Sundari Spa (Killarney Plaza Hotel) - not your usual spa experience

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.

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 relatively-new Sundari Spa there.  My challenge will be not to gush too much actually!

Clarisonic Nautical Summer Collection - Promo & Giveaway!

Clarisonic Mia 2 in pink!  Just in time for summer!

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 Clarisonic Mia2 on the way, in time for the Summer as part of their Nautical Summer Collection, and it comes in two colours - help yourself either to a Faded Rose or a Sunwashed Peach version, and of course is every bit as fantastic as the "usual" Clarisonic Mia (as you can see from this post, the lovely ArtyMama raved about hers!)

Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream - review

For today's Monday with MontyC, 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 Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream as a gift, says I, bring it on...

MontyC's Winter Skincare Saviours

For today's Mondays with MontyC, 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!

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream - review

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 lot of cleansers.  Different types for different tricks, different moods.  One of my favourites is this one, the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream.  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.

Clarins Instant Concealer - review

For today's Mondays with MontyC, I'm talking about what has fast become my go-to favourite concealer, Clarins Instant Concealer.

Oskia London Renaissance Cleansing Gel - Review

My name is Catherine and I'm a cleansing nut.  Why?  Because cleaning your skin properly is one of the 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 Mondays with MontyC, I'm reviewing a cleanser that was a new discovery for me late last year, Oskia London Renaissance Cleansing Gel.

Crème de la Mer The Treatment Lotion - review

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.

The (relatively) new Crème de la Mer Treatment Lotion 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.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil - Review

MontyC 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 Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, the newest addition to the Instant Light range (I'm never without the amazing Instant Light Lip Perfector) and what a fantastic addition it is too.  This was released as part of the Garden Escape (Spring 2015) Collection from Clarins a couple of months ago.

Me 'n my Clarisonic Mia2

Hello everybody, and a very belated Happy New Year to you all!  (With apologies from The Ed;  I'm only after now getting around to posting this!)  I've been meaning to write a review of my Clarisonic Mia for quite a while now.  I had heard a few rave reviews from others about how amazing this wonderful little gadget 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 and a full sized tube of Lancôme Gel Éclat (which I've reviewed already over here), all for a bargain-busting €149... sure why not so (Mr. ArtyMama insisted, sure he's great so he is).

Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil - Review

And... we're back!

MontyC returning here after MUFD took a little break... although things are not "normal" right now, they're a bit more stable, at least!  So - back to some blogging, finally, thank goodness!

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...

Malin+Goetz cleanser, moisturiser, lip balm - review

I was thrilled when I saw this set of three products from Malin+Goetz coming free with a magazine during the summer because, you know, they’re fancy.  And I’m soooo fancy:-)  It’s only recently though that I got around to using them.  After the jump for the low-down...

Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask - review

For today's Mondays with MontyC, I'm revisiting my current favourite brand (Sisley) and talking face masks, and one in particular, their Express Flower Gel mask.  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.

Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil - review

For today's Mondays with MontyC, a recent "in lieu of a winter coat" purchase (see below!) is this one, the Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil.  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...

Lancôme Gel Éclat Clarifying Cleanser - review

This Friday I'm in love with the Lancôme Gel Éclat Clarifying Cleanser.  The is the 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.

Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow - review

For today's Mondays with MontyC, I'm revisiting the Charlotte Tilbury range of products with a new pot of wonder I bought recently, her Multi-Miracle Glow cream, which she describes as a "cleanser, mask and balm for baby soft skin".

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Serum - First Impressions

For today's Mondays with MontyC, I'm talking about Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Serum.  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.  

Vichy Idealia Eyes - review

After reading Siobhán's preview of Vichy Idealia Eyes 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)...

Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm - review

Good morning Friday Friends, this week's post is a review of Benefit's The Porefessional Pro Balm which is designed to reduce the appearance of (yup you've guessed it) pores...

MontyC's Monthly Favourites: October 2014

           MontyC's October Favourites           

October has been another mental busy month with work for me so the products mentioned here are combination of old faves and new discoveries. But believe me they all earn their keep and that's why I love 'em.  So here goes...