Makeup Revolution Flawless Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

A brand that I haven't tried too many products from is Makeup Revolution and I really don't know why. It's a super affordable English brand that is forever getting rave reviews. I guess I just hadn't tried their products for so long as I wasn't too sure what the quality of the products were going to be like and I needn't of worried as they are really good.

I purchased a couple of palettes from the brand but the first one I'm going to show you is the Makeup Revolution Flawless palette. Lets just say I'm a really big fan of this palette, if you love neutral shades this one is definitely for you. It contains 32 shadows which are a mixture between shimmer and matte and they are all so pigmented. I actually bought this one last week and I'm so glad I did. 

I've been using this palette so much since I bought it and I love it because you can create so many amazing looks with it. Now for the good part, the price! This palette only costs €10.99 which is such amazing value for a highly pigmented eyeshadow palette with 32 shadows. I already have my eye on a couple of other palettes from this brand so keep your eyes out for some more reviews.

Laura<3

Essence Live.Laugh.Celebrate Trend Edition

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all know I'm a huge fan of Essence Cosmetics, I've been using it for years, all through school and even now I have so many favourites. I was surprised to hear that they were celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, jeez I feel so old.

To celebrate this momentous occasion Essence Cosmetics brought out the Live.Laugh.Celebrate Trend Edition and I loved it. The stand out product for me is their My Must Haves Palettes that are glammed up. There is also new shades specifically from the Live.Laugh.Celebrate collection to go in them.

I went for a eyeshadow, highlight, blush, lip base, lip powder and setting powder and they are all amazing. The eyeshadow that I've been using the most is called T.G,I.F and its a limited edition matte brown shade. It's beautiful all over the lid for a natural look.

These palettes are available in 4 pan and 8 pan, I bought bought as they are really inexpensive at €1.90. It's €1.90 for each individual pan aswell so that's pretty amazing too. I'm sure this collection is still available in Penneys so snap it up while you still can.

Laura<3

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 - The Ordinary Skincare

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I love finding new and affordable skincare brands and The Ordinary is just that. I only heard about this brand recently but I heard all really good things so I decided to pick up some products. I bought their High-Adherence Silicone Primer and Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. and of course I'm a big fan.

This brand os so affordable I'm pretty sure that I got both products for €13 including postage which is really good. The moisturiser is really hydrating and the primer is a good backup for when I run out of my other primer.

I'm intrigued about this brand and can't wait to try some more products from the range, especially the foundations as if they are anything like these two they'll be amazing.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Primark/Penneys Silicone Sponge

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last week I picked up a pack of the much talked about silicone sponges from Penneys. I got a pack of 2 for €2 which is pretty good value when you consider how much they usually are. I was really intrigued to try these as they seemed like a new intriguing way to apply your makeup and that they are.

I like these sponges for applying my makeup as they are something different even though they feel funny. I do use my normal makeup sponge afterwards just to blend all the edges in, sure we don't want those pesky lines anyways. I've already picked up some more of these for my makeup kit and I'm definitely going to pick up a couple more soon. They seem to be flying out of the shops as it is at the moment and why wouldn't they are only €2.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Garnier Moisture Bomb Super Hydrating ReBalancing Mask

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Having loved the Garnier Moisture Bomb  Super Hydrating Rebalancing Tissue Masks I decided to pick up the Super Hydrating Rebalancing Masks when I was in Boots recently. This one is for rebalancing your skin and it is said to give a matte finish. I have combination skin so I was looking forward to seeing what this mask was like as I was a big fan of the original one.

I love nothing more than to chill out in the evening with a relaxing face mask, it seriously is bliss. They leave my skin looking so good and feeling fresh which is exactly what I need lately when my skin is looking so dull and dry. I do tend to get problematic skin during this time of year so they work wonders in combating that.

I did enjoy using this mask but the original is still my favourite. The Super Hydrating Rebalancing Mask is also that little bit pricier aswell which is worth taking note of. I guess it just depends on personal preference when it comes to picking up one of these masks.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact

Hey Guys and Dolls,

MAC is one of those brands I've been using for years. I own alot of their lipsticks I'm quite a bit fan, Velvet Teddy is my favourite. Last Christmas my boyfriend Daragh picked me up one of their limited edition Festive palettes. The collection was based on the Nutcracker and everything was so pretty but of I was in love with the eyeshadow palettes. MAC eyeshadows are really good, their so pigmented. I have one of their custom palettes and I find myself reaching for it all the time.

The palette Daragh bought me is called the Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact and it's so pretty. This palette contains 9 neutral shades, there is a yellowy shade that I was a bit afraid of using but it looks nice on the eyes so I had nothing to be scared of.

I've been using this palette alot and love it, it retails for in and around €38 o for what you get it's not too bad. I actually have my eye on another eyeshadow palette from MAC so I'll let you know if I pick it up.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - My Makeup Trolley Case

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I own alot of makeup as I have a blog I get the opportunity to try alot of amazing products. Don't get me wrong though I did have a tonne of makeup before I started blogging aswell as I always wanted to be a makeup artist when I was younger. As you can imagine it is pretty difficult to store it all, I have to take a trip to IKEA soon I haven't been there in so long. In the meantime I use my Makeup Trolley Case that I got off my Nanna and Aunty for my birthday a year or two ago. It doesn't store all my makeup but it is pretty handy all the same.

It's big and spacious which will be perfect when I start my Makeup Artist course in September, I'm sure they bought it in Salon Services. As I've said before I have this trolley case for quite a while and I always use it. I like how theres pull out trays and a deep centre which is really good for storing bigger products. It has wheels and a big handle so it's pretty easy to transport this from A to B. It's doesn't take up too much space either which means this definitely gets two thumbs up from me. I'm already considering buying a mini one of these to put on my shelf so I'll keep you posted. I seen that NYX Cosmetics have one so I may get that.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - La La Land Review

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last night I came home from Daragh's house and my parents had picked me up La La Land on dvd, I was beyond excited. I grew up looking at lots of musicals like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and Westside Story to name a few so I love them. Of course I couldn't wait to watch La La Land so I watched it on my laptop last night and it was amazing.

I love the pairing of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, it's hard to believe that they've already been in 3 movies together and I love them all especially Crazy Stupid Love. It's a classic! Back to La La Land though I was expecting really good things as it got so many awards and it definitely delivered that's for sure. I can see why it was so popular when it came out.

If you like musicals you'll love this, it's just that with a modern twist. It's about a man and a woman in Hollywood who both have big dreams, Gosling is a musician who wants to open his own Jazz bar and Stone is a aspiring actress, this movie is about their story and their relationship.

I can't talk about this movie without talking about the soundtrack, it's excellent and I think it definitely makes the movie. I love the opening song and City of Stars, they are definitely my favourite. La La Land came out last week so if you are having a quiet weekend I'd recommend picking it up you won't regret the purchase that's for sure.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Avonmore Chocolate Protein Milk

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all probably know I did a review a while ago on Avonmore's Protein Milks and my brother & I were really big fans of this product. It has alot of protein in one carton plus it doesn't have a protein taste, it actually tastes amazing. I'm not a big fan of protein foods that taste really strongly of protein but this stuff I can handle.

My brother and I were sent out some samples of the new chocolate flavour to try and yes we love it. They already have the normal and vanilla flavours available but chocolate is something different. It doesn't taste really artificial like some milks can so that's a good thing. Both my brother and I are on our fitness journeys at different stages and we both drink this stuff alot as a part of our eating plan and we wouldn't drink anything but this.

Our favourite flavour was Vanilla originally but that has now changed to chocolate so if you see this in your local store definitely give it a try.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask

Hey Guys and Dolls,

My face has been unbelievably dry lately, I think the change in the weather is partially to blame to be honest. This has resulted in me trying to find a cheap and affordable face mask. Of course I headed to Boots and after looking through all the skincare that was on offer I found exactly what I was looking for. I picked up the relatively new Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask. I have to put it out there I'm absolutely in love. This mask is the exact same as the ever popular sheet masks and I can't get enough of it.

It is such good value at under €3 for one so of course I had to buy two. Sure I had to treat myself after all. I've been using these on my face alot I definitely will be repurchasing a couple on my payday this week. One sheet mask contains a weeks worth of hydrating serum so if you have dry skin like me at the moment this is definitely something to check out next time your in Boots. It's just amazing and gives a nice shot of moisture to the skin.

My skin has never looked so good since I started using these mask, I seen alone that they have brought out another version of these too so I definitely want to pick them up aswell the next time I'm in Boots.

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 - Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Ilove Charlotte Tilbury, they have such a wide range of amazing products. I recently bought their Airbrush Flawless Finish powder. I use the shade 2 Medium and it's the perfect shade for me. I always keep this in my makeup bag, it's great to have at college as I need to powder my face alot daily as I quite oily.

I love the packaging on this products it's so pretty and compact. I apply this with Blank Canvas powder brush and buff it onto my skin over my foundation of course. Viola my oily skin and forehead is no more. It sets beautifully over my Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, I love it plus it gives a bit of coverage aswell. I've heard this powder doesn't work well with some foundations but I fingers crossed have not had that problem yet and I hope I don't either.

All in all I really like this product and it may possibly have become one of my favourite products from Charlotte Tilbury at the moment.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - March/April Favourites

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I can't believe another two months have flown by, it's insane. You know what that means it's time for my favourites and I'm so excited to show you guys what I've been loving this month. I have quite a few so lets get started.

Lee Stafford Coco Loco Shampoo and Conditioner

As I've told you in a couple of posts already, I love trying new haircare and I get the opportunity to try these two products over the last months. I love them both and I was so impressed. They smell of coconut which to me is so yum!! They also leave my hair looking amazing and squeaky clean, just what I want from any shampoo and conditioner. I highly recommend them both and I can't wait to try some more products from this line once I recover from my head surgery. I did a review recently which you can check out here.

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick and NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lip Glosses

I have two lip products to share with you guys this month. First up is MAC's Velvet Teddy lipstick. This lipstick has a huge following and is definitely one of the most popular MAC lipsticks that they have to offer. It's so easy to apply and looks beautiful on the lips. It has a matte finish and just goes perfectly with any makeup look which is why I love it so much. I'm almost all out of mine so I will definitely be repurchasing it really soon. A review of this product can be found here. The other lip product favourite of mine is from NYX Cosmetics which is one of my favourite drugstore brands at the moment. I haven't tried a product that I didn't like yet which is really good. My favourite product of theres at the moment is their Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks. They are just amazing, I adore them. They apply as a liquid and dry to a matte finish lipstick. There are so many shades to choose from and I have quite a few that I couldn't pick just one. It's definitely worth your while to go to your local counter to have a mooch if you ask me. If you want to check out my full review you can find it here.

Uriage HandCream

I love a good hand cream as my hands do get so dry as the weather is so changeable out there at the moment. I've been using a new handcream from Uriage lately and I think it's really good. It's nice and thick but it sinks into my skin right away. I carry this everywhere with me and I'm forever pulling it out of my bag when my hands are needing that extra bit of tlc. I recently was sent that intense version of this so I'll definitely let you know my thoughts soon. This handcream smells lovely too by the way. I posted a review of this a couple of weeks ago which you can see here.

Blank Canvas Makeup Brushes

I like having good tools to apply my makeup and I've looked no further than Blank Canvas Cosmetics brushes lately. This is an Irish brand and they are such good quality. I owned a couple of their brushes then when I seen that they had a sale over Christmas I purchased the Dimension Series Hamper and I'm so glad I did. It contains so many amazing brushes from face to eye so it gives great variety. I have been using these so much lately and I definitely want to pick up another set soon. If you want to see my post on these brushes you can check it out here.

Reading

Yes you read it right, I love to read! I've been reading just about anything I can get my hands on lately. I think it's so important to keep your mind active and I love being transported into another world that I made up after reading a good book. I've been reading since I was about 6 and everyone in my house calls me the reader, I'm definitely a bit of a book nerd. I've read quite a few books over the last while so if you look back over my blog you'll definitely find a good few book reviews and there'll be more to come in the next while aswell.

College

Since I did my last favourites post I started college, I actually did a post on it already a couple of weeks back. It had to make it into my favourites as I'm enjoying the course so much at the minute. At present I'm chilling out after getting minor head surgery on Thursday but I seriously can't wait to get back into college when I'm better next week. I'm learning so much and the course is full with interesting content so I'm loving it. If you didn't know I'm studying Social Media for Business in a college in Dublin and I think this course will really help my blog in the future. It's not fully focused on Social Media all the time though which I like, there's alot of marketing content. I studied Marketing in college before so I definitely have an advantage at the moment as I love the module alot. I'll definitely keep you posted with how I'm getting on with the course. Another post about my college life is actually going up on Monday or Tuesday so keep an eye out for that for sure.

That's it, my favourites for the month of April and May. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it, which is alot by they way.My next favourites post will be up in July so definitely come back for that.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Prison Break is Back!!

Hey Guys and Dolls,

One of my favourite shows growing up in my teens was Prison Break. It was just so good, it ended a couple of years ago after 4 seasons and I was pretty disappointed to say the least. I was really happy to hear earlier in the year that the show was coming back for a fifth season. It started on Fox in Ireland last Monday and of course I had to watch it.

The new season focuses around Michael Schofield. Is he still alive? Sarah has remarried and Lincoln has learned from Teabag that Michael might possibly be alive. Teabag got sent a picture of Michael so could it be true. I'm not going to go too much into it as I'm sure you guys will want to watch it for yourself. I really enjoyed the first episode, sometime when a show is brought out again they tend to ruin it but this time around they definitely didn't. I can't wait to watch some more this week.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Lee Stafford Coco Loco Shampoo and Conditioner

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I've never tried products from the haircare brand Lee Stafford until I was recently sent their shampoo and conditioner to try. I was really excited to try these products as I'm always looking for new great products for my hair.

Coco Loco is a coconut oil based haircare line which as you all know is amazing for your hair. First off before I talk about the product itself, just look at that packaging it's so pretty love it. As I said I'm always on the lookout for new products and these tick all the boxes for me. My hair can be quite quite sensitive at times and Lee Stafford products don't aggravate my scalp at all. I am really fond of these products even after using them once on my hair it is left feeling silky smooth and looks amazing. A little bit goes a long way aswell, I use the smallest amount. After trying these two products I can't wait to try some more products from this brand, I'll definitely keep an eye out for these the next time I'm in Boots. 

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