Sample Freebies!!

Samples and Freebies are two of my favourite words! I do love a freebie. Act quick because Garnier are giving away free trials of Garnier Body Intensive. They are offering customers the chance to feel the difference with a 7 day challenge. Click here! to claim your free samples. I have already ordered mine. Tell me what you think!

Larry x

Buy Buy Buy!!

My favourite shower/bath product of all time is now in Dealz! Yes Original Source Vanilla Milk and Raspberry shower gel for the bargain price of €1.49! I have reviewed this product before Click here! and my love for it is still as strong. It smells amazing just like sweets and milkshake. It will make you smell gorgeous!

It smells GORGEOUS!

Natural, not tested on animals and vegan friendly! What more can you ask for?!

I will definitely be stocking up on more. At €1.49 how can I resist?! Get to Dealz and smell this delicious product or you will miss out!

Larry x

Primark Make-up Wipes VRS Superdrug Make-up Wipes

When it comes to make-up wipes I can be very picky. I either love them or hate them. My skin can be quite sensitive around the eyes so certain wipes can really sting. I only really use make-up wipes to take off eye make-up as they can be quite drying on skin. My skin is dry enough as it is without extra dryness!

The pink make-up wipes from Primark have been my number one make-up wipes for over a year now. I love them. They work, are not sore and you get 50 wipes for €1.50!  While in Superdrug in London I decided to test out Sleek's Pout Paints. Not realising a little goes A LONG WAY I was left looking like I had just committed murder. My hands were covered in red lip paint. I have no idea how such a small amount can make such a big mess. 

In order to clean up the mess I picked up a packet of Superdrug Skin Essentials Camomile Wipes. I think I only paid 99p, but at the moment the Superdrug website says they are £1.99 so maybe I got them in a special offer. Since the 'murder' incident I have been using them nearly everyday. So how do they compare to my beloved Primark wipes?  

Primark 4 in 1 Deep Facial Cleansing Wipes

• 4 in 1 cleanser, eye make-up remover, toner and moisturiser.
• Dermatologically tested 
• 2 packs for the bargain price of €1.50
• Bright Pink Packaging
• Doesn't sting or irritate my face. 

Superdrug Skin Essentials Camomile Wipes

• 4 in 1 cleanser, eye make-up remover, toner and moisturiser.
• Dermatologically tested.
• Approved by Superdrug skincare specialists.
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
• Superdrug is against animal testing
• Nice Scent
• Bright yellow packaging which I love. Very handy to find when you misplace them!
• Doesn't sting or irritate my face.

So the big question, which brand do I prefer? I'm shocked to say it but Superdrug! Even though it doesn't work out as good value for money I think Superdrug still wins. (Not by too much though!) They are just slightly better than the Primark version. I really hope the Suerdrug in Omni Park stocks them as I would love to buy more. If you don't live near a Superdrug or are looking for amazing bargain wipes then the Primark ones are perfect. I still highly recommend them.

Larry x

Real Techniques Blush Brush

Ever since I learned that Samantha Chapman from the YouTube sensation Pixiwoo was bringing out her own range of Make-up brushes, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on them.

I was really shocked at how soft the brush was. It was so unlike my other blusher brushes. It takes up the perfect amount of product to sculpt your cheeks. The bristles are synthetic and cruelty free. The shape of the brush is unlike any I have seen before. It is hand cut into a strange round shape. This strange shape however, is designed to contour, shade and to define cheeks. It can also be used for powdering. I love that there are so many uses to one brush!

Real Techniques beside my old blush brush

I love the colour of the brush. It's hot pink so very girly. It's also amazingly self standing so perfect for easy storage as it will just stand on your dressing table. This might annoy some people though as it would take up a lot of space in a storage cup with other brushes.

Brush self standing and close ups.

Previously the brushes were only available to buy online but are now available in Boots. I picked mine up in London for £9.99 but I did see them in Boots in Dublin. This is a great brush for any make up lover. It's cheap enough that it won't break the bank but has the quality of a much more expensive brush.

Larry x

Strawberry Carmex

When it comes to lip balm I always find that Carmex works best for me. I have been using it for years and find whether it's for dry lips or helping heal a cold sore, Carmex never lets me down. When I saw a strawberry version in Boots I knew I had to have it!

Invented all the way back in the 1930's, Carmex is one of the world's most loved lip balms with 137 sold every minute! Now that's a lot of Carmex! Carmex adds natural emollients to your lips, while locking in your own body’s moisture to help protect against chapping and cracking.

Due to popular demand Carmex introduced a Strawberry version of their popular product. This new version has a rich strawberry flavour while still being a moisturising lip balm. It's a great product for the summer months as it has SPF 15 sunscreen. Your lips have very thin skin and need to be protected from the sun too! The strawberry version is also non-addictive and not tested on animals. I am quite impressed with the strawberry version. It is exactly like the original except with a nice strawberry scent. This is not too strong or overpowering. It also doesn't taste disgusting. (Not that I'm eating it!) I love this version and would buy it again.

Carmex can be used for more than just a Lip balm. It has various uses many of which I wasn't aware of!

• Using as an antiseptic for minor cuts, burns and insect bites 
• Relieving the itch of athlete’s foot 
• Drying out pimples for faster healing
• Softening cuticles (I have used it for this!)
• Smoothing elbows and knees (I also have used this!)

Do you have any other uses for Carmex? 

Larry x

Rescue Oil - Lotion

About a month ago I posted about my love for Rescue Oil. (Click here!) I found it great for my super dry skin. The makers of Rescue Oil saw my review and offered to send me out a new version of Rescue Oil. This time the product is in lotion form. I was quite excited by this!

Just like the oil version the lotion is designed for:

• Ageing Skin
• Scar Tissue
• Blemished Skin
• Treatment and prevention of stretch marks
• Before, during and after pregnancy massage lotion
• After Sun Treatment
• Dry, dehydrated skin conditions

Side by side with the Rescue Oil

The great thing about the lotion version is that it is non greasy and is easily absorbed to the skin. It is designed so that it still contains 25% pure rescue oil so it is still as effective as the oil version. The lotion also does not have as strong of a rose smell as the oil. The lotion is also not tested on animals! 

Swatch on my hand

Overall I'm quite impressed with it! I will definitely be bringing it on holiday to use as a moisturiser and as an after sun. (It's the perfect size to fit in the plastic bag for your hand luggage.) Just like the oil the lotion can be picked up in Dealz for the bargain price of €1.49. 

Larry x

Penneys / Primark Summer Collection

With summer just around the corner (I hope!), it's time to have a quick preview at Penneys / Primarks Summer Collection. The Summer Collection will have everything you need for the summer from dresses, to sunglasses to suitcases! Everything is covered.

Ra Ra Dress €9 in store Mid May 

Print Wrap hi lo hem skirt €13 in store end of May 

Print Wrap hi lo hem skirt €13 in store end of May

 (Although I think I seen them in a Penneys the other day!)

Double Collar Blouse €11 In store now!

Printed open back peplum €11 in store now! 

50's full pique €13 in store end April (I really want this one!)

Floral preppy sunglasses €3 in store mid May 

Printed retro sunglasses €1.50 in store now!

Navy Polka Dot Sunglasses Pouch €2 In stores Early May 

Red Polka Dot Sunglasses Pouch €2 In stores Early May 

Stripe Bikini Bag €2 In Stores now! 

Animal Print Bikini Bag €2 In Stores now!

Polka Dot Travel Wallet €5 in stores now! 

(This is perfect for going away. Perfect size to hold passports and travel documents)

Nautical Travel Wallet €5 In Stores now!

Nautical Weekender Suitcase €24 In Stores now!

Polka dot Weekender Suitcase €24 In Stores now!

Will you be buying anything from this collection for the summer?

Larry x

Avon's Secret Fantasy and Secret Fantasy Star Perfume

My boyfriend's Mam sells Avon, so I always ask for a brochure to keep me amused while my boyfriend watches football. I love the fact that even though it is a brochure you can still test perfumes by rubbing selected parts of a page. When I smelled 'Secret Fantasy' knew I had to have it. Both the smell and the look of the bottle reminded me of Britney's perfumes. I adore sweet smelling perfume so this is perfect for me. To make things even better there was a deal on, buy one perfume and get one free. So for €13 I picked up 'Secret Fantasy' and 'Secret Fantasy Star'.

Both perfumes are very sweet, very fruity, very girly. Secret Fantasy is 'a sweet blend of innocent red fruits and feminine jasmine, with an intense heart of velvety white musk and warm sandalwood.' Secret Fantasy Star differs slightly. It is 'a sparkling cocktail of mandarin and plum with mysterious night blooming jasmine, scarlet peony, and intimate silky sandalwood.' There is not a huge difference in the scents but smelling them side by side I can definitely smell a difference! 

I love the packaging of both perfumes. They both come in very pretty boxes and cute bottles. Both also come with a detachable charm. The charm represents the meaning behind the perfume. Secret Fantasy has a key charm so you can 'Discover your innermost thoughts and dreams. Secret Fantasy, unlock the magic.' While Secret Fantasy Star comes with a star charm to 'stand out form the crowd, Secret fantasy Star, reveal your inner Diva.' 

The perfumes charms.

The only negative thing I can say about the perfume is that it doesn't come with a lid. The charm comes with a little clasp that clicks around the top of the bottle so it can't spray. I'm not to sure how well this would work if I put the perfume into my bag as I think the clasp might come off easily. This is only a minor complaint however and is something that I could easily live with.

The charm clasp that stops perfume from spraying.

Both perfumes are perfect for the Spring and Summer months. If you are a lover of fruity scents like Britney's perfumes this might be a cheaper alternative. They cost €13 each but Avon have special deals on all the time. (As I mentioned above I bought mine in a buy one get one free offer, so they were only €6.50 each.) In Avon's current brochure both perfumes are in a buy one get one half price deal.

Larry x

My new favourite Blush!

About a year ago I went to Belfast for a few days. While I was there I picked up Beauty UK blush in 08 Dolly Pink. I used it a few times and then I completely forgot about it. About a week ago I came across it again and a new love for this product was born.

This blusher is a gorgeous bright pink shade. It looks a little scary but looks lovely on. It's very pigmented and applies well. Best of all it is only £3.29! 

I have really pale skin and this blusher really complements it. As the name suggests it actually does make you look doll like. It really has a porcelain-doll effect. 

Despite it's colour it is still suitable for work wear as although it looks doll like this is not in an over the top kind of way. It's very buildable and lasts a good few hours. 

Larry x

My Very first Mac Product!

While in London visiting my parents I got my very first Mac product! I'm so excited about this! While browsing in Selfridges with my Mam I came across a product that looked very like the Beauty Blender sponge. I have been lusting after a Beauty Blender ever since I seen it on The Make-up Chair. 

My lovely mother insisted on buying it for me. She asked the sales assistant how much it was and she replied '£3 or £4'. I was shocked and told my Mam there was no way that it would be that price, more like £15! My Mam said she would get it anyway and went up and paid for it. It turned out it was £15.  I don't know how a sales assistant was so far off the price. I guessed the correct price and I have never even bought any Mac products before!

Unlike the Beauty Blender the MAC version does not expand in water.

The sponge itself is called MAC Pro Performance Sponge. It is small and pink with one rounded end and one pointed end. The odd shape is designed to give precise application and blending of liquid or cream formulas in hard-to-reach areas of the face. It is also latex free. I have been using this sponge for two weeks now and I'm really impressed with it. Usually I'm a apply foundation with fingers kind of girl as I hate foundation brushes. This product has changed that though. I find it so easy to use and it blends so well. It is a firm sponge that 'bounces' off your skin and buffs the foundation into the skin. 

The only negative thing about the sponge is that it stains easily. I have only had it two weeks and the vibrancy of the pink has already faded. It also has a few foundation stains on it that despite washing you can still see. However, this would not bother me at all as I'm so in love with the product and would really recommend it to those who want an alternative to foundation brushes.

Larry xx

This Weeks Bargains!

I'm a total bargain lover so here is my top bargains this week!

Boots:

• 3 for 2 mix and match across No7 Skincare Offer runs from 18th April to 12th June 2012. Cheapest item free. See in store for details.
• 1/2 Price on Toiletries. Offer runs from 18th April to 15th May 2012. Exclusions Apply. See in store for details
• 3 for 2 on Vitamins Offer runs from 18th April until 1st May. Cheapest item free. See in store for details

Tesco:

• Johnson make up wipes was €3.75 now €2.00
• Selected Sure Deodorant €2.00
• Selected Ambre Solaire 50%.
• Selected Clean and Clear Products €3.00 
• Selected Clearasil products 33% off!

Dunnes Stores:

• Garnier Fructis Shampoo & Conditioner 250ml. Was €3.46, now €1.73. Half Price!
• Lynx Body Spray/ Anti Perspirant Banded Pack. 2 for €6! (I'm not sure if this includes the new girl version)

Hickey's Pharmacy:

• Half price Sun creams
• 25% off selected St. Tropez self Tan
• 50% off Johnson Baby Toiletries
• 33% off selected Veet

Supervalu:

• Sure Female Deodorants Range 150ml now €2.00 (Same as Tesco!)
• Johnson's Daily Essential Facial Wipes 25 pack now €2.50 (Tesco is cheaper by 50 cent)
• Johnson's Be Fresh Shower gel Range only €1.50

I hope you grab a bargain!

Larry xx

Jewellery Haul!

I seem to have bought a lot of jewellery lately so here is a mini haul. Items bought in New Look Jervis Centre Dublin and a little shop in Hounslow London.

In New Look there was a buy one get one free offer on jewellery. They had some amazing pieces so I was browsing for ages trying to make up my mind. I picked up two necklaces and two sets of earrings. I asked the sales assistant to put them threw as two separate transactions so I would get the best price. (Years of working in retail have made me retail savvy! Or scabby depending on what way you look at it!) 

Pretty flower cluster stud earrings with pale blue flowers and diamond style gems.  €4.99 / £3.99

 

Orange/ corral heart stud earrings  €3.99 / £2.99

Elephant necklace with diamond style gems €8.99/ £4.99

Decorative disk necklace with diamond style gems €8.99/ £6.99

All together they cost €24.96 but with the offer I paid €14.99 saving €10! 

Peacock Necklace £2.99

My parents live in Isleworth in London so while I was visiting we went shopping in Hounslow. I picked up this gorgeous peacock necklace in a shop near Primark. I love the peacock but not sure about the chain. I will probably wear it with on a different chain. 

So that should do me jewellery wise for ages now. I can't buy any more!

Larry xx

Essence Limited Edition 'Fruity'

When it comes to Essence and Catrice I adore their Limited Edition products. The new Essence Limited Edition to hit Ireland has just been announced! Ireland get ready to get Fruity! 

First up in this new Limited Edition is an eyeshadow sorbet. It is a sorbet mousse in brilliant spring colours. Sorbet for your eyelids! Available in 1.one kiwi a day 2. banana joe and 3.peach beauty. 

Also in this range is five new nail polish. Perfect for spring these nail polishes are designed to bring spring to your nails! They will be available in  01 banana joe, 02 peach beauty, 03 very cherry, 04 one kiwi a day… and 05 mashed berries.

Fruity also comes with a blush sorbet and nail fruit designs for your nails. Blush Sorbet looks very like the blush that was in the Ballerina Collection. It is an intense pink-red shade that is designed to give a natural flush. It will be available in one colour 01 smoothie operator. Nail Fruits are fruit designs for your nails. They can create eye catching nails in seconds and come with a handy nail glue. Available in one colour 01 fruit punch to go.

Along with the nail polishes are two top coats. The first 'fruity scented top coat' is a strawberry scented top coat for your nails. It gives your nails a 'seductive fresh strawberry scent'!!??? (Strange!) It will be available in 01 smells like strawberry... The second top coat is 'nail art sealing top coat' apply to nails after nail art for long-lasting results. Available in 01 stay fruity.

Finally the last two items of this Limited Edition are Fruity lip balms. They will be available in two fruity colours 01 peach beauty and 02 very cherry. They look quite nice and are supposed to 'pamper your lips with the delicious taste of spring'. I quite like these!

So will you be buying anything from Fruity? I want the lip balm. I'm hoping they will be a cheaper version of Revlon's Lip Butters! Time will tell when I get my hands on them!

Larry xx

Sally Hansen Nail Strips

Before I went to London I bought a pair of runners in Penney's as I knew I would be walking miles over there. Unfortunately they didn't fit my huge feet so I had to bring them back. (They barely fit my sister who is a size 6 so I think they are shrinking shoes) Alas, by the time I returned from London I had lost the receipt so I could only get an exchange.  I had my eye on Sally Hansen Nail Wraps for aggggessss so I picked them up for my exchange. They are originally €5.50 but only cost €1.50 in exchange for the runners. So did they live up to my expectations?

Inside the pack is 16 nail polish strips, a mini nail file and cuticle stick. The strips are made from real nail polish and actually have a strong nail polish smell. This surprised me as I have used strips in the past that were just plastic stickers.

1. Pick a wrap that fits your nail size.

2. Remove the clear protective plastic.

3. Apply strip to nail, rub, file into place.

Please ignore the state of my nails they are in bits at the moment and are tiny... :(

Overall I was quite pleased with how the nail strips turned out! I found them easy to apply and didn't take too long. (About ten minutes) They are not as messy or as strong in scent as actual nail polish which is a bonus. Unfortunately I found that they did not stay on too long. This however is my fault as I always subconsciously peel off my nail varnish. It drives me insane! I could see them lasting a good few days on a person who does not attack their nails like me!

I was quite impressed and would buy them again for a night out or a special occasion. Next time I would pick a different pattern as the pattern I picked at first glance just looks like crackled nail polish. I'm not sure at a glance people would notice the real pattern on the nails.

Larry xx