tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17057982336356852962024-03-18T03:03:56.782+00:00Make Up For DollsMakeup, hair, nails and beauty related reviews, information, trials, DIY, tutorials...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-87750478605496864342015-06-08T07:30:00.000+01:002015-06-08T07:30:02.410+01:00Sundari Spa (Killarney Plaza Hotel) - not your usual spa experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven’t blogged for some time. More regular readers (are there any left? If so, thanks for sticking with me!) will be aware of my house-hunting woes; without going into details or starting down a pity-me spiral, suffice it to say the last ten-going-on-eleven months have been... difficult. There’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s starting to look like things are going to work out now - all for the better. That said, living out of boxes, in relations’ houses, and hotels, hasn’t been easy, and I’ve really not been in a blogging space for some time.</div>
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So although it’s going to be another few months before I do get back to “normality” and start blogging afresh, I really did want to break my silence to wax lyrical about a fantastic experience I had over the weekend at the Killarney Plaza Hotel, in the <i>relatively</i>-new <b>Sundari Spa </b>there. My challenge will be not to gush too much actually!</div>
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<a name='more'></a>What can I say - this was honestly <i>the </i>single best overall spa experience I have ever had the fortune to encounter. I am no stranger, blessings on providence or the universe or luck or hard work, or whatever you want to call it, to spas, and spa treatments. This, on the other hand, was a whole other level. Rather than (what has become a very formulaic and rather jaded) Spa Options Menu of Facial A for mature skins, Facial B for oily skins, pedicure, deluxe pedicure, Massage X Y or Z, Sundari offer a suite of more thought-out treatments, ones that focus on <i>healing</i> rather than simply treating yourself. Their treatments are rooted in Aruvedic practices, using a fusion of Eastern techniques and ingredients from Thailand, Indonesia and India. The approach that is taken is more a holistic and traditional view of balancing three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha for health-giving, rather than just beauty. All I can say is, it worked for me.<br />
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You start your stay with a questionnaire which is used, together with some discussions with your therapist, and a sniff-check to see which of three blends of oil you are most drawn to, to identify which is your dominant Dosha at the minute; for me this was Vata. This, from my pre-reading, was something of which I was already aware (you can take a <a href="http://www.sundari.com/philosophy/dosha_test_form.asp" target="_blank">similar test here</a>), but was curious to see if the therapist would come to the same conclusion (she did). I also have a very heavy sinus infection at the moment, so my therapist used most of the range of products prescribed for the Vata dosha, together with aromatherapeutic ingredients like lime, lemongrass, eucalyptus, to help relax my chest and sinuses. It was quite tailored, and as I know from my own experience of aromatherapy, one which worked; the steam in the first, Serail, session had eucalyptus in it for example; the cooling head massage I had contained the same - the upshot being by the time I left, I could breathe out of my nose for the first time in a week, and I woke this morning feeling a hell of a lot better overall, with no pain or heaviness in my chest.</div>
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Their products are largely organic and all natural-based, rooted in aromatherapy and containing some key ingredients like Neem (the so-called “Pharmacy Tree” in India), Shea, Coconut Oil, along with all of the essential oils (for me: lime, lemongrass, rose, eucalyptus, geranium - not all of these at once of course!), from the moment I went in, it was a sensory overload - wonderful products which buffed and cleansed and toned and moisturised my skin; massages with hot stones and oils and hands which left me beyond relaxed (my husband pointed out that my shoulders were “finally back in their rightful place”), and which never seemed to end; head, neck, back, legs, arms, feet massages dovetailed into facials and head/hair manipulation.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth, Fire & Water Serail<br />
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I started my “time out” with their Earth, Fire & Water treatment, which saw me sitting starkers naked in a dedicated private space, where I used different products (a divine lemongrass/lime body scrub, a white clay mask for my face and a mud for my skin) over my 40 or so minutes there, as I was steamed and then rinsed into perfumed and softened bliss. Following on from this I had their signature Zana therapy; massage with hot stones and a tailored facial. To this I added a Firming Eye treatment and a Cooling Scalp treatment (this involved pouring oils over my forehead and into my scalp and then massaging them away - a wonderful feeling!); all of these just dove-tailed one into the other, so much so that I (and this never, ever happens to me) completely lost all sense of time and dozed off more than once. And all of the treatments were tailored, again, with taking my chest/sinus issues into account, and my dosha, and my own preferences (which are given equal importance by the therapists, which was good to see).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A real "Indian head massage" - amazingly cooling!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately the spa in Killarney is the only Sundari spa in Ireland, but it’s worth the pilgrimage. They do specific treatments for all, including some specific treatments aimed at men and others for pregnant ladies. I was extremely fortunate to have some of these treatments comp’d to me, although I hasten to add, not all, and I sufficiently interested in some of the products used in the course of the four-ish hours to go and buy some for myself; not something I do lightly usually. The spa itself was beyond relaxing and luxurious (without that attendant snottiness a lot of more upmarket spas exude) and the staff; what can I say - friendly, attentive and helpful; providing me with plenty of detailed information about the products and their ingredients, without me feeling like I was being pressured to buy; incredibly talented and trained. Overall, a very positive, mindful, relaxing, happy, earthy time out, that I’m glad I took. If I were to recommend one single thing, it would be their signature Zana treatment, as this give you a bit of everything. Incidentally, the brochure, if you’re interested, can be <a href="http://www.killarneyplaza.com/uploads/documents/Sundari%20Brochure%20-%20March%202013.pdf" target="_blank">downloaded from here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous relaxation area</td></tr>
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With all of that healing in mind, and given my state going in there, I’d say it wasn’t as much an indulgent four-or-so-hours, as a necessary one. Enter one uptight, tense, stressed-out and wound-up person; exit an entirely different someone wobbly-with-relaxation and tension relief, de-toxed and almost emotionally blissed-out on calm. Beyond recommended. Get thyself to Killarney.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-76850710514965250572015-04-27T07:30:00.000+01:002015-04-27T07:30:03.270+01:00Clarisonic Nautical Summer Collection - Promo & Giveaway!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarisonic Mia 2 in pink! Just in time for summer!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So... some good news. Combining things I like - the summer, the colour pink, freebies, giveaways, celebrations, limited edition things... I can promote the news that there's a fab new LE <b>Clarisonic Mia2 </b>on the way, in time for the Summer as part of their <b>Nautical Summer Collection</b>, and it comes in two colours - help yourself either to a <b>Faded Rose</b> or a <b>Sunwashed Peach</b> version, and of course is every bit as fantastic as the "usual" Clarisonic Mia (as you can see from <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2015/02/ClarisonicMia2Review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this post</a>, the lovely ArtyMama <i>raved</i> about hers!)</span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The giveaway... yes, that's right - this is all going out for free to someone! Wheeeeee!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each of the two new summer sets available retail at just <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">€149 and includes the Clarisonic Mia 2 Cleansing Brush, the Universal Voltage pLink Charger, a Sensitive Brush Head (oooooooh, now I want to keep it!) and a 1oz trail size Refreshing Gel Cleanser and a protective travel case (in pink, peach and white, to match the Mia2!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Although these are not yet available until May, with huge thanks to the </span></span>lovely folks at L'Oreal Luxe, I have one of the sets to give away to one very lucky lass (or lad, whichever!) in celebration of my recent 5,000th Facebook subscriber...</div>
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What ya gotta do? You have to like and share (well, I'd like if you shared) the good news on Twitter and/or Facebook. You have to <b>comment below</b> (this one is key!) with a limerick starting with the first line: "There once was a Clarisonic Mia..."</div>
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And <i>each </i>entry you put in below gives you <i>another </i>chance of winning :-) Let's see how badly you want to win this!</div>
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Yes I know I'm not making it easy... sod it! Good luck and I'll run this competition for another couple of weeks!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS yes I know that this is MontyC's usual slot, but I just had to use it for this giveaway! Fear not, MontyC will of course be back next Monday as per usual :-)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-67301790871101886532015-04-20T07:30:00.000+01:002015-04-20T19:42:21.381+01:00Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For today's <b>Monday with MontyC</b>, I wanted to introduce you to one of my longstanding obsessions; handcream, and a particular brand I'm loving. I am somewhat besotted with handcream in general; I have tubes of the stuff absolutely everywhere, sitting room, bedroom, handbag, office desk, office drawer, other office drawer, other handbag... :-). I honestly believe that I have the driest hands in this side of the equator - they can get so dry that the skin on my fingers peel. Yuck, right!? So I apply the stuff liberally, multiple many times a day to avoid this happening. When a very dear friend of mine gave me the <b>Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream</b> as a gift, says I, bring it on...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Jurlique are an Australian company (for some reason I thought they were French) that have been on the go since 1985. What started out as a husband-and-wife company back in the day (the company name is a combination of both of their names) is now a global brand spanning some twenty countries (for more details, <a href="http://www.jurlique.com/blog/about-us/" target="_blank">take a peek here</a>). When it comes to the ingredients they use, they strictly use only products which are certified organic. So far, lots to like.<br />
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Enough about the company, what about the product? Well, as you can see from the knackered looking tube in the picture above, this stuff is <i>well </i>loved (I've been using it every single day for the last few months, its home has been my everyday handbag, and it's got a bit battered).<br />
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The cream itself is rich in ingredients, but light enough in texture; a pea sized amount of the cream is buckets, and it isn't remotely greasy which I love, you can lather this on, rub it in and off you go - no slimy hand flapping and tissuing-off of excess needed<br />
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My favourite thing about this hand cream (aside from the fact that it really does keep the dry fingers at bay) is the scent of it. It's <i>amazing</i>. It contains tangerine, mandarin and lemon and it smells <i>divine</i>!<br />
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Jurlique is not necessarily an easy brand to get your mitts on but it is available online at feelunique.com and will set you back under €22 for 40ml (larger sizes are also available). This one's a keeper, and it has replaced my hitherto-holy-grail hand cream.<br />
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Until next Monday!<br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/@montyc" target="_blank">@MontyC</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-82512517251349213982015-04-13T07:30:00.000+01:002015-04-13T07:30:01.007+01:00MontyC's Winter Skincare Saviours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WXlhWkNjvc/VSrRpqe4OlI/AAAAAAAAH90/oQhwZOigKSA/s1600/Skin%2BCare%2BSaviours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WXlhWkNjvc/VSrRpqe4OlI/AAAAAAAAH90/oQhwZOigKSA/s1600/Skin%2BCare%2BSaviours.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I want to tell you all about my absolute favourite winter-time skincare products. It seems like it has been a long winter... our skin puts up with a lot during the dichotomy of the biting cold oudoors and piping hot homes and offices indoors. To counter this, I fall back on some really brilliant products. I could have picked a lot more out than I did but in the end, I decided to narrow it down to my three top-notch, hands-down, works-every time, absolute winners when it comes to the skincare products that I've been using over the winter months... I do realise we're coming into Spring now but maybe these might help you out next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First-off, I'll group my night care products together. The reason for that is because even though they're amazing products in their own right, the synergy of them used together is greater than the sum of the parts. Siobhán has previously spoken of her love for the <b>SOS Thirst Quenching Serum</b> (see <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/05/CaudalieVinosourceSOSThirstSerum.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">her review here</a>) and is also responsible for me now being completely obsessed with it! I've also previously written a rave review of the <b>Overnight Recovery Oil</b> (see <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2015/02/CaudalieVinosourceOvernightRecoveryOil.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my review here</a>). I use these together at night time (I don't use oil during the day, and I'm currently using up another serum during the day) and the following morning the results are plain to see - healthy, plumped, nourished skin. Price-wise these are great value for money (the serum is €40 and the oil is €33), are available from Arnotts and SpaceNK in Dublin and online at www.lookfantastic.com, among other places.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For my moisturiser, I swing to <b>Crème de la Mer</b> at this time of year (there are a lot of opinions on these products, you've probably read a few of them and may have a few of your own too - <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/08/CremeDeLaMerCreamMoisturisers.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">look here </a>in fact if you'd like to just know more about the three different CDLM moisturisers) but I can only speak for myself and my skin and tell you that this (the original CDLM moisturiser) just <i>works </i>for me. Brilliantly so. So do other products from the range but for the purpose of this post, I'm just talking about the cream. This soothes, calms and nourishes my dry, sore, dehydrated skin more deeply than anything else in the winter-time. Makeup applies beautifully over it, you really don't need much of it, so ignore the expense, the cost-per-usage is not onerous; the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">30ml pot costs €135 but before you have a heart attack, I bought this in early November last year, I've been using it pretty every day since, and at the point of writing (mid April) I've only just gone past the "shoulders" of the pot. That's pretty good going in my books for almost six months' continuous usage, twice a day, every day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are so many other that deserve an honourable mention for but these three products here have become Holy Grail (winter) products for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/@montyc" target="_blank">@MontyC</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-88640518903667467872015-03-30T07:30:00.000+01:002015-03-30T07:30:01.081+01:00NARSissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For Today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I'm sharing my love of a recent birthday gift... the </span><b>NARSissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette</b>, <span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to present buying my family, we make life easy and tell each other what it is we want! So as requested, this palette appeared on my birthday from my siblings, together with a lovely bottle of wine. Happy girl, me!</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ak8WI2Z0Vt4/VRhW2U47kTI/AAAAAAAAH8s/gwdnyj9uzug/s1600/NARS%2BPalette%2Bcolours%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ak8WI2Z0Vt4/VRhW2U47kTI/AAAAAAAAH8s/gwdnyj9uzug/s1600/NARS%2BPalette%2Bcolours%2B2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you open it, you'll find eight eye shadows, an eye shadow brush and a decent enough size mirror. The shadows themselves can be worn wet or dry but my personal preference is to wear them dry, so the swathes you'll see here on this post will be of them dry. Texture-wise, these eyeshadows are incredibly soft and can be applied just as well with a brush or your finger Finish-wise, these are opaque with a nice soft sheen, but if you want a more metallic finish, then wearing them wet is the way to go.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xmx2eDnK3Z4/VRhXJ9wZjDI/AAAAAAAAH84/IUYWE1zCd88/s1600/NARS%2BPalette%2Btop%2Brow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xmx2eDnK3Z4/VRhXJ9wZjDI/AAAAAAAAH84/IUYWE1zCd88/s1600/NARS%2BPalette%2Btop%2Brow.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row (no flash)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIgIQqrC8CY/VRhXJ5kgeQI/AAAAAAAAH80/Yfm2o4ZJ8_Y/s1600/NARS%2Bpalette%2Btop%2Brow%2Bflash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIgIQqrC8CY/VRhXJ5kgeQI/AAAAAAAAH80/Yfm2o4ZJ8_Y/s1600/NARS%2Bpalette%2Btop%2Brow%2Bflash.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Top row (with flash)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the <b>top row</b>: a soft pale pink, a golden bronze, a chocolate brown and a deep burgundy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maUW-_jlYNw/VRhXfIh0owI/AAAAAAAAH9I/-3UbbECCcKQ/s1600/NARS%2Bpalette%2Bbottom%2Brow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maUW-_jlYNw/VRhXfIh0owI/AAAAAAAAH9I/-3UbbECCcKQ/s1600/NARS%2Bpalette%2Bbottom%2Brow.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Bottom row (no flash)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiX73nt3T3k/VRhXfLeGHFI/AAAAAAAAH9E/PtlW1F8LgEQ/s1600/NARS%2Bpalette%2Bbottom%2Brow%2Bwith%2Bflash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiX73nt3T3k/VRhXfLeGHFI/AAAAAAAAH9E/PtlW1F8LgEQ/s1600/NARS%2Bpalette%2Bbottom%2Brow%2Bwith%2Bflash.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Bottom row (with flash)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the <b>bottom row</b>: a pale cream, a gun metal grey, a rich navy blue and a very deep grey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't be put off by the deeper colours if they're not usually your thing; they can be sheered-out to almost a whisper if that's what you're more comfortable with. Another thing to note here is how well all the shades work with each other - this is most definitely an "every occasion" palette :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Price-wise, this palette will cost you €59 (available in store and online at Brown Thomas, although it is LE so I am not sure if it's still around) - not a bad price; these eye shadows are available as singles, but they'll set you back €27 each (granted they'd be a little bigger but for €59 you get eight shadows and a very decent eye shadow brush).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this palette. I love the colours, the textures, and how easy they are to use and wear. At a time when I'm being a lot more choosy about makeup purchases (and which of my stash I retain too!), this will get a whole lot of use I think.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/@montyc" target="_blank">MontyC</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-3204280745209768442015-03-27T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-27T07:30:00.191+00:00Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycc7NfdtZII/VRRtbrY-pCI/AAAAAAAAH74/Q4W1TxVkDDk/s1600/emer%2Bbanner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycc7NfdtZII/VRRtbrY-pCI/AAAAAAAAH74/Q4W1TxVkDDk/s1600/emer%2Bbanner.jpeg" height="128" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although lately I try to stick to one range of products for my skincare routine, I feel I have a little more wiggle room with my cleanser. I have a <b>lot </b>of cleansers. Different types for different tricks, different moods. One of my favourites is this one, the <b>Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream</b>. It is something of a genuine champion for stressed-out skin. I tend to crack it out when my skin has been Winterised (it’s a thing) or if I’ve been poorly. It takes care of me, or, my skin at least.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cy1G60KvelM/VRRwj3qZIdI/AAAAAAAAH8M/0RSAoCVj_OQ/s1600/cleansing-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cy1G60KvelM/VRRwj3qZIdI/AAAAAAAAH8M/0RSAoCVj_OQ/s1600/cleansing-cream.jpg" height="640" width="172" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay first things first it comes in an aluminium squeezy tube, which I like for hygiene reasons. And it’s worth noting (before you return it to whence it came) it looks and smells pretty bad. It looks like a paste of oil and Weetabix and smells like the inside of one of those old-school big brown pill bottles. Don’t be put off - that’s just how it rolls! (actually, perhaps weirdly, the smell has really grown on me).</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q12Y92wawrI/VRRwdljjcdI/AAAAAAAAH8E/gKqPiVlQ76Y/s1600/swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q12Y92wawrI/VRRwdljjcdI/AAAAAAAAH8E/gKqPiVlQ76Y/s1600/swatch.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A half inch of the cream is all you need, work it into a paste with water in your hands and press it into your skin, gently rolling your fingers from the centre of your face outwards, neck and decollete (ie the usual). I’ll admit that I’m possibly not quite as gentle as they recommend but my face hasn’t fallen off yet. After rinsing, my skin feels <i>oh-so-</i>moisturised. The oils that have been pressed into my skin make it feel youthful and supple and ready for anything, and for all the oil, there's no greasiness whatsoever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is suitable for all skin conditions because, even though it exfoliates, it is utterly gentle, natural and organic. <span style="color: black;">Even sensitive skin can be buffed using Dr. Hauschka's "press and roll" technique. Hi<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 17px;">gh quality medicinal plant extracts of calendula, chamomile and anthyllis, along with sweet almond meal, cleanse, buff and balance the skin, even <i>Winterised </i>skin! The natural hydro-lipid barrier </span>is retained, leaving you feeling smooth, polished and refreshed. And as with all Dr. Hauschka products, there are no nasties.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A quick note: this isn't the kind of cleanser that you'll use with your Clarisonic - it's not a foaming type cleanser, which you need for that. Much as I absolutely <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2015/02/ClarisonicMia2Review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">love my Clarisonic</a>, this is a different beast. This will set you back </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">around €18 for a 50ml tube which I think is pretty decent, considering it feels like a prescription cleanser. You can pick them up in a lot of health food stores or online on the Dr. Hauschka </span><a href="http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_GB/products/cleansing-cream" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">website here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve never had such a comforting cleanser before. An absolute yes from me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, do your face a favour - try out the Florence Nightingale of cleansers. Maybe hold your nose though, until you get to grips with the fragrance :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emer x</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-9251281465692701572015-03-23T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-23T07:30:04.765+00:00Clarins Instant Concealer - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJiiez0Htf8/VQ8ldc1ZjXI/AAAAAAAAH7c/CfpN6OcB4rg/s1600/Clarins%2BInstant%2BConcealer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJiiez0Htf8/VQ8ldc1ZjXI/AAAAAAAAH7c/CfpN6OcB4rg/s1600/Clarins%2BInstant%2BConcealer.jpg" height="400" width="203" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">For today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I'm talking about what has fast become my go-to favourite concealer, <b>Clarins Instant Concealer.</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">le swatch...</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Concealer is one of those must-have products, especially as you age. If you're having a good skin </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">day, it can be all you need. If you're feeling or looking wrecked, or have skin "issues" you'd like to cover up, rather than piling on the foundation (which really doesn't work), a good concealer used on those troublesome areas instead works wonders. A good concealer can take years off your age.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Clarins describe their <b>Instant Concealer</b> as a "fatigue fighting, smoothing and long wearing concealer" which is pretty spot-on in my ever so humble opinion :-) It's one of those wonder-products; a hybrid skincare-meets-cosmetic jobbie. The texture is super smooth and blends fantastically. It can be used anywhere on the face; under the eyes or over blemishes. It brightens and lifts the skin nicely, while concealing properly - unlike some other so-called concealers which are actually highlighters, not concealers. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">In fact, when Siobhán previewed this stuff some time ago (<a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2013/08/clarins-extra-comfort-foundation.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) she was somewhat sceptical as in general a concealer which brightens doesn't work fantastically, but this stuff does. And </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">even though it's long wearing, it doesn't "sit" on the skin like some other concealers I've found can occasionally do, and it doesn't give way to bunching, drying or creating "concealer lines" on your complexion as the day wears on either.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">You don't need much of this product either as it's quite pigmented, so resist the temptation to pile this stuff on. And not just because the coverage is good but because the coverage looks so natural to boot. It also comes in a pretty decent sized tube (15ml) so you're not going to run out any time soon.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Shade-wise, there are three in the range. I'm quite fair and use #01. I'm lucky in that I don't have dark circles under my eyes (I get puffiness instead!), so I don't know how good it would be at covering dark circles (you <i>may </i>find that you need a corrector first before you use this concealer if that's the case, but as I mentioned, I can't comment).</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Sail Hughes, whom I follow avidly (Beauty Editor at The Guardian and author of the brilliant beauty book "Pretty Honest") swears left, right and centre by this product and I can see why. Clarins makeup has really come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, their base products really do knock a lot of other brands out of the park in my opinion, and this product is no exception. If you buy only one product this month, and you've got €25 to spare, head to your nearest Clarins counter and get this; it's a beaut and more importantly, it works. Big love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Until next Monday,</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">@</span><a href="http://twitter.com/@montyc" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">MontyC</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-17521503887478808992015-03-13T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-13T07:30:00.917+00:00Competition: 2 nights stay at Faithlegg House Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4EfwVGPVRU/VQG22tDpu_I/AAAAAAAAH6E/88PzXhk-sIk/s1600/mrs2be.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4EfwVGPVRU/VQG22tDpu_I/AAAAAAAAH6E/88PzXhk-sIk/s1600/mrs2be.png" height="134" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quick one before I'm heading away for a <i>much needed</i> break...<br />
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Calling all brides and grooms! <b>Mrs2Be</b> wedding site are offering the chance to win a competition for a 2 night stay at Faithlegg House Hotel (gorgeous place, my neck of the woods!) including dinner for one of the nights. All you have to do is:<br />
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<ul>
<li>complete a survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mrs2besurveybiz" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li>mention on the questionnaire that I referred you too!</li>
</ul>
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Simples! This survey is completed each year and last year's results <a href="http://www.mrs2be.ie/wedding-business/irish-wedding-survey-2014/" target="_blank">are here</a> if you're interested.<br />
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Back next week with some more blog posts. Happy St. Patrick's day to you all for next week!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-72935389540390849622015-03-09T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-09T07:30:03.541+00:00Oskia London Renaissance Cleansing Gel - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHSjcemgvkg/VPycZK75QZI/AAAAAAAAH5U/BpW579sZZ0k/s1600/Oskia%2BCleansing%2BGel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHSjcemgvkg/VPycZK75QZI/AAAAAAAAH5U/BpW579sZZ0k/s1600/Oskia%2BCleansing%2BGel.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My name is Catherine and I'm a cleansing nut. Why? Because cleaning your skin properly is one of <i>the </i>best things you can do for your skin. To clean your face properly, all you need is a face cloth and a decent cleanser. Cleansers come in every texture you can think of so go with whichever one you like the best. My favourite textures for my dry skin are creams and balms, and for today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I'm reviewing a cleanser that was a new discovery for me late last year, </span><b>Oskia London Renaissance Cleansing Gel</b>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oskia describes this as a cleansing <i>gel</i> but in reality the cleanser is more like a light balm. There's a definite fragrance to it but it's by no means a powerful one (I find it quite relaxing) but it's something to keep in mind if you are particularly sensitive to smells; for me, the smell of Oskia products is one of my favourite skincare scents. And it comes closed with a pump - great as it means you can travel with it (not always easy with an oil or balm cleanser).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oskia suggests that this is massaged onto dry skin, emulsified with a small amount of water, then removed with warm water & a muslin/face/wash cloth. Standard enough stuff for oil/balm type cleansers then. I find this leaves me with fresh, clean, soft, glowing skin. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And unless you wear a ton of heavy coverage or waterproof makeup, this will also remove your makeup in one step (heavier makeup will require a double-cleanse, as with most cleansers).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This has fast become one of my favourite cleansers. Mind you, I've yet to come across an Oskia product I didn't like. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I bought this in SpaceNK on Grafton Street (Dublin) and unfortunately I cannot for the life of me find how much I paid for it, however I know that it costs £28 at both SpaceNK online and at OskiaSkincare.com. Standard enough price too. Definite recommend from me.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-36067074420399679342015-03-06T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-06T07:30:01.822+00:00Giorgio Armani Privé Pivoine Suzhou - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHzKLo0P7eU/VPiwHJvnvwI/AAAAAAAAH48/hNAeJVrQXtM/s1600/armani%2Bprive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHzKLo0P7eU/VPiwHJvnvwI/AAAAAAAAH48/hNAeJVrQXtM/s1600/armani%2Bprive.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've been near Brown Thomas lately, then you won't have avoided getting a whiff of this gorgeousness before you've even reached the Beauty Hall; <b>Giorgio Armani Privé</b>'s latest EdT. Called </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Pivoine Suzhou</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (yes, I haven't the faintest idea how to pronounce it either), this is the latest addition to “Les Eaux” collection and supposedly the first Armani Privé fragrance to be inspired by the gardens of Asia.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The name comes from the UNESCO World Heritage site of </span>Suzhou, a <span style="font-family: inherit;">city of canals and bridges, fed by the Yangtze River, where pagodas can be glimpsed above the walls of ancient 6th-century gardens. </span>Fun factoid: <span style="font-family: inherit;">Marco Polo described Suzhou as the “Venice of the East”.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This stuff (re-insert unpronouncable name here: Pivoine Suzhou) is also all about the peony. Flower-loving perfume people will adore this. <i>Adore </i>it. For those people who sit a bit more to the masculine type fragrances, or zestier zingier ones, this may not suit. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rose </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">essence joins the peonies to make this an extremely floral, </span>ultra-feminine scent. <span style="font-family: inherit;">That said, there are also </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">notes of tangerine, pink pepper and raspberry which break up what would otherwise be slightly too floral and sweet for my nose. The base base notes of musk and patchouli are also quite evident. It's definitely one of those perfumes where you can smell almost every single aspect</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> of it - individually, and together; a very "together" blend in my opinion - am loving it. Although I've just been using up some samples, this stuff will be soon joining my other Les Eaux fragrance, a far more masculine but equally yummy <b>Vétiver Babylone</b> (</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">bergamot, citrus, mandarin, cardamom, coriander and pink pepper, patchouli, vetiver).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Armani Privé fragrances don't come cheap - you'll usually find them </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span lang="FR"><span style="font-family: inherit;">exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin & Cork for around €120, but it's for 100ml, and if the Vétiver Babylone or Pivoine Suzhou are anything to go by, should last you ages; the formula results in quite a lingering fragrance, so you won't need to be adding to this over the day - in fact, I love how these wear into your skin and really become something else as the day goes by. Yum, yum, yum.</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-19785646668710174082015-03-04T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-04T07:30:00.060+00:00Crème de la Mer The Treatment Lotion - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G0DvJt0tn0/VPYvVXYZsUI/AAAAAAAAH4k/vTM3bt8SHaw/s1600/cdlm%2Bthe%2Btreatment%2Blotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G0DvJt0tn0/VPYvVXYZsUI/AAAAAAAAH4k/vTM3bt8SHaw/s1600/cdlm%2Bthe%2Btreatment%2Blotion.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;">Oh look, I know I'm a CDLM junkie, but seriously, this is the first thing since my Chanel Trio, which in turn was the first thing since my very first introduction to (Crème de) La Mer, all those year ago, that really made a huge, noticeable, tangible difference to my skin.</span><div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;">The (relatively) new Crème de la Mer <b>Treatment Lotion</b> is one of those rare things in skincare; it does what it says. Ok, you can ignore the bumpf on the CDLM site about it being a "miraculous source of vitality" or that it's like "liquid energy". How and ever, a drop-and-a-bit of this each day really helps.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><a name='more'></a>How so? First off, it smells gorgeous, waking my skin up gently, and preparing it for the serum and moisturiser to come after - however it does it, I'm using very slightly less of those products after application of this lotion, and I'm finding that either this product, or a combination of this product and the products after it, are doing better things for my skin than before; at a time when I really <i>need </i>CDLM, when the central heating and the cold weather are making my skin sore, stretched and dessicated, this stuff is making my tired and battered skin glow, and look and feel healthier.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;">To use it, you're supposed to just apply with fingertips - that's what I do - a drop-and-a-half will do nicely. You can alternatively "saturate a cotton pad and press into skin", if you feel like <i>wasting </i>the stuff. After that, follow up with your usual skincare regime. For me, at this time of year, that's The Brightening Essence, followed by a serum (I'm using up a few at the moment), then The (CDLM) Moisturiser, night and day, and it's working just fine. Fast forward a couple of months to see if I still need this stuff or not (I usually switch over to the Chanel Trio come summer time, when my skin is more oily)... I'll have to report back. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">It's ok to use under any of your CDLM products - I use it under my masks as well to help draw the mask into the skin better. And I know there are pedants out there who will argue that this can't be happening, but I'm telling you, personal empirical evidence suggests otherwise.</span></div>
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This stuff has replaced the previous (now discontinued) Radiant and Hydrating Infusions; I was <i>demented </i>when I found out these were going, but honestly this stuff beats them both, hands down. It's somehow silkier, lighter, less sticky than the Infusions. While I had been going to see if I could get my paws on the Radiant Infusion (while I still could) on counter, I decided to get this after using a sample size of it instead. Way better. Way, way better. <span style="line-height: 20px;">On its own, it doesn't give you plumper, less lined, healthier, more glowing skin. But combined, it demonstrably increases the efficacy of the products used after it.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;">Cost is around the €115 mark for a 150ml bottle (around €98 at the airport); I <i>know </i>this is expensive, but I'm going on using it for three months now and I've used approx 1mm down from the top. While this might hardly be a terribly scientific way of measuring it, that's basically feck-all. I anticipate this bottle lasting me a <i>long </i>time. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">I've had a couple of CDLM facials recently (incidentally, they're usually run at your CDLM counter the last week of the month and cost between €60 - €70, redeemable against purchase, for a mini 30-minute facial) and the beauticians have all said the same thing: that this is the biggest seller of all their products in years; I can see why.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-14336332904509639032015-03-02T07:30:00.000+00:002015-03-02T07:30:03.568+00:00Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>MontyC</b> here and I've got a right little gem for you this week here on Planet Make Up For Dolls! Take a look at this - it's the <b>Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil</b>, the newest addition to the Instant Light range (I'm never without the <i>amazing</i> Instant Light Lip Perfector) and what a fantastic addition it is too. This was released as part of the <b>Garden Escape</b> (Spring 2015) <b>Collection</b> from Clarins a couple of months ago.<br />
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This has to be one of <i>the nicest </i>lip products I've ever used. Ever. Even though it's an oil, it's not sticky at all - I was expecting a throwback to the oily gloopy lipglosses of the '80s, for some reason, but it's not that at all. Application is by the <i>most comfortable</i> applicator ever invented.<br />
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This oil not only feels beautifully soft on the lips but is also very nourishing and sinks in nicely. It can be worn by itself or under lipstick. It comes in two colours - this and a gorgeous raspberry pink. It looks rather orange in the bottle but don't let that put you off, the colour doesn't transfer to the lips, they're just left looking glossy and healthy. <br />
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My "usual" favourite lip balm is a seriously spendy one, and I keep it for "special" occasions ;-). This on the other hand is €19 for 7ml, which is worth every penny, as a little of this goes a very long way. This is my new Winter-into-Spring lip saviour. Loving it...<br />
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Until next Monday,<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/@montyc" target="_blank">MontyC</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-68102043274539497482015-02-27T07:30:00.000+00:002015-02-27T07:30:03.151+00:00Me 'n my Clarisonic Mia2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3kIt3-6oMw/VO-PU18TqNI/AAAAAAAAH2s/IEyoBBwv1JI/s1600/emer%2Bbanner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3kIt3-6oMw/VO-PU18TqNI/AAAAAAAAH2s/IEyoBBwv1JI/s1600/emer%2Bbanner.jpeg" height="128" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello everybody, and a very belated Happy New Year to you all! <span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">(With apologies from The Ed; I'm only after now getting around to posting this!</span>) I've been meaning to write a review of my </span><b>Clarisonic Mia</b> <span style="font-family: inherit;">for quite a while now. I had heard a few rave reviews from others about how amazing this wonderful little gadget </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">is, and I was intrigued by the term "facial sonic cleansing", and I wanted one. Knowing it was a bit on the pricier side than I'm usually happy about spending on my face, I was deterred, but one day when shopping in Debenhams with my husband I came across a lovely boxed set at the Lancôme counter which included the Clarisonic Mia2, a pLink charger, a travel case, a sensitive brush head, a small tube of Clarisonic cleansing gel <i>and </i>a full sized tube of Lancôme Gel Éclat (which I've reviewed already <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/11/LancomeGelEclat.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">over here</a>), all for a bargain-busting €149... sure why not so (Mr. ArtyMama insisted, sure he's great so he is).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to describe this as a beautifully designed compact little device (which it is), although it can also look suspiciously like an intimate massager when charging beside my bedside locker (sorry, practically everything in this paragraph will have a double meaning for you now). It is waterproof so I use it in the shower every morning, though it is safe and gentle enough to use twice a day apparently. There are different brush heads that you can buy to fit the handle but the sensitive head is the one that is recommended for most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two speed settings, normal and low, but I always opt for normal. Using it is beyond simple; you squeeze a tiny pea-sized amount of your favourite foaming cleanser onto the damp brush head, turn it on and hold the brush head flush against your skin (pressing it in will reduce the effectiveness as it impedes the motion of the bristles) while moving it around in small circular motions. The Mia2 is set with a one minute timer for a thorough cleanse, and to ensure each area gets the right amount of time it will pulse momentarily to indicate that it's time to move on to the next area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I probably recommend (as did I) that you start out on your forehead for twenty seconds, then twenty seconds on your nose and chin, finish off with ten seconds on each cheek and simply rinse your face when the cycle has finished. Afterwards my skin feels <em>utterly </em>cleansed, soft, smooth, massaged and recharged. My skin absorbs serums/moisturisers I use afterwards far better too. Obviously a device like this should never be used on your delicate eye area and eye makeup should always be removed first. It purports that it cleanses six times better than manual cleaning and I believe it - if I'm ever staying away from home, washing my face the regular way never gets my face feeling quite as sqeeeeaky clean. I might have to start carrying it with me <img alt="😉" class="CToWUd" goomoji="1f609" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f609" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /> (and it's so discreet it would easily fit in my huge bag, just perhaps finding it afterwards would be the problem). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The sonic cleansing system resonates at a frequency of three hundred movements per second which, according to my calculations, is pretty goddamn fast. This works right into the pores and claims to improve your skin's elasticity as it massages. Yes, there's no doubt that it's expensive, €149 for a face cleansing device is nothing to be sniffed at, and then there's an additional €26 per replacement head after that every (recommended) three months to take into account too (I've been using mine for about four months and it still seems to be in perfect nick). There are different heads depending on your requirements, such as Delicate, Deep Pore, Normal or Body, all €26 each.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Price aside, I love it. I could now never go back to the way it was before, manually cleaning my face like a mere mortal! My skin feels fantastic after using it and that to me is worth it. There are cheaper versions out there, I've seen similar devices on various special deals websites for €25 or so and to be honest, having not heard anything about them, I have no idea how they stand up to the Clarisonic. I would be very interested to hear about any of your experiences in the comments section. I would highly recommend this though. It's like I've restored my skin back to its factory settings!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the <a href="http://www.clarisonic.com/shop-our-products/clarisonic-mia-2-CL12.html" target="_blank">Clarisonic website</a> for further information and video tutorials if you want more info.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it from me for now! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, forget the spit-in-a-hankie routine - it's all about sonic cleansing these days!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emer (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theartymama" target="_blank">theartymama</a>) x</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-15435585555423588032015-02-25T07:30:00.000+00:002015-02-25T07:30:03.427+00:00YSL Beauty, Google Glasses & Brown Thomas Dublin - weird but interesting collaboration!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFyAZvz0kgQ/VOzjL5LyWhI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/AGRr4Ox5VMU/s1600/ysl%2Band%2Bgoogle%2Bglass%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFyAZvz0kgQ/VOzjL5LyWhI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/AGRr4Ox5VMU/s1600/ysl%2Band%2Bgoogle%2Bglass%2B1.jpg" /></a></b><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz4plT9KBmI/VOzi-XTQYBI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/CcEZDOTPI1o/s1600/YSL%2Band%2BGoogle%2BGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz4plT9KBmI/VOzi-XTQYBI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/CcEZDOTPI1o/s1600/YSL%2Band%2BGoogle%2BGlass.jpg" /></a></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now here's something verrrrrry cool which appeals to both the Makeup Nut and the Geek in me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the Google Glass project has, as far as I'm aware, been cancelled, there are still prototypes lying around and this is a particularly clever collaboration between </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Yves Saint Laurent Beauté</b> and <b>Google Glass</b> - a "bespoke makeup
tutorial experience", available exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin as part of their Spring Beauty Event this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This "complete retail experience" aims to capture makeup </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">application through
the eyes of the professional (so presumably the MUA wears the Google Glasses), allowing the person having their makeup done to benefit from the perspective of the makeup artist later on - footage of the makeover is recorded, along with a before-and-after shot, advice and the step-by-step tutorial of the personalised makeup experience. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This highly customised video footage is later emailed to the customer, along with their tutorial footage, and (even more clever) the list of suggested (YSL Beauté, natch!) products used with direct links to buy (presumably from the Brown Thomas website).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a genuinely clever example of a clever use of a technology for which there really weren't any hard requirements, it really was a "solution without a problem" to-date, technology for its own sake really. I'm liking this. I am going to book in. It's from 11th March I believe and in BT Dublin only to my knowledge. Fred Letailleur (YSL's North European makeup brand ambassador is on-counter on 10th March for a series of masterclasses and 11th March for the Irish unveiling of </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 35.4pt;">Google Glasses for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Appointments will cost €35, but they're redeemable against purchase on the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am intrigued!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-75842843766897454252015-02-23T07:30:00.000+00:002015-02-23T07:30:01.546+00:00Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And... we're back!<br />
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MontyC returning here after MUFD took a little break... although things are not "normal" right now, they're a bit more <i>stable,</i> at least! So - back to some blogging, finally, thank goodness!<br />
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Today I'm looking at the wonderful French brand Caudalie, and from them a skin oil... a definite recommend, especially if your skin is parched at this time of the year, running from cold weather into central heating all of the time, and rapidly becoming one of my favourite products ever...<br />
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The French skincare brand <b>Caudalie</b> has always been on my radar but for whatever reason, I'd never got around to trying anything by them. What made me sit up, take notice and rectify this situation quick sharp was when my Editor/Commander-in-Chief/All Round Good Egg Siobhán (MakeupForDolls herself) sent me a sample of the <b>Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum</b> for me to try out (read her <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/05/CaudalieVinosourceSOSThirstSerum.html" target="_blank">review of it here</a>). She absolutely <i>loves</i> the stuff and I can see why. It's brilliant. It works. Fact (which is why I now have a full size bottle of it). Another product in the same (Vinosource) range, is this, their <b>Overnight Recovery Oil</b>. Regular readers of mine (I'm MontyC, I know, I know, it's been a while!) on Planet MUFD will know that I'm a face oil devotee so in the interest of research and my face, I picked up a bottle of it :-)<br />
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So what it is and what is it supposed to do? Caudalie describe this oil a "unique blend of six active and 100% natural oils which melts into skin to nourish the epidermis deep down, repair the skin barrier and soothe sensitive skin. Upon awakening the skin is smooth, restored and more resilient". And it really does all of the above. With bells on. This gorgeous oil is aimed squarely at those of us with dry to very dry skin (combination and oily peeps there are lots of other oils out there for you, this one ain't for you). It has soothed and nourished my skin to the max. It can be applied directly onto clean dry skin or after your serum, whichever you prefer (personally I apply face oils after my serum, especially in the winter). This is a rich yet soft-feeling dry oil, which melts deliciously into your skin, and if you're anything like me, you will wake up the following morning with lovely, soft, glowy skin.<br />
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With ingredients mainly comprising lots of natural (and mainly organic) oils - like grape seed oil, jojoba seed oil, sesame seed oil, sunflower seed oil, rose damascena flower oil, rosemary leaf, geranium, it's aromatherapy-in-a-bottle too - scent-wise, the fragrance is predominately one of a clean, warm rose scent but it's not an overpowering one and does wear down quickly (to be expected given the rose and geranium contents).<br />
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Caudalie recommend that you apply six drops in the evening, either alone or before your moisturiser, avoiding the eye area (as you'd expect - oils, they don't go there!). What I like to do is warm anywhere between four and eight drops (depending on how much I feel I need on a particular night) between my finger tips and then pat and massage the oil into my face and down onto my neck. And then release a happy sigh :-) If you feel you need (or just fancy) a moisturiser afterwards, fire ahead but there may not be any need if you feel the oil is more than enough (depending on how dry and/or knackered your skin is). Definitely a night-time treatment though, not one for the day I feel.<br />
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I bought mine at Arnotts in Dublin and paid €33 for 30ml. Although 30ml doesn't sound like a lot of product, believe me, I've been whacking on this oil very enthusiastically for weeks now and I've hardly made a dent in the bottle. I think this oil is good enough to go toe to toe with the best of them. If you've been drooling over the Sisley Black Rose oil (read my review of <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/12/SisleyBlackRosePreciousFaceOil.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">that product here</a>) but perhaps it's either out of your budget or it's a lot more than you're comfortable paying for skincare, check out this one instead - it's just as beautiful, just as effective, and (like the SOS serum), unbelievably fantastic value for money.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-30010203887499034022015-01-12T07:30:00.000+00:002015-01-12T21:03:06.413+00:00Current State Of The Nation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bp-FAWsuRXM/VLQycXSruwI/AAAAAAAAH0I/CJ_BaboT2kE/s1600/Boxes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bp-FAWsuRXM/VLQycXSruwI/AAAAAAAAH0I/CJ_BaboT2kE/s1600/Boxes.jpeg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">millions of boxes.. boxes for me...</td></tr>
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I am from a broken home.<br />
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No, that's not right. My home is broken. Nope. My hope is broken. Nope, not that either. So why the long silence? Bless me father, it has been one month since my last blog post...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For the purposes of this post, please do assume that you're going to come across some swear words. And feel free to read "stuff" as "schtuffff", as I have been pronouncing it in my head the entire way through.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>The seemingly never-ending saga goes like this: plans are afoot to move. Plans were afoot for Many Years as although current Dream Home is All You Ever Wished For, your wishes sure as sh*t didn't involve The Neighbours From Hell.<br />
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So, as soon as you're remotely In The Position to move, you instigate proceedings. You burn shoe-leather and lots of diesel looking for your New And Improved Dream Home (<span style="font-size: x-small;">somewhere in a galaxy far far away from where you really want to buy but can never afford</span>). You find <i>The One</i>. You negotiate. You go Sale Agreed. You have all the boxes ticked, but are just waiting for the tiny little last piece of the puzzle: that holy grail called the Mortgage Offer Letter from your financial institution of choice (heretofore called Crowd Of W*nkers). Instead, you're frazzled with fulfilling the never-ending river-deep, mountain high, volume of paperwork that Crowd of W*nkers wants. And although CoW promised enough cash to kick-start funding your own private space station, you surprisingly discover, when it comes to putting their money literally where their mouth is, they'll offer you an insultingly smaller amount. Three Figure Percentages Less. If that's possible, in a Parallel Maths Dimension. And your New And Improved Dream House, the one you could more than afford, more than twice over, from a mortgage or a repayment perspective, is now No Longer On The Cards. Despite the fact that you've never missed a mortgage payment, and have been in positive cashflow throughout the recession, haven't reneged on a tax payment, ever, and even though stressing the mortgage repayments causes no hassles - just because you're self-employed and you don't tick a box. <<span style="font-size: x-small;">Insert appropriate sound of Extreme Annoyance of choice</span>><br />
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In parallel, because CoW swears <i>blind</i> to you that it's All In The Bag, you have Nothing To Worry About, you've moved out of the Abode Formally Known As Dream Home and now more varyingly called, That Place Where We Used To Live (<span style="font-size: x-small;">while throwing salt over left shoulder and blessing oneself rapidly</span>), or The Pension Plan (<span style="font-size: x-small;">with fingers and eyes crossed breath hitched</span>).<br />
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The actual move itself involves multiple stages, as anyone who has "moved home" as opposed to "moved apartment at end of tenancy" knows. Not that the latter isn't painful as arse enough. Moving isn't fun. Especially if you have an attic. People, for the love of Your God of Choice, never, ever get an attic. Just throw the damn stuff out if you're no longer using it.<br />
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Stage One involves buying boxes. A lot of boxes. Far from buying Moving Boxes we were all reared in this country. Get your ass off down to the local supermarkets and grab all of the boxes you can carry from behind the tills. Lather rinse repeat. Now, thanks to the modern wonder that is Recycling, that option is no more, and the only way to effect a move of "stuff" is to buy boxes. Explain to me please, someone, how introducing more boxes into the world is environmentally friendly. Please. Am still scratching my head.<br />
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So then comes the Filling Of The Boxes. Of course, this has to be done in such a way as to <i>categorically guarantee</i>, because it's being done piecemeal, in between a middle of very stressful and time-consuming Other Things, and in keeping with When You Can Take a Day Off To Rent A Van (<span style="font-size: x-small;">and you're buggered if you're going to pay the two days' rental on it</span>), that you'll never, ever, be able to figure where everything is. Definitely, whatever you do, don't buy a big marker and write even a vague guideline as to the contents on any of the sides of the <i>identical</i> boxes. Nope. Leave 'em all pristinely and wonderfully blank, so you can have All The Craic In The World later trying to find various and specific bits of "stuff". "Stuff" that was randomly put into The Nearest Empty or Nearly Empty Box in the first instance. It doesn't matter, says you, this is only for a few weeks sure.<br />
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All of these Activities Involving Boxes is going on in parallel with the Rest Of the Housey Stuff, which you figure is low risk for not completing at the same time as your planned Big Move Out, as you've been guaranteed, sure, by CoW. Guaranteed. And you're a brilliant project manager so you are. You eat risk like this for breakfast. So you beg, borrow, and steal space, before Christmas (when people for some reason like to have their space, well, spacey), to store the aforementioned "stuff". Because The Buying Of The Boxes burned through the budget you had set aside for the Storage of The Boxes. Promising them all (<span style="font-size: x-small;">the people, not the boxes, although I did start talking to them once when I was really tired (the boxes, not the people</span>) faithfully that it'll only be a few weeks, and then you'll have them over to yours for Christmas Drinks to say thanks for the free "stuff" space (<span style="font-size: x-small;">and to show off New Dream Home</span>). Because that's what you were being promised by CoW after all.<br />
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And then CoW drops the clanger, and you suddenly realise that you're actually, genuinely homeless. And there but for the grace of so many kind people (all sarcasm and sardonic intent set aside), you and the "stuff" would have Nowhere To Go. Instead, you are in the process of finding The Next New And Improved Ah-Sure-It'll-do Who-Needs-To-Dream-Anyhow House. Just so you can move in, and move the "stuff" in, sometime before you drive everyone demented, and they you.<br />
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Yes, I am moving house, and just over Christmas, the sale fell through - I am living out of boxes and bags and B&Bs and hotels and the genuine kindnesses of friends and family, and thank goodness we have a (previously considered by several smirky disdainful people we know) Stupidly Large Car, as it functions as our current Dream Home. A drive-along-with-us wardrobe and transportation device all-in-one. The glove compartment is our stationery cupboard with stamps and pens and envelopes (<span style="font-size: x-small;">mental note: have run out of envelopes - and I'm not beyond putting a post-it on the glove to this effect</span>). Behind the passenger's seat, you'll find a box featuring hand-washing powder, Keep It Whites (<span style="font-size: x-small;">so we can do one wash with colours and whites all together, when we land somewhere long enough to borrow a washing machine</span>) and industrial sized shampoo and conditioner (<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've given up with the small pretty ones that fit into my occasional/weekend toiletries case - this is going on for longer than one effing weekend</span>). Behind the driver's seat is the box of picnic cutlery, plates, etc (<span style="font-size: x-small;">aka our dinner service</span>). The back seat holds some throws and pillow cases in case we're really unlucky (<span style="font-size: x-small;">thankfully not yet!</span>) The boot holds the stupidly heavy suitcase with This Weeks' Clothes, toiletries, electrics and whatnot. It's genuinely, awesomely amazing, how little you can get by with (<span style="font-size: x-small;">or without!</span>) for months now at a go. It is actually an exercise in wondering What The Hell is In All Those Damn "stuff" Boxes Anyhow.<br />
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On the other hand, on the downside, "things" are going missing between places. Mails (<span style="font-size: x-small;">of the snail variety</span>). Everything is falling behind - emails, blogs, bills, you name it. Because of the necessity to Live More Simply And With Significantly Less "stuff", I just am not trucking makeup and skincare with me to trial; only the hardcore tried-and-tested stuff travels with me. So that leaves me with potentially only previews to post, and it's hard to find time to do that, with my current here-one-night-there-another lifestyle. I'm not whinging, actually. Truth be told, I'm half-loving the freedom of this venture. I know I can't do it forever, I will eventually go insane. I have started the process of The Next Dream Place already so fingers crossed it'll all work out and I'll be back with some regular posts, but it's going to take a few months more, given standard conveyancing durations in Ireland.<br />
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Anyhow - this is probably all TMI, but I wanted to update regular readers and those lovely PR reps with whom I've worked long and hard to build up relationships: I will try to get back into blog posts as soon as I can but continue to bear with me. And although Thanksgiving has come and gone, I wanted to give thanks - to all those lovely people putting us up, and putting up with us, and to tell you - sorry, but you'll have to bear the annoyances for another couple of months yet :-)<br />
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Bear with me, bear with me, bear with me. I have been blogging for a few years now and I'd hate to think that because I'm "geographically displaced" for a while, that all my work goes down the tubes... Catherine (MontyC) and Emer (TheArtyMama) will continue. I'll post if/where I can. That's it for now... Oh and Happy New Year to all...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-53225618464110778712014-12-12T07:30:00.000+00:002014-12-12T07:30:01.185+00:00Malin+Goetz cleanser, moisturiser, lip balm - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJBBpUYB5rk/VISxBUn48jI/AAAAAAAAHy4/QMJI41A2wJU/s1600/emer%2Bbanner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJBBpUYB5rk/VISxBUn48jI/AAAAAAAAHy4/QMJI41A2wJU/s1600/emer%2Bbanner.jpeg" height="128" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was thrilled when I saw this set of three products from <b>Malin+Goetz</b> coming free with a magazine during the summer because, you know, they’re fancy. And I’m <i>soooo</i> fancy:-) It’s only recently though that I got around to using them. After the jump for the low-down...</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Grapefruit Face Cleanser</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Malin+Goetz say that this cleanser "helps prevent blemishes as well as providing hydration with its combination of a naturally anti-bacterial grapefruit extract, and amino-acid based cleaning agents". This smells divine and citrusy, like grapefruit funnily enough! The cleanser is a clear glossy gel that lathers nicely and is quite effective at removing a normal amount of makeup. I found it quite heavy and sticky though (I think "gloopy" is the technical term) and really difficult to rinse off completely, and after spending ages removing it, still felt like I was left with a residue on my skin. I tried it a few times just to be sure to be sure, but each attempt bore the same results. In addition, it </span>broke my skin out like no one’s business. This has never happened to me so intensely from using a product. I haven't had skin this bad since my teens. It's practically a bag-over-my-head situation. To be honest I’m quite upset about it, s<span style="font-family: inherit;">o it's a strong no-no from me personally but you can </span><a href="http://www.malinandgoetz.eu/malin-goetz-grapefruit-face-cleanser-236ml.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">check it out here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> if you're interested. This retails at €32 for 8oz.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Vitamin E Face Moisturiser</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PTf525Pl2g/VIS3WX_0kdI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/VzL1ZbeqSoY/s1600/Malin%2BGoetz%2Bvitamin%2Be%2Bface%2Bmoisuriser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PTf525Pl2g/VIS3WX_0kdI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/VzL1ZbeqSoY/s1600/Malin%2BGoetz%2Bvitamin%2Be%2Bface%2Bmoisuriser.jpg" height="400" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Malin+Goetz say that this oil-free super-absorbent moisturiser is "hydrating, pH balancing, doesn't leave a residue and is suitable for all skin types" (why would a moisturiser leave a residue? I'm scratching my head...) They <i>then </i>go on to say to avoid oily areas (for my skin, a big Grrrrrr). So I used this and avoided my t-zone, which meant I was only moisturising my cheeks and neck, which felt a bit ridiculous. I used only a tiny amount as it states that over-moisturising is not recommended but, just like the cleanser, I found this to be thick and heavy on my face, and I'm not sure I agree with their comments about "no residue". Another no-no. Check it out <a href="http://www.malinandgoetz.eu/face/face-moisturizer/malin-goetz-vitamin-e-face-moisturizer-118ml.html" target="_blank">here</a>. You can buy 4oz of this for €46.00 or 8.5oz for €84... I can hear the collective shrieks as I type.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lip Moisturiser</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjgbmtWeoas/VIS6GmR0y_I/AAAAAAAAHzc/AfmMRL1aRRk/s1600/Malin%2BGoetz%2Blip%2Bmoisturiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjgbmtWeoas/VIS6GmR0y_I/AAAAAAAAHzc/AfmMRL1aRRk/s1600/Malin%2BGoetz%2Blip%2Bmoisturiser.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The happy ending to this tale of woes! Short story, this stuff works, really well. My lips tend to become very dehydrated during the winter and my pre-schooler is even worse. The poor little mite gets really sore cracked lips (we are all trying to work on drinking more water) but this treatment replenishes moisture quickly. I don’t like the heavy sticky texture (more gloopiness) but in fairness, considering it restores dry irritated lips to their former soft and smooth glory, I’m willing to overlook it. It's similar enough in texture to the Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex but this just blows it out of the water. You can pick up a .35oz tube for €12 (or a gorgeous jar of the tubes for €775, just sayin’) and you can have a peek at it </span><a href="http://www.malinandgoetz.eu/catalog/product/view/id/61/s/malin-goetz-lip-moisturizer-10g/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. This seems to work at a deeper level than your usual lipbalms, and because I’m eager for myself and my little ones to have healthy and comfortable lips this winter, I’d be willing to shell out (for a tube that is, although the jar is beautiful).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So this set was a mixed bag for me, mostly bad unfortunately, and I’m left feeling a little sorry for myself with these nasty red spots that are plaguing me at the moment. Obviously some people swear by these products, but this particular trial didn't work well for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it for me for today. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, I’ll be the one dipped in concealer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emer (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theartymama" target="_blank">TheArtyMama</a>) x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">... and anybody looking for handmade gifts can have a gander at my Facebook page <b>Poppy & Ivy Handmade Crafts</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/poppyivy" target="_blank">over here</a> (with apologies for the shameless self-publicity ;-) )</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-23713512950637677192014-12-08T07:30:00.000+00:002014-12-08T07:30:01.427+00:00Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgFCx9mAtzg/VISln8ulioI/AAAAAAAAHyc/zoKyJmHH5Gg/s1600/Sisley%2BFlower%2BGel%2BExpress%2BMask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgFCx9mAtzg/VISln8ulioI/AAAAAAAAHyc/zoKyJmHH5Gg/s1600/Sisley%2BFlower%2BGel%2BExpress%2BMask.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I'm revisiting my current favourite brand (<b>Sisley</b>) and talking face masks, and one in particular, their </span><b>Express Flower Gel mask</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Masks are a quick, easy and faff-free way of giving your skin a much needed boost of <<insert whatever you feel it needs>>. For me that will always be hydration and glow (love me a bitta glow). If you don't know by now, my skin is normal to dry and sensitive (and like most people's skin, it's drier throughout the winter months) and this recent discovery was an instant hit.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone who read my post last week, another Sisley purchase - their </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Rose Face Oil (review on that <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/12/SisleyBlackRosePreciousFaceOil.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>), the sales assistant asked if I had ever tried this mask out. And on hearing that I hadn't, promptly handed over several samples for me to try. Like most masks, it's pretty straightforward; slap it onto a clean face, give it three-to-five minutes, then remove any excess.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbMq3Ca0LHo/VISo6PUDg0I/AAAAAAAAHyo/x9FeKVn0OPw/s1600/Sisley%2BFlower%2BGel%2BExpress%2BMask%2Bswatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbMq3Ca0LHo/VISo6PUDg0I/AAAAAAAAHyo/x9FeKVn0OPw/s1600/Sisley%2BFlower%2BGel%2BExpress%2BMask%2Bswatch.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you can see from the swatch, the texture of this mask is one of a light gel and it feels light and cool on your skin. A little goes a <i>very </i>long way (you can slather it on if you feel like it but there's no real benefit to this). It really <i>works; </i>in those three-to-five minutes your skin will feel fresh as a daisy and look bright as a button. This product can be used day or night, it doesn't matter, the ingredients work night or day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sisley recommend using this two to three times a week. Like most face masks. Unless your skin is in dire need of divine intervention, you'll really only need to use this particular mask "every so often"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It's not cheap, I should point this out - </span>€95 for 60ml. I've had enough samples to work with for a couple of weeks, but I probably won't purchase - despite the fact that I do highly recommend this one, I'm fortunate enough to have heaving cupboards full of samples I'll be trying out for quite some time to come. What I do particularly like about it is the lovely cooling feeling it has while it's doing its business (brightening and freshening), but in general I prefer a more moisturising and plumping mask for my skin.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.sisley-paris.com/en-GB/" target="_blank">Look here</a> for more info.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-90002396327672586872014-12-01T07:30:00.000+00:002014-12-01T07:30:01.776+00:00Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil - review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwcZj3ENAsE/VHtW8XypdHI/AAAAAAAAHx8/6341-iFeQ7Y/s1600/Sisley%2BBlack%2BRose%2BFace%2BOil%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwcZj3ENAsE/VHtW8XypdHI/AAAAAAAAHx8/6341-iFeQ7Y/s1600/Sisley%2BBlack%2BRose%2BFace%2BOil%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, a recent "in lieu of a winter coat" purchase (see below!) is this one, the <b>Sisley </b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Black Rose Precious Face Oil</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Let's get the price out of the way now upfront, because as most of ye will know, Sisley ain't cheap. It's €162 (for a mere 25ml). Make of that what you will, but before you do, hear me out...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, it's expensive and you don't get that much of it*. Let's cut to the chase - is it any good?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* (well, you never get that big of a sized oil-based product either though - so this is no different)...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">... Yes it is. This is <i>really </i>good. I would go so far as to say it's bloody <i>awesome</i>. This product is aimed squarely at those of us with dry and/or maturing skin. If you're a face oil fan however, and in neither of those two camps, I would still recommend you look at this. If you have really oily skin, you can <i>probably </i>skip this particular product.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sisley recommends between three to seven drops, morning and evening, either alone or as part of your skincare routine. What I have found is that around three to four drops is more than enough to do my entire face and neck, and honestly I think I could easily do most of my upper body with seven drops! To use, simply put the drops onto your fingers, rub your hands together briefly and then press them onto your face and neck, making sure the product is distributed everywhere (personally I also go behind my ears, where I can get dry patches) and I also go right down to the base of my neck / collarbone. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a dry oil so no messy greasiness here upon application, just nicely smooth silkiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My personal preference is to do this as part of my evening routine only. I want to get the maximum benefits from this product by having it on for maximum amount of time possible. I want to spare it - it's not cheap! And for me wearing oils in the day time isn't really a runner because I wear makeup to work every day and I have found from experience that it slides right off my face if I wear an oil underneath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The difference this oil has made to my skin, right from the first application is very noticeable. It's plumper, softer and the texture of my skin is probably the best it has ever been and it is down to using this oil. Even on it's own, with no other serums or moisturisers, it stands on its own two feet performance wise. Because it's a dry oil, it sinks into the skin almost immediately. Sisley call this "anti-ageing nutrition". While the phrase "anti-ageing" irks the hell out of me, I can wholeheartedly nod along with the "nutrition" bit - it's probably the best way to describe how my skin feels after I've applied this; nourished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients wise, it's packed with vitamin E, omega rich carmelina and plum oils, extract of patina pavonica (which stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid) as well as essential oils of rose, magnolia and geranium. It's not as heavily scented as I thought it might be, but it most definitely smells of roses - as you might expect from the name - so if you're not that keen on the smell of roses, move right along. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm a great believer in face oils and this is without doubt one of </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">the </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">best I've ever tried. If it isn't for you, rest assured there are great alternatives out there (try some of the Clarins face oils, much more affordable and what I've used and loved to-date). If you think you're still interested, <a href="http://www.sisley-paris.com/en-GB/black-rose-precious-face-oil-2.html" target="_blank">read more about it here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone who reads my posts knows by now that if I've said it once, I've said a thousand times :-) how and on what you choose to spend your hard-earned cash is nobody's business but your own! For all that, I am conscious of the fact that sometimes I recommend products that are expensive in anyone's language. It's one thing to recommend, say, a serum that's just over 20 quid (which is a lot for some people, I know that too) but quite another altogether when a serum will actually set you back the cost of top notch winter coat. With change. However these products do exist and therefore people will want to know if they're any good. What you will always get from me is an honest, tell-it-like-it-is review. Whether you then buy or not, is entirely up to you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next Monday,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://twitter.com/@montyc" target="_blank">MontyC</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-66278640936513612642014-11-28T07:30:00.000+00:002014-11-28T07:30:02.080+00:00Lancôme Gel Éclat Clarifying Cleanser - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Friday I'm in love with the <b>Lanc</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ô</b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>me Gel Éclat Clarifying Cleanser</b>. The is </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">the </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">best cleanser I've ever had the pleasure of using. I'm sitting here trying to think of adjectives worthy enough, let's just say I'm impressed.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHcxSNkLl1w/VHZK8jNDZKI/AAAAAAAAHxo/bpl3s4Rpjok/s1600/Lancome%2BGel%2BEclat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHcxSNkLl1w/VHZK8jNDZKI/AAAAAAAAHxo/bpl3s4Rpjok/s1600/Lancome%2BGel%2BEclat.jpg" height="320" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's start with the texture; it's a pearly white gel that transforms into a luxurious milky foam of tiny foam bubbles. Only an itty bitty pea size squidge is required, which you froth up in your hands before smoothing it in a circular motion on your face. It's so fine that it gets right into the pores of your skin to lift away impurities and excess oil. It is excellent at removing (a normal amount of) make up as well and my skin actually squeaks while using this in the shower, and rinses to reveal beautiful skin. There's a great comfort in knowing that your skin is as it should be - utterly cleansed, smooth and soft. No residue, no dry stripped feeling, just your skin in its happiest state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scent-wise, yes like most things Lanc</span>ô<span style="font-family: inherit;">me, it <i>is</i> quite fragranced but the smell is fresh and floral and I like it. It contains white lotus and rose and is packed with anti-oxidants. According to Le Blurb, it's suitable for normal and combination skin, however based on my own skin and experience, I would imagine that oilier folk would benefit from this, but I feel that it may be a bit too harsh on particularly dry skin. My own skin has been shifting back and forth somewhat lately (what with the days becoming a little more wintery and the heating being blasted to keep the childers warm), and this cleanser hasn't let me down yet, in fact my face loves it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's always a caveat. I just </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">wish </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">that it was suitable to use on the eye area, but holy jayzus, it </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">burnnnnns</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. A couple of times it has sneaked its way into an eye, only for aforementioned eye to flare up red and sore. Really red and sore. Ouch. I know that some people have used it to remove mascara and I honestly. don't. know. how. they. manage it. Even Lanc</span>ô<span style="font-family: inherit;">me themselves recommend that you rinse your eyes <i>immediately </i>should this stuff come into contact with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Price-wise, this is a little on the spendy side for me at €26 (for 125ml), but as I said, you really only use the tiniest bit of this at a time. I've had mine for months; I use it most days and there's still loads left. To be honest the price tag would have turned me off even considering it. However I gladly accepted this tube as a free gift with my Clarisonic (review to follow), score! Now it is my new go-to cleanser. I shall definitely be repurchasing, especially seeing how long it lasts. Sure when I think about it so, on a per usage base it's actually quite economical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To have a gander on the Lanc</span>ô<span style="font-family: inherit;">me website, <a href="http://www.lancome.co.uk/_en/_gb/skincare/cleansers/normal-to-combination-skin/gel-eclat-127052.aspx" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's enough cleanser raving from me for today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, show your skin a lotta love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emer (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/TheArtyMama" target="_blank">TheArtyMama</a>) x</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Ed> sneaky promo for Emer: she has started a new venture called <b>Poppy & Ivy Handmade Crafts</b>. Go across to her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poppy-Ivy-Handmade-Crafts/1531111933799933?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page here</a> if you're interested in taking a look, maybe even give her a Like while you're at it!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-32196293947652582582014-11-24T07:30:00.000+00:002014-11-24T07:30:00.613+00:00Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQmNchHjgac/VHI7xB8Yr1I/AAAAAAAAHwY/7m3VtFuV5TY/s1600/Charlotte%2BTilbury%2BMulti%2BMiracle%2BBalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQmNchHjgac/VHI7xB8Yr1I/AAAAAAAAHwY/7m3VtFuV5TY/s1600/Charlotte%2BTilbury%2BMulti%2BMiracle%2BBalm.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Mondays with MontyC</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, I'm revisiting the </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Charlotte Tilbury </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">range of products with a new pot of wonder I bought recently, her </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Multi-Miracle Glow </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">cream, which she describes as a "cleanser, mask and balm for baby soft skin".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I go any further can we talk about the size of this pot?! It's flipping <i>huge</i>. It takes up almost the entire palm of my hand!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So let's break it down into the three things it's supposed to be: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a <b>cleanser</b>... </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and a very lovely cleanser at that. I've used this as both a first and second cleanse (first to take off my makeup, second to clean my face). I found that it works well for both, particularly as a second cleanse or as my morning cleanser. It does remove a "normal" amount makeup, but I do find, on those days I wear a lot of makeup and/or fuller coverage, and/or waterproof mascara, I may need a thicker, heavier duty balm cleanser than this to remove it completely (Eve Lom or Emma Hardie to name my two favourite).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a <b>mask</b>... </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">this makes a beautiful mask! On clean skin, I just apply a thick layer of this, leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes, then wash it off with my facecloth. My skin feels really relaxed, comforted and soft (when she says baby soft, she really does mean it) when I use this. It can be left on overnight if you feel like it (great thing to do if you're having a hormonal/hungover/stressful/sick day) - in this case, I've applied a thinner layer earlier in the evening, and then every now and then, massaged-in any excess product. The following morning - hello divine, super (baby) soft skin! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a <b>balm</b>... I do find that a "little goes a long way" with this stuff, so I would advise that </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">if you're going to use it as a balm, just take a tiny amount, rub it in and then see if you need more. Sparingly is the trick; if you use too much (even though it feels light, it's quite rich) it remains a little tacky on your skin. </span>I've used it quite happily and successfully on my hands, the backs of my heels (which get super dry) and my elbows.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Texture-wise, this is a gel-like product that feels light to the touch and retains its gel-like texture regardless of how it's used (I think it would be great for facial massage) so there's plenty of slip when needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The one word that comes to mind again and again with this product is "comfort". Regardless of how I've used it, my skin felt really comforted, rested and relaxed. Because it's a multi-purpose product, it would be fantastic to travel with, mind you, given the size of the pot, you'll need to decant a little into a smaller pot first! Scent-wise, there's a reasonably strong enough fragrance to it but it's by no means overpowering and it definitely does fade. Mr. MontyC described it as "medicinal". I would say "medicinal with a hint of rose" :-). I really like it, but smells are a very personal thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reviews of this balm are few and far between and I'm not sure why; it's a gorgeous product and I love the fact that it can be used in so many different ways. I also think if you're new to world of balm cleansers and fancy trying one out, then you won't go wrong with this as your first port of call. </span>For reference this is a 100ml pot and costs €59. <span style="font-family: inherit;">My love affair with Madame Tilbury's range continues. Recommended.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-73866388262454750812014-11-17T07:30:00.000+00:002014-11-17T07:30:02.004+00:00Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Serum - First Impressions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I'm talking about <b>Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Serum</b>. I've been meaning to get my hands on this for I don't know how long now. What prodded my brain into action was Instagram; more to the point Sali Hughes' Instragram picture of this product, along with two other favourite products of mine (Chanel's Hydra Beauty Nutrition (moisturiser) and Clarins Blue Orchid (face oil)), all of which she had used that day. Sali (among others) have been talking this serum up for ages... and I'm happy to report that it really is all that... and now it's my turn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Given the weather has now turned decidedly wintery and most of us will be out in it and then inside in warm offices and than back out in it again (and generally just trying to get through our days without either getting soaked or frozen to the spot) our skin takes a right hammering over the winter months so it's important to give it all the help you can (regardless of what skin type you might have). We all need something extra at this time of the year. This is where a hard working serum comes in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So may I draw your attention (and your wallet) to this product! I picked mine up in Boots for... wait for it... €22.49! Given how much I've been known to spend on my skincare this is a total result for me price-wise. However, onward to the product itself. Is it any good? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you can see from the back-of-my-hand splodge, it's a pale white/almost clear gel. One pump does my face and neck comfortably. It spreads and blends into the skin incredibly easily. Once on the skin it feels cool and refreshing, a sensation I particularly like. This serum is aimed at dehydrated skin and while mine isn't as such, it still drinks this up like nobody's business. According to Vichy, this product is designed to "instantly infuse moisture throughout the layers of hate upper epidermis leaving the skin instantly hydrated, soothed and fortified". Well even though I've only used it a handful of times, I can definitely testify to its hydration and soothing properties. The fortification thing I might leave to my Friday night tipple ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dehydrated skin lacks moisture and you have any type of skin, from oily to dry and everything in between, and still have <i>dehydrated </i>skin. Even if you don't have dehydrated skin (like me) but still want something decent that gives you that extra layer of comfort and hydration and won't break the bank, this is it. This was love at first pump for me :-) And it's 23 quid! Mind=blown. Highly recommended. <a href="http://www.vichy.ie/Hydration/Dynamic-Hydration-Serum-AQUALIA-THERMAL/p13370.aspx" target="_blank">Look here</a> for more info.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-59456064609106997762014-11-14T07:30:00.000+00:002014-11-14T07:30:01.510+00:00Vichy Idealia Eyes - review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After reading <a href="http://blog.makeupfordolls.com/2014/09/VichyIdealiaEyesPreview.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Siobhán's preview</a> of <b>Vichy Idealia Eyes</b> I was eager to give it a go because (a) my eyes generally look I've been up partying or crying or both, (b) I find Vichy products to be reliable, and (c) refer to point (a)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First off, the packaging. The 15ml squeezy tube is pretty in pink with a light pearlescent sheen. The tube is fitted with a flat paddle-shaped silicone applicator, designed to gently spread the product over the delicate eye area. I was pretty excited about the applicator but to be honest after using it I feel it's more gimmicky than useful. I found that the dry silicone gripped my skin and dragged it along, until it was covered with the eye cream, at which point it glided as it should. This rough treatment of your delicate under-eye skin is obviously damaging so after the first few times using it, I did away with using the applicator at all and just smoothed it on with my ring finger as per normal. If you wanted, I guess that you could use your finger to manually spread the cream over the applicator first, but ummm, personally I wouldn't be bothered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cream itself is thick but feels nicely lightweight on the skin. It is pearly champagne in colour and fragrance free. As Siobhán outlined in her preview, the cream contains ingredients such as caffeine and Vitamin B3 to combat dark circles, shadows, puffiness and fine lines, and also illuminators and blurring agents to cosmetically give the appearance of fresher, brighter eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am really quite impressed with the results I've seen from using this cream. There is instantly a noticeable difference on first application, dark shadows seem to melt away and the complexion around the eyes appears more uniform. This is due of course to that pearly fleshy tint that reflects the light. I usually have quite dark shadows under my eyes, with red and purple patches, but since using this cream (almost every day for about a month), I have noticed that these discoloured patches have faded. They haven't disappeared of course but they have improved considerably - I believe I no longer trigger concern in people when I'm seen without makeup. Another <em>huge </em>plus for me is that if I put it on before bed I don't wake up with seriously puffy eyes, in fact puffiness has been greatly reduced. All eye creams, bar one that I have tried before, make my eyes swollen and uncomfortable if I put even the smallest amount on at night and then lie down to sleep. But no more! This is <i>major </i>cause for celebration for me, it's a big deal not to have weepy swollen eyes every morning - hurrah! I didn't find that my fine lines improved but I'm so happy with the brightening and de-puffing effects that I'll forgive it that. I hadn't really expected it to live up to <em>all </em>of its claims anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As is usual with Vichy products, this eye cream is fragrance and paraben free, hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin and concocted using Vichy thermal spa water. I for one <i>love </i>Idealia Eyes, and will absolutely repurchase. It retails at about €28 for 15ml and you can get any further information you require on the <a href="http://www.vichy.co.uk/anti-ageing/eyes-idealia/p13323.aspx" target="_blank">Vichy website here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it for me this Friday, hope everyone has a magical weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, realise that Idealia Eyes will idealise your eyes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emer (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theartymama" target="_blank">theartymama</a>) x</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-61973855848585950232014-11-10T07:30:00.000+00:002014-11-10T07:30:03.263+00:00Beauty Tag: Would You Rather...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's <b>Mondays with MontyC</b>, I spotted this great tag ("Would You Rather...") recently on the gorgeous blog <a href="http://luxelifeaspirations.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank"><b>Luxe Life Aspirations</b></a> by the super stylish (and fellow skincare obsessive) Michelle and I thought it would be fun to tackle these questions myself. I like beauty tags. I think they let you open up a bit more than a usual blog post. So here goes!</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eye liners, lipstick and glosses or lose all of your palettes and eye shadows? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd be reluctant to lose any of them but if I had to it would have to be my eye shadows and palettes. Could I imagine doing without mascara? Hell no!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Easy - chop it all off! I have thick wavy blonde hair (that is slowly turning paler, en route to grey I guess). I used to wear it quite long, but gradually over the years, I've been cutting it shorter and shorter until it has finally reached the style I have now (and love) which is actually super short! The idea of not being able to cut my hair would be a right pain!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather have a coral or pink blush? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pink blush please. It works for me every single time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>If you had a €1,000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A handbag is "clothes", right?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather only use one eye shadow or one lip colour for the rest of your life?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One eye shadow. You can completely update/transform your look with a different colour lipstick, in my opinion!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I'd go with dark nails. I keep my nails short enough and I think darker polish looks so good on a short nail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather only wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, I have super short hair (reference above) but if I didn't, then I think a messy bun. Back in the day when my hair was long, a messy bun was not only quick and easy to do (and still look somewhat stylish), it also kept my hair out of my way, whereas a ponytail kind of needs to be a bit more polished (therefore, time-consuming) (IMHO) to look well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Would you rather never paint your nails again or never use lip gloss again? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is particularly hard as I absolutely adore both lip gloss and nail polish. But I think I'd have to ditch the lip gloss! My nails look <i>so </i>much better when they're painted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<a href="http://twitter.com/@montyC" target="_blank">MontyC</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705798233635685296.post-11705176246422497062014-11-07T07:30:00.000+00:002014-11-07T07:30:01.732+00:00Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm - review<div dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;">
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Good morning Friday Friends, this week's post is a review of <b>Benefit</b>'s <b>The Porefessional Pro Balm</b> which is designed to reduce the appearance of (yup you've guessed it) pores...<br />
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It can be used on its own for smoother looking skin, or under/over makeup for a softer airbrushed finish. I have been using a sample tube which is only 7.5mls, but it seems to be lasting a long time. It took me a couple of goes to get to grips with how much I should be using; the first time I used <i>way </i>too much... fills in pores and fine lines you say? Grand, let me just grab my trusty trowel and fill in the gaps. This "Polyfilla" approach didn't work, but I guess you probably knew that!<br />
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The instructions advise dabbing a small amount on problem areas and blend-out towards the edges so by my, well, third attempt I took them at their word and literally used a tiny amount, which worked a treat. My pores certainly looked smoother, though didn't disappear. The balm is lightweight and skin-coloured - what's skin-coloured, really? - the important thing is that this complements all skin colours as it is translucent when applied. It contains a vitamin E derivative to give protection against free radicals, and also has some light reflecting ingredients in there too to give the illusion of brighter flawless skin. It has a very light and pleasant feminine scent, nothing weird or offensive.<br />
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I wouldn't label this as a primer per se, but more of a skin-texture-corrector-type-product. Despite claiming to hold makeup in place for longer I found the opposite to be true. At first my makeup seemed to glide on all nice and matte and my makeup blended well on top. When my skin began to do it's oily T-Zone thing (around lunchtime, regular as clockwork) however, Porefessional threw in the towel (figuratively) and fell to pieces (literally). My foundation looked patchy, caked, bunched and greasy, separated-out and downright skanky if I'm truly honest.<br />
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After some experimentation, I discovered that I preferred the effect of dabbing a little on top of my makeup to target specific areas. Although my skin did eventually become a little oily and the flawless effect didn't last very long, at least it didn't blitz my foundation, used thusly. I will happily use the end of my sample tube but at €34 for the full-sized tube (22ml), I won't be repurchasing. If it wasn't so expensive I would certainly use it for a quick-fix when needed but considering it wasn't the skin-like-a-baby's-butt-in-a-tube that I was looking for I find this to be <i>waaaay</i> over-priced.<br />
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Should you wish to peruse further details, product ingredients etc you can visit the <a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/the-porefessional" target="_blank">Benefit website here</a>.<br />
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That's it from me, I'm signing-off for another Friday! Until next time, I'm off to inspect my pores in a magnifying mirror.</div>
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Emer (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theartymama" target="_blank">theartymama</a>) x</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0