Top 5 Nail Polishes for Autumn/Winter

When it comes to make up and anything beauty related, I have to hold my hands up and admit that I'm a bit of a hoarder. But its no wonder when I keep buying products that I really don't need! I'm the same when it comes to nail polishes. For a while during the summer, I had a different colour on my nails every week, even every couple of days sometimes! But after slight staining of my nails, (note to all you lovely ladies, if you do tend to wear a lot of nail polish then wear a base coat, it will save you a lot of hassle), I gave it up for a couple of months and went 'Au Natural' as they say in France, (I think). But now the colder weather is here, I'm all about embracing the deeper colours and decided to get back into painting my nails, badly at that! I've kinda lost count of how many polishes I do actually own, its definitely more than 50, and hopefully less than 100..... That's not bad... Is it???
I decided to have a look in my collection and see what shades I had that are perfect to carry you through the colder months until we hit the springtime!

So as you can see, there's a pretty mad selection of colours in my selection, and I think some of them would be suitable for the summer too! 

From left to right we have: 

Essie Carry on: This is probably the most wintery colour I have in my collection of nail polish. Its a lovely deep purple colour that can vamp up any outfit in an instant! The only thing for me is, it doesn't really translate to the colour that it is in the bottle, because with one coat its streaky and a bit wishy washy, and with two coats, although its more opaque, its more of a black purple. Still and all its nice, but I wish I put on a base coat before using it! :( Even better is the fact that I  got this for a mere 3.20 in Cara Pharmacy in Galway! Yahoo!! :)

Rimmel Green with Envy: I love Rimmel nail polishes. To me they are some of the best out there, and I don't see the point in spending huge money on the likes of Essie, or Nails Inc (I have some of both), when these are just as good! The formula of the 60 Second ones are fantastic, and are dry almost instantly, and when used with a top coat they last ages! I love green, any colour green at that, and this one has a slight duochrome finish to it that just makes it a little bit more exciting for the chilly weather ahead of us! These are so inexpensive, coming in around the 4 euro mark I think, so for that price you could afford to give a couple of them a go! 

Barry M Gelly High Shine in Blue Grape: Everyone and their mother has raved about the formula of these polishes, and I for one am no exception! In a couple of coats of these babies, your nails will look like you've just stepped out from a fancy nail bar after getting a gel manicure! I have a few colour in these, but I think this blue colour is one of my favourites. Especially as blue is everywhere fashion wise for the season ahead! The only slight problem I have with these is they can be a bit messy, and if you forget to use a base coat, then you can be left with some slightly blue tinged nails! Not a good look! These are only 5.95 in Boots, but as always there is probably some sort of offer on so you'll get a bit of a bargain on them! 

Essie A List: Another bargainous product that I couldn't pass up! (It was also reduced in Cara Pharmacy so I decided to try). This a red colour, but not your normal bright red that you'd often see around London in the form of double decker buses or post boxes! Its a slightly deeper toned red that will be perfect at Christmas to jazz up a plain black dress or to tone down a glittery outfit for New Years Eve. The possibilities are endless! I'm yet to try this one, but one of the evenings over the weekend it shall be done! 

Catrice Karl Says Tres Chic: I think this could be one of my absolute all time favourite polishes. I wear this any time of year as its just a perfect pinkey nude colour that looks great on a night out, or if your someone who works in an office or somewhere that dark purple nails may not be the done thing, then this is perfect as it just gives the nails a really polished and pretty  look! I can't remember the exact price of these,  but I have a feeling they were around the 4.50 mark!

So that's it for my fave polishes for this time of year, do you guys have any favourites?

Thanks for reading,

Alisha xxx

Essence Stay Matte Lip Creams

First of all, OH MY GOD, I am so so so sorry for my lack of postings recently. I would like to say I was super busy doing really cool things like most bloggers, but, I wasn't.. :( As a matter of fact, I just seemed to lose motivation to do a lot of things really, but now I'm back and raring to go!
So today's post is on one of the most bargainous beauty products of all time.
Essence is well known for its beauty bargains, and like most lower end beauty products, some are hits and some are misses. Not these Lip Creams however, they are fantastic!
The Matte Lip trend seems to be back with a bang this season, and everyone raves about the numerous MAC matte lipsticks, the most infamous probably being Ruby Woo, so I was interested to try a matte lip and see what all the fuss was about!
I actually have 3 of these, but there's two shades that are very very similar, so it didn't really make sense to picture the two of them, because really, if you have one then you don't need the other!

So the two shades I have are: Smooth Berry and Soft Nude. I also have another shade called Velvet Rose which is very similar to the shade Soft Nude, so I think it may have actually replaced it altogether! There is a 3rd and final shade called Silky Red, and I would imagine it would give a similar effect to Ruby Woo possibly, as its a very bright and vivid red. 

The texture of these are super soft and creamy, (obviously says you, they're a lip cream), and they are so comfortable on the lips, to me they almost feel like a lip balm! You wouldn't realise your wearing them at all.  The pigmentation of these is brilliant as you'll soon see in the pictures below, especially the Smooth Berry shade, for such a little tube, there's a lot of colour! However, they staying power isn't great. If you do eat or drink they disappear fairly quickly, but for me that wouldn't be a huge issue as I have no problem in reapplying lip products.

There is a slight vanilla scent of them however. Now its not overpowering or anything, but if you are someone who doesn't like scented products, then I don't think they would be for you! 

Application with these is very easy, as the product is dispensed on a doefoot applicator, and it because the product is a thicker consistency than say something like the Rimmel Apocalips, you don't have to worry about having too much product on the applicator, which is always a good thing! 

Obviously the one on the left is the Soft Nude shade, and the right hand shade is Smooth Berry. The pigmentation of these is amazing, and especially for the price which is something crazy like 2.89! I would love if they brought out more shades in these because I would definitely pick up some more... As a matter of fact, I'm contemplating picking up the red shade as it is! Essence do often release limited edition collections, so keep an eye for those incase they may release new shades as part of them! 

So what do you guys think? 

Would you try these or do you prefer a gloss finish?

Thanks for reading,

Alisha xxx

Cloud 10 Beauty Purchases

So for any of you that aren't aware, Cloud10Beauty is an online beauty store, which sells some amazing products by some brands that would otherwise be really difficult to get here in the emerald isle. I decided I'd treat myself to some bits that I'd been eyeing up before, after reaching 1000 page views on this blog, so thanks to all you lovely people who have read it! :) Any who, I thought I'd show you what bits I picked up, so perhaps if your interested you may decided to do the same.

What I purchased was the much raved about Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, which I can't wait to try after having heard its something similar to the infamous 'Beauty Blender', an EOS lip balm, (how cute are they??) a Sleek single blush, and also a blush trio. 

Another thing I love about Cloud10Beauty is that you always get some free samples with your order, so I picked  a sample of the well known 'Tough Stuff' scrub from Cocoa Brown, and a  sample of Ren's Hydra-Calm-Global Protection Day Cream. 

The sponge isn't anything bar what you see here, so I didn't take an individual picture of that... But I did take some of the blushes, so lets get lookin!! 

This is one of Sleek's newest releases. As part of their 'vintage romance' collection they released this blush called 'antique' and I had to try it! To me it looked like it was going to be a mauve colour, but its actually more of a light brown with shimmer, but I'm still excited to give it a try!

This is the main thing that I was dying to get my hands on, put the photo really doesn't do it justice.. But it still looks super super pretty! Those pinks are amazing! The one on the far right is actually darker than it looks in the picture, and the colours are totally suitable for the winter, so hopefully I'll be looking like Snow White with super pale skin and lovely rosy cheeks.... Ha!

OMG. Like seriously, how cute is this lip balm! I had to take it out and try it as soon as it came, and I love it already and I know its never going to be out of my bag, especially now the days are getting a bit colder! The one I picked is Pomegranate/Raspberry, but there is loads of others too, I think the lemon one is my next try!

All of the items featured above and the prices etc are on the Cloud10Beauty website, which I've linked above.
Happy shopping!!
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Face of the day...

I dunno about you guys but I love seeing what products everyone else is using on a daily basis, not only because I find it really interesting, but also because if there's anything I don't have it more often than not makes me want to pick it up!
So here is what was on my face today!

For my primer I'm currently using this 'my base' illuminating primer from essence. It was only cheap, and I've gathered quite a collection of primers unknown to myself, so at the minute I'm just trying to use this one up, but its not bad for the small amount of pennies I paid for it!
For my foundation, I'm still absolutely loving this 'Stay Matte' mousse foundation from Rimmel. The finish it gives is flawless, and it just makes me look like I have absolutely perfect skin! (Which, for the record, I don't).
For blush, I've been leaning towards my Sleek blushes for the most part, if you haven't tried any then seriously, you are missing out! They are dirt cheap, and the pigmentation is fantastic! The colour I'm using at the minute (top left) is Rose Gold, which has been compared to Nars 'Orgasm', I don't have it so I can't honestly say, but I'm loving Rose Gold as its the perfect shade for any season, and the little subtle gold flecks in it make it a beautiful highlighter also!
For eyes, I'm still using my NYX hd eyeshadow primer, which makes my eye make up last forever! For eyeshadow I'm using my MAC duo, and the colours in it are 'dazzle me' and 'mulch' which are just great everyday neutral colours. I got these as a present, so I don't tend to use them too often, I tend to see them as my 'good' make up... Weird I know!
The mascara I'm using was also a gift, and its MAC Opulash. I'm not a big mascara fanatic, to me they all seem to do the one job, but again this was a gift, and I don't want to have to throw it out  without getting a good bit of use out of it!
And finally, for concealer, I'm still using my trusty Maybelline 'Fit Me' for any blemishes and also their 'The Eraser' for under my eyes.

So that's it!
Anything here any of you  have used or would like to try??
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Essence Lipsticks

I am a sucker for budget products. Give me a large quantity of budget friendly items instead of one higher end product and I'm happy out. Especially when it turns out that the products in question are actually good!
And that's the case with these newly released lipsticks from Essence. I'm not 100 percent certain if they are an altogether newly released product, or if they are just a reformulated product from before, but either way these lipsticks are fantastic from such a pocket friendly brand!

I picked up the lipsticks in 3 shades: Cotton Candy, which is a nice bright pink, Natural Beauty which is a pinkish nude, and my favourite of the bunch, Wear Berry as its perfect for the autumnal season!

Everything about these lipsticks is just lovely, the packaging, the colours, and even the actual design of the lipstick, how cute is that little e design on the lipsticks itself! For people that don't like scented beauty products, you'll be glad to hear that there's no scent, which I don't really like as I'd much prefer if there was some sort of smell off them. 

I had planned on swatching these on my lips, but there really dry at the moment so I didn't think anyone would really want to see that! From top to bottom the swatches are: Wear Berry, Natural Beauty, and Cotton Candy. 

If there is anyone out there thinking about trying them I would say give them a go! They are soft and creamy on the lips, and although they don't last too long on the lips, it isn't really a big deal, considering that they cost a mere 2.85! There was plenty more colours in these also, including some bright reds, so I may just have to back and get more! 

These are available nationwide from selected pharmacies, and selected Penney's stores, (I'd advise trying Penneys because they seemed to have a better selection).

Thanks for reading,

Alisha xxx

October Wishlist.

So one day I was sitting down trying to figure out what kind of posts would work best on this blog, and this wishlist idea was one of the first that popped into my head. I've seen it done on other blogs and it does seem to work well,  so I decided I'd try it myself! I know some of you will look and say that's not much of a wishlist considering all the products are pocket friendly... But I have so much already its taking all the restraint I have not to get them all! 

So onto the things I'm lusting after! 

Sleek Vintage Romance Collection:I can't lie, I love Sleek Cosmetics. If you haven't tried there eyeshadow palettes, or there blushes, then seriously, what rock are you under??? The pigmentation is great, and the prices are extra great! They are an English brand, but are available online here from Cloud10Beauty, or BeautyEmporium, but in my opinion Cloud10Beauty have a better selection. This 'Vintage Romance' collection looks absolutely beautiful... Especially the blush! Its really going to take all my self restraint not to give in and buy it. Or else my mother taking control of my laser card. One or the other. 

Soap And Glory The Yule Monty Collection: I know its way too early for this I know, but as soon as I saw it in the Boots catalogue I knew it would be mine! Its jam packed with some of Soap And Glory's most loved products, some of which I'm  yet to try including the Sugar Crush body wash, and The Scrub of Your Life exfoliator. Now all I need to do is wait for Christmas to get here!

Sleek Blush Trio in Pink Sprint: You may see a pattern emerging here with the Sleek products, but get a look at the colour of the pinks in here! Packed full of pigment and easily worn in any season it's well work the 10 euro (ish) price tag. 

 Rimmel Colour Rush Lip Balm: I have tried one of these already and all I can say is... Can I have some more, please? Considering its described as a lip balm, I was convinced these were just going to leave me with a sheer wash of colour, which is why I got the brightest red in the bunch, as I was starting off easy and working my way up to a much deeper red. But its so pigmented that idea went out the window! I'm looking forward to trying more of the more neutral of the bunch, but not for a while as I really need to get some use out of all the lip products I have already! 

Incase your wondering, any of the Sleek items can be bought online at Cloud10Beauty HERE

So that's what I'm lusting after at the moment. 

Is there anything you guys really really want?

Thanks for reading, 

Alisha xxx

Saturday night sessions!

It may be a surprise to hear that for a 25 year old woman, I'm not overly pushed on going out on Saturday nights, especially considering my obsession with make up and beauty related products. Occasionally I do venture out, and I do spend great time and effort into how I look. But for the most part, Saturday night to me is the one night I can utterly relax, and so I look forward to coming home and putting my feet up watching the TV in my pyjamas. But not after a nice relaxing shower and a few pampering treats! Every girl loves to me pampered and feel good don't they? So today I thought I'd share with you all the products I'm using at the minute for my Saturday night 'spa sessions'. (For those of you wondering, I do wash more than once a week, but Saturday is just different).
So for those of you wondering, here are some of my current favourites:

So I think I should make a confession.... I may or may not be slightly obsessed with Soap And Glory. and why wouldn't I be, their products smell soooooo good! But that's another days work. :) I also have to say that a majority of the Soap And Glory that I do own I've gotten in Boots at Christmas time as their 'Star Gift'. If you don't know what that is, its when Boots pick a certain gift set and knock it down by at least half price! Soap And Glory is always the last one, and it always flies off the shelves, so I always make sure to stock up!

So in my current routine I'm using:

Pulp Friction Body Scrub: First of all I don't understand why it says its a 'foamy fruity scrub' because I don't find it foams, at all! But that doesn't mean its not a nice product because it really is. It contains lots of fresh invigorating ingredients like fig powder, peppermint oil, and then some that I've never heard of before like 'frozen yuzu' and 'jungle pomelo essence'. It smells really good and its different from the most commonly known Soap And Glory scent. Its a very rough scrub, so if your not into that and prefer a less abrasive exfoliator this won't be one for you. Its 11.25 in Boots or online HERE and is currently on 3 for 2 also!

Clean on Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel: This is my current go to shower gel,  and for some reason every time I use it it makes me feel really posh and makes me think I'm going out somewhere, when in reality I'm planking my ass on the couch watching god knows what! This is THE smell Soap And Glory are known for, and I don't think its possible not to like it! The shower gel itself is thick and luxurious and has a built in body lotion, so if your someone that's on the go or just too lazy to moisturise after a shower this is perfect because it saves you having to! Its priced at 7.65 for 500mls in Boots or online HERE.

Smoothie Star Body Milk: Is it really really wrong to want to eat your body lotion? Because that's what happens to me when I use this! With an ingredients list containing almonds, oats, honey and brown sugar its understandable! It killed me to put this away for the summer because to me its too heavy to use in the summer, but as soon as September came this bad boy was out straight away! Its a body milk, so its not too heavy on the skin, and it doesn't sink into the skin straight away which I kind of like because then the scent lingers on your pyjamas or clothes and I find it comforting in some sort of odd way! This is 14.00 for 500mls, again in Boots or on there online store HERE

I've really started to get into face masks at the moment, and so Saturday night is a night I really enjoy getting all my make up off and popping on a mask and letting it do its job. My current picks depending on how my skin is at that given time are:

Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask: I tend to have dry skin, especially in the colder months, so I decided I'd try this moisture mask. There being raved about all over the Internet, but any that I've heard about have been crazy expensive, and these ones are only 5.75 in Boots! The gel formula is a new concept to me, as a lot of the masks I've used have always been clay or something similar, but this one is a thinner more runny consistency, and so it doesn't look  or feel as heavy on the skin. I'm loving the effect its having on my skin because my skin isn't as dry as it could be for this time of year, and it feels plump and hydrated! 

Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mud Mask:  I'm sure your wondering why I got this when I've just said I'm a dry skinned creature. Well like most ladies, I tend to get random breakouts, especially on my chin, and when one spot appears, another 2 or 3 also appear! So I bought this with the sole purpose of using it as a spot treatment. I use it the same as I use the moisture mask, but just restrict it to my chin whenever I'm suffering with those pesky breakouts! The only thing I don't like about it is the smell. It does its job great, but the smell is very antiseptic if that makes sense! 

This is one I've had for quite a while, and its one of the most expensive purchases I've ever made. Its a balm by a french skincare brand 'Decleor' and they are ridiculously expensive, which is why I don't use it every day! A lot of balms lately tend to be cleansing balms, but this particular one is for dry skin, so its used like a moisturiser. So on nights that I'm doing a mask I use this to give my skin a bit of extra moisture, and in the morning its nice and soft. It smells lovely because its 100 percent natural and is made up of angelica, chamomile and geranium. I've found it online at  QVC HERE but at 31.50 POUNDS which is about 37 EURO (before postage) for 15mls it is a bit on the expensive side.

So that's my pampering routine. Obviously everyone is different so what works for me may not work for someone else. But if we were all the same it would be kinda boring wouldn't it??

Thanks for reading guys, 

Alisha xxx