What's In My Handbag

Hey guys!

The past week has been so hectic for me. I've been working loads and I finally booked my driver theory test!

I have been asked a few times to do a post like this as 'What's in my Makeup Bag' was such a hit when I did it last year! I do change my bag quite often but at the moment I'm using my Michael Kors Rhea bag in a metallic gold colour.

The bag itself has since been discontinued in this colour but that style is still available in loads of colours on the Michael Kors website. My bag is medium, which retails for $298 and I do not think the larger size is necessary as this fits everything I need into it and more!

Victoria's Secret Passion Struck Flirt

I always keep some sort of perfume in my handbag and for the past few weeks have been using this Victoria Secret mist while I'm out. I bought this about a year ago so it's almost gone but I love the musty scent this mist has!

Victoria Secret mists are fabulous and with the store coming to Dublin in the coming months, I will definitely be stocking up on more!

The mists are available from the VS website until then and prices start at €22.14.

TY Beanie Boo Baby Seal

I love this little seal and love having it in my bag because it makes me smile every time I open my bag. It's small enough that it doesn't take up too much room but it's really cute to look at (not just because my boyfriend bought it for me 😂).

Beanie Boos are available to buy from most Easons stores nationwide!

Benefit Bad Gal Mascara

I love this mascara because it doesn't clump when applied and it hardly flakes throughout the day! I always keep it in my bag in case I need a touch-up during the day.

Over the last few days though, I have misplaced my mascara and need a new staple in my bag! I love the brush so much because it is full and thick and have yet to find another mascara that I love as much!

Bad Gal is available from Benefit Boutiques and concession stands nationwide for €23.

Blistex Happy Lips Mango

I always have a lip balm in my bag or in my pocket when I'm in work because you never know when you may need one! At the moment, I am using a blistex's happy lips in mango. The lip balm lasts for hours without turning sticky and the mango scent lingers on your lips which I love!

The lip balm is available from most Boots stores and also comes in a lovely strawberry flavour, both retailing for €3.79.

Essence All About Matt Powder

I bought this powder originally last summer and have since repurchased it because I love it so much! As it's translucent, the powder does not add any colour to your face and 

 fixes any shiny spots that managed to creep through your makeup!

Essence is such a budget friendly brand and this powder is one of the best I have used! It definitely helps to keep your makeup matte and in place throughout the day.

The All About Matt powder is available from Sam McCauley's for €3.80.

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Perfume

I am such a fiend for having more than one of something in my purse but I cannot go anywhere without Wonderstruck!  If you have followed me for a while, then you'll know that this is my signature scent and will always be my favourite perfume!

This handy little 30ml bottle is perfect for my bag and I can easily spritz some on my wrists and hair (I love getting a whiff of the perfume when I move my hair throughout the day) if I need to!

Wonderstruck has been so difficult to come by over the past year and I received some as a present from America at Christmas!

Technic Setting Spray

The lovely team over at Technic sent me this setting spray a few months ago and I'm sad to say it's almost gone. Having it in my bag is so handy because if I feel my makeup is becoming shiny at any point during the day, I'll shake the bottle up and spritz some on my face!

The bottle is so small and easy to stow in my bag which I love! You can check out all of the products Technic have to offer over on their website!

Earphones

Another absolute must have in my handbag has to be earphones! Whether I'm walking to work or on the bus, I am lost without my earphones!

I am constantly listening to music and am instantly in a bad mood if I realise I have an hour journey and no earphones to keep me occupied on the bus!

Michael Kors Wallet

Last but not least is my wallet! I received this gorgeous Michael Kors wallet for Christmas and love it so much! It's maroon, one of my favourite colours and also matches the Selma bag I got for my 18th!

As it was a gift, I do not know how much it was or the style name, but Michael Kors have an extensive range of wallets on their website!

That's everything I currently have in my handbag!

Do you have any of the same things in yours?

What is your handbag must-have?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

Bloglovin: www.bloglovin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleofpink
Snapchat: Ciarakxo

Current Skincare Wishlist

Hey guys!

I cannot believe we're almost halfway through June already, the time has flown! I got my exam results last week and I am so happy, all my stress over results is finally gone and I can finally try and clear my skin up for the summer once and for all!

I have a long list of what I would love to buy I hopefully will get my hands on soon as skincare is something that so many people overlook but one of the most important things we have to look after!

Voya Lazy Days Seaweed Bath

I recently went to the Kilkenny Shop in Greystones where they had Voya on showcase and the lovely Sarah showed me their seaweed bath set. I fell in love with the set as it is supposed to re-hydrate skin while soothing it as well.

My bath is currently out of action but as soon as it is back in action, I will be buying this set and I cannot wait! It is a three day process where you bathe in the seaweed the first night and for the final two, you bathe with the dead sea salt.

It sounds fab and I cannot wait to try it out!

The Voya Lazy Days Seaweed Bath is available from the Kilkenny Shop for €20!

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Body Lotion

I tried this hand lotion a few weeks ago and the scent is divine! The rhubarb scent is zesty while the undertone of rose is sweet, making this body lotion right up my street. I love using body lotions because it helps keep your skin moisturised throughout the day and when the scent lasts, it is definitely an added bonus.

I regularly use Molton Brown hand creams and their quality is unrivaled by anything else I have tried!

The Rhubarb & Rose Body Lotion is available from Molton Brown's website for  €31.

Benefit Dream Screen SPF

Benfit's Dream Screen is an oil-free SPF which is fab with people who have an oily t-zone, like me. It has a lightweight formula with an SPF 45 which is exactly what you need for your face because you don't want it getting burned or worse!

What I love about Dream Screen is that you can totally wear makeup over it and it won't slip and slide all over your face which is an added bonus.

Dream Screen is available from Benefit Boutiques and concession stands nationwide for €36.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Face Mask is aimed towards blemished skin without drying it out! It helps to soothe the skin while absorbing excess oil. Using the mask once a week will definitely help with problem skin!

The Body Shop is also a fabulous brand as they are completely cruelty free so no animals are harmed in the producing of this product.

The Tea Tree Face Mask is available from The Body Shop nationwide for €16.50.

Lush Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask

I have tried a few Lush face masks at this point but never a fresh mask and I have heard so many fabulous things about Brazened Honey! Some reviews claim that using the mask once a week will help reduce your pores until they are basically gone which is fab!

It is supposed to be great for the t-zone and any breakouts that you may have, while leaving your skin feeling smooth and revitalised. 

Brazened Honey is available from Lush stores natuonwide for roughly €8.95.

These guys have to be my top five skincare wants at the moment! 

What is on your skincare wishlist?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

Bloglovin: www.bloglovin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleofpink
Snapchat: Ciarakxo

High-end Makeup Wishlist

Hey guys!

I am so glad this semester is almost over! I have had so many assignments due over the past few weeks and I have exams at the start of May. I cannot wait for summer!

As you guys know, I recently started working again and actually having a regular income has lead me to make new lists of high-end makeup that I would really love to add to my collection. My current wishlist isn't too long but I am working on less than minimum wage so I'll have to save if I want to buy all of it!

Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment Mask

I have heard so many great things about this mask and would really love to try it out! Lots of bloggers have raved about how the mask visibly makes your skin brighter in the days after using the mask and that spots do reduce in appearance as well.

The mask is pricey, retailing for €45 but I cannot wait to get my hands on it and see what all the fuss is about for myself.

The Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment Mask is available in Arnotts in-store and online.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Okay so one of my best friends has this palette and when we went to London together she kindly let me use it and I fell in love. I love the cranberry and rich red shades in the palette and the pigmentation is amazing.

I have a few ABH products already and cannot wait to add this palette to my collection. The shades are so versatile and you can get so many different eye looks out of this palette!

The Modern Renaissance palette is available from Beauty Bay for €53.90.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

I used to have dry skin and while sometimes, it still does get dry it is very much combination skin now. Nars Sheer Glow is supposedly great for people with oily to combination skin who don't want a matte finish as this foundation has a stain finish.

I like dewy looking foundation that isn't overpoweringly glowy and having the option to build-up the coverage is something I love as I like being able to go from light to medium coverage should I want to hide blemishes.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is available from Brown Thomas for €43.

Too Faced Hangover Primer

Debenhams recently became a stockist for Too Faced so until now, I haven't really tried any of their products except Le Grand Palais Christmas gift set that I got two years ago.

I have heard so many people rave about this primer, the fact that it hydrates your skin and be a radiance booster while helping your foundation to stay on all day is fabulous.

Too Faced Hangover Primer is available from Debenhams for €32.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara

If you ask anyone what Tarte mascara you should try, you'll inevitably be told to try some variation of their Lights, Camera....collection. It is one of their best-selling products and the formula is supposed to be lengthening, conditioning and anti-clump.

With Irish weather, I would be silly not to get the waterproof version of the mascara and I cannot wait to try it out for myself in the future!

Lights, Camera, Splashes is available from Tarte for €22.

Benefit Instant Comeback Facial Serum

I had a mini version of this serum a few months ago and it was fabulous. I used it as part of my nighttime routine and used a good amount on my face every night, and my skin was so hydrated in the morning which I loved.

I also found my makeup easier to apply because my skin felt smoother and my foundation went on like a dream.

Instant Comeback is available from Benefit Boutiques and concessions nationwide and online for €49.50.

Huda Beauty Audrey Lashes

I couldn't tell you how many times I've been on shophudabeauty.com and have a full basket ready to buy and then I see the price tag and my heart drops a little. Now that I actually have a regular income, I cannot wait to try out some of the products.

The Audrey lashes, designed to reflect Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance, are absolutely stunning. The lashes are versatile enough that you could wear them during the day or at night when you're going for a more dramatic look.

The Audrey Lashes are available from the website for roughly €37 but are reusable.

Huda Beauty Trophy Wife Liquid Lipstick

Another Huda Beauty product that I would love to have in my collection is Trophy Wife, a liquid matte. The shade is describer as rose wood and I think it is a deep pink with grey undertones. 

I love Colourpop's liquid mattes and have heard so many fab things about these liquid mattes that I just need one in my life!

Liquid Mattes are available from the website for roughly €19.

Makeup Forever Pink Multicoloured Glitter

I love Makeup Forever products and who doesn't love glitter. Glitter eye looks are one of my favourite looks to wear on a night out. The glitter is safe to use on the skin, including lips and would be the perfect addition to any makeup bag headed to a festival this summer!

I cannot wait for this glitter to get back in stock so I can add it to my collection!

Makeup Forever glitters are available in-store and online for €15.

Lancome La Rose à Poudrer Highlighter

If you have not seen this highlighter all over instagram then where have you been? This delicate looking rose has an iridescent sheen when applied and the presentation is just so beautiful.

This limited edition gem is available from the Lancome website for €50.

What products are currently on your wishlist?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

Bloglovin: www.bloglovin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleofpink
Snapchat: Ciarakxo

Valentines Makeup Inspiration

Hey guys!

Whether you're for or against Valentine's Day, pink themed makeup is perfect for any day, but especially this Tuesday.

Valentine's will be Galentines for me but I will have pink themed makeup nonetheless and these guys are some of my favourites.

Benefit Cosmetics Real Cheeky Party

I got this kit for my 18th and I know they sold it again for Christmas 2016. Sugarbomb (Top row, far right) gives the perfect pink glow to any cheeks and is a great choice for Valentine's Day, whether you have a date or not.

MAC X Giambattista Valli - Tats

I love Tats which was a limited edition in summer 2015 and it is the perfect hot pink that would give you pout-worthy lips. This lipstick stays on through dinners and would last all day.

NYX Strobe of Genius

I have a special place in my heart for this palette. It is an unbelievable highlight kit and is actually really good for eyes as well. The bottom swatch on my hand is my favourite one from the palette and will give you the perfect rose gold goddess glow for whatever you're doing on Tuesday.

Strobe of Genius is available in Arnotts for €21.

EOS Lip Balm

If you're not into lipstick but want your lips Valentines ready then all you need is an EOS lip balm. The lip balm is super hydrating and all of them taste unreal (even though I've never actually bit one... you shouldn't either).

Whether it's Valentine's, Galentines or just a normal day for you on Tuesday, have a fab day!

Let me know how it goes in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

Bloglovin: www.bloglovin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleofpink
Snapchat: Ciarakxo

My Current Faves!

Hey guys!

So this week is the first week I've worn makeup in a while and I have fallen in love with some products I've used before and some I just fell out of love with.

This little guy is the Tea Tree Toner Tab from Lush. It is fantastic. All you do is drop it into a bowl hot water (boil some and leave it cool for a few minutes), put a towel over your head and place your head over the hot water. It does wonders for your skin and having dry skin, I can definitely see my skin isn't as dry after.

For only €1.50, you'd be mad not to try this!

 I love Rimmel's Apocalips but this week was my first time trying their matte range. I have had the shade Atomic Rose for a while now but I never got around to using it. Although it seems nude in the tube, it has more of an orange undertone on my skin and lips. The velvety smoothness of this liquid lipstick is fabulous and I love how long it lasts!

Rimmel Apocalips is €8.49 in Boots.

Inglot's eyeliner gels are fab and I bought one in the shade 88 back in December because I wanted to try some graphic liner looks. It is such a pretty cyan shade and you can easily work this liner into a day looks. The pigmentation is great and it's long lasting as well!

The AMC Eyeliner Gel in shade 88 is no longer available online but it may be in store for €15.

I am so glad I picked this eyeshadow up in London last summer! I have created so many winter looks using this eyeshadow and the colour is just fantastic! Who doesn't love a little merlot in their life? I have the shade Diva and it has an intense colour payoff as well as lasting all day!

The Makeup Store Microshadows can be bought from their website and range between €15 and €18.

Makeup Revolution's Goddess of Love highlighter has been my go-to highlighter recently. It has a beautiful iridescent glow that catches the light perfectly. I love the quality of Makeup Revolution's products and this highlighter is no different!

Goddess of Love is available from Makeup Revolution's website for €6.95

Tan Organic's self tanning oil is the best fake tan I have ever used. Although the smell when it's developing can be quite potent, it provides a streak-free, real-looking tan without fail every time. I always find myself stocking up with a new bottle!

Tan Organic's self tanning oil is available from all good pharmacies for €24.99

I've been using KIKO's infinity eyeshadow in shade 294 on the inner corner of my eye for the last few days and I love it. It catches the light really well and really opens up my eye!

KIKO's infinity shadows are available from their website for €2.40

Benefit's Coralista is a warm coral-pink blusher. I love it so much. The rose gold shimmer is to die for and it goes perfectly with the Goddess of Love highlighter.

Coralista is available from Brown Thomas for €34.

What are your current favourites?

Do you have any new product suggestions?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

twitter.com/Alison_Kellly

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

instagram.com/Alison_Kelly

Bloglovin: www.bloglovin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkleofpink

Snapchat: CiaraKittyK