Life Update!

Hey guys!

It truly has been a while since I have posted here. I never intended to take such a long break but life just got away from me!

I finished my Masters in Law last May (2021) and graduated in August 2021 top of my class, with a first class honours! Whilst the graduation ceremony was scaled back due to Covid, it was so nice to see the majority of my class again! 

Whilst I finished my formal education last May, in Ireland you have to sit the FE-1s with the Law Society before you can start a training contract with a law firm. So, I never really stopped studying at all! I sat my first four exams last October and passed all four but, let me tell you, the FE-1s are no joke... my social life was non-existent and my life literally revolved around sleep, study, walk, food, repeat!

To celebrate the end of the exams, and take a break from all the study, I went to Barcelona with one of my best friends a few days after I finished. Barcelona is such a stunning city and it was still fairly warm when we went in mid-October.

It was such a stunning break and I loved getting to spend a few days discovering a new city with people I love! 

I had also made the decision to take a study break until after my birthday, November 19th and naturally, jetted somewhere else to celebrate turning 24! I spent a stunning few days in Florence with some family, discovering the gorgeous Tuscan countryside and immersing myself in the history of the city and the Medici family.

Tuscan wine and food was definitely indulged in as well!

Then, sadly it was back to studying for my final four FE-1s, which I sat in March 2022. However, that didn't stop me from celebrating Christmas and the New Year with friends and family. Whilst celebrations were still slightly impeded by Covid, the festive season was a lovely break from a 9-5 of study!

The freedom was short-lived though, and I was back to study shortly after the New Year. My saving grace was the fact that a friend of mine decided to sit the same exams as me, and we were in constant contact about topics, confusion and overall stress relief - I would definitely recommend staying in touch with people from your course for friendship and support for the FE-1s (and, of course, beyond the exams)!

I honestly think my final four FE-1s were more difficult than the first round. It wasn't that the exams I chose were more difficult, I think it came down to the fact that I had originally covered the courses two years ago, and for some reason I found it more difficult to retain the information. Nonetheless, I survived, and will get my results (send all the positivity!) in a few weeks.

Then, naturally, I jetted off again to celebrate FREEDOM! I went to New York for a week with another good friend, who sat some of the exams as well! It truly was a wonderful week,,, even though some MetroCards were lost along the way... and I cannot wait to travel more this summer.

Since I've come home, I've been catching up with friends and slowly spring cleaning everything. It is so odd to me though, until I start my training contract in August, this is the first time since I was 15 that I haven't had any commitments. No college, no job and no deadlines. I definitely need the downtime and refresh though and, certainly plan on making the most of the summer, travelling wherever and whenever I can.

I plan on trying my best to blog more often as well. I have definitely been more consistent with my Instagram but do want to get back into it. 

I will leave you with one question though, because I am STRUGGLING! What is the best lip balm or treatment you have come across for persistently dry lips? My lips suffered in the below freezing weather in New York and I have not been able to fix them since!

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara xoxo

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Winter Funderland

Hey guys!

There are still a few days left in the Christmas Holidays and if you're stuck for something to do, Funderland is the perfect place to spend the day!

There are so many rides to choose from a plenty of games if you're not one for spinning around in circles.

The team over at Funderland were kind enough to send me two wristbands so I could see what all the hype was about and I can definitely say the rides and stands around the complex definitely live up to the hype.

I went with my friend on one of their busier days but the queues for the rides didn't last more than 10 minutes and the wait was always worth it. We went on almost every single ride as the wristbands last for a few hours and are definitely better than pay as you go as you can literally go on as many rides as you want until your time runs out.

Although I was scared to go on some of the rides first, I loved Take Off and Frisbee, they were fantastic!

I would definitely recommend the churros from the vendor outside before you leave, they are unreal and you have to try them with the melted chocolate too!

Winter Funderland at the RDS is open until January 15th and is definitely worth the trip before everyone goes back to school.

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Christmas Giveaway

Hey guys!

I have been waiting to post this for ages and I am so excited to announce that I am holding a Christmas giveaway on my blog and social media accounts!

The giveaway includes some of my favourite brands and beauty products at the moment as well as some yummy food and tea to get you through the holidays.

The giveaway starts at midnight and closes at midnight on December 18th so it arrives just before Christmas.

Most of my blog traffic and support comes from Ireland so this giveaway will only be open to residents of the Republic and Northern Ireland (especially as some of the prizes are only redeemable in Dublin).

The winner will be chosen randomly from the entries and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Gift Guide for Makeup Lovers

Hey guys!

  This year has flown by and there's no need to stress over what to get the makeup lover in your life because this guide will fit every budget!

Gifts Under €15

Everyone loves a good pamper sesh and this gift set from Lush is perfect for someone you know loves some 'me time' every once in a while! 

The Night Before Christmas has a Shoot for The Stars Bath Bomb and and Snow Angel Bath Melt available in store and online for €12.95.

I love NYX and their stand in Arnotts stocks three shades of this concealer palette. The colours in the palettes range from dark to light and are perfect for concealing and contouring. At only €14 it's a steal! 

The NYX Concealer 3C Palette is available online and in Arnotts!

I love Better Than Sex and this deluxe mini is perfect for a Secret Santa gift or a little stocking filler! 

Better Than Sex Ornament is currently available in Debenhams for €12

SoSu Lashes have landed in Tully's Pharmacy for the holiday season. I love the Sara lashes and think they would be perfect for a night out!

SoSu's Sara Lashes are available from Tully's Pharmacy for €5.95.

Gifts Under €30

I love all three of these products from The Balm and having them all in the one palette is the dream! 

Tully's Pharmacy have The Manizer Sisters for €28 and offer free shipping for orders over €50!

I love Too Faced Melted lipsticks and need a Melted Matte in my life! This little gift set is perfect for any Too Faced or lipstick lover because it has a variety of shades and a matte lipstick to finish the collection off!

Too Faced Merry Kissmas is currently available in Debenhams for €26

I love Gerard Cosmetic's hydra mattes and haven't had the chance to try their metal mattes yet and this cute little bundle is the perfect opportunity to try the metals and the hydra matte in a new shade!  The Naughty & Nice bundle lets you choose your shade for both lipsticks and what scent you prefer for the mini Slay All Day!

This bundle is perfect for any lipstick fanatic out there and is available for €25 from Gerard Cosmetics.

Makeup lovers are always looking for the perfect selfie light and with Halo it is so simple! This little beauty just goes onto the top of your phone and you're selfie ready!

You can pick up the fab Halo by Tippity in Meaghers Pharmacy for €24.95.

Gifts Under €50

I love Benefit holiday sets and Girl-A-Rama is no different! From brushes, to eyeshadows, blushes, mascara and primer, this set has it all! Not to mention the packaging is super cute and easy to travel with as it won't get squished!

Girl-A-Rama is available from Benefit Boutiques nationwide and selected Debenhams and Boots for €43.

Guys the Anastasia BH Moonchild Glow Kit gives me life. I have wanted to get my hands on it for ages and I know it'll be under my tree this year. For real, if you want to make a makeup addict happy, get this glow kit! Especially if they have the classic pale Irish skin because they will still be killing it with these shades!

Moonchild is available from the ABH website for €38.

I have heard so much about First Aid Beauty and this holiday kit seems to be the perfect way to try out the brand for myself as it is full of their bestsellers! From face masks to lip therapy. this kit will help anyone keep their skin fresh during the Christmas period.

First Aid Beauty's Fab Holiday Cheers Kit is available from Cloud10 Beauty for €50.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on MAC's Nutcracker Sweet Bronze Pigments and Glitter Kit a few weeks ago and I am obsessed. The kit is flying out the door and if you want to get one, I suggest trying straight away! The pigments are absolutely gorgeous and perfect for creating a holiday sparkle look.

The Sweet Bronze Kit is available from MAC concessions in Brown Thomas and some BT2 stores nationwide for €35.

Gifts Under €100

I love getting new brushes and absolutely adore Spectrum's Marbleous 12 Piece Set. The set contains everything you would need to complete a look and is perfect for beginners and veterans alike!

The Marbleous Set is available from Spectrum's site for €77.

Lush's collection this year did not disappoint and if you're looking to spoil someone this Christmas, look no further! Magic Cube contains everything from bath bombs to lip scrub and everything in between!

Magic Cube is available from Lush stores nationwide for €85.

Any makeup lover will know that washing your makeup brushes literally means spending the whole night in your bathroom with Netflix and your brushes. I absolutely hate waiting for them to dry and love Sigma's innovative Dry'n Shape Tower because it speeds up the drying time and helps keep the brush shape!

The Dry'n Shape Tower is available from Sigma for €65.

Another brush set, this time from Zoeva that I have been lusting over for ages. The Luxe Prime Set has a range of face and eye brushes that look absolutely gorgeous and would make any makeup lover happy!

The Luxe Prime Set is available from Zoeva for €95.

There you guys have it! My gift guide for makeup lovers. 

The guide has gifts that will fit any budget and I hope you found some inspiration from it!

Let me know if you think I should include anything else in the comments below.

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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Gift Guide For Him

Hey guys!

We're nearing the end of November and the holidays are just around the corner so I decided to do a mini gift guide for him! If you're stuck on what to buy your man, family member or friend, I hope my guide gives you some inspiration!

Topman Grey Mark Mini Roll Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt 

I love Topman and think this t-shirt is fab and a perfect little gift for anyone (especially if you want a say in how they dress!).

This t-shirt is available in different sizes online and in-store for €20.

Calvin Klein Boxers - 3 Pack

Again, an easy option to go with as they will almost always be loved. Calvin Klein boxers range in style so be sure to buy the right ones!

I came across a pack of 3 that loved on Amazon for €32!

CK One 

Okay I am in love with CK One and will literally try to buy it for everyone because then I can be surrounded by it (and occasionally steal it). I love the combination of papaya in the top notes and nutmeg in the middle notes, it's heavenly!

CK One is currently on offer in Boots for €25 (100ml).

FIFA 17

I know FIFA is on my brother's list this year and probably a lot of other guys! I personally don't see the appeal and think there are a lot of more interesting games out there but I'm sure my brother doesn't see the appeal in buying me makeup!

FIFA is available from Smyths for €55.

Romantic Break for Two

If you can't figure out what to get your man for Christmas than escapes.ie is perfect for you! You can choose a one or two night stay in hotels around the country for a discounted price! It's like a gift for you as well and who wouldn't love a romantic break?

Check out their website for all of their offers!

Do you have anything you would add to my gift guide?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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Too Faced - Le Grand Palais

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! I had great fun spending time with my family and friends. It's a tradition in my house that we open our gifts from each other on Christmas Eve and my fabulous brother and sister got me the Too Faced 'Le Grand Palais' gift set. Le Grand Palais is part of Too Faced's 2015 holiday collection and was a Sephora exclusive.

The packaging itself is gorgeous and the set includes a deluxe sample of their Better Than Sex mascara, Melted lipstick in Peony and Shadow Insurance, an eyeshadow primer. I used some of the eyeshadows on Christmas day, you can check out my instagram if you want to see a picture!

I haven't been able to get a proper look at the palette yet but I have swatched all of the shadows as well as two blushers, a highlighter and a bronzer.

(From left to right - White Christmas, Satin Sheets, Vintage Lace)

My first impression of these three shadows isn't great. I'm very pale anyway but Vintage Lace is practically invisible on my arm and I went over it four or five times. I love Satin Sheets, it is such a pretty rose gold!

(From left to right - Delightful, Moon on Their Wings, Cobblestone, City Lights, Dreamlight)

The pigmentation of Delightful and Moon on Their Wings was not great but I can see them both being completely buildable shades. The other three shadows were matte and I love them!

(From left to right - String of Lights, Yule Log, Wish List, Arc de Triomphe, Belle Femme)

Again, the more metallic shade (String of Lights) didn't have the best pigmentation but overall I was impressed by this row of shadows!

 

(From left to right - Stiletto, Eiffel, Midnight in Paris, Champs Élysées, Party Dress)

I hadn't heard great things about the last row of eyeshadows. Again it was the metallic shades that caused a bit of an issue for some people. I didn't find the pigmentation of the metallic shades of the row too bad and was impressed by the overall payoff of each shade.

(From left to right - Stardust, Skyline, Flush, Sun Bunny)

I absolutely love the blushes, highlighter and bronzer. The pigmentation was great and I cannot wait to try these out.

Overall I was impressed by Le Grand Palais and didn't find the pigmentation of the metallic wasn't as bad as some other beauty bloggers and vloggers.

Thank you so much to Ali and Darragh for getting me this fab gift set for Christmas!

Did you get any Too Faced for Christmas?

What did you think of it?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Inglot Haul

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas! I spent the day with my family and I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Another good thing about the day was that I finally got to open all the Inglot goodies I had gotten for Christmas :)

I literally bought everything on the same day (although on three separate visits)!

The first thing I bought was AMC Cream Foundation in the shade LW100. This foundation is great for dry skin and if you ask, they will match the foundation to your skin colour! 

AMC Cream Foundation is available for €24

The next item I bought was Under Makeup Base with SPF 20. This base is moisturising so it is perfect for dry skin! The base is not clear, it's white. 

Under Makeup Base with SPF 20 is available for €22

I love dark lipsticks and I never found a lip liner I like, The AMC Lip Pencil in shade 33 is perfect for dark berry colours! It is a matte lip liner and I have swatched it above. 

The AMC Lip Pencil is available for €13

I bought four different lipsticks in my haul as well!

I swatched them on my arm and from left to right the shades are 293, 902, 422 and 404.

Shade 293 is a dark berry colour perfect for the autumn and winter months! It is a long-lasting lipstick that is easy to apply and I'm a sucker for deep colours. The lip liner I bought also goes well with this lipstick!

Shade 902 is a light pink colour with shimmer throughout - perfect for parties or with a LBD!

Shade 422 is a matte lipstick so you will have to use a lip scrub and lip balm before applying this lippy! Although purple lipstick won't suit everyone, it is great for those aiming for an edgy look!

Shade 404 is a matte nude colour - everyone needs to have a nude in their makeup bag and this is a must!

All of the lipsticks are available for €14!

I also bought ten single eye shadows in my haul! I got five for my sister and five for myself so I only have five of the shades shown in my haul picture. All of the eye shadows were bought using the Freedom System!

The first eye shadow I got is a cream coloured highlighter in shade 393.

The three browns (from left to right) are shade 135, 134 and 145.

The last eye shadow is a purple shade. It was an impulse buy so I'm not too sure what I'll be doing with it yet but keep an eye on my instagram and I will have posts up soon!

All of the eye shadows were €6 and the palette was €10!

There are Inglot stores in Dublin, Cork and Limerick or you can shop online at inglot.ie

What's your favourite inglot product?

Have you used any of the products I got in my haul?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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