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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January Favourites!

Hey guys!

I can't believe it's already the end of January! The month flew by for me!

As I wasn't in college until the end of the month, I had so much time to try out new makeup and I found some new favourites along the way!

HudaBeauty Mauve Obsessions

I got this palette off CultBeauty for my birthday and I love it! The shadows range from matte to metallic and are perfect for deepening any eye look or creating an entire look from this palette!

Although the pans are small, I have so many palettes that I will never get to the end of  (this one included) and for €25, the quality is worth the size of the pans!

I found myself reaching for this palette throughout the month and was so excited when I saw the entire obsessions range in Brown Thomas the other day!

Mauve Obsessions along with the rest of the range are available from Brown Thomas for €28.

Real Techniques Angled Tweezer

I cannot tell you whether it's because this is a brand new pair of tweezers or because I haven't used one in so long but I am obsessed with this one from Real Techniques! 

Unfortunately I got this as part of a set ages ago but I only started using it recently. It is so dreamy to work with so easy to get at eyebrow hairs at awkward angles!

Payot Pate Grise L'Originale

I got this little jar sent to me a few months ago and have been using it ever since. You may have seen my instagram post on it as well!

The cream (it has a cream consistency anyway) is best dabbed on spots overnight and left to soak into the skin. I found it really helped aggravated spots overnight and they were not as noticeable the next day.

After the Christmas indulgence, this definitely helped my skin recover over the last few weeks! The only downside to this product is that it stains pillowcases so definitely put a towel over your pillowcase at night!

Payot Pate Grise L'Originale is available in pharmacies nationwide with an RRP of €23.

LOV EVENelixir Serum Foundation

This foundation is so nice! What's even better is that there's a dropper in the bottle so you minimise product wastage (yes I usually have loads of foundation left on my hand). The foundation is medium coverage so I used a concealer along with it but the lasting power was fabulous.

I tend to chop and change between foundations but with continued use, this foundation claims to even out your skin tone and improve skin elasticity!

LOV's EVENelixir serum foundation is available in selected pharmacies nationwide and retails for around €15!

Kelkin Tea Tree Roller

This tea tree skin treatment has done wonders for my skin over the past few weeks. I used this during the day, in conjunction with the payot product because this could be worn under makeup and absorbs straight into the skin.

I honestly don't know what I did before I discovered this gem, it works within hours and is travel friendly as well!

Kelkin's Tea Tree Roller is available is pharmacies nationwide for €4.60.

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream - Cairo

If you guys follow my instagram, you'll know that I'm a fan of this line already. However, I don't usually delve into the paler side of nudes but when I got this in the post I was intrigued enough to try it!

While I wouldn't wear this with a single drop of tan on me, it is a nice shade for a neutral, daytime look! I stand by what I've said in previous posts though, the soft matte lip creams are in no way matte! They may look matte but you need to blot your lips a few times to make sure nothing transfers!

Soft Matte Lip Creams are available in selected pharmacies nationwide and Arnotts, with an RRP of €8.

Urban Decay B6 Prep & Prime Spray

This spray was my saviour this month! I always sprayed it on my face before makeup, or even just on my face after skincare, if I wasn't wearing any makeup. It helped keep my oily patches at bay during the day and my makeup stay on for longer, if I was wearing any at all!

Pairing this with the All Nighter Setting Spray is a match made in heaven!

Urban Decay's B6 Spray is available in Debenhams and their Grafton Street store for €31.

What were your favourite products in January?

Do you have any recommendations for me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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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

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Christmas Giveaway 2017

Hey guys!

It's that time of year again. This is my third year doing a Christmas giveaway and I love doing them so much!

This year, MarketMatchPR kindly sent me all of the NYX Professional Cosmetics products featured in the giveaway and I am so grateful for the generous package they sent me a few weeks ago.

I am so excited to say this year's giveaway is worth over €150 and will go to one lucky winner.

The giveaway is open to Republic of Ireland residents only and unfortunately, family members cannot enter and any entries will be void.

The giveaway is live now and will close at midnight December 15th so I can send it out before Christmas!

Good luck to everyone and keep an eye out for some more sneaky products being added in over the coming days!

The winner will be announced on the widget here and on my facebook page on the 17th!

Ciara,

xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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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