July Empties!

I really can't believe it is nearly August! This year is going so fast. Here is my July empties.

Catrice Infinite Matt Foundation in 010 Light Beige.

I bought this foundation back in February. Back then it was slightly too dark for my skin tone. Since I have come back from a holiday in Spain it finally matched my skin. It is one of my favourite cheaper foundations. I only wish it came in a lighter shade as my skin is slowly going back to its super pale self. I was glad I got to use this foundation up though while my skin tone was slightly darker. I'm going to keep the bottle for my next bottle of Revlon Colorstay as it doesn't have a pump and I always use far too much. For a full review click HERE!

Revlon Colorstay in 110 Ivory

If you have pale skin then this is the foundation for you! I love it. I have gone through about seven bottles already this year. (As mentioned above I do seem to waste a good bit by pouring too much out as there is no pump!) Don't let this put you off as it is a great foundation for milk bottle pale girls. There is a shop in The Ilac centre just beside Argos that sells it for €10. They do other foundations also very cheap. If you are on the hunt for a new foundation check out that shop. 

Clinique Moisture Surge

I was quite excited when I saw this moisturiser free in a magazine. I have very dry skin so I love to try out different products to try and sort it out. I was actually very disappointed with this. It didn't do much for my skin at all! I really thought it was going to make a huge difference considering how expensive it is to buy. I would definitely not buy again. (I'm currently loving The Body Shops beautifying oil. It is now my holy grail for dry skin)

Catrice Prime and Fine Primer

I love this Primer. It is smooth and leaves my skin very silky. It provides a great base for foundation. I would definitely buy again. It is my favourite primer I have tried. For a full review click HERE!

Essence Ballerina Blush Souffle

This is from Essence's Limited Edition Ballerina Collection. It is a lovely cream blush that gives the cheeks a nice natural looking glow. Unfortunately you can't buy it anymore but there is now a similar product in Essence's main product line. Would I buy it again? I did like it and think I would buy it again come September when I'm back working (Hopefully!) in a school and need very natural makeup.

So that is my July Empties. I love empties posts so please leave a comment below with a link if you have one too!

Laura x

Monthly Favourites: June

Another month gone already. I can't believe it is July, this year is going so fast! Despite the awful weather in Ireland I'm doing my best to enjoy the Summer. Here is what I was loving during the rainy month of June.

Catrice Infinite Matt up to 18 h Make-Up foundation 010 Light Beige - This foundation is usually too dark for me, but since I have come back from Spain I can actually wear it. It gives meduim coverage and I find that it lasts all day. It doesn't last me the 18 hours as it claims too but I am happy with how long I do get out of it. It is a great foundation for the price €6.99. I hope they bring out a lighter shade for when my skin goes back to being super pale.

Kim Kardashion Gold - I love the smell of this perfume. It smells gorgeous and I recieved  a good few compliments about it this month. I try not to spray too much as the bottle is tiny. 

Lily Cole Primer The Body Shop - This primer has recieved a lot of bad reviews but I actually love it! I use it  over my foundation to give my skin a lovely glow. It is annoying the way you have to really rub it in but I love the effect it gives so I don't mind this. For a full review click here.

The Body Shop Beautiyfing Oil - I declared my love for this product in one of my last posts. My new Holy Grail. I use it evryday and adore it. For a full review click here.

Sleek Rose Gold - This is a beutiful blush. It is is a peachy pink with a gold sheen. It's very pigmented so it's best to go light and build it up. It's a gorgeous summer blush that looks lovely with a tan. I have been using it everyday this month and love it!

So that is what I have been loving in June. What have been your favourites this month?

L x

Catrice Sneak Peek: 'Cucuba'

Catrice have done it once again! Another very pretty Limited Edition will be coming to Irish shores this autumn. This new range 'Cucuba' is inspired by the Caribbean and has warm beautiful summer colours.

This range comes with 5 loose shadows that Catrice describe as 'highly-pigmented' and inspired by the colourful Cuban scenery. They come in a yellow, mint green, two bronze shades and a coral. I love the look of the mint green and the lighter bronze. I will definitely be checking these out!

The range also comes with 5 nail polishes that match the loose eye shadow. Just like the eye shadow they come in yellow, mint green, two bronze shades and a coral. The coral is more pink however in the nail polish version.

Unfortunately there are only two lipsticks in Cucuba. Catrice describes them as a 'gel-like texture'. I'm really interested to see what this will be like! I wish there was more colours in the range however as I only like the coral.

There are also two liquid shimmer eyeliners. A bright mint that changes into a light blue and a dark brown that contains gold pigments. I quite like the look of the brown. I usually stick with black liquid eyeliner but I think I will buy this for a change.

Finally the last product in Cucuba is a bronzer. Designed to help create a Cuban summer look. It is also Matt which means it's good for contouring.

What do you think of this limited edition? I do like it, but fear that by the time it comes to Irish shores it may be too late. I'm not sure if I will still want the 'Summer Look' in the middle of autumn. I will have to wait and see. If only it had been launched in May/June!

Larry x

Primer: Catrice Prime and Fine

In the last few months I have gone slightly obsessed with primer. I now own a good few so I will be doing a mini primer series on my new obsession! First up we have Catrice Prime and Fine. I picked it up in a local chemist for the bargain price of €5.64. 

Since their introduction to the Irish market the quality of Catrice's products has increased dramatically. The brand launched a new look last year and their products are now not only extremely affordable but they also look great. Catrice Prime and Fine is designed to smooth and refine pores and lines. It is also a great base for make up. 

My hand is slightly tanned from my holiday but usually the primer still blends to the colour of my skin.

The primer comes in a 14g tub which for the price is excellent value. The fact that it is in a tub also means you can control exactly how much you want to use. I find sometimes with tubes I squeeze too much product out. The primer itself is quite thick and is a white/ cream colour. As I am really pale I find this primer really works well with my skin. As it is quite thick it covers really well and leaves the skin extremely silky, a perfect base for foundation. Overall I loved this primer! A brilliant price, nice packaging and most importantly it worked well. I would definitely buy it again. 

What is your favourite primer? 

Larry x

Catrice New Limited Edition Revoltaire!

Catrice have done it once again with a new AMAZING limited edition! There new limited edition 'Revoltaire' will hit shelves this April/May. The name is odd but let me assure you there is nothing 'Revolting' about 'Revoltaire'!I think the name is based on 'revoltiere' which means 'rebel' in German. The name suits their edgy rebel look. 'To have the courage to be yourself and all that you want to be. To break free of conventions and to enjoy a new passion for life'  The collection is very colourful and pretty, many items have caught my eye already!

How amazing does this palette look? Plus it's only €4.99!!  Each palette has three colour-intensive powder eyeshadows AND a cake eyeliner as well! If you look closely at the brush you will see one end is a sponge applicator and the other is an eyeliner brush! Inside is also a mirror while the packaging is a beautiful gun metal case decorated with the 'Revoltaire' logo. This palette will be available in two colours: Toxic Combination and Explosive Combination.

There are three lipsticks in the Revoltaire collection.

1. Nude Alarm
2. Colour Bomb
3. Bloody Red

Each Lipstick is Matte and comes in a gun metal case with the Revoltaire Logo. They look a lot more expensive than a mere €4.49!

With muted neutrals to bright neons there is a nail polish in this collection to suit everyone! 

1. Attracting Camouflage 
2. Colour Of Honor 
3. Innocent Toxin 
4. Colour Bomb 
5. Mission Lilac

I have my eye on Colour Bomb and Mission Lilac!

The final two products from this collection are a powder blush in the colour 'Colour Bomb' €4.99 and a lip brush for €3.49.So far I'm  lusting after the green palette, Colour Bomb lipstick, Colour Bomb and Mission Lilac Nail polishes and the lip brush!

Will you be buying anything from this collection?

Larry xx

St. Patrick's Day: Easy ways to go Green!

With St. Patrick's day only 10 days away I'm starting to get a bit excited. I LOVE St. Patrick's Day. (Any excuse to paint my face and go a bit mad with colour!) I love the parades, the colours and the national pride that takes over Ireland for one day. (And other places throughout the world!) It's so easy to get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. It can be something small from green nail polish to going all out with green jeans, crazy eyeshadow and a leprechaun hat. It doesn't have to break the bank either with great bargains from €1.49 there is no excuse not to join in!

Leprechaun hat, Dealz €1.49

Orange belt, H&M €3.95

Green High Heals, Dunnes Stores €20

Cardigan, H&M €24.95

Jeans, Penneys €13

Sleek Acid I-Divine Palette, Sleek.com €8.50

Green Bag, H&M €9.95

Ornage Nail Polish, Catrice €2.79

Irish Princess Tiara, Dealz €1.49

The Sleek Acid I-Divine Palette has the perfect colours for St. Patrick's Day!

Colours Swatched. No primer was used. For a more vibrant colour use Urban Decay Potion Primer before applying.

On my own nails I'm going to wear MNY 753- Lime Green/ Electric Green. It's a gorgeous green with a pearl aspect to it! This will be teamed with an orange dress from Penneys. I have no doubt that a huge leprechaun hat will also be worn!

Will you be getting into the St. Patrick's Day Celebrations this year?

Larry x

Catrice Infinite Matt Foundation

Every second weekend I spend the weekend in Dublin. A few weeks ago I packed in a hurry as I was late for work. When I got to Dublin that night I realised I had forgotten my beloved Revlon ColourStay foundation! I was going out that night so I definitely needed it. I ran to Boots but they were closing so I had to make do with Penneys / Primark instead. With not much to choose from I picked up Catrice Infinite Matt up to 18 h Make-Up foundation. So did my last minute replacement do the job?

Catrice describe this foundation as 'The velvety smooth new Make-up with an oil-free formula absorbs unwanted shine and ensures a smooth and natural matt complexion for up to 18 hours. Thanks to its moisturizing effect and light-reflecting pigments, your skin will look beautifully radiant. The perfect basis for this season’s make-up looks – without a mask-like effect.'

My first impressions of the foundation was very good. I really like the packaging of this foundation. It comes in a glass bottle making it look a lot more expensive than €6.99. It also has a pump which is brilliant. (the lack of pump is my number one pet peeve with my Revlon Colourstay!) 

Slightly darker than my Revlon ColourStay

I picked up the lightest colour 010 Light Beige. In the shop it looked a perfect match but in reality it's slightly too dark for my milk bottle skin. I could get away with it for the weekend though. (Since I was going out to a night club and it would be dark there anyway!) The foundation has a nice medium coverage and I find it blends well. I was happy with the coverage and how it looked on my face. It doesn't last 18 hours (What foundation does?!) but it did last a long time. It  also didn't cling to dry patches on my skin. 

I really like this foundation, I just wish it came in a lighter shade! It does have a strong scent so if your fussy about perfumed products I would avoid. If you are not a milk bottle and are looking for a good cheap foundation  I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Larry x

LIMITED EDITION “MILLION STYLES” BY CATRICE

Another new limited edition from Catrice will hit Irish shelves in March and April. This time the focus is on nails! The new limited Edition 'Million Styles' is set to transform your nails into the 'hippest fashion accessory in town'. Catrice launches eight special effects top coats. When painted over a base colour the top coats will ensure fascinating effects! Effects included are a 3D jewel effect, smokey look, holographic shimmering and glitter! They are an easy way to create unique, stand out from the crowd nails!

1.¿Holo Qué Tal?! offers holographic shimmering glitter pigments

2.Shake It! Flake It! creates an awesome 3D jewel effect

3.Million Dollar Baby offers glitter, glitter, glitter

4.Miss Money Penny immerses your nails in a soft golden shimmer

5.Godfather Of Pearl creates a soft pearly nail design 

6.Have An Ice Day conjures-up a light glittering ice-effect on your nails 

7. Return Of Space Cowboys guarantees a sparkling appearance 

8.No Smoke Without Fire for a cool, sultry smokey look on your nails

I can't wait till this limited edition comes out! I will definitely be buying a few of bottles! 

Larry xx

Valentines Presents for YOURSELF all under €5!

I really don't believe in the whole Valentines Day present giving. I think it is a holiday made up by Hallmark to earn a bit of cash! There should not just be ONE day a year when you give a gift or flowers to your loved one. However, who is to say you can't treat yourself to a little present! (Any excuse to shop!) So here is some recession friendly treats, all under €5 each! Turn a little pink/red for a day!

Essence Nail Varnish

Essence is a perfect way to get the Valentines day look! Each polish is only €1.29 so it's the perfect way to get a little pink/red. It's so cheap you can get a pink, red, purple , yellow, blue ..... 

Barry M Nail Paint

I love Barry M Nail polishes! They are always really pigmented and have a thick formula. The shade 'shocking Pink 272' is perfect for Valentines. It's fantastic quality for €4.50

Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick

Catrice have very cheap lipsticks. I LOVE the colour 140 Pinker-bell. It is a Hot pink lipstick. Also a lovely Valentines lipstick is 080 My Red Card! Go on put on a bit of colour! (€4.99 each)

Collection 2000 Hot Looks Fast Dry Nail Polish
Collection 2000 also have super cheap nail polish. They are only £1.79 (about €2.20) so it won't break the bank!

Lush Leap Frog

This lovely green frog with his bright red lips is a lovely little Valentines friend! For the extremely brave girls out there this little green frog is a reminder of what happens this year. 2012 is a leap year where girls get to propose! (I could NEVER do this!) 

So will you be treating yourself this year?

Larry xx

Catrice Limited Edition 'Nymphelia'

The new limited edition pictures for Catrice have been released! The new line 'Nymphelia' will hit Irish shores around February or March. I'm LOVING the look of it! I have not been this excited about a Catrice limited edition for ages. The one that is in shops at the moment is a bit snooze This range however is very eye catching and I'm already lusting after many items. Catrice describe this range as: 

'Soft and feminine yet strong and sensual – this is the perfect description for the world of nymphs. A mysterious world that hovers between nature and mysticism – a world shaped by goddesses and embodied by natural forces. This is reflected in the colour scheme of the Limited Edition “Nymphelia” by CATRICE. Warm red, orange and brown shades from the forest combined with green and nude tones bring the spring season to life in February and March 2012. The result: a natural yet modern and sensual make-up collection inspired by the international catwalks. The ideal make-up for delicate but strong ladies. Nymphelia – mystical and mythical.'

Eyes wise this limited edition is very strong. The mascara 'Lashes to Kill Mascara' is a black green which is quite unusual. This is designed to create 'amazing eyes'. The False lashes are very dramatic. For €4.49 they are cheap enough to experiment with dramatic eyes! The Smokey Eye set includes four eyeshadows for €4.99. I won't be bothered to buy this as I have a million eyeshadows! It's a good price however, if you don't have much eyeshadow and want to try a smokey look. Despite not needing anymore eyeshadow I'm lusting over the 'Intensif Eye Wet and Dry Shadow'. They are €4.29 each and can be used as the name suggests both wet and dry. The colours have a beautiful marble effect. There are three colours intertwined to create a gorgeous finish. I also love the names of the shadows 020 Charly’s Chocolate Factory and 040 Have You Seen Alice?. Names like this and the appearance of the shadows make them appear a lot more expensive than their bargain €4.29 price!

'Unbeleaf'able Blush' is a gorgeous marbled blush. It has three shades in intertwined red, orange and nude It's designed to give a natural fresh look. 

For lips there is three Lip colour creams. I think they are more cream than gloss similar I would say to the Collection 2000 Cream Puffs. 

Finally there is the nail polishes. They look quite plain compared to the rest of this edition. Although I adore the name of the light pink shade 'Salmon & Garfunkel' I think this is brilliant!

So what do you think? Will you be buying anything from this limited edition?

Larry xx

Catrice Iron Mermaiden

Catrice have a clearance sale on at the moment. There are many products 50% off including the gorgeous nail polish 'Iron Mermaiden'. This is a gorgeous shimmery colour, It's purple with a green metallic sheen. It changes colour depending on the light. Sometimes it's grey, then purple and even green!

Catrice describe their nail polishes as  'A wow-effect is guaranteed: ultimate intensity, ultimate shine and ultimate coverage – now new 14 times over! With just one stroke of the special professional brush, your nails will become this season’s ultimate high fashion accessory - to go with every outfit and every mood..'