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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Things To Do in The Algarve

Hey guys!

From my social media and previous blog posts this summer, you'll know that I was on an internship in Quinta do Lago, Portugal. Lucky for me, Quinta is in the Algarve region of Portugal so on my days off, I explored the region and took in all of the amazing sites!

I went to so many new places and compiled my favourite things to do and places to visit in the Algarve for anyone who is going to visit in the future!

Lagos 

Lagos is a stunning town along the western coastline, home to Ponta da Piedade and stunning beaches. I went on a day trip to Lagos and got an Uber to Ponta da Piedade, where I walked down through the rugged rocks to reach gorgeous little hideaways like the one above. 

The Lagos coastline is dotted with grottos and hidden beaches where you can easily lose hours sitting on the golden beaches and swimming amongst the caves.

The clear water along the coastline is something else! While being able to see the fish was not my cup of tea, the water itself was heavenly and refreshing.

After relaxing on the beach, head back into the town where there are countless coffee shops to spend your last few hours people watching and sipping on a coffee.

Spending just a day in Lagos was lovely, if you have longer, definitely go out on a boat trip where you can see the coastline from the sea. 

Lagos is easily reachable by car or train!

Indulge in Fantastic Food

The food in Portugal is just phenomenal. I went to so many different restaurants both inside and outside of Quinta do Lago and the local food outside of the resort was just fantastic. 

I was brave enough to try some food I hadn't eaten before and some food I didn't quite like but my taste buds have completely changed! 

Both Almancil and Loule have some amazing restaurants, like Casavostra, 11 da Villa and Vegan Joe's! The pizza above is from Casavostra and oh my goodness was it fantastic! It had four cheeses, including the gorgonzola and goats cheese that you can clearly see. It also had parma ham, pine nuts and grapes. As all of the flavours worked so well together, there was no need for a tomato base and it was the best pizza I have ever had.

Along with the fantastic food, the Portuguese wine really made every meal special. The lack of Portuguese wine back home is ridiculous and stores need to stock it because it is amazing,

Walk Along the Ria Formosa

Whether you start in Quinta do Lago and head towards Faro or do it the other way around, the walk is really something else! I started in Faro and walked back towards Quinta so I could relax on the beach after my walk.

Walking along the trail is amazing as it has a nature reserve on either side and as you come into Quinta, one of the golf courses breaks the scenery with glorious green hills surrounded by fish jumping in and out of the water.

The crabs along the marshes were also so mesmerising, I even stopped a few times just to stare at them! Having a beach at the end of the trail is lovely as after walking for forty minutes in the blistering heat, the sea is a welcoming sight to jump into!

Enjoy the Sunsets

Definitely something I miss is how the sunsets were different each and every night. I loved heading down to the beach in the evenings, a few drinks in tow, and just watching the sun go down along the horizon.

I'm not usually one for craft beer but after trying a few of the Algarve Rock beers, I have been converted! The stout in particular was fantastic! There were hints of chocolate and coffee and it was a perfect pairing with the sunset.

Losing an evening on the beach happened far too often and it is something I wish I could do all the time!

Shop!

Having Mar Shopping so close to me was amazing! What I found so weird was the fact that the shopping centre along with the outlet side were open until midnight every night!

There was even a Primark so I felt right at home! There were some fantastic shops in both sides of the complex and a cinema for the rainy or overcast days (there were only two in the entire time I was there)! 

Mar Shopping really had everything from shopping to entertainment and food, you could easily spend hours walking around!

There were so many places in the Algarve I loved to visit and cannot wait to go back to! My highlights were 100% the food and the sunsets coupled with the unbelievable coastline.

Have you ever been to the Algarve? What were your highlights? 

Did you do any of the same things as 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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Penneys Summer Wishlist

Hey guys!

While Penneys (Primark to everyone outside of Ireland), still has to launch their High Summer Collection in stores, they do have some summery pieces in store at the moment that I cannot wait to wear this summer.

I have not been shopping in ages because my funds were severely low, but now that I have a job again, I can finally go shopping for new clothes!

White Lace Overlay Shorts

 These shorts retail for €7 and would be perfect for any summer look, paired with a colourful top.

 The waist is elasticated which is an added bonus.

These shorts are casual enough to wear on the beach and dressy enough to wear out for dinner paired with the right top and accessories.

Blush Double Layer Playsuit

I love playsuits so much, they suit my body really well and there's no risk of the bottom flying up in the breeze because they're shorts.

This blush playsuit, retailing for €16, is the perfect colour to pair with a summer tan, it is dark enough to compliment the tan and not too light as to wash you out!

Black Lace Cupped Bodysuit

Wearing lingerie bodysuits on a night out is a trend I have seen popping up all over the place recently. This bodysuit is gorgeous and the lace detailing is one of my favourite parts of the whole ensemble.

Pairing this, which retails for €13, with a cute skirt or shorts on a night out during the summer is the perfect way to add some flair to your wardrobe!

Paisley Longline Bikini Top

For those of us on the more voluptuous side, you'll know how difficult it is to find a bikini top with the right support!

Last year, I found that Penneys haltered bikini tops offered the most support for me and they were completely budget friendly. This gorgeous blue bikini top is only €5 and I love mismatching bikinis so would probably pair this top with a black high-waist bottom.

White Embroidered Slogan T-Shirt

Simple tees are a summer staple. They can be worn over a swimsuit at the beach or with shorts for the perfect, laid-back day look.

These cute tee retails for €6.

Blue White Black Strip Palazzo Trouser

Palazzo trousers are one of my favourite things to wear once it gets warm. They are some comfy and not at all constricted like jeans can be during the summer months.

The blue stripe in these trousers adds a much needed pop of colour to an otherwise monochrome pair of trousers. For €10, these palazzo trousers would be a great edition to your summer wardrobe.

Black Satin Floral Chemise

As weird as it sounds, I'm not one for wearing pants in bed once it starts getting warm. I love long shirts or a nice chemise that's nice and breezy and won't make me too warm in bed.

This chemise is flirty and flowly, the lace detail on the back is gorgeous and for €9, what's not to love?

Nude Lurex Cup Swimsuit

This is another fabulous swimsuit that would suit people with a bit more oomph up there. The halter is super flattering and the cups are an added bonus for when you actually wear it in the water, not just when sunbathing!

The belt also draws attention to the waist and can have a 'cinching' effect on the waist. This gorgeous one piece is available for €16.

Does your summer wishlist have any of these on it?

Have you seen anything else you thing I would love?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Summer Skin Essentials

With the Summer in full swing, I have been switching up my skin routine and have some new staples in my drawer.

Re-Gen Cream

I picked this up in Aldi a few months ago and I have been reaching for it after every shower and before I go to bed each night. Claiming to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, I have to say that it really does. It is also very moisturising so it's perfect for drier skin during the summer.

According to their website, 'Re-Gen Oil is available from Flair Hair and Beauty Supplies in Naas, Co. Kildare. Re-Gen Cream and Oil are both available from Terrisales Salon Supplies in Dublin. The entire Re-Gen range is also available online via Amazon or eBay.'

Clean & Clear Morning Energy Facial Scrub

I use this scrub when I'm in the shower every morning and it has helped my skin stay clear this summer! The scent is divine and the fact that this is oil free is great as if there's any residue left, it is not too shiny!

Clean & Clear Morning Energy Facial Scrub is available from Boots for €5.79.

Nivea Men Cooling Post Shave Balm

You guys know how much I love this from my empties post but it is fantastic for keeping makeup on during the hot Summer days! My makeup survived the mini heatwave we had and I only had to use a small amount of this every morning as a primer.

Nivea's Post Shave Balm is available from Tesco for €7.15.

Garnier Summer Body Lotion

Some people tend to neglect their skin during the summer and leave out the moisturising. Moisturising after a shower or bath is a great way to keep your skin hydrated and if you're lucky enough to have gone away, it'll help lock in that tan for longer! This lotion also gives a sun-kissed look to the skin.

Garnier Summer Body is currently on offer in Boots for €5.24.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Even when I don't wear makeup, I love using this at the end of the day. The micellar water removes any dirt or residue makeup on my skin and leaves my face feeling clean before I go to bed. I don't know what I would do without this handy every night!

Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water is currently available from Boots for €4.50.

Well there you have it!

My Summer Skin Essentials. 

What are some of your Summer essentials?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Empties

I've seen countless Youtubers and bloggers alike do 'Empties - Products I've Used Up' posts and I have finally gathered enough to be able to make a post out of it!

Most of the products I would repurchase but some just didn't impress me!

Simple Micellar Wipes

I got these wipes at the OPSH x Chloe Boucher event a few months back and I can't say I'd ever buy these myself. As far as wipes go, they're fine. They do their job in removing makeup but not without a struggle. I prefer some good old micellar water and won't find myself reaching for these in a shop anytime soon!

I haven't seen these wipes on the shelves anywhere but they retail for about €5.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

 

I don't think I will ever stray from this powder. I love it so much! I use it in Shade 001 Translucent so it does not add any colour to my base. I have always used this as my powder and don't think I'll ever change (Unless you guys have a powder you think is better!) It lasts the day and doesn't dry out my skin which is great because I have sensitive, dry skin!

Rimmel Stay Matte is €5.99 in Boots.

EOS Lip Balm

While I love Carmex and will always have some in a bag, EOS has slowly become one of my favourites too! I have quite a few of these because I asked my uncle to bring some home from America but they're finally available in Ireland. Are they worth the price, I don't think so but if you know people going to America, definitely ask them to pick up a few!

EOS lip balms are available from Urban Outfitters for €9.

 Taylor Swift Wonderstruck

This perfume is my signature scent. I have at least two bottles on the go at all times. This one was my travel one and I finished it while I was away in Magaluf! I love all of Taylor's perfumes (not just because I love her) and Wonderstruck has to be my favourite. Full of floral scents with an undertone of sandalwood, this perfume comes everywhere with me!

Wonderstruck is available from Boots for €14.99 (30ml)

Wet n' Wild Brow Kit

This brow kit is unreal. I have others I have been using since I finished this one (the darker shade is too dark for me) and I really miss the Wet n' Wild one! It is wallet friendly and the quality of the powder rivals some high end brands! I will definitely be repurchasing this brow kit after I finish my current one.

Wet n' Wild's Brow Kit is available from Dunnes Stores and Penneys for €3.99.

L'Oreal Infallible Fixing Mist

Having seen rave reviews about this fixing spray from American bloggers, I couldn't wait to try it out as soon as it hit Irish shelves! The spray does help my makeup last throughout the day/night and it doesn't smudge my mascara or eyeliner! I will definitely be repurchasing this spray because it is one of the better ones I have come across!

The Infallible Fixing Mist is available from Boots for €10.49 and is currently in a 3 for 2 offer!

Charles Worthington Sunshine Protector

I picked this spray up in Boots before I went on holiday because it was in the 3 for 2 travel size offer and I didn't see anything else I fancied. I didn't really have any expectations for the spray but I adore the smell - it smells like a salon! My hair did get lighter when I was away and I used the spray daily. I didn't notice it getting any drier in the sun so I guess it worked. I honestly cannot say it did or didn't but I do not think I will be repurchasing this product.

The Sunshine Protector is available from Boots for €2.49 and is currently in a 3 for 2 offer!

 Garnier Moisture Match Goodbye Dry

You guys know this moisturiser is one of my holy grail products. It does wonders for my dry skin and I cannot go a day without using it! It takes some time to get through a tube and I never go anywhere without one. I have a stash of this in my drawer and will hopefully never run out!

Goodbye Dry is available from Boots for €4.14 (currently half price).

Victoria Secret - Secret Charm

I bought five of the Victoria Secret Fantasy sprays in London last August and this is the first one I have managed to get through. It has a lovely floral scent but I wouldn't repurchase purely based on the fact that I like to try new body sprays and I have another four to get through!

Victoria Secret body mists have a selected range available from The Perfume Shop.

 Nivea Men Cooling Post Shave Balm
 

After seeing countless videos and reviews of Nivea's Post Shave Balm and how good of a primer it was, I had to try it for myself. I have used primers from Inglot, MAC, Smashbox and more. Based on scent alone, this one has to be a favourite and I will definitely be repurchasing this as it did work as a primer. My makeup lasted throughout the day and I found myself using less fixing spray.

Nivea's Post Shave Balm is available from Tesco for €7.15

There you have it!
All of my empties and if I would repurchase them.
Do you have any products you think I should try?
Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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