Christmas Giveaway 2017

Hey guys!

It's that time of year again. This is my third year doing a Christmas giveaway and I love doing them so much!

This year, MarketMatchPR kindly sent me all of the NYX Professional Cosmetics products featured in the giveaway and I am so grateful for the generous package they sent me a few weeks ago.

I am so excited to say this year's giveaway is worth over €150 and will go to one lucky winner.

The giveaway is open to Republic of Ireland residents only and unfortunately, family members cannot enter and any entries will be void.

The giveaway is live now and will close at midnight December 15th so I can send it out before Christmas!

Good luck to everyone and keep an eye out for some more sneaky products being added in over the coming days!

The winner will be announced on the widget here and on my facebook page on the 17th!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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2017 Gift Guide - Gifts Under €30

Hey guys!

Last year my gift guides went down really well so this year I decided to do a few! Hopefully at least one will be suited to your budget.

Too Faced - Under the Kissletoe

I love this giftset! I got it for myself a few weeks ago and it is fab. There are four mini (but generous) lip products inside, a Melted Matte in Drop Dead Red, a Melted Latex in Hopeless Romantic, a Melted Lipstick in Chihuahua and a Melted Matte in Chocolate Honey.

The set has a lipstick that will suit everyone and for the price, you really can't beat it!

Under the Kissletoe is available in Debenhams for €26, and it's on offer for €22.10 (online only) until tomorrow.

Bobbi Brown Mini Mask Trio Kit

I love a good mask and this trio kit is perfect for anyone who wants to try the brand before committing to a full-sized product. This trio is perfect for Secret Santa or as a small part of a larger gift.

With a mask for radiance boost, deep cleansing or extra moisturisation,  there's something for everything and is perfect for people who love to multi-mask!

The Mini Mask Trio is available in Brown Thomas for €15.

Missguided Quad Goals Matte Lip Set

Who doesn't love a good matte lip? This set from Missguided  has a pale nude, dark nude, dusty pink and deep plum shade.

Perfect for any makeup lover or anyone starting out with makeup, there's a good variety of shades and for four full-size products, it is very budget friendly!

Quad Goals is available from Missguided for €14.

NYX Professional Makeup Dublin Kit

Another product I have tried myself, this little kit from NYX Professional Makeup has a bit of everything in it. I love the soft matte lip creams and Dublin is the perfect nude for me. I tend to blot my lips after applying the lip cream and it lasts much longer!

The kit also comes with four eyeshadows (the green is totally usable!), a blusher and a highlight.

It's also inspired by Dublin so what's not to love?

The NYX Professional Makeup Dublin Kit is available from Arnotts for €19.50.

Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Large Jar

If you're unsure of what to buy someone or if  they're a candle lover like me, anything from Yankee Candle is perfect!

I am a huge fan of the clean cotton scent but the range is so diverse you'll literally find a candle for anyone!

Clean Cotton is currently on offer in Boots for €20.

Uriage Bariederm Cica-Levres

Okay so don't roll your eyes yet! I know this seems like a bad gift but you have no idea how good it is! My lips were so bad last week and totally needed some tlc over a few days but after a quick scrub and applying this overnight, my lips were soft and chap-free the next day!

I have been bringing the little tube with me everywhere since then and my lips are so soft and are not reacting to the freezing weather at all! What seems like an odd present could really saves someone's day!

This lip balm is available in pharmacies nationwide with an RRP of €10.

MAC Snowball Pigment and Glitter Kit in Pink

MAC's Christmas collection this year is fab!  The pigment kit in pink comes with a two pigments (Copper Sparkle and Whisper Pink) and one glitter (Pink).

Copper Sparkle is a high-shine copper, Whisper Pink is a mauvey pink with pearl and Pink is a bright pink glitter. The pigments are not full-size but I don't think I'll ever get through a full-size pigment so this kit is perfect to try a variety of shades.

The kit comes in an adorable sequined bag as well which can be reused as a pencil case if you don't want to use it for makeup!

MAC's Snowball Pigment and Glitter Kit is available from Brown Thomas for €30.

Lancome Mr Big Mascara Set

I always reach for my Monsieur Big mascara when I want my lashes to look like I have a natural set on, without the stress of actually applying lashes! This mascara is perfect for anyone who loves big, voluminous lashes that look natural and the formula doesn't clump at all.

This set comes with a mini kohl pencil and a mini matte shaker that lasts on your lips for hours on end!

The Mr Big Mascara Set is available from Boots for €27.

Black Tied Custom Cuff Bracelet

A completely customisable  gift, Black Tied bracelets are a lovely, thoughtful present that you could give to the ones you love this Christmas. Available in a thick or thin cuff, these bracelets can have  letters, numbers and a variety of symbols and in silver, copper or gold.

I bought one a few years ago and had a quote stamped onto mine and it is still going strong!

The bracelets are available from www.blacktied.co.uk and range from €12-€14.

Topshop Christmas Star Ditsy Necklace

I love Topshop jewellery and this necklace is understated but absolutely gorgeous. For people in your life who like to wear jewellery but don't like it to take over an outfit, necklaces like this are perfect!

It even comes on a little pack where you can tick who it's for which I think is super cute!

This necklace is available from Topshop for €12.

Keep an eye out for my mid-range gift guide coming next week!

Don't forget I have a Christmas giveaway coming up in early December!

Check back here and on my Instagram over the next week to see what's up for grabs!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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Black Friday 2017 Codes

Hey guys!

 I am so excited to do all my online shopping today and tomorrow and I've compiled a list of my favourite stores and their discount codes for this year!

I hope you guys find this helpful, happy shopping!

Boohoo

Up to 70% off site wide (No code needed)

http://ie.boohoo.com/

Missguided

50% off using CYBER50

https://www.missguided.com/ie/

NastyGal

30% off everything (No code needed)

http://www.nastygal.com/ie/

Urban Outfitters

Buy one get one 50% off (No code needed)

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

River Island

Get 20% off everything when you spend €75 or more on full price stock (No code needed)

https://www.riverisland.ie/

iDeal of Sweden

Discount on everything will be revealed at midnight!

https://idealofsweden.eu/

Beauty Bay

Up to 30% off (No code needed and be prepared to wait!)

https://www.beautybay.com/

ASOS

 20% off everything using WIN20

http://www.asos.com/

Pretty Little Thing

Up to 50% off everything (No code needed and €1 delivery)

https://ie.prettylittlething.com/

Forever 21

Pre-Black Friday up to 40% off shoes and accessories (No code needed)

http://www.forever21.com

New Look

25% off everything (No code needed)

http://www.newlook.com/

Public Desire

30% off everything using 30CYBER

https://www.publicdesire.com/

Topshop

Up to 50% off (No code needed)

http://eu.topshop.com/

Cloud10 Beauty

20% off everything using BLACK20

https://www.cloud10beauty.com/

Meaghers  Pharmacy

Up to 70% off (No code needed)

https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/black-friday/

Brown Thomas

Up to 20% off everything (Exclusions apply, no code needed)

http://www.brownthomas.com/

Sephora

Thanksgiving deals vary, delivery to Ireland available

https://www.sephora.com/

TRND Beauty

20% off sitewide using blackfriday

https://www.trndbeauty.com/

Debenhams

Reductions vary throughout the store (10% off beauty)

http://www.debenhams.ie/

Victoria Secret

Various deals throughout the store

https://www.victoriassecret.com/

I hope you guys find these helpful!

Happy Shopping!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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XS Sports Nutrition Review

Hey guys!

Wow, okay balancing  college, work and a blog is a lot harder this year! My workload is a lot heavier this year and I recently got promoted in work which is fab.

I'm still going to the gym and when I don't have the chance I try to go for a jog! I went to the launch of XS Sports Nutrition a few weeks ago and have been trying out the range since and I'm loving it.

I was lucky enough to be given protein bars, whey protein powder, an electrolyte drink and a fab water bottle. I really put the range to the test over the past month or so, between the gym, tennis and jogging and can't wait to show you guys how I got on.

I usually used the electrolyte drink during tennis training as it can get pretty intense and the drink helped me keep my energy levels up throughout the session. I got to  try the orange lime flavour which I found lovely and citrusy. The sachet was super easy to use, I had my bottle full of water, poured the sachet in and shook the bottle until it was all absorbed!

I would definitely recommend this drink to anyone who takes part in high-intensity workouts or training sessions!

The protein bar and powder can both be used to 'recharge' after a workout so I switched between the two. I tended to eat the protein bars after the gym because I go during lecture breaks and it's easier to have something on the go when I'm rushing to my next lecture! I got to try the chocolate flavour which was so yum! The bars are low in carbs and fat while being high in protein and fibre which makes it the perfect snack.

I didn't feel hungry after the gym and was able to pay attention in my lecture because my stomach wasn't rumbling! Unfortunately though, they're not suitable for diabetics.

I also got the chocolate flavour protein powder which I used after jogging and sometimes after the gym. I tried mixing it with water and milk and I definitely prefer mixing the powder with milk. The guidelines say 3 scoops and 150-260ml of milk or water but I didn't have a scoop so I guessed each time. It tastes really good and helped tide me over after working out until my next meal without going hungry!

The one thing I would love about the range is if the protein powder came with a scoop inside! Otherwise I love everything about the range and don't know how I'll workout without it!

You can shop the range at www.amway.ie by registering as a customer and you'll be on your way!

Have you tried anything from the range before? 

What do you love to use when working out?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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UCD SU President Impeachment Referendum

Hey guys!

This post is going to be a little different to what you would normally see on Sparkle of Pink. As a politics student in UCD, I felt like I had to post about the current SU situation in UCD before the election is held tomorrow.

As some of you may know, tomorrow and Thursday, the student body in UCD will be voting on whether or not to impeach our SU President, Katie Ascough. The movement began after some of Ascough's actions during the summer and at the start of the academic year became campus-wide knowledge and her actions did not sit well with some students.

I did not vote for Katie during the elections last year but I was ready to accept her as my SU President based on  her mandate that was shared during the election. While we do not share some views, I never held this against her as she is entitled to her opinion, just like everyone else.

During the run-up to the referendum, I have read posts and listened to campaigners on both sides. While Katie has run with the bullying that she has experienced since the petition was brought about, as her main tactic, the Yes side of the campaign has exposed the undemocratic and sneaky actions Katie has taken since becoming our President. Firstly, I do not think Katie has experienced bullying at all, the Yes side of the campaign has taken the democratic, and only route available to them as UCD students, to impeach a President who they believe has wholly manipulated them and broken her election promises since the beginning. This was not set out to be an attack on Katie as a person, it was to remove a President they saw as unfit to carry out the role of the UCD SU President,  without letting her personal views get in the way of the UCD SU mandate.

During her election campaign, Katie promised to delegate issues regarding abortion as her personal views clashed with the democratically voted pro-choice stance of the SU. However, since beginning her role as President, Katie has failed to do this.

Barry Murphy, our Campaigns and Communications officer shed some light on what went on behind closed doors last night, ahead of the election. During the summer, Katie tried to manipulate him into reducing the budget spent on the repeal campaign, while trying to increase other spending. While I understand a repeal campaign is something Katie does not personally believe in, she knew, while running for election, that if she won, she would be representing an SU that had adopted a pro-choice stance and she could not change this. Why then, did she attempt to reduce the budget for the campaign with the referendum looming on us?

The Winging It handbook is an SU book that is given to UCD freshers at the beginning of the year. I loved it last year and as a peer mentor this year, I was excited to see what my mentees thought of it. I was shocked to discover that the information on abortion was removed from the book while other, somewhat controversial but humorous information was left in. Within a few weeks, it became known that Katie was the one who removed this information. While she was uncomfortable with the information on the page, it was left in and sent to print before the deadline. However, weeks later, Katie told the other SU officers that the books had to be reprinted as, after consultation  with the SU lawyer, she discovered that the information was illegal.  This 'discovery' baffled me as the SU officers were all present for training where they were told the abortion information in the book was illegal but also something the student body needed to know and last year's SU was proud of distributing.

 The book ended up being scrapped and the SU, led and decided by Katie, ended up reprinting the handbook, incurring costs of €7000. This leads me to question was Katie ever really concerned with a budget? Was she just censoring information? How likely was a legal case, especially with the referendum being next year? I understand Katie's concern but the fine WOULD HAVE been less than the €7000 spent on reprinting and she should have given the other officers access to the SU lawyer and ended up redrafting the page herself (breaking her delegation promise), not showing it to the lawyer before sending it to print and the page still contains illegal information.

Katie has taken further undemocratic actions towards the UCD for Choice group and pro-choice class representatives since the Winging It controversy. Katie has the right to be pro-life. That is not the issue here. The issue is that she has repeatedly taken actions to prevent the SU for representing the pro-choice stance my college and peers voted for. It is a stance the majority voted for and Katie knew when taking on the role that she was expected to adopt the pro-choice mandate while carrying out her role SU President, Katie was not naive when she knew this was expected of her.

The majority of her fellow SU officers have lost confidence in her, those who work with her each day, no longer believe she is fit to carry out her role. Katie has broken her own campaign promises again and again and I believe she will do so again. Her personal views are getting in the way of her public role and has broken student body confidence in the SU. 

Tomorrow, I will be voting to impeach my SU President. Not because she is pro-life,  not because of her views on marriage equality, but because of her broken promises and actions taken against the UCD SU mandate. A mandate she promised to uphold when she won the SU election last year.

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Halloween Beauty Must-Haves!

Hey guys!

Halloween is so close now and I am beyond excited for it! I love dressing up and of course everything that comes along with it, especially the falling leaves.

So many brands come out with Halloween lines and this year, they do not disappoint. I've rounded up my must-haves for this year and cannot wait to get my hands on all of them!

Lush Monsters Ball Bomb

Returning from last year, Monsters Ball has hit Lush stores once again and I am so happy. Not only does it fill your bath with a cosmic array of colours but this little guy smells so citrusy and fresh. It is the perfect addition to any autumnal bath and I will definitely be stocking up before it disappears again.

Monsters Ball retails for €5.25 and is available in Lush stores nationwide.

Penneys Pierced Nails

I love Penneys nails and don't think you can ever go wrong with picking up a set, provided you pick up some better glue at the same time! Pierced nails aren't a new trend but these black ones are perfect for adding some edge to any look this Halloween and for the price, it's a total bargain.

Pitch Black Pierced Nails retail for €2.50 and are available in Penneys stores nationwide.

NYX Professional Makeup Cosmic Metals Lip Cream

Whether you're dressing up as a witch, fairy, unicorn or princess this year, one of the cosmic metals will definitely complete your makeup look. The pigmented lip cream, combined with a shiny gloss adds the perfect glistening effect to make your lips eye-catching and memorable. The range comes in eighteen different shades and looks absolutely fab!

The Cosmic Metals Lip Creams retail for €10.50 are available in Arnotts and selected pharmacies nationwide.

Essence Cosmetics Superlast Waterproof Eyeliner

I picked this eyeliner up while I was in Italy and paid less than €2.50 for it and it did not disappoint at all! It is very pigmented, doesn't have a patchy application and lasts all day! The applicator is small enough to draw intricate designs or graphic liner for whatever makeup look you're going for this year!

The Superlast Waterproof Eyeliner is available from Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide.

Sleek Distorted Dreams Highlighter Palette

I think this palette is so similar to ABH Moonchild and the variety of shades means you can have a popping highlight for almost every outfit. The green and lilac shades are perfect for cosmic looks while the pink and peach shades would give that a more subtle glowly highlight.

Distorted Dreams retails for €13.99 and is available in Boots nationwide.

Lusso Self Tan Lotion

This tan (medium) is the tan of dreams. It is a buildable tan so if you don't think one layer is enough, it's quick drying and easy to add a second layer. It also has an unbelievably natural colour so if you're planning on being an oompa loompa, this tan isn't for you.

I find a layer of tan just makes me feel so much better about myself and I feel fab when I have tan on. A good tan can make any outfit better in my opinion!

Lusso Self Tan Lotion retails for €22.30 and is available from lussotan.com.

Make Up For Ever False Lashes

Make Up For Ever have such a cool range of false lashes that are perfect for Halloween. Whether you're going for a super dramatic eye look and need the perfect over-the-top lashes or you just want some added volume,  you'll find them here!

Most of the lashes retail for €17 and are available from MUFE stores and concessions nationwide.

Lush Bewitched Bath Bomb

                

Lush are just knocking it out of the park with this year's collection! I haven't had a chance to pop in to see the full range yet but from the pictures I have seen online, I will definitely be picking this one up! This cute bath bomb turns your water black and if that isn't a colour to match my mood at the end of a long day, I don't know what is!

There's something about a black bath that's so intriguing and I cannot wait to try this one out!

Bewitched retails for €5.75 and is available in Lush stores nationwide.

While you're enjoying an evening bath or watching a movie while getting ready, there are some Halloween classics that you have to watch with your favourite drink and seasonal sweets!

Halloweentown

Halloweentown is a Disney classic that spun into a series that defined my Halloween traditions when  I was younger. My brother, sister and I used to watch one, if not all of the movies before we went trick or treating and I have to watch it every year now. Otherwise, it just doesn't feel the same!

Hocus Pocus

How someone can go through October and not watch this movie is beyond me. Granted, it scared me at times when I was younger but it is always on some TV channel on Halloween and if it's on, I have to watch it!

It is such a classic Halloween movie and although I'd love a sequel, it's perfect the way it is, and does not, in any way, need a remake.

What are your Halloween must-haves this year, or your movie suggestions?

What are you dressing up as?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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