Winter to Spring Transitional Lip Shades

Hey guys!

With the cold snap right now it’s hard to imagine we are transitioning into spring but once I see daffodils, I can’t help wearing brighter cloths and lighter lipstick.

I won’t be going straight for the pale pinks and light nudes but I use some gorgeous transitional shades that range from dark winter hues to light spring pinks.

Most of the lipsticks are wear are matte liquid lipsticks because I love the formula and they are long-lasting but I have some new additions to my favourite transitional shades as well!

L’Oréal ‘I Explore’ Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick

I love the applicator for this lipstick so much. It’s big enough to glide over your lip easily and the pointed tip allows for precision as well.

The formula is light so I would recommend two coats of this but if you exfoliate and moisturise your lips before application, it will last for hours after blotting as well!

‘I Explore’ is a gorgeous medium nude shade perfect for transitioning from darker nudes to lighter nudes over the next few weeks.

You can never go wrong with a good nude!

The packaging is also a huge plus for me, it’s sleek and matte. I just love the look and feel of it!

‘I Explore’ is available from Boots for €13.99 and is currently in their 3 for 2 offer!

Sleek ‘Vamp’ True Colour Lipstick

Vamp is not your classic transitional shade as it is a deep berry colour but I feel like you have to have at least one berry shade left in your collection for the frosty weeks between January and February.

Vamp is not my favourite formula because it can be quite drying, especially if your lips show any sign of dryness before application but I am a sucker for maroon and berry shades, this lipstick is my kryptonite!

It is by no means transfer proof so be aware of that when using it but if you blot your lips after application, any transfer should be minimal and your look will last a few hours.

A good berry shade is perfect for beige or plain outfits if you need a pop of colour to complete the look!

Vamp is available from Boots for €6.49 and is currently in their buy one get one half price offer! 

Colourpop ‘Times Sqaure’ Ultra Matte Lip

I am a sucker for all things Colourpop! The brand is fantastic and the price point of the products for the quality you are getting is just amazing!

The pigmentation of all of their Ultra Matte Lips is great and this is my second tube of Times Square. The first was a mini from a set but it went so quickly that I had to buy another one when I was in New York!

Times Square is a fabulous transition shade because it is a gorgeous nude with pink undertones! It is one of my favourite neutral shades and you can pretty much wear it with everything which is fabulous.

Times Square is available on Colourpop for $7.

Maybelline 'Stay Exceptional' Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick

I have a lot to say about this lipstick because I love it. 

First off, the product concept is fantastic. I usually go for liquid lipsticks but this lip crayon is really good! It comes sharpened which is so handy for precise application but the base of the crayon is also a sharpener so you can use it on the go as well!

Stay Exceptional is a lovely rosy pink this is a perfect everyday shade and I am close to buying a second one at this point.

The formula is creamy but dries matte and let me tell you, it lasts! I wore this for my birthday night out. Plenty of drinks were had, as well as the customary chicken nuggets on the way home. When I got home I was taking off my makeup and my lipstick was still perfect!

The lasting power of the Superstay Matte Ink Crayons is something I rarely come across and I am so happy that it works for me. The formula is also quite thin but the pigmentation does not suffer as a result. I would 100% chose this over a cream lipstick any day.

If you are looking for a new matte lipstick, look no further! The Superstay range from Maybelline is all you need.

Even better, the range is currently on offer in Boots, retailing for €14.99 each, they are currently on offer. You can get two for €16 in Boots at the moment!

Colourpop 'Fresh Cut' Ultra Matte Lip

So Fresh Cut has actually been discontinued by Colourpop which is quite sad because it is a lovely warm toned medium-dark pink lipstick perfect for spring!

Like Times Square, the formula is creamy and the pigmentation is great. 

Relay Race is similar shade and is available on Colourpop for $7.

I swatched all of the lipsticks on my arm so you can really see what the shades are like! Each lipstick has been swatched once.

From left to right: I Explore, Vamp, Times Square, Stay Exceptional, Fresh Cut.

What are you favourite transitional shades?

Are any of ours the same?

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Let me know in the comments below! 

Ciara

  xoxo.

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Some of the products in this post were gifted by all of the opinions are my own.

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.

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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.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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Sleek Haul

I love payday! Last month I splurged a little on Sleek after I got paid! Sleek just recently came to Ireland, Boots stock them nationwide and you can buy everything online at www.sleekmakeup.com

The first thing I bought was the Face Form Contour Kit in fair. The shade I bought has a contour powder, highlighter and blush. I have used the Face Contour Kit before and have heard amazing things about Face Form so I cannot wait to try this out!

The Face Form Contour Kit is €12.99 in Boots.

Vamp is matte dark red lipstick that I adore! I have bought this before so I know that it is longlasting and this colour is perfect paired with a natural look. It is essential to use a lip scrub before you use Vamp and lip balm as it can be quite drying!

Vamp is €5.99 in Boots and online.

I love neutral eyeshadows so much! The Oh So Special i-Divine palette has gorgeous pink and brown shades that create the perfect smokey eye! The eyeshadows are really pigmented and the colour pay-off is great. 

Oh So Special is €9.99 in Boots.

Rose Gold has to be my favourite Sleek blusher! It is perfect for nights out. The colour pay-off is really good and the gold shimmer within the pink is beautiful. The pigmentation of this blusher is fantastic!

Rose Gold Blusher costs €5.49 in Boots.

When you spend €13 on Sleek in Boots at the moment, you get a free Lethal Length Mascara. I cannot wait to use the mascara as it claims to lengthen your lashes without any clumps or flakes!

Lethal Length Mascara is €8.49 in Boots.

Sleek is such a high quality makeup brand. I have fallen in love with all of the products I bought and cannot wait to buy more!

Have you ever bought any Sleek products?

What is your favourite product?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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