Brush Cleaning 101

Hello my petals!

Thought I would do a super quick, albeit boring post of our most prized tools - our make up brushes!! Regardless of brand or quality they are something that we reach for when we're blue to help give us that pep in our step, so it's high time we give them a little TLC in return! Make them squeaky clean!

This is something I do at least once a month for my 'powder' brushes and once every two weeks for my 'liquid brushes'. Why is cleaning our make up brushes so important? Well there's three huge reasons!
1) dirty brushes encourage the growth of bacteria (ICK!) which in turn clogs pores increasing the frequency of acne and blackhead breakouts - yuck!
2) cleaning brushes regularly will keep the bristles from drying out and caking together - simply meaning they will last longer
3) cleaner brushes provide a more flawless finish, and a flawless complexion is a winner in my books!

There is a number of brand name 'brush cleaners' out there ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the exorbitantly expensive, but I genuinely feel that there is no need to purchase any of these products! Instead I use Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo! When cleaning my brushes I wet them first before gently lathering with the tiniest amount of shampoo, a little goes a long way here. Rub the bristles between your finger tips and rinse under cold running water in your sink. Using a paper towel lightly rub bristles back and forth checking that all remnants of make up have been cleared, if the towel remains free from stains you're done! (If not repeat the above)

Finally always allow your brushes to dry naturally, tip facing down. This prevents water from settling into the glue that holds the bristles together and this is massively important! Et Voila, you're good to go!

Mwah
xo

Spring into a Morning Workout!

 As of late I have received some interesting, smack bang in the face, punch to the gut, eye opening news on all things health related. (I'm fine! Promise!) But having gone from a few years of taking very good care of myself to going cold turkey on exercise and fitness my body pretty much is in shock. I mean, who was I kidding? There was a time I had mini muscles, abs and could actually walk up a stairs without losing my breath and I'll be honest, I loved the feeling that I was strong and in my own way awesome!

However, I'm a small person anyway and being that bit leaner and toned would lead to lots of nasty comments, and the odd "I'm really concerned about your health" talk from people who didn't have a clue what they were talking about. Fed up with feeling bad about my dedication to health and fitness I quit. I literally stopped dead in my tracks. Fast forward a year and while I luckily haven't pilled on the pounds I have noticed HUGE changes in my physical health. I am more susceptible to colds and flus, my sleeping patterns are terrible, and I'm generally unhappy.

 So, armed with that, and lots of reading that I have been doing on my current prognosis I decided it was high time to take matters into my own hands and say ‘Feck the naysayers – let’s do this!!’.  That has what has led me to writing this post, how on earth do I get started again, with proper focus and results? I could re-join the dance classes that I adored but my confidence has taken more than enough sucker punches than it could handle (for now), or I could try something totally different that another friend of mine teaches. But both of those options boil down to the million dollar question, or rather,  the lack of millions of dollars to spend on classes that combined with my crazy schedule it would be hard to commit to.

So I really have one other option, squeeze in workouts at home and motivate myself. It all starts with me, and ends with free. Wahey this I can do! So from here on out I solemnly swear to wake up that bit earlier (thankfully Mr Sun which has been acting as my personal alarm clock of late already has this covered) and make a few simple promises to myself;

1. Make sleep a priority: wind down properly in the evening, so I have zero excuses to ‘need a lie in’

2. Set One Alarm…: I’m offender number 1 when it comes to multiple alarms in the morning to get the ‘ahh  I have another half hour of snuggliness..’ NO MORE SNOOZING!!

3. Mix it Up: I have a tonne of different workout DVD’s from Yoga to Dance to everything in between, so even if it is lashing rain I have no excuse to get some sort exercise in. When its dry and bright I have got to get out into the fresh air and walk my tush off!

4. Preparation is Key:  Like all good things, you have got to plan – it’s as simple as laying out my workout gear the night before so I’m not wasting precious time in the morning, have some fruit cut in the fridge and that’s my quick morning snack in place – no excuses!

5. Be Realistic: Ok I’m not going to climb Everest in the first week, nor am I going to be some sort of Jane Fonda Fitness Queen after week one, perfection takes time, and a touch of realism. Cheat days are key, maybe Wednesday Hump Days and Friday Fun Days can be my lie in days? Who knows, but At least I don’t expect myself to be up at the crack of dawn every day!

Now here comes the fun part Luxers… who wants to try this with me? We could challenge each other, encourage each other and share tips? Let me know what you think and how you get on!

Mwah

xo

Drugstore & NYC Haul

A while back I picked up the NYC Blushable Crème Stick and I was so impressed by the quality, pigmentation and more importantly the price that I have been dying to try a few more products!

Yesterday I managed to do just that when I made a quick trip to the local pharmacy (dragging poor hubby along for the ride!). I picked up three NYC goodies and a Bourjois Bronzer as my existing Rimmel Bronzer is running low.

So what was the damage to the bank and the products bought?

Bourjois Bronzing Powder - €9.99
NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Candy Rush - €2.49
NYC 16 Hour Lip Stain in Berry Long Time - €3.99
NYC Expert Last Nail Polish in Mint Macaroon - €1.99

I'm really excited about the nail polish and the lip stick as they are both perfect colours for Spring and I will post some swatches below with the product pics. I'll get testing and have reviews soon!

Mwah!
xo

Real Techniques Brush Review

Howdy luxers!

Happy Saturday! I thought I would start the weekend catching up on some long overdue reviews! January Boots Haul anyone? Yep that's when I picked up Samantha Chapman's Real Techniques Core Collection Set. I didn't want to go out and buy all of her brushes but I figured I would get a good idea of quality with the Core Set.

Lets start with the basics, packaging; the set comes in a handy little carry case, which you can also flip into a stand if needs be. I myself haven't used it as a stand but I take the case everywhere!

Price wise the set was €28.99 - for the four following brushes;
A Detailer Brush - super mini concealer brush which I found excellent when blending creamier/ stick concealers. I still prefer to use my finger tip gently when blending liquid concealers.

Pointed Foundation Brush - listed as being the perfect partner in crime for liquid foundations.

Buffing Brush - initially I thought 'eh hello, aren't you a little on the small side?' As I am used to using larger buffing brushes, but I adored this brush! It was perfect for applying pressed powders (I hate using the sponge applicators with those!) and for the first time ever I was getting a great finish over my under eye concealer. Normal my attempts to set my under eye concealer leaves it a little 'cracked' looking but this brush sets it perfectly!

Contour Brush - this teardrop shaped brush is a godsend. I found it super when trying to get noticeable definition while also ensuring it is blended right. As the packaging says 'delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft focus finish'.

As you can tell I am really liking these brushes. I think for the budget conscious make up lover this set and brand in general are a great addition to anyone's collection. They are light weight, have a really durable finish (read: not likely to fall apart any time soon!). I have had zero shedding from these brushes, the bristles are taklon so they are so incredibly soft. As taklon is a synthetic fibre the brushes are CRUELTY FREE (yeay!) and the brush heads are hand cut to ensure and even finish.

But that's not all, because the brushes are the mastermind of YouTube beauty guru Samantha Champan (pixiwoo) she has also posted tonnes of make up tutorials which you can find on the Real Techniques website http://realtechniques.com/videos/blog#the-looks

All in all I am delighted with my purchase. I would highly recommend the Core Collection Set. However... While I know the brand is trustworthy and really good quality I have far too many eyeshadow brushes to even think about investing in more (just yet!). You can buy a Real Techniques set online or, in your local Boots store!

Enjoy!
Mwah
xo

The Best Exfoliator EVER!!

Hi Guys!

The other night I was given a really generous gift in work of the Green Angel 'Sunrise Body Smoother' and tonight I figured I would treat myself to a little pampering...

Oh my god! I think I have just been given the NICEST beauty product EVER! Ok I know what you're thinking; 'Calm down its only a scrub' but... You're wrong!

Lets start with my experience. Firstly when I opened the bag my eyes could not help but be drawn to the line 'Made in Ireland' on the box, followed by my second favourite line 'Not Tested on Animals'. Ooo eee I am a happy bunny seeing both those little points! When I opened the box I found the product itself was in a really durable glass jar (wow no scrimping on packaging here - love it!)

Now onto the scrub itself, when I opened the jar I was met my a gorgeous lemon zesty smell - nom nom! (At this stage I was REALLY intrigued with how the Exfoliator would perform, so far all my major boxes had been ticked). As per the instructions, I gave the scrub a little stir before I got down to business.

The Sunrise Body Smoother is made from Grape seed Oil, Argan Oil and natural Salt which makes it undeniably luscious and gives it a really fine texture. As soon as the Exfoliator hit my skin it instantly felt fresh (which funnily enough when I read the other packaging later is EXACTLY what it said it would do!). All scrubbed up it was time to rinse, and I can honestly say I have never felt my skin as silky, ever.

Right now my skin is so soft, and just glows! As I didn't buy this product myself I really did not think I would write a review but that all changed once I used it! I wanted to share it immediately with you guys!! So now I find myself on the hunt for more products, a quick check of their website www.greenangel.com says they supply over 500 pharmacies in Ireland, and I also found out online from their twitter page that the Sunrise Body Smoother cost €25.00 - that is totally worth it for the results, the packaging and the size of the product (580g!). I also discovered that Green Angel Skincare can be purchased online at www.dolledup.ie and I already know which product is on my Green Angel wish list, the 'Seaweed Foot Cream with Tea Tree & Peppermint'... I. MUST. HAVE!!

Go on treat your mum to this for Mother's Day... And yourself too!!

Mwah!
xo

Sleep in Rollers

So as some of you may know I went to the Irish Beauty Show at the weekend and was delighted to pick up the much talked about Sleep in Rollers. This is a product I have wanted to try out for a while because my hair is so unbelievable fine (not fine as in 'Gurrl he fiiine' but fine as in 'thin'). Yep my hair is the most lacklustre, falls down in a heartbeat sorry excuse for hair! Ever. Period. I guess because of that I've barely really given it the TLC it deserves, in short, I am rubbish at hair and hairstyling!

So armed with my own self defeatist attitude, I sat down before work yesterday to give them a whirl. Before you roll your eyes and think 'but you HAVE to sleep in them' the simple answer is: you don't.

When I purchased the Sleep in Rollers I also picked up the Hairdryer Hood, oh the hood... Wait till you see the picture, I have never laughed so hard at myself! I swear, some of the comments from friends later ranged from 'you look like a 50's Alien' to 'you look like Frenchie from Grease' ha!!!

Enough about all that - lets get down to the business of reviewing.

I paid a total of €35 for which I got, 20 of the squishiest softest rollers (perfect for sleeping on!), a hair net (for nighttime wear) a DVD, the Hair Dryer Hood and two cute little drawstring carry bags. You all know I'm a stickler for bargains so all in all that's a helluva lot for €35. Ding ding, that's the first gold star for the sleep in rollers.

As mentioned there was an instructional DVD... Which NATURALLY I did not use... Heh... To be honest, the instructions are printed on a tag with the bag, and there's a link to a YouTube beauty blogger where she shows you how to use them.. Again, I ignored them (honestly I was just too excited to get going!)

As previously mentioned, hair is not my strong point as you will see from my pics below, but I set about rolling my hair.

Start with hair 80% dry (you know when you think it's dry but you keep finding damp patches - that's perfect)
Take hair in sections the same width as the rollers (about two inch sections)
Roll clockwise starting with the crown of your head. Pin rollers, or like me, don't and hope the Velcro is sticky enough (it was!)
Cover head completely with the hood and pull drawstring making sure no air can escape.
Attach Hairdryer to hood tube and set to medium heat and medium speed (I blasted first high and hard for 5mins) leave for 15minutes or however long it takes to put you war paint on for the day.
Take hood off, and leave rollers in hair to cool for 10mins.
Remove one roller to ensure hair is totally dry - you will notice a noticeable bend or bounce in the curl.
Start from the bottom and work your way removing all the rollers.
Lash a little bit of hairspray into the hair and run your fingers through hair.
Et voila - glorious, sexy, vampish hair is yours!

I LOVED this product, even though my attempt at using the rollers was mediocre at best the results were awesome. I got tonnes of compliments in work yesterday from the gang and people were stunned when I said I did it myself. The volume lasted for pretty much most of the day too.

Honestly if you can, get this product - you will not regret it!!!

Enjoy the pics! If you liked this post share share share!
Mwah!
xo

MIMI UPDATE: okay... You guys asked for a before shot from the same day... *cries* please excuse the non makeup blank stare look... Not very chic! Pic added below! x
http://www.sleepinrollers.com/

Attack The Day!

It's 8pm on a Monday evening and I'm doing something I rarely get to do... Cuddle up with my husband in front of a fire, DVD at the ready and pups panned out, and it made me think.

Today was a good day.

It didn't start so good, in fact a pesky migraine threatened to stop my day dead in its tracks. Normally the onslaught of a migraine leaves me bed ridden, and feeling pretty crappy that i have missed 'yet another day'. Thankfully I did something I very rarely do- I pushed passed.

Because of this I ended up having one of those days in work where I finally caught up with my workload and feeling generally very happy with myself. I managed to get out of work early and home with a bit of daylight still left in the sky. It's safe to say, I made today. Sure self praise is no praise, but self affirmation that how good your day is really relies on how much you are willing to put into it reminds me to keep trying, keep going and that one day I will achieve my goals.

So I'll leave you with this thought - tomorrow get up ten minutes early and GO FOR IT!!

Mwah
xo