Top 5 Mac Red Lipsticks

Hi everyone!!  I've compiled a list of my favourite Mac lipsticks.  I hope you enjoy and it gives you some inspiration for the next time your at the MAC counter.  Mac is one of my favourite brands of makeup and especially the lipsticks.  I find them very long lasting, definitely worth the splurge.

Russian Red

From MAC main collection.  This is a matte lipstick.  Its a blue toned red.  Now I don't think you need Ruby Woo and Russian Red as they are quite similar, but if your an addict like me you will want it.

Brave Red

From MAC's main collection.  This is a creamsheen finish.  It's super glossy on the lips and very comfortable to wear.  It's described as a bright warm red colour. 

Ruby Woo

This is one of MAC's most famous lipsticks.  From the main collection it's a classic red and a must have in every girls makeup collection. It's  a retro matte and is really drying on the lips and quite hard to apply.  But I assure you, it will not budge all day once you apply it.

Lady Danger

My favourite MAC lipstick. Again from the main collection.  Its an orange red that suits all skin tones.  It's a matte finish.  This colour look fab when you have a tan, but even the palest can pull this one off.

Cockney

This was my first MAC red lipstick.  It's a lustre finish and quite easily to pull off everyday.  There isn't as much lasting in the lustre finishes but they are super moisturising on the lips. It's an orange red with a slight hint of gold reflects through it.  Again this is in the main collection. 

From Left to Right:  Russian Red, Brave Red, Ruby Woo, Lady Danger, Cockney.
Picture have been taken with flash & without flash.

So here is a couple of tips for wearing red lipsticks

1. Wear simple eye makeup and let the lips stand out
2. Check that there is no lipstick on your teeth after you apply
3. Use a lip pencil to match the colouring of your lipstick
4. Apply with a lip brush and use concealer to clean up the edges.
5. Try and pick the tone of your red lipstick to suit your skin tone, warm or cool. 

Let me know if any of these are your favourties, or what ones you prefer?

Love Eithne x

My July Beauty Favourites

I’d thought I’d put together a listing of the products I've been loving in July.

Botanics Serum & Radiance Balm

I've been using these two every day since I bought them.  The serum day & night and the beauty balm under my foundation.  I've noticed a big difference in my skin.  My skin is brighter and smoother in appearance. I've done a review on the beauty balm (Click Here). I'm definitely going to do another review on the Serum. I'm definitely going to pick up more from this range. Both these can be bought @ Boots

               

           

L’Oréal True Match Foundation

I had long forgotten this foundation, I had it stashed in the back of a drawer never to be seen again.  I have fallen back in love with it.  During this summer in Ireland he haven’t had the best of weather, some days have been really humid and I found my face getting very shiny.  This foundation however seems to last really well on me.  It also give me a decent amount of coverage while feeling lightweight on the skin. Can be bought @ Boots

Seventeen Define & Conquer Contour Palette

I love this palette, so compact.  Easy to travel with.  I especially like the highlight shade for setting my undereye concealer.  The powder is matte and brighten up the area.  When I use this I never have a problem with creasing under the eyes.  This can be bought @ Boots

Real Techniques Contour Brush

I picked this up in Boots, all makeup brushes had an offer on to buy one get one half price. It quite a dense contour brush.  I dip the side of it into the product to place down my contour and as the brush is quite full it makes blending out a dream. Can be bought @ Boots

La Roche Posay Effaclar Gel

This is a foaming gel cleanser.  It leaves my skin feeling so clean after using it. It eliminates impurities and excess oil.  It also contains an anti-irritant and is PH Balanced.  It is also soap free, alcohol free, colorant free and Paraben free.  If you have combination or oily skin this is your savoir. This can be bought @ Boots

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment

Unlike other hair treatments this focuses on nourishing the roots & follicles thus encouraging hair growth.  I've been using it nearly all of July, but not long enough to say that yes it has helped my hair growth but definitely has improved the condition of my hair. Can be bought @ Boots

Mac Warm Neutral Palette

I picked this up a couple of months ago while shopping at the Loop before a holiday.  It was slightly discounted at duty free.  I have fallen in love with this.  I use it everyday.  I'm going to do a full review with swatches of all the eyeshadows.  Yes it's a little on the pricey side but if you pick this up you won't regret it.  Can be bought @ Brown Thomas

All my links above will take you directly to the products shown.

Let me know what you have been loving in July?  Or if you would like me to do a full review on any of these.

Love Eithne

Boots Botanics Radiance Beauty Balm

Boots Botanics Radiance Beauty Balm

I recently picked this up in Boots, it was on offer so I said I give it a try.  Everyone has been comparing it to Mac’s Strobe Cream.  Now to be honest I’m not really a fan of the strobe cream.  It’s down to personal choice really.  I have combination skin so I find the strobe cream leaves me very shiny if I apply it all over my face.

The Botanics Radiance Beauty Balm comes in a 50ml tube and I got it on offer for €4.00 (originally 7.99), now compared to Mac’s strobe cream which is €33.50 for 30ml this is a great alternative.  So was it up to the job?

It can be applied several different ways, my choice was to apply it before my foundation.  I applied it with my fingers and let it settle for a couple of minutes.  I then went ahead with the rest of my makeup.  I love it, it gives a more subtle glow than the strobe cream.  Now saying that you could apply two layers of the balm for a more intense glow and get the exact same as the strobe cream.

It can also be applied over makeup to the cheek bones to highlight that area, or mix a drop into your foundation.

It gives a semi translucent pearl finish to the skin, which would be great even on no makeup days.  It minimises visible signs of fatigue leaving skin glowing.  It contains Hibiscus which brightens the skin leaving your skin softer & smoother, prefect prep for makeup.

I’ve bought the serum also, but have yet to test it out.  I’m definitely going to try out more from the Botanics range and give a review. This balm is going to replace my strobe cream.

Have you tried the Balm or prefer the strobe cream?  Have you tried any other products from this range?  I’d love to hear.

Luv

Eithne

Top Budget Beauty Buys

Hi Everyone!

I'd thought I'd compile a list of my Top Budget / Affordable Make-up Products that can be bought in drugstores & pharmacies.  It's not always about buying the top high end product to achieve the best results.  Some times the budget drugstore beauty brands provide the exact same thing and even better sometimes a fraction of the cost.

I'm going to try a pick an item from each section of your make-up routine to achieve a glamorous look on a budget.  Starting from primers, foundations, powders, contouring, eye-shadows, lipstick etc.

I've tried to put in two examples into each to suit your skin type and have a different choice.  It's a long post and I hope it gives you some inspiration on what to buy! I've linked where possible to pick up the products. Hope you enjoy it.

1.      Primer 

o    L'oreal Mattifying Primer (Oily / Combination Skin) €12.99

o    L'oreal Lumi Magique for a more luminous look (Dry Skin Type) @ €14.99  

I've done a review on the Loreal Mattifying Primer click here if you want to read more. 

2.     Foundation  

o    L'oreal Infallible pro matte (Oily / Combination Skin)  - €12.29

o    Bourjois Healthy Mix  (Dry Skin Types) @ €12.99

I really like both these foundations, I prefer the healthy mix for more lightweight wear and the Loreal Infallible for night time.  Both these can be bought at Boots (click here) to direct you to the boots site.

3.     Concealer 

o    Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer @ €5.79

o    Maybelline Fit Me Concealer €8.99

The Collection concealer is a holy grail item for me and in this case I find this concealer better the more high end brands of ones i've tried.  Both these items can be bought at boots click here

4.     Setting Powder

o    Rimmel Stay Matte Powder @ €5.99

o    NYX Stay Matte not Flat @ €10.99

The Rimmel powder has been a favourite of mine since my teens, I've re-purchased this product over and over again throughout the years.  Rimmel can be bought at Boots
Recently I came across the NYX and works just as well.  I think this even keeps the shine at bay for longer.  NYX has only recently been available in Ireland and you can find it at select pharmacies.  It can be bought @ Sam McCauleys or click here

5.     Bronzer

o    NYC Sunny Bronzer @ €3.49

o    Catrice Sun Glow Matte Bronzing Powder @ €4.49

I love a matte bronzer and these two are always in my makeup bag. Catrice Make up can be bought in Pennys (Primark) and NYC can be bought in boots. Again the same with the NYC Bronzer, although this has a slight shimmer but the price is amazing for the quality of the product you get.  Can be purchased at boots.

6.     Contouring

o    Seventeen Define Contour Pallet - €8.49 -Boots

o    NYX Blush in Taupe - €7.49 - Sam McCauleys

The NYX one is actually a blush but it's so cool toned it a great one to use for contouring. The Seventeen Contour Kit comes with two powders. A highlight & Contour.  I love the highlight shade for setting my under-eye concealer as it's matte but brightening.  

7.     Blusher

o    NYX Blushes - €7.49 - Sam McCauleys

o    Sleek Rose Gold (Dupe for Nars Orgasm) - €13.49

Both these products are amazing.  The sleek one is a great one for travelling as it's so compact and a choice of three blushes.  The one in the middle is the Rose Gold one as has a gold shimmer through it.  

8.     Highlighter

o    Sleek Contouring Pallet - €13.49 @ Boots

o    Seventeen Instant Glow - €6.99 @ Boots 

I've been using the Sleek contouring palette for a while now and love it, but recently came across the Seventeen Instant Glow.  If your a fan of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick then this is a must for you.

9.     Eye-shadow Primer

o    Essence I Love Stage - About €3.00 Pennys

o    NYX Eye-shadow Primer Pot  €9.00 Littlewoods

    Both primers makes eyeshadow last longer and intensifies the colour 

10. Eye-shadows

o    Sleek Eye-shadow Palettes - €10.49 @ Boots 

o    L'oreal La Palette Nude - €21.99 @ Boots 

Both these palettes are great for daytime & night time looks.  A nude palette is essential in everyone's collection.  The L'Oreal one is a bit more expensive @ €21.99 but at the moment they are doing a 3 for 2 in Boots.

11. Eye-liner

o    Collection Fast Stroke - €3.99 @ Boots

o    Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eye-liner - €11.99 @ Boots

These are two really good eye liners.  If your a fan of liquid eye liners then I fully recommend the Collection one.  The gel one requires a bit more practice to master. But keep at it you will get there.

12. Mascara

o    Essence I heart extreme mascara - €3.99 @ Pennys

o    Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - €7.49 @ Boots


Picked up a backup of the essence one in pennys yesterday, it's such a good mascara.  A couple of coats of this and it looks like I'm wearing false lashes.  The maybelline is another great one, I really like the brush on it for lengthening your lashes.

13. Brows

o    Sleek Eyebrow Kit - €10.99 @ Boots 

o    Rimmel Brow This Way - €5.49 @ Boots

Love both of these.  Choose either to match your colour best.

14. Lip Pencils

• Wetnwild Lip Pencils - €1.99 @ Dunne Stores

• NYX Lip Pencils - €4.99 @ Sam McCauleys  
• 
  
• Both these are a must have.  I'm going to do a full review on these & swatches.

15. Lipstick

·         Wetnwild Matte Lipstick €2.99 Dunne Stores

·         Rimmel Kate Moss Lipsticks - €6.99 @ Boots 
          (Buy one get one half price)

 I've done a full review on the Wetnwild Matte Lipsticks            click here.  I've even picked up a couple more since.                  The Kate Moss ones are really good and even though a            matte lipstick they are not drying at all and are long                  wearing.

           

16. Lip Gloss

·         NYX Butter Glosses - €6.49 @ Sam McCauleys

·         Revlon Lip Balm Stains - €10.99 @ Boots  
           (3 For 2 on Revlon)

 I've also done a full review on the NYX Butter Glosses              click here.  I'm only new to the Revlon Stains but                      loving them.

Let me know if you have any budget beauty buys that are dupes or more affordable as just as good as the high end version. I'd love to hear and to try.

Most of these products can be bought in boots.ie 
or Sam McCauleys or participating pharmacies.

Hope you all are enjoying my blog.

Luv

Eithne x

NYX Butter Lip Gloss Review & Swatches

NYX Butter Lip Gloss Review & Swatches

I've been in love with these lip glosses, these are the best lip glosses that I've come across.

The glosses are really creamy and not sticky at all. The formula is lightweight and moisturising on the lips. Probably one of the best lips glosses around at the moment.  They are seriously pigmented for a gloss and great for throwing on to the lips in the day time. They also smell beautiful.  Love the naming of each gloss as they are all named with dessert in mind.  They can be bought for €6.49 in participating pharmacies. You won't be disappointed if you pick up these.

So far I've collected quite a collection of them, (I'm like a magpie)

1. Strawberry Parfait
2. Peaches & Cream
3. Meringue
4. Crème Brulee

   5.  Peach Cobbler

   6.  Tiramisu

   7.  Apple Strudel

   8.  Vanilla Cream Pie

   9. Cherry Pie

I'm missing a few from my collection but fully intend on picking up a few more.

Tiramisu & Apple Strudel are definitely two of my favourites.
Let me know what you think of these. 

Luv
Eithne

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

So we all heard about the hype of this foundation, so I certainty wanted to give it try.

Packing

It packaged in a glass bottle.  It doesn't come with a pump but I do suggest that you do buy it.  Yes I know it's an extra €5.50 for the pump, but I just re-use it for my next one.  The liquid is quite thick so it's hard to get out of the bottle without it or you end up just wasting a lot of it.

Formula

It's a thick formula that is medium to full coverage.  It's silicone based so it's quite easy to buff into the skin.  It covers most imperfections. Again I prefer to use a flat top kabuki brush to apply it.

Shades

There is an insane amount of colours available, ranging from cool to warm tones. So all the NC range are yellow toned and the NW range are pink toned.

Wear

I find that this lasts quite well.  Again it depends on your skin type.  It sets to a semi matte finish.
As I have combination skin I do have to blot and powder this after a while, but I get a good 4-5 hours out of it before having to do this

Mac can be bought at Brown Thomas www.brownthomas.com or click here

Let me know your thoughts on this foundations as I've heard some mixed reviews.

Luv Eithne

Inglot Gel Liner No. 77 Black

Inglot Gel Liner No. 77 Black

This eye-liner is the be all and end all of all gel liners!

It's described as high intensity pigment that provides ideal coverage and rich colour after just one application. The creamy and delicate long lasting formula dries in 60 seconds to a waterproof, smudge proof, and crease proof finish

I can safely say that this eye-liner will not budge, even when you want it to. 

The formula drys to a matte black finish with serious pigmentation.  I mean one swipe and your done.  I use this in my waterline too to tight line the eyes and it doesn't move from here either.  I've wore this from 7am till 12pm without even a smudge.

I use the Blank Canvas E39 to apply this (click to see my review on makeup brushes) or buy here

The only problem I can find with it is removing it.  The best thing to use is an oil based cleanser or a Mi-cellar Cleansing Water.

It can be purchased on www.inglot.ie or click here to bring you direct.  It's costs €15 but will seriously last you for ages.

You will never buy another eyeliner again after this one!  Let me know how you got on if you purchased this and how you found it.  I'd love to hear.

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L’Oreal Infallible 24H foundation & L'Oreal Infallible Mattifying Primer

L’Oreal Infallible 24H foundation

Today I’m reviewing the L’Oreal Infallible 24H foundation & L’Oreal Infallible Mattfying Primer.

I’ve heard great things about this foundation and wanted to give it a try.  I firstly tried it without the primer and now I’m using with the primer and find it much better for my skin type.

I’m in the shade 260 Golden Sun (Yellow toned).  It can it bought in boots for €14.99 but look out for it on offer for two L’Oreal products for €18, or at the moment Boots are doing a 3 for 2 on L’Oreal.

Coverage

It’s quite light but buildable.  I use a flat Kabuki brush to make it more buildable.  It has a quite tacky finish, but I leave it a couple of moments to dry.  It drys to a satin finish. Then I set with the Rimmel Stay Matte powder. 

It can be applied with a beauty blender for a more sheer luminous finish.

It’s quite thick in consistency, so a little goes a long way.

How it lasts

Now I haven’t tested out the 24 hour staying power.  It lasted quite well for 10 hours.  I did have to powder a few times to keep shine at bay.  I did find it lasted much better with the matching primer (review below) applied underneath. It claims to be no transfer, I don’t find this is correct, I found some make-up transferring onto my reports at work (not good lol)

Infallible Mattifying Primer 

This is a silicon based primer that mattifies, prepares and smooths the skin but minimises the appearance of pores and imperfections which allows the foundation to glide on seamlessly.

Application

I applied this lightly to the skin, its never a good thing to go overboard on primer.  It left my skin very smooth and evened out my pores.  It felt very light on my skin. It kept my make-up on very well all day.  I would say that this is the nearest drugstore alternative to the Smashbox photo finish primer.  

It can be bought in Boots and participating pharmacies across the country for €11.99.  But as I said above look out for the offers in Boots.

Have you tried either of these products?  Let me know how you got on?  Or if you have any recomendations on products I should try out, I would love to hear your comments.

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Luv Eithne xoxo

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation

Everybody that knows me knows that this is my Holy Grail foundation.  I've been using this for years and have yet to come across any foundation that comes even close to this.

Yes it’s full coverage so if that’s what you’re looking for well keep reading!

It’s described as stay in place make-up for up to 15 hours wear.  Mattifying, oil & shine free leaving your skin with a flawless finish.

So when it comes to choosing your colour I suggest that you get colour matched in the shop or get a sample.  This make-up costs €37.50 for 30 ml so by no means cheap.  Believe me its well worth the price.   I am in the colour 3N2 Wheat, but I also use 3C2 Pebble in the winter when I’m not tanned and 4W1 – Shell Beige when tanned.

I've inserted a chart below to give you more of an idea see below

Formulation

It’s a liquid foundation that dry’s to a matte finish.  I have combination skin and this is the finish I prefer.  It contains a SPF of 10, but I don’t find I get flash back from it.  I usually set it with the Rimmel Stay Matte in Translucent.

Application

I apply this with a brush as I like a more full coverage, I generally use a flat buffer brush, as you really get to buff the foundation into your skin.  It can be applied with a damp beauty blender if you want lighter coverage.  

Estee Lauder Double Wear can be bought in Debenhams, Brown Thomas, Boots and pharmacies across Ireland.

I hope you liked this review, if you have questions or queries please feel free to comment. If you have any alternatives for me to test I would love to know them.

Luv

Eithne x

WetnWild Mega Last Lipsticks

WetnWild Mega Last Lipsticks

I bought one of these a couple of months ago on hearing the it was a good dupe for Mac's Velvet Teddy and we all know how Kylie Jenner made that famous, took me months to track it down, it was always out of stock.  Anyway this WetnWild one is called Bare it All.  I was a bit sceptical as I love my Mac lipsticks and I didn't think anything could compare to them.  Once I tried it I loved it, so I had to go back a buy a good few more.  Lot's of these lipsticks are good dupes for Mac ones. (Sugar Plum Fairy to Macs Rebel, Spotlight Red to Macs Ruby Woo and Cherry Bomb for Macs Diva)

So here's the low down on them.

The pigmentation of these is great.  They claim to be a matte finish and we all know it's harder to apply matte lipsticks.  But these glide on like a dream.  I would say that they have a semi matte finish. They are really long lasting and some of the more vivid colours last even after eating.  So I have 12 lipsticks out of the collection and fully intend on getting some more.  Priced at €2.99 each and widely available sure you couldn't go wrong.

Here are some swatches to give you an idea of the colours

Below from left to right
1. Bare it All, 2. Spiked with Rum, 3. Sand Storm, 4. Cinnamon Spice

Below from left to right
5. Rose Bud, 6. Mauve Outta Here, 7. Don't Blink Pink, 8. Cherry Picking

Below from left to right
9. Pinkerbell, 10. 24 Carrot Gold, 11. Spotlight Red, 12. Cherry Bomb

Descriptions of colours (All photos above where taken with flash, I feel it gives a better picture of the colour)
Swatches above were one swipe of the lipstick, so the pigmentation is great!

1. Bare it All - A nude colour.  Be careful to wear this with a lip liner if you have a warm skin tone as it can wash you out. This has been compared to Macs Velvet Teddy, I do think that Velvet Teddy is darker. 
2. Spiked with Rum - a dark warm pink/brown.  Suits lots of different skin tones.
3. Sand Storm - A warm orange brown colour. Great again for everyday use.
4. Cinnamon Spice - A dark brick red brown colour.
5. Rose Bud - This is a warm pinky brown colour.  Another one great for everyday wear.
6. Mauve Outta Here - It's a pinkish lavender colour that's great for everyday wear.  It's a cool tone colour.
7. Don't Blink Pink -  This is one of my favourite colours. It;s a fuchsia barbie pink. 
8. Cherry Picking - A dark cool toned fuchsia pink. One of the really long lasting ones.  I would compare it to Mac's Girl about Town.
9. Pinkerbell - This is another cool toned light pink colour.  Similar to Macs Viva Glam Nickii. 
10. 24 Carrot Gold - It's a orange coral red.  It you like Macs Lady Danger you will love this!
11. Spotlight Red - A cool tone red colour.  It's a true red and comparable to Macs Ruby Woo, but much easier to apply.
12. Cherry Bomb  - This is a dark red blood colour with a hint of brown.  Very similar to Macs Diva.  Great statement colour.

I recommend picking a few of these up, well worth it.

I hope my review was helpful. 

Luv Eithne