Home Sweet Home

Okay so you might have noticed ive just posted a million posts up today but its only because I deleted my old blog so i moved everything here to this lovely new one! enjoy xx

I've also got a word press blog which has the same stuff as this one in case you fancy having a nosy!

http://mybeautifuldaydream.wordpress.com/

She's back!!!!! The Fairy has Arrived

SNOW FAIRY

Eeepppp guys it’s here!! It’s that time of year again! You know what I’m talking about she’s arrived the snow fairy is here!! Seriously??? Have you been living under a rock? You are not worthy 

Every year around now lush waves it’s magical wand and conjures up the most divinely decadent super sweet insanely indulgent beautiful shower gel you will ever have ever! It is amazing!! And I stock up loads every year and every year around mid April when I run out I weep tears of sugary sadness that I didn’t stock up enough cursing that I never learn my lesson!

See the fairy doesn’t stick around for long she’s a busy lady so between now and December grab what you can! Or don’t… More for me!!!

I’m soooo happy I’m ordering a bucketload as we speak! And don’t think just because it’s pink and smells like candy floss you’re precious stash is safe because my boyfriend has fallen under its spell. He smells just like candy when he steps out of the shower! See nobody can resist her charms!!

 

Tutorial: retro eyeliner

Nothing has the transformation powers as magical as eyeliner. It’s beyond amazing it can take even the dullest face to the next level.

We all know there are many different types of liner: pencil, kohl, liquid, gel, powder and we all have our favourites personally I am all about gel liners! Especially macs fluidline it’s beyond amazing it is long lasting has amazing staying power and is really easy to move about and dries really lightly so you don’t feel heavy lidded.

Anyway so getting on with it, it’s super easy so get your liner if you are using gel it’s best to start off with a small slanted brush and once you get the hang of it move on to a skinny liner brush I use mac 209. It is possible to use a smaller brush again but I like my liner a little thicker so that brush is my favourite.

The easiest way to do this is to start half way into your lid and pull it out to the edge. Then go back into the corner of your eye and work back towards the centre.

Go back out to the edge of your eyelid and decide where you want your flick to be. Draw it in and then connect the line back to the centre. The best way to do this is to connect the top of the outer point to the start of the line in the inner corner. Create a straight line from these two points. By doing this it gives you a proper cat eye. Really vampy very sexy and makes you feel like you could kick the worlds ass!

Then just thicken up the line until you have the perfect eye you want be careful not to overwork it it’s super easy to go just a tiny bit too far then next thing you know you are Alice cooper!

Review: Jessica generation 3 week manicure

I decided to check out a Jessica generation manicure just before I went on holidays to see what all the fuss was about! I headed over to the lovely girls in champagne beauty in dunshaughlin for a little treat!

I’ve discovered I always have a tendency to go for red colours on my nails and this time was no different I chose a beautiful deep red colour called Merlot and after twenty minutes or so my nails were beautifully decorated like gorgeous shiny Christmas baubles. I was so pleased with myself. Off I went to Spain delighted that I didn’t need any varnish, remover or any nail related nonsense I was guaranteed 3 weeks of nail perfection.

Or was I!? Okay so to be fair it could have been the pool or the sea maybe even both but after one week my nails were well an truly chipped and after another day or two the Polish was completely gone. I know it’s supposed to be really tough to get off but apparently clorine took care of that quite easily.

I have to say my nails were so weak afterwards they had grown a good bit in one week but broke almost instantly. But to be honest I was so chuffed with how pretty they looked It was totally worth it. Hopefully next time it will last a lot longer. No pool no sea water no chipping! Fingers crossed!

poppy approves!!

Tutorial: smokey cat eye

Hey guys I’ve currently got the flu it’s driving me nuts so I decided to do a little tutorial for you guys.

Start with a shimmery light shadow I’m using Jest from mac all over the lower lid.
Then go 3/4 ways into the lid and apply a dark brown shade I’m using mac Devine decadence. Buff that in using a 217 brush building up the cover as you go.

Buff a darker brown like mac espresso into the socket.

In the inner corner of your eyelid buff some shimmery light shade I used macrice paper to highlight as it has a really strong pigment. Then using the same shade highlight your brow bone.

Next I layered on lots of lovely mascara because it’s the best I used my new holy grail mascara from bare minerals it’s called lash domination.

Next I used my mac fluid line in blacktrax and a 209 brush I started in the middle of my eye going right out to the edge and pulling up with the tip you can take it bit by bit building it slowly until you are comfortable enough to go hell for leather on the liner. Gel liner is your best friend never be afraid! It’s the best invention of all time!!

I then went back in to the crease with a mix of mac carbon and espresso shadows
And voila your smokey cat eye was born!

Enjoy! Let me know how you get on xx

 

LUSH skin! Yes please!!

A while back ago I had a bit of a meltdown with my skincare routine! I was in a rut my skin just looked dull and super dry my base wasn’t right so my make up wasn’t right. You can’t build a sturdy house on shakey foundations!!

So I did I got on line and did a bit of tapping away on les internets and low and behold after much hmming and hawing I clicked add to basket on a brand new 3 step routine all for me!! Out with the old my dearies!!
So I turned to lush. I am a big fan of natural products. My skin is super sensitive and dry so the fewer additives in my skincare the better
I love LUSH! What’s not to love! Fresh ingredients turned into pure magic so I lent my face to natural remedies hoping my skin would be silkier by winter! Fingers crossed! (It worked!)

the cleanser 
ultra bland 
Ultrabland is a beautiful blend of essential oils, honey and beeswax. It takes off make up so easily and leaves your skin feeling super soft and hydrated. It’s got yummy rosewater which reduces redness and iris flower extract and smells really lovely.It’s gentle enough for everyday use and suits all skin types.

the toner
Eau Roma

Eau Roma water is a soothing herbal toner perfect for Dry, sensitive or mature skin that’s in need of some tlc. It’s made from two essential oils rose and lavender. Eau Roma is just the most wonderful thing in the world I love love love love love it. A spritz feels like your skin is being Kissed by angels it’s pure heaven!

the moisturiser
Skin Drink
Super Hydrating avocado and aloe Vera moisturiser. I should start by saying it looks like mud and smells well like mud! But is really wonderful on your skin. It rids your skin of that horrible tightness feeling that goes with uber parched skin. It’s jam packed with nourishing ingredients like moisturizing rose petal extract, fresh avocado and aloe vera extract to keep your skin feeling soft and loved. Added Evening primrose, neroli and rose oils improve the skin’s texture and leave you with that healthy looking glow.

I’m happier than ever with my skin! It’s flawless my dry skin was so frustrating but now I’m delighted!! I love LUSH!! X

My top ten M.A.C neutral shadows!

Neutrals are a must have im pretty sure if you ask any MUA  they will admit to doing colourful tutorials or using lots of colour on clients but usually go for neutral tones on themselves. I think when you get older you tend to relax into earthy tones. When I was 18 you couldn’t get me out of a bright Green colour called Bay from Bnevertoobusytobbeautiful now a days im much happier breaking out my neutral palatte. Now don’t get me wrong that doesn’t mean I play it safe far from it! Neutrals can be played up or down and make blue eyes pop. There are so many beautiful shades out there but here are my top ten from M.A.C.

10. Nylon  (FROST)

This beautiful pale gold works perfectly as a shimmery highlighter I love to use it on my cupids bow and even as a cheek bone highlighter. It’s Super Pigmented and has a really great colour pay off.

9. Bisque (MATTE)

Bisque has recently been discontinued and I for one am totally devastated! Such a beautiful creamy silky matt beige that although doesn’t look like it would blow anyone’s mind in the pan is so beautiful on. I have hit pan on Bisque 3 times now and I’m going to have to go really easy on what I have left. It’s perfect for blending two colours.

8.Orb ( SATIN)

Orb isn’t too dissimilar to Bisque it is a really creamy beige but with more of an Peachy Ivory tone. It is perfect as an all over wash or as a really pretty highlight without being too shimmery.  Works great as a contour for the super pale or as a highlight for darker skin. I love it but I think it’s definitely worth testing it before you buy it as it might not work for everyone.

7. Shroom (SATIN)

Another lovely beige (i know you’re probably thinking how many beiges does one person need? but trust me shroom is a must have) way more subtle than the others ive mentioned.

 

6. Soba (SATIN)

A very handy colour for filling in my dark blonde brows. Soba is a brown gold with gold shimmer. The Shimmer is fine so there is no chance of sparkly brows. But thats not all folks its a lovely conour shade for when you are feeling a little more neutral than normal.

5. Sable (VELVET)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE SABLE! A beautiful Gold Plum with Bronze Pearl that can be played up or down i love to wear this over hush cream color base it blends beautifully and looks really nice with patina, jest or all that glitters for bridal looks.

4. Jest (FROST)

Okay so it really was a toss up between all that glitters and jest, but  jest won in the end because well its so pretty and it goes with every other neutral I’ve mentioned in these posts. Its a beautiful peachy pink with a slightly icy shimmer to it. I love to use it as a colour to blend out darker and lighter shades.

3.Woodwinked (VELUXE PEARL)

Woodwinked can be a bit touch and go on some skin tones its such a strong bronzey gold colour that it takes a big chunk of confidence to pull this over as an all over colour but if you can do it then why not. As a super pale girl this antiqued gold shouldn’t work on my skintone but somehow it works so i’m not complaining!!!!

be brave and go get some!

2. Satin Taupe (FROST)

If there was onlone shadow in the world i would want it to be this beautiful Taupe with a silver shimmer. This is such a beautiful shade on everyone its warm and sparkly without being overkill perfect on its own or blended with a cream colour base.

1. Twinks (VELUXE PEARL)

M.A.C say on their website that this is a deep plum with pearl reflects. To mean its much more of a dark brown colour but i adore it! That is why its my number one it is just stunning on every skin tone and compliments every eye colour.

TUTORIAL Wet look Shadow

For this look I have mainly used M.A.C products. Feel free to use any dupes you like this look can be done in any colour so there are no rules. Apologies for the shocking quality of the photos my camera is currently m.i.a.

1. Start by applying a cream shadow all over the lid. I have used M.A.C Cream colour base in Hush but any pearly primer will work (KVD for Sephora have a wonderful one called Stellar or you could use Urban Decays primer potion) . I love using hush because it gives the eye this really beautiful glow and compliments any shadow used over it! 

2. Next using my M.A.C 217 I buffed in some Sable Shadow over the lid, It has a lovely pearly shine that really compliments any eye colour. If you want to stay with a striking neutral colour but don’t own Sable I would recommend Twinks, Patina, Satin Taupe or Woodwinked- All that glitters would also work well with Hush for something a bit pinker.

3. I then blended Hush and Sable together using a clean 217.

(Note) If you wanted a nice striking day time look stop at step 3 pop on some mascara and some eye liner and you’ve got a lovely look that could bring you from office/college to the dance floor.4. Next I sprayed my 217 with M.A.C mineralize Skin Hydrating Mist (you can use water) and applied some M.A.C Nylon shadow to the brush. This really brings out the intensity of this beautiful pale gold frost.

I applied this lightly from the inner eye to mid way across the lid and blended lightly. I also brought this under the inner corner of the eye for a real shine.

5. Bend into Sable using your 217. Take some Espresso Shadow (or similar dark brown) I used a matte as mixing textures gives a lovely effect. Lightly blend into the outer corner (not too much just a bit to add some depth)

6. Next wet a pencil brush such as a 219 or use a flat angled brush if you find it easier ( you can use it dry if you find it easier to control).Using any Black Matte Shadow I’m using Lucifer from KVD for Sephora True Romance Ludwig Pallet ) Start in the inner corner and line the top of your lid, if it is easier for you pull your outer corner and then apply. Wing it out at the end, you can blend this for a softer look. Bring this black under the inner and outer corners of the eye. If you want to add a bit more staying power to your liner apply liquid liner on top of the shadow. Blend under the eye.

7. Add a bit more Hush to your brow bone and apply your favourite mascara I used Clinique High Definition Mascara in Blackest Black. 

Hope you enjoy recreating this look. Please send me pictures if you do I would love to see it!
 And again i really am sorry about the shocking picture quality!!!

Make a Splash! Mac Charged water REVIEW

M.A.C Mineralize brought out there Charged water Collection last year. Needless to say I was very excited. This collection was brought out especially for people with incredibly dry skin. (That would be me!) I Bought Charged Water Cleanser, Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist & Charged Water Moisture Gel/ Gel Creme.

I love this Collection the Gel Moisturiser soothes skin and makes it feel instantly refreshed. My only problem with it was that I had used the whole pot in a month and at €35 it wasn’t something that I’m in a hurry to buy again. Although I absolutely adore it and my skin felt like silk after it it’s too dear to buy monthly. (Update… I have since repurchased this four times and have learned to use it sparingly…very sparingly)

The Cleanser is the best! its a non rinse formula which I find just so handy I leave this on my night stand, which mean I no longer wake up every morning looking like Alice Cooper. Again It’s fairly easy to fly through this cleanser but I find it the best I’ve used so far. It’s nice and rehydrating and feels just like water. I can’t stand anything oily on my face and this is the most natural cleanser I’ve found so far.

The Skin Hydrating Mist is okay. I wasn’t as blown away by it as I was the other two. It’s supposed to be like a “drink of water” for your skin. It refreshes your skin and also sets make up. To be honest I’ve had this for well over a year now and I’ve barely made a dent on it. If you tend to get cakey makeup from powder this is a great product to bring your face back to life. It pretty much does what it says it will so no complaints really here. I like to use it for wetting brushes to use on eye shadow to get an intense colour. Its so good if you have any mineralize Mac products just spritz your brush with this and the intensity of colour will knock your socks off!!!
it’s good but really not a product i couldn’t live without!

Basically if you have sensitive dry skin like me I reckon you will love these products but your wallet probably won’t…
,

Blushing Beauties…

Well here it is the first post… eep pressure much??
anyway forget that! on to more pressing matters.

I am basically a little obsessed with blush, bronzer & highlighter anything cheeky really. 
Sculpting powers?? bring it on! I’m ready get the bronzer out! lash it on and off you go! on a hangover day you can pass for a real live well functioning member of society! Hangover be gone!!!!! You are no match for the power of my make up bag!

I love Blush be it Cream or Powder, I love it! Nothing gives you that Healthy “Oh no I always look this fabulous” Glow as well as a good slick of Blush, Highlighter or Bronzer! Now I could go on forever about Make up for your cheeks but it’s quite late as I write this so I will try not to babble on too much.

I’ll just give you a quick run down of some of my favourite “cheeky” products!! (the list is almost endless but these are my ‘always in my car/bag for emergencies’ picks!)

Also since compiling this I’ve realised I may be a harbouring a little M.A.C addiction.

 M.A.C  MARGIN

I got this little beauty on a whim last year. Normally I would steer well clear of anything peachy coloured but I took a risk with this one & I haven’t looked back since! Its fantastic as a contour (I am very pale so it makes for a much more realistic contour than a lashing of bronzer) or I apply this one lightly over any high points of my face (ie. Cheekbones Nose Forehead) to make it appear as though the sun actually noticed my pasty body dying for attention! It’s the most beautiful Frost powder blush. A lovely peach colour with a slight shimmer to it! Give it a go its a must for all the porcelain skinned ladies out there (& I know there is many of us) but it would  compliment any skin tone as it is pure magic!!

Illamasqua SOB

Okay I should start by telling you that in my eyes Illamasqua can pretty much do no wrong! If you are looking for wonderful vibrant highly pigmented products with amazing staying power then Illamasqua is for you. Sob is the most vivid pink cream blush you will ever find! Its reasonably priced at around £16.50/ €19 (Only available in Ireland from http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/products/face-and-body/sob-cream-blusher debenhams.ie or Asos) & you get such a good colour pay off that you only need to apply a tiny amount. I’ve had this blush for about 3 years now &  I have barely made a dent in it. Trust me its not from lack of trying, It’s probably my favourite of all my blushes but it’s so pigmented it could last me a lifetime. It also leaves your cheeks with a dewy finish which I adore. It is perfect under your foundation for a slight flush or on top of your make up for more of a statement. To apply I dot this on my cheeks with my finger & blend in with a stippling brush. 

M.A.C HUSH

Hush is on my list of favourite things ever. It’s up there with my dog, my boyfriend, my family, Cheese! Hush is in the same league! Its a Cream Colour Base Frost. And it’s the most beautiful peachy pearl colour with a shimmer. It’s an instant healthy glow. It is a wonderful highlighter which is what I bought it for but then realised it really wows as a base on lids. Now I use it everywhere. I throw it on my lids when in a rush or blend eye shadow into it! It is amazing I’ve repurchased this bad boy 3 times and its not because there’s no product in it there is i just love itttttttt!!!. If I was stranded with only one product this would be it! I cannot stress how much I adore this! I will no doubt write many a blog about the wonders of hush but for now you should know your life is not complete without it!! 

M.A.C Ladyblush

If you want to look the picture of health this is the blush for you, Its Amazing! 
It lifts the skin in a way ive never seen with any other blush before its kind of ridiculous!
It so good it should be illegal!!! 
It’s a Blush creme so it blends really well and is really pigmented so a little goes a long way! this is one of my favourite products of all time i love love love it!

Smashbox BAKED STARBURST

I have never really been a big lover of Bronzer in fact I got this as a gift off my Mum (who is a diehard Smashbox fan!) about 6 years ago. I wasn’t so sure but once I tried it on it was love at first sight. I think the reason I was always weary of Bronzer was well I didn’t want to look tangoed but my my was I wrong. I discovered contours! 

Smashbox really are a great brand & the Soft Fusion Lights collection is no exception. Baked Starburst is a really beautiful mix of light to medium bronzer which are slightly shimmery! I have bought it over and over and will continue to do so as long as they keep making it! They also make a lovely highlighter wheel the same as this called Stardust which is well worth a try!

Benefit THRRROB

I’m sure by now you have realised I love a rosy flushed look. When you are born with porcelain skin you have two options You can join the legions of poorly fake tanned ladies or you can embrace your Alabaster self. I chose to do the latter & in doing so I discovered my love of pink cheeks. Pink is flattering to any skin tone. To be honest Its a colour that I tend to ignore in all other aspects of my life but when it comes to lips and cheeks i’m all over it!. Now I’m sure you are aware of the beauty of benefit blushers. They are light and feathery they don’t cling to dry patches or oily skin they are extremely blend-able & you can build up colour without getting the “caked on” look. They are packaged in lovely little boxes with a handy little brush which means you can pop it in your bag without needing to worry about your big fluffy brush getting damaged! It’s packed and ready to go for you now if only it could clean your house…B