Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani | Palette Review

My first thought when I heard that this palette was coming out was 'another eye shadow palette!?'...
 It was released so close to the latest Naked offering that I was surprised they were churning another one out. Any reservations I had however were quashed as soon as I laid eyes on the gloriously designed palette, in my humble opinion... I say that because this palette design seems to have a marmite quality, placing me firmly in the 'love it' category.

Eye of Horus | Makeup Review.

'Eye of Horus' Cosmetics very recently made it's way to Irish shores (and bloggers' mail boxes), and this was my first time hearing about the Australian cosmetics brand.

Their tagline is 'Awaken the Goddess within' and the entire line is inspired by the beauty of the Ancient Egyptians whom they credit as "the originators of beauty and mystique".

Master Series, Palette One; Blank Canvas Cosmetics.

Blank Canvas have just released a new eyeshadow palette, the first of their 'Master Series', and upon first glance it is a neutral-warm eyeshadow lovers' dream!

This contains 10 matte super warm brown shades ranging from the palest beige (Core) to the deepest dark brown (Corruption), a pinkish vanilla matte with delicate minute sparkle (Lily) and one single champagne/gold shimmer shade (Goddess).

Urban Decay 'Naked Illuminated'

Seen as there's only 5 weeks left 'til Christmas, now's the time to seriously start thinking of all things sparkly and shimmery, if you haven't already that is!

So... Urban Decay releasing their newest shade of the 'Naked Illuminated' shimmer powder earlier this month is timed perfectly. The new shade 'Lit' joins the already existing shades 'Aura' and 'Luminous'. These powders are for the face and body though you have to use with a light hand on the face as they are quite heavy in shimmer particles (though they are teeny tiny micro particles).

All 3 shades are described as 'universal', though I do think you're better off going with either 'Luminous' or 'Aura' if you are embracing the pale, and leaning towards 'Aura' or the newer 'Lit' if you are bronzed up, a deeper skintone or tanned.

Inglot SWATCH Fest! 105 EyeShadow Swatches.

PLEASE NOTE; The above numbers are in reverse order by mistake!
So the correct number in correct order are;
15 (Orange), 413 (turquoise), 422 (bronze), 441 (purple), 482 (Navy).

PLEASE NOTE; The above numbers are in reverse order by mistake!
So the correct number in correct order are;
15 (Orange), 413 (turquoise), 422 (bronze), 441 (purple), 482 (Navy).

PIXI Makeup; My Current TOP 10 Favourite Picks!!

Hey Guys!!!

First of all, apologies for my dire lack of blogging lately. I allowed October to get the better of me and when I had to prioritise, the blog took a back seat but I am ready to get back into the swing of things again starting with my pick of some lovely PIXI Makeup products that I have accumulated over the past few months. (Sent as PR samples sporadically).

I excluded the bits I'm not mad about and decided to round it off to my Top 10 favourite items from the brand.

I'll start off with the Skin Care picks;

Urban Decay; Vice 4 Palette Review and Swatches.

Palette sent as press sample for consideration.

Urban Decays newest Vice offering, their 4th, is absolutely stunning. There, I said it. Quite the opening statement, but it has been designed beautifully, package n' all.

Inspired by the "dimensional hues of an oil slick" and one of their "vintage shades" of the same name 'Oil Slick', this contains a mixture of stunning brights and smoked neutrals for a really balanced collection of eyeshadows.

Cover FX | Total Cover Cream Foundation

Cover FX is another one of those brands that I have coveted for so long and heard such good things about (largely from Kandee Johnson who uses the brand heavily in her videos and professional makeup kit) but had never gotten around to trying them out. That is until a couple of weeks ago when I got the chance to pick out a foundation of my choosing to try out... and the foundation turned into 2 thanks to the lovely PR lady :)

IsaDora Twist up Eye Glosses

I was rather excited when these 'Twist-up Eye Gloss' Highlighters by IsaDora arrived in my mailbox (well actually my Mam & Dad's mail box!) a few months ago.

I love anything beauty related that doesn't immediately seem as if it's another version of a million other products, and these came across as somewhat unique.  While they are called eye glosses, they aren't actually glosses (in formula) but rather cream crayons with a high-shine, gloss finish.

Globally there are now 12 shades in total in the range with the addition of the 3 new shades I received which are the ones available here in Ireland, which include;

YSL 'Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick'.... No.13 'Le Orange'

Last week I was sent my first ever YSL lipstick. I have tried one of their foundations in the past and really liked it, and like millions of other ladies I have owned one of the Touche Eclat highlighters, but for some reason or another I never got as far as even trying one of their lipsticks.

Oh how I have been missing out! 

These are iconic for a good reason. The colour is divine, the packaging is pure luxury and the formula is somewhere beyond comfort. It's probably the luxury aspect that had always intimidated me a bit in the past. I tend not to splurge on uber high-end makeup for myself unless I am picking up something for my professional kit.

Italian Silver Idea; The Isi facial cleansing & exfoliating mitt!

http://www.italiansilveridea.it/

You'll be forgiven for not having heard of the Isi cleansing mitt before as it has until recently been confined within the Italian borders. I was contacted by the brands PR lady from Italy, asked if I'd like to try it out for consideration and told that I am the first blogger outside of Italy to have been sent the mitt!

I hadn't heard of it either before receiving that email. It could be compared to the 'Makeup Eraser' micro-fiber cleansing cloth that was doing the rounds on Youtube and Instagram last year, because despite the physical differences, they are both cloths that cleanse the face without the need for a separate cleansing product. Warm water is all that is needed. The Isi (Italian Silver Idea) is rather more sophisticated however as one side has silver fiber woven into the mitt; this not only delicately exfoliates, but the silver has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which helps to kill any bacteria in the skin and prevent them making bacteria babies!!

PRO Tooth Whitening @ 'The White House' Clinic | No Bleach!

I was recently invited in for a complementary tooth whitening treatment at The White House (Teeth Whitening Specialists) Clinic http://www.thewhitehouse.ie and of course I jumped at the chance to get my teeth done as I have been really hoping to get them done since getting my train-track braces off. My teeth are one part of me that I'll never be 100% happy with so any help is much needed & appreciated.

There are clinics in Galway, Cork, Belfast and a couple in Dublin. I went to my local clinic here in Terryland, Galway last week for my 1 hour treatment which ended up being an hour and 15minutes but as I didn't have my phone or a watch to hand, I'm not sure where that extra time came from, though I did feel like I was under the light for longer than 15 minutes each time.

Within that hour, I received a consultation from the Specialist, Emma, who was so nice and helpful and explained everything in very understandable terms. Then I had three 15 minute sessions of getting the whitening gel applied to my exposed teeth and sitting in front of the UV light. (This is where I think I may have gained some time)

Emma also showed me what level of staining my teeth had before beginning the treatment for reference. 

The first two pictures here show how my teeth looked before. They were not very yellow or stained to begin with, but they were not super white either. My eye teeth tend to be a tad yellowed looking and the rest have a slightly cream/ivory tone with subtle yellow staining.

The Vintage Cosmetic Company.

I am a sucker for anything vintage or kitch and the aesthetic of The Vintage Cosmetic Company is absolutely my cup of tea.

And luckily it's not just about cute packaging with these bits, there are some lovely quality products in the pretty boxes as well. 

But back to the ridiculously cute design. We are talking vintage, floral gorgeousness here. Plus polka dots... POLKA DOTS!!! I am easily drawn in by aesthetics obviously, I blame the artist in me.

As I mentioned, there are some lovely products within the boxes but I'll start off with the one thing I don't love.

UNTIL DAWN Makeup | HALLOWEEN '15 | LetzMakeup

It's September, which means time to start my HALLOWEEN videos for the year!!! 

I will be uploading a Halloween tutorial every Friday at 6pm GMT from today until Halloween. So expect at least 8 looks from me on the run up to Oct 31st. This first video is inspired by the 'Until Dawn' video game character. 

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel to get notified of upcoming videos.

Click on the pictures below to enlarge;

NYX Colours of the 'Rain-Brow' Brow Pencils

*Pencils I was sent for consideration!

If you are in the market for a new brow pencil, have a goo at these new offerings from NYX. 

These are called the 'Auto Eyebrow Pencils' and there is an impressive 7 shades to choose from. ...that's pretty much on par with the MAC brow pencil shade range!! 

The shades are;

The EASIEST way to apply foundation!

After years of resisting these little yokes, I finally caved in and am in love! 

Definitely the best way to apply any foundation to achieve a perfect, flawless finish.

Sponges shown;

The Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Pro Blending Sponge

W7 Blending Sponge

Inglot Blending Sponge

New from Lancome #SatItWithYourEyes

Lancome's newest launch this summer is all about the eyes with new cream eyeshadow sticks, brow gels, a white liner pen and a dinky wee dual ended spoolie/brush to boot!

Admittedly, Lancome is not a brand that I am well versed in... but saying that, I have really enjoyed 90% of what I have tried of the brand. (The 10% deficit going to the bi-phase eye makeup remover that stung the bejeezus out of my poor peep-holes!)

PIPPA PALETTE for Blank Canvas Cosmetics.

I'll start off, for those of you here not from Ireland, with a bit of an introduction!

Pippa (O'Connor) is a very well-loved Irish model turned successful blogger, married to TV Star Brian Ormond, and she's a bit of a babe to boot with a strong following in Ireland.

Pippa is also the ambassador for Blank Canvas Cosmetics.

HUGE *NEARLY* AUTUMN CLOTHING HAUL! | Dressing for some weight gain.

Hey Everyone :)

It's been an absolute AGE since I did a fashion haul but now that we are coming close my favourite time of the year I was inspired to pick up some bits for the coming Autumn/Winter weather. Featuring items from Penneys, Newlook, H&M, Zara, Oasis & TK Maxx.

Hope ye enjoy the video!!

Shiv.

xx

How to Make Money on Youtube! (6 ways).. and how much you can make!

There are several ways of making money from Youtube, both directly & indirectly.

In this video I went about answering the question I get asked a LOT which is 'How to make Money from Youtube'
... and I also talk a little about blogging at the end.

Really hope it helped at least a few of you out :)

xx

Pale Skin Beauty Tips & Recommendations | Video Series

Hey Lovelies, 

Do any of you struggle to find foundations light enough for your skin-tones? Last week I uploaded 5 videos dedicated to my fairest of the fair friends out there (NC15 and paler) giving product recommendations for all base products starting with primers etc in video 1, foundations in video 2, powders in video 3, concealers in #4 and highlights, contours & bronzers in #5. 
You can watch all 5 videos here in the playlist...

BioDerma arrives on Irish shores... Finally!!

It has taken a while, but Ireland is finally catching up with the rest of the world

... and I'm talking about the Skincare and Makeup World here just incase that wasn't clear!

The French dermocosmetics powerhouse that is Bioderma is now available from selected Irish Pharmacies since last month.

The name will probably ring a bell even if you are not quite able to place it; BioDerma is the brand that brought to the world the first every Micellar Solution, Sensibio H2O, a cleansing water which is now a true-blue cult beauty product with one bottle selling every 3 seconds worldwide.

L'Oréal Infallible Foundations 24hr Matte vs 24hr Stay Fresh | First Impressions Comparison.

I had been wanting to get either of these foundation for the longest time as I had seen them get a lot of love on the internet over the past year or so, but I couldn't decide which one to get and basically wanted both but couldn't really justify getting both at full price (since I didn't really NEED the 0_o) 

BUT

EPIC MAKEUP COLLECTION & STORAGE 2015

Howdy Guys!! 

I've been even more shite at updating here, and on my Facebook and basically everywhere lately, but I am just not able to for the most part due to my ailing and old computer. (which I want to throw out the window after about an hour of failed use EVERYTIME!!) Anyhow... I uploaded my updated 'Makeup Collection/ Storage video' yesterday which has been highly requested, so if ye would like a peek into my makeup stash, have a look-see here...

Bourjois 'Sweet Kiss Gloss' 10hr Hydration

The 3 shades I received in my goodie bag, see below*

Continuing on with my Bourjois posts, up next is their new 'Sweet Kiss Gloss' 10hr Hydration formula.

It is possibly the most comfortable lipgloss I've ever tried on my lips and I absolutely love the moist formula. It is super hydrating thanks to it's "vegetable oil-enriched formula... that doesn't feel sticky on the skin"** and I can absolutely guarantee that there is zero stickiness to these after wearing them for a few days in a row now!!!

They have released 6 shades in the range which are;

01. Sand-Sation*

(A peachy Beige)

02. Rose Qui Peut 

(Light Frosty Pink)

03. As De Pink

(Reddish Pink)

Bourjois 'Aqua Blush' for Summer 2015

One of the most exciting releases by Bourjois this summer is their brand new 12hr Aqua Blush formula.

These are fluid gel blushes that I think are somewhere in-between the Makeup Forever Aqua Cream Blushes and the Daniel Sandler Watercolour (liquid) Blushes.

There are four shades in the collection including;

01 Ingé-nude 

02 Cocoricorail

(I haven't the faintest clue how this is pronounced!)

03 Pink Twice 

04 Berry Nice

Strobing

Strobing is the newest makeup fad on the block and unless you've been living under a very dull rock you've probably heard something about it or at least seen this meme in your FaceBook timeline!...

or this one...

Bourjois 'Parisian Summer' Sun Collection 2015

For their summer and sun inspired offerings this year, Bourjois have released 4 'easy-to-use sun make-up products' including a BB Cream, a mattifying Bronzing Powder, a melting mousse-like Complexion Perfector and Tinted Dry Body Oil.

The online-exclusive collection has been inspired by the elegance of the Chic Parisian Woman, the blue and red striping on the packaging hinting at the marine influence.

Max Factor 'Colour Intensity Balms' | Hint, Tint or Pop!

I love when new cosmetic formulas come into being... We live in a time where everything is copied or 'inspired by' but every now-and-again we get something shiny & new to placate our makeup junkie urges. 

Welcome the new Max Factor 'Colour Intensity Balm'.

This is a lipstick / lip-balm hybrid formula that offers the hydration and comfort of a balm, but the buildable colour and pigment intensity of a lipstick! 

'Cocoa Blend' Makeup Tutorial | w/ AFFORDABLE Makeup Products.

I actually uploaded this tutorial last month over on the 'Tube but am slightly (0_o) behind on updating my blog mainly due to computer issues (a little due to draggin' my arse) ...

Anyhu, This is a makeup tutorial featuring the new(ish) Zoeva EyeShadow Palette and mostly affordable makeup products (under €10).

Make your Nose look Smaller | Natural Contour

If I had money to burn and wasn't terrified of the prospect of plastic surgery, I would absolutely consider getting my nose fixed, but saying that, it'll probably never happen. (Especially of my boyfriend has any say in it!) So for now, I rely on makeup and the magic of contouring to fake a slimmer more symmetrical looking snoz.

Perfect Black Smokey Eye | Step by Step (For beginners)

Hey Guys! 

Sorry for the extended absences lately, my computer is on it's last legs and making even checking e-mails a chore so I am putting all my energy into trying to stay on top of editing videos to keep up with my Youtube upload schedule. Today's video is a step-by-step how-to guide to perfect the Black Smokey Eye.

NARS Translucent 'Crystal' Light Reflecting Setting Powder...

I have a new favourite setting powder smile emoticon It's flippin' gorgeous and gives you a radiant yet matte finish... find out all about it here...

Graduation Makeup Tutorial | LetzMakeup

As it's graduation season again and loads of you guys requested I create a graduation appropriate makeup look, here it is!!

...Though this would be suitable for any summertime formal occasion. The eyes are fairly simple but striking and the pop of pink on the lips really gives it that summertime feel.

This is not a sponsored video however most of the Smashbox makeup was given to me by PRs. All opinions are my own as always.

Great Makeup under €10!

Find out some of the great products available that all cost less that €10 :D

PRODUCTS MENTIONED;

(ALL PRODUCTS under €10.00)

Categories;

1. FOUNDATIONS...

CATRICE ‘All Matt Plus’ Foundation

CATRICE ‘Nude Illusion’ Foundation

CATRICE ‘Photo Finish 18hr Infinite’ Foundation

Roger & Gallet 'Fleur de Figuier' Eau de Parfum

So it turns out that my favourite perfumes are ones that smell floral or fruity, or both. Anything too overly musky is a bit of an assault on my throat and in gereral too much perfume on anyone can tend to make me gag!

Inglot has finally arrived in Galway!!

It has been a long time coming but Inglot Cosmetics has finally made it's way to Galway!!!
WOO HOO!

Matrix 'Oil Wonders' Hair Oils

Time to get back to the blog now that I've successfully moved house and am *nearly* settled in and organised!

I've had this hair oil by Matrix for a good few weeks now, possible months actually(!) and where I had always shied(?) away from hair oils in the past due to having such fine hair, I have slowly come around to quite liking certain oils that don't turn my noggin into a lank, greasy mess.

Kérastase 'Resistance Thérapiste' Collection

Résistance Thérapiste by Kérastase is basically medicine for the hair... for over processed and over styled hair that is in need of some major TLC.

If your hair is dry, brittle, rough to the touch or full-on damaged then these are for you!

The Beauty Blender™ -V- Inglot 'Pro Blending Sponge'

Hey Guys!

In this video I pit 'The Beauty Blender'™Sponge (€28 IRL) against the Inglot 'Pro Blending Sponge' (€12 IRL) to see which performs the best... 

Let the battle commence! 

tongue emoticon

 xx

Defined BRIDAL Makeup Tutorial | Loads of Tips!

I have been getting a load of requests to create a bridal makeup look, or just to do a general bridal tutorial to share some tips for the day, and this folks is the result of those requests!
I won't apologise for the 23 minute run-time of the video as I think it's very important to let people know exactly why I am using the products I am using and how I am applying them, so that you guys out there who want to know will understand how to achieve long-lasting flawless makeup.

Isa Dora 'Lash Styler Mascara'

PR Sample. Image from IsaDora.com

Well now, did someone go a bit overboard with the oul photoshoppin' when adding the finishing touches to the promo picture for IsaDora's 'Volume Lash Styler' mascara above(?!)... 

it was probably unnecessary as this mascara can look amazing when applied to the right lashes. 

If you follow my Youtube channel, you may have seen me use this mascara to death in recent videos, and even on my long-enough but kinda thin lashes it looks really decent and does give a nice "fanned out effect", as promised.

The Irish Beauty Blog Awards | I am nominated!

Hey Guys smile emoticon 

I am delighted to have been nominated for 5 categories in this years Irish Beauty Blog Awards!! I have been added to the shortlists for;
Best Vlogger
Best Content
Best Beauty Blogger
Best Social media
Best Overall

Spotlight Smokey Eyes & Pink Lips ft. MAC, Urban Decay and more!

What a lip! 

The glorious shade of pink on my lips is brought to us via Urban Decay's ‘Savage’ Revolution High-Colour Lip Gloss which I am, not surprisingly, utterly in love with. It really makes this look for me and is accompanied  in the range by several other lovely, newly released shades.

You can find out more about those along with Urban Decay's other Summer releases here...

Reaching Extreme Lengths with Redken...

(PR Samples)

Woah! I hadn't realised that it was so long since my last blog post, Bad Beauty Blogger!!!

Anyhow... I was recently sent the Redken 'Extreme Length' Primer & 'Extreme Length' Sealer to test out and have been using them for about a month or so now. 

My Everyday Makeup | GRWM | Makeup Tutorial

Hey Lovelies ^_^

After a short 2 week hiatus from doing makeup tutorials (that actually felt like forever in Youtube land), I am back with a 'Get Ready With Me' or GRWM video where I talk ye all through my makeup application of my current everyday go-to makeup look.

NEW! Urban Decay; Summer '15 Collection.

Urban Decay Summer '15 Collection releases. Sent as PR samples.

Urban Decay's Summer '15 Collection is launching on May 1st here in Ireland and I was very lucky to be sent some of the gorgeous products being released with the Collection. There are totally new products, shade extensions to existing ranges and new textures/finishes.

Fails | Disappointing Beauty Products #2

More Makeup & Beauty products that didn't float my boat!

Shiv.

xx

My Top 5 EyeShadow Primers.

Find out what my current favourite and most used eyeshadow primers and bases are!!

Shiv.

xx

MAC Mascaras; Reviews & Swatches... and how to Remove Mascara like a PRO!!

I was recently sent a really cool MAC Mascara Roll containing 6 of MAC's current mascaras. Along with the MAC Mascara's I already have in my kit, I have all of them with several multiples (Well there's only 1 I don't have). So in this video I review, show and swatch all of the mascaras so you can see how they look on and what each different one does!

And all the swatches...

Nivea Q10Plus 'In-Shower Body Moisturiser'... A moisturiser you wash off!?

Nivea Q10Plus Firming 'In-Shower Body Moisturiser' is an innovative new type of moisturiser that you apply in the shower under running water after you've washed yourself, and then you rinse off before getting out of the shower! Basically think of it as conditioner for the skin, so the same as hair conditioner which you apply after shampoo but wash off.

Body Mods & Alternative Style in the Beauty Industry; My Experience

My Experience with having piercings and tattoos while working in the Beauty Industry. When it's suitable to wear piercings etc and when it's not so suitable in my experience.

Cruelty Free Makeup Tutorial!

For easter just gone, instead of doing a makeup tutorial inspired by Easter colours etc, this year I decided to do a Cruelty Free makeup tutorial featuring products by NYX, ELF, Urban Decay, Wet n Wild, Zoeva, Barry M and SmashBox! Some of the products are Vegan also, and I let ye know throughout the video which products are vegan and what's not!

Huge Irish Beauty Collaboration!!

HUGE Irish Collaboration!!! 

Hey Guys, this video is part of the biggest Irish Beauty Collaboration to date featuring 8 Irish YouTuber's in total, all of whom are listed below along with what they'll be covering in their videos and the links....

Video Round-up!

I seem to have fallen behind quite a bit in regards to updating my blog and adding my Youtube videos etc due to unavoidable and unexpected 'real life' complications, so here's a round-up of of my Youtube videos from the past 2 weeks or so...

1.

First up is a video showcasing some new Blank Canvas Cosmetics brushes that I was using in my recent Makeup MasterClass....

Fingers, Brush or Sponge? The Ultimate 'How to Apply your Foundation' Video!

Sometimes it takes me a while of playing around with a new foundation to figure out how best to apply it, whether to use my fingers, a brush (and which one) or a sponge...

'Hand & Nail Balm' by Roger & Gallet

I'm a bit batty for these new hand & nail balms by Roger & Gallet, which is something I never thought I'd be saying... I mean, they're hand creams. Not the most exciting products in the world BUT these both smell and feel extremely luxurious on the skin! 

Lipstick as Concealer!!??... and General Colour Correcting.

Lipstick Concealer?!

This has been going around the various beauty communities of the web lately along with a lot of mis-information, so I gave it a go myself to show how lipstick can actually be used as a colour correcting concealer!!

Makeup MasterClass; March '15.

I started holding Makeup Classes along with my colleague and good friend Hayley Coleman last November, and on Sunday just past, we held our 3rd class to date in the very posh G-Hotel, Galway and we were both delighted with how it went, despite my running at about 30% with a bad migraine. Thankfully Hayley (the legend!) really saved the day, taking the reigns and helping me survive afternoon.
Despite my health issues though, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone!!!