THE PERFECT BROW: My Go To Products

Being naturally blonde; I have been filling in my eyebrows for years because if I don't you can't see them! Also, I think eyebrows are so important - I'm sure many of you can agree. I have finally found all the best products for the perfect eyebrows! I will also be reviewing the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow product as well as my daily eyebrow routine! 

STEP 1: I brush my brows using the Anastasia 'Brow Wiz' in ash blonde. This is a wax pencil  one end - which is exactly like the mac wax pencils!- and a spool the other end for brushing your brows. I'm glad I bought this pencil purely for the brow! Since the actual wax is just like the Mac one I'll probably just stick to buying that one as they are the same price but you would have to pay more for the Anastasia one to ship from the UK! 

STEP 2: Using a thin, angled brush I use the Anastasia 'Dipbrow pomade' in blonde to draw my eyebrow shape. Can I just say how much I'm in love with this pomade!? I don't know what my life was before it - definitely worth the hype! Not only is it perfect for creating a great shape for under and over the brow - but it lasts so well! I put this on in the morning and could be at work all day (under spotlights) and it's still in perfect condition. It was £15, so around €18, and I have to say it is worth every penny. There is a lot of product so I have feeling it will last me a long time!

STEP 3: I then fill in my brows using a powder from the HD eyebrow palette in Vamp.  Even though Vamp is the darkest of the palettes, it has the perfect ashy dark blonde for my eyebrows! Unfortunately shortly after I bought the product (like 20 minutes!!) it smashed in my handbag and this is actually the only colour I have left! It is the bottom left hand shade. To be honest: I wouldn't advise buying the palette because it broke so easily for me - and the company refused to replace it for me! For the price that is was (€30) that was not okay... so I would say find a cheaper alternative like the essence or wet n' wild sets - they're very cheap - around €3 each - and does just fine!

Sometimes I use my wax pencil instead of powder - it depends on the day!

STEP 4: Finally, I set my brows with the Maybelline 'Brow Drama' mascara in medium brown. Alone, this mascara is brilliant for filling in your brows - but I always use it to set mine because my eyebrow hairs like to fall down! This mascara is great - one coat and your eyebrows won't move! It's matte also so won't give any sheen to your brows. It's a great dupe for the Benefit's 'Gimme Brow'.

So that's how I get my eyebrows looking their best. My must have eyebrow products have to be the Anastasia Pomade and the Maybelline brow mascara, so if you need new eyebrow products you need to get those because I swear by them! My new make-up staples.

Emma x

SAMPLES: How to avoid 'disappointing products'

It has happened so many times to all of us, we buy a new product and then when we get home to use it we figure out that it doesn't work for us and we hate it! The only option is give it to a friend or let it rest in your make-up collection, gathering dust. Buying cosmetics is tricky because you can't return the products once you use it! - which is why you have to be 100% confident when buying. The best way to avoid wasting money on products is to get samples! It may sound so simple but a lot of people never think to ask for one. There are two types of samples: Mini versions of the real deal, and the not-so-attractive samples that are just in any old container. Either way, they're a great way to try out a new product without investing just yet! I've collected a good few samples so I'd thought I'd give some reviews and tell you what I will and won't be purchasing.


Benefit goodies 

Benefit are great for giving samples of their products. They always come in miniature versions and are commonly given with purchases and with magazines! Unfortunately, none of these worked out for me, and I won't be purchasing any of them.

1.'Cha-Cha' lip tint

While I love the choral shade, this just did not work for me as it sticks to every piece of dry skin on your lips! Just awful.


2. 'Triple Performing' moisturiser

I don't have anything particularly negative to say about this product - it was okay, but there are so many moisturisers for the same price or less that work better! Not worth the price tag.


3. 'Fake-Up Concealer

Again, nothing particularly bad but nothing wow. Plenty of drug store products give the same results!


4. 'HELLO FLAWLESS Oxygen wow' foundation 

This foundation was awful on me - it is far too greasy for my combination skin - but it would be lovely on dry skin, so if you have that skin type give it a go!  Also, the sample was way too dark for me. However, I've started using it for contouring so it is being put to use.



All About the Face 

3 face products - all in lovely packaging may I add! This is the best way to get a sample (for free!!) Simply bring a few plastic containers with you a put a bit of product into them so you can try them at home properly!


1. Seventeen 'WOW tan liquid glow'

I was a bit apprehensive to buy this product because I was afraid it would be orange and sparkly on so I decided to take a sample home - and now I cannot wait to buy it! This stuff is amazing. It's a lovely highlighter for when you have tan on and it gives a lovely glow to the face. And its only €7.59 at Boots! Seventeen also have a non-tan highlighter which I'm going to try out next. Boots also have 3 for 2 on Seventeen cosmetics at the moment.

2. La Roche Posay 'Rosiliac CC cream' 

Before, I never bothered with CC creams until I came across this one from La Roche Posay. What really interested me was that it is primarily to counter-act redness (my biggest skin problem)  as well as having an SPF of 30! Alone, its perfect for light coverage on those 'no make-up' kinda days. If I'm wearing a full face of make-up, I've started to use it on my cheeks where I tend to go very red. Avoid any greasy areas as it will cause any foundation to slide off and can look very oily. I'm definitely going to be buying this! You can buy it Boots for €22.99 but you can get cheaper ones in selected pharmacies!

3. MAKE UP FOREVER 'HD foundation'

This product had been hyped up so much, I needed to try it. The make-up artist in store gave me a sample of the foundation in shade '2'. When I tried it on it seemed okay - no better than any other foundation, but after a few hours it was so greasy! And this was the more matte foundation! It was horrible how oily my skin looked. I really just did not see what the hype was about - especially seeing as it has a hefty price tag!


4. Bare Minerals Ready SPF 20 Foundation 

I actually got this sample over a year ago, and I still have some left! It even came with a miniature Kabuki brush which is perfect for small areas like around the nose. I fell in love with it from the first use. It was perfect for covering up any shine and gave a lovely finish. The minerals didn't work well when I applied it directly onto my skin as it tended to clump, so I was using it as a powder! I am definitely going to be going back to Bare Minerals to buy myself one! They're usually around the €20 mark so not too pricey - but definitely worth it.

Moral of the story: if you're uncertain - get a sample! :)


Emma x

DIY Beauty Treatments

I am a firm believer in DIY beauty products. While some products can't be mimicked, there is plenty you can can replace with items from you kitchen! I have tried and tested tonnes of DIY beauty treatments (I've even put egg in my hair - never again!) and I wanted to share with you all what I have found to be the best!

1. PORE MINIMISING FACE MASK

Ingredients: 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Method : 1. Mix egg white and lemon juice in a bowl

               2. Apply onto face using hand or any old facial brush

               3. Leave for 5-10 minutes

               4. Wash off using cold water and pat skin dry

               5. Moisturise 

Result: Tighter, smoother, radiant skin. 

2. HAIR TREATMENT MASK

Ingredients: Coconut/ olive oil, regular conditioner 

Method: 1. Mix either coconut or olive with your regular conditioner in a bowl

              2. Apply to to hair (do not put on roots or you well get greasy hair)

              3. Leave for as long as possible, overnight is best, and wash out with warm water

Result: Soft, frizz free hair

3. BROW AND EYELASH GROWING SERUM 

Ingredients: Castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil

Method: 1. Mix the three oils into an empty bottle (you can buy sets of empty travel-sized bottles in Pennys)

              2. Shake bottle until mixed well

              3. Using disposable brush wands, dip into the oil and apply to eyelashes as if you were applying mascara, and brush through eyebrows

              4. Repeat nightly before going to bed

Result: Longer, thicker eyelashes and eyebrows

4. HONEY LIP SCRUB

Ingredients: Brown sugar, honey, olive oil

Method: 1. Mix the three ingredients into a small empty bottle or jar

              2. Apply to wet lips

              3. Scrub in a circular motion

              4. Wipe off scrub with water or towel

              5. Apply lip balm

               

Result: soft, chapped-free lips 

5. BLACKHEAD  REMOVER STRIPS

Ingredients: Unflavoured gelatin, milk

Method: 1. Mix a small amount of milk and liquid gelatin in to a bowl

              2. Apply over nose area evenly

              3. Leave until mixture hardens on skin

              4. Peel off like normal blackhead remover strip

              5. Splash face with cold water

              6. Moisturise 

Result: Blackhead free skin!

              

April Favourites

This Month I have tried a number of products; here are my favourites, which are all under a tenner!

1. GARNIER'S 'SUMMER BODY' GRADUAL TAN MOISTURISER 

I have tried every single gradual tan moisturiser made, and this one is by far my favourite. It's easy to apply, and doesn't cause any streaks! The best part is the smell, as it has a hint of apricot. It's not only a great moisturiser, but also creates a great tan from the first use. It is currently on promotion for €5 at Boots!

2. PRO:VOKE 'TOUCH OF SILVER' SHAMPOO

Okay so this is really only for the blonde girls. I started using this when I had really light blonde hair during the summer as it was great for keeping that 'white' tone. However, I've started using it again as my hair has started to get quite brassy, which is exactly what this product is for! It may say that it's for white, grey and platinum blonde hair, but if you have any shade of blonde it works just the same! It's only €4 at Boots, which is good seeing as you only use it once- twice a week depending on how blonde you're hair is. (I only use it once a week.) It completely changes the tone of your hair from the first wash - I've been getting so many people asking if I have dyed my hair!

3. MAYBELLINE'S 'BROW DRAMA' BROW MASCARA

For ages, I've been on the look out for a 'brow mascara' to keep my brows in place. This one was on promotion in a local pharmacy so I decided to give it a go, which I'm glad I did as it is perfect for not only keeping your eyebrows in place, but also creating a hair effect that thickens your brows. I have yet to use it by itself, I usually just use it after I fill in brows, but I can imagine it'll be very handy just by itself! I got it for €5, but it is usually around the €8 marks!

4. COLLECTIONS ' LASTING PERFECTION' CONCEALER 

I've seen so many Youtubers rave about this concealer so I had to try it myself, and I have to say I can't fault it. It has great coverage, yet it isn't heavy. I got mine in the shade 'cool medium' 2. While the packaging may not be the nicest (the writing is fading already!), for €6 you really can't go wrong!

5. MAYBELLINE'S 'COLOUR SENSATIONAL SHINE' LIPGLOSS

I am loving this lipgloss right now. I got it in the shade '420 glorious grapefruit' which is a lovely chorally pink colour. I've finally managed to find a long lasting lipgloss that isn't sticky! This is the first colour I've tried but I'm definitely going to start building up a collection. The price varies on where you buy it but it is generally cheap; I got mine for €7!

6. RIMMEL'S GEL EYELINER

I can't go a day without using eyeliner to create a 'cat eye flick', but I usually tend to use liquids. I got fed up as the didn't give a great finish and tended to flake, so I decided to try out a gel. This gel is new from Rimmel, and I absolutely love it! For €9 you get both the pot of gel, as well as a brush to apply the gel - which is great and so easy to use! I was surprised at how easy it was to apply as gel has a rep for being difficult to use. I've been using it every day and haven't found the need to re-touch it - it doesn't budge!

7. 'COCOWEL' ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

Last on my list is coconut oil; which has a million and one benefits! My mam bought this recently from Dunnes Stores for cooking ( I think it was around €6) but I've been using it for my hair! It is 100% pure, and comes in solid form. To use on your hair  scoop a table spoon into a bowl and heat until a hot liquid - hot oils are better for your hair - and apply it all over, especially at the ends. I usually tie my hair in a bun for a few hours and wash it out later that day. It's great for strengthening your hair and giving it a natural shine. If you have leftovers, coconut oil is great for both your skin and for eyebrow growth! I swear by it for so many uses!

Review: Benefit's 'Agent Zero Shine' powder

One of my biggest problems make-up wise is having an oily t-zone. Between working under spot-lights and long days in college, I need a good compact powder to control the shine. I used to think that all powder was the same, and they all did the same job: to remove oil, but I was so wrong! I was using just a cheap catrice powder, which I found a bit useless as I needed to apply it frequently. Eventually, I gave in and thought I'd try the new Benefit 'The Porefessional: Agent Zero Shine', and so far it's been working wonders! 

At €33.50, it wasn't cheap, but when you take into consideration that it lasts about 3-4 months, and comes with it's own brush it doesn't seem so bad! 

You can choose what quantity of powder you need, as you have to tap it into the lid; which means no waste! The brush is great also; very soft and is easy to use. 

Results wise, I've no complaints. The powder really does control shine, both when I'm at work and when I'm out. (For the first time ever I didn't wake up after a night out to see photos of me with a greasy face!) The best part is it doesn't 'clump' your foundation, and leave those annoying little dots where the powder was applied, which is a big plus for me as they are one of my biggest make-up faux pas! So far, it is the best setting powder I've used and I'm happy with the results!

Emma x

My Favourite Foundations

Finding the perfect foundation is a hard task ; there are so many to choose from, and can be a bit over-whelming. I've tried so many foundations over the years, and I've found my go-to brands. Varying in price from €4 to €40, there's a foundation listed for all budgets. Bare in mind I have combination skin, and like a medium-heavy coverage, depending on the occasion. Also, I'm a fan of dewy, illuminating foundations, so you won't find any matte ones here! If you need a foundation that ticks all of those boxes; keep reading. 

1. Nars 'Sheer Glow'

My all time favourite foundation, hands down. I've tried to branch out to other brands but I keep coming back to Nars. I use the shade 'Sante fe' which is great whether you've a light tan (say from moisturizers) or full on tan as it is buildable and adapts to your skin tone. The coverage is perfect; it hides all your blemishes, without looking heavy or caked on. It feels light on your skin, and isn't bad for your pores as it is loaded with anti-oxidents. It leaves your skin soft and radiant even after removing. At €40, it is the most expensive foundation on my list, but it is so worth the money. It lasts forever; I am currently on my second bottle, and I bought the first one in November 2012!

2. Mac 'Studio Fix Fluid'

At €31.50 Studio Fix is a decent price for a going out foundation; but that is all I would use it for! It is not suitable for everyday foundation as it is heavy, and can cause break-outs. However, for a night-time foundation it is perfect! Heavy coverage which covers all blemishes, not to mention that it lasts on your skin, with little touch-ups needed. 

3. L'Oreal 'Lumi Magique'

Similar results to Nars Sheer Glow but only a fraction of the price! The price varies depending on where you buy it, but it is usually around the €14 mark! This foundation is perfect for daytime. It leaves your skin looking natural and dewy. 

4. Essence 'Stay all day' 

I know what you're thinking; Essence.. Really? Yes, really. I started using this foundation back in 6th year, and at €4 I was very surprised at how well it worked! 

While it may have a strong smell, I actually like it, it reminds me of the days when I wore it. It's not quite dewy or matte, more like a happy medium. It genuinely did last on my skin, and had great coverage! Not too shabby for a cheap foundation. 

5. Rimmel's 'Wake me Up'

Perfect for every day wear. The coverage is quite light which can have it's advantages if you are wearing it to school/college/work as you don't want a heavy foundation clogging your pores! It leaves your skin dewy and radiant, which is perfect for early mornings or to hide a hungover face as it instantly 'wakes up' and illuminates your skin. Price varies, again depending on where you buy it, but it is usually around €11. 

Emma x

Review: Benefit 'Hoola' bronzer

Being the best selling bronzer in Ireland and the UK, I was very excited to try out Benefit's Hoola bronzer. I was in desperate need of a good bronzer, so hoped that the Hoola would meet my expectations. At €33.50 it was a bit steep, but it was part of a present so I thought I'd take the opportunity to see what the fuss is about! 

I've heard many people say they've had their Hoola bronzer for minimum 2 years, which was great to hear as it seemed like an investment piece! It's high pigmentation means very little is needed. Hence, why it lasts so long. 

The bronzer comes with a mirror, and a brush, which is perfect for application. I use the thin brush to create contouring lines, then I used another, larger brush to blend. 

The colour was perfect: Matte and a nice shade of brown. It didn't have any orange tones like many other bronzers. As I'm not a fan of pallets, I found this bronzer perfect for contouring! I've only used it once, and I'm ready delighted with the results; I now see why it was voted no.1 bronzer! Definitely worth buying.

Emma x