#FOTD | Everyday Glam

This is a bit of a different post from yours truly. I've decided to share with you some of the products I would use for an everyday look with that little something extra. So what would be perfect for a day out with the girls, on a trip away with that special someone or just whenever you might want to go that little bit extra! I don't tend to go too dramatic with my night out makeup most of the time, for me, this look would be perfect for a night out too! I may even do more of these "Face of the Day" type posts down the line, should anyone find them useful!

Quite a natural look with a little shimmer around the eye

Unfortunately as with all (mine anyway) natural looks, there are quite a few products involved to get to this point! To start with I prepped my skin by using my cleanser, acid toner, serum & moisturiser as usual. Then I got started with the makeup itself, this is going to sound like quite a lot of products, but when you're used to all the steps it really doesn't take as long as this post will make it seem. To make it a little more digestible I've broken it down by area of the face.

Face
Foundation: Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream applied using a flat foundation brush from Nima Brush
Concealer: Correction Lasting Perfect Concealer under the eye and on blemishes, using my finger and then finishing the blending with my foundation brush
Powder: One Heck of a Blot from Soap & Glory using my Real Techniques Powder Brush

Cheeks
Blush: NARS Orgasm which I applied using the Real Techniques Blusher Brush
Contour: NARS Laguna which I applied using Real Techniques Contour Brush
Highlight: Very very small bit of The Balm Mary Lou, applied with my fingers

Eyes
All over Lid: Sin from Urban Decay NAKED 1 palette, patted on with the brush in the palette
In the Crease: Smog from NAKED 1, patted on with the brush in palette (also brushed this along lower lash line)
In the Outer Corner: Darkhorse from NAKED 1, patter on with the brush in the palette
In the Inner Corner: The Balm Mary Lou, applied with my fingers

In all instances the shadow was of course blended out with my MAC 217 brush, the key (I've learned) is to build up colour through patting and blending and repeating, don't put it all on at once!

Upper Lash Line: Bourjois Liner Feutre - also along outer corner of the lower lash line
Mascara: Benefit's They're Real, two generous coats (don't also forget to use your eyelash curler first)
Eyebrows: Essence Eyebrown pencil with Buck from NAKED 1, applied using the Real Techniques Brow Brush

Lips
Make Up For Ever Lip Liner Pencil in the shade 43 all over the entire lips and then a coat of Dior Addict Gloss in the shade 684 and then finally a light patting of Virgin from NAKED 1 the lips using my finger. I did this for two different reasons, one, to set the lipgloss in place and two, to give a nice sheen to the lips

A little disclaimer, buying make up is definitely my hobby, so while there are quite a few high end products in here, they have been built up over time, certainly not all bought at once! Then of course the look can easily be replicated by substituting these products with your own favourites!

Hopefully I might have given you some inspiration or ideas on how to create your own everyday glam look. If you do, definitely be sure to send me a pic through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! If you've any recommendation on similar/better products, get commenting! I'm always looking for new products and shades to try.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're having a great day whatever you're up to!

Chatty Post | General Catch Up

Yet another inexcusable break was taken here at Beauty Baggage. Okay, let's jump right in with a chatty post, ease myself back in nice and slowly.

Instead of boring you with details, lets focus on something more fun, look at my new custom made logo? I'm so excited to have my very own logo, finally! It was made by my boyfriend's brother, he came up with the entire concept from start to finish, checking in with me as he went to make sure everything was okay. He's currently studying product design and is definitely one to watch! Looking forward to seeing what else he comes up with in the coming years.

Beauty Baggage's NEW Logo

In general my summer has been going well. I'm trying to wrap up the last of assignments for my masters, so that hasn't been terribly fun. But I've still managed to fit in plenty of socialising over the summer months so far, it hasn't been all doom and gloom, plenty of days and nights out! I also have some nice plans in August, with Electric Picnic at the end of the month. However what I'm definitely most excitedly looking forward to this year is my 2 week trip to China in September, I cannot wait! If you've ever been, be sure to leave suggestions in the comments for what I should get up to! I'm also heading to Brussels for a weekend in November with a few friends too. So while it's been relatively quiet year to date, I have lots of things to look forward to!

Some pics from my Summer so far...

I have also really started to try improve my eating and general health in the last few weeks. As part of that I'm trying to get a little better at cooking and making things from scratch. The berry smoothie above is a perfect example of that (it's delish in case you're wondering!), with some more examples below. I have also taking to walk 3 or 4 times a week, nothing too crazy, just maybe 5.5km. However I'm working on building up speed, and have done some very small jogging spurts in the middle. It's going well so far and definitely a case my whole mind and body (not to mention skin) are feeling so much the better for it. That's not to say I haven't fallen off the bandwagon here and there, but life is for living, so that's allowed. I'm using my impending trips and all the sight-seeing induced walking as motivation! So far, so good.

Homemade guacamole, fresh watermelon, homemade pizza & basil plant

So that's a general catch up on what has been going on with me and my summer so far! What's new with you? What have you been getting up to? Has anyone been on holidays or planning any get aways? I'd love to hear from you!

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?

Lets Talk Blog Challenge | Day in the Life

Welcome to week 1 of the Lets Talk Blog Challenge, set up by the beautiful Sarah from At the Beauty Desk. You can keep up each week with all the bloggers taking part through the hashtag #LetsTalkBlogChallenge. 

So the first post is any kind of "a day in the life" post you like, so I've chosen to go with a typical weekend day. Since that's my favourite part of the week, I figured why not? 

Some photos from the last couple of weekends

So many would describe me as a bit of a social butterfly, I much prefer to be in the company of others than on my own, so I like to be out and about and often have my weekends booked up. That's not to sound braggy or anything, I actively make plans with different friends to ensure I utilise my weekends to their full potential.

Enjoying a game of a cards with friends

Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin & Nelson's Monument, Edinburgh

I like to head out for drinks, lunch, walks, days out, drives, etc. It doesn't take much to keep me happy, once I'm out and about and ideally getting some fresh air, I'm in my element!

Food is also an important feature of any good weekend

I certainly wouldn't be the most adventurous when it comes to food, but I do certainly like a variety. Above is home made goats cheese and carmelised red onion tarts, a selection of cheese, meats & crackers along with my favourite summer pastime, barbeques. This was the weekend just past, beer chicken (yes you heard me right), along with pork steaks, sausages and burgers. Yum, yum!

Selection of drinks I've recently been enjoying

While I'm not necessarily a big drinking and I certainly don't drink every weekend, I am certainly more adventurous in this department. I love trying new beers, especially when I travel to different countries. Next in line is of course cocktails. Especially when you're in a speciality cocktail bar, there always such interesting combinations you would never think of yourself! The fish bowl above is from last weekend, a home made punch/cocktail made by my good friend Claire when we were staying with her in Edinburgh. It was all kinds of delicious.


So there you go, an average Saturday for me involves meeting friends, eating and drinking! My idea of heaven. How about you? What does your average Saturday look like?

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

Best of Beauty Blog Challenge | Budget Bargain

These weeks really are flying, week 6 of the challenge already? Hello again to any regulars and welcome to any new readers. This 8 week challenge was set up by the beautiful Sam over at All The Buzz.

So this week I had to pick one bargain buy, be it skincare or makeup. It will be interesting to see if this answer is the least original of them all. Since this product is incredibly hyped in the beauty blogging world (and for good reason). Without further ado, I present to you, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer.

Apologies for not having a better photograph, I'm doing this week's post on the go! There isn't much I can say about this concealer that hasn't already been said. Other than literally, if you don't own it, change that. Honestly, you won't regret it. It's only €6.49 in Boots, that's certainly a budget bargain. I rank it up there beside my NARS creamy concealer, which is over 4 times the price.

You know what to do ladies....

What's your favourite concealer, do you own this one?

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...

Best of Beauty Blog Challenge | Princess Product

Welcome to Week 5 of the #BOBBlogChallenge. Over the half way mark now, only 3 more weeks to. So another relatively short one this week as it only focuses on 1 high end product (whether makeup or skincare) that you would consider a princess product.

So if you saw my recent haul post, you will recognise this Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum. So I've been using it for about 3 weeks now and I'm in love!

After I've cleansed my face with Clinique Cleansing Balm, I put 2 pumps of this onto my face and let it soak in before applying my moisturiser. As the name would suggest it's for hydrating your skin, I have always said I have dry skin, but I've discovered it's quite possible I just have dehydrated skin. My skin has literally never felt so good, I don't have the same tightness or my makeup drying into my skin in patches anymore. This product has honestly changed my skin like no other has before.

Now as the title suggests, it is a princess product, so as far as serums go, it's pretty expensive. You can pick this up at a Chanel counter for €78. But I think it's worth every penny.


Have you ever used this serum?
Perhaps you have some great recommendations for a hydrating serum at a more affordable price?

Best of Beauty Blog Challenge | Pamper Products

Can't believe we're already onto week 4 of #BOBBlogChallenge, time is flying in! Ok this week's post made me realise I need to have a little more "me" time... I genuinely have nothing to put in here. Perhaps that's a little sad. I don't even have a bath in my apartment, so no relaxing soaks for me anyway. I genuinely cannot remember the last time I used a face mask or gave my hair a conditioning treatment...

If I have some extra time before heading out at the weekend, I'll try a little harder with my makeup or I might try a new style in my hair, but I just point blank do not "pamper" myself with little treatments. This week I have definitely realised that needs to change.

I did however recenrly pick up a conditioning treatment from LUSH for my hair, so I'll be giving that a go tonight. I will report back on what I think.

I think from this week's challenge, what I'm mostly looking out for is ideas from fellow bloggers. What suggestions do you have for me and my pampering starter kit?

Best of Beauty Blog Challenge | Make Up Must Haves

Week 3 of the #BOBBlogChallenge already? This week the focus is Make Up Must Haves, those essential items you just can't live without! I also recommend heading over to All The Buzz to check out Samantha's post and to see all the participants in the Challenge!

So I've rounded up the troops and I think I'm left with the following essentials...

First up is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, not to be confused with the foundation, the serum has a nice light, velvety feel to it. I have mentioned this foundation time and time again on my blog, so instead of boring you, here is a full review. I wear it day and night, I love it!

Next up is the Bobbi Brown Corrector. It's perfect for on the go, it covers under your eyes well, with a tiny hint of highlight. I have my one quite a long time now and I still haven't hit pan, so while it's not super cheap, it definitely is lasting a lot longer than any concealer I have ever owned. To top it all off, it has a little mirror in, which saves me carrying around an extra item in my makeup bag, perfect!

This is definitely my "go to" lipstick. I think it's great for everyday wear, while also having enough colour for nights out too! I'm rarely without this Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick. So much so, it's almost finished at this stage. Would you believe it'll be the first EVER lipstick I completely used? I usually lose a lipstick or grow bored of it before I could ever possibly reach the end. So I don't think it could come with a stronger endorsement from me! 

I have five of these Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Cream Shadows in total and I love them all. They're great as an eyeshadow themselves, but even more commonly I use them as a base for other shades. I find using these stops all other shadows from budging, even after hours of wear. I also find whenever there is some wear, it's great to have a lasting shade underneath (which is why I have 5 shades, I will try to match the cream shadow base with the colour I am actually wearing).

Finally I have the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless. I love this mascara for really separating and lengthening my lashes. Then if I want dramatic eyes I will usually layer it with another volumising mascara. It's perfect on its own for everyday wear as well as for nights out!


So that's it for another week, do you own any of these products, what do you think of them?
What are your make up must haves?

Mini Haul | MAC, Chanel, Bourjois...

Ok so I couldn't entirely resist the shops this weekend. I might have no money, but that didn't seem to stop me last week. Sure isn't that what credit cards are for? So I thought I'd share with you the few bits I picked up....

So I made a quick lunch time trip down Henry street and somehow within 30 minutes managed to drop into MAC, Arnotts and Boots. So from MAC I picked up Plumful from the Lustre range. Which I've been meaning to pick up ever since I heard Estée from Essie Button mention it in one of her videos a few months back. It's such a pretty shade and it feels so nice on the lips.

Next it was into Chanel where I initially went in to pick up their pressed powder, as I heard great things about it for someone like me with dry skin. I had a good chat with the lady in Chanel about dry skin, dehydrated skin and the difference between the two. She was fairly confident my skin was just dehydrated. So instead I left the powder and picked up the hydrating serum (the price tag is not for the faint of heart). But after using it for a couple of days, my skin feels much softer and all the breakouts I've had for the last few months seem to finally be clearing (breakouts are apparently a by-product of dehydrated skin I'm told). I will definitely do a proper review, once I've been using it for a few weeks...

Next up I went to boots and picked up a moisturiser, if I'm being totally honest I have yet to land on a specific brand here. I swap and change all the time. I'm completely committed to my cleanser, but I jump from moisturiser to moisturiser. It's one area, I need to give a little more care and attention. So I've tried this one before and it seemed okay, so I'm back again to No7 Protect & Perfect Day Cream.

Then I picked up one of all time favourite foundations, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. If you want a full review of this foundation, you can look back to a previous post here. Although now I use the Real Techniques buffing brush to apply it for a much more even, flawless, finish.

I also then picked up these two sprays from V05 which I've heard a bit about through the blogging world, I have never tried any texturising sprays before ever, so I look forward to reporting back on how I find them. I have heard a lot of buzz about the Oribe texturising spray, but I wasn't ready to part with €50 for a type of product I've never used before. I will however give this pair a try at only €7 for the 2 of them, what a bargain!

And the final product is a cult favourite, which needs no introduction, the Batiste dry shampoo. I always get the original one as I am not a big fan of scented hair products. But of course you couldn't fault it and I need not go into any detail here, as everyone is fully up to speed and obsessed with Batiste!

So guys and gals, do you have any of these products?
Or have you been hitting the shops lately?