A Shopaholic's Journey #11 - Collective Haul

It been a while since I've done A Shopaholic's Journey post. Not that I haven't been buying anything at all in the past few weeks, the stuff I bought just didn't warrant a big blog post. I received alot of gift cards for my birthday back in mid February and I only got around to spending them now.

In Boots, I picked up one of the Stella McCartney Print Collection Eau de Parfum. I know they've been on the scene for quite a while now, but from what I remember they were quite expensive. When I saw they were on sale for €23 I snapped one up. Out of the three prints to choose from, this was my favourite. While in Boots, I also bought some makeup products. I bought three of the Loreal Caresse Sheer Lipsticks (01, 103, 501). These lipsticks have been mentioned on a few blogs already. I don't think I would of noticed them otherwise, there just pushed in with all the other lipsticks, you wouldn't think there new. As you would guess I got a few No7 Vouchers when I bought this stuff. I tend to only buy their makeup wipes with these, but I heard so much talk about the Vital Enlightening Highlighter powder. I'm glad I picked one up. Isn't it so pretty??

This is probably my biggest splurge, it came to around €75 with a gift card my grandparents gave me. I don't think my Nanna was too happy I bought it, she hates when I straighten my hair. After much thought, I decided on the Maxi Styler from the Gold Series. I have frizzy hair which takes forever too straighten, so I thought this would work best for me. I always straighten my hair before work using the Classic Styler and halfway through the day it's frizzy again so I thought it was time for a change. I shall let you know how I get on with it. While I was in Peter Marks, I saw that there was 20% off Redken promotion. I heard one of my favourite bloggers Essie (Essie Button) talk about their All Soft shampoo and conditioner in one of her videos, so I decided to give it a go. I've used it once so far and I really like it.

Last but not least, I went to House of Fraser and Brown Thomas. At the latter, I bought one of the tendertones from MAC's latest collection, Cook MAC, Tread Gently is the shade I picked up. Tendertones have the nicest fruity scent, I love it. Whilst wandering around House of Fraser, I spotted a Laura Mercier stand which I never saw before. On it was a selection of products from their body and bath range. Among them I spotted this Souffle Body Creme Sampler which was €30. I thought this was great value as you get four generous size tubes. I think there usually only available around Christmas time, as I remember thinking how luxurious they looked when I saw them. So far I've used Creme Brulee and Wow it smells heavenly.

This feels like quite a long post. I doubt I'll be buying any beauty products for a while now, so expect plenty of reviews soon!

Laura<3

Gorgeous To Go-The Beaut.ie Guide To Smart Shopping!!

On Saturday, I headed into Brown Thomas for the launch of Beaut.ie's Aisling McDermott much anticipated new book. I got to the store  half and hour before the launch and it was already buzzing with people. The atmosphere and the turnout made for an enjoyable experience. 

Now for the book that everyone was waiting for... Gorgeous To Go.

The book contains lots of amazing product recommendations. From Makeup to Hair Care Essentials, there will be something for everyone in this book.  Gorgeous To Go is the perfect size for your handbag and the canary yellow cover is so beautiful.

What I love most about this book is the mixture between affordable and high end beauty buys. The small paragraphs accompanying each product makes for easy reading on the go. The book launches in bookstores this Friday 14th October and costs €12.99. I think it's a bargain for the tips and the product knowledge that you recieve. Congratulations Aisling on another amazing book!!


Will you be picking up your copy of Gorgeous To Go??

Laura<3

A Shopaholics Journey #3- Haul from Topshop and MAC

Hey Girlies,

Hope you all are having a fab weekend. Yesterday being Saturday, I decided to hit Grafton St in search of some bargains in the sales. Typical me I ended up buying one sale item and all the rest were full price. Not to worry though as I am so chuffed with my purchases.

First off I went into Topshop, I was told by so many bloggers on twitter how fab the makeup range. When I get off the Luas, the shop is just right in front of me so it would of been rude not to go in. I went in just to have a look at the makeup, some of the products I wasn't to sure about but I did pick up a few bits. I saw a cute necklace on sale which was basically the only item I got at reduced price. I also purchased pink bow clips which I loved instore. My sister says they make your hair look so pretty.

Cute Pink Bow Hairclips and Long Beaded Necklace

Topshop Cream Blush

L2R Flush + Head Over Heals

Topshop Lipstick In Nevada

Next I ventured into Brown Thomas. I was planning on just window shopping here as I didn't really want to buy anything. This all changed when I seen that MAC's new collection Semi Precious and Fashion Flower was launched. I didn't think this collection was going to be released until next week. Isn't it the first Thursday of every month??

Well that being said, there was few bits in this collection I wanted. I spent a good while swatching some of the products. Finally I narrowed everything down and I came away with the following goodies.

MAC Lipsticks

L2R- Lush Amber (Semi Precious) + Ever Hip (Fashion Flower)

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow

L2R- Rare Find + Smoked Ruby

Lastly a necessity as I recently ran out of it.

MAC Brush Cleanser

I went to another few shops but didn't see anything I liked enough to justify more spending. I really love all the products I purchased. I will put some swatches up soon.

What do you think of the Semi Precious Collection?...Is there any items you have your eye on??

Laura<3

Weekly Round Up #3

Oh wow this week went so fast, partially as I've been so busy and working lots. I also can't believe June is nearly over which means my favourites post will be coming pretty soon. You'll have to keep an eye out for that.:)

Here is some pictures of what I got up to this week.

I met up with my boyfriend over the week which was really nice. I haven't got to see him in quite a while as I've been busy. We just had a mooch around the shops in town. The weather was also gorgeous out which is a plus seeing as its been so miserable out in Dublin lately.

I also had time to nip into Brown Thomas and pick up this M.A.C lipstick (Syrup) which I am loving at the moment.

Sid, my cute labrador is a year with us this week.My brother named him after Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols. The name reminds me of the evil kid from the original Toy Story. The last year with him has flown by. He is the funniest dog in the world and is such a big part of our family. By the way he hates the camera for some reason so I was lucky to get this picture.

Friday was such a miserable day. I was walking home from work and it started raining out of nowhere. I had no jacket so by the time I got home I was absolutely drenched. I was so excited to get home and see a package from He-Shi on my doorstep. I can't wait to do a review for you girlies after I try the products out.

On Saturday I went to the Chachatint launch event in Brown Thomas. I had such a good time and you can read all about the event  here. This picture was taken by Kirstie from Beaut.ie. I love it.

 

What did you girls get up to this week??

Laura<3

Benefit "Chachatint Launch" Event Dublin

Yesterday I attended the Chachatint launch event in Brown Thomas Dublin. I heard about this event instore and I just had to go. Maggie & Annie Ford Danielson (daughters/nieces of  Benefit co-founders Jane and Jean Ford) were in attendence. Last Saturday, I reserved my spot by paying 30€ which was redeemable on all products and meant I could get my makeup done too.

On the day, I was booked in at 12.45pm as perusual I arrived early. I spent some of the time looking at some Benefit products and watching Maggie and Annie's makeup demonstrations which I found interesting.

Finally the time came to get my makeup done, my Benefit makeup artist, Sarah was lovely and helpful. We had such great chats about blogging and of course Benefit products.

When my makeup was done I was so delighted with it, Sarah did such a good job. I loved my eye makeup and I loved the way Chachatint looked on my cheeks:) I got to chat to Maggie and Annie for a few minutes they are so pretty and friendly. I talked to them about some of the products I was purchasing and their time in Dublin of all things. A picture of me and girls was taken by one of the lovely Benefit staff and it was put in a cute frame. 

L2R Annie,Me, Maggie
My makeup artist Sarah also took a picture for me with my digital camera. I loved how both pictures turned out.

I also met the lovely Beaut.ie girls Kirstie and Aisling. I was so happy to finally get to meet them as I'm such a big fan of their blog I love it. I was also got to see some of the Irish Beauty bloggers I've met before and a few new ones.

 I purchased two products that I really liked that were used to get my makeup look.

  

Chachatint

 I was blown away with Chachatint. It's a very daunting shade in the bottle but such a nice shade on the lips and cheeks as it gives a health looking flush of colour. A little goes a long way with this product as it's very pigmented.

Sunday Funday Palette

 Another product I had my eye on is Maggie's Sunday Funday Palette.I fell in love with this as it has such wearable shadows and practically has everything you'd need in a palette. The artwork on this palette is gorgeous and was designed by Nikki Farquharson. In Ireland,Maggie's and Annie's palettes are exclusive to Brown Thomas Dublin and are limited edition so they are only available while stocks last.

 I also got a Benefit Goodie Bag which I was so chuffed about as it contained some pretty nice things.

 Triple Performing Facial Emulsion Mini

It's Potent Eye Cream Mini

Benefit's Tweezerman Tweezer

Ultra Shines Lip Shine in What Are You Wearing

I'm so glad I attended this event, I really had such a great time. It was a fab start to what I hope is another good weekend:)

Will you girlies be trying Chachatint:)??

Laura<3

A Shopaholics Journey #2- Debenhams and Brown Thomas

Hey Girlies!!...:)

Hope everyones weekend went fab!!!...Mine was pretty hectic from working on Friday to shopping on Saturday then working again on Sunday!! I really didn't have a minute to myself..so I'm happy to sit down now and write this post to tell you all about some of the beauty products I've purchased recently.Looking at the products now, it looks like I bought alot more than I thought. I don't realise how much I've actually bought until I go home and have a rummage through my shopping bags. Does this happen to any of you girlies??

Debenhams and Brown Thomas( which must seem like a shop I go to alot)  are the shops were I bought these lovely goodies!! I always go to these stores as there are promotions and events on alot. They also both have good reward schemes, Brown Thomas Black and Debenhams BeautyClub Card which is always a good way to get something back on all the purchases you make instore.

 I went to Debenhams Henry St on Thursday. There was a promotion on where you could avail of 10% off everything from Beauty & Fragrance. I picked up my first purchase instore, Smashbox Cosmetics Limitless Beauty Collection.

In this box you get as follows:
Blush Rush in Everlasting
Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Round-The-Clock
Photo Finish Primer-Travel Size
Limitless Beauty Eyeshadow Palette (includes a brush)
Limitless Eye Liner in Java

I haven't got the chance to really try out these products with work and stuff. I've used the eyeshadow palette for everyday looks as all the colours are very neutral, I love it. I've also used the lipgloss I love the shade of peach but I don't like the taste of the product on your lips at all. Do any of you girls feel the same??

On to my Shopaholic Journey on Saturday. My day only consisted of going to one shop as the weather was completely horrendous and I was wearing a cardigan to make matters worse. Brown Thomas sometimes have beauty events instore which I like going to as it's a good way to find out about the latest products from brands you may never of heard of before. When I heard the Irish Independent's Beauty Editor, Triona McCarthy was showcasing her summer must-haves on Saturday instore I knew I had to go. I enjoyed listening to her beauty tips for the summer and also the products she thought were essentials.

While I was there I also picked up a two products from Nars for myself. To be quite honest I'm a bit of a Nars virgin as I've never tried anything before even though I read how good they are on a regular basis.

I got two products from the Portrait Of Paradise Collection, the Blush Bronzer trio and the Laguna Illuminator.

Blush Bronze Trio (Limited Edition) consists of Orgasm Blush, Albatross Highlighter and Laguna Bronzer. I've used this product twice since I got it on Saturday and I'm glad it's one of my first purchases from Nars.

Laguna Body Illuminator (Limited Edition) I like this illuminator as it leaves you with such a natural glow and  I was told in store once you apply it it doesn't rub off on your clothes which is such a good thing.

At the time of purchase there was a promotion on:)!!. When I bought the two products from this collection  I got a complimentary makeup bag with deluxe samples!

I love the makeup bag as it is so spacious..it even has room for my brushes.

The Deluxe Samples I recieved-

Pro-Prime Mulit-Protect PrimerSPF30- 2ml

Copacabana Illuminator- 2ml

Super Orgasm Illuminator- 2ml

Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Aigle Noir- 2g

I can't wait use all these new purchases and let you know what I think soon. Do you recommend any Nars/Smashbox products for me to try next?

I also was given samples of Bliss's Triple Oxygen Energizing Mask and Chanel Aqua Lumiere in the shade 20 to try out which I'm really looking forward to.

Has anyone tried this Chanel foundation? How do you find it??

Talk to you girlies soon,

Laura<3