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Posted on November 4, 2015

October favourites!!!

I don’t normally do monthly favourites, but I just found that over the past month I’ve fallen in love with a couple of products that I think deserve a few minutes of fame! If you follow me on Snapchat (@FilomenaKaguako) then you might recognise one or two of the little gems I plan to talk about today. If not, here’s a roundup of the beauty and makeup products I’ve been drooling over in the past few weeks.

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette, €46.00, Debenhams

Surprise, surprise….. not. I carry this little gem with me almost everywhere! Being a smokey eye palette, naturally, most of the shades are quite dark. However, there are a few lighter ones that I use during the day. I found these shadows to be super pigmented and with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, they could last a day and a half! The quality of the double-ended eyeshadow brush really helps give you the full effect of a smokey eye and ensures that you aren’t left with any unwanted creases because as you know, when it comes to achieving a strong smokey eye look, you have to blend blend blend!

The Body Shop African Ximenia Scrub, €30.50, The Body Shop

I’m just so predictable, aren’t I? I featured this product as my product of my month because when I first started using it, I literally used it every day without fail – don’t judge me, I’m just an obsessive! Thankfully, it is a super moisturising body scrub that isn’t harsh on the skin at all. It smells absolutely divine and just makes you feel like you’re giving yourself a luxurious pampering experience at home! Definitely a must try in my books, find the full review here.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, €29.00, Debenhams

This Urban Decay product was another one of my must-haves last month. I tend to have quite oily skin, so if I don’t use a primer before my makeup and a setting spray after, then I just end up looking like a hot mess! I found this particularly good for night outs because it prevents your makeup from melting or fading. I don’t wear a full face of makeup every day, but if you’re someone who does, then I’d highly recommend using a setting spray. This one in particular is oil-free, and said to last for up to 16 hours!

SOSU Gel Polish She Means Business, €7.99, SOSU

You know the way we all have that one product that we have to hide from our loved ones because we’re afraid they might use it all? Well, for me, this is she! She Means Business is by far the most drool-worthy nail polishes I set eyes on last month. The warm magenta tone is feminine, strong and eye-catching. I tried this out along with the SOSU top coat and another SOSU autumn colour called Death by Chocolate. Find the full review here.

Vaseline Spray & Go, €6.49, Boots

Some would argue that because the texture of this moisturiser is so light, it is more of a summer product. I do think this is true for the most part, but because I don’t suffer from dry skin, I can get away with using it in colder temperatures. The nozzle and spray packaging makes it super handy to have as a moisturiser and I think it does exactly what it says on the tin, it ‘moisturises in seconds.’ I find it great for when I’m rushing out the door and want to get the job done in the quickest time possible. The cocoa butter smell is breath-taking,and it also comes in pure oat and fresh aloe!

So there you have it, my secret pleasures from the last couple of weeks! If you’ve tried any of the above, do let me know in the comment section below! 🙂

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SOSU by Suzanne Jackson AW15 Collection
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If you follow me on Snapchat, then you would know that I was recently sent a few nail varnishes from the latest SOSU gel polish range.I couldn’t wait to try them out because a lot of the colours from the new Autumn/Winter Collection are warm, bold, glistening and everything in between!…
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The Body Shop: African Ximenia Scrub
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Summer might be well over, but that doesn’t mean we should stop pampering ourselves. If you know me at all, then you would know that I enjoy a relaxing bath: I play some soft music in the background, light up a few scented candles and just enjoy the moment. I…

Posted on October 19, 2015

The Body Shop: African Ximenia Scrub

product review

Summer might be well over, but that doesn’t mean we should stop pampering ourselves. If you know me at all, then you would know that I enjoy a relaxing bath: I play some soft music in the background, light up a few scented candles and just enjoy the moment.

I used to think I had everything I needed to loosen up and enjoy some ‘me’ time. Then, I was introduced to a product which to some extent, made me question whether I’ve been doing it wrong all along: The African Ximenia Scrub.

This product is from The Body Shop’s Spa Of The World collection which launched back in August. The range itself features pampering-session products such as body oils and clays, which were created using naturally sourced ingredients from around the globe.

As the name suggests, the African Ximenia Scrub, was developed using handpicked ximenia fruit seeds from the ‘Tree of Life’ in Namibia. These seeds create a rich oil, which in this case, helps your skin feel softer and smoother after exfoliation.

What I particularly liked about this scrub is the texture of it. It has a luxurious velvety texture that feels soft and silky on the skin. A lot of body scrubs that I have tried in that past were pretty rough on the skin and this can be quite irritating at times. The African Ximenia Scrub does the exact opposite.

Although this scrub is gentle on the skin, it still does an amazing job at removing dead skin cells and making your body feel lovely and sleek. The scent of the African Ximenia Scrub has a lingering effect on the skin, even after drying up. In my books, this is always a bonus because in some subconscious way, it helps keeps you in relaxation mode! 🙂

This scrub is part of The Body Shop’s 5-step relaxing ritual and is available to purchase online or in The Body Shop at €30.50(320ml). Thanks again to the Revolve girls for sending this out to me!

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Ziaja Cocoa Butter Creamy Shower Soap & Body Scrub
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Last Thursday, I attended the 25th Anniversary of Ziaja Skincare in Cleary’s Pharmacy, Talbot Street Dublin. Emma of Mastering Your Makeup hosted the event, and gave us a quick talk-through of some of the Ziaja products as well as an opportunity to test out the body butters. Throughout the event,…
Tags: body, scrub, product, skin
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Tags: skin

Posted on September 22, 2015

SOSU by Suzanne Jackson AW15 Collection

product review

If you follow me on Snapchat, then you would know that I was recently sent a few nail varnishes from the latest SOSU gel polish range.I couldn’t wait to try them out because a lot of the colours from the new Autumn/Winter Collection are warm, bold, glistening and everything in between!

I was lucky to test She Means Business, Death by Chocolate, as well as a quick dry top coat. I must say, I fell in love with She Means Business. I know that by looking at the pics, both colours look quite similar. But I found that She Means Business has more of a warm magenta tone to it, which was what did it for me! She Means Business is feminine, but not too girly. It is the type of colour for a gal who knows what she wants, hence the name!

She Means Business

Death by Chocolate is more of a plum colour. Again, another colour I found to be much very suited to my skin tone. I quite liked both of these (maybe She Means Business a little bit more), but both shades, as similar as they might seem, are still very unique.

Death by Chocolate

Now let’s talk about durability….how long before your nails stop looking so pretty?

Well, I did a little experiment when I first tried these polishes. But here’s a back story first: I am an absolute devil when it comes to top coats. I usually just apply a layer of nail varnish and carry on with my life – I know, and I’m supposed to be a beauty blogger, right? Shame on me!

So now that you know the truth, here’s how I tested these guys out. I used a top coat on one hand and no top coat on the other (the shame!). By doing this, I found that applying a top coat is actually essential for durability of the nail varnish as well as giving your nails that gelish finish.

Mother & Daughter using SOSU gel polishes

The polish that didn’t have a top coat started to chip after about three days, while the others lasted for about five. So a top coat is definitely a must, and if you want to be OCD about it then I guess a base coat is important too – such perfectionists you guys are! 🙂

Here are a few other colours from the new SOSU AW15 range. I’ve been eyeing the blue one actually, I think it’s another one that would look lovely on my skin tone:

If you’re wondering where to find the new SOSU Autumn/Winter collection colours, you can find them in pharmacies nationwide, Penneys and online at www.SoSu.ie for €7.99.

Suzanne’s top tips for applying SOSU gel polish:

Make sure the nails are shaped, filed and buffed before applying any polish. Then apply one thin layer of SOSU base coat, two thin layers of a SOSU colour of your choice followed by a thin layer of SOSU top coat, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next! The formulations in the SOSU base and top coat helps to protect the nails and also forms the gel-like, non chip finish which means the polish can last for up to 4-7 days before having to reapply.

Have you guys used any of the gel polishes from the new SOSU AW15 Collection? If so, would love to hear what you think!

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Review: W7 Cosmetics Ebony Range
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Win!!! SOSU Christmas Gel Polishes!!!
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The winner is simmybellenails!!!!! Please check your Instagram messages to see how you can claim your prize! Thank you all for entering, keep an eye out for the next one! x With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve decided to do a giveaway for one of my much-loved readers. As…
Tags: sosu, coat, top, thin, base, layer, colours, polish, applying, nails
October favourites!!!
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I don’t normally do monthly favourites, but I just found that over the past month I’ve fallen in love with a couple of products that I think deserve a few minutes of fame! If you follow me on Snapchat (@FilomenaKaguako) then you might recognise one or two of the little…
Tags: sosu, business, top, coat, colour, death, chocolate, gel, nail, well

Posted on August 27, 2015

YSL Black Opium: Your autumn/winter fragrance hunt ends here!

Beauty/ product review

With sunny season coming to an end, we’ll soon have to say goodbye to summer attire like open-toe sandals, crop tops and sun dresses. It’s not long until light clothing will be replaced by heavy coats, and scarves and winter boots will become a regular part of our #ootd

While some people enjoy wearing oversized jumpers and woolly socks, others can’t bare the thought of it. So if you’re a summer lover in need of something to look forward to this autumn/winter, then worry not, because I have just the thing: YSL Black Opium.

30ml , €57.00, Arnotts

Black Opium is a scent that will awaken your senses in ways that not all fragrances are capable of. It has a warm, oriental and spicy touch that is very hard to dislike. Not only do I find it sensuous, but I also like how the packaging is a reflection of the scent itself. The subtly textured black glass represents mystery, while the glazed glitter represents glam and femininity.

The notes:

Top: black coffee – this gives a shot of adrenaline

Middle: white florals – to entice and seduce

Base: vanilla – for sweetness and sensuality

YSL describes this perfume as an audacious and electrifying fragrance, and I couldn’t agree more.The notes alone are enough to make you want to give it a try and the combination of the three notes give you a sensation of ecstasy.

First there is the wake-up call. The coffee bean note hits you hard, jolting the senses. Next, it becomes softer and more feminine with the flowers of jasmine sambac and absolu of fleur d’oranger to finish incredibly addictive and emboldened by the ambrosial appeal of vanilla and the woody notes of cedar and patchouli, giving roundness, depth, and mysterious elegance.

Some people regard Black Opium as an all-year round fragrance. But, I personally think it works better as an autumn/winter night time scent. I think it is be bold and seductive without being over the top. It is intended for a modern woman who loves to live in the fast lane.

Have you tested Black Opium? If so, I’d love to hear what you think of it! 🙂

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The New Voyage Collection from The Body Shop
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Missguided Boss Babe VS Babe Dreams
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Missguided is famously known for its statement looks and affordable fashion picks. But following the successful launch of its debut fragrance, Babe Power, the fashion powerhouse will now be loved for its bargain fragrances too. The fashion brand has recently added three new fragrances to join Babe Power, the orange…
Tags: perfume, fragrance, black, opium, ysl, scent
Win!!! A soft green floral fragrance by Miu Miu
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And the winner is Manal Awan! Congratulations Manal and thanks to everyone who entered! Watch out for my next competition! Happy Easter xx It’s my birthday month!!! So to celebrate, I’ve decided to run another competition for you guys! One of my lucky readers will soon be bathing in the…
Tags: will, fragrance, perfume, scent

Posted on August 17, 2015

Review: W7 Cosmetics Ebony Range

Makeup/ product review

If you follow me on Instagram, then you would know that I was recently sent a full range of makeup products from a brand called w7 cosmetics. Some of you may have come across w7 products in your local chemist, as they are widely known for having Naked palette dupes – gotta love a good duplicate!

W7 cosmetics has been in Ireland for the past three years. In such a short space of time, the budget-friendly brand is in over 400 stores nationwide and has over one hundred individual makeup products for eyes, lips, skin and more.

The products I’m going to be reviewing today are from their new Ebony range, which hasn’t officially been launched in Ireland. However, it is available to buy online from Amazon or Ebay.

Without further ado, let’s see what w7 cosmetics has for us dark skinned gals!

SHAPE & DEFINE €6.50

These palettes are available in three different shades; light , medium and deep. Each palette comes with a compact mirror, and a short guide on how you can achieve that Kim K look:

Apply the sculpting powder to your cheeks. Then apply the highlighting powder above and below the cheekbones for a defined contoured look

Light Shade

As much as I love the highlighter, as you can see, this contour shade isn’t right for me at all. It is far too light, and since highlighting and contouring is about creating shadows, the light palette would just defeat the purpose of it for me. I think this shade would suit somebody who has a fairer skin tone than myself.

Medium Shade

The medium shade on the other hand, works a lot better with my skin tone. Out of the three, this was definitely my favourite. It gives my face just the definition it needs. With a few brush strokes, it doesn’t give a hugely obvious highlight and contour, making it perfect for day time wear.

Deep Shade

Although the deeper shade looks ridiculously dark, I think it works really for nights out. Since it is quite pigmented, you don’t need to go to heavy with it at all. With the right techniques, this shade can give you that sculpted and defined look without looking like a drag!

BLUSH PERFECTION €3.95

These blushes are available in four different shades. Sand Dune, Pink Sands and Sea Shell have a matte finish, while Red Dawn has a bit of a shimmer in it.

Sand Dune

This shade is definitely too light for my skin tone, it has a bit of a coral hue to it. It would suit someone who has a fairer skin tone than me and wants to create that natural ‘no make up’ look.

Pink Sands

This shade has a pinkier hue. It is one of my favourites for day time makeup because it gives you a natural flush. With this shade, I can have people thinking ‘I woke up like this.’:)

Sea Shell

I quite liked this shade and I found that the colour and texture really works well with the shape and define palette. It is slightly darker than the other two, but doesn’t make your face look too heavy. It is very much suited for night wear.

Red Dawn

This ones for our sparkling divas. I don’t usually like shimmering blushers, but I was surprised by this one. It works well on the days I don’t have a highlight, but I still want to brighten up my face.

Overall, I was impressed by these w7 products as they were super easy to apply and they set really well on the face. I was very surprised by the quality of them and think they’re an absolute steal! It’s also worth mentioning that the packaging does not give the price away s it doesn’t look cheap at all. You would never guess by looking at them that they’re so affordable!

Here, I used the Shape & Define medium palette with Sea Shell blush and the tiniest bit of Red Dawn:

Other products in this range:

Trio Concealer €3.95
Lipsticks €3.95
Cream to powder foundation €4.95

Hope you enjoyed my write up, keep an eye on the blog for more reviews of other products from this range 🙂

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Review: Green Angel Skincare
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Posted on July 22, 2015

The New Voyage Collection from The Body Shop

product review

If you’re a fan of The Body Shop, then you will be very happy to hear that their New Voyage collection will be on the shelves and ready to make their way to your comforting homes, by the end of this week – let the countdown begin!

With best-selling products like Shea Body Butter and Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder, one can only assume that whatever they have lined up for us will be up to the same standards, if not better. But for those of you who are The Body Shop virgins, let me give you the gist of what to expect of the updated New Voyage collection.

Some of the top international perfumers, have created the most sensual fragrances using authentic, traditional ingredients from around the globe. Of the five fragrances in this range, I was very lucky to have the Italian Summer Fig – the highlight of this collection – sent to me for testing and review.

This Eau de Toilette comes in a half-globe shaped glass bottle, boxed up in a sophisticated monochrome print which is eye-catching, unique and inspired by Tuscan fabric. While the packaging did a great job in luring me in, I was very skeptical about the scent, seeing it was developed from figs – not my go to fruit at all! But much to my surprise, infused figs make for a very rare and special kind of fragrance.

The captivating aroma of the Italian Summer Fig is a harmony of femininity and sensuality. It has a delicate floral scent with a hint of green forest. While figs are the centre of the fragrance, it does have a milky touch to it also.

I was really taken aback by this eau de toilette as I genuinely didn’t expect the fragrance to be so appealing to my senses. It is light and not overpowering at all, a few spritz should give you just what you need to make it through a summer’s day – not that we get many in Ireland!

So if you like a sweet, feminine scent with a milky touch, then the Italian Summer Fig is definitely something worth trying!

Other scents in the Voyage range:

Indian Night Jasmine (warm and floral)

Japanese Cherry Blossom (fruity and floral)

Atlas Mountain Rose (spicy and floral)

Fijan Water Lotus (marine and floral)

What I found particularly interesting about this Voyage range is the fact that each box incorporates a traditional design from its region of origin. I think this adds a personal touch to it, and makes if that extra bit more special! Additionally, each fragrance is available as a set of bath and body products too – always a bonus when you’re looking for a longer-lasting scent 🙂

All fragrances are priced at €29.95 and will be available to buy from The Body Shop by the end of the week!

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Are you using the right cleanser for your skin type?
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In one of my previous posts, I covered skin types and discussed how you can find out whether you’ve been blessed with normal skin, have combination skin, suffer from oiliness or, are at the other end of the spectrum: suffer from dryness. While this might seem blatantly obvious to…
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And the winner is Manal Awan! Congratulations Manal and thanks to everyone who entered! Watch out for my next competition! Happy Easter xx It’s my birthday month!!! So to celebrate, I’ve decided to run another competition for you guys! One of my lucky readers will soon be bathing in the…
Tags: will, fragrance, facebook, instagram, green, floral, twitter, ireland, lucky, happy

Posted on July 10, 2015

Review: Green Angel Skincare

product review/ Skincare

I know I haven’t done a beauty product review in a while – since I got on the healthy lifestyle bandwagon I’ve been finding it hard to get off! So to kick things off, I’ve decided to share my thoughts on a brand which I have been using every day (without fail) over the past couple of weeks: Green Angel.

If the name rings a bell, then it’s probably because the brand has already been featured on Enhance What’s Yours. Back in February, Green Angel sponsored one of my giveaways and one of you lucky readers got to win a gift set from this luxury range.

Since there was just one winner, only one of you got to experience this brand first-hand – even before me! But shortly afterwards, I was sent a few products to try and review, and here are my thoughts…… *drum roll*

Green Angel Seaweed Facial Toner 100ml €14.95

I’m going to start off with the product I first started using. As you can tell from the above images, I couldn’t wait to start using the facial toner. Being an avid toner lover means I always know what to look for. I like a toner that isn’t overly drying (tick), keeps the skin looking nice and fresh (double tick) and doesn’t have an overpowering smell (triple tick). So as you can see, the Green Angel Seaweed Facial Toner certainly ticked all the boxes for me!

Active Ingredients: Linden Flower, Sage Leaf, Lettuce Leaf and Cucumber Extract, Irish Seaweed Extracts (Bladder Wrack, Toothed Wrack, Carrageen, Knotted Wrack), Sea Lavender Extract, Allantoin

Green Angel Seaweed Body Lotion with Neroli and Chamomile 200ml €14.95

Next up, is the body lotion. I use this as a hand cream and go absolutely nowhere without it! When I bring it into work, the girls always compliment me on how good I smell – it really is heaven in a bottle! The seaweed body lotion also has therapeutic properties which help conquer skin problems, and added vitamin E which encourages younger looking skin.

Active Ingredients: Sweet Almond Kernel Oil, Thyme, Chamomile, Lavender, Comfrey and Ginseng Extracts, Glycerine, Irish Seaweed Extracts (Bladder Wrack, Toothed Wrack, Carrageen, Knotted Wrack) Sea Lavender Extract, Glycerine

Seaweed Bath & Shower Gel with Lavender and Mandarin 200ml €14.95

The bath and shower gel is perfect for the times you just need to relax and pamper yourself. I wouldn’t use this product on a regular basis, as I like to keep it as a treat and use it when I want to indulge myself with a tranquilising bath. This shower gel is suitable for all skin types,leaving the skin with a natural scent which comes from the mandarin and lavender oils.

Active Ingredients: Bladderwrack Extract, Carragheen Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Knotted Wrack Extract, Lavender Flower Oil, Mandarin Oil, Neroli (Bitter orange) flower oil, Sea Lavender Extract, Thyme Extract, Toothed Wrack Extract.

Green Angel Seaweed Hair Conditioning Serum with Lavender & Neroli 200ml €14.95

Last, but not least is the unique conditioning serum. It is a lightweight formula which helps with detangling the hair. I use it on my niece and found that her hair was incredibly soft after only one use. It is said to reduce surface friction, which in turn helps prevent follicle damage. Not that this should come as a surprise to you, but like the others, it smells incredible!

Active Ingredients: Aqua, Bladderwrack Extract, Carragheen Extract, Glycerin, Knotted Wrack Extract, Mandarin Oil, Neroli (Bitter orange) flower oil, Sea Lavender Extract, Thyme Extract, Toothed Wrack Extract.

If you’ve used Green Angel products before, then I would love to know how you got on! If not, then you should have a browse on their website for the products mentioned or any other fabulous ones you will surely come across! If you get the chance, give their page a like, they’re 100% Irish (this is always a good selling point!)

Hope you enjoy the rest of your day 🙂

Award winning range of luxury Irish skincare products based on the fusion of Irish seaweed and natural essential oils

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Get a sun kissed glow with MeMeMe Cosmetics
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Dream Dots for Spots
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Win!!! A Valentine’s Day Gift Set & More!!!
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And the winner is...... Orla Murphy! Congrats, please check your FB mail :) With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, myself and Irish beauty brand Green Angel, have decided to join forces for a Val’s Day giveaway. Whether you have plans to exchange pressies with a special someone or not,…
Tags: seaweed, shower, lotion, bath, mandarin, gel, lavender, chamomile, neroli, green

Posted on May 15, 2015

Get a sun kissed glow with MeMeMe Cosmetics

Makeup/ product review

For this review, I’m going to be looking at the MeMeMe products that were sent to me a few weeks back. If you are familiar with MeMeMe, then you’ve probably noticed the brand’s growing presence in Ireland. Years ago, MeMeMe products were always under stocked and generally not the easiest to find. But now that the brand has become more popular, you can find different lines of this affordable brand in pharmacies all over Ireland.

I’m no stranger to MeMeMe products at all, as I have (and use) their Beat the Blues highlighter (€6.99) which I think is very hard to dislike. It adds that extra bit of glam to your look, it’s affordable and it also comes in the cutest packaging ever! But let’s not go off on a tangent here……

Today’s review is about eyes, lips and cheeks – pretty much all you need to focus on to keep your look fresh and natural!

So let’s get started 🙂

Long Wear Satin Lip Cream (€10.50) Coral Cloak

I don’t think I need to point out that this is not the best shade for my skin tone so I’m just going to jump right into what I did like about this product! I think this lipstick has quite a creamy texture to it. It wasn’t the most difficult to apply straight from the tube, but because it contains such a huge amount of shea butter, it’s a good idea to apply the product using a lip brush. You’ll have more control over how much you apply and it will also prevent the stick from breaking. This lipstick comes in 10 different other shades so you have a good few to choose from and it is also highly pigmented. Added bonus? The lovely rose scent!

Cheek & Lip Tint (€6.99) Coral Blossom

Again, I won’t rule out this product because I don’t like the shade, especially since I tend to like products that have a multipurpose. MeMeMe’s Lip & Cheek tint is one of the brand’s best-selling products. It’s great for adding a natural flush to the face and freshen things up a bit! It is quite liquidy and tends to set really fast so you have to blend it as quick as you can. Another thing that is important to note about this product is that it draws attention to imperfections in the cheek area so be sure to prep the skin beforehand!

Eye Line Eye Pencil (€6.50) Clay

This is definitely my favourite product of the three. Not only because it actually suited me, but because I love how it glides on without pulling at the skin. It is super soft and can easily be smudged to create a smokey eye look – always a plus! You can apply it on your water line or wear it on the base of your lashes and smudge it for a sultry smokey effect.

If you’ve tried any of the above products (or their highlighter) do let me know in the comment section below! 🙂

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Stockists:

Louth –

Cottage Phy, Drogheda
Village Phy, Carringford
Conlon/Byrnes Phy, Dundalk

Dublin –

Pharmacy O’Regan Balbriggan
Roches Rathmines
Cottage Drogheda
Pharmacy O’Regan Clontarf
Rathoath Pharmacy
Lloyds Pharmacy,Artane Castle SC, Artane.
Pharmacy O’Regan Old Bawn Tallaght
Dalkey Pharmacy, Dalkey
Walshs Pharmacy, Tesco SC, Celbridge
Pellys Pharmacy, Cabra
Fitzmorris Pharmacy, East Wall
ODC Pharmacy, Kilnamanagh SC, Tallaght
Mc Cormacks Pharmacy, Maynooth
Neighbourhood Pharmacy, Santry, D9
Lloyds Pharmacy, Leopardstown SC

For more, visit the MeMeMe Cosmetics Ireland Facebook Page

The ins and outs of using blusher
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Posted on April 1, 2015

Ziaja Cocoa Butter Creamy Shower Soap & Body Scrub

product review

Last Thursday, I attended the 25^th Anniversary of Ziaja Skincare in Cleary’s Pharmacy, Talbot Street Dublin. Emma of Mastering Your Makeup hosted the event, and gave us a quick talk-through of some of the Ziaja products as well as an opportunity to test out the body butters. Throughout the event, there were plenty of chats among my fellow bloggers and towards the end of it there was a Q&A session, spot prizes and of course, a few nibbles.

Like with most blogger events, I was given a complimentary goodie bag to bring home with me. My bag included one of my favourite Ziaja shower products of all time– the Cocoa Butter Shower Scrub. I think it’s quite selfish of me for only reviewing this product now *holds head down in shame* as I have been using this product for quite some time now, and absolutely love it!

So you can only imagine how excited I was to find a brand new body scrub in my goodie bag. To put the cherry on top, I was also introduced to a new product from the cocoa butter range: the Ziaja Creamy Shower Soap. Now I have to admit, I have only used it a couple of times, but I think I’ve tried it enough times to know that it deserves a review!

So without further ado, here are the two products from the Ziaja Cocoa Butter range that I’m going to share with you:

Ziaja Cocoa Creamy Shower Soap 500ml (€2.99)

This creamy shower soap nearly works as a body lotion. Its moisturiser-and-shower-gel formulation nourishes the skin and cleanses it at the same time. The active ingredient, cocoa butter is known to deeply moisturise the skin, so if you tend to be on the dry end of the scale then this product is definitely worth giving a try. What I particularly liked about this creamy soap is how the scent lingers on the skin well after you wash it off – it smells nearly as good as the scrub itself. Not to mention the price of it – €2.99 for 500ml, I think Ziaja are being more than just a little bit generous here!

Ziaja Cocoa Butter Shower Scrub 200ml (€7.99)

This has become one of my Holy Grail shower products – it smells absolutely divine! I usually like making own body scrubs. But on my lazy days, this is my go-to product for exfoliating dead skin on my body. This shower scrub encourages blood circulation in the body and helps restore the natural smoothness of the skin. So if you need to give your legs that extra bit of glow before a holiday, then this product is for you. I have yet to witness this myself, but the Ziaja Cocoa Butter Shower Scrub is also said to reduce cellulite….. always a bonus in my books! 😉

Other products from this range:

ZIAJA COCOA BODY BUTTER – €7.99

ZIAJA COCOA BUTTER BODY BALM – €4.50

ZIAJA COCOA BUTTER CREAM LIGHT FORMULA – €5.99

ZIAJA COCOA BUTTER HAND CREAM – €2.99

ZIAJA COCOA BUTTER BODY LOTION – €5.99

Remember, you can find Ziaja online at www.originalbeauty.ie, SHAWS department stores, MULLIGANS pharmacies, TOTAL HEALTH pharmacies and in independent pharmacies nationwide.

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Posted on March 2, 2015

Ziaja Olive Leaf Face & Body Collection

product review/ Skincare

This year, Ziaja Skincare is celebrating their 25^th year anniversary. To mark the big occasion, Polish founders Aleksandra and Zenon have decided to launch a new olive leaf range that is natural, effective and affordable.

Although the products in the Olive Leaf Face & Body Collection are budget friendly, they work like magic! Ziaja products are made from simple and natural ingredients that are safe to use on pretty much all skin types.

Here are the three products from this collection that were recently sent out to me for review:

Olive Leaf Duo-Phase Makeup Remover 120ml (€4.49)

I’ve always been very sceptical of makeup removers, as I’ve found that a lot of them don’t really match their claims. However, this product does a surprisingly good job when it comes to removing makeup, it even manages to scrap off the most waterproof of mascaras! This product has a water phase which gently cleanses the skin and an oil phase which softens the makeup and takes it off in one sweep – hence the ‘duo-phase.’ The formula is fragrance and colourant free!

Olive Leaf Gel Scrub Micro-Exfoliating 200ml (€5.99)

As a huge face scrub enthusiast, I can be very particular about the exfoliators I use. I generally like my face scrubs to be specifically for my face and my face alone – it’s all about that special treatment! This product however is for body too, so I was a bit unsure about using it on my face. When I finally did, I found that it was quite harsh and even after washing, the micro beads were not the easiest to get off! I’d recommend this scrub to be used on the body, rather than my face.

Olive Leaf Regenerating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid (€0.69c)

Unlike most of the store-bought face masks I’ve tried, this product does not dry up on your face – hallelujah! It is super gentle on the skin and it more or less acts as a firming and regenerating moisturiser! When you apply it, leave it on for 10 minutes and then use a cotton pad dipped in water to remove it. It leaves a residue of moisturiser in the end so all you have to do is rub it in. With this product, you don’t need to worry about trying to remove the remaining of a face mask from your hairline at all! Not to mention the fact that it contains Hyaluronic acid and youth vitamins that revives tired looking skin!

Have you used any of the Ziaja products before? If so, I’d love to know how you got on! 🙂 For those of you who are still new to this brand, you can find Ziaja online at www.originalbeauty.ie, SHAWS department stores, MULLIGANS pharmacies, TOTAL HEALTH pharmacies and in independent pharmacies nationwide.

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Product review: The Eylure Brow Revolution
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Posted on February 11, 2015

5 affordable makeup dupes for high-end products

Makeup/ product review

There’s nothing worse than setting your eyes on a new lippy, falling in love with it and then realising that it is way over your normal lipstick budget. ‘Steal or splurge?’ is the question I find myself asking when I’m trying to decide how badly I really need –or want – that €35 lipstick.

While some high-end products are well worth the splurge, others shouldn’t even cost half as much as they do. I’ve put together a dupe list for some popular makeup products out there for the days that you don’t think that €35 lippy is worth it!

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Tattoo 24hr Cream Shadow in Creamy Beige & MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork

I own both of these products, and I can honestly say that if you put each of these on a different lid, nobody would notice! The two colours are very close to the same shade. The one thing about the Maybelline is that it tends to crease, so be sure to use an eye primer.

With Maybelline, you save €13.35

2. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara & Diorshow Mascara

Both L’Oreal Voluminous and Diorshow have a similar brush. The shape helps separate the lashes and add some length to them. But, the award-winning Diorshow has a clumpier formula so it dries out much quicker than Voluminous.

With L’Oreal Voluminous, you save €14.01

3. Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss Of Life 111 & Mac Ruby Woo

Both lipsticks are super saturated in colour and make you stand out almost immediately. MAC’s idea of matte is very different compared to Rimmel’s. Ruby Woo is extremely dry, while the Rimmel lippy is slightly more moisturisng. Revlon Matte Red Lipstick in Really Red (€10.69) is another dupe for the infamous Ruby Woo.

With Rimmel, you save €12.51

4. Sleek Brow Kit & Benefit Browzing Kit

Benefit Browzing Kit and Sleek brow kit are so identical, it makes me laugh! From the packaging, to the compact mirror and the little tweezers, these two products are pretty much two peas in a pod! However, the Benefit kit comes in three shade, while the Sleek kit comes in four.

With Sleek, you save €24.01

5. Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand & No7 Skin Illuminator

Both of these highlighters have a glimmery brightening effect on the cheek bones. The Smashbox Highlighting Wand is easier to use because of it’s packaging. The No 7 Illuminator has a wider brush, but it leaves that overall radiant look on the face – No wonder So Sue Me always looks so glam!

With No 7, you save €18.75

If you have any more dupes to add, feel free to comment below!

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Top 6 concealers under €10
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Posted on January 16, 2015

Product review: The Eylure Brow Revolution

product review

Eyebrow lovers, brace yourself, because the news just broke in! Eylure’s extensive new brow range is now available at Boyne Grove Pharmacy in the very lovely town of Drogheda (and I’m not just saying that because I live here!)

The name Eylure might ring a bell to some of you, as it is widely known for it’s range of falsh lashes. Now, Eylure has released a full line of eyebrow products to add to it; from eyebrow stencils for beginners to permanent eyebrow tint for the more confident gals, the Eylure eyebrow revolution has something for pretty much every lady!

I was very lucky to have had four of the products from this extensive brow range sent to me for review. And after a few weeks of using them – as often as I could – I’m now ready to reveal my final verdict. I hope you’re ready! 🙂

Eylure brow stencils (€6.49)

I think these stencils are a clever little tool for those who don’t know much about shaping their brows – especially since you have the option of four different arches; full, high, medium and slim. I didn’t find the stencils very useful because I have my own way of shaping my brows, so these brow templates weren’t very useful for me. However, I do think they’d be something makeup newbies would love!

Eylure Brow palette (€12.99)

This brow palette has become my holy grail product, I find it hard to go anywhere without it! It has the perfect combo for shaping your brows on the go and it also comes with a compact mirror – which I hardly use – because it’s a little TOO honest for my liking! Other than that, this product is definitely a winner! You can get it in three different shades; blonde, mid brown and the shade I have, dark brown. It also comes with an angled brush that has a sponge applicator at the other end – a free brush is always a plus!

Here’s how to use this little trio:

Sculpt: use the angled brush to apply the firm wax hold and shape the brow.
Colour: fill in with the pigmented brow powder.
Define: sweep a bit of matte highlighter under the arch for further definition.

Eylure nourishing brow oil (€10.99)

I haven’t used this product as much as I would have liked to. I started off great (used it every night for 2 weeks) and then once I started to see results, I might have gotten a bit lazy…. I think if I hadn’t stopped and used it every night without fail, I probably would have gotten better results. After all, this oil has a blend of rosemary, sweet almond and argan oil – the three miracle ingredients for nourishing and growing eyebrows!

Eylure permanent tint for brows (€12.99)

This product made my brows slightly darker than usual. It’s a very subtle change, as you can see from the pictures,but I do think the subtlety is good since it works even better with the other Eylure products! It comes with two little sachets and you just mix the contents together and apply it on your brows. Leave it on for 3 minutes and them remove with a damp cotton pad.

All in all, I would give the Eylure brow products a try. They’re affordable and I think the packaging looks amazing for a pharmacy brand. You can get it in McCabes Pharmacy, Sam McCauley Chemists, Shaws and now the Boyne Grove Pharmacy in Drogheda! 🙂

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