Saturday, 27 August 2016

Back to College Wishlist


Hey guys!

So College/Uni is just around the corner. I'm so excited to start College and have compiled the ultimate wishlist for anyone who is prepping for school or college!

1. Backpacks

Michael Kors Rhea Leather Backpack

Michael Kors never fails to impress and I love their Rhea backpack. It's the perfect size for notebooks and a laptop. If you're willing to invest in a backpack I would definitely recommend the Rhea Leather Backpack.

The Rhea Backpack is available from Brown Thomas for €350 in a variety of colours.

New Look Badge Backpack

This cute backpack is perfect if you want to have a neutral bag with a pop of personality. Big enough to hold your notebooks and strong enough to last the year, this bag will fit almost any budget.

The Badge Backpack is available from ASOS for €26.65.

Mi-Pac Pink Classic Backpack

These bags were everywhere last year! Not only are they comfortable to carry but they can carry a lot of schoolbooks too. If you're looking for a new bag to carry the heavy JC and LC books around, look no further.

The Mi-Pac Classic Backpack is available from Debenhams for €30.


2. Notebooks


Disney Tsum Tsum A5 Notebook

Not only is this notebook adorable but it's perfect for jotting down thoughts or things to do during the day. Whether it'll be full of doodles or daydreams, this notebook will definitely make you smile when you take it out!

The Tsum Tsum Notebook is available from Etsy for €4.21 plus shipping.


Beautiful Moon Notebook

All of these styles are so pretty and the style you receive is random which I find pretty cool. The quote on each notebook is so pretty and you'll definitely have some unique supplies!

The Beautiful Moon Notebook is available from Mini In The Box for €14.69


A4 Multicoloured Notebooks

Simple but fun, these notebooks will add a pop of colour to your day. Rather than buying the plain old notebooks you buy every year, add some colour to your routine with these bright notebooks!

These Multicoloured Notebooks are available from Paperchase for €5.75

3. Pencil Cases
Plush Stitch Pencil Case

Okay so I am in love with this pencil case. It probably wouldn't stay clean for long but I mean who doesn't love Stitch? I found this on AliExpress so I don't know how reliable the seller is.

This Stitch Pencil Case is available from AliExpress for €1.28

Pink Unicorn Pencil Case

Who doesn't need a little but of magic in their lives?  This cute pencil case from Paperchase will hold all of your stationery and it's pink, what's better than that?

The Pink Unicorn Pencil Case is available from Paperchase for €8.50


Harry Potter Pencil Case

I came across this cute little pencil case on My Moemoe's Etsy store and I adore it! Instead of the usual Harry Potter stationery, this pencil case is unique and I would love it.

The Harry Potter Pencil Case is available from Etsy for €7.30 plus shipping.


4. Stationery


Purrmaids Pastel Gel Pens

These gel pens are perfect for revision notes or class notes, adding colour to each page and making them easier to remember. Using different colours while revising has been proven to increase the amount of information you recall.

The Purrmaids Gel Pens are available from Paperchase for €8


Ice Cream Erasers

These adorable erasers will ensure your pencil case is no longer boring! Each eraser is unique and will definitely add a pop of colour to your day. These erasers are sold in packs of 5.

The Ice Cream Erasers are available from ShopMissA for €1

Sharpie Colour Burst 5 Pack

Sharpies are essential for anyone in school or college. In school, you always need them for projects and class posters. In college, it's a great way to organise your lecture notes by colour coding pages. A pop of colour is always better than plain black or grey. 

The Sharpie Colour Burst Pack is currently €3.87 in Tesco.


5. Planners


Erin Condren Planners are the dream. If you love being organised then you will love this planner. Completely customisable, the planner has 18 monthly pages and detailed weekly pages. You can buy stickers to jazz up your weekly plans or keep it plain and simple. Either way, you won't find yourself forgetting anything important if you jot it in one of these.

Erin Condren Life Planners are available from erincondren.com for €50 plus shipping.

Paperchase Vintage Mid-Year Planner

I love Paperchase planners and have one myself. If you don't like having to switch planners during the academic year, a mid-year planner is perfect for you. With monthly pages as well as separate weekly layouts, this planner has you covered for the 2016/17 academic year.

The Vintage Mid-Year Planner is currently available from Paperchase for €9


Ban.do Planner

Ban.do has a variety of 17 month planners that are perfect to keep everything together and in one place. They have a monthly page as well as a weekly layouts. Also customisable with stickers or washi tape, these planners are perfect for those who miss their school journal and the organisation that came with having one.

Ban.do Planners are available from the Ban.do website for €24.84 plus shipping.


This list could go on for days but I'll leave it there.
What's on your back to school/college wishlist?
Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,
xoxo.
Snapchat: Ciarakxo










Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Soap & Glory Favourites


Hey guys!

I've been away for about two weeks because I was spending some time with family and then the Leaving Cert results came out. I'm over the moon with the results I got and I'm excited to see what college will be like!

My aunt gave me a gorgeous Soap & Glory gift box as a results present and I already have some firm favourites!

Clean On Me Shower Gel


I love this shower gel! It has a lovely citrus scent with a floral undertone that lingers on your skin all day. The shower gel lathers up well and is lightly moisturising. I will definitely repurchasing this when I run out.

Clean On Me is currently €7.60 in Boots.

The Scrub of Your Life


Okay at first I loved this scrub. It was a fabulous as a pre-tan scrub and had the same scent as Clean On Me. My only issue with the scrub is that it contains microbeads. If they developed a new formula without the microbeads I would repurchase this product but as of now, I won't be.

The Righteous Butter


The Righteous Butter is so moisturising and I love it! It is a firm favourite already and I will definitely be stocking up for the winter months.

The Righteous Butter Mini is €3.50 in Boots.

Thick & Fast HD Mascara


This mascara is amazing. With one or two coats, it is perfect as a day look and it is easily buildable for a night look. It is not clumpy and it comes off quite easily with an eye makeup remover.

Thick & Fast is €14.50 in Boots.

Hand Food


Hand Food once again has the same scent as Clean On Me, Soap & Glory's signature scent. This leaves my hands incredibly soft and I occasionally use it on my face as well. I will definitely be repurchasing when I run out of my mini!

Hand Food Mini is available for €3.50 from Boots.

What are your favourite Soap & Glory products?
Do you have any you think I should try?
Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,
xoxo.
Snapchat: Ciarakxo




Thursday, 4 August 2016

The Week I Had No Makeup Bag!


Hey guys!

If you follow me on social media, you'll know I left my makeup bag in Limerick last week. I only realised halfway into a three hour journey and we obviously couldn't turn back at that point! 

My mum kindly offered me the use of some brushes she never uses, my aunt gave me a spare mascara she had and I already had a concealer in my handbag. I decided to only buy the bare minimum in the pharmacy in Schull and ended up buying some of the Essence range.

I had never used the brand for a full face before this week and decided to let you guys know what I thought of each product!


All About Matt Foundation


I got this foundation in 05 Matt Vanilla, the palest shade they had available. At only €2.10, I didn't have high hopes for this foundation and I'm glad I didn't have any expectations. The coverage isn't great and it definitely does not last 12 hours!

If you're starting out in makeup, this foundation would be perfect for you but I'll be chucking this out on Saturday when I get my makeup back!


All About Matt Fixing Powder


Just like the foundation, I didn't have high hopes for the powder either but I was surprised with how well it worked, especially for setting concealer under my eyes. For €3.80, I will definitely be repurchasing this even if I just use it to set my under eyes.


Silky Touch Blush


This blusher solidified the fact that Essence really is a brand aimed towards young teens and people only beginning to use makeup. I bought the blusher in 10 |Adorable and it was €2.10 and I just needed a hint of colour for my cheeks. I really had to use a lot of this product to get any sort of colour pay-off and unfortunately I'll probably be binning this on Saturday as well.


Quattro Eyeshadow


My mum also kindly gave the use of the eyeshadow she had packed for our holidays. I bought this mini-palette in 05 To Die For a few years ago for her so I knew what it was going to be like. I love the quattro eyeshadow and used them for my bronzer and brows as well. I used the shade under the hightlight for my brows and the shade that has hit pan for bronzer. The highlight shade is great and I used it under my brow and as a highlight too.

Ultimately, I would buy this mini-palette again for myself as I fell in love with it all over again this past week!


Maybelline Great Lash Mascara


If you're looking for volume, this isn't the mascara for you. It does lengthen your lashes but I prefer my own mascara. If you've been gifted my lashes that only need colour and definition, I would definitely invest in one of these! There were no clumps and it was easy to remove so the formula is good but just not suited to me.


Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer


My  tube of concealer was nearly empty so I did have to slice it open but I love this concealer! You guys know this is one of my holy grail products and I will always repurchase this when I run out!

Have you guys ever had a makeup disaster like mine?
How did you fix it?
Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,
xoxo.
Snapchat: Ciarakxo




Sunday, 24 July 2016

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.
Snapchat: Ciarakxo

Wednesday, 13 July 2016

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.
Snapchat: Ciarakxo

Sunday, 10 July 2016

80s Movies You Have to Watch This Summer!


Hey guys!

It's been awhile since I have posted but I had the Leaving Cert and went away a few days after that, where wifi was limited!
The relief of having 6th Year over and done with is unreal and I can finally relax until results now!

So with the summer ahead of me, I plan on having plenty of movie days, I think 80s teen movies are the most iconic teen movies of all time and if you haven't watched these movies yet, you don't know what you're missing!

The Outsiders


The Outsiders, by far my favourite novel of all time had a movie adaptation made in 1983. The movie follows Ponyboy and his fellow 'Greasers' as they face the challenges of their rivalry was the 'Socs' in their town. Basically one of the best coming of age movies of all time and you should definitely check it out this summer!

The Breakfast Club



The Breakfast Club follows five high school students who meet in detention and discover they have a lot more in common than they originally thought. Not only is the plot amazing but the soundtrack is killer and you cannot mention 80s movies without The Breakfast Club!

Dirty Dancing


If you didn't love Patrick Swayze before this movie you will now. Singing, dancing and forbidden love, what more could you want in a movie? No 80s movie night would be complete without hearing 'Nobody puts Baby in the corner'.

Sixteen Candles

This movie follows Sam as she struggles to make it through the day that is her 16th Birthday. Her day is full of stressful events but things finally work out for her in the end. Molly Ringwald helped shape 80s teens movies and this movie is one of her best.

Stand By Me


This flick never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Yet another coming of age movie, this one follows Gordie through a summer adventure that helped shape his life. The movie is Gordie's memoir and follows the lives of his odd yet close-knit friend group and the summer that changed their outlook on life.

Say Anything


Every girl wants what she can't have and Diane Court is no different. Falling for a boy her parents don't approve of, Diane struggles to decide what is right or wrong when it comes to Lloyd and her involvement with him. After watching this movie, I'm still waiting on someone standing outside my window with a boombox.....

The Blue Lagoon


I originally watched The Blue Lagoon after I watched the more recent remake. It's a shipwreck movie following two teens who try to survive on an uninhabited island with societal expectations. If you watch this you'll have to check out Blue Lagoon: The Awakening after!

Pretty in Pink


A poor Andie has to choose between the adorable Duckie and the rich playboy Blane. Full of love and social cliques, Pretty in Pink follows the stress and anxiety of high school. Faced with the prospect of going to her senior prom without a date (me too girl me too!), this movie is fun and engaging from start to finish!

Footloose


Okay so I'm not the biggest fan of Kevin Bacon but this movie is one of my favourites. Ren, a city teen, movies to a small town where all music has been banned after a tragic car accident that killed a group of friends. Wanting to challenge authority and bring music back to the town, Ren goes on a mission with his newfound friends to bring music and dance back to Bomont.
Rock of Ages 


Even though it's not an 80s movie it basically is because it is full of classic 80s hits. This film follows a few storylines but focuses on Sherrie, a small town girls and Drew, her city boy, both chasing their dreams of fame and fortune. If the soundtrack alone doesn't make you love it, the characters will!

So there you have it! A few of my favourite 80s movies that you have to watch this summer!

What is your favourite 80s movie?
Do you have any suggestions for me?
Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,
xoxo.
Snapchat: Ciarakxo