The Lo Down - Six Nations Ireland v England

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Ireland had a big match today against England, the latter already won the Six Nations but they were on a winning game with 19 games won so Ireland were trying to knock them off their pedestal. There is always good banter and great atmosphere when these two teams clash and today was no different.

I really wanted to go to this match, of course I couldn't get tickets but there's always next year. Ireland had such a great game and they worked so well as a team, it was end to end stuff. The match took place at the Aviva Stadium in Lansdowne Roads, our fortress where we always expect amazing results and usually get them aswell.

Ireland went on to win the match 13-9 with a try which followed with the conversion and two penalties from Jonathan Sexton. Ireland stopped England record 20 game winning streak in its tracks. With Patrick's Day and this I have to say this is a weekend where I'm so so proud to be Irish. We produce some world class players and that was evident today if you saw the match. After alot of are good players retired some people thought that was it for Ireland but lots of new and exciting players have made it through the ranks and have made watching rugby enjoyable. Peter O'Mahony went on to receive Man of the Match which was well deserved as he had an incredible day.

We may not have won the Six Nations but the Ireland team definitely redeemed themselves after their last game which was a defeat against Wales. I'm looking forward to seeing Ireland in action in more upcoming rugby matches.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - The Six Nations Ireland vs Wales

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As I've told you before I love a bit of rugby. Matches can be intense and the atmosphere can be next to none. Tonight Ireland played Wales in the Six Nations. It was a really important match as Ireland are currently in 2nd and Wales are in 4th so there was alot to play for for Ireland. Of course the stadium was alight and the crowds were ready for the match ahead.

The match got off to a slow start but we knew it was going to be a tough one to be fair. Ireland put points on the scoreboard with a penalty while Wales got a try a short time later, they didn't capitilise with their kick after. Ireland was awarded a penalty and succeeded in getting it over the bar. The score was 6-5. Close to half time Wales almost got a try but Jonathan Sexton held up the ball on the line which resulted in a yellow card and a stint in the sin bin for ten minutes which was not what Ireland wanted. They were down to ten men in a crucial time where they were 2 points down and nearly at the half way mark. Ireland went into the second half behind but there was still another half to go.

Just at the whistle for the second half George North got a try and Halpenny score the kick bringing the score to 15-6. There was a terrible mistake made by Sean O'Brien which resulted in the try. Ireland were in trouble! There was still alot of time left to play so I kept my fingers crossed. There was alot of good Irish defensive efforts but in some stages of the match they were having a nightmare and things weren't going their way. It was sad to watch, it was a one score game though so I feel every Ireland supporter had a bit of faith that they'd get a try back.

Ireland got a kick but it wasn't meant to be. In the final minutes Wales got a try and converted their kick which brought the final score of the came to 20-9. A disappointing result they have England to play next week but I seriously don't think it will make a difference at the end of the day.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - My Love of Rugby/Six Nations Ireland v Italy 2017

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm a huge Rugby fan ever since I was younger. I know I'm first and foremost a beauty blogger but I'm big into Sports for ages since I was a child. I watch just about anything, with Rugby being my favourite Sport. I've always watched Rugby matches on T.V or gone to Leinster matches with my Daddio. He used to play rugby in his hayday and I like nothing more than sitting down with my Dad and giving our own commentary throughout a match. It's even better at live matches the atmosphere is unreal and I'm really looking forward to catching another one very soon. I even forked out alot of money at one of the games to get a hat that covers my ears I wear it all the time and it's so warm, definitely worth the money.

Excuse the Christmas Jumper I was so cold today plus I have a cold!!

I watched the match last week against Scotland and I have to say it was a big disappointment it would be mean to single out one player in particular I think but all round it wasn't a great team performance and they lost by a narrow margin. The match today was against Italy and we usually get a good result and do well against them.

Now for the match itself, it was end to end stuff in the first half and there wasn't really a dull moment.  Keith Earls opened up the game with a try in the first few minutes of the game. From the start of the match it was a great team game which was great to see. There was a double hat trick from Craig Gilroy and CJ Stander which was amazing for Ireland. The match end 10-63 an astounding result and I say the atmosphere was unreal and I say the Ireland supporters were lifting the roof off the stadium as they usually do. I can't wait to watch the Ireland v France match next weekend in the Aviva it's sure to be a big one after today's match. Seeing as Ireland got two bonus points today they have alot to play for aswell.

Laura<3

Our Fabulous Day Out in Powerscourt!

I love Summertime in Ireland but one thing you can't rely on too much is the weather. I heard predictions of horrible rainy weather but that wasn't a problem today as it turned out to be a scorcher out. Seeing as it was so nice out, Paddy and I decided to take a bit of an adventure and headed to Powerscourt. We both hadn't been in years so we couldn't wait to go. Considering neither of us drive yet the best way for us to get to Powerscourt was on one the City Sight Seeing buses. If your ever in Dublin you won't miss them as they are bright red in colour and there pretty easy to spot from a mile away. The route to Powerscourt was great as it took you through Dublin and showed you different landmarks, even though Paddy and I are born and bred in Dublin we still find things like this really interesting as you can miss out on small little things like this when you live in a city all the time. The journey to Powerscourt took roughly 30/40mins which for me personally is time well spent as the views once you get there are breathtaking! On the driveway up to Powerscourt, we passed the Powerscourt Hotel Resort which is the most beautiful hotel I've ever seen! I'd love to stay there sometime but I'm guessing it would cost an arm and a leg.

Our tour guide was such a lovely lady and super friendly, we arrived in Powerscourt at 3.30pm and she let us wander around for two hours taking in all the sights. I put all my favourite pictures from the day up above as you can see we definitely had a beautiful day for it! My highlight from Powerscourt has to be hands down, the Japanese Gardens which you can see a bit of in the top picture! It was so nice and peaceful, I could of sat and sunbathed there forever! I also got to pull out my sunnies for the first that Paddy bought me, there pink and yellow what's not to love! There was actually a wedding taking place while we were there so there was alot of well dressed people walking around the gardens and lovely classical music playing. By far the weirdest thing I seen was the pet cemetery, soo creepy I couldn't deal!! It's hard to believe that Powerscourt used to be somebodies house and gardens, unreal if you ask me! I thoroughly love the place and I'll be heading back soon to check out the waterfall, apparently it's seperate to the bus tour so another day out to Powerscourt is certainly on the cards. If your looking for a place to go on a day out to if you ever visit Dublin, I'd definitely recommend hopping on one of the City Sight Seeing buses, Paddy and I are already looking into our next trip!

Did you get up to anything nice over the weekend so far??

Laura<3

Vanity Professional Makeup Range

Being an Irish blogger I love nothing more than finding new brands from this side of the pond. Over the past few years a couple of really amazing brands have started up in Ireland so I love to give them my support. It can't be easy to start up your own business so I have to salute people that do it, there so inspirational. Before Christmas I was asked by the lovely Leanne did I want to try some products from her new makeup range, Vanity Professional Makeup. Of course I said I'd love to. Since I started blogging I have come across a couple of Irish brands, but never any that specialised in makeup to the best of my knowledge. I was really interested to see what Vanity Professional makeup range was like so I couldn't wait to try their products. After looking on their website, I've seen that they have a vast amount of products available already so you'll be spoiled for choice. One of the items that stood out for me is their customised palettes, I love picking out my own shades when it comes to eyeshadows and blushes. That way I'll know that I'll use them all and it won't contain that one shadow that is never touched, every pre-made palette has one I guess.

I don't have too many makeup brushes at present, just my favourites from Real Techniques. It was nice to try something new for a change. To be completely honest I never use flat foundation brushes. I had one back in my secondary school days and it never seemed to work for me. That's probably why I stopped wearing makeup to school in general back in the day. I would apply foundation to my face and it just never seemed to go anywhere with these brush and stayed in the one place. Never the look I'd want to go for at all back in the day, no one wants their foundation to stay stuck in the one place. Maybe it's because I'm older now or my discovery of How To videos on YouTube but I've finally mastered the technique of using this particular brush. I do think you have to put a little more time into applying your foundation when using one of these, that's why I almost prefer using buffing brushes as there quick and easy. I'm always in a rush in the  morning so they work best for me. I do like this brush it's super soft which I like and it does apply my makeup nicely, when I have a little more time to kill in the mornings I'll definitely be using this brush.

Next up is one of their blushes in the shade Bella* which is a mauvey pink affair. First off if you don't like shimmer this may not be the one for you, it doesn't bother me a all as it's subtle when applied to the skin. Again if you look close enough you will see traces of glitter so be warned.  I love how this blush gives a natural flush of colour to the cheeks. The only problem I had with this blush is that the pan fell out in transit to my house. That said I'm just happy this lovely blush didn't smash, I just had to get some glue out which wasn't a issue at all. At €15 I don't think this is too bad for a blush, it's very pigmented so a little bit goes a long way.

The only product I wasn't too fond of was their lipgloss in Heat Wave (€15)*, a red with tiny specs of glitter. Don't get me wrong the formula is great (not too sticky) and the scent is nice too, it smells pretty sweet. The shade just wasn't really for me, red isn't a colour I'd usually lean towards getting myself. I don't why I'm afraid of wearing them, I just feel that they don't suit me at all for some reason. I'd hate to get a bright lipstick or lipgloss stain on my teeth too as knowing me I probably would never notice that it was even there. It's weird every time I get my makeup done at a makeup counter, they always go for bright and vibrant shades, the MUAs seem pretty surprised that I don't use them as I have dark brown hair and green eyes. They think with that combination I can pull it off but I don't think so at all. I've decided 2013 is the year that I'm going to be brave and use some vibrant lip colours. I don't know how well this mission will go but I'll definitely keep you updated. Who knows the shade Heat Wave could grow on me!

It's nice to find a brilliant home grown makeup brand that doesn't entirely break the bank. I like how the packaging is sleek and fits in nicely together. I can definitely see myself picking up some more products in the future. I'd love to see what other lipgloss and blush shades are available.

Is there any makeup brands that you have just discovered? Had you heard of Vanity Professional Makeup?

Laura<3

Revlon Lip Butters

After hearing so much about the Revlon Lip Butters all over the blogosphere, of course I was delighted when MakeupLand2011 sent me three as part of my Christmas presents.

 The shades Chia sent me are Cotton Candy, Peach Parfait and Sugar Frosting. I've been using them all so much, they've never been out of my bag. All three lip butters are so wearable and look well with any makeup look. I apply them to my lips daily especially when I'm not in the mood for lipsticks. The shade names are also really nice and sweet, which I like alot.

As you can see from the picture above I've used these good bit already. I was surprised at how pigmented these lip butters were especially Sugar Frosting, it's definitely a my lips but better shade. They may not be as moisturising as some lip butters I've used in the past. That said I'd much prefer them when I'm having a dry lip moment as they do give a nice pop of colour.

The packaging itself is very sleek, I like how the case has a see through top letting you see the product inside. I know on occasion I've bought a lipstick after relying on the colour of the packaging, never a good idea. The only tiny problem I have with the packaging is that the product does tend to smudge like the Carmex Lip Balms did.

Cotton Candy, Peach Parfait, Sugar Frosting

Here is a picture of me wearing my favourite lip butter, Cotton Candy. It's such a gorgeous pink shade. The foundation I'm wearing in this picture is Revlon Colour Stay foundation, I purchased it after I reading so many great reviews. So far so good I love it. How does it look? Excuse my shelves in the background, still in the process of reorganising everything.

Revlon Lip Butters are going to be available in Ireland/United Kingdom on Thursday 23rd February. There are twenty shades to choose from, so I can see myself purchasing some more of these!

What do you think of the Revlon Lip Butters? Will you be purchasing some in February?

Laura<3