2017 Year in Review

Happy New Year guys!

I've taken a break from blogging over the festive period and have just gotten access to a laptop since mine is getting repaired!

2017 saw some big changes in my life and my blog and I'm doing a roundup of my favourite makeup products and movies, etc.. from the past year!

Favourite Foundation

My sister was the one who told me to try this foundation because she loved it and wow was it fab! The formula is lightweight but the coverage is completely buildable and perfect for day and night looks. 

I even use a darker shade for when I'm wearing tan!

L'Oreal Infallible 24Hr Matte retails for €11.99 is Boots and is currently on offer, 3 for 2!

Favourite Concealer

Okay so my sister may have discovered this one too... While she was in the US she went a little crazy in Sephora and came home with Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer and I love this product!

Sometimes all I wear is the concealer to cover up my dark undereye circles and blemishes, some powder and I'm set for the day! The coverage in this is unreal and I cannot wait to get my hands on another tube!

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is available from their site for €26.

Favourite Mascara

Too Faced is definitely an up-and-coming brand in Ireland, especially since their launch in Debenhams during the summer. I have been using Better Than Sex for a few years now and it is definitely my favourite mascara of the year.

While I have yet to try the waterproof version, the original formula doesn't clump and gives fab volume to short lashes like my own.

Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara is available from Debenhams for €23.

Favourite Eyelashes

For €12.95, these lashes are definitely an investment but are reusable and part of the luxury lash range! Think timeless elegance combined with unforgettable drama, these lashes are perfect for a sassy day look or a classic night look.

I love using Irish brands and supporting a fellow blogger is always a good thing!

SOSU's Taylor lashes are available from the site for €12.95.

Favourite Primer

My skin has gone from sensitive and dry to sensitive and combination in the past year but this prep (and prime) spray has kept my oily skin at bay during the day when I have makeup on! It's also great for helping my makeup stay put throughout long shifts!

With the store open on Grafton Street now, there's no excuse not to go in and treat yourself!

Urban Decay's B6 Prep Priming Spray retails for €30.

Favourite Highlighter

I love this palette so much. I got it last Christmas and it has seen a lot of wear since! The colours are so diverse and I always get compliments on my highlight when I wear any of the shades!

My favourite has to be lucky clover because it is so good at catching the light and not everyone wears a green highlight so it definitely makes me memorable!

The ABH Moonchild palette is available from the site for €46.

Favourite Eyeshadow Palette

Another purchase from the States, this palette is full of mattes, metallics and warm tones. I found myself reaching for this palette pretty much before every shift because the shadows are so pigmented and effortlessly blend to create a perfect look suitable for work!

The Narissist Loaded Eyeshadow palette is available from the Nars website for €55.

Favourite Album

I mean how could Reputation not be my favourite album of the year? The songs are amazing and the development from 1989 to Reputation is just unrivaled by another other album progression I've ever heard. 

Don't Blame Me has to be my favourite track of the album as well. Roll on June when I finally get to see Taylor again!

Favourite Movie

Beauty and the Beast was one of the most anticipated movies of 2017 and it did not disappoint me at all. From the costumes to the actors this movie had me entranced from beginning to end.

I have watched the movie so many times since I first saw it and I love it more and more each time!

Favourite TV Series

I jumped on the Riverdale bandwagon a little late so I got to binge seven episode at once but it did not disappoint at all! From a gripping plot to loveable characters, this is a most for anyone who wants to start a new series in 2018!

I mean how cute is Archie, I know KJ isn't actually ginger but he is just so cute!

You can catch Riverdale on Netflix!

Favourite Book

Focusing on the events of the Battle of Berlin in 1945, this book was gripping from beginning to end. If you're into history you'll love this book!

Favourite Trip

My trip to Milan in August came at just the right time for me! I spent a week discovering the city, its sites and everything else the surrounding area had to offer.

Milan is such a beautiful city and I cannot wait to go back to Italy and visit Rome this year! I'm hoping to go somewhere every month this year, home or abroad, so if you have any idea let me know in the comments!

What topped 2017 for you?

Was it a good year overall?

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

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.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

Instagram: instagram.com/ciarakittyk

Bloglovin: www.bloglovin.com

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

Mini Sephora Haul

Hey guys!

So while I was in Milan, I made it my mission to find a Sephora (or two) and they did not disappoint! I had only ever been in one other Sephora (In Krakow) so I didn't really know what to expect walking in. At first I was kind of overwhelmed with the various floors in the store and seen as Ali had just come back from the States with a whole load of new makeup for us, I wasn't really looking for any makeup in particular.

That being said, I did spend the guts of an hour just browsing around the store and ended up coming out with a heap of Sephora skincare and one primer that I've been dying to try!

I have a few of their sheet masks left from when Ali came home but I hadn't come across their overnight masks before and I just had to try them! While I was there, they were two for €5 so I took advantage of this by buying a few different ones.

Each mask has a different purpose and they are so easy to use.

The green mask (green tea) is used for clean. smooth and matte skin.

The ivory mask (pearl) is used for evening out and brightening the skin.

The pink mask (rose) is used for hydrated, luminous and brighter skin.

The blue mask (algae) is used for a fresh and radiant complexion in the morning.

The purple mask (orchid) is used for skin that feels firmer in the morning.

I used the orchid mask while I was away and I loved it! I applied a thin layer of the mask on my face and neck after I had cleansed my face. I found there was enough in the pack for two applications so I shared it with my sister!

I love using eye masks after flights and have used this one before. It smells fab and the rose mask is aimed at giving you plumper, fresher and brighter looking eyes!

This mask was €3.95

The final thing I picked up in Sephora was a mini version of Too Faced's Hangover primer. I have wanted to try the primer for ages and the mini is quite big (20ml) and was only €15 so I thought it was the perfect way to try it out without fully committing.

I haven't tried it yet but once a do, expect a review!

Have you been in a Sephora recently?

What did you buy?

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

Makeup Launches I'm Excited For!

Hey guys!

There are so many fabulous makeup launches soon that I cannot wait for! While I jump at the chance of buying any new makeup, I have compiled my top five upcoming makeup launches for you guys!

Too Faced Glitter Bomb Palette

The Too Faced Glitter Bomb Palette launches online on June 15th, and I expect it to be in Irish stores not long after! For anyone who loves a glittery eye, this palette is perfect for you!

With eight different glittery shades and two base colours to emphasise that shine, what's not to love? The palette is also ideal for anyone who loves a foiled eye look as wetting your brush before dipping into the pan will give you the desired look, and it's perfect for glitter liner too!

Glitter Bomb will be available from Too Faced's website for €42.

The Jaclyn Hill Palette

The long-awaited Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette launches on their site on June 21st and I cannot wait! With 35 shades, half of which are supposedly matte, this palette is like a dream come true!

The palette is packed full of warm toned neutrals and  a pop of colour with blue and teal shades as well! This palette has been in the works for a while and I cannot wait to see some swatches of it!

The Jaclyn Hill Palette will be available from the Morphe website for $38.

KKW Beauty

Okay so all we know about KKW Beauty so far is that it is launching on June 21st. I cannot wait to see what kind of makeup Kim is going to bring out, will it be similar to Kylie's? Will she launch a contour kit?

There is so much speculation about this and with so little information, all we can do is wait for some teasers and then for the official launch!

Check out www.kkwbeauty.com on June 21st to see what the line has to offer!

Huda Beauty Lip Strobes

You guys I can't even deal with this launch! I love Huda's complete line and these lip strobes are gorgeous! Ranging from sheer to full coverage, the range can be used on your lids (As Huda demonstrated herself) to your lips and everything in between!

While I gravitate towards matte lips myself, I do love a good gloss from time to time to change up my lip colour and cannot wait until these launch on June 22nd! 

The lip strobes will be available from the Huda Beauty website.

Urban Decay Naked Heat

The buzz around this palette has been insane! Naked Heat is bang on trend with burnt orange and amber hues throughout along with trusty coppers, this palette is just what the Naked collection needed! 

The palette launches in the US on June 30th and UD do not tend to stagger release dates between countries, however Ireland has no official release date yet! With their first store opening on Grafton Street on June 22nd at 10am, it is hard to believe the palette won't launch here soon after!

With the rest of the Naked palettes retailing for €47, it is same to assume this palette won't differ too much in price!

What launches are you looking forward to?

Are we looking forward to any of the same?

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

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.

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

Summer Wishlist

Summer is nearly over but I'm still trying not to think about going back to school..... 

What I do love thinking about is my current wishlist! There are so many things I cannot wait to buy and hopefully I'll get my hands on some of them when I'm in London next week.

I love love love this jumpsuit from inthestyle! It is perfect for the summer and even autumn, Paired with black heels and a cute clutch, this jumpsuit would look fabulous on any night out! Even better, it's on sale for €15 at the moment and they deliver to Ireland.

I have also wanted a knee length skirt for ages and I finally came across this black striped knee length skirt on sheinside! I can literally put so many outfits together with this one skirt and it is just so cute! The skirt is €13.20 on sheinside plus delivery.

I have seen so many bloggers and YouTubers raving about the Chocolate Bar Palette from Too Faced. You also get two free samples from Too Faced when you order through their website!

This gorgeous palette will set you back €48 but it is well worth the investment.

The MAC Look in a Box Lip Kit Fashion Lover is exclusive to Selfridges and hopefully they'll have it in stock when I visit the store next week! This lip trio is £29 in Selfridges which will set you back €41 because the exchange rate is so bad at the moment.

I have read so many rave reviews about NYX's Colour Correcting Concealer and now that more stores are stocking the brand, I cannot wait to try out the concealer palette myself! This concealer palette is available from Littlewoods for €14!

My current wishlist could go on for days but these are my top five at the moment! Hopefully I can get my hands on some of these when I'm away next week!

What's on your wishlist at the moment?

Do you have any other recommendations for me?

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