Soap And Glory Favourites

Hey lads and lassies, hope you've all recovered from the dreaded Monday Blues, it's almost done and dusted thank the lord!
I'm back today with a post that I honestly don't know how I haven't done it before this, because the brand is genuinely one of my favourites, for both make up and body care.
If you haven't guessed by the name of the title, it's the extremely popular Soap And Glory. Renowned for their cute and quirky packaging, and their fabulous bath and body care more so, I thought I'd give you an insight today into some of my favourite products from the brand.
So let's get cracking!

Sugar Crush Body Scrub: I love absolutely all of the the Sugar Crush range, because it smells DIVINE, but in particular the body scrub. Some scrubs don't do a lot for me except leave an oily residue on my skin, but this actually does something. It's ingredients include smashed brown sugar, sweet lime, almond oil and macadamia grains, so while the sugar and the macadamia grains provide a good scrub, the almond oil make sure it isn't too drying. But the smell of this, my good god! If you're into citrus scents and/or sweet smells, then check this out. It smells gorgeous, kind of like a mojito but a bit sweeter! This is 11.29.

Photo from www.boots.ie

Whipped Clean Shower Butter: So this is a shower wash, but Soap And Glory say it's a wash/butter all in one, so if  you're in a rush, you could get away without moisturising. as it's made up of 25 percent moisturising oils and butters, including sweet almond oil, grape seed oils, macadamia nut oil, and cocoa and Shea butters. For me it's not enough to get away without a moisturiser after, but I've just gotten used to always using one so for someone not partial to moisturising frequently this could be a winner. It's a lot thicker than a normal shower wash, it's more of a cream consistency than a lot of other washes I've used. But I love it, particularly in the winter if I want to feel a lot more moisturised, as my skin tends to get very dry in the colder weather, particularly around my elbows, and also the scent to me is a lot more suited to colder weather, as it smells like pistachio, almond, and sweet vanilla! This is 9.99.

Photo from www.soapandglory.com

Solar Powder Bronzer: Myself and bronzing product's have never really seen eye to eye. Anything I've tried has always just left me looking orange. I got this in a gift set in the January sales a couple of year's ago (good old half price in Boots) and eventually I took it out of the box and gave it a go. Since then I've been hooked, so much so I've hit pan fairly hard! It contains two shades, and there's a bit of overspray on the SG, but after a sweep of the brush that disappears, so need to worry about being a glitterball. I tend to sweep my brush in the two colours, and apply it to the points of my face where the sun would naturally hit (if it ever shone in Ireland), so the forehead, cheekbones and a small bit on my nose. I just love how it makes my face look, it gives me a nice healthy glow. Now that the Autumn is coming fast and hard though I may have to put this away again and attempt to give contouring a go, again! This is 15 euro.

Photo from www.soapandglory.com

The Righteous Butter: This is probably the most well known of all Soap And Glory's body butters. It has the typical smell that the brand is known for, it's a really musky but yet floral feminine scent. The body butter itself is thick and luxurious, and I honestly feel so much better after using it. I also love how if I put it on at night after having a shower, the next morning I can still smell it off my pyjamas, the scent lingers that long. This costs 14 euro.

Photo from www.soapandglory.com

Thick And Fast Mascara: I'm not too fussy or demanding when it comes to mascara. To me really it's main use is to darken my lashes as they're so fair. So after that volume or thickness aren't really things I look for, so I was genuinely surprised when I actually really fell for this mascara. It gives me thicker, longer, fluttery to the point that they're almost false, lashes. I haven't used it in a while as I've always had a fair few mascara's on the go, and I like this one so much I don't want to open it and then forget about it as they say you should ideally throw out an open mascara after 6 months, and I ain't going throwing out any of these! The price is 13.50.

Photo from www.soapandglory.com

Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Shine Lacquer: When I tried this first I was petrified it was going to be like the Lip Glosses from the same line that had a plumping effect and stung the bejaysus out of them. But thankfully with this lacquer it's not the case. It's just a really lovely highly pigmented lip colour, that applies really easily thanks to the flattened doe foot applicator. It has a real high shine, but once the shine goes there is still some colour left, and I don't find it too drying on the lips. It's not too expensive either at 9.50.

Photo from www.boots.ie

Apologies for not actually taking my own pictures, but all my Soap And Glory bit's are so well loved they aren't in the best of shape! But I have put the names of where I got the pictures under the products.
I honestly could keep going on for ages, but the post would be ridiculously long then. There are so many products from the brand that there's always something new to try! I know some of  these products seem expensive enough for drugstore product's, but more often than not they're on offer in Boot's, so it's worth a look at the website or in store!

Have you tried any Soap and Glory bits?
What are your faves?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Top 4 Netflix picks!

Hello lovelies,
I'm back again with a different type of post, nothing related to make up or beauty, but instead what I watch on Netflix! There's so much on there that it can be hard to pin down something to watch, so I thought I'd give you a little guide to my favourite shows/movies on there!

1 Once Upon A Time: This is probably the main reason I signed up to Netflix. The likes of Zoella and Tanya Burr were raving about it in favourites videos, so I figured I'd give it a go! And I'm obsessed! I'm currently on Season 3 Episode 10 and there's another 2 and a half seasons for me to watch on Netflix so I'm in no rush. :) It revolves around a little village called Storybrooke and a boy called Henry who goes to look for his birth mother to break a curse. I know it sounds childish, especially when you see the amount of fairy tale characters that make an appearance, but it's far from it, in fact it can be very dark and dangerous in some episodes, so really not for children! There are some famous faces in there too, Robert Carlisle and Jamie Dornan to name a couple! ;)

photo from www.amazon.com

2: Suits: Ok, so this one is on the scene a good while now, and chances are you've probably watched it already, but I've only gotten into it the last while now! It's based in a high flying New York solicitors firm, and a young man called Mike Ross who, even though he has no law qualifications still manages to bag himself a job in the firm. This is one that appeals to a broad enough audience, as me and my boyfriend watch it together, and he loves it. Once Upon a Time is possibly one just for the girls ;)

picture from www.youtube.com

3: Grace and Frankie: This was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time. It's a Netflix original series, and I watched the whole thing in a matter of days it was that funny. It's about two couples in their late 60's early 70's (I think), who are complete opposites personality wise,   and I won't ruin the plot, but trust me, it's definitely worth a watch!

photo from imdb.com

4: Miranda: This is an oldie, but a goodie. Miranda Harte is a well known British comedian, and I laughed out loud during every show. I was disgusted there was only one series! It's based around her love life (or lack of), and her joke shop. I can't say enough good things about it, I had to go searching the Internet afterwards for more series to watch!

So they are  my recommendations for Netflix at the minute, obviously as I watch more these will change, so I may do one every few month's or so.
What do ye like to watch?

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

MUA Skin Define Hydro Primer

Hi Ladies,
I hope you all had a great weekend, the weeks are just flying by! Today I'm back with a super affordable budget buy that will put a smile back on your face, especially in the run up to Christmas.
I was over to visit my brother a few week's ago in Liverpool, so as per usual when I visit the UK, I popped into Superdrug. Don't get me wrong, I love Boots, but I love Superdrug for the brand's that you can only order online here in Ireland, them mostly being MUA and Make Up Revolution. In the two stores I went to, both Make Up Revolution stands were crowded, so I stuck with good old MUA. I've tried a good few products from MUA, and for the most part I've been impressed, (until I picked up an under eye radiance concealer that's just made up of glitter, not a good look). So when I saw the new Skin Define Hydro range from the brand, I'd no bother in picking up a few bit's to try. I picked up the setting powder, which so far I've no complaint's about, but the thing that's really impressed me is the Hydro Primer. I've only been using it for a week so far, but let me tell you, it's love!

From the website and the packaging itself MUA say the primer is

A fresh and hydrating primer in a lightweight gel formula. The soothing aqua base leaves skin refreshed and smooth allowing for even makeup application. The hydro primer has a self-repairing system, designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and prime your face for a smooth complexion. 

So first off, the packaging. It comes in a neat plastic tub, which is fine. Packaging as I've said before isn't a huge issue for me as long as the product inside lives up to it's claims. So I'll just skip right ahead on to the product itself. 
It's the most unusual consistency that I've ever used in a primer. I'm mostly used to silicone based primers, and some that are cream but yet still feel like silicone, but this one is just like jelly. To be honest it remind me very much of an extremely high end primer that people raved about on the blogging scene a while back, but I never tried it so I can't compare the two. It's just such an unusual texture! Even when I put my finger in it makes a little dent in the product, but it's not too long before the primer smooths over again! 
When I apply it to my skin it has a very cooling hydrating effect. It dries in fairly quickly too, which is a big thumbs up for me, because I'm always rushing in the mornings! 
But, the big thing is, does it work? I think so.
It definitely does hydrate the skin, as for reducing the appearance of fine lines, I can't say as I thankfully don't have too many yet, but it definitely does a good job of priming the skin. And although it's not marketed as a primer that makes your base last longer, I find it does. My nose is  the first place that my make up disappears from, thanks to a combination of having a very shiney red nose, along with very very obvious pores. But this primer seems to hold it a bit longer than usual! 
Overall I'm very impressed with this primer. I've tried quite a few of them, and I do have a particular favourite from No 7, but it's just so expensive for the amount you get that I can't justify repurchasing it just yet. 
This one was just 5 pounds, I'm not sure what exactly that is in euro, but obviously it's no that expensive, and I only use a little at a time so I think it will last a fair while! :)

You can pick up MUA product's online HERE, or from Superdrug stores. 

Do any of you lovely ladies have any favourite primers?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Glam Glow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment

Everyone and their mother has heard of Glam Glow, and beauty bloggers and You Tubers alike have been singing it's praises for years. But I could never justify the price tag, until on a recent trip to the Aladdin's Cave that is TK Maxx, I found it for the insane price of 24.99! Sure for that price I'd have been mental to not give it a go. (It's usual price tag is around the 50 euro mark for the 50ml jar). There's a few different versions of GlamGlow, depending on what you're skin type is, and what result's you want from a face mask, but the one I picked up (mainly because it's the only one that was there) was the Thirsty Mud treatment. My skin used to be fairly dry and sensitive, but in recent years it's seemed to change to more combination, but I would get dry skin on occasion, usually after wearing a heavy foundation, or else after a night on the tiles and a few drinks. So I figured it wouldn't hurt to have this in my collection.

 First off I love the packaging. It comes in a sealed  cardboard box with all the details off the product on it, so you know what you're getting.When you open the box up it contains all the information you need about the product and all the way's in which you can use the mask, which is handy if you're a newbie! The jar is exactly what you'd expect from such a luxurious product. Glass, strong and sturdy.
So what exactly is Thirsty Mud?

Well, here's what the folk over at GlamGlow HQ have to say about it.
What is is: A nondrying hydration mask to deliver instant, extreme hydration.
What it is formulated to do: THIRSTYMUD™ uses the newest, most advanced, and extreme hydration active technologies. It moisturises, restores, replenishes, and calms the skin. Dewdration™ boosts and locks in moisture for a dewy and youthful result while HydraPack™ leaves skin with an instant silky, soft, and supple feel. GreenEnergy™ smooths and energises the skin, giving you a healthy-looking, glowing complexion.
 Free From: 
 - Parabens
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates

The texture is not what I expected at all. I genuinely thought it was going to be a  mask that would harden and dry out, as most of the others are, but this was more like a cream, or a gel texture, which I suppose makes sense when you think about it as it's a hydrating treatment, so a mask that dried out wouldn't really do the intended job. It also smells really nice, kind of like coconut or something similar. 

It is recommended you use this mask 2 to 3 mask's when needed, and to leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, allowing the product to absorb into the skin. Glamglow also recommend wiping off with a tissue and then massaging the remaining product into the skin, but eh, how can you do that if you've wiped it off? Bit of a contradiction in itself there isn't it! 
But my preferred way to use it is on clean dry skin, after a shower when I'm heading for bed and leaving it on overnight. By the time I get up the next morning my skin feels completely different and nowhere near as dehydrated as it was before!  
Overall, this is a great product that I think when used regularly enough will help my skin stay hydrated and in good knick, I know I should be drinking a lot more water, but I just never do. 
I would really like to try more from the range, but I don't think I'd run out and buy them at full price, maybe if  I was to find some more bargain's in TK Maxx I would give more a go. :P 
However, if you are in the market for a good hydrating face mask and the GlamGlow is out of your price range, there's a great one by the No7 brand that is brilliant also, and it's only 16 euro! 

Have any of you tried any of the GlamGlow range? 
What would you recommend? 
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xx

(Also apologies about the two different font sizes, I've been going mad trying to change it but nothing is working)

Flormar 'Haul'

Hi Ladies,
I hope you're all enjoying the ahem 'Summer'...
Today I'm going to show you a few bit's I picked up from a new make up brand called Flormar. Now I say new, but it actually isn't. They're actually around since the 70's, having been born in Milan, and also having been extremely popular in Turkey, but imagine, it's taken this long to get to us!
Well when I say us, I actually picked up these bits in Lanzarote a few week's back, but fear not, they are on the way to Irish soil very soon I do believe!
I could've gone nut's in the shop so very easily. I mean there was so much of everything! Multiple nail and lip colours, eyeshadow, blushes, you name it they had it! They even had staff on hand to give make-overs, which I genuinely would have loved, but in 36 degree heat it would've just slid right of my face! The staff in there were so pleasant helpful as well, which is always a plus!
So finally, I'm going to show you now what I bought! I haven't done any swatches for the products, but I'll more than likely be doing individual blog post's on all the item's, so I shall add in the swatches to those posts.

• High Performance Rotating Volume Mascara: Yep, you read that right, A rotating mascara, which I believe the girl in store told me is battery operated! I was a bit dubious that it would do anything, but after having it tried on one of my eye's I had to have it. It instantly made my eyelashes appear longer and thicker, without that clumpy look! I haven't used it properly since because I've such a huge amount of mascara to get through, but I look forward to using it! 

• Sheer Tinted BB Cream with SPF 15: This I have yet to try properly, but once I do I'll definitely let you guy's know how I got on with it. Some day's I just can't be bothered with a full face of make up, but it's still nice to put something on when I have to go out and run some errands and what not. From the little bit the sales assistant tried on my hand it seems to have a decent amount of coverage, even though the name is 'sheer tinted'. I'm not a fan of really full coverage bases anyway, so this will be nice to have in my ever expanding collection! Colour wise though I did struggle to find a good match, but then again I was in Spain where the ladies are a lot more bronzed than me, but I'm sure they'll cater to us pale skinned lassies when they arrive on our shores!It doesn't actually give a shade name on this, it just says 01, so I'm just assuming it's the lightest shade! 

• Extra Colour Lip Lacquer Shade 04 Peace Out: I have given this serious usage since picking it up, I'm absolutely loving it! For me Lip Lacquer's have a tendency to be extremely drying and leave my lips in a heap. Not this chap! It's so creamy and comfortable to wear, and it lasts forever! The pigmentation is amazing as well, like you literally only need the smallest amount. I really love the colour of this, it's like a light pink/peach colour, but to be honest, I don't think it really suits me. But ya know, YOLO and all that. :P

• Terracotta Blush in Shade 45 Touch of Rose: This is a baked blush, and it's absolutely gorgeous! It kind of reminds me of the Mineralized Skin Finishes from MAC to look at, I can't say if it performs the same as I don't own any of them :( But this is a beautiful pink, with hint's of brown and gold glitter. I find that when I apply it that it nearly does the job of a blush and a bronzer all in one, and we all love a product that's multi purpose! However if you don't like glitter I wouldn't recommend this, as it is very heavy on glitter, and I find as the day goes on and the colour fades a bit, the glitter is more prominent. I don't care though I still luurrrve it! 
• 
  

• Puffy Eyeshadow 03 in Its My Headband: This is a lovely burgundy, rusty kind of shade, It probably won't suit me at all but the colour was so pretty I just had to have it! I haven't tried it properly, but one swipe in the shop resulted in such pigmentation, and it seemed to be really smooth, so once this post is up and pictures are taken I'll be sure to give it a good go! I'm thinking it would be perfect for a statement eye look on a night out! 

       
 So these are the few items I picked up. I really could have bought the shop but I was good and            restrained  myself, but I definitely will be picking up a few more bit's when it gets to Ireland.              The prices are fantastic, think somewhere along the lines of Rimmel and Maybelline, and the               packaging is a lot more luxurious than the prices would lead you to believe! If I can find prices           I will add them in for the item's, but I would advise getting out and trying the brand because for           the price you can't really go wrong! 

        Have any of you tried Flormar? What did you think?

        Thanks for reading,

         Alisha xxx

Rimmel Self-Tan Mousse

For the most part I'm a massive tanaphobe. (I'm not even sure if that's a word, but for the sake of this post it is). I've tried a fair few tans, and a lot of them just haven't worked for me. Even Cocoa Brown, which is probably the easiest tan in the world to use, just didn't seem to look right on my Casper skin. However, Rimmel released a new mousse tan recently, (when I say recently it's definitely a few months ago), so of course I decided I'd try it.

First off, the packaging. It comes in a plastic bottle that contains 150ml of product.  It's about the 7.99 mark, so not expensive at all for what you get. The nozzle makes it really easy to dispense the product, in comparison to some other tan's which I often find get clogged and stop dispensing the product after a certain amount of time! It's not exactly the fanciest looking, but it's fine. And honestly, I'm not a huge packaging fiend, as long as a product does the job I'm extremely happy.
And let me tell you this product definitely does a mighty job. I think I have finally found a 'holy grail tan'.
On Rimmels' website, www.rimmellondon.com if you're interested, this is what they have to say about the product.

Instant colour which develops into a long lasting colour over 3-6 hours

Gives a natural tan for 2-3 weeks (with an application once a week during 3 weeks)

Blends flawlessly and seamlessly for a streak free result

No fake tan smell.

The tan itself does provide instant colour, but nothing too mad, I think it's more a guide colour so you can see where it's been applied already.
 I also find after an hour the shade has started to deepen a bit, and after maybe 4 hours it's developed into a nice bronzed shade, that's deep enough for me. (I'm using the light shade for the record. The best bit for me is that it doesn't have to be washed off!
 You just apply it, let it dry (it dries very quickly FYI,) and you're good to go!
It goes on really easily, and it doesn't streak at all.
 It doesn't transfer onto clothes or sheets which is a pain in the backside with most tans.
It's matte, so it's really natural looking, so nothing like the sunshimmer of day's gone by where we'd look like a disco ball after application!
However, the only claim I'd disagree with is the claim that there's no fake tan smell. Because there is. Not as strong as most other tan's, but after a while you do get that biscuit smell.
But to be honest, because I think the product is so brilliant, I'll forgive it that! I genuinely think this is the most fool proof tan I've ever tried. It doesn't even go funny on my hands, which happens with every tan I've used!
As for longevity, I find if I moisturise well after I shower and exfoliate, I can get a good week out of the tan. I haven't reapplied it so I can't say whether it lives up to the claim that it lasts' 2-3 weeks. But a week for me is plenty!
I'm currently rocking the pale look, so I shall update this at the weekend  with some pictures
when I'm a bronzed goddess to show you all what the colour is like! :)

It's priced around 7.99 I believe, and you can buy it in most Penney's and most pharmacies!
Have you tried it?
What are your thoughts on it?

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

(Image taken from www.boots.ie)

2015 Beauty New Years Resolutions

Hey ladies!
Hope you all had a great Christmas and a fantastic New Year!
This is what feels like my millionth attempt to get back to blogging, so what better way to get back into it than a quick and easy post on what my New Years Resolutions are, beauty style!


 1: This is probably the biggest one, and the one that will I find most difficult, but I need to stop buying so much make up! It's ridiculous the amount I have, and there's only so much I can put on my face at any given time. So I'm not going to buy any more for the foreseeable future, I have far too many mascara's, foundations,  blushes and eyeshadow than I can count! So hopefully I shall discover some new favourite's hidden away at the back of my drawers! :)


2: Improve my skincare routine. I need to hugely overhaul my skincare regime. It's not in too bad a shape really, I always cleanse,tone and moisturise in the morning, but nighttime is where I get a bit lazy. I do more often than not take my make up off at the end of the day, (this may not be the case for night's out however but shhhhh..) But as for the moisturising, well, it just seems like a huge job at night, so I aim to get a lot better at that for 2015 so I can have skin like that of a teenager! :)

3: Use up some of the stash of shower gel's, body butter's and lotions and potions that I've gathered up. Yep, we all know the drill. It's hard to resist the 3 for 2's and the Christmas gift sets that do be on offer, but when you know you have enough to last you for 2 year's (ish) worth of showers and baths, it's time to reign it in! Hopefully I will use up a good amount this year, although I may have to start showering twice a day with the amount I have!

So they are the 3 main beauty resolutions I have for 2015. Not a lot, but ones that I really need to keep before I get lost in a flood of make up and shower products! I think I'll do OK with regards to the lotions and potions, but as for the make up, I'm not sure! I've already used the excuse of my powder being smashed up as an excuse to buy a new one! (I haven't yet though.)

So ladies, have you made any beauty new years resolutions?
If so what are they?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xx

Current Favourites

Hey ladies!
For such a long time I've been trying to get back on track with my blogging. I still love make up and beauty just as much as I previously did, but there was just something about blogging that felt like an effort, so because of that I gave it a break for quite a long while. Oops!
Today I'm here to tell you about my current favourites. I have tried a fair bit during the Summer so my list could be huge, but I'll try and keep it short so you won't get bored! :)

Essence All About Matt Powder: I've always always always for as long as I can remember had dry and previously  super sensitive skin. But for whatever reason this Summer my skin turned more to the oily side of the scale, and no matter what primer or foundation I used, after a couple of hours my face was as shiny as a disco ball. I picked this up on a whim one day because it was cheap, and oh my god it is actually so good!I apply it after all my other make up is done, and it keeps me matt all day long. Now that the weather has slightly changed and gotten a bit cooler, I may not need to use it as much, but for anyone on a budget looking for a good mattifying powder, give this a go!


Covergirl 3 in 1 Outlast Foundation: I'm really trying to ration my use of this because I picked it up in the States back in April, and since I've no immediate plans to return for a while I don't know when I'll be able to pick it up again! Sad face! But anyway, this is the first foundation in quite a while that I've really loved. Its a medium/full coverage and it leaves the nicest finish on the skin. Not matte, but not particularly dewy either.  But it lasts ALL DAY. I put it on in the morning and when I'm taking my make up off at night it looks exactly the same as it had earlier. To me it just looks natural! I only got it back in April and I'm over half way in the bottle already, so that just shows how good it really is!

Benefit Dandelion Blush: This has been mentioned quite a few times before, but when you hit pan on something then you really know its a favourite! Its a beautiful natural shade of pink, with a very very subtle hint of shimmer. Its the perfect blush to wear if you want to go for a strong smokey eye, or a bright statement lip. I really can't wait to try more of the Benefit Box O Powders because I genuinely love this one!

MUA Undressed Palette: I'm a neutrals girl through and through. I don't know what it is but I'm just not adventurous when it comes to my eyes! This palette is MUA's version of the Naked Palette, and you can see how much I love it by just looking at the battered packaging and I've hit pan on a couple of them already!  I'm not too gone on the Matte shades so I don't use them that much, but I love the shimmers, and when I use them alongside a primer, they stay put all day!

Rimmel Colour Rush Balms: There was one particular shade that I wanted to tell you about, but typical when I went to photograph it, it seems to have disappeared! I'm really looking forward to trying some deeper shades when the weather gets a bit cooler! This is probably the most comfortable, pigmented lip crayon I've used so far, and trust me I've tried a lot of them! There's a newer pinky/purple shade that came out as part of the Rita Ora Collection that I can't wait to try! :)

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm: I was lucky enough that my mother gifted one of these to me when she purchased it herself of QVC a while back. I hadn't been using it because its so expensive, but I've been using it regularly the last while and I'm so impressed! I rub some onto my face and it sounds strange but you can feel it actually melting the make up away! I then rinse it off with a warm face cloth and all my make up is gone! I often use a micellar water to make sure, but there genuinely isn't a trace of make up left!

So that's it lads and ladies.. There's so much more I could list here, but for now I'll keep it short and sweet! :) I've really enjoyed writing this post, so here's hoping that this is the start of me getting my blogging mojo back!
Anything in particular that you've been loving lately?
Thanks for reading (if there's anyone still left out there)
Alisha xx

I'm baaaack!!

If there's anyone left out there reading this blog, then from the bottom of my heart I'm truly sorry for the huge blank space that has been this blog for the last couple of months! I could give a list of excuses why, but I won't. In truth its just been laziness. Plenty of people have plenty of things going on in there lives, and still make time for their blog, so for me to come along and try to use the things that have happened in recent months to me as an excuse, it would just be highly insulting to all those people out there who have genuinely have more hectic lives and still have fantastic blogs on the side!
Anywho, apologies aside, things have changed a bit for me in recent months, and to be honest at the start I was a bit down in the dumps about it, but the last few weeks especially, I've seen how fantastic the friends that I have really are, and I've enjoyed some fantastic nights out with them, some that I won't be forgetting anytime soon... :D But one thing these nights out (there's been a lot), have taught me, is that for the first time in a long long time, I'm genuinely happy.
Far too many times I found myself sitting in my bedroom crying for reasons I couldn't figure out, a lot of the time I put it down to grieving for my grandfather, (which maybe it was). However, I haven't had that happen to me in weeks. I wake up in the morning in a great mood, looking forward the day ahead, and find myself giggling and smiling at ridiculous things during the day and just in much better form than I ever can remember being in before.
So now that I've found myself in this great humour, I've found itch to start blogging again has returned. I'm not that sure exactly where I'll start, but over the last while I've found some products that I genuinely love, so no doubt you'll hear about those!
So if there's any of you left out there, thanks for sticking with me and I'm looking forward to getting stuck back in soon!

Lots of Love,

Alisha xxx

'Nearly Empties'

So today's post is a  bit of a different one. Last night I was getting ready for bed and cleaning my face and all that stuff, and something hit me like a bolt of lightning out of the blue.. I HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF. I mean, it was something I knew all along, but whatever way I looked at it last night it was different, like all of a sudden I took my rose tinted glasses off and saw the amount of stuff I've gathered up over the years for the first time. Not good!
 I'm a bit embarrassed and ashamed of it if the truth be told. I mean I've so many shower gels and body lotions on the go at the one time I've lost track! So today I've decided I'm going to pick some products that I've been using for a good while now, and try and use them up by the end of the month so I can go on and use some other new bits instead!
I'm also going to do the same with my make up bag and give it an overhaul in a way, so that I'm using products that I've shoved to the side and forgotten about, but I shall do that separately!

L'Occitane Verbena Body Lotion: I'm not sure if I should continue to use this or actually throw it out because I've had it opened for so long. I think the latter may be the best option! I absolutely love the Verbena range from L'Occitane. Its a beautiful refreshing lemon scent, that is perfect for the Summer and for early mornings aswell as it instantly wakes me up. I really want to get rid of this one because my parents got me a lovely gift set of the same range at Christmas, and I can't wait to get to start using it!

Boots Extracts Mango Sugar Scrub: I bought this huge tub last Summer, and its still going strong, although I wish it wasn't, as I'm really not liking it! Its not tough enough to feel like its actually doing a good job, and after I rinse it off it leaves what feels like an oily film on my skin. I hate wasting things so I'm going to use it until the very end.

Soap and Glory Clean on Me Shower Wash: Don't get me wrong, I love Soap and Glory, quite a lot as a matter of fact, but given that I've been using this shower gel for about 6 months now, you may understand why at this stage I'm a little bored of it! Like these bottles are a huge 500mls, that's half a litre! They are ridiculously big, and while there's no denying that its great value, at this stage I want to try one of the other lovely ones!

Soap And Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter: Obviously enough this goes hand in hand with the last product because the scent is the exact same, so I use them in conjunction with each other. I have a few of these lying around the place thanks to the gift sets I buy every Christmas, but I'm making good headway with this one and have over half of the product gone, so hopefully by the end of the month it'll be used up!

No 7 Protect and Perfect Night Cream: I'm great with moisturisers in the morning, but I admit I slack off at night time. I'm nearly done with this though, so I'm going to get better and actually give myself a proper night time skincare routine and use up the end of this fella so I can get on to something else.


Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Make Up Remover: Again, nothing very exciting about this one. It doesn't remove eye make up very well at all, so no wonder its extra gentle! I much prefer my micellar solution for removing eye make up, it does a much better job! However there's only a small drop left so I'm going to do my best.


So ladies, they are all the shower type products that I'm going to attempt to use up this month. Hopefully I'll manage to do it, but I shall check back in at the end of the month and let you know how I get on! I'll also do something similar with my make up at some point aswell!



Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Orange Lips...

Hey ladies, I hope you all had a fantastic June Bank Holiday Weekend! I'd a great time, went out Friday, had a rest Saturday, and hit the town again yesterday! :) It was great to catch up with friends and have a good gossip, and scout out some potential talent ;)
Anyway, given that I've seen orange lips everywhere this Summer, I decided I wanted to give it a try. I'm a little bit apprehensive about colours like these because they can often wash me out and just look ridiculous on me! But I decided I'd pick up something cheap to try the trend, and if I didn't like it there was no harm done.

The one I decided to try was from one of my favourite brands Catrice, more specifically the Ultimate Colour Range. This range comes in sleek black packaging, which make it look more expensive than its less than 5 euro price tag. It also has the brand name embossed into the actually product, which I think is another lovely touch.
The shade I picked up was shade 50, Princess Peach, ( cute right?) To me this is a beautiful light orange shade, which isn't too over powering, which is what I wanted given that I was dipping my toe into the orange pool for the first time.

Formula wise, it was so comfortable, it glided on to my lips effortlessly, and left a creamy, glossy sheen. It applied lightly, but I built it up to get more colour. Time wise, it didn't last too long, but given that I was eating and drinking, I wasn't too surprised. But reapplying lip products isn't something that bothers me too much.
Overall, I'm really glad I picked it up, and I do genuinely really like it! Paired with a neutral eye and lashings of mascara, it's the perfect shade for Summer, if it ever arrives that is! I also picked up a more vibrant shade from the Penney's range, but I'm yet to try this, but I shall let you all know when I do! :)

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Recent Penney's Purchases

We all know the drill by now. You pop into Penney's for socks and come out after  having spent 80 euro in no time! It happens to us all, and my justification is that I don't shop anywhere else really, rarely go out, and don't smoke. There my reasons and I'm sticking to them like glue! :P
All that aside, I've been in and out of Penney's a fair few times over the last month or so, and have picked up a nice few bits. So all the pieces are fairly recent, so if you see something that catches your eye, chances are they still have it in stock!

I've had my beady eyes on this Hat for the longest time, and I eventually gave in and bought it. It only cost 5 euro, but I was wary of buying it as I'm not really a hat person. I do think it'll look so cool with a vest top and denim shorts for a festival kinda look, or else for lounging around in the sun on holidays!

This Striped Tshirt caught my eye and I knew instantly I had to have it. It came in two colours, the coral and white, or the navy and white, and I'm annoyed with myself now that I didn't buy the navy as well, as these will be so handy and they'll go with more or less anything!

It literally took me all night to remember the word Kimono. I know, how bad is that! Penney's had some fab kimono's in store, but I'm only a tiny 5'0, so they would have just swamped me and made me look even smaller. When I saw this cream lacy one I grabbed it as I knew the style would suit me a lot more, as its sleeveless and its not as busy as the other ones that were in store. If the weather would pick up again I just think this would be gorgeous over a tshirt and denim shorts, or teamed with a plain maxi dress, but its so versatile there are heaps of ways you could wear it I'm sure!

More recently I picked up this Aztec printed skirt for a night out, and I absolutely love it. There's so many colours in it that you can team it with anything, and I teamed it with this blue strappy top, and it was perfect.

I also grabbed a pair of nude heels that are so comfortable because they aren't too high, and I also bought these beautiful blue sandals to put with them when the Summer arrives!

Lately I've been obsessed with Penney's jewelry, and is it any wonder when they have pieces like this in store? The 3 toned knot style just won me over! 

I can't not visit the make up section when I go to Penney's, I'm obsessed. Lately I've been having problems with my skin, one week it can be dry and my make up will not budge off my face, but at the minute it seems to be fairly oily and within a couple of hours the shine on my nose and forehead is something ridiculous, so I picked up this Oil Control Primer from Essence,  and this mattifying powder from Catrice. So here's hoping!

So these are just a few bits that I've picked up in the last few weeks.
Have you picked up anything nice from Penney's lately?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Catrice Liquid Metal Single Shadow in Gold N Roses

Over recent months I've developed an obsession with Rose Gold. I bought a ridiculous amount of rose gold jewelry (cheap costume jewelry  of course), my lovely parents got me a watch as a gift, and I went on a hunt for the perfect Rose Gold nail polish, (I think I found it, its a Max Factor one). I then picked up the Naked 3 palette, and while I love that don't get me wrong, I still felt I was missing a true Rose Gold eyeshadow, mental eh? But while I was in Penneys the other day, I wandered over to the Catrice stand as I always do and left with The One. Pretty big statement right? But look at it! If that's not the perfect Rose Gold shade I don't know what is!

The Catrice Liquid Metal shadow's are highly pigmented shadows, which have a super metallic finish, which come in a range of colours, to suit either day wear or night wear. The embossment of these is so cool aswell. Its almost like 3D snakeskin!

Application is so easy with these aswell, the formula is fantastic, so pigmented and creamy. I tend to use this on its own for day wear as its just so pretty, but I'm sure it'll look great blended with other shadows for other looks, (I'm not that creative).
Altogether there's 9 shades in the range, and at around 4/5 euro each, you can afford to have them all in your collection! ;)

Have you tried these?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

You know when you see/hear someone rave about something for ages, and it makes you wonder could it be that good? Well that's what happened to me with the Milani Blush in Luminoso. The beautiful Amelia from Liana Beauty raves about this all the time, so I just had to pick it up to see what all the fuss was about. (Any excuse right) ;)

These blushes from Milani are baked blushes, meaning that a liquid product is heated for up to 24 hours on Terra cotta tiles to achieve the desired effect, consistency etc. These baked products can then be used wet or dry to achieve whatever effect you desire.
Luminoso is like nothing I've ever tried before.  Its a beautiful peach shade that is packed with the really fine gold shimmer.

When applied to the face it leaves a a natural flush of colour on the cheeks in fact when its on it doesn't look peach at all, while the shimmer provides a gorgeous subtle glow to the cheeks which just makes your skin look so much healthier.
I never usually am impressed with a product straight away, bar maybe one or two. But I've been using this constantly since I bought it last month, and I don't think another blush has got near my cheeks since. Its very neutral so whether you're going for a smokey eye, or a bright statement lip, you can wear this safe in the knowledge it won't distract from either.

Unfortunately though I got this in America. So bad news is its not readily available in Ireland.. Good news is if you're a fan of online shopping, you can pick this up on Cherry Culture!
Have you tried any Milani products?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I must admit, I didn't get very excited about the release of either Naked 1 or Naked 2. They were neutral shadows and I didn't feel like splashing out 40 euro on browns and golds. I picked up the MUA Undressed and Undress Me Too as they were the most obvious dupes at the time, and they did and to this day still do the job fantastically well for palettes that cost me just 4 pounds each. The Naked 3 though, was a completely different story. As soon as I saw the pictures that had leaked on to the Internet I was willing it to be true, as it was just so pretty, and completely me. So I knew, at some stage, whenever it would be, that it would be mine. And now it is, so lets see how I got on with it!

First of all the packaging, I totally love the look of it. The shadows themselves are encased in a Rose Gold almost tin like case, with what seems like slight waves going through it. On opening the palette though it doesn't feel the most sturdy. It feels like if I were to let if fall, (which is highly possible with clumsy old me),that the case itself would just break in two, which shouldn't be with something that's not exactly cheap. I may have just got a dud case, who knows, but anyway its not highly important, just something to be aware of.
The actual eyeshadows themselves, I seriously love. All pink toned neutrals, varying from light highlight shades, perfect for under the brow bone and inner corner,  to darker shades which are perfect for crease work and blending out into the outer V.
The shades in the palette are as follows:

• Strange: (Matte), 
• Dust (Shimmer)
• Burnout (Shimmer)
• Limit: (Matte)
• Buzz: (Shimmer)
• Trick: (Shimmer 
• Nooner: (Matte)
• Liar: (Shimmer)
• Factory: (Shimmer)
• Mugshot: (Shimmer)
• Darkside: (Matte)
• Blackhorse: (Shimmer)

Everything I've read about Urban Decay shadows, I 100 percent agree with. Soft, buttery, and so easy to blend. I'm not very good at doing elaborate eye looks, but with this palette and the easiness with which the shadows blend, I'm giving it a good go at least! The only slight problem is the fallout from the shimmery shadows. This problem isn't exclusive to UD shadows however, as it occurs with most other shimmery shadows that I've tried. But aslong as you do your eye make up before your foundation etc, its not too much of an issue. I have to say I'm really impressed with the mattes in the palette. I tend to use shimmery shadow's more often, because they tend to be more pigmented and last longer on me. The mattes in this though are really good, and actually are full of pigment and don't fade away after just a few hours. I particularly love using Nooner as a  quick all over the lid colour for every day. 

But I really really fell head over heels for the shimmers within the palette. When they're applied on to the eyes I think they just look beautiful. My particular favourites are Dust, and Buzz, and used individually they just give a lovely wash of colour to the lids. If I'm going on a night out or to an occasion, and I want my eye make up to look a bit more 'done', I tend to go for the darker shades, say Factory and Mugshot, with a bit of Blackheart blended into the Outer V and it gives a really lovely effect, it looks like you've put in loads of effort, when in reality its only taken a couple of minutes. 

Another thing I am so impressed with is the brush that comes with it, there's a flat side perfect for packing on colour, and a larger fluffier brush which is great for blending. It actually works really well, but then again when its a higher ended brand and you're parting with the guts of 50 euro, they can't really give you one of those sponge applicators now can they? 

It also  comes with some samples of the various Primer Potions that UD do, I've only used one of them so far, but to be honest I found it didn't prolong the wear of the shadows a whole lot, but I only used a small bit at a time,  so that could be why.
Overall, I am genuinely delighted that I bought this, and am not in anyway disappointed with the purchase. I know its a lot of money to spend on eyeshadow, but I thought about it long and hard before I bought it, and I saved up for it, so I don't feel too bad. If you like me fell for the pink hues of this, but don't want to spend that amount of money, ,then Make Up Revolution have released what is reported to be a very good dupe of Naked 3, for just 4 pounds! (They also have so many other amazing products that I shall definitely be checking out soon) ;)

Have you any of the Naked Palettes?
Which is your favourite?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

                                       Swatches with flash...

                                         Swatches without flash...

Physicians Formula Wishlist

If you've been living under a rock you'll have missed the news that another American drugstore brand Physician's Formula will be sitting pretty in pharmacies across the country from June 1st! I was personally delighted to hear this as I haven't tried anything from the brand, and when I had the opportunity to pick up some bits I didn't take it, silly me!

Today I thought I'd take the opportunity to show you all what I'll be hotfooting it to the stands for when we can get our hands on the brand!

1: Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow And Liner Collection: Seriously long winded name there, and it seems to be the same with most of the products. I have a ridiculous amount of nude eye shadow palettes, but I really wouldn't mind adding this to my collection. I was under the illusion there was a liner with this, but it seems to be that if you use it wet it transforms the shadow's into liner. Interesting! There was a few colour options available in this, but everyone loves a good nude palette I think!

2: Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Curl and Care Mascara: I admit I just want this for the seriously cute packaging! However PF also say this conditions and nourishes lashes, which I've never heard of from a mascara before!

3: Happy Booster Glow And Mood Boosting Blush: PF totally have me hooked with the presentation of all they products.. I mean, how could anyone leave this blush with those cute little hearts behind? The really interesting thing with this is that there is an ingredient in this blush called 'euphoryl' which is a natural plant extract which apparently have been shown to actually promote a happy feeling in the person wearing it by mimicking the effects of endorphins. Interesting eh??

4: Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush: I'm a sucker for blush, but I'm really a sucker for natural looking blush that just make you're skin look more awake rather than anything too bright, and this looks just perfect.

5: Oh So Sexy Eye Shadow Quad: I have to confess... I'm not really a master of eye shadow. I mean most of the time I literally just throw one wash all over and I'm good to go. However on nights out I'm trying a bit better to add in the crease colour and blend and all that stuff, so this looks like it would be the perfect start to a natural looking smokey eye for day time. And look at those little embellishments in the product!

6: PH Matchmaker PH Powered Lip Gloss: This lip gloss is a genius idea. It contains ingredients which adjust to your own individual PH level, and therefore creates your own individual lip colour! Amazing! And the little light in the top is perfect for topping up your lipgloss in the back of a taxi! :)

So my lovelies, they are the bits I personally can't wait to get my hands on. What about you? Anything catching your eyes?

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish

I had heard so many rave reviews about the new Gel Effect Polish from Nails Inc, but they don't do them in my local Brown Thomas in Galway, (at least I don't think they do, correct me if I'm wrong), so when I was in Sephora I decided I'd pick one up because it was convenient. There was some really nice shades to choose from, but in the end I opted for a colour I always do. Green. Well, Soho Place to be more precise. It cost 14 dollars, so just over 10 euro, which is the most I've ever spent on a nail polish in my life, so I was really really hoping for amazing results as I know so many popular beauty bloggers love them. I'm afraid I don't share the same love for them though. The idea of the Gel Effect Polish is fairly obvious. It claims to offer a high shine glossy finish akin to a gel manicure, without the need for UV lamps and having to soak it off afterwards. This all sounds good in theory, but it just didn't do it for me.

Why? Well first off all, to me there didn't seem to be much of a 'high shine'. I applied two coats like I do with every other nail polish, and granted there was some shine, but not as much as I would expect there to be for a polish that is meant to give the same effect a manicure that was done by a professional in a salon. I also expected it not to chip that easily. If it lasted 3 days at a minimum I would have been happy. Well, I applied it on a Thursday, and by the afternoon on Friday it was chipped. And not just one or two tiny ones, I could have dealt with that. Nope, they were fairly big chips on quite a few of my nails, which was very disappointing. But then the time came for removal. I'm lazy and don't use a base coat much, and some polishes do stain my nails but I have never suffered staining as bad as I have with this polish. My nails were a horrible green/grey colour, and I instantly covered my nails with another polish so people wouldn't think I was dirty and never washed my hands.
Overall I am so disappointed with these. I know they advise on the website to use a base and a top coat, which really I don't understand, as surely the formula itself is strong enough to warrant not needing either? That all said, I won't be purchasing anymore of them, and will be sticking with my trusty Barry M Gelly Hi-Shines in the future!

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Sharing the Love: Maybelline

Maybelline is a brand that I would never have really looked at in previous years. Not because I thought there was anything wrong with the brand, but I just tended to stick to Rimmel and Catrice products because they worked for me. Recently though I have absolutely been loving Maybelline as a brand, and a lot of my everyday make-up is from them. Cheap as chips products, great quality, what's not to love! So today I thought I'd share with you all my top picks from the brand, and who know's maybe you'll come across things you've never tried that you may want to give a go to! :)

Fit Me Foundation: This has been my go to foundation as of late. Its exactly the kind of coverage I like, light weight foundation but it is buildable. It just gives a nice healthy glow to the skin, which I love, as matte foundations just make my skin look too flat. The idea behind this foundation is its make up that fits you and your skin tone. The colours are divided into pink toned and yellow toned, making it easier for you to find your perfect match. The colour I was previously using, (120), was a tad too dark, so I just used it whenever I used fake tan. But I picked it up in 115, which is a much better match to my skin tone, so its getting lots of use! Its a brilliant price too at only 11.99!

Fit Me Concealer:  From the same family as the foundation, this concealer has been compared to the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, but as I don't have it I can't say 'yay or nay' to the comparison. However I can say I love this concealer. Its a light creamy concealer, which can be used under the eye to brighten up or used on blemishes as it has enough pigmentation. And it doesn't settle in to the nooks and crannies under my eyes woo! And its only 8.99! :)

24 Hour Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow: Everyone knows the deal with these now so I don't have to go on and on about them again, but they are fantastic to use as bases for eyeshadows! I often use On And On Bronze on its own if I can't be bothered with heavy eyeshadow, but some of the others I find very patchy looking on their own, so I tend to reserve them solely as bases, but they do a fantastic job of keeping eyeshadow in place! My personal favourite shades are On And On Bronze and Pink Gold! These are only 10 euro each, and they do last for an eternity!

Colour Sensational Lipsticks: This was the first product that made me realise I needed more Maybelline in my life. Its been a while since I've used these so I really must give them more love over the summer! The colours I own are 'Hot Plum' and 'Shocking Coral' which as the names suggest are really bright in your face colours, perfect for the summer evenings! The pigmentation is great, and they don't dry out your lips, which is  great as its my pet peeve in lip products! Again these are only a tenner, so its a great way to try out bright lipsticks without spending a huge amount of money!

The Eraser Under Eye Concealer: Another concealer, but its love! This undereye concealer was a god send for me when I was suffering from really bad dark circles, nothing else I tried worked. Until I tried this and it instantly got rid of those blue/purple undertones from under my eyes and it made me look more awake and refreshed in seconds! Its 11.99 so again, not badly priced!

Maybelline Colour Elixirs: I had heard so much of these on Essie Buttons channel that I had to pick up a couple, and now I'm raging that I didn't pick up some more because these are one of the most comfortable lip products I've ever had. They are similar to a gloss, but they're so much more pigmented than a standard gloss, and they are so creamy! And even after the gloss has disappeared, there's a slight stain left on the lips! These weren't expensive, maybe around 7/8 dollars, but I'm really hoping they appear on Maybelline Stands here soon!

So that's it ladies... Not a lot here, but still, the few bits that are here are really great, or at least I think they are anyway!
What products are you loving lately?

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Benefit Vending Machines.

I was in JFK last Tuesday, and after being disappointed in myself for not doing as much shopping as I could have (rookie mistake), I'd decided I was going to make the most of airport shopping and spend a chunk of the dollars that I had left. Until I got to the terminal and saw that the shopping was complete and utter rubbish. We were flying out from Terminal 5 and maybe its one of the smaller terminals at the airport or something but shopping was very limited. There was a tiny shop with some perfumes and cigarettes, a few stands with a couple of beauty brands outside it, but that was it for beauty shopping. I was well and truly disgusted because I thought there may have been some MAC, but nope!
But then... I came across a vending machine. Not much excitement there until I looked in and saw it was selling Benefit Products! How mental is that! I don't own much Benefit bar the Dandelion blush, and the ever popular Porefessional primer, so I thought I may aswell try some new bits to see were they as good as the other two!

                                                            The vending machine itself...

But the really important question is... What did I buy?
I had thought about purchasing Sugarbomb blush as I love Dandelion so much, but then I decided it would be more beneficial to try some of the mini's instead.
So I opted for the 'Beauty Score' kit, which seemed better value for 36 dollars compared to 1 blush at 28 dollars, (beauty maths right there).
It contains 10 mini sized products which are the perfect size for travelling, and out of the 10 I've only ever tried one, which is good going!

The products it contains are:

• Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain (2.5mls)
• Highbeam  Highlighter  (2.5mls)
• Stay Don't Stray Primer (2.5mls)
• Ooh La Lift Under Eye Brightener (2.5mls)
• The Porefessional Primer (7.5mls)
• That Gal Highlighter (7.5mls)
• It's Potent Eye Cream (3.0grms)
• Hoola Bronzer (3.0grms)
• BelleBamba Blush (3.0grms)
• They're Real Mascara (3.0grms0

All in all I'm really impressed with what's in this, and I think its fantastic value, considering it works out to be about 25 euro! I know they're all smaller sizes, but realistically they will last me for ages, as I had a sample this size of the Porefessional before, and it last me a good 6/8 weeks! I'm especially looking forward to trying the Hoola Bronzer and the Ooh La Lift brightener! :)

Have any of you tried any of these products? What do you think of Benefit overall? 

Thanks for reading,

Alisha xxx