The Lo Down - Touche Eclat Le Teint + Pinceau Y Brush

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all know I love a good foundation so I was delighted when this amazing duo came in my letter box, the Touche Eclat le Teint foundation and Pinceau Y Brush. I've used both before and I was left beyond impressed by them. The foundation is a dream, just look at the packaging it's beautiful! It gives amazing coverage, is great during the Summer months and gives a lovely glowy finish. I received so many compliments when I use this foundation especially from the boyfriend who gave it his seal of approval.

To get the best results you should use it alongside this foundation brush. It has a reservoir like a little well that holds the product and you can then buff it into your skin for a beautiful flawless finish. The perfect combination!

They are on the pricey side of things at €42 for the foundation and €42
for the brush but they are both definitely worth it in my opinion.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - Yves Saint Laurent Tint in Balm

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Yesterday I attended a Yves Saint Laurent event in Loreal's Head Office in town. I love when they launch new products as they are always amazing and I love checking them out.

There most recent launch is their new lip product, Yves Saint Laurent Tint in Balm and I love it, it's such a nice product that I enjoy using. I have so many lip balms in my handbag on any given day, some can look a little grubby at times so I hardly take them out of my bag when I'm out and about. This product will change that though as the packaging is beautiful and so luxurious, I'll take this out of my handbag with pride.

At the event I was given the shade Call Me Rose and it's so pretty and wearable, it's a perfect my lips but better shade. Basically there's a tint in the centre of the product with a sheer subtle hint of colour around it which is a really good idea. There's also a lot of shades to choose from too. I can see myself using this alot in the coming months it's beautiful. They are also soo moisturising and smell amazing!

These lip products launch in Brown Thomas this month and in all other stores in April. They retail at €33.50 which may seem pricey but these are such nice lip products you won't regret the splurge. I already have my eye on a couple of other shades from the range.

Laura<3

28 Days of Kisses - Day 21 = YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Frivolous Pink

Tomorrow is Pay Day and I couldn't be more excited. February is indeed the shortest month of the year but for me it seemed like the longest. I guess this resulted from it being my birthday month, I treated myself to a lot. I'm not going to go to wild this month considering I have two holidays to save for London and New York, I have a feeling a lot of shopping will be done in both locations so I can't wait. One thing I do want to buy this month is the new Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. I've seen a couple of reviews on numerous blogs and it sounds really nice. I just haven't seen it in my local Boots yet so hopefully it's instock tomorrow.

I got this YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in the January Sales after Christmas. I haven't given it too much loving since I bought it. Frivolous Pink is a baby pink shade that is definitely brighter on the lips then I though it would be. This is probably why I haven't used it too much since I bought it. A shame seeing as I love the brand and the packaging of this product is so luxurious, the lipstick itself smells pretty nice too. This lipstick is extremely pigmented with a creamy formula which is a good thing but sadly I just don't think it looks too well on my lips. As it have a very creamy formula I also find it kinda messy to apply too and there's been certain occasions where I've found this on my teeth. I find this lipstick unflattering when I'm having one of those dry lip moments too. I've heard the brand have brought out new Rouge Volupte Shine lipsticks, I have a feeling these gems will suit me better. They leave a nice glossy finish on the lips which is right down my street as opposed to the opaque finish of the original Rouge Volupte. I've been trying to use Frivolous Pink more by smudging it when I apply it. This is a bit time consuming but after spending so much money on this lipstick I really want to make it work.

Any suggestions on how to make this lipstick more wearable?

Laura<3

Summer Must Haves/Essentials #4 - Fragrances

For me, Summer is the best time of the year to experiment with new fragrances. I've welcomed a couple of new ones into my collection this year. Along with one old favourite, I have four fragrances in all that I've been loving over the last few months. I'm big into my scents and love discovering new ones but downright useless at explaining what there like so bare with me on that.

I thought I'd start off with my old favourite, YSL Elle Summer Edition (2011), I've had this fragrance for a year now and I'm in love with it. The brand releases Summer Editions every year I'm pretty sure the scent stays the same, the packaging itself is the only thing that changes. I've tried YSL's original Elle fragrance before and to be quite honest I much prefer this. It has a lighter scent which can be worn anytime of year especially during the Summer months. At 90ml, the bottle is huge, no wonder it took me over a year to finish. I still have a decent amount left but I never tend to bring the bottle out in my bag, it would take up far too much space. For problems like this I use my handy Travalo, which has been a lifesaver when I'm going on holidays or when I don't want to be carting around enormous fragrances. Not that it's a bad thing when you get a 90ml fragrance for such a good price, I think this was around the €50 mark. One of my favourites from the bunch I have chosen is Roger & Gallet's Sublime Or Fresh Fragrant Water*. I've given this alot of love over the Summer, as you all know I adore citrus scents so this is certainly a winner there. Besides that it also have a lovely subtle gold shimmer which looks amazing over tan. The bottle design is beautiful which is another must for me, I'm like a magpie I'm attracted to pretty things. Unless they smell amazing then I don't really care all too much. This also comes in a body creme if that's more your thing, they both have the same gorgeous scent so you won't be missing out.

Having bought these two whilst on holiday, they are the latest additions to my fragrance collection. I'm in love with them both so they had to be included in this post. First up is Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck, I've wanted this ever since it was released in the States. I'm such a big fan of hers, I've seen her twice in concert already. Both times Paddy was dragged along with me but he enjoyed the concert, Taylor Swift puts on the most amazing stage productions that your left enchanted by. We are so far behind in Ireland, Wonderstruck was only released in stores in July which is a bit of a joke. I was lucky because the lovely Chie (MakeupLand2011) sent me the rollerball of this in one of our recent swaps. I fell in love with Wonderstruck instantly, it's such a nice sweet floral scent, how could anyone not like it. Another thing I adore is the pretty purple bottle, it's like nothing in my collection. I saw online recently that Taylor Swift is bringing out a new fragrance, Wonderstruck Enchanted. I know I will be waiting a while to get my hands on this, but it will definitely be worth it. My first ever Jo Malone fragrance was my biggest splurge back when I went to Manchester. I bought this fragrance before I even left Dublin, Jo Malone have a standalone store in Terminal 2. Taking a visit there was on my list of things to do in Terminal 2, their fragrances can be pretty expensive here, the 30ml handbag size can set you back €50. I've wanted one for a while so when I seen they were €37 in Dublin Airport, I couldn't say no. I chose their Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne which is also the scent I've been lusting after for ages. The lady was so nice at the counter, she knew it was for me and she still wrapped it up perfectly. A nice surprise for myself! The fragrance itself is a nice mix of sweet and fruity notes, everytime I use this I smell something different, now I get a peachy scent. That's probably why I was drawn to this in the first place, I love peaches. This fragrance does last pretty much all day long so I can't fault it at all. I would probably use this everyday if I could, but seeing as it's a bit on the pricier side of things, I'll be using this on special occasions. My Mom is going away in September and I already know what one I'd like her to pick up for me, English Pear & Freesia. It's my second choice out of their  vast range of scents. I need to stop this love affair with expensive fragrances or I will be broke much sooner than I think.

What has been your favourite fragrances this Summer?

Laura

December Empties!

December has been good month as I've used up a number of products. Better than last month anyway were I mostly finished samples. Don't get me wrong there is still some miniatures featured in this post just not as many as last. December has been the month of Skincare products I think as that's what most of my empties are.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator

I bought this in Wilde & Green quite a while ago. I've purchased my replacement already as it's been the best exfoliator I've tried in a while. Expect a full review very soon.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser

I'm on to my third bottle of this moisturiser. I love it, I wouldn't use anything else on my face. I have quite oily skin so it does the job right! Skin Repair Light costs €20.50 which is pretty expensive but I do get a while out of it.

Carmex Mint Moisturising Lip Balm

I always have one of these floating around in my bag. I have such horribly dry lips this time of year so I have flown through this tube as you can see! I like the Mint flavour one the best, it's cooling aswell as moisturising on my lips.

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Makeup Remover

I got this in a Yves Saint Laurent set in Dublin Airport on my way to Barcelona. To be honest it's so tiny that it's something I wouldn't be able to give any opinion on. I got like two or three uses out of this small bottle. The only thing I can say is that it did take off my eye makeup nicely. After looking for the price of the full size bottle of this eye makeup remover it turns out that it's like around €30. Definitely not a product I'd fork out that much money on I'd rather stick with my Garnier Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (€4).

Yves Saint Laurent Faux Cils Mascara

Faux Cils Mascara was in the same set that contained the eye makeup remover. Definitely a Yves Saint Laurent product I'll be replacing maybe not til I go on holidays though. Duty Free prices for this product is better than store prices, there is a saving of around €6 which is really good. The only downside of this mascara is that it dries up so fast. This problem is something I'll have to overlook though cause it's so damn good!

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

I got this miniature at a Bliss counter. I did find this mask so much fun to use cause it leaves your face covered in foam. I did find this kind of refreshing I guess. The full size bottle costs €60 which is a bit much I think.  I do love the orangey scent of this mask.

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Hand Cream

I bought this in June, mislaid it for a while and found it again. I love the scent of this product, orange and spicy. It leaves my hands feeling soft and moisturised. The set which was five euro contained another Bliss 30ml hand cream which I'm going to start using now. The full sized Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Hand Cream is €25 which I think is a tad expensive for a hand cream. You never know I like this hand cream alot so I may invest in some when I finish the rest of the hand creams I already own!

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

These wipes have probably featured in all my empties post bar one.  I love these so much, I've lost count of how many packets I've gone through in the past year. There such a bargain at €1.95 with a No7 voucher. These vouchers are being given out in Boots now so I'm going to stock up on more of the Quick Thinking wipes soon.

Very proud of myself with the amount of products I used up this month. I got quite a lot of skincare/ makeup stuff over the Christmas so before I open anything I'm going to try to use up more products. You'll have to check back at the end of January to see how I do.

Have you used any of the above products? What products have you finished in December??

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

June Favourites

I'm so astonished it's the 1st of July already. Where did June go?? I did quite alot last month so hopefully July is even better. There is so many birthday's in July, so I guess I'm going to be pretty broke for it. This is also going to be the month were I finally do my dreaded theory test and learn how to drive. I'm kinda nervous and excited about this all at the same time.

Being the end of another month it means I have alot of favourites. This month has a bit of a mix bag, from skincare to books to makeup I sure have been loving alot this month. 

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser 

Before I started blogging I'd never really heard much about Liz Earle products. I can't believe this as I'm such a big fan now. I purchased this product at the Liz Earle event I attended earlier this month. I can safely say I'm in love with it. My last moisturiser wasn't doing much for my skin as it was quite heavy so I was on the look out for a new one. This product is so gentle and light so it's perfect for people with combination/oily skin like me. I will definitely be repurchasing it.

Bliss Super-Sized Lemon + Sage Body Butter

This had to go into this months favourites as I got it for such a good bargain.The Lemon + Sage body butter is very moisturising on my skin as I do get dry patches on my elbows. I love the scent of this product, it's so refreshing and citrusy. The tube is so big that it's going to take me a while to finish it so that's a good thing.

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Pink Celebration- Face Highlighter

This product was a part of Yves Saint Laurent Spring Collection. I have a big collection of highlighters it's unreal, I don't know where they came from. That said I always use highlighters so I do use them up. This product is definitely a  favorite of mine. Firstly wow I love the packaging it's incredibly beautiful and it's different to any product in my collection. I just use a tiny bit of this on my brow/cheek bone and it's give me a gorgeous glow. I tend to use this sparingly as I really want it too last.

Loreal Lash Architect 4D

Surprise Surprise Loreal bring out a new mascara that I absolutely love. My mom bought this for me when she was in holidays in Spain. I've been using it so much. It's s nice mascara that leaves your eyelashes looking like falsies without leaving the clumpy which I don't particularly like. The packaging in my opinion looks super futuristic. Definitely a mascare to try if you haven't already.

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glace in Baby Doll

I got this lipgloss in a set with 3 other minis but Baby Doll is my fave at the moment. I'm pretty new to Laura Mercier products in general and this was my first purchase. I've been using this lipgloss for the past month now and I love it. It's a gorgeous light pink shade with a hint of shimmer which shows up real nicely on the lips. Size wise, Baby Doll is perfect as it slips right into my purse.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion-Original

This primer potion has always been a firm favourite of mine. Even before I started blogging it was a part of my everyday makeup routine. This deserved a part in my monthly favourites because the product is not only amazing but I'm loving the sleek new packaging too. It is now easier to access the product as it's a squeeze tube. I think the change of packaging was much needed. There'll be no more wasted efforts to get every last morsel out with that wand.

OPI Planks Alot

Recently I did a NOTD on this mini nail polish. I've been using it so much lately as I think it's such a nice lilac shade. Planks Alot is definitely my favourite polish in the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection so far. It's such a nice shade for the summer. I am tempted to purchase it in the full size soon.

The Vampire Diaries Books
As I'm such a big fan of the TV series, I decided to purchase some of the Vampire Diaries books. I've gone through three already, one being the prequel. I am really enjoying them so far. I don't want to give away the plot, all I'm going to say is the books and the TV series are unalike. Everything from character descriptions to the plot are different. This is not a bad thing at all as if you like the TV series you'll love these books too. There are so many different stories that aren't covered in the show and it's full of suspense. I really can't wait to read the rest of the books in the collection.

That comes to the end of my favourites for this month as you can see I've had quite a few.

What has made it into your June favourites??

Laura<3