Make-Up Products

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Eden Beauty Group

30 January 2018 / Bridal, Collaboration, Products, Skincare

Last week I managed to steal a couple of hours ‘me’ time and was invited by the lovely Susan in Eden Beauty Group in Wicklow Town to go in and have a treatment. I am a firm believer that beautiful makeup starts with great skin so when a bride-to-be contacts me and books me for their wedding the first thing I recommend is to get in to a good skincare routine, if they don’t already. That includes what they consume through their diet, cutting out smoking, using SPF and generally looking after themselves in the run up to the big day. It doesn’t have to include expensive products but just products that suit their skin and be consistent so that the products have time to work. I also recommend having a treatment or two if possible with a trusted and qualified beautician especially for those who might have some skin concerns. Not only will your skin thank you but you get a few hours to relax and recharge in between the planning madness. Win win in my books!!!

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So when Susan suggested I come in to have a microdermabrasion session she didn’t have to ask twice. Eden Beauty Group was established in 2001 and have built their business on expertise, trust and friendship. They are the exclusive distributor for the Casmara SkinCare range in Europe and have a fantastic selection of products and gift packs available in the salon. I’ve been going to Eden for years and had a few treatments there in the run up to my own wedding in 2012 so I know the girls are highly qualified and I always come out feeling pampered and relaxed.

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I have had microdermabrasion done in the past so I knew my skin would feel great after it but this time Susan was using a new machine so I was interested to see the results. Some people are scared by the concept and the name but microdermabrasion is ideal for most skin types. It removes the top layers of dead skin cells exposing new brighter skin underneath. It stimulates skin renewal and is great for reducing fine lines, pigmentation and acne scarring. It also removes a layer of sebum so is great for regulating oily skin. Skin will feel much smoother, make up will sit better and you will have a gorgeous glow which makes it an ideal treatment for brides. The strength of the treatment can be altered depending on your skin type so if you have sensitive skin this will be taken in to account.

THE TREATMENT

There are 6 steps to the treatment that takes roughly an hour and Susan has very kindly outlined exactly what she did and used below… (apologies now for the beautiful pictures of my mug at the end!)

Cleanse the face with Casmara green tea cleanser. This contains green tea which is a powerful antioxidant and silk proteins which are very moisturising. This means it is anti ageing and hydrating. It cleanses without stripping skin and can be used all over the face including the eyes. It can also be used on dry skin as an exfoliater and you do not need a toner so it is very multi functional.
Oxy mask was applied on damp skin. This is a foaming mask which penetrates deep into the skin and releases oxygen which stimulates the cells. It makes your skin more reactive to products which means that subsequent products will penetrate more deeply when applied and be more effective.
One pass of micro over the whole face. This can feel a bit weird on the skin. It’s not sore but feels a bit funny with vibration and a tingling sensation on the skin. I found it a little sensitive around the eye area which is where I would be quite sensitive anyway with a lot products and treatments.
Go over the whole face again concentrating on any areas that need extra attention, for example fine lines, pigmentation, scarring etc.
Apply Casmara cold mask. Susan did the Gold mask which contains 24kt gold dust and has a firming, tightening and illuminating effect on the skin. All the masks lower body tempo by 6-8 degrees, reduce puffiness and redness and sooth the skin. They are all marine algae and then different natural ingredients are added – this felt so good on the skin. You can also take the mask home with you to use again which will help the treatment to keep working that bit longer and you can use it to freak out your husband to be.
Removed mask and applied Casmara factor 50 SPF which is non greasy, absorbs easily, is hydrating and make up can be applied over easily.

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Susan recommends a course of 4 sessions, a minimum of 1 week apart and the price for one session is €65 or a course of 4 is €200.

I really enjoyed the treatment and my skin felt amazing afterwards. I had some slight redness on the area’s where I would be more sensitive such as the top of my cheeks just under my eye area but this was gone by the next day and all I was left with was baby soft skin. This was just after one treatment so I can only imagine it after a full course! Susan also very kindly gave me a Casmara Shine Stop mark to try at home.

I haven’t had a chance to use it yet (thanks to the two little people in my life who have my days kept very busy – a face mask is the last thing on my to-do list) but I’ll be trying it out very soon and will let you know how I get on with it.

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If you’re interested in learning more about microdermabrasion or any other treatments then get in touch with Susan or any of the girls on 0404 61295 and they’d be happy to have a chat with you and talk you through the right treatment for you and your skin or click here to see the full range of treatments they offer.

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Christmas Gift Guide 2016

14 December 2016 / Christmas, Inspiration, Makeup, Products

So there’s only 10 shopping days left until Christmas and some of you might still be stuck for Christmas gift idea’s for your sister, mum, girlfriend or maybe to drop a few hints to Santa for yourself. I’m a real Christmas lover and one of my favourite parts of the preparation is shopping for gifts. I hate leaving everything to the last minute because I love taking my time to find the right gift. So when I come across things during the year that I know other people will love, I keep note of them. I’ve decide to share a few of them with you here – I’m good like that 😉 . You’ll find direct links to all the items in the title highlighted in pink…

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Barry M, Coconut Infusion Nail Polish €7.49 : I have to say, I’m a little obsessed with the Barry M nail polishes. I get bored quite quickly with the same colour so I’m always changing my nail polish which means I don’t really want to spend a fortune on them. The Barry M ranges are really affordable, they’re in small enough bottles so if they go off you’re not wasting too much and they come in a huge range of shades and finishes from shimmer, to gloss and matte. The Coconut infusion ranges are so pretty and bring you through to spring too when you’re sick of the darker shades. You’ll find them in most Boots chemists.

Pestle & Mortar Hydrating Duo €86 : Those of you who have been hiding under a rock and haven’t yet come across this Irish skincare brand need to add it to your Santa list, Birthday list, wish list and any other list you have because they are AMAZING!!!!! Their first product that was launched last year and is now a huge favourtive within the beauty industry, is the Pure Hyaluronic Serum (30ml). It’s like a big drink of water for the skin and perfect for this time of year. They have created a gift set which combines it with their award-winning Hydrate moisturiser (50ml) in a chic cylindrical gift box. It’s not cheap but you’re getting a very good deal for both of them in the one pack and in my opinion it’s worth every penny. Anyone who is serious about looking after their skin will LOVE this.

The Pippa Palette for Blank Canvas €34.99 : This face palette is a firm favourite of mine and I use it all the time on both myself and my clients. It’s a really lovely collection of eye shadows, blush, bronzer and highlighter. The eye shadows are all gorgeous matte shades which are really well pigmented and blend beautifully. The blush is a really flattering peachy pink, the bronzer isn’t too dark and the highlighter is a champagne shade which suits most skin tones. Perfect for the makeup lover in your life! You’ll also find it stocked in Meaghars Chemists.

Juvi Ring €89 : I first came across this beautiful Irish jewellery brand on a shoot I was involved in and I literally wanted everything in sight! Their gorgeous chunky pieces with coloured stones are so simple yet really make a statement. There’s so many designs and piece’s to choose from so you’ll find something for everyone!

Max Benjamin Diffuser €30 : I featured the candles from Max Benjamin in my Christmas gift piece a few years ago and I still love them. I was given one of their diffusers as a gift a few months back and it’s the perfect addition to my living room. With so many different scents to choose from you’ll have plenty of options and they make a fabulous gift.

Zoeva Brush Sets €79 : These brushes are THE BOMB!!! I bought a set last year for myself and I have to say I was well impressed with the quality and how lovely they are to use. They come in beautiful colours and finishes which makes a nice change to the usual black and silver and the little pouches they come with are gorgeous. They’re very reasonably priced for the number of brushes you get and the quality so if you want to make the makeup obsessed lady very happy then these are a great buy.

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L’Occitane Travel Size Cherryblossom Handcream €10.50 : I’m a hand cream nut and have one in every handbag and every room of my house so these are a must for me. I adore the Cherryblossom one but there are lots of different ones and you could always get a set of three to make a really nice gift.

Chupi Initial Necklace €99 : This was what Santa brought me last year and I don’t think I’ve taken it off since. Chupi, as I’m sure you know, is an Irish designer taking the industry by storm and creates the most beautiful pieces of jewellery from natural elements such as feathers and leaves. This necklace is one piece that caught my eye after I had my little girl. I wanted something that I could have always close to me so I got the pearl with mine and her initial on it. Along with my engagement ring, this is my favourite piece of jewellery and I just love it! Speaking of engagement rings, she has just recently launched a range if you’re dropping some hints this Christmas or if you’re thinking of popping the question, then definitely check them out.

Hour Glass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette €75 : This palette is the newest addition to the Ambient Light range and it’s limited edition. It includes a setting powder, bronzer, blush and highlighter and comes in the most gorgeous marble case. It’s a complete luxury and if you know a lady who is all about the glow then this is the one for her. She’ll love you forever!!! It’s available from SPACE NK on Grafton Street, Dublin.

Bombay Duck Alphabet Spotty Mug €20 : A really cute stocking filler for the tea or coffee drinker in your life, or me, who doesn’t drink either but just loves mugs 🙂 These are available from My Shining Armour online, Moss Cottage in Dundrum Village, Molloys Chemists, Meaghars Chemists among other gift shops and online retailers.

Dusty Boy Designs Notebook €12.95 : If like me you’re never without a list or have a bit of a thing for notebooks then these are just perfect. Husband and wife duo, Justin and Kate are based in Wexford and run the very cool stationery and paper goods company Dusty Boy. These notebooks are just a selection of the fabulous gift idea’s you’ll find and if you’re getting married and haven’t looked at invites yet then check them out too. Quirky, beautifully designed products, carefully thought out colour palettes, touches of gold foil for us magpies and all produced with oodles of love and creativity… my kind of business!

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipsticks €30 : So these have been around for a few months but such a great gift for the woman who never leaves the house without her lippy applied. There are 12 shades in the collection and each one is named after a celebrity such as ‘Liv It Up’, ‘Hel’s Bells’, ‘Nude Kate, ‘Sexy Sienna’ and ‘Secret Salma’. They are a beautiful Matte finish and there is literally a shade to suit everyone. The packaging alone makes these lipsticks worthy of a place in any makeup bag, a real touch of old Hollywood glamour!

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Millie Marotta’s Animal Kingdom Colouring Book €12.95 : A big trend this year was adult colouring books and I have a few. I got my first one as a gift and then I bought this one and it’s the perfect way for me to just switch off and relax (if I ever get 5 minutes to actually sit down!). I picked mine up in Hodges Figgis in Dublin or you’ll get them in most good book shops or Moss Cottage in Dundrum Village.

Helen Moore Faux Fur Asymmetric Scarf €50 : These faux fur scarves from My Shining Armour are perfect for the colder months and look super stylish over your coat or a chunky knit. There’s loads of colours to choose from and other accessories too.

Glossybox.ie €12 – €14 per month : The perfect gift for the product junkie. A subscription to one of the many monthly beauty boxes available is the gift that keeps giving. Lots of lovely new samples to try and favourite products delivered to her door every month. What’s not to love.

Kate Spade Pencil Pouch €30 : This Kate Spade pencil pouch is really gorgeous. Although it’s described as a pencil pouch I would use it for carrying makeup on a night out or my cards and some cash maybe! I love the gold dots – which isn’t surprising really 😉

So there you go, just a few idea’s that might inspire you. Happy shopping!!!

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Makeup Shelf Life

26 September 2013 / Makeup, Products

I’m often asked how long should you hold on to makeup products and when you should throw them out and I’m pretty sure we’re all guilty of hanging on to the odd eye shadow or mascara longer than we should but out of date products can do you more harm than good. Bacteria builds up in products the more you use them so by not throwing them away within the recommended time frame you can’t be sure what kind of negative effects they might have on your skin.

You can pretty much tell when a product isn’t at it’s best by looking at it and it really depends on how much you use the product but below is a quick guideline to the type of products and how you can tell it’s time to replace them…

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Mascara:

Mascara’s in particular have the shortest shelf life especially if it’s one you use regularly. The easiest way to tell is if the “popping” sound is gone. The more you use a mascara the more air is trapped inside the container so it will dry up quicker. This means it’s time for a new one.

Foundations & Concealers:

With foundations you will be able to tell if they have started to separate or just don’t have look right. Try keep your foundation away from heat as this is an environment that bacteria just loves! With concealers, powder and stick products can last up to 2 years but liquid formulas have a shorter shelf life. Again the colour and consistency will be a giveaway.

Powders:

Powders can be a little harder to tell especially loose ones but with a powder whether it be blush, eye shadows or other face powders, you are continually putting your brush or puff into the pot so this is transferring oil and residue from your face back into the product so this is where washing your brushes is very important. With pressed powders you might see a skin form, this is the oil from you face or eyelids effecting the product so you can remove the top layer of product to reveal fresh powder below.

Pencils:

For eye and lip pencils you should pair them with a good sharpener to refresh them regularly. You can tell they have gone off when they start to form a film on the nib. You do need to be very careful with eyeliners as you are applying them to a very sensitive part of the face and if you use these too far beyond their expiry date you may end up with a nasty infection so just don’t risk it!

Lipsticks:

Your favourite lipstick or lip gloss I’m sure will be used long before it reaches it’s shelf life but for those you only wear occasionally you really need to replace these after 2 years. If you’ve been sick or suffer from cold sores it’s a good idea to replace them more regularly or you could use a lip brush which will stop direct contact. You’ll know your lipstick has gone off if it has gone hard and doesn’t apply properly.

Nail Polish:

Everyone pretty well knows when these are gone off. They tend to go gloopy and harder to apply.

So I hope this helps… now get that make-up bag and start sorting!

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Charlotte Tilbury Make-Up

27 August 2013 / Fashion, Products

For those of you who know and have followed make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury and her career over the past 20 years you’ll probably be as interested as me to see and try her new range of skincare and make-up products.

Launching on Monday September 2 in Selfridges in London, her thinking and philosophy behind the range is that everyone should have access to fabulous products without being intimidated or scared and they should be easy for women to wear.

She told Vogue.co.uk…

“I just think beauty shouldn’t be an exclusive club – everyone should be able to look good,”

“We’re all time-poor and I think beauty counters can be so overwhelming, which is why everything comes with proper instructions and has been designed to suit one of the 10 types of woman that I have identified – from the Rebel to the Ingenue.”

I really like the art deco inspired packaging and some of the products have already caught me eye such as the lipstick and Sculpt & Highlight but the one I really can’t wait to get my hands on is her top secret ‘Magic Cream’ that she mixes herself and swears by.

You can see more on the full collection here

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MAC Collection – Antonio Lopez

29 July 2013 / Celebrity, Products

MAC Cosmetics new fall collection is dedicated to the work of the late illustrator Antonio Lopez and they have enlisted the help of the ever fabulous Jerry Hall, Pat Cleveland and Marisa Berenson’s to front the campaign.

Antonio launched all three models careers and the limited-edition make-up bag, mirror (which I’m lusting after!), tote and make-up compacts all printed with his vibrant watercolour illustrations. I adore these eye, lip and face palettes which come in the striking violet, teal, fuchsia and gold which really capture the magic of the 70’s and each one bears the face of one of his model muses. Whatever about the makeup, I want these just for the packaging!

James Gager, senior vice president and group creative director for MAC said… “…we felt this was the right moment to reintroduce Antonio Lopez’s work to a wider audience, and the world to these women, who are still iconic and look really fantastic. They are steeped in an age that we are all intrigued by.”

The new MAC Antonio Lopez collection is available from September 2013 from http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk.

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