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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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.

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May Favourites

Hey guys!

May has been a month of study and exams for me and I cannot tell you how glad I am to have them over with! 

I had a few events as well as a concert this month so I did wear a bit of makeup although I didn't wear any for exams or anything.

Vaseline Moisturiser

With the weather getting warmer, I always find it a must to use a moisturiser after the shower. I recently started using this vaseline one and I am in love! My skin feels so hydrated after applying it and the aloe vera scent lingers on my skin for a while which is great.

Vaseline intensive care is currently half price in Boots for €3.74!

Colourpop Man Eater

I was apprehensive when I bought this metallic lipstick because I didn't think it would be very wearable but I really like it! Man Eater is a rose gold metallic lipstick and once it dries, it hardly transfers. I wore this on a night out and to the Vamps earlier in the month and I loved having a dramatic lip instead of a feature eye look.

Man Eater is available from Colourpop for roughly €5.40 and they currently have free international shipping on orders over $35!

EOS Pomegranate Raspberry Lipbalm

I don't know about you guys but when  I'm stressed, I have an awful habit of chewing on my lip. This lipbalm has been my savior this month and kept my lips hydrated even with my nervous chewing. EOS taste pretty good as well which is always a plus if you find yourself chewing on your lip throughout the day.

This EOS lipbalm is available from Boots for €8.99.

Sally Hansen 18K Gold Nail Hardener

I get my nails done all the time and sometimes I do them myself, which overall results in weak nails, that need some TLC. I love this nail hardener because my nails feel stronger after a few days and when I apply it before nail glue, it really helps to protect my nail after removal!

Did I mention it has real gold flecks in the formula?  I don't know about you guys but I do like a glittery nail without the gritty glitter feeling which is exactly what this polish does!

Sally Hansen's 18K Gold Nail Hardener retails for €9.99 and can be found in selected pharmacies!

Clearasil Deep Pore Treatment Wash

I bought this face wash in Dunnes a while ago and only recently started using it properly. With 'exam skin' and generic breakouts this wash has done wonders for my skin! I use it three or four times a week an it has really helped to clear up my skin.

Inglot AMC Cream Foundation

Inglot's AMC foundation is my go-to foundation but after using it for six months straight I decided to give it a break and have only recently started using it again. I use it in the shade LW100 which is perfect for my pale skin and the coverage is completely buildable so it's great for transitioning from day to night makeup!

Inglot's AMC foundation is available in store and online for €24!

MAC Rebel Nail Lacquer 

I love a good maroon, vampy nail varnish and MAC's Rebel does not disappoint. The colour is so nice and it's great to layer on top of a set of nails. The only thing that I don't like about MAC's nail varnish is that they chip so easily!

MAC's nail varnish is available from Brown Thomas for €10.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Sun - Dark

Okay I love fake tan and started off with Airbrush Legs years ago. I was so excited when they brought out this new tan. I got it in the darker shade and was completely apprehensive because of the mousse form but this is my new favourite tan.

It applies like a dream, although you need to be quick because it dries quickly, and the colour is so nice. It lasted about a week and I will definitely be repurchasing this tan!

Airbrush Tan is available in pharmacies nationwide!

Magnitone Barefaced Cleansing Brush

Along with Clearasil's face wash, this cleansing brush has been a staple in my nightly routine lately. The brush makes looking after your skin so much easier and it makes my skin feel amazing after using it!

Magnitone's Barefaced brush is available from their website for roughly €63.

Kiko Smart Eyeshadow - 12

Last but not least in this month's favourites is Kiko's Smart Eyeshadow in Metallic Rosy Sand. I love Kiko, the brand is so affordable and this shadow is perfect for a bronze smokey eye! The pigmentation and payoff is unrivaled for the price and each shadow comes in a handy little compact.

Kiko's Smart Eyeshadows are available from their website for €2.50.

Have you tried any of these products?

What did you think of them?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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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.

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Top 5 Autumn Lip Shades

Hey guys!

I love summer as much as anyone but there's something about sweater weather, knee high socks and dark, autumnal lips. I'm no stranger to a dark lip and will always have one in my bag during the colder months. 

I own a fair few dark lipsticks but my these shades will always be my top picks! 

(Swatches from T-B: Seduction, Perrie, Vamp. 293, Stone)

Collection Gothic Glam - Seduction

I bought all of Collections Gothic Glam lipsticks last year and Seduction is definitely my favourite shade by far. I would definitely recommend using a lip brush and lining your lips with the lipstick before going in for full coverage. If you don't do this, the colour will seep past your lip line! 

Other than that, Seduction is one of my favourite lipsticks to wear during the colder months. It lasts most of the day and for €3.99 the quality is pretty good!

Collection Little Mix  - Perrie

Unfortunately this lipstick is no longer available as it was a limited edition and I had to wait ages to get my hands on it - it was always sold out!

Perrie's lipstick is a warm toned purple, perfect all year round but it looks fabulous with a thick knitted jumper and scarf. 

Sleek - Vamp

Sleek's Vamp is the perfect lipstick for a matte, vampy lip. The formula glides on well provided you exfoliate your lips beforehand!

It's a deep red shade and looks absolutely gorgeous with winged eyeliner and an everyday makeup look. 

Vamp is available from Boots for €6.99.

Inglot Lipstick - Shade 293

Okay so I am an absolute Inglot addict. I love their AMC foundation, lipsticks, lip liners and eyeshadow. Basically the whole store....

I got this lipstick almost two years ago now and it's nearly gone, I'll definitely be repurchasing it as soon as I run out! It's a deep purple shade and it glides on very well if you exfoliate beforehand. This long-lasting lipstick is perfect for the autumn and winter months and I will never get bored of the colour.

Shade 293 is available from Inglot store nationwide and online for €15.

MAC - Stone

MAC's Stone is a gorgeous neutral taupe matte lipstick. It took me a few months to get my hands on it as it was always sold out but I love it so much! The wait was definitely worth it!

Stone goes perfectly with a brown smokey eye and I cannot wait to use it over the next few months. 

MAC's Stone is available from Brown Thomas for €20.

I have so many lipsticks that I absolutely love wearing during the autumn and winter months, the list is endless!

What are some of your favourites?

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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January Favourites

Hey guys it's Alison again. It's the start of a new month, which means it's time for my January favourites. 

Both myself and Ciara got the NARS Glossybox back in November and ever since then I have been loving everything in it! I would have to say my favourite thing is definitely the blush, Orgasm. I love this blush because it is the perfect peachy pink with a slight shimmer that is sure to brighten up your cheeks. I have been reaching for this blush any time that I wear makeup, a sure sign I am absolutely in love with it! 

 The full sized version costs €30 and is available in Brown Thomas stores. 

Recently, I've been reaching for my old favourite foundation. The Revlon Colourstay foundation has to be my holy grail foundation because of the longevity and colour selection available. I have the combination/oily skin formula, but it's also available in the dry skin formula. The palest shade is perfect for the Irish skin tone, I mean we all know how hard it is to find pale foundations in the drugstore!

 This foundation costs €17.79 in Boots.

One of my favourite eye looks to do is a smoky eye. I find myself reaching for more cool toned eyeshadows nowadays and the MAC eyeshadow in Quarry is perfect for this. It definitely has to be a staple for me in doing a cool-toned smoky eye. I have the pan version which only costs €10 in Brown Thomas. I find that MAC eyeshadows are very pigmented and blend really well, which is why I adore this eyeshadow.

To go along with a smoky eye, you need the perfect blending brush to pull off a seamless look. The best brush that I have found for this so far, is the No7 Eye Contour brush. Brushes are one of those things that can get quite expensive but the No7 brushes are definitely one of my favourites from the drugstore. This brush to me is comparable to the 217 from MAC but obviously it is a fraction of the price at only €11 and is available in Boots currently under a 3 for 2 offer.

The key to finishing off any makeup look is lipstick. Once again lipsticks can get quite expensive, but one place that I always look is Penneys. Penneys and Dunnes Stores stock a relatively inexpensive brand from the US called Wet 'n' Wild. This is where one of my favourite lipsticks comes from. I have the MegaLast Lipstick in the shade Bare It All, as nude shades are my favourite to wear on an everyday basis.The formula of this lipstick sone of my favourites because it is a semi matte cream formula which lasts quite a while on my lips and is definitely worth the minimal price that you pay for it!

 I got this lipstick for €2.99 in Penneys. 

What were your January favourites?

Let me know in the comments below!

Alison x. 

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