Top 5 Make up Products of 2017

As 2017 comes to a close I thought I might do a quick post on my favourite makeup products this year.  2017 for me has been about discovering some cool new brands some of which have now become firm favourites.

1.  Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation

As a gal who loves a light, dewy finish I was surprised by how much I liked this foundation.  When applied with a damp beauty blender this gives a lovely soft, matte glow with medium coverage.  It's staying power is it's real superpower.  Normally, foundation seems to disappear from around my t-zone by lunch time but this one lasted all day.  Rimmel offer a great range of colour options for us pale gals too which is ideal.  I will definitely be repurchasing.

2.  MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Laquer

I have recommended these lip paints to SO many friends.  The colour pay off is amazing and they really do last.  I recommend exfoliating your lips and popping on a bit of lip balm before applying as lip paints are notoriously drying.  Harmony is my favourite, a lovely brown nude that works really well for day to day wear.  I also love Hustle for night-time when I want a fierce berry red lip.  These are available in Superdrug for less than €5 and I can promise you that you'll want to buy the lot!!

3.  Bellápierre Glowing Pallette 

This was gifted to me at a Biofresh event last year and I love it.  I'd say I use it most days.  There are six colours to in this palette, two bronzer colours, two blush colours and two highlighters.  The glow from these beauties is second to none.  I just love Bellápierre products as they are so gentle on the skin and this is definitely one of my favourites!!

4.  Catrice Glam and Doll False Lashes Mascara (available from Penneys)

I am a mascara snob.  I know what I like and know what I hate!  I despise 'toilet brush' style wands and always go for stiff, comb like ones.  I bought this mascara on a whim on day in Penneys as my beloved Maxfactor False Lash Effect had run out.  I actually forgot about it for a while but the other day I rediscovered just why I love it so much.  The lift and curl this mascara gives is absolutely sensational.  It separates each individual lash and is as black as coal.  I cannot describe how happy this mascara makes me.  The fact that it costs less than €10 isn't even the best part!  I'd happily pay double!

5.  Huda Beauty Obsessions:  Warm Brown Obsessions

I am OBSESSED with Huda beauty.  Her instagram page is amazing and the makeup tutorials are out of this world.  During Black Friday the makeupmonster posted a discount code for Cult Beauty and I couldn't resist!  This palette is only a little one but my GOD the colours are stunning.  Rich warm browns that blend like butter.  I now want ALL the palettes.

I hope you enjoyed this post and make sure you enter my giveaway on instagram where you could win some Penneys goodies!

Lesley :) x

(images obtained from Google search images)

Recent reads

I read a lot.  I could go as far as saying I prefer reading to watching tv.  I love how you can get lost in a book, how your imagination can just run wild.  I can be very anti social when I find a good book and have often forgotten to eat and sleep because I'm so caught up in a great story.

Five Recent Reads

1.  Behind Her Eyes - Sarah Pinsborough

This story follows the life of a divorced single mother who has an affair with her boss while developing a friendship with his wife.  You can tell from the onset that the wife has an agenda but I can guarantee you will NOT predict the ending.  It is a bit strange in that there's a supernatural-ish element to the story but if you can live with that then you'll really enjoy this book! 9/10

2.  Silent Child - Sarah A. Denzil

I found this book very sad.  Emma's son Aiden goes missing during a flood.  10 years later Emma is pregnant and married.  She gets a phonecall to say Aiden has been found, alive.  Aiden doesn't speak though, so they can't find out what happened to him.  It's a brilliant story as it keeps you guessing.  Is Aiden dangerous?  What happened to him?  Why won't he speak?  I read this in a day and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a mystery! 7/10

3.  The Stolen Marriage - Diane Chamberlain

I love Diane Chamberlain!  I've read tonnes of her books and find her writing similar to that of Jodi Picoult who would be my all time favourite writer.  The Stolen Marriage is about Tess, a young Italian American girl engaged to her childhood sweetheart.  When things go awry Tess breaks off the engagement, runs away and marries a complete stranger.  Cut off from her previous life, Tess is lonely and her husband and his family are cold and closed off.  It's obvious Tess's husband is up to something but Tess is trapped.  This story really tugs at the heart strings and I finished it in less than a week. 8/10

4.  The Breakdown - B A Paris

This is the second B A Paris novel I've read and definitely my favourite of the two.  Cass takes a shortcut home on stormy night.  On her way she sees a car broken down.  She pulls over to help but changes her mind and drives off.  The next day it's reported in the news that a local woman has been murdered.  The woman that Cass saw in the broken down car.  After that things get even more sinister, silent phone calls, parcels arriving that Cass doesn't remember ordering, forgetting important appointments.  Cass is convinced someone is watching her, or is she just going mad?  From start to finish this book had me HOOKED.  I was away in Portugal at the time and devoured this by the pool.  It's a real page-turner and a fantasic holiday read. 9/10

5.  The Cows - Dawn O' Porter

This is Dawn's debut adult novel and a real showstopper.  It's one to make you think and there's definitely a character in the book that you'll find you can relate to on some level.  The story is about three women and how an event that catapults Tara into an overnight viral sensation, links the three women together in 'ways they could never imagine'.  It's witty, feminist, clever and sharp.  I loved this book and look forward to see what Dawn writes next. 10/10

What good books have you read recently?  Please comment with some recommendations.  I'm always looking for new reads.  Lesley :) x

Phi Brows - one year on

My Phi Brows are a year old!!  I got my Phi Brows done in September of last year in my favourite salon For Your Eyes Only.  If you'd like to read about my experience click here.

One year and I felt it was time for an update.  My brows are still in great shape and maintenance on them is very low...  

My original before and after pictures.  First picture is my natural eyebrows prior to getting Phi Brows.

Maintenance  

As my brows are naturally blonde I tend to tint them every two-three weeks.  I do this myself using the Julienne Brow and Lash tint - I buy mine in Terrisales.  I then wax them using the Veet Easy Wax Face Precision Wax & Care Kit.

Makeup  

When I'm wearing makeup I do still fill them in but this takes about 10 seconds where it used to take 5 - 10 minutes.  To view my brow tutorial click here.

One year on my Phi Brows are still FAB (apart from being recently tinted there is no product in my brows in this picture)

Thoughts

One year on and I can confirm that my Phi Brows were worth every cent they cost.  I rarely wear makeup during the week and still feel somewhat presentable.  When I am wearing makeup, my brows only take a few seconds to fill in.

If you're considering getting Phi Brows but still possibly on the fence, take my advice and DO IT!

As always, I recommend EveEllen's salon.  Check out her Instagram for some AMAZING before and after pictures :) x

Sensius Laser Hair Removal

More and more people are turning to laser hair removal in recent years.  It boasts permanent hair reduction, it's quick and in recent years has become very affordable.  

I had been considering laser hair removal for a few years now and around this time last year I decided to book a consultation in Sensius in Swords Pavillions.  

My skin/hair

I have medium to coarse hair and very VERY pale skin.  My hair ranges from blonde to dark brown depending on where it is on my body. 

The consultation

I had my consultation with Laura (whom I just love, her attitude towards her clients is amazing!  She is the warmest and loveliest person!).  She asked me a few questions about my hair and skin type, any medications I was taking and whether the area I wanted treated had been exposed to sunlight in the past six weeks.  Once this was finished she tested a small area of my skin with the laser.  I was deemed to be a suitable candidate and booked in for 6 sessions then and there.

The process

You have a session every six weeks. On arriving at the appointment you are required to sign off stating that you:  haven't taken antibiotics in the past two weeks, haven't taken painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications in the past 24 hours and that the area being treated hasn't been exposed to the sun in the past six weeks.  The treatment itself takes less than five minutes and pain wise it's pretty ok - as the treatments go on the sensation can become more intense but still it's pretty bearable.  You are required to wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser and then all you need to do is sit back and let the lovely technician work their magic.  Once the treatment is finished you are given some aloe vera gel to apply to the area and then you're done. 

Sensius Pre and Post Treatment Care

Pre-Treatment Care for Laser Hair Removal

• Shave the area 24 hours before treatment with new razor
• No plucking, tweezing or waxing for at least 1 month before treatment
• Do not use bleach or any hair removal creams for 2 weeks prior to treatment
• You must use SPF 30 (minimum) on the area daily
• Laser treatments cannot and will not be done if client has fake tan or natural tan on the day of treatment
• Before treatment please inform your therapist if you are taking any medication (antibiotics etc) or if your medication has changed since your last visit
• Avoid the use of sunbeds, fake tan, tanning injections, tanning tablets and sun exposure
• Avoid the use of make-up, body lotions and deodorants on the area prior to coming for your treatment

Post-Treatment Care for Laser Hair Removal

• Apply Aloe Vera on the area to help soothe the skin
• No heat treatments, ie hot showers, baths, sauna, jacuzzi for 24 hours
• No vigourous sweating, ie gym, running for 24 hours
• Avoid sun exposure on the area
• Do not apply any deodorants or lotions to the area that has been treated for 24 hours
• Exfoliate the area one week after treatment to encourage the hairs to fall out
• Use sunscreen daily
• Avoid picking or scratching the treated area
• Shaving is the only method of hair removal in between treatments

Thoughts...

I completed my 6 sessions of laser hair removal for my underarms in May and have only needed one top up since.  The hair is much finer and lighter and I've seen about a 90% reduction overall.  I'm currently getting my bikini area done and after four treatments have seen a huge difference and a dramatic reduction in both hair and the occurrence of ingrown hairs (something that used to be the BANE of my life).

Top ups are required every so often as hair growth patterns change due to age, hormones etc.  You do however get a free top up if you recommend a friend and they buy a package.

Sensius always have brilliant special offers on, so go check them out.  The staff are unbelievably lovely and go out of their way to make their clients feel comfortable.  Make sure you tell them Lesley sent you ;) x

Acne Out Six Week Review

ACNE OUT 6 WEEK REVIEW

I’ve  suffered with acne on my back, chest and chin since my teens.  I’ve used countless over the counter and prescribed treatments, which have cleared it temporarily to an extent but never completely. 

I had heard about Acne Out from lots of different people including Jennifer Rock, Tara  O ‘ Farrell.  Everyone who used it raved about it so I decided to pop into Biofresh in Swords at the start of September.

Me aged 21 when my acne was at it's very worst

Products:  

The Biofresh team recommend using the Acne Out Kit, the  Acne Out 30 day supplement and the Yogurt of Bulgaria Cleansing Milk and  Rosewater Toner. 

I also bought the Bellapierre  BB cream and was kindly gifted the Bellapierre Mineral Foundation and Glowing Palette to try.  Catherine Morgan, owner of the Biofresh  Swords and Drogheda stores recommends Bellapierre makeup for any of us with sensitive skin.  Bellapierre is kind to the skin, has very few ingredients and is non comedogenic (it won’t block your pores).

Week 1 of starting my new skin care routine

Routine:

In the mornings I cleansed my face with the probiotic cleanser, used the toner and the applied my Bellapierre BB cream and mineral makeup. 

In the evenings I cleansed and toned my face, then washed any acne prone areas with the Acne Out soap,  waited twenty minutes, applied the Acne Out lotion to my chin and neck, waited another twenty minutes and moisturised my face with the Acne Out moisturiser.

After about two weeks I started to notice a huge difference not only to my acne but to the overall appearance of my skin.  The cleanser and toner made my skin glow and the Acne Out products were certainly doing their job.

Week six, glowy goodness :)

Six weeks later my skin is the best it’s been since I was a child.  I get complemented all the time on how glowing it is!

If, like me, you struggle with acne, go see  the girls in Biofresh Swords or Drogheda and get yourself kitted out.  Acne Out is also available in most chemists and online.

Before and after, six weeks in the difference.

PhiBrows

Stroll into Eve-Ellen’s salon, For Your Eyes Only and you will be greeted with a smile.  Not only does the staff there do what they do better than anyone I’ve ever met, they do it with passion.  

Eve Ellen has been doing my eyebrows since she opened For Your Eyes Only three and a half years ago.  She’s shares my love for brows more than anyone else and there’s no one I trust more. 

For Your Eyes only has recently expanded due to how in demand Eve-Ellen and her team are.  They boast clients such as Tara Anderson and Suzanne Jackson.  Situated in The Stables in Portmarnock; the salon is beautiful, spotless and oh so cosy.  From the moment you walk in you’ll feel comfortable; safe in the hands of these wonderful professionals.

Recently, Nicola, completed a course in PhiBrows.  Relatively new to Ireland, PhiBrows are the latest in semi permanent microblading for eyebrows.  I had mine done and am loving the results.

The Process

On arrival, Nicola and Eve-Ellen took the time to map my own natural brow shape, tweaking it here and there before deciding on the final outcome and colour.  

Next I climbed up onto one of the salon’s lovely, cosy beds and got comfy!  Nicola then started the process which took approximately two hours.  It does sting but after the initial part is completed, Nicola adds numbing ointment which makes the rest of the procedure pain free.  

I was then given an after care sheet and some Tattoo Goo which needs to be applied regularly during the healing process.  

My next appointment is in five weeks time and then I’ll need a top up every twelve to eighteen months.  My before and after pictures speak for themselves I think!

For more information, pricing, or to book a consultation contact Eve-Ellen via her Facebook page.  Check out her Instagram and mine for even more before and after pictures!

Lesley xxx

Clarisonic Mia

I've had my Clarisonic Mia for nearly three years now.  I can honestly say it's one of the best skincare items I own.  

I have dehydrated, acne prone skin and I find this fantastic for deep cleansing.  I use it about three times a week and can definitely see a difference in the texture of my skin if I go longer than a week without using it.  

The Clarisonic is fatastic in that it cleanses deep into the pores as well as exfoliating the skin gently.  When I use it I find my face feels cleaner, pores appear smaller, I've less redness, my makeup glides on effortlessly and I don't have any stubborn dry patches around my nose.

I use my Clarisonic in the shower - it's also waterproof.  I apply two pumps of Garnier Fruit Active Gel Wash and allow the brush to gently cleanse my face.  The Clarisonic only takes 60 seconds and will switch off automatically.  It also comes with a charger and needs to be recharged every 10 uses or so - it will vibrate more than once after you use it if it needs charging.

You can buy the Clarisonic Mia 2 in Debenhams for €149, well worth it if you ask me!