Review - MAC Prolongwear Foundation

I normally wear Estee Lauder Doublewear and swear by it but I've wanted to try something more natural looking for everyday wear. I think Estee Lauder will always be my go to foundation for night time and weddings etc but I'd like to keep it for just those occasions. I've been testing different foundations over the last few weeks and out of all of them MAC Prolongwear was the winner.  This foundation is definitely one of the best MAC foundations I’ve tried. It’s designed to give up to fifteen hours of wear in any environmental condition while still being lightweight and delivering sheer to medium coverage. I would say its more medium to full coverage. It has a silicon-creamy wonderful consistency and has great coverage/buildable without looking cakey. You need to work quite fast with this foundation, otherwise it'll look patchy and un-even.  What I love about it also it that it doesn't feel heavy on my skin. The finish is semi-matte and at the same time gives me a nice glow to my skin. One thing I would say is that I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with very dry skin. It will stick to any dry patches and emphasise them. This would be a brill foundation for someone with oily skin and I would recommend using a powder to set this. MAC Mineralise Skin Finish goes lovely with this foundation...

Overall this foundation is one of my favorites and will continue to purchase. No breakouts or anything.

Nails for XMAS....

This is just a quick post on a new brand of nail varnish I've been trying out. It's a brand called angelica and I have to say I'm very impressed. I picked mine up in a chemist in Clarecastle but Penney's stock these bad boys as well. They are only 2.99euro each and are such good quality and come in some fab colours and they even have a few glitters. I'm getting at least 4 to 5 days without any chipping and they almost look like Shellac the finish is so lovely off them.
The colour I'm wearing for Christmas is Bollywood - a gorgeous bright pink....I've put some pics below:

Laters..xx

Review....Just lashes by Ja'Maal Buster....xx

I got a lovely surprise in the post,  Gillian from Ja'Maal lashes sent me 5 sets of lashes to review on my blog. These came at the perfect time...just before Xmas and just in time for my Christmas party. Alot of people don't know who the man behind the lashes is...Ja'Maal Buster (aka the "Eyelash Guru to the Stars") He has been mastering the art of lashes for 6 years now. His client list is stacked with countless celebrities including Rihanna, Paris Hilton and the most famous of these Kim Kardashian.

There's 5 different lashes and there is something here for everyone. Just Lashes by Ja’Maal Buster are €6.95 and available from Sam McCauleys, selected chemists and salons countrywide and at http://www.jamaalbuster.co.uk/. For anyone in Ennis you can get them in McLoughlins in Dunnes Stores Mall. (and for all ye county bumpkins check out Amanda McMahon's salon Forever Young in Corofin. She stocks them and she is also running some pretty good offers on treatments at the minute). Now on to the lashes....

 The 5 lashes are called:

Lashes - Looking for Love:

How they are described - Fluttering will come naturally...with these graduated wing lashes

These for me would be one if the more natural wearable lashes. Good for a wedding or if you have a function starting early and don't want the lashes to be in your face. I think I'll use these the most in my kit.

Lashes -Bold & Beautiful:

How they are described - These Striking lashes act as the perfect accessory to dramatic eye make-up.

I love these for nights out..I think they would be fab with a smokey eye.

Lashes - Whisper:

How they are described - Perfect for everyday use

These are Kim Kardashians favourite lashes, I think these would be for night time thou...don't know if many Irish lassie would wear these during the day...

Lashes -Sold out Show:

How they are described - finest fanned out hairs for a truly sensational effect.

These lashes are my favourite...see pictures and my opinion below for how these look...

Lashes - Rockstar Chic:

How they are described - wear the same lashes as some of the biggest Stars in the world...

These I think I would keep for a real mad kinda look...maybe New Years or for a photo shoot...I defo will try them some night. They will be great for creating a cat eye effect..xx

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Now on to Sold out Show, here's a few pics below..I had intended to get some close ups of before and after but everything that could go wrong went bloody wrong and I was rushing to get out the door...I dunno if trying to take them when I came in at 3am would have been beneficial to ye seeing I was too busy trying to eat a 1/2 pound burger meal!!! while taking out my contacts..lol:

I tried Sold out Show last Friday night and I'm in love with them. I've never gotten so many compliments. They are a pretty full on lash for some people but perfect for what I wanted. They remind of the Ardell 105's but alot nicer. All the lashes are of very good quality and you will defo get a good few goes out of each off them. Now this will only happen if you take them off when you come in and place them back in the box...don't be giving out if you sleep in them and peel them off and leave them beside your bed and can't understand why they didn't keep their shape. I try my hardest to do this and the only way this happens is I have to take out my contacts so try to do the lashes at the same time...
The glue that comes with the lashes is really good - the best of any of the drugstore lashes but the packaging is really crap...its got a top you break off and then the glue pours out so you can't use it more than once...I like to bring the glue out with me just in case. That would be the only downside to these. These are brilliant lashes that don't cost an arm and a leg and would definitely recommend them. See below Ja'Maal's tips for applying lashes.
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Ja'Maal's Tips for Applying False Lashes:
Application:

• Gently remove Eyelashes from the eyelash platform.
• Lay lash on top of your natural lash line. If it extends beyond your lash line then trim the outer end with small scissors.
• Using a tweezers gently grasp false lash at the lash line.
• Apply a thin line of eyelash adhesive along the band. Wait for 30 seconds until adhesive becomes tacky.
• Close eye while holding the side of your face near eye area pull gently, this is to pull eyelid making it better to see your lash line.
• Apply the false eyelashes against eyelid close to your lash line as possible.

Removal:

• Wet lashes with water and cleanser.
• Gently peel lashes off lid, starting in the outer corner.
• Remove the adhesive from lash band, and you should store the lashes on the lash bed so they do not lose their shape and you can reuse them.

Laters...xx

Disclaimer: Just Lashes were kindly sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for my blog post nor am I affiliated with the company in anyway.   This is my 100% honest opinion.

Review - Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer

                                            
I've been a big fan of Soap and Glory for ages and always buy their body lotions, scrubs etc, so I was really excited when I heard they'd brought out a make-up range.  I'm also a sucker for their quirky and fun packaging. The one thing I wanted to try was their new concealer kit called  'Kick Ass Concealer' and by gorra it lives up to its name. It comes in 2 shades Light or Medium. I bought it in the shade Light and it cost 11.50 euro in Boots.

It is a concealer kit consisting of 2 concealer shades Step 1 is a salmon-toned concealer for dark circles under the eyes. Step 2 (in the pan on the right) is a yellow-toned blemish/redness concealer perfect for spots and broken capillaries. Step 3 is a translucent setting powder, which can be applied using the teeny powder puff supplied. The packaging is really good and sturdy and it has a brilliant mirror on the top of it which is so handy to have in your handbag. The Light shade I think would suit someone very fair to fair, about a NC15 to NC25 from MAC and the medium would be perfect from NC30 to NC40 from MAC. Its awful that they don't seem to have a shade for anyone darker than this I hope Soap & Glory will eventually bring out more shade variations.
The concealers themselves are really good and do exactly as they advertise.The concealer for under the eyes Step 1 is an almost dupe for Bobbi Brown Concealers, its really smooth and not one bit drying. It also lasts without caking in the lines. The concealer from Step 2 is a really good yellow based concealer that covers redness and is pretty heavy duty. The powder then in step 3 is a light powder that's really handy to have in any bag and I use it for my t-zone as well if on the go.
I'm so impressed with this concealer kit and I will definitely pick up the Medium version. This is a brill treat to have in your bag and I'm looking forward to trying some more of their makeup products.        

Laters...xx

Review - Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara Review...

I bought this because I wear contact lenses and suffer from dry eyes which makes them really sensitive. Most of the mascara's I've been using lately have the hard plastic wand which are really beginning to irritate my eyes and by the end of the day my eyelashes feel all hard and spiky.

Because this mascara was for sensitive eyes I really thought it would be a crappy mascara that would barely look like you had any mascara on. But I was wrong.....It gives really black thick lashes. It doesn't make your lashes go crispy, and the best thing of all is that if you're touching up your make up later in the day, you can apply this on top of what's already on your lashes and it almost 're-wets' and softens the mascara so you can build it even more!

It is volumizing, makes my lashes thicker and longer too. It doesn't smudge or crumble underneath my eyes during the day. I can layer it and it doesn't clump. I also love the brush which isn't too big and surprisingly lightweight which means getting into the inner and outer corners is very easy.

I really feel like its improving the condition of my lashes too. I was using the Volume Million lashes mascara and while that one gives big va voom lashes it does dry them out and I was beginning to loose alot of lashes.

It costs 10.99euro in Boots and I will defo be buying this one again.

Laters..xxx

Review - Kate Moss Lipsticks for Rimmel

I finally dragged myself to Boots to try out the much anticipated lipsticks from Rimmel designed by Kate Moss and I was not disappointed. The packaging of each tube is black with a matte finish and Kate's signature on the lid and they were only 6.49euro each.
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The seven shades have been hand chosen by Kate herself and I wanted them all but would definitely be divorced if I landed out with a pile of lipsticks. The hubby stood outside the window with the snotty chile staring in the window of Boots watching me drooling over the lipsticks..lol...I eventually forced myself to pick just  2 to try out and wasn't disappointed.

I bought No. 3 a perfect not-too-pale nude and No. 5 a brighter pink shade. They were 6.49 each in Boots. I played it safe and picked No. 3 the nude colour to go with a nice smokey eye and the brighter pink colour no 5 to brighten up a natural eye. I made the mistake yesterday walking through Dunnes where I reached into my bag thinking I just had the No. 3 in there and generously smeared it all over my lips. Half an hour later driving home I nearly crashed the car I'd be smearing the bright pink No. 5 all over me puss, not a pretty sight. I looked like I was just let out for the day!!..the bloody shame...IThe lipsticks are highly pigmented and feel quite moisturising on the lips. I don't find them to be particularly long lasting like their supposed to. I found the longest they lasted was for about an hour but that doesn't really bother me. think I'll invest in the red and fushia shade...

I think for a makeup artist this whole collection would be a fab addition to your kit but for someone looking for just a lipstick for their own makeup bag No. 1 the red, and No. 3 the nude would definitely be worth investing in...xxx

MAC Eyeshadow Combos...

Hi everyone,
I've decided I"m gonna do a series of blog posts going through different MAC eyeshadow combinations. That is one of the main things I struggled with when starting off. I had such a wide variety of shades and didn't have a clue how to use them or what to use them with. I really am a die hard MAC eye shadow fan, I tend to have a mix of different brands for blush, lips, foundation etc. but I generally only buy MAC eye shadows (bar my Urban Decay Naked Palette). MAC really works for me and I just love em....
This is going to be a learning process for me too and it will help me start using some of my neglected shades....I'm gonna start researching different combos from the web and then try them out on myself...

The first one I'm going to do is Patina Eyeshadow:

This is one of my favorite go-to eyeshadows. When I don't know what to do with my eyes, I use this all over with a darker brown in the crease and it's perfect. To look at it in the pan is does look like one of those "blah" colours but don't be fooled. Its a colour that goes with so many colours and suits every eye colour. It can be worn as a light wash over the eye during the day and then just smoke it out in the evening and really build it up for a more dramatic look. Even just this eyeshadow with black liner and lashes is a fab party look.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to wear this shadow.

Look 1:

Patina all over the lid.
Mulch in the crease.
Vanilla as a highlight.

Look 2:

All that glitters on the inner corner.
Patina all over the lid.
Twinks in the crease.
Vanilla as a highlight.


Look 3:

Retrospeck on inner corner.
Patina all over the lid.
Bronze in the crease.
Vanilla as a highlight.

Look 4:

Patina all over the lid.
Smut in the crease.
Shroom as a highlight.

Look 5:

Naked Lunch on the inner corner.
Patina on outer corner.
Satin Taupe in crease.
Vanilla as a highlight.

Look 6:

Patina on the lid, below crease
Cranberry in the crease.
Vanilla as a highlight.

Look 7:

All that Glitters on inner part of lid.
Patina on outer part of lid.
Texture in the crease.
Vanilla as a highlight.

Look 8:

Patina all over the lid.
Black Tied and Sable in crease (really smoke these colours out).
Vanilla as a highlight.


Laters...xx

Debs/ Prom Makeup

I recently did a photo shoot for Debs/Prom makeup. All of the models were from aged 14 to 20. Everyone of them wanted the same look, a timeless elegant look, full coverage and lashes.

One of the first tips I'd recommend for young skin for a special occasion would be to cleanse and tone first and then use a primer. Young skin produces alot of oils so once you have removed them I would then use a primer instead of a moisturiser. For very oily young skin I would recommend only using a moisturiser if you have dry patches - only on the dry patches. For a primer I love Smashbox Hydrating Primer and use this on most of my clients. This can be a bit pricey for younger people so for a second less expensive option I'd definitely recommend Gosh primers.Your skin feels like silk with these and makes your makeup last all day.
For foundation for a big occasion like a Debs I think its really important to use a long lasting foundation and to invest in a good one. I'm loving Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, it doesn't budge all night and gives really good coverage especially if your conscious of spots or acne marks. It also photographs brilliant.
Lastly I think everyone should wear a nice set of falsies....They really finish the look. Alot of girls will bring the Cheryl or Sarah from Girls Aloud lashes but these would look really tacky for a debs. The Nicola or Kimberly are fab lashes and add drama without looking too freaky...
Have a look below at a few of the pictures taken....
The hair is by a friend of mine Louise Byrne, she is a mobile hair stylist who is amazing at up styles. She is also mobile which is brilliant for brides as alot of salons now wont send people out on the day of your wedding. She has just launched her new website www.mobilehairstylist.ie . Check her out. Here's a look at a few of the photos..x

Also the photographs are done by a local photographer Bernard Dilger who has an amazing set up in Ennis in Roslevan shopping centre. He does individual or family portraits from just 30euros. He caters for every occasion at his studio or alternatively he is also mobile and can bring his mobile studio to you at a location of your choice at no extra cost. Here's a link to his website www.dilgerstudios.com.
 It was great fun working with them.

Laters..xx

Barry M Products of the week

                                       I recently took a trip to Limerick to hit MAC and also to grab a few goodies from Superdrug. Out of the pile of makeup I bought these 2 products really stood out for me in terms of value and price.

The first of these is Barry M Bold Black Waterproof Eyeliner. For those of you who haven't heard of Barry M, they are an English company that you can get in Boots and Superdrug. They are really good quality and I find I'm repurchasing some of their products over and over. I especially love their nail polishes, I will get a full week out of them without chipping. Now back to the eyeliner....This pencil doesn't disappoint. The texture is smooth, almost liquid in it's application and the pay-off is blacker than black. This little sucker lasts so well on the waterline and blends out beautifully. It is so like the Avon Supershock Pencil but better. I find with the Avon pencil, its so soft that you use it up so quickly. With this pencil it still has the gorgeous smoothness of the Avon without having to sharpen it every 2 seconds. Also you cannot wear the Avon pencil on your eyes if your wear contacts, whereas this one is perfect, it doesn't stick to your contacts. Its only 5.95euro and worth every cent.

Now product No. 2 is The Barry M lipgloss in No. 11 Coral. This little tube of yumminess tastes and feels divine. It gives a lovely subtle hint of light pink. Its great for everyday wear or for a bride that just wants a natural hint of colour for her big day. This was only 6.95usd and I have one of these in my kit and also one in my handbag.

For any girls in Ennis looking for this brand, unfortunately you have to go to Boots in Limerick or Galway.
Laters...xx

X Factor Makeovers

Has everyone seen the x factor makeovers...poor Janet...they're ruined our innocent looking colleen...have a look at the few of the pictures I found online....

She looks nothing like she did at the beginning of the show...not liking it..

I love this makeover...she looks amazing...xx

She stills looks crazy

He used to be gorgeous..now he looks like a right tit

Laters..x

Photoshoot - The Old Creamery..Moy Lahinch...

Here's a few pictures of a photoshoot I did with the lovely Orla Sexton, the amazingly talented David Olsthoorn and the fab Lisa Stakes who worked her magic with the hair...

We had a fab long day and I love love love the finished pics...This is the first of two shoots I have done with Orla. The concept behind this shoot was putting something colorful and stunning in the ugliest of places.
 
Model: Olra Sexton Modeling - http://www.orlasextonmodelling.com/

Hair: Lisa Stakes - HairBoutique Lahinch

Makeup: Me - makeupbyhilly@yahoo.ie
http://fairydustmakeup.blogspot.com/

David Olsthoorn Photography
www.davidolsthoorn.net
http://awakenddreaming.blogspot.com/

Lighting Assistant: Luke Reidy

.xxx

Review - Maybelline Cream Liner

Howdy... I have meant to do a review on this pot of lovliness for a while. It's one of the newest addition to my steadily growing collection of gel liners.

I absolutely love this eyeliner. I have been using it for about three months. I have it in Blackest Black, and Brown. You also get a free brush for applying it but it kinda sucks as an eyeliner brush. I use the brush with the brown shade for me lovely non-existent eyebrows. The texture is creamy & dries fast, to me this goes on like a dream and best of all its long lasting. I've also tried this on my water line and I get a good 2 or 3 hours out of it..
When I bought it it was on offer for 11 euros in Boots...It's definitely worth the money and for someone that isn't that confident with putting on eyeliner I find this one is smooth and one of the easier liners to work with....xx

Laters...xx

Review - L'Oreal Superliner

I've become a bit obsessed lately with buying liners. I've bought pencils, liquid and cream liners and keep going back to this bad boy. This liner is hands down one of the best liquid eyeliners I've tried.  The applicator is a flexible slim felt tip, rather than a brush or firm tip as most eyeliners have. I think this is why it is so easy to use, it gives a smooth line and glides accross the eye very easily. The formula is long lasting and a deep true black colour which is quite easy to remove. Defo one to buy...xx

Heres a pic of me at 5 am and the liner hasnt budged...xx

Garra Rufa Fish Sucking Teatment!!!!

I finally did it, I plucked up enough courage to put my tootsies into the fish tank. Because I was so nervous I dragged my 3 year old son, mother and nephew along too..lol...
I had the treatment done in Ennis in Sole Serenity. They have hand and feet tanks and private booths available. If you want to check them out check their webpage, http://www.soleserenityennis.com/. To begin with they get you to rinse your feet or hands before you can put your feet into the tank(no fake tan allowed). What happens: The fish they use are original Garu Rufa also known as doctor fish, nibble fish or little dermatologist. When you immerse your feet into the warm water these curious little dermatologist will get to work by gently nibbling off any dead hard skin, leaving you pampered, healthy and glowing. The fish will only work on unhealthy or dead skin, the healthy skin is left untouched.  It's great for sufferers of psoriasis, eczema, hard skin and callouses. I asked about diabetes and pregnant women and they advise that its great for both of these as it increases the blood flow to the foot without breaking the skin.

We paid for the 15 minute treatment, 10 euro per adult and 5 euro per child. I sat back while the kids and granny put their feet in, there were no screams of pain just that they're tickly. It's such a weird feeling, you can see them all going to the one area and then one by one they pick a part of your foot and start sucking. It only hurt on one part, a hungry little fecker tried to such off the top of my toe, but he got a good kick.

It definitely made my feet and cuticles look and feel alot better but didn't take a whole lot of hard skin off. I wouldn't have much hard skin on my feet just a small bit on the ball of my foot and that doesn't feel any different. I think I will get it done again just for a little treat. I've had pedicures that cost 50 euro and haven't had the same effect. All in all I'd recommend it, its a fun and different way to spend 15 minutes.

Laters...xxx