The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetics HD Finishing Powder in Banana

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Having been a beauty blogger for almost 7 years now I'm surprised that I've never tried a banana powder. To be honest I didn't really know what it did plus I don't really like loose powders but when I saw that NYX Cosmetics had a pressed version I decided to give it a go.

I'm glad I did as I love this brand and they never disappoint me. This product came in at €11 which isn't too bad at all. Banana powder is said to reduce the appearance of an oily complexion whilst brightening and highlighting so it gives that beautiful glow which everybody wants don't they?

It's not too powdery either so it sits beautifully on the skin which is amazing. I enjoy using this product and it has definitely become a staple in my makeup bag. I'm starting to run out of products to try from NYX Cosmetics so definitely let me know your favourites.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetics Matte Bronzer

Hey Guy and Dolls,

As it's getting a bit nicer out I like taking the bronzer out and doing a bit of contouring that's for sure. I have quite a few bronzers in my collection but my favourite has to be NYX Cosmetics Matte Bronzer. I use the shade light and it's the perfect shade for me. The colour in the pan looks pretty orangey but don't let this deter you in the slightest as it does look natural on the skin.

I was undecided between getting light or medium but I'm glad I went with the light option in the end. This matte bronzer just gives you the nicest chiseled out cheekbones ever, it's perfect for contouring. This product comes in at €13 mark which in my opinion is good value and is definitely worth the money.

There is also the option to buy the Highlight and Contour Pro palette. In this palette you get 8 refillable shades foi €29. I own this palette and I use it alot so it's certainly worth having a look at.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Nyx Strobe of Genius Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

The other palette Daragh picked me up last week is the NYX Strobe of Genius palette and god it's a beauty. Boy I think I'm in love! Like the Sweet Cheeks palette I wanted this for a while now and I'm so happy he got it for me, he really is the best boyfriend I could ask for. I'm very much into getting that beautiful everyday glow and this palette does just that, I've been using it quite a bit since I got it off Daragh I'm not going to lie.

This palette is multi purpose which is good aswell, I've not just been using this a highlighter palette but as eyeshadows too. They work perfectly as both and I seriously can't get enough of this palette. For the price in and around €21 you can't go wrong as you get 7 shades that are so pigmented and they are all so wearable too. I've been using the shade in the bottom left hand corner the most and it just gives a beautiful natural glow that would be perfect all year round. 

NYX Cosmetics are definitely my favourite budget brand at the moment, other budget brands will have to take note as they are killing it right now. I already have my eye on other products from the brand that I will probably pick up on payday so watch this space for sure.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Sweet Cheeks Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

My boyfriend Daragh went on holidays a week or so ago and we met up the day after he came back. We went to Dundrum and he bought me some bits and pieces from NYX Cosmetics, the beautiful Sweet Cheeks palette was one of my gifts. I've always wanted to purchase this palette so I was delighted when Daragh bought it for me.

The palette contains 8 shades and retails for in and around €23 which I think is a good value for what you get. This palette is so pigmented, it's amazing. I'm in love with all the shades, their so pretty. I don't think I could pick a favourite to be honest. I think this palette would be great for travelling as it contains so much and the packaging is very sturdy which is really good.

As you already know I really like NYX Cosmetics as it's very affordable and this is another amazing product from them.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Vivid Brights Liner

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I was sent a product recently and I wasn't too sure how I was going to make it work on me. The product in question is NYX's Vivid Brights Liner in Vivid Petal, a light pink shade that I'm not going to lie I wouldn't usually go for.

As I said above I wasn't too sure how I was going to wear this product on my eyes that is until I went to the NYX counter in Arnots. The sales assistant was so lovely and even gave me a list of their best selling products that I should try next. Basically she told me to pair this liner with a black liner so there would be a bit of a contrast between the two and it works really well.

I've gone from not thinking I'd be able to rock this product to trying to come up with more looks to incorporate it in. I think this product would be amazing for over the festival season. Plus like all NYX products it's very affordable aswell so it's a win win.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Micro Brow Pencil

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I have pretty good eyebrows it has to be said, their thick so I don't usually need much products and I get them shaped regularly as they would probably look like caterpillars on my face otherwise. Sure no one likes the caveman look. I have been using the NYX Micro Brow Pencil though recently and I thought I'd tell you guys about it.

I do really like this product as it's quick and easy to use, great when your in a rush. It's dual sided with the products on one side and the spoolie on the other. I'm a really big fan of NYX, their products are such good quality, I love them. I'm actually going to pick up some more of their products really soon as their new highlighter powder looks amazing so I can't wait.

This product makes my eyebrows look amazing, it's such a nice product. It comes in different shades and I use the shade Espresson which is perfect for me. I always have this product in my makeup bag now. It's so affordable like all NYX products aswell which is pretty good too.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Custom Pro Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I like finding nice and affordable eyeshadow palettes, sometimes it's almost impossible to afford the more highend alternative. I recently saw the NYX Cusom Pro palette as my friend Megan had bought one so I had to pick one up myself and I'm so glad I did. I got mine on the Boots.ie website and I always find that the service is really good whenever I've used it anyways.

I purchased the shade J'adore and Sex Kitten which are two beautiful neutral shadows that I really like. Don't you know I always go for neutral shadows I wouldn't wear anything different. This palette doesn't contain a mirror which doesn't really bother me but I wish they had the shade names on the bottom of the shadow itself, there's none to be seen though. Both eyeshadows are very pigmented and I love them alot. I've been using them quite a bit to achieve a simple eye look and the looks always turn out really nice I might purchase a darker shade the next time I make a purchase online which will probably be sooner than you think.

The palette itself costs €5 and then each individual eyeshadow costs €5 which isn't too bad at all when you consider highend palettes. I've been really impressed with this palette and I'm definitely going to pick up another one soon as there are so many shadows that I want.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Simple Night Out Makeup Look

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I love creating simple makeup looks more than any. I know I don't particularly like spending hours doing my makeup unless it's an absolute necessity on my part. On Tuesday I created a really simple makeup look using some of my favourite products and I thought I'd share it you guys.

For my base I used the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation and concealer.  This is the newly reformulated and repackaged one and I was so impressed, it could be even better than the original in my honest opinion. You can find the review for these two products here. I apply these products to my face using the So Su Pro Blender and Complexion sponge and it gives such a nice finish. I'm not one for using sponges but I must admit I've been using this everyday since I my Mum gave it me. I reviewed this a couple of days so if you want to read my thoughts on it you can check out the review here.

For blush and contour I used two products from Benefit Cosmetics, their Dew the Hoola and Dandelion Dew. Both are probably my favourite products from this wonderful brand and that's saying something. They are on the pricey side of things but I'm delighted I spent every last penny on them. There such good quality products and secondly they'll last for ages which is always good to know as you only need the smallest amount. I do love the packaging on both these products as well there so pretty and of course look so well on my makeup shelf. I also did a full review on both these products that you can check out here and here.

Lastly I tried out a new product on my face and the was the NYX Dewy Finish setting spray. I love a good old setting spray it has to be said. I like how it holds my makeup in place and makes it look fresh. This spray in particular gives a nice dewy finish so it looks like your glowing from within. My skin can look dull some times so this is exactly what I need. As you already know I'm a huge fan of NYX and their affordbale products and this was not different it was only €10 which is really good when you consider the prices of some setting sprays on the market at the moment. 

So that's my finished makeup look, again another quick and easy one. All the products are great to work with and I'm glad I splurged on one or two. I really enjoy doing these makeup look posts and I really hope you do to.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetic Butter Gloss

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you know I'm a huge fan of NYX Cosmetics I've done a couple of reviews in the past. I'm a huge fan of this brand they have such a wide range of amazing products to choose from their palettes are amazing, I love their bronzer and highlighter one.

Today I'm going to be talking about their Butter Glosses. They are such nice lip products, I have one at the moment and I definitely want to pick up some more shades already.  Basically the Nyx Butter Glosses are a lip gloss that are really pigmented and leave your lips looking amazing aswell as feeling soft. I don't know why I haven't picked up more of these already. I've been so impressed with the products I've tried from this brand thus far.

I think NYX is such a great affordable brand and I'm delighted that you can get it on our shores now. My local counter is Boots in Dundrum and they always have a amazing range of products available.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetics Lip and Lid Lingerie

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I've tried a couple of NYX Cosmetics products in the past, it's definitely a brand I love. I really like when they have new launches as there usually fabulous. I was recently sent some products from their recently launched range of lip and lid lingerie products.

I was sent seven shades in total from the lip and lid lingerie range. I received Night Glow, Fame & Fortune, Gold Standard and Morning Sky from the lid lingerie range and Ruffle Trim, Push Up,  and Honeymoon from the lip lingerie range. I adore all the lip lingerie neutral shades they are my favourite, I love Push-Up in particular as it's a beautiful light neutral shade. They are so wearable and go perfectly with any makeup look.

The lid lingerie range is really good aswell they are amazing under eyeshadow but I would recommend using a primer with them. The shade Morning Sky a pretty emerald green shade would look perfect on St Patrick's Day.

These product come in lots of different shades which is great as there's more choice. They retail at in and around €10 which is good value indeed.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Highlight and Contour Pro Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm big into contouring recently, I love the effect it gives. I've been a big fan of a couple of products which you can check out here. Today's post is going to be on the NYX Cosmetics Highlight and Contour Pro Palette. It contains four highlighting shades and four contour shades.

I've been using this palette so much since I got it for a gift and I love it. It has the perfect amount of shades and if you use any shade up there refillable too which is great to know. This is definitely my favourite contour palette in my makeup collection. I already have my eye on the NYX Blush palette aswell at the moment. It has so many pretty blush shades and I like the look of it.

This palette is great for travelling and I can see myself getting so much more use out of it. This palette costs €20 and for what you get and the quality of the product that is amazing value.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencils

Hey Guys and Dolls,

NYX Cosmetics is one of those brands that wasn't available in Ireland for a long time that is until recently which is good news for all Irish beauty lovers.

The brand has a range of lovely products that are affordable and great quality. A stand out product for me is their Jumbo Eye Pencils which comes in an amazing array of shades.

My favourite shade is Milk as it works well under any eyeshadow and gives them a vibrant pop. All the shades can be used under eyeshadows but Milk still comes out on top for me personally. They may not have the greatest staying power so I always use a good eyeshadow primer alongside these.

For €8.99 a pop I think these eye pencils are too good to pass up so if you see them around try to get your hands on them.

Laura<3

Christmas Gift Ideas #6 - Custom Gifts

Instead of buying someone one big gift why not buy an assortment of small gifts. That's exactly what I'm doing for my sister's present this year. It's something that you don't need to spend too much on as it's the thought that counts! My sister, Lisa loves getting glammed up for nights out so I decided to get her mainly beauty goodies.

I got this pink quilted cosmetic bag in Penneys/Primark a while ago so I don't know if they still have these in stock. Any bag will do though. I like this cosmetic bag as it's the perfect size for your handbag but also quite spacious.

The Body Shop 4-Step Smoky Eyes Palette in Golden Brown & NYX 5 Color Shadow Palette in I Dream of Jamaica

My sister is alot like me and regularly rocks a neutral eye look. I love these palettes as they both contain wearable shades that would take you from day to night. The Body Shop palette also comes with a eyeshadow brush and eye pencil which would make a great gift on it's own. 

OPI Minis in Russian Navy & Lincoln Park After Dark
My sister wears dark nail polishes all the time. I don't think I've ever seen her wear bright shades. I got these two gorgeous nail polishes in OPI's Best of the Best set. I already own Russian Navy and Lincoln Park After Dark so I decided to pop them in too.

 Charm Bracelet

Like a lot of  people out there my sister adores charm bracelets. I got this one from Accessorize and it's beautiful. With a tonne of charms from dices to wishing bones I think this would look nice with anything. I hope my sister likes it as much as I do!

This is everything I've got for my sister so far! I may pick up a nice mascara and some Soap & Glory products the next time I'm in town and pop them in too. I think a custom gift would be great for a family member, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend as you know there going to find something they'll absolutely love. Plus they'll know you put alot of though into their gift.

What do you think of this gift idea?

Laura<3

Beauty Swap with the Lovely MakeupLand2011

Hey everyone,

A while ago I tweeted about some products I couldn't get my hands on in Ireland. That day I got a lovely email off Chie (MakeupLand2011) from the United States suggesting that we do a swap. I love the idea of beauty swaps as it's a good way to try stuff out that's not readily available in your own country and there also great fun. I've done two swaps before which I really enjoyed. Of course I was only too happy to take part in this one.

Chie is the nicest girl ever and so genuine. If you haven't checked out her YouTube channel you should definitely have a look. I love her videos!!! They are so informative and there's everything from step by step tutorials to reviews etc. I was really excited about this swap. We organised it about two weeks ago now. It actually doesn't seem that long ago come to think about it. Last Friday Chie emailed me to tell me that she sent my package.

Imagine my surprise, after I came home from work on Wednesday my package had arrived. After a quick glance I realised it was from Chie. I was beyond excited about it. As it was delivered on Friday I really wasn't expecting it so soon. It was such a awesome treat.

When I opened my package I was left speechless. I was so shocked with all the lovely goodies she sent me. I wasn't expecting so much.

Here is what the lovely Chie sent me...

Victoria's Secret 'Pink' Beach Bag
This bag is gorgeous. Here in Ireland we don't have a Victoria's Secret so I was so happy to see this bag. Purple is also my favourite colour.

Victoria's Secret 'Pink' Water Bottle

 I love this water bottle!!! I really like the design. It would be definitely something I'd buy if I seen it in a store.

I got such a surprise when I seen what was inside this bottle!!

Bath and Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Raspberry Frost Donut, Lunch Box and Lemon Pomegranate

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lipgloss in Slice Of Heaven and Passion Fruit

EOS Lip Balms in Honeysuckle Honeydew and Summer Fruit

Sephora By OPI Nail Varnish in Already Famous

NYX Blush in Pinky and Peach

Covergirl 'Pure Romance' Eyeshadow Palette

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss in Beige and NYX High Definition Eyeshadow Base

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette

I don't know how everything fit into that water bottle but they did!!!

I got this gorgeous card of Chie. It gave me a bit of background on all the products that she chose for the swap. She also sent me a assortment of sheet masks (above picture) which are popular in the states. I'm really looking forward to trying them out.

I bet you can see why I was left lost for words. Everything looks amazing. Thank you so much Chie for the amazing products and gifts. We will have to do a swap again in the future. All these products will last me for ages I bet. I will definitely keep you posted on how I get on. I've used a bit of the EOS lipbalm in Honeysuckle Honeydew and I love it...the packaging is so cute.

I'm really looking forward to trying everything out and will let you girls know my thoughts!

Laura<3

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