Red Lipstick to suit your skin tone...

Applying red lipstick can be very difficult and time-consuming as if not applied properly it can look overdone, cheap and unnatural. The perfect shade of red lipstick will make your eyes look brighter and your smile whiter and will transform you into a different woman.

Here are 3 Red lipsticks that will suit each type of  skin tones....

For fair skintones....

Mac Factor -Colour Collections Lipstick in 853 - Chilli

Bobbi Brown - Metallic Lip Colour in Jewel Red 26

Revlon - Matte Lipstick in 007 In the Red

For Olive Skintones....

No. 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in Hollywood

Estee Lauder -  Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red

Elizabeth Arden - Limited Edition Anniversary Lipstick in Red Door Red

For Black Skin....

Rimmell Lasting Finish Lipstick in 214 Firecracker

L'Oreal Paris - Made for MeIntense Color Riche in 286 Burning Rose

MAC - Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger

Laters...x

My all time favourite MAC eyeshadow

If I could only have one MAC eyeshadow for the rest of my life, it would be Club eyeshadow. This colour is a duo-chrome colour, its a dark brown fused with green. The beauty of this colour is, that you only need this one shade. As you blend this colour out, the colour changes...so its one colour that looks like 2. You would just pat this on the lid up to your eye crease, and then with a blending brush blend it out along the crease line. Then just pop some black eyepencil on the upper and lower waterline, add mascara and your done. It's so versatile, it's a colour that can be taken from day to night. This looks great on all skin tones and eye colour. 

It's deep and sultry look and you can create a gorgeous smoky eye if you want to try something different to black or dark brown.

Here's one or 2 pics of it in the flesh....excuse my drunken puss...lol

 

oh god I think I've had way too much vodka..lol

Laters....x                                         

My 2 winter skin saviours....

The one thing I hate about this cold weather,is what it does to your skin.For me the worst parts are sore chapped lips, nails splitting and overall skin feeling tight. Here are 2 of my favourite winter saviours.....

 

Bepanthen - or as I like to call it "the arse cream"...lol.....this is the best lipbalm for chapped sore lips - ...this is fab on the lips, it takes the stingy sore feeling off them straight away.....it's also great for cuticles..I also use it in poor danny boys snotty nose to stop it getting sore. If you have very dry skin like on your elbows or  heels, this really works..especially before putting on tan.

Bio Oil....I love this for a treat for my face once a week..My skin feels horrible at the minute, this is because I'm going from a heated office to minus 7 and then home to a big fire. I'm getting dry patches and my skin feels tight. I put this on all over my face, one night at the weekend and then let it soak in...your face feels and looks moisturised afterwards.....Be warned you do look like a grease monkey for the night but its worth it.

The poor hubby, between arse cream on my mouth and a big greasy head he'll be traumatised by my beauty regime....xx

Laters...xx

Beauty Bargain of the week..from Aldi...xx

I recently bought the Lacura Waterproof Mascara with beeswax and panthenol. On the box it says it "creates perfectly defined, amazingly long lashes with the perfect curl. Your lashes will be optimally conditioned without clumping, appearing full and thick. For expressive eyes all day long."

I have to say, it is definitely waterproof - I tested it last week walking the beach in Lahinch. Normally after a walk up there in the winter I'd go back to the car with panda eyes, but it didn't give me raccoon eyes and doesn't flake at all. If you love a natural black look this would be fantastic for you. It doesn't give big volumised lashes but its great for natural everyday makeup. I tend to use a volumising mascara on the top lashes for night time and this mascara on the bottom. The brush is an old fashion type wand - nothing to talk about really. It only cost 3 euro and I'll be definitely be repurchasing.

Laters....xxx

Night out

Some pics of my weekend .....xx

                                      

Make up used....Woodwinked eyeshadow, Carbon in the crease and Twinks in the outer crease and lower lash line..and lashings of smoulder in the water line. Ardell Lashes.......

Me and my brother Garry...x

I found a tiger......lol

We couldnt resist taking a few snaps.

Sigma Brushes - Free worldwide shipping tomorrow!!

For everyone whose looking for amazing brushes at really good prices, Sigma Brushes are the way to go. I have bought a lot of MAC and some cheaper brands, and I have to say these are top quality. I bought the "Complete kit with brush roll", which was $79.00 (58.00euro), which is brilliant value when you think 1 MAC brush is nearly 45.00euro. This is brilliant really for everybody(Men - this would be a brill xmas present). Also good for any beauty students who don't want to spend a fortune starting off. All of the brushes are really soft, and I would tend to use these before any other brand of brushes in my kit. If anybody wants advice on brushes, just drop me an email.  They are running a promotion tomorrow (called Black Friday), giving free shipping worldwide. To avail of the free shipping follow the link below:

Black Friday 11/26 Enter Code: BF2010 at checkout for FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!!! :D Share with friends! http://www.sigmabeauty.com/ 

Laters..xx

My new fave body treats....xxx

For a long time now I've had my eye on a new range of products by the company Soap & Glory. All the products have fab names, and are packaged in kitschy pink 50's style packaging. The 2 that I bought are : The Righteous Butter Body Lotion and Flake Away Body Polish.

The Righteous Butter comes in a 300ml round tub with a screw top lid, or is also available in a travel size of 50ml. I love the packaging of this product - baby pink, with grey and white retro lettering and pictures of pin-up girls, giving a fun feel before you've even got the lid off. If you like the retro style Benefit products then these will be right up your street.

This smells gorgeous, a lovely clean and fresh smell but with a hint of underlying muskiness. The cream itself is white and the consistency is what you would expect from a body butter - thick, but feels far more silky to the touch than the Body Shop Body Butters. You only need to apply a little as it goes a very long way and it's absorbed so easily into the skin that it almost seems to melt in - the packaging claims that this will be like wearing velvet on your skin and I would agree - my skin felt really smooth and silky to touch. The cream is packed with Shea Butter and Aloe Vera so is both moisturizing and soothing. This amazing body butter as featured on the hit TV series 'How to look good naked', does exactly what is says on the tin; " A body moisturizing formula so virtuous you might swear you were wearing velvet". I can honestly say my skin has never felt smoother.

Flake away body polish!

This scrub is fantastic on dry skin and as soon as you dry off you feel so moisturised and clean. Now if you genuinely have dry skin this is the answer to waving bye bye to it. It leaves skin soft, clean and thoroughly moisturised to the touch. If you have very very dry skin this and the 'Self 'Righteous Body Butter' is brilliant applied afterwards.

This is a wonderful product,  it's great to use before applying fake tan because it removes any old tan or any dry skin
! Word of advice,
DO NOT USE IT ON THE FACE....its only meant for your body.

Check out boots for special offers, they often do 2 for the price of 3. It is definitely worth looking out for the offers.

Cake Recipe..My other obsession

I know this has nothing to do with makeup but i just thought I'd share one of my favourite cake recipes...

Rocky Road Crunch Bars     
 Recipe...by Nigella...xxxxx

Ingredients125 soft unsalted butter

300 g best quality Dark Chocolate broken into pieces

3 tablespoons Golden Syrup

200 g rich tea biscuits

100 g mini Marshmallows

2 teaspoons icing sugar to dust

Measurement Conversion Calculator

Method Heat the butter, chocolate and golden syrup in a heavy-based saucepan over a gentle heat. Remove from the heat, scoop out about 125ml/4½fl oz of the melted mixture and set aside in a bowl.

Place the biscuits into a plastic freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin until some have turned to crumbs but there are still pieces of biscuit remaining.
Fold the biscuit pieces and crumbs into the melted chocolate mixture in the saucepan, then add the marshmallows.
Tip the mixture into a 24cm/9in square baking tin and smooth the top with a wet spatula.
Pour over the reserved 125ml/4½fl oz of the melted chocolate mixture and smooth the top with a wet spatula.
Refrigerate for about two hours or overnight.
To serve, cut into 24 fingers and dust with icing sugar.

Tip.....

Quick Tip....

Apply a matt bronzer or matt brown eye shadow underneath the tip of the nose to give the illusion of shortening the nose.....

Beauty Bargain from good old Tesco.....xxx

Tesco Skin Wisdom Revitalising Fruit Peel Off Face Mask

I love any kind of peel off masks, I love sticking one on and then spending ages picking it off(lol)...sad I know!! I spend ages trying to get as much off in one go...much to my poor child's dismay..screaming at his momma to stop..he thought my face was falling off...!!

This mask is available at Tesco for just 1.49euro. Now Tesco is not exactly renowned for its skincare, but it should be -- especially its Barbara Daly and Skin Wisdom ranges, which are both high on quality and low on price. The main reason for this is the woman behind it, Bharti Vyas, who is a famous holistic beauty therapist who developed the range.

The mask removes impurities and dead skin cells. It makes my skin clearer and brighter each time I use it. It's a nice alternative to using a face scrub(which I hate using)...
I think this would be great to use one a fortnight or even once a month to give your skin a boost.....
Laters...xxxx

Beauty Bargain of the Week!!

This is just a quick post about a product I've been using for the past few weeks. It is Aldi Lacura 3 in 1 face wipes. They are brill and only 1euro. I have never liked using wipes, because it never takes off all your makeup or mascara...I have bought every type and hated them but these wipes are brill. I love using this product as it makes my face feel so refreshed and clean and they don't dry out your face. Only one wipe is needed per use [for me] and therefore they last roughly a month per pack. Bargain. Id recommend this product for all skin types.
There are 3 types, one for anti-aging, normal and sensitive. I use the sensitive ones and will be definitely stocking up....
Laters...xxx

MY TOP 3 from Rimmel, Avon and L'Oreal

howdi everyone...this is a list of my top 3's from 3 of the cheaper brands( or as the Americans like to call them drugstore brands..)...they maybe cheaper but I find the quality of these listed products as good as some of the top end makeup brands ..




No 1... Good old Rimmel



Mascara : Rimmel Sexy Curves--this is a brilliant mascara..its got a funky spiky rubber brush that creates big lashes..and I find with this one that's theres no bits of black under your eyes at the end of the day...


Eyeliner : Rimmel Kajal Pencil--this is a gorgeous soft black pencil..its almost identical to MAC smoulder pencil


Lipstick : Rimmel Flirt-- This a bright fun pink lipstick..this is also gorgeous as a pink cream blush..just dab some on your finger and work carefully into the apples of your cheeks and work back into the hairline...

No 2...Avon

Now I've tried a few of their products a year or 2 ago and wasn't that happy with their makeup..love their skin and bath stuff but alot of their new stuff are getting really good reviews. These are 3 new products that I have bought and I think are brilliant...xx

Mascara: New luxe lace Supershock Mascara...this is brilliant for big big lashes..

Eyeliner : New luxe lace supershock gel eyeliner pencil--this is one of the best eyeliners I've ever used. I got it on sale for under 5euro..its brilliant value and really stays on ..will be buying a few more of these...

Lipstick : New luxe lace Ultra Colour rich lipstick in Pout--this is a fab everyday lipstick..great for all ages

No 3: L'Oreal

Mascara : L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes--this is my all time favourite mascara..its gives big black lashes..and you can put a few coats on without it looking clumpy...

Eyeliner: L'Oreal Le Grand Kohl eyeliner..another great black liner

Lipstick: L'Oreal Cold Riche in Fairest Nude -- This creates the perfect nude lip which will be fab with a smokey eye...xxxxx

Laters...x

Barry M Nail Polishes

I have a new little obsession...Barry M Nail Polishes...You can get them in Boots..well every other boots but smelly Ennis.. The colour I'm rocking this week is Mushroom. They are so cheap but last forever.I've bought polishes from 2 euro to 20 euro...and these by far last the longest without chipping...Now I wouldn't be one for constantly cleaning the house and having my hands near Domestos(thats the mans job) but I would still get 5 or 6 days out of these...They come in a large range of colours and are constantly bringing out copies from all the top nail varnish companies. Check them out, they are only 5 euro each or 2 for 8 euro...The all-in-one clear basecoat, topcoat and nail hardener (no 54 in the range) is also a brilliant buy.xx

What do your spots mean...???

Do you ever wonder if it's a coincidence that when you're hormonal you break out with a juicy second head on your chin (the last thing you need at that time of month!)? Getting spots on certain parts of the face can tell you what's going on in your body .

So what exactly do spots on certain areas mean? And once you've identified what could be the cause of blemishes and flare-ups, can you treat the cause to prevent them?


Spots on the forehead :
Whilst a fringe may help to hide a blemished forehead it could also collect grease from styling products and sweat causing spots in the first place. But fringe or no fridge it could be all down to your diet.

Alot of spots can indicate that you have been doing the dog on having too much red meat, saturated fats, proteins and alcohol, so cut down on these food groups and the boozing. Try doing a bit of a detox; cutting out meat and booze in favour of fresh veggies, herbal teas and water.

Spots on the cheeks :

Cheeks can be one of the most tender areas to find a spot - and the hardest to deal with so try addressing the cause.
Spots on the cheeks maybe the result of too much meat, sugar and dairy products.

Spots on the jawline :
These spots are again diet related. Spots on the jawline can indicate congestion in the large intestine, often caused by heavily processed foods.

Processed foods can mean anything from ready meals to biscuits so think about what you're eating. I have started get getting these recently..but I think that is because I've started living in the biscuit aisle of Aldi...ohhh but they are yummyyyyy!!!

Spots on the chin :
Few girls don't get a spot (or four!) once a month that makes your chin feel like its set to explode but ‘period spots' are not products of our paranoia, they really can be hormonally related.

Spots on the chin generally relates to hormonal fluctuations often at period or ovulation time. Unfortunately there's little you can do about this, unless it's a very bad problem in which case discuss it with your doctor.


To treat spots the advice remains the same as ever - try hard NOT to squeeze or pick them with dirty fingers and use a medicated products to treat and conceal.

Laters...xxxx

Homemade facemasks....

If your like me..broke and a bit grey looking, this might help put a glow to your skin but without costing alot...xx

Preparation
Start by cleansing your skin, then apply your homemade face mask, leave on for up to ten minutes, rinse-off with warm water, gently pat skin dry and apply usual moisturiser.

Face Mask For Dry Skin :
Avocados boast super-moisturising properties from vitamin E, essential fatty acids omega-9 and omega-6 (which aid skin and tissue growth and keep skin supple), and chlorophyll (the nutritious green stuff in plants), which helps regenerate our skin cells. It's also easily absorbed, which makes it ideal for dry skin.

Method: Mash-up a ripe avocado; add a teaspoon of runny honey (which is super-hydrating too), blend the ingredients and apply to face.

Face Mask For Combination Skin :
Bananas contain highly-moisturising agents which make the skin flexible, pliable and super soft when applied topically. But they are also non-oily so they're good for combination skins.Peaches remove any excess sebum (oil) by softening the sebum, so it can leave the follicles with ease, and without stripping skin. Honey is excellent for skin that's prone to breakouts, as it reduces redness of pimples and dries them-up, thanks to its concentration of sugar solution, which withdraws moisture from pimples." Add some ground almonds, to polish the skin and remove dead surface cells - two tablespoons should do it.

Method: Start by blending two bananas, two tablespoons of honey and two stoned and peeled peaches together. Add the ground almonds, mix-up and blend again. Finally add a small handful of rolled porridge oats, to bind mixture together. Apply to face.

Face Mask For Oily Skin :
If your skin is blemish-prone, experiment with a plum and yoghurt mask. Plums contain vitamins A and C (known as anti-oxidants), which fight-off free radical activity; strengthen skin's elasticity and general appearance. Both these vitamins are often used in anti-acne and oil-control style skin care products. Plain yoghurt is an excellent skin hydrator, packed with lactic acid which aids sloughing of dead skin cells and increases cellular turnover."

Method: Poach four fresh plums, strain really well and leave to cool. Mash-up and blend with one or two tablespoons of plain yoghurt, a teaspoon of sweet almond oil (which contains anti-microbial properties to help prevent spread of the bacteria responsible for acne) and some cornflower to thicken and bind mixture (make to suit) and apply to face. Warning ladies, this one gets a bit messy!

Face Mask For Sensitive Skin:
Plain old butter is an excellent source of vitamin A, so grab the (unsalted) butter from the fridge and leave it out for a few hours until it warms up to room temperature. Vitamin A helps to rejuvenate skin, improve its texture and stimulate blood supplies to deeper collagen fibres within the skin. It's also good for fine lines and wrinkles. The oatmeal will calm your skin and yoghurt makes for a soothing mask.

Method: Start by softening a tablespoon of butter; add a small handful of rolled porridge oats and a tablespoon of soothing natural yoghurt. Blend together until fairly smooth. Apply to face.

Laters...xx

Halloween stuff...Make your own blood!!!!

Fake Blood ---- What's a Halloween costume party without blood for special effects? Fake blood is available in novelty and party supply stores but making it yourself is fun and you'll see more realistic results.

•Red food dye
•62g gelatine
•57ml water
•62g glycerine
Mix the ingredients in the saucepan and gently heat until the ingredients have dissolved. Then add some red food dye. You can add some black food dye to make a the blood darker. You can also experiment with other dyes like brown.

Store it in a flask or an air tight container and pop it in the microwave to soften it up, just be careful it doesn’t get too hot.

Jigsaw Fashion Show...

Here's some make ups I did in the Jigsaw Fashion Show in Galway....

Photography - Martina Regan -Galway....

Bridal Tips....xxx

So you've got the guy, the dress, the flowers and chosen a hairstyle, but what about your make-up? Here are a few tips that will ensure you look picture perfect when walking down the isle to say 'I-do'!
Beauty Regime before the big day•To get that glowing, fresh-faced look, there are a few things to consider a few weeks prior to your wedding day. A skin and nail care plan should be started about 6 weeks before the wedding. Talk to your beautician about having regular facials and manicures.

•Don't get too much sun before your wedding. Sunburns and peeling skin shouldn't sabotage your wedding day. Consider a spray tan , a 100% natural way to achieve a tan

Trial•When you have chosen a make-up artist, organise a trial around 1-2 months before the wedding.

•It is a good idea to have your bridesmaids with you to give their input and also advise what kind of look they want themselves.

•Have pictures from magazines to show the make-up artist various looks that appeal to you.

•Mention if you have any skin problems or allergies etc or if there are any particular ways you wear your make-up.

•If you are having a day-time wedding it is ideal to organise the trial during the day as this will give you a better idea as to how the make-up will look


Your Face•You should give your foundation staying powder by using a gel foundation primer(I love the Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer).
•Foundations with yellow undertones work best with flash photography.
•Keep away from shimmer highlighters as this look will not show up well in photos and give a reflective shine.
•Use a light dusting of translucent powder to prevent any unwanted shine.

•Ask your make-up artist to use a bronzing powder to warm your skin tone and give a natural glow. Place on areas where the sun would naturally hit e.g. Forehead, cheeks and bridge of nose.

•Blush- Make sure that you do not forget to wear blush on your special day as flash photography can leave you looking washed out.If you have oily skin then the powder blush is the perfect choice for you, but if you have dry skin then you should try a cream blush to achieve that dewy natural glow.

•Your Eyes•The eye-area should be soft and natural with no heavy, dark lines.
•Keep away from up to the minute eye shadows and make-up trends as you will regret it when you look at your photos in years to come!
•Use a brow pencil slightly darker than your hair colour and avoid heavy, dark shadows.

•Your Lips•Use a lip-liner the same colour as your lipstick and avoid a noticeable or dark lip line.

•It is more flattering to define one area i.e. If you want dark, defined eyes, go for a lighter lip shade and if you want dark/bright lips go for natural, light eyes.


•Timing•Ask your make-up artist to arrive as early as possible and allow plenty of time to get the job done. The last thing you want is to be rushed on your wedding day.


•Touch Up Tips•Ask your mum or one of your bridesmaids to carry a powder compact, tissues and lipstick for touch ups during the day.



Recommendations:

Dress : Contact Linda at Poppy Bridal....091 632829

Hair : Bridget Haren ...www.bridgetharenhair.com

Make up : meeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Facials and Tan : The Beautique CALL 065 6864020

Nails : Distinctive Nails by Karrieann Mc Donnell
contact : 0862639454

Invitations : Lorraine Meaney Invitations...invitesbylorraine@eircom.net

Cake : Carries Cakes....carriescakes@live.ie

Urban Decay Naked Palette......Fab!!!!

I finally got my hands on The Urban Decay Naked Palette. I love, love, love this palette. I'd gotten really stuck on buying only MAC shadows..hitting 50 now (don't tell hubbie..lol)but this palette has everything you would need in one gorgeous velvet box. It has 12 beautiful neutral colors in a gorgeous brown velvet mirrored box, a double ended eyeliner pencil, you get a double-ended 24/7 liner pencil with Zero (black) on one end and Whiskey (dark reddish brown) on the other end. These are such gorgeous soft pencils. (They are normally 17 or 18 euro each, and you get this for free with the palette) You also get a cute bottle of their famous Primer Potion. For those who don’t know, the Primer Potion is what you use before putting on eyeshadow. It makes sure your eyeshadow stays put and makes the eyeshadow colour more vibrant.

This is amazing value. You can create so many looks with this palette and I really think it would last you years. I have to say that this is my favorite eyeshadow palette from Urban Decay — everything about it is just right. There aren’t any colors in here that I dislike, I love them all. Its an amazing neutral palette with a great mix of shimmery, glittery and matte shadows. I haven't looked at a MAC eyeshadow since I bought this baby. Its only 36.00euro. I bought it in Debenhams and it would be a fab present for any woman, for your Mum, your sister, daughter or friend for christmas.

I'll be living in a caravan on the side of the road if I buy anymore make-up...lol.

Laters girls...xx

Cheap and Cheerful...Dunnes Stores...xx

Hi everyone, this is just a quick post about 2 products I got yesterday in good old Dunnes Stores. Its from the brand essence(in the toiletry aisle). I'd heard a few people say they got stuff here but always thought they would be crap. I left my little tornado danny boy with the in-laws and in between buying a million nappies and sudocream I went and had a good browse. I picked up 2 things, the first being a nude lip liner pencil for only 1.49euro.



The shade I bought was in the shade 01 - soft rose. I love it. It's the perfect nude colour and the consistency is great, lovely and smooth and doesn't look dry on the lips.






The gloss I bought was in the shade 07 -Big Night Out. This was only 2.49euro. I love this colour. The shade is perfect for everyday wear. Also if you are wearing a smokey eye at night this colour would be gorgeous with it.

I have spent a small fortune on MAC and all the top brands for gloss and liners and I would 100% recommend these 2 for everyone to have in their make-up bags. Best 4 euro spent in a long time........xxx
Laters....xxxx

Product of the week....xx

Benefit - Smokin' Eyes....sexy eye and brow makeover kit .....

The Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette has everything you need to create your own smokin' eyes... including a mini cute tweezers and a complete makeup lesson. It's fool proof!

The Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette contains:
* eye bright 0.90 g
* pink highlight shadow 1.10 g
* pewter base shadow 1.10 g
* deep charcoal shadow 0.90 g
* smokin' liner 0.39 g
* brow zings wax (shade: light) 1.00 g
* fluff shadow/hard angle brush
* complete beauty lesson

This is a fantastic smokey eye palette, you have everything you need all at the tips of your fingers - ready for use. The shadows are smooth, blend beautifully and are nice to work with. The colours are very flattering on most people and really last. The mini tweezers are adorable and the little how-to-do leaflet is so handy. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a smokey eye. It's a gorgeous palette that you can throw into your makeup bag, and it will take you from day to night...xxxx

Quick Tip :

Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It promotes hair growth also, so is a great conditioner for your eyelashes and eyebrows. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.