#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

Review | Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

I hope everyone has been enjoying this love weather we're having, especially since it's probably going to be our summer! Today I bring you a review of a product I have recently fallen in love with. It's certainly by no means new to the market and I've heard plenty of bloggers talk about it for the last year (I have been meaning to pick it up for ages). It's the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot.

What can I say, it was love at first sight. As always with Soap & Glory, the packaging is very chic. But more important is the content. Initially I was a little apprehensive since it describes itself as a mattifying powder as someone who suffers with dehydrated and sometimes dry skin, I usually avoid matt products. However I was pleasantly surprised. I find it sets my makeup nicely but without leaving that caked-on-powder look. At a glance you would not necessarily see I was wearing any powder, it is incredibly natural looking. Which is a major factor for me. My go to pressed powder before this was Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder (€35), yet I find this one much better and the price tag is certainly more suitable coming in at €15.

This product also comes with a mirror which is added bonus. I know most compacts do, but it's definitely a pain when they don't (Rimmel pressed powders for instance, do not). So despite having sometimes dry skin I do find (especially in the summer months) I can get a little shiny on my t-zone, so I find this product really helps combat that and helps my foundation stay in place.

 

I have been using this product for weeks now and you can still make out the word powder in the product, it seems it is going to last me quite a while. As the name suggests, I blot it onto the face, which I think leads to using less powder at a time. So I should really get my money's worth with this product.


Have you tried One Heck of a Blot before?
What's your favourite powder?

First Impressions | Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Why hello there. Apologies for the delay in getting my next post up. I've had somewhat of a blogging break. I thought nothing better to get back in the swing of things than skin care, back to basics.

Without further ado, I present the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. This is Garnier's answer to the cult beauty cleansing water from Bioderma. However lucky for those of us in Ireland, the Garnier alternative is much easier to get your hands on (and much cheaper).

Firstly lets look at the product itself, it is a little over €6 to buy a 400ml bottle (although at the moment it's one-third off in Boots). It is an all over cleanser, so you can also use it to remove eye make up too. It is suitable for sensitive skin and is fragrance free. It states you get 200 uses from 1 bottle, I think that is definitely overstating, the price is excellent for the amount of product!

Now onto my impressions. I have used this for a few days now, so I mean I don't think my view is going to change all that much. I absolutely love this cleanser. It doesn't feel as drying as some cleansers while also not leaving that oily residue behind either. I find it easily takes off all my makeup. Of course as I'm sure you can imagine, if I'm wearing waterproof mascara, I will need to give it an extra bit of attention. But I find that this product does not irritate my skin or my eyes, which is of course very important.

I have now added this to my skincare routine as the first step before I cleanse my skin with my favourite cleansing balm. I don't see it ever leaving my routine, unless something revolutionary comes along in the meantime. While this cleanser may not re-invent the wheel, it is a winner for me. It's a speedy way to remove my makeup, does not irritate and I do not need to use a separate eye make up remover. What more could a gal ask for?

How about you, have you tried this water?
What's your first impression?

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!

Best of Beauty Blog Challenge | Beauty Treatment

Ok this week (the penultimate edition) of Best of Beauty Blog Challenge looks at your Favourite Beauty Treatment, be it waxing, facial, massage, etc. In this instance, it was no contest for me, I definitely prefer a relaxing facial. There's nothing like it as far as I'm concerned. It's relaxing, it's rejuvenating, it brings your skin back to life. I don't know, I just feel properly looked after once I've had a facial. And there's usually a massage element in it for your face, neck, arms and sometimes even hands. It's just uber relaxing and you feel incredibly replenished afterwards (I promise all the alliteration isn't intentional).

As I have dehydrated skin, I love how soft and supple my skins feels after a good facial. This post along with the pamper products post, made me realise I do need to pamper myself a bit more. So I expect to book myself in somewhere in the coming weeks. Since I was really happy after getting my hair done at Burgundy Beauty, I may get something extra done with my next hair appointment.

I have actually done a recent DIY pampering evening myself, so I'll pop up a post about that tomorrow, be sure to check back! If you want to see everyone who is taking part, be sure to check out the post on Samantha's page over on All The Buzz.

So that really sums up my favourite treatment. What about you, what's your favourite treatment to have done at a salon?

Week in Pictures # 1

So I see these posts around and think they're a great way to catch up on the week, especially when you're like me and you don't necessarily remember to update everyone as you go on the various social media sites. Sometimes I may just plain forget to share, so I'm going to try to do one of these posts each week.

Hopefully they might appeal to anyone who likes to have a nose at what everyone is up to, or give them ideas for places to go/things to do/try. I can also use it to keep track of what I have gotten up to!

It will also give me an excuse to try get a bit more active with Instagram, I've barely used it all. If you're not already following me, you can find me here.

So without further ado, my week in pictures...

  

Carmina Burana @ National Concert Hall                Sunny day in Dublin city centre

           
           


 George Orwell's 1984                         New accessories from @PinkSugarOnlineStore

 

Essie Polish - Bond with Whomever                                  Cocktail: Zombie

                                                       

Mini Pixy Haul                                                              Wet n Wild Haul 

I was also at Des Bishop in the Draiocht on Thursday, but they don't allow photographs and the 6 nations was the highlight of the week for sure, but a picture would have only been of the television since I wasn't in Paris to see it!

Hope you had a good week, what did you get up to?

BeautyBaggage Competition | Mega Lip Giveaway

Ok so I've been trying to think of a way I could say thanks to everyone who has supported me and my blogging endeavours. After some thought, I've decided to go with a Mega Lip Giveaway. So all the prizes are (as you've probably guessed) lip related. They're all products I have owned and loved, so I hope you will feel the same about them. So let's get straight to the point, one lucky winner can win:

• 3 x MAC Lipsticks
• 2 x Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers
• 2 x Bourjois Shine Edition Lipsticks
• 1 x Lush Lip Balm
• 1 x Lush Lip Scrub

That's over €100 worth of products for your lovely lips. You have all the products you need to look after your lips and make them fabulous. What's better, you'll notice I didn't mention any shades (or in the case of Lush, flavours), that's because the winner can choose ANY shades/flavours they want. So do you have any colours you wanted to try out, but have been too afraid or perhaps you just need a couple more colours to finish off your collection? Now's your chance!

Terms & Conditions
1. This competition is open internationally
2. Winner will get to choose the shade for each prize (I am happy to offer recommendations)
3. The closing date of the competition is Sunday 30th March 2014
4. The winner will be announced on BeautyBaggage Twitter & Facebook pages later that day, so make sure to check back.

To make it fair, I am using Rafflecopter. The more ways you enter, the better the chance you have of winning.

Good luck everyone!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is no way sponsored, or in connection with, any of the above brands

The Tag of All Knowledge

Ok so I was tagged by the fabulous Cat over at Big Blonde Girl to do the Tag of All Knowledge the other week and I'm finally getting around to doing it. So lets jump straight in...


1. If you were a rockstar what items would you demand on your rider?
My realist answer would be comfy PJs, cosy slippers and a mega fast laptop. However since I'm now a rock star and thus am allowed to be a diva, I'm going to choose chilled sparkling elderflower water, white roses, peanut butter M&Ms and Lisa Eldridge (I figure if I'm going to be on the road all the time, she'd be the only one capable of making me look stage ready)! By the way, if you don't know who Lisa Eldridge is, you need to head on over here now!

2. If you could afford any designer piece, be it clothing, shoes or accessories, what would it be and how would you style it? If you can, post a picture.
Well I've always always always wanted a Michael Kors Rose Gold watch, so I plan on getting that as a gift to myself when I finish college this summer (for good this time I promise, I think 3 qualifications and 8 years later, I'm done with University)! So next on my list (and sure I may as well aim high) would definitely be a Chanel 2.55 handbag in black. I think it would look perfect with anything you might choose to wear on a night out. It's something you would have forever and would never go out of fashion (so really it's an investment more than anything)!

Photo courtesy of featherfactor.com

3. What kind of teenager were you? Goth? Princess? Nerdy?
I was fairly run of the mill as far as teenagers go. I was pretty easy going, wasn't into anything goth-like. Since I had a part time job from age of 14, it excluded me from being a princess as I bought any bit and pieces I wanted with my own money. So I guess if I had to pick one it would be Nerdy. Mind you I wasn't particularly nerdy as a teenager (I'm WAY more of a nerd now - haha). But I kept my head down and just hung out with my own friends, didn't cause any hassle and sorted of just drifted through my teenage years without causing my parents too much heart ache!

4. This one is a bit morbid. If you could have any quote as your epitaph, what would it be and why?
Hmmm this is an interesting one, I had to think about it. I've decided on...

"Let love be the leading role in the tale of your life"

Just something simple, I think if we all showed more love to one another, we'd all be happier in the long-run.

5. What fictional character would you most like to have dinner with and why?
Walter White. I would be so scared no doubt, but it would be amazing to meet the man in person, try get inside that brain!

6. Tell me about your first ever makeup purchase.
I'm quite surprised I can actually still remember this, it was a peach/bronze coloured eye shadow. Just a single shade, it was either 17 or No.7 or Rimmel or some such. I remember I picked it up while out with my sister, I must have been about 11 or 12 at the time. I remember my mam was concerned, oh no she'll be living in makeup know and I don't think she was too happy with my sister. If I recall correctly I used it a couple of times and completely forgot about the whole thing and didn't properly start wearing makeup then until I was about 16. Again I think it was a birthday gift from my sister that got me started, Elizabeth Arden foundation was what began it all for me.

7. It's the year 2020, where do you hope to be in life?
Ok so 6 years from now? Hmmm let me think, I would possibly be married by then (well considering I'm in a relationship 8 years at this stage, just need to wait until we're both finished college and officially grown ups - haha). I would like to have some further experience working in a field I love, trying out a whole new sector since November of last year, so watch this space. Perhaps kids will be on the horizon by then too. Not sure I'll have had them yet, but I'm sure we'll be planning at least by then! Essentially hoping to be fulfilled in my home life as well as my career. I will definitely have gotten a lot of travel under my belt by then, that's for sure!

8. What is your drink of choice when you go out?
Well my hands down favourite drink is a Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, but since you can rarely get a decent version in most places, my usual go to drink is Corona.

9. We all have a "Dirty Sexy Crush", so tell me, who is yours?
I don't know about dirty sexy, but I do have many a crush! The likes of Zachary Quinto, Chace Crawford, Ewan McGregor, Jake Gyllenhaal, etc. etc.


Ok so I'm supposed to tag 5 people, but instead I've decided if you're reading this, I tag YOU! Go on, you know you want to!


Make sure to put your link below, so I can see your responses...

Blogtober #18 | Mini Boots Haul

Due to technical difficulties I am a little later than planned here. Blogtober Day 18 is upon us. Another short one this evening. I thought I would share with you a mini haul drugstore haul.

I got quite a few No7 protect & perfect skin items along with dry shampoo, leave in conditioner, heat protectant spray, foundation, lip lacquer and eye shadows. It was a relatively small haul, but as of course skin care was involved, it didn't exactly make it a cheap one. I will however be doing a Skin Care Routine post in the coming days, featuring some of the products shown above, so keep an eye out for that.

What I am interested to know is, am I alone in this one? I went into Boots with the intention of buying the Bourjois Serum Foundation, that was the only thing I "needed" and yet I cam out with a much lighter wallet. I've decided there's too many brands under one roof and there's something hypnotic in their lighting...

What little shopping trips have you made of late?
Are you like me and cannot be left unsupervised in a shop?

Blogtober #8 | In the Spotlight: Irish Bloggers

So guys, yet another late post, welcome to Blogtober Day 8. For something a little different this post will focus on some other blogs I am following & I enjoy reading. You can never have enough blogs to read, so to follow on from the the great idea of MakeUpMonster.ie I will mention below a few sites I follow that belong to fellow Irish bloggers. While I read plenty more, I just wanted to highlight a couple of them.

What Kate Healy Did
Kate really has a diverse range of products she reviews and I feel like when you go to her blog you really don't know what to expect next. I feel like she gives great reviews and her I often get a good chuckle out of her Twitter feed.

MakeUpMonster.ie
I like how user friendly her site is, there is a real modern feel to how she lays it all out. Design-wise I think it's really good (especially when compared to the more IT illiterate contribution I've made). I like how you her personality really comes through in her posts. Each one reads like that of a friend you can trust

Blushful Beauty
This is another blog I like due to the straight forward way in which she rights. I feel like she gets her point across quite succinctly without being too wordy (says the woman using the word succinctly). There is quite a range of topics she discussing and when she recommends something, I feel like it's an old pal suggesting it.

All The Buzz
I like this blog as it's not just beauty, but a combination of lifestyle & entertainment too. From posts on how to get the most out of your commute right up to inspiring woman of the week. She has such a great variety of topics that can appeal to all tastes.


Who are some of your favourite Irish bloggers?
Comment below with suggestions of who else you think I should be following...