cater for different price points, so there'll be certainly something to suit your budget. All the products are packaged in lovely Christmas wrapping paper so they make the perfect gift. Alot of their sets use to contain a mixture of bath and shower products. A shame for people like me who don't have the latter in their house. This year is different though and I've found that alot more sets contain just shower products. Two sets that caught my eye are Winter Wishes and Snow Fairy, isn't the packaging beautiful? I'm going to do a full review post on both of these to show you what's inside.

I hope you enjoyed the first post in my Christmas series, I would love to know what you think. I'm going to put my next post up next week so keep an eye out. It won't be as long I just had alot to show you guys in this one.

Would you guys like to seen any of these products under your Christmas tree??

Laura
<3

Korres Lip Butters

At the moment I really enjoy using Korres lip butters. I get horribly dry lips pretty much all the time, I blame the air conditioning in work. I'm always looking for new lip products that keep my lips moisturised aswell as looking nice. Korres lip butters tick both boxes as they are super hydrating and come in numerous different shades, seven to be exact. I own two of them, Pomegranate* and Plum.

 Both are shades I love, one is a gorgeous coral/red whilst the other is almost a dark berry in my opinion. I think these will be great during the Summer months as a change from lipsticks as they do give a great colour payoff. My favourite lip butter out of the two I own is Pomegranate, for someone  like me who doesn't rock the bright lip too well this is a perfect choice. I added in a picture below so you could see it in action.

For people who don't like lip butters in pots, these are also available in tubes which feature somewhat similar shades. In regards to the tubes, I'm not how sure good the colour pay off is with them but if there anything like these they'll be good. I already have my eye on another lip butter from the range, Jasmine that looks beautiful. It's a pinky nude shade which I usually tend to go for but understandably it's not for everyone. At €8.50, these sound quite expensive but I've had mine for ages and as you can see I still have lots to use up. In Dublin, there aren't too many shops that sell Korres products, two come to mind Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser. If you are looking for a new lip product for your makeup bag, I'd highly recommend them.

Have you tried Korres Lip Butters?

Laura<3

*PR Sample

Wish I Never Bought It!! #3 Korres Pomegranate Cleansing & Makeup Removing Wipes

When I'm getting ready to go to bed I take my makeup off with face wipes. Not the best for my skin I know, but they work a treat when I'm tired and I want my makeup gone fast. When I ran out of my No7 facial wipes, I bought a Korres offering. I heard alot of good reviews so when I saw them in House of Fraser a couple of weeks ago, I bought a packet. I chose the Pomegranate wipes that are specifically for oily/combination skin, at €7.50 I thought they were quite expensive. Considering my favourite from No7 are €1.95 with the €7.50 off vouchers.

I didn't enjoying using these wipes at all. They smell very strong, which is extremely odd considering I've tried the Pomegranate skincare range in the past, and they had a really nice light scent. Anyone who has sensitive skin should stay clear of these as they are heavily fragranced. The wipes did remove my makeup well but I can't say I'll be purchasing them again. My skin reacted quite badly to them too, it was left blotcy which never usually happens. I just got a €7.50 voucher today so I'm going to resort back to using my trusted No7 Quick Thinking wipes for now.

Have you tried these wipes?? How did you find them??

Laura<3

What's in my Bag? - Updated

I haven't done a What's in my Bag post since May last year, when I started blogging. Obviously the contents of my bag have changed so I thought it was about time to do another. Like all girls, I tend to carry way too much in my bag. I like to think everything I carry is a necessity but I may be fooling myself a little.

Messy I know but isn't everyones bag?  If they say it isn't you know their lying.

I love this scarf, I bought it along with some matching gloves in Accessorize before Christmas. Unfortunately I lost the gloves, I was so disappointed as they were so pretty. I've worn this scarf probably everyday since I bought it. We never get nice weather in Ireland so it's needed.

 I always have a deoderant and a Impulse body spray in my bag. I'm still not too keen on the Lynx Attract For Her packaging, but seeing as I bought it I might as well use it up. A new purchase of mine is the Avene's Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water. I've been using this to set my makeup lately, so refreshing.

Nothing too interesting in this picture. Basically there's my keys, battered old purse, glasses, umbrella (it's Ireland), Ipod and Muppet's Cardholder for my Age and Travel card.

A mixture of beauty products I found throughout my bag. I'm surprised at how many were in there. I had a lot of "so that's where you went to" moments. My mom bought me the Nivea Pouting Princess tin, it contains two lipbalms. I really like it. The Chocomania Body Butter (travel size) and Soap & Glory's A Great Kisser lip balm are recent purchases. I'm going to do a review on both of them soon.

Here we have my 2012 diary, a empty tin of Glee mints (courtesy of my Mom), a pocket mirror, Travalo (Burberry Body smells like heaven) and my makeup bag. Let me know if you would like to see a What's in my makeup bag post. I don't think I've done one before.

Last but not least is the book I'm reading at the minute. Yes I got a Kindle for my birthday, but I still have a mountain of books to read. I've finished all the other books in this series, Vengeance is the last as you can see. I just started it so I can't wait to see how everything pans out in the end.

So that's everything that's in my bag. I sure do carry alot more around with me than I did in May last year.

What's a must in your bag?

Laura <3

Korres Pomegranate Skincare Discovery Kit

At the start of 2012, Korres brought out three Limited Edition Skincare Kits that cater for different skin types (Normal/Combination, Normal/Dry and Combination/Oily). Every set is based on a classic Korres ingredient and contains luxury miniatures. I was lucky enough to be sent the Pomegranate Skincare Discovery Kit which is aimed at people with Combination/Oily skin like myself.

All the products come in this nice pink tin case, which will come in handy for storing products in. I'm thinking my Korres lip butters.

Inside the tin, there's a leaflet with a bit of history on Korres. I love reading these as I'm interested in how brands first started up. Inside the leaflet it tells how Pomegranate helps the skin. There is also information on the products available in this range.

There are four miniatures included in the set:

Pomegranate Cleansing Mask

Pomegranate Cleansing Scrub

White Tea Fluid Cleanser

Pomegranate Moisturising Cream-Gel

The product sizes are very generous and will last a long time. I think this set would be great for travelling or as a gift for someone. If you haven't tried Korres Skincare range before it's a great way to experience the products. They all have a light fragrance, so people who don't like strong scents are sure to like these.

Korres Pomegranate Skincare Discovery Kit retails for £19.50/€23.50 and is available to buy in Harvey Nichols or online.

What products have you tried from Korres?? 

Laura<3

Christmas Gift Ideas #8 - Korres Men's Kit

Here's one for the man in your life. Korres Men's Kit contains four mini products from their men's range and comes in this stylish navy blue box. I know what some of you may be thinking "most men don't use skincare". Well most of the men in my life don't except my brother. This kit is different though as it contains essential products that men actually use on a regular basis like showergel and shave cream. Rest assured nothing will go to waste.

Each kit contains the following products....

Absinthe Men's Shave Cream 25ml "Heady shave cream for a close & smooth shave"

Marigold & Ginseng Aftershave Balm 25ml "A light-textured balm for aftershave care"

Cedar Showergel 50ml "An amalgam of earthy and forest tones"

Rice Proteins & Oligoelements Shampoo 50ml "Toning shampoo for fine and fragile hair"

What man wouldn't use these products?! It's a brilliant kit for a man who travels alot, I can certainly see my dad using something like this as it has everything he would need. No need to worry about travel restrictions either as they are all under 100ml. This kit is available all year round not just for Christmas so it would also be a nice birthday gift.

Korres Men's Kit retails for €12 (£10)  and is available to buy from House of Fraser or online.

Laura<3

Christmas Gift Ideas #1 - Korres Party Survival Kit

I started this series of posts to give you some gift ideas for Christmas. I know how hard it can be to pick out presents for family members and friends. I hope you find it helpful!

With Christmas party season, fast approaching I think the Korres Party Survival Kit is a great gift. This gorgeous gold box contains a selection of best-selling products that will come in handy after a night of partying.

Included in each kit are these lovely products:

Evening Primrose Eye Cream SPF6 5ml 
"Eye cream for the reduction of fine lines and dark circles"
Wild Rose 24hr Moisturiser SPF 6 10ml 
"24-hour moisturiser for normal and dry skin"
Guava Showergel 50ml
"Invigorating blend of tropical fruit"
Guava Body Butter 50ml 
"Extra moisturising cream for dry skin conditions"
Milk Proteins 3 in 1 Cleansing Emulsion 14ml 
"3 in 1 cleansing, tonic and eye makeup- removing emulsion"
Lemon Refreshing Chewing Gum


Korres Party Survival Kit would be such a nice gift for a friend or family member. I love how the products are the perfect size to pop into a handbag or for travelling abroad. If I had to pick my favourite products from the kit, it would be the Guava Little Showergel and Body Butter. This stuff smells so yummy and reminds me of holidays. It's very fruity, definitely a firm favourite of mine.

The Korres Party Survival Kit retails for €22 (£18) and is available to buy in House Of Fraser or online.


What do you think of the Korres Party Survival Kit?

Laura<3

Two Exciting Fragrances From Korres

The fragrances above are the latest offerings from Korres. I love perfumes and have a quite a collection, so I couldn't wait to try them out.

The Korres perfume packaging is something I really like. They open up like so and gives bit of background on each ingredient.

Korres Vanilla/Freesia/Lychee Eau De Toilette
What usually attracts me to some perfumes are the glitzy bottle (Yes I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to all things shiny). Korres Vanilla/Freesia/Lychee has a simple bottle which I do like as it lets the fragrance itself do the talking in a way. At first I wasn't too sure if I particularly liked this fragrance as it didn't have a scent I would usually go for. After a while it warmed on me a little, Korres Vanilla/Freesia/Lychee actually reminds me of a light Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb (Let me know if you agree). Being alot more affordable than Flowerbomb I'd recommend it to people that like that scent. All in all this is a fragance I could see myself wearing, maybe not everyday but for special occasions.

Vetiver Root/Green Tea/ Cedarwood Eau De Toilette
A fragrance for men, I let my little brother Gerard try this. Here's what he had to say...

I'd never heard of the brand Korres before trying this. Being a typical bloke I use aftershave on a regular basis. Having a warm woody scent this is something I would go for. I could see people my age (18) and up wearing this. I also find the packaging unusual and  wouldn't be something I'd see alot of as it's plain. After trying this aftershave I would like to see what the rest of Korres man's range has to offer.

At the end of the day I believe fragrance preference is a very personal thing. What scent I like may not necessarily suit other people so if you like the look of these I'd advise you to go and try them out.

Korres Vetiver Root/Green Tea/Cedarwood & Vanilla/Freesia/Lychee 50ml Eau De Toilette retail for €29 (£24) and are available to buy online and in House Of Fraser.

What do you think of the latest Korres fragrances??

Laura <3

 I was sent this product by the Korres PR Team to try out but all thoughts and views on the product are my own<3

October Empties

This post was a bit delayed as I'm having such a hectic this week with work and everything. Better late than never though some would say. I have quite a few empties this month, mostly makeup products.

Collection 2000 Big Fake False Lash Effect Mascara

I'm in love with this mascara. Some mascaras claim to give you that false lash effect but this one really does. It give you so much volume and just makes my eyelashes look so amazing. I just found it dried up real fast on me.I don't know if anyone else had this problem too, other than that small hitch this is a great little mascara.

Korres Wild Rose Foundation

I finished this foundation at the start of this month and I've already bought another bottle. I love it!! You can check out my full review here.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

I bought this paint pot in and around my 21st birthday in February, it has served me a long time. I think it was in my August favourites post. I was going to purchase a replacement but then I seen Nubile which is very similar to Painterly so I grabbed that up. As the latter is Limited Edition , I could see myself buying Painterly in th future.

Benefit The POREfessional Primer & Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer.

I've had Benefit's POREfessional primer for ages, I finally finished it and moved onto the offering from Too Faced. I got a sample size Primed & Poreless in a gift set  in June. I really like this, it's alot like POREfessional but doesn't cost as much. I recently purchased the full size tube of this online for €20.90. I can't wait to get it.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

I really like this stuff. I use Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion when I get up early for work and it leaves my eyes feeling so refreshing. I also use this as a eye makeup remover. You can check out my full review for this product here.

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

Yes I f finished two packages of these this month. How? I don't particularly have a clue. What I do know is these are my favourite makeup wipes at the moment. They are pretty pricey at €9.45 a packet but if like me wait til you get your hands on No7 €7.50 off vouchers and stock up. With the vouchers they come to €1.95 which is a bargain in my books.

I've finished seven products in October. I have to say I'm very pleased with myself as I find it such a hard thing to do.

Have you used any of the above products??

Laura <3

September Favourites

I find it so hard to believe it's October already. I feel like such an oldie when I say this year is going so fast. It's made even worse when I see Christmas decorations instore already. Halloween has not even come around yet. I've been delayed putting up this post but it's finally here... My October Favourites!

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils No1

I bought this mascara in duty free on holidays. I love how it gives my lashes so much added volume. People in work have commented on how nice they look too. The only thing I don't like about this mascara is the price tag, that's why I waited to get it in the airport. It's definitely only a product I'd treat myself to occasionally, other than that I'd wait til my next holiday.

Clean and Clear Skin Brightening Daily Facial Scrub

I got this product in my local pharmacy after seeing it was on special for €3. It's oil-free and is also very gentle on my skin which is a plus. I've just bought my second bottle of this stuff as I'm nearly all out. It has a gorgeous citrus scent.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime

Recently when I was getting my hair done I was given a sample of Kerastase Elixir Ultime. It contains a number of oils which nourish and condition the hair. I like it as it leaves my hair smooth and super shiny. I love it because it's a multi-use product that I can use as a deep conditioner and a finishing product.

Sigma F80 Brush

I've been using this brush for a quite a while now and I adore it. I'm surprise it hasn't featured in one of my 'favourites' posts already. I don't only use this to apply my foundation, but it's also great for applying my Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (YAY finally got my hands on it!) This brush blends my foundation into my skin so well and it leaves me with a flawless finish.

Liz Earle Overnight Bag

I brought this Liz Earle Overnight bag to Barcelona with me. When I go away I always tend to bring too many travel size products with me. This was perfect as it had everything I could possibly need for my trip. I will be doing a full review on this soon.

Korres Wild Rose Foundation

This is my favourite everyday foundation. I love how it looks so natural and how a little goes a long way. I just did a full review, you can check it out here.

Barcelona

This is the random favourite of the bunch. As you all know from reading recent posts, I went to Barcelona this month. I had such an amazing time in this lovely city. I wish I got to stay for longer than five days. Everything from the tourist attractions to the shopping were brilliant. I'm actually hoping to go back sometime in the New Year so watch this space.

What have you been loving in September??

Laura<3