Summer Empties

Hey guys!

So over the summer I really didn't wear much makeup but I did get to the end of some products, albeit mainly skincare.

My empties posts seem to be some of the most popular posts so here are the products I finished over the summer!

Ardell Demi Wispies 

I tended to lean towards using lashes rather than go for a full eye look and these lashes were perfect for creating a dramatic look. I went through a whole multipack along with half of this one during the summer because these are my go-to lashes. 

I did try out some of the SOSU lashes as well but I always find myself going back to these because they're dramatic without being over the top.

L'Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask

I will always repurchase this mask! I love it so much and it is so handy to just apply at night, have a cup of tea and just rinse it off before bed. The purity mask helps to mattify skin and eliminate impurities, something that really works on my combination skin!

I found the jar had more than the ten applications advertised and all you need is a flat brush to apply it and a cloth to rinse off! For €11 and 10+ applications, you really can't go wrong with the L'Oréal Pure Clay mask range.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

For the first few weeks in work I actually bothered to wear minimal makeup and this mascara helped me to look alive in the mornings. It lengthens my lashes a lot when I use a curler beforehand and I love the formula, it doesn't clump and rarely flakes throughout the day.

It is also easily removed with some eye makeup remover which I love! I hate stubborn formulas that won't come off!

Garnier Summer Body - Light

I used this moisturiser before Portugal and have repurchased the bottle since I've come home, in hope of saving my tan!

I use a body moisturiser anyway so having one that has a hint of fake tan in it really helped me look sun-kissed before I went off and hopefully will help prolong my tan over the coming weeks. 

It also smells really good which is always a bonus.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

So there's like a teeny tiny bit of product left inside here but I can't get it out, I've decided it's never going to come out and it's time for the bin.

I did love it though! With a sweet vanilla scent, this lip gloss actively plumped your lips from application. It did tingle about five minutes after application each night but made my lips look fabulous and long-term application can result in permanent effects.

I always try minis before I buy a full-size product and I will definitely be purchasing the full-size soon!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

These pads have become a staple in my skincare routine and I have repurchased them so many times since I first tried them out a few months ago.

I use the pads every night before bed; the glycolic acid retextures and resurfaces the skin while the hyaluronic acid  moisturises and refreshes along with the blue daisy soothes and calms the skin.

Overall, the pads have helped my breakouts and I love how smooth my skin feels at the moment!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

It's no surprise that this concealer features in my empty products from the summer. Whenever I wore any makeup, it was this concealer and I will always repurchase it because it is the best concealer I have ever used.

They have also recently expanded their shade range so the brand is getting even better!

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Combined with the pads, the salicylic acid solution has really helped my skin improve over the past few months. This did give me chemical burn on some patches of my face so I discontinued use in those areas but overall it has helped my blemish-prone skin.

I'm not sure if I would repurchase this as I have so many Ordinary products to get through and my skin clearly had a reaction to this.

What products did you use up during the summer?

Did we finish any of the same products?

Do you have any recommendations for me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Summer in a City Makeup

Hey guys!

If you've been following my Portuguese adventure over the summer, you'll know I spent a few days in Lisbon at the end of July. I've been working in Quinta do Lago in the Algarve but didn't want to come to Portugal without visiting the city. 

I spent two days in Lisbon and it was hot! We're talking 35+ degrees....

I didn't even try to wear makeup during the day because I knew it would make my skin feel horrible. However, on my last night I did some makeup. It wasn't a lot at all but it was perfect for a warm city during the summer.

I got so many compliments about it that I've decided to show you guys what I used for the look!

Base and Finish

As I went out after sunset, I didn't bother with an SPF but if you are considering doing this during the day, you must wear some!

For my primer I used Sleek's Mattifying Primer. I hadn't used this primer before coming over here but had it in my mkaeup drawer and thought it would come in handy with the heat in Portugal! It has a velvety finish and really helped keep my shine at bay.

Sleeks's Mattifying Primer is available in Boots for €10.49 and is currently in their buy one get one half price offer.

I also used my holy grail concealer, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Cool Medium 2 along with MAC's ProLongwear Concealer in NC25, I usually wear NC15 but I have a tan so this is perfect for my skin.

The Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is currently available in Boots for €4.99 and MAC's ProLongwear Concealer is available in Arnotts Beauty Hall for €23.50.

The only powder I have ever used is Rimmel's Stay Matte powder because I have never found a powder that works as well for me.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is currently in Boots 2 for €13 offer so if you like their foundation, it's definitely worth getting! Otherwise, it retails for €5.99.

I also used the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray to set everything in place when I was finished my makeup. I have tried and tested so many different setting sprays and All Nighter always does the job, even in hot and humid countries. 

I was kindly gifted this setting spray by Urban Decay and will always repurchase as it is my holy grail setting spray!

Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray is available in Debenhams and is currently on offer for €27.90.  

Brows and Lashes

As I wasn't going to use much makeup at all, I decided lashes were the perfect thing to finish the look off. I used the SOSU Gigi Lashes which are available from the SOSU website for €5.95.

I also used the Klenacolor clear eyelash glue which I bought on ShopMissA last year. For $1 it was fasntastic and I would 100% repurchase.

For my brows, I used the Wet n' Wild  Ultimate Brow Kit in Ash Brown and a clear brow gel that the label has rubbed off so I have no idea where I bought it from! I only use powder in my brows and then set it with the gel because my brows are fairly full as it is.

The Wet n' Wild  Ultimate Brow Kit is available in selected Dunnes Stores for €4.79.

Highlight 

I love a good glow and only used a little on the high-points of my face and a little on my cupid's bow. I knew I would tan while over here so I packed my Urban Decay After Glow Palette due to the gold hue in the highlighters.

I used the shade Side Piece from the set and originally bought it in Debenhams but I think it has been discontinued since.

Lip liner and Lipstick

I was very good and only brought one lip liner with me, NYX Professional Makeup's Wonder Pencil in light as it doubles as an eyeliner for my waterline. I use it with almost every lipstick as it lines your lips but matches my skin tone so you can barely notice it!

I was kindly gifted NYX Professional Makeup's Wonder Pencil a few months ago and have since repurchased it as I love it so much!

NYX Professional Makeup's Wonder Pencil is available in Arnotts for €6.

I also used Kat Von D's Studded Kiss Crème in Lovecraft. I love this shade because it's is the perfect mauve nude for the transition from summer to autumn and it looks good with almost everything I wear. I got this in the Give Me Some Lip set from Sephora (check out my last post to hear all about it) but it is available in Debenhams for €21.

Do you guys have any of the same summer must-haves as me?

Do you have any other product suggestions for hot weather?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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New York Haul Part 1

Wow okay, it's been a long time since I posted anything on here. The last few weeks of college were full of assignments and studying and then exams came and went and my trip to New York was what was getting me through it all!

I went to New York for five days with my best friend Kayleigh and had the most amazing time! We got to see all the sites, see a baseball game and of course, did all the shopping!

Since I bought so much, I'll be breaking my haul into two parts, so this one will be all of the stuff I bought from Bath & Body Works, Ulta Beauty and Apple

Bath & Body Works

Black Cherry Merlot 3-Wick

Okay so I went to Bath & Body Works for the candles, I am obsessed. My mum brought me one home from the States almost two years ago and I wouldn't burn it completely until I had gotten some more! 

I usually go for sickly sweet scents, I love them so much. That's why I was surprised that I loved this candle so much. It's not overly sweet (I think it's the Merlot?) and it's a candle you could put into your sitting room that everyone would love.

This candle even got my bag searched at JFK which I thought was gas, who knew candles were what smugglers were using!

Watermelon Lemonade 3-Wick

The second candle I got was Watermelon Lemonade and I love it! I love everything watermelon so I knew I was walking out of there with something watermelon scented.

This candle isn't too sweet or overpowering so I will definitely be using this when I'm studying!

Sparkling Limoncello Hand Lotion

I'm trying to use hand lotion more often and this one just smelt so nice I had to buy it! Lemon is such a fresh scent and I cannot wait to use it!

Watermelon Lemonade Foaming Soap

This soap smells just like the candle so of course, I had to buy it. I don't know when I'm going to use it though because I'm going away in a week and a half and I won't be packing soap with me!

Island Margarita Cleansing Soap

I love citrus-scented things so when I tried this soap, I just had to have it too! There's aloe and vitamin e in this soap which helps to keep hands soft.

Lemon Grapefruit Foaming Soap

This soap smells so nice as well! Lemon is definitely the most fragrant in the soap and I love it. The vitamins a. b and e aim to keep your hands smooth.

Ulta Beauty

Formula 10.0.6 Be Berry Fresh Mud Mask

I saw the Formula 10.0.6 range in Ulta and I just had to try some of it out! This mask is aimed at detoxing pores and I love neroli (one of the main ingredients) so I'm looking forward to trying it out!

Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Cleanser

So I don't have acne but I do like the effect salicylic acid has had on my skin in the past. It's aimed at clearing blackheads and whiteheads so I'm looking forward to incorporating it into my skincare routine.

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation

I honestly don't know why I bought this foundation because I have so many to get through but I can't buy it over here so I decided to try it out! The Healthy Foundation is a new foundation from the brand that has buildable medium to full coverage with a satin finish.

I went for LC1 because I'm pale and usually go for foundations with a cool undertone. The range has sixteen shades so if you can't find one that suits you, you can always mix!

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

I couldn't go to the stand and not pick up a Butter Bronzer! Every single American Youtuber or blogger I follow has raved about this bronzer so I'm glad I finally get to try it out for myself!

I picked it up in the shade Bronzer.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Fair Beige

So last summer my sister picked up this concealer in fair and while she did let me try it out, it was too pale for me! I swatched a load of the concealers when I was in the store and found fair beige was the best match for me.

This concealer is exclusive to Ulta Beauty and is amazing for covering up dark circles!

Tartelette Toasted Palette

Okay so I know I have an abundance of palettes but all of the Tartelette palettes were on sale and I couldn't resist! I am a warm tone and metallic queen so this palette was right up my alley.

This palette has seven mattes and five shimmer shades and the formula is just so creamy! I cannot wait to use this palette over the next few months (It's definitely coming to Portugal with me)!

L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation 101 Classic Ivory

I don't know if there's a difference between the infallible matte you can get here and the infallible pro-matte I got in New York but the shade range is so much better over there!

I got a very pale shade that I can't buy at home but is perfect for my skin tone and I can darken it if needed over the summer. I really do love the foundation, the coverage and finish is just fantastic.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip Fresh Cut

I love Colourpop and the fact that some stores stock it now is fantastic! I saw the little stand at a store in the city and I couldn't resist!

I love Colourpop's matte lipstick and Fresh Cut is described as a true blue pink. I wanted a pale pink to wear for the summer and I think this is so cute!

Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter Flexitarian 

I love a good highlight and always dip into my sister's flexitarian so I decided it was time I bought my own! It's described as an intense white champagne with pearlized finish. I think it looks so nice with a barely there look or with fake tan.

Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Peach Glow

I clearly have a thing for glowy looks. I picked this up in Ulta Beauty because it was on sale and it was just so nice when I swatched it!

L'Oréal Makeup Bag

I spent so much in the store that I got this holographic makeup bag as well. It's quite big and I'll definitely be bringing it away with me to Portugal!

Apple

I also bought a new phone while I was in New York! My old phone didn't work properly and I'm so happy that I can finally make calls again!

Have you ever been to New York?

What was your favourite part?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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21 Days with Herbalife

Hey guys!

So some of you may know from my social media, some of you may not, but I've been using some of Herbalife's range of products for the last three weeks.

If you haven't heard of the brand, they have tailored their range of products towards successful weight loss and improved nutrition. 

The products I was sent to trial were tailored to my needs after I had contact with the brand and their resident personal trainer. I got sent some of the Herbalife range and some of the Herbalife 24 Sports range.

I have been using them for the last 21 days and cannot wait to share my views with you guys and if you've used any of the products as well!

Herbalife 24 Sports 

I combine tennis and the gym as my physical exercise each week and because of this, I got sent CR7 Drive along with Strength Rebuilding protein shake. The combination of both helping me to fuel my workouts and recover after!

CR7 Drive

CR7 Drive is designed to rapidly fuel workouts and enhance hydration. Designed in collaboration with Ronaldo, the product helps to sustain endurance performance during prolonged exercise.

The product comes in a canister with 20 servings or a box with 10 sachets, both acai berry flavour. I used the mix before my tennis training and I found it help me maintain my energy levels throughout the sessions. I like the flavour and I found it best when mixed with cold water because the drink was nicer when it the water was refrigerated beforehand.

Rebuild Strength Protein Shake

While I don't particularly like chocolate flavoured things (not even ice cream!), I did find myself enjoy this shake post-workout. My gym routine is very weight-orientated so this formula helps me to recover after workouts.

I added the powder to water but I always had to measure out the quantity beforehand because I still don't have a scoop! When mixed according to the directions, the shake has 190 calories so it can easily be added into anyone's food for the day.

Overall, I liked the sports range because it did help me both before and after exercise and while I still have some of the products left, I will definitely be buying more once they're gone.

Herbalife

The majority of the products I received was from the Herbalife range, geared towards healthy weight loss and improving nutrition.

I started my day with a combination of the products and snacked on some throughout the day as well.

Instant Herbal Beverage

Instead of reaching for coffee in the morning, I've been going for this lemon flavoured herbal drink. It's main ingredient is green tea which I drink occasionally anyway and while the drink can be had hot or cold, I drink it with hot water.

It's also a low calorie formula which is handy as it contains less calories but more nutrients than your average cup of tea!

Formula 1 Healthy Meal Replacement

Along with the tea, I've been having this meal replacement shake for my breakfast. I mix two tablespoons with 250ml of milk in a shaker each morning and it fills me up until lunch if it's a late breakfast or until mid morning if it's an early breakfast.

I got sent the vanilla formula which is tasty but the range is so vast and includes flavours like cookies and cream as well as chocolate mint. If you're looking for a healthy meal replacement that is low in calories but contains the nutrients needed, the formula 1 healthy meal is perfect.

However, if you're not looking to lose weight and just want to boost your nutrient intake as well as add a few extra calories to your daily intake, this formula is great for that as well!

The canister unfortunately got damaged in the post so the lid was completely broken so I've managed to get a makeshift lid for what's left of the formula as there's 30 servings in each canister.

Protein Bar

The protein bars have to be my absolute favourite part of the range. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar (which I usually do), I brought a protein bar to college everyday so I was snacking on something with less calories and more protein than I usually would.

I got sent the vanilla almond flavour which is yum, I've basically gone through the two boxes (14 bars per box), so I will definitely be trying the lemon flavour next!

Each bar has 140 calories which is just under the recommended calorie count of 150 calories per snack. I have tried a lot of protein bars and I definitely prefer these to other ones I've had, especially since the average protein bar contains a lot more than 140 calories.

Herbal Aloe Concentrate Drink - Mango Flavour

The final product I tried from the range was the herbal aloe concentrate drink, which aims to help you reach the daily recommended water intake of 2 litres. 

Marketed as a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks, I was a bit skeptical of trying the concentrate. I've had it a few times now, mixing the recommended amount with a litre of water and drinking it throughout the day in college. 

I'm not the biggest fan of this product at all. I can't quite place the flavour. It's not a bad flavour it's just an unusual one and something I usually wouldn't go for myself. Other than that, the fact that it could replace fizzy drinks in some people's diets is definitely a good thing!

Overall, I liked the majority of the products I was lucky enough to be sent, with the exception of one. While I was sent these products for free, it hasn't altered my opinions of the products at all. If I didn't like something, I would definitely tell you guys.

Over the past three weeks, combined with my exercise regime, I have used the range to fuel workouts and help me in my weightloss journey and I can definitely attribute these products to helping me along the way!

All of the products mentioned above are available at www.herbalife.ie along with many more products I hope to try soon!

Have you ever tried Herbalife before?

What did you think of the products?

Did they help you along the way?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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My Current Skincare Routine

Hey guys!

So I've been MIA for a while because college work kept on piling up and I was taking more hours in work so I could have enough money for my summer travels!

I'm back now and I am going to try really hard to be consistent and stay on top of my assignments at the same time!

One thing I have been working on over the past few weeks is a skincare regime that works for my skin and I'm gonna let you guys know what I've been loving and what's been helping my skin out as well.

& Other Stories - Body Soufflé (Miami Muse)

I've been using this body soufflé after every shower for the past few weeks and it feels fabulous!

It smells so sweet and makes my skin feel hydrated and smooth.

I wasn't one to use anything on my body (unless is was before or after tanning) before I started using this and I don't know what I ever did without it!

& Other Stories have a range of body soufflés in store and online for €12.

Payot Peeling Oxygénant Dépolluant

A PR company kindly sent me this peeling mask to try a few weeks ago and I have been loving it! What intrigued me originally was the fact that it bubbled on your face and few seconds after application but since using it, I have noticed a real difference in my skin!

It's an exfoliating mask without any particles and it has really helped even out my skin and help it loo healthier and brighter! It's also pink so what's not to love?

Payot's Peeling Oxygénant Dépolluant has a €38 RRP and is available in selected pharmacies and online!

Sephora Overnight Mask

I stocked up on Sephora's range of overnight masks while I was in Milan and have been making my way through them since.

I find it best to use these once or twice a week and after I open one (there's about three applications per pack) I leave it in the fridge until I use it next. Leaving it on overnight and washing the remnants off in the morning really lets the mask and all its goodness sink into your skin.

My favourite mask so far is the algae mask as it helps to purify and detoxify the skin which is great after weekends away!

Sephora's range of overnight masks are available for €3 from stores and online.

Nivea's Micellar Water for Dry Skin

When I'm too lazy to do my whole routine at night I just use this micellar water and some moisturiser before bed. It's so much better than using makeup wipes (which I'm usually very guilty of using) and much kinder on your skin as well.

I use this every morning as well just to go over my skin and make sure it's clean before I start any makeup.

I bought it in Superdrug a few months ago and haven't seen it since but there's so many great brands out there with fabulous micellar water!

The Ordinary - Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Okay so I have a love-hate relationship with this solution. It's marketed as a daily solution for blemishes that claims to gently exfolaite the inside walls of the skin, clearing and clarifying the complexion.

The instructions on the bottle say apply directly to blemishes or a small amount all over the face. I started with applying a small amount all over my face and it was working well for a few weeks until I started to give me salicylic burn on a patch of my skin so I discontinued use for a few days until it cleared. After it cleared, I started to use it all over my face except on the patch that it had irritated and it was doing wonders for me again.

The other night, I stupidly applied it all over my face again and woke up in the middle of the night with my face stinging me again, only to find I had salicylic burn on the same patch again. While it works on most of my face, it does clearly irritate patches of it so the jury's still out on this one!

The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is available from Beauty Bay for €4.70.

L'Oreal's Fine Flowers Gel-Cream Wash

This gel-cream is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, both of which I have, as rose is known for its soothing properties and jasmine is known for its protecting and moisturising properties. This wash is unscented and lathers easily in water.

I use this wash in the shower (yes I am that lazy) every second day. I apply it to wet skin and massage it all over my face and neck. It helps my skin stay hydrated and it provides the perfect base for makeup in the morning!

I picked this wash up in Dunnes on a whim but it is available from FeelUnique for €4.80.

Kotoha London's Shoyaku Herb Essence Silk Cream

The lovely Yoko from Kotoha London sent me this to try a few months ago and I am in love with it! This moisturiser can be used on normal, oily and combination skin.

I use it sparingly and on very dry patches of my skin when needed and it works wonders overnight. The cream helps to reduce the appearance of open pores and when applied on dry patches of my skin overnight, and not rubbing the cream in, it sinks into my skin and helps to hydrate my skin and reduce the appearance of dry patches, helping them to disappear over a few days.

I love the quality of this product and the fact that it doesn't have a scent. The product comes with a lid but I lost it on my travels a few weeks ago!

The Silk Cream is available from Kotoha London for €43.52.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser

This is my third bottle of this cleanser and I love it! I used it to remove my makeup at night, along with the micellar water and it leaves my skin feeling clean after removing all my makeup!

You don't have to rinse the cleanser off which is great and it smells fantastic as well! The cleanser helps to cleanse the skin as well as locking in moisture.

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Cleanser is available for €10.99 from Boots.

They're all the products I'm using in my skincare routine at the moment! 

Do you use any of the same products?

What did you think of them?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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