My 5 everyday makeup essentials

Hi ladies,

Its hard to believe it's September next week, where has our summer gone too? And then again we didn't exactly have a scorcher to begin with!

So as Autumn approaches I want to keep as much of a Summer glow as I can - even if it means faking it! So here's my five makeup essentials for everyday wear and they are very budget friendly!

First on my list has to be Rimmels wake me up foundation & I use shade 100 - Ivory. This foundation gives an instant, radiant and healthy glow in one application. It's light and easy to apply, gives great coverage and takes away any signs of tiredness or fatigue - just what I need! It has an SPF 15 and the best part is this bottle of radiance costs just €10.99 normally but the good news, Boots have it on offer at €6.99 at the minute. Time to stock up!

Next has to be Fuschia's Boom Brow, it's a small pot that transforms and scultps the brows! For a brunette my brows are so fair so without this product I look like I have non exsistence brows! So not only will Boom Brow define and fill in the brows but it keeps them looking in shape. I use an angled brow brush to apply the product and its available in three shades. It costs €15.50 for one pot but considering the small amount used per application and the fact that it really lasts and sets like a powder means its a winner in my eyes. The only problem with this product is once you start using it, you will be addicted! And did I mention it's flake free too.

Moving on to Sleeks face form contouring & blush palette, which I use in the light shade. This palette makes contouring and highlighting so quick and easy and thats why I love it! With a beautiful bronze contour powder, a rose gold blush (which I must admit is so similar to the Nars Orgasm blush) and a really nice pearly highlighter, it's perfect to really make those cheekbones pop. And the best part is this palette costs only €13.49 and being so compact it's perfect for on the go!

My fourth favourite everyday essential has to be the NYX Doll eyes mascara in waterproof. Being so fussy when it comes to finding a good mascara I really love this one for the simple reason that it doesnt cake or its not clumpy. The brush separates the lashes to add length and volume but it does set quickly when applied to the lashes, so if your like me and must apply two layers of mascara then just apply it quickly! And being waterproof it doesn't smudge or fall under the eyes but it's simple to remove with an eye makeup remover. This one costs only €10.99.

And finally Rimmels colour rush lasting intense colour balm in shade 110, make me blush. This chunky lip pencil is glossy and luscious to apply. It super long lasting even after eating and drinking throughout the day. It's a great colour to wear from day to night and so handy for the handbag.

Let me know if you have tried any of these beauties!

XO Ali

My 5 steps to help diminish dark circles

Hi ladies,

Does anyone else have the same problem as I do when it comes to dark circles? I mean I drink or at least I try to drink eight glasses of water a day. I use an eye moisturiser under the eye area morning and night and have tried so many brands. I suppose I am noticing my dark circles more now being so pregnant and with the warm evenings, late night toilet dashes and lack of sleep - I'm not feeling very bright eyed and bushy tailed!

So thank goodness I have found a great little quick fix to help me moisturise,  brighten and cover those dark circles of mine! And it takes less than five minutes!

So here's my five step routine...

Step 1 - Moisturise under the eye area

I am currently using and loving the 'Boots vitamin e gentle eye cream' and with a price tag of €3 it sounds too good to be true. This eye cream is light and gentle, easily absorbed and has an SPF 15. I have been using this for a few weeks now and find it really brightens my darkness under the eyes. I only use a pea sized amount each time and pat it on under the eye area with my ring finger.

Just look at those dark circles! 

Step 2 - Prime under the eye area

After I apply my foundation and eye makeup I apply the 'NYX HD photogenic concealer' under the eye area. This product is so amazing and it's mineral enriched, talc free and paraben free, which means it won't cake under the eye area. It's great for covering dark circles and gives a good medium coverage.  I just apply a pea sized amount under the eye area and blend it out with my fingertips. And considering that only a small amount is needed and it costs just €6.99, I just love it more.

I have applied the NYX HD photogenic concealer to my right eye only 

Step 3 - Conceal under the eye area

When I choose a concealer for under the eye I always choose one that gives a good coverage but is not too powdery as I don't want my fine lines becoming more obvious. And that's why I am using and loving the 'Fuschia advanced longwear concealer' in extra light and being it's talc free it works a wonder. This concealer is lightweight on but gives a medium coverage and covers everything from dark circles to pigmentation. For the wonders it works and little amount I use, €15 isn't a bad price. Again I use a pea sized amount under my eyes and apply it using  a flat concealer brush.

Again concealer is applied only on the right eye over the primer

Step 4 - Add some instant radiance

OK I love, love, love the 'No7 instant radiance concealer' pen - it's definitely a dupe for the 'YSL touche eclat' except it costs €17.50! This little beauty instantly reduces puffiness under the eye area and adds radiance. With its light reflecting particles it gives the illusion that I have had a great nights sleep - winner!
This push button concealer pen it so handy to use and has a brush attached. I personally apply a small amount to the back of my hand and use a flat concealer brush to blend it under the eye. This way I don't apply too much product.

Instant radiance concealer is applied to the right eye over the concealer

Step 5 - Set under the eye with a powder

For this last step I use the 'Mac mineralise skinfinish powder' in shade light. This powder gives a natural matte finish to the skin and provides a light coverage.  It sets the concealer perfectly without looking or feeling heavy or cakey. I apply this using a small fluffy buffer brush and brush it lightly under each eye.

Both eyes have all five products applied 

And that's it! Really this takes less than five minutes and really makes a difference!

Let me know if you have tried any of these beauties!

XO Ali

Boots App & Parenting club

Since I became pregnant I can't seem to help myself when it comes to buying baby clothes, hats, booties and anything baby related! In fact its more exciting that shopping for yourself but then there's the fact that there's only so much cream/ white and lemon one can buy! I do love stocking up on all the essentials too like sudocream, baby wipes, nappies even nappy bags- who knew a little baby needed so much! Honestly this baby has a better wardrobe than me ( that's only because it's getting to the stage were everything is getting tighter and shopping for me is not fun!), and I still have five weeks until he/ she makes their present known. That's me hoping I don't go overdue!


So it was no surprise that I absolutely loved the new Boots app from the moment I downloaded it and signed up the parenting club. The app itself is amazing and so easy to use. In fact Boots send offers tailored to you, to the app and with your Boots advantage card linked to the app is easy to keep track of all your points building up.

     

The Boots parenting club is then available from the moment your pregnant until your baby turns 3. Some of the benefits include 10 points for every €1 spent on baby products in the baby area, personalised offers that are send through the app that have been tailored to you and your baby and free expert advice. When you sign up for the parenting club and add your details you give your baby's due date, this way you will receive personalised emails and offers. And you also get free gifts through the app too.

     

Already from my free gifts I have received a really nice practical baby bag with a change mat included. I received this in store when I purchased a pack of Pampers new baby/ sensitive nappies. I also received a free Mam bottle and soother and there was no purchase necessary for this one. And still I have some great offers to avail of on my app.  Most of the offers are available anywhere from two weeks to over a month.

  

To use your offers in store you just go to your app and click on the offers you wish to use and you will have an option to load the offer to your advantage card, which you can then select. When the offer is loaded to your advantage card it fades out in colour from your app, it's still available to you to check your selected offer before you use them. When you decide to use the offers in store, Boots scan your advantage card and the offer then disappears off your app.  So it's really straight forward and easy to use.

Also I found out today that Boots are running a baby event until the 15th of September!

So that's where I'm off now, it's not like the baby needs any more essentials or clothes but I always love a bargain and it's good to stock up! They say a new baby can use up to ten nappies a day!

Happy shopping!

XO Ali

Best beauty buys @ Penney's!

Hi Lovelies,

I'm not sure about you when it comes to Penney's but it's so easy to get side tracked! Don't you agree? No matter if I run in for one thing (well its never just one!), I always end up stocking up on the best beauty buys. And Penneys never fail to excite me with all there fab products!

So here's a list of my latest buys (and some pics too),

● Penneys Individual lashes - 30 piece set and only €1.50! These lashes are so easy to apply & they work best when you curl your lashes first and then apply your mascara. This will help the lashes stick to your own easier! They do also include a glue but personally I use the Duo glue- it's a waterproof clear-white eyelash glue that really keeps the lashes in place!

● Pencil sharpener- this one's a duo sharpener so your never stuck for keeping your chunky pencils sharpened and it's only €1

● PS Love lipsticks - firstly the lipsticks are only €2!!! Secondly the pigment is surprisingly good and they are really nice to apply. The colours are great and they glide on really easily and the packaging is super chic! And did I mention they are only €2!!

● Lastly the facial cleansing pad - this has to be my favourite purchase this time! I  actually bought this to use for cleaning my  brushes and it works really well! I just apply some Johnsons baby shampoo on the cleansing pad and work it into a lather with the brush. Then I rinse the brushes after and let them dry naturally. It's so quick to use and great for removing any built up makeup.

That's all for now lovelies,  thanks for reading and let me know if you have tried any of the PS Love range @ Penneys! 

XO Ali