#FestivalFun | What Beauty Products to bring?

As I've already mentioned in my #FestivalFun series, less is more when it comes to grooming at festivals. You don't want to have too much stuff to carry or too much work getting ready in the mornings either. So below I've broken down the types of products I would recommend bringing and how to make the most of each product you choose. As much as possible if I can find more than one use for a product, all the better!

This is probably obvious, but from the outset I would like to specify I would not bring anything to a festival that I would be devastated if I lost. So (in my opinion) this is the not the place for your €40 foundation or your €25 concealers. Cheap and cheerful is key. If you absolutely cannot live without your favourite Chanel lipstick, my recommendation is to keep that in your day bag, so it's on you at all times.

Skincare

For the cleansing water and moisturiser, I will decant these into smaller containers for the weekend.

- Face Wipes

- Cleansing Water

- Moisturiser

Make Up

I would majorly reduce the number of tools I use compared to if I was at home, a brush to apply my foundation and that is it, everything else I can make do with my fingers. Firstly because then my favourite brushes are less likely to get lost and secondly I'm not as concerned about precision. This is of course a personal preference and just a guide, just bring what you're most comfortable with. The only product I have excess of is lipstick, just to make the looks a little different (so I have a bright pink, deep red and natural option).

- Bourjois Health Mix Serum Foundation (#51)
- Real Techniques Brush (Buffing)

- Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Cool Medium 2)

- Soap & Glory One Hell of a Blot, has a sponge inside (one shade only as it is translucent)

- Bourjois Blusher (#37 Pompom Rose)

- Rimmel Scandleyes Eye Liner (#001 Black)

- Topshop Mascara (Black)

- Inglot Eye Shadow Palette (shades: #355, #405, #452, #421, #07)
- Essence Eyebrow Pencil (#04 Blonde)

- Maybelline Super Stay 14 hours lipstick (#160 Infinitely Fuschia)
- Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick (#111)
- Rimmel Apocalips (#101 Celestial)
- Dior Addict Gloss (#684 Mervelle)

Hair Care

Day 1 you'll have beautiful hair, so for day 2 and 3, dry shampoo and clips/hairspray will be your friend. Some simple styling techniques such as high ponytails, braids, etc. will keep you going until your safely in the warm embrace of a proper hot shower back home at the end of day three! You can always jazz your look with clip in multi-coloured hair pieces or using chalk to temporarily colour your hair. Now is the time to go wild!

- Dry Shampoo (Batiste Original)

- Hair Spray / Texturising Spray (V05 give me texture)

- Hair Clips & Hair Ties

Extra Beauty Tips

Nails 

I would always paint my nails the day before I head off with a tried and tested polish that I know will easily last me the three days (and works with my outfit choices). You don't really have the same luxury of allowing it to dry when you're camping in a field!

Sun Protection

Remember although the weather may not necessarily be scorching, you'll be exposed to probably more sun than usual. It is really important to bring adequate sun protection for the duration. As well as sunglasses and hats.

Hopefully these product lists have given you some ideas on what you should bring yourself and highlighted how few products you should be aiming to get away with! If you have any other tips, please leave a comment!

For my other posts in this #FestivalFun series, please see below:

What's in my Bag?
Making the most of your Time
What to Bring - The Basics

Treat Yourself | Pamper Night In

So a couple of weeks ago as part of the #BOBBlogChallenge I'm taking part in for 8 weeks, we had to mention our favourite pamper product. Since I have never been once for the pampering, it was quite an empty post. So I decided to take it upon myself to change that and I had a little pamper session myself. So if you're looking for some ideas what to do yourself, keep on reading...

Firstly I started on my nails, I soaked them in some way soapy water to soften my cuticles and then I used Soap & Glory hand lotion. Next up was my base coat from Essie (I always put this on first, no matter what colour I'm doing my nails), then I chose the baby pink colour from Models Own new HyperGel range. I finished off with a top coat from Essie.

Next I cleansed with Clinique's Take the Day Off Balm, you can find a full overview of this magical product here.

Then it was onto the face mask, this one is from Montagne Jeunesse. I know Lush is very popular for face masks, but this was a bit of a last minute decision, so you can pick these one-time-packs anywhere (I actually got mine in the local supermarket). You just pop it on for 10-15 mins, it smelled nice and my skin felt quite refreshed afterwards, it was quite thick though. Definitely need to spend a couple of minutes getting it properly off the face. Any Lush fans reading this, please let me know your suggestions of which mask you prefer, as this is definitely on the list for my next trip into Lush.

The next step was Chanel's Hydra Beauty Serum, for which you can find out more about here. And I finally finished it off with No.7 Repair & Protect Moisturiser & the same brand in Eye Cream.

The final stage in my pamper routine was feet, I guess this particular pampering session focused on all my extremities, not that that was in intentional. I suffer from dry, cracked skin on my feet. I'm not saying it's glamorous and feet are a thing I really don't like, so I won't subject you to pictures. So to help with that I have been lashing on Aqua Minerals Nourishing Foot Cream, which has really been helping get my feet summer ready. Once I've been using it for a bit longer, I will do a proper review.

In the midst of all this of course I had a marathon of back-to-back shows, sure what better way to relax? This is probably quite a random selection of shows, but I tend to watch everything seasons at a time, so all different kinds of shows take my fancy from time to time. I have to say the hype is worth it, True Detective is shaping up to be the next big thing. Also back when it was originally aired, I hated Seinfeld, I never got into it. I think maybe perhaps the jokes were going over my head, as now I love it. I think it's hilarious, I'm up to season 7, if you haven't watched it yet, get a hold of some box sets, pronto!

Anyway I hope this post has given you some inspiration. Take the time to look after yourself, you deserve it!

Wish List | Spring Make Up Essentials

Okay okay, so they might not be "essentials" per se, but I've managed to pick out some of my favourite items that are out at the moment or being released for Spring/Summer 2014. We've managed to make it through dreary January (almost) and it's time to look forward! What better way to pick yourself up than creating your very own Spring 2014 wishlist. Essentially I am looking for justification for these purchases and if I put them "out there", no one can be surprised or shocked when I come home, bags full. You've been warned!

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick         NARS Guy Bourd Cinematic Lip (Full Frontal)

            WetnWild - Trio - Cool as a Cucumber               MAC Veluxe Brow Liner

Urban Decay - Naked 3 Palette

       

Barry M NP318 - Bourjois Violet Couture - NARS Wind Dancer

Have you already got any of these products, what do you think of them?

What is on your Wishlist for Spring 2014?

Blogtober #7 | Disappointing Sally Hansen products

I'm really sorry guys, this post is totally cheating, it's after midnight, it's officially the 8th. But I figure that's no reason to give up, you'll just have to get two posts today! So I'll keep it short and sweet, here are a couple of products I've recently gotten from the Sally Hansen range that I'm really not happy with.

I felt the gel cuticle remover did nothing, at all. The Nail Polish strips came off in under an hour and the No Chip Top Coat lead to the nail varnish underneath becoming separated, leaving the appearance of cracks.

It's very disappointing as I really love the airbrush legs, their nail varnish remover and I even have a few nail varnishes which I like, but these three products did not reach the standards I've come to expect from Sally Hansen. So hopefully I'll save you all a few euro by not wasting your money on this products. Avoid at all costs!


Have you tried of any of these products from Sally Hansen?
What products have you found disappointing lately?

Blogtober #1 | September Favourites

This is the first official post in Blogtober! I aim to do a blog each day for the whole month, so stay tuned!

I can't believe September is over already, Autumn is really upon us and we're seeing the last of the sunshine! This month I have not been wearing quite as much make up. I have been trying to give my skin a bit of a break. So with that, lets get straight into this month's favourites!

There has been one lipstick that has barely left my side and that's the Bourjois Shine Edition (shade #24). Not only is it in my favourite colour, the pigmentation is beautiful and it feels so moisturising on the lips, which is perfect for this time of year. It comes out a little darker on the lips than is shown here, but it eliminates the need for a gloss.

Another handbag essential this month has been yet another Bourjois product, their Healthy Mix Serum foundation (shade 51). I mentioned this in a blog about a light summer foundation. It is a low coverage and excellent for everyday wear (especially when you have dry skin like me). It only takes some bronzer, blush and lipstick to instantly turn a day look into night. It gives you that you-at-your-best look without looking too much like you are wearing foundation.

Another favourite this month has been a nail varnish. During the week I like to wear nail varnish, while making it seem like I'm not wearing any (due to working in an office, I can't wander around in all the bright colours I love). As a result I have been loving this shade (threadbare) from Topshop. It's neutral enough not to draw any attention, but I still get to wear polish midweek!

I have recently acquired yet another Real Techniques brush, this is their Blush brush. I just love the shape, size and feel of this brush. I can't see me going back to any other brush I've previously used for blusher. Real Techniques have converted me (yet again)!

So what have you been loving for the month of September?

Summer Series | Holiday Essentials

Okay apologies are in order. There has been a massive delay between my last post and this one. July seemed to pass me by in a flash. Granted it's now August, but until schools are back, it always still feels like summer, so I have the final post in my Summer Series, you can find post one here and post two here.

So the reason my July was so jam-packed was mostly due to holidays. This year I decided to do a series of small trips and as a result my make-up bag needed to stay light. So I'm going to share with you what made the cut.

Since I spent some time travelling around Ireland as well as the UK, airport security was also a factor. Keeping it basic was key (full details of products below).

I made sure to keep it really minimal, I left out things like primer, eye lash curlers, extra brushes, brought no more than one of each type of product.I brought the two essential brushes (and the NAKED palette comes with one), I figured anything else could be blended with fingers. I guess my main piece of advice, even if you think you need everything, there's surely a couple more things you can cut out. I know personally when I'm away on holidays, I just want to spend the minimal amount of time on getting ready as there is so much to go out and enjoy and experience. I even know some days I won't want to wear make up. So I really factor this into my final choices. Essentially a good rule of thumb is: no more than one of anything. I find the biggest thing that will weigh you down is have three different mascaras and five types of lip gloss. Choose the bare essentials and your back will thank you for it, when you don't have to lug it all around from city to city.

I teamed my make up collection with the a couple of nail varnishes (again look for cheats like using the same polish for your base coat and top coat). I kept it bright, summery and simple.

So the running theme is basic and minimal. What are you holiday essentials that you can't live without? Do you pack light or do you pack everything, including the kitchen sink?

Face
Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Make Up (#20)
NARS Creamy Concealer (Custard)
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder (Pale Yellow)
Bourjois Blush (48 Ashes of Roses)

Brushes
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Real Techniques Powder Brush

Eyes
NAKED Palette (No. 1)
Essence Eye Liner Pen (Black)
Maybelline The Rocket Volume Mascara (Waterproof - Black)

Lips
Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer (Big Bang)
Make Up For Ever Rough Artist Natural Lipstick (N22 Pink Peach)

Nails
Essie Top Coat (No Chips Ahead)
Rimmel Salon Pro - Kate Collection (Purple Rain)
Models Own Splash Collection (Pink Paradise)

Summer Series | Nails

So this is post number two in the Summer Series, you can find the first one here. This time I'm looking at nails. Summer is always the perfect time for bright colours of course, but Summer 2013 seems to be all about really bright neon colours. So I think this bright orange is a perfect addition to any summer collection.

This is Barry M's Gelly Nail Paint in the colour Mango. The finish of this nail varnish is great and the colour is so bold. It reminds of Shellac nails in the finish actually. So you get expensive looking nails, without the expensive price tag. I picked this one up on ASOS for €5.29. So it is a really affordable polish. However with the reduced price tag, does come reduction in quality. I find it applies quite streaky and sticky initially and it starts drying quite quickly, so if you're trying to fix an error, you can make a mess of your nails.

However as it is drying, it does tend to smooth itself out. So my nails above are on my first attempt. As I was applying it, I didn't imagine it would turn out so well. So just be patient with it. Of course since this is such a bright colour, be certain to apply a base coat (if this something you would normally skip) since it would be very likely stain your nail. Finally in my experience, it didn't chip until the third day, which for the price, is very good going.

Overall I was impressed with this polish and I think it's a perfect shade for Summer 2013!


Pros: great finish, beautiful colour, bargain price
Cons: need to be patient applying it



Have you tried the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints?
What are some of your favourite shades for summer?

Review: Sally Hansen - Complete Salon Manicure

With pastel shades reappearing now that the summer is here, I decided to try Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Jaded.

The first time I tried it I wasn't overly impressed, I am rather used to one layer nail varnishes that you pop on and go. With this particular polish, that does not work however. Once you paint onto your nail for the first time and you go over the nail again (to ensure you covered all areas) I find the second layer sweeps up the first layer. In addition to this if you try to overcome this by using a slightly thicker first layer, the polish slides to the side of your nail and dries in a lump around the side of your nail or on your finger.

However on my second attempt with a bit more time, I put on two thin layers and was suitably impressed. I like the colour, the finish and the general appearance of the polish. You would however definitely need to allow it extra time to really dry in. I would not recommend doing anything too manual for quite some time afterwards, since even after it appears dry, due to the nature of the product it's liable to get imprints/indentations.

Sally Hansen claim for this particular brand that it has "7 Benefits of a Salon Manicure in 1 Bottle". It does appear thick and sturdy on the nail, giving it a salon looking finish that is sometimes missing with other brands of nail polish. All in all I would definitely recommend this nail polish.

The shade is also great as it can go with almost any colour whether you're choosing to wear pastel shades or dark colours. Neon and pastel mixing is also a popular trend which is emerging this summer. For the more daring polish wearers, you could really embrace this and accent your ring finger perhaps with a neon shade (this polish is also available in "Back to Fuchsia").

What do you think? What are your favourite shades for Summer 2013?