VELVET MANICURE BY CIATE 

I love nail, I love nail polish/varnish, I love nail art and I love manicures!! So as a way of sharing this love I have decided to dedicate one post a week to an all things nails. I have completed a few post on nails which I you can have a look at by clicking HERE   ......

So to begin, I just want to add at this point I am not an expert on nails, it is a simple  love trying new nail trends and I get super excited with a new style, art idea or trend is introduced. This excitement raised its giddy little head when I saw the The Velvet Manicure Set in Mink Cashmere by Ciate. Velvet Manicure 

This manicure set is focused on the theme of luxury and texture. In this kit you receive a bottle of polish; in this case the shade is cashmere mink, a bottle of crushed velvet powder in a corresponding colour and a little brush to aid in the application process. This kit was super easy to use and the whole process is really fast.

·         Clean off any excess polish and ensure the nails are oil free.

·         Assuming the nails are in you desired shape apply a base coat – I really like OPI Nail Envy as it nourishes the nail as supplies a base coat.

·         Open your kit and line up your bottles! Apply one coat of the nail polish to each nail and allow drying.

·          Take one nail at a time and apply another coat of the nail polish. Then on the same nail sprinkle the crushed velvet powder onto the nail. Apply as much as you like of the powder depending on how much definite you want the texture on the nail. Continue nail by nail all the time being mindful that your nails are drying and setting.

·         When powder is applied to all nails use the little brush to sweep away all excess powder.

·         Hey presto! You now have a velvet manicure!!!!

*Please excuse my little chubby fingers in the photo's I have rather small fingers but are little chubby too. They remind me of my Mum's hands so I don't mind all that much (",) 

A really great positive of using this manicure kit is that it dries really fast and sets even faster. It is also strong. My nails did not chip at all in the 5 days that I had it on. Despite this the texture was really easy to remove with nail polish remover which is unusual for specialised manicures – I often find them really difficult to remove.

The only negative aspect of using this kit was that I was not 100% in love with the colour as the time went on as it became a little darker. This however was simply a matter of taste. Ciate in general offer very high quality nail products and  I found this kit to be no different.

Over all I enjoyed using this kit and think that the texture really does fulfill its ambition of being luxurious and velvet. I would like to try another colour in this range.

What do you think of the velvet texture for your nails? What have you been doing lately with your nails .......? Please leave a comment and share as I love to read them. 

Xoxo 

Archie's Girls Collection By MAC

 Archie's Girls Collection By MAC 

 

It is no surprise what so ever that I am a fan of MAC Cosmetics. I genuinely look forward to special or limited edition collections.  I have developed a little habit of treating myself to one or two items from the collection if I find exciting products, which I always so. I really liked this year’s holiday collection Have a lookies here  and again I found a few exciting products in the recent “Archie’s Girls” collection now available in MAC stores.

This limited edition collection is designed with a battle for “Archie’s” affections in mind, the battle being between a vampy seductive lady who wears deep rich tones of purples and reds and the girl next door all pretty in pink and pastels. For me this contrast within the collection means that the products have longevity – the paler tones of pink and peach are perfect for the spring/summer season where as the darker shades in the Veronica collection will carry you through to autumn. The collection may be limited edition but it does have the power to become a long term addition to your make up collection.  I picked up a few items from the collection. 

My Choices tended to center round the Betty collection – I think the reason for this was the fact that I purchased my items around the turn of the season and I was longing for summer and lightness.

• Pearlmate Face Powder in Flatter Me 

 

I love the limited edition face powder’s that come with these collections. I recently was genuinely gutted when I broke my beauty powder from the Glitter and Ice Collection (Stupid as I am dropping my clutch on a night out).  So I was glad to try this product out. This powder combines pearlized and satin shades. It is rich and slightly creamy in texture which means it is a dream to apply to the face. It is highly pigmented so works perfectly as a blush (the peachy/pink embossed hearts are a fabulous shade for a bright and fresh blush) or as a delicate yet effective highlighter (the lighter tone is so pearly). I have also used it as an eye shadow using a 217 brush simply swept across my lids. I just know I will use this powder lots. The limited edition packaging is also quite nice and the mirror compact is always useful.

•   Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Black Swan 

 

I have been moving away from the black liquid eyeliner of late just moving towards a smokier eye for night time looks and softer liner look for day wear. I have enjoyed using the Pro Longwear Eyeliner so treated myself one of these limited edition eyeliners from the collection. These liners provide rich pigmented long lasting eyeliner with a little touch of shimmer and sparkly that seems to just open the eye up. It literally glides on and so easy to apply, easy to create a defined liner looks or smudged look to complete a smoky eye. The limited edition packaging is so cute; it reminds me of colouring pencils I used in Primary School!

• Betty Lipglass

I really like the lipglass range in general and again the products in various collections have always been really nice, for example I loved the lipglass collection from the Hey Sailor Collection I have just finished the nude lipglass so of course I had to have two shades!

1.      Stay Sweet

This little gem is tinted with pink and is so glossy it literally shines. The colour is rich enough for me to wear on its own or it can be teamed with a lipstick to add shine (I have my eye on MAC’S Angle lippy at the mo as a perfect partner for this gloss) and is looks really well with the face powder above.

2.      Summer Sweetheart

A glossy peach packed with shine this is very on trend. It is really pigmented for me to wear solo. I love to team this shade with a coral blush and nude mascara loaded eyes!  I really wanted the lipstick that accompanied this shade (Betty Bright) but unfortunately I was not the only person who longed for it as it sold out really fast in Dublin. I will just have to keep an eye to see if this shade makes it into the permanent collection of lipsticks.

 

There were a few other products in this collection I would have liked but I am happy with my lot look forward to the next collection and the treats that it may contain. The collection is still on offer in MAC Stores and I recommend a look at it does contain a great range of shades.

XOXO

Spring Toes and Summer Feet

Spring Toes and Summer Feet

Here we are in spring and summer is just around the corner............ok a girl can dream! The sun may not be raising it pretty little head as yet but we do live in hope and therefore we need to prepare for long summer days wearing sandals and brightly coloured nail polish on our toes.

The never ending winter, the boots, the cosy fluffy socks and the lack of exposure has left our feet and toes in no condition to be flung out into the open world – or maybe that is just me. How and ever panic over .............here is a “great little find”

Botanical Choice Exfoliating Foot Mask costing €3.50 from Primark/Penny’s holds the key to all our problems! I picked up this little gem maybe 2 weeks ago and have been seriously surprised by the results. It acts as an exfoliating mask and a treatment mask to remove hard skin from the feet while conditioning the skin.  Result is that is works, it really works.

The steps that need to be followed are really simple!

1.      Have a foot soak or simply wash your feel

2.      The pack contains 2 plastic socks which contain a liquid solution – it is by no means messy!

3.      Place the plastic socks on your feet

4.      Pop a pair of comfortable bed socks on to keep everything secure (this is my recommendation)

5.      Sit back and relax for at least an hr ( I left them for longer as I was lazy watching TV

6.      Remove both pairs of socks and rinse feet

That is it! At first my feel seemed exactly the same. This was about to change! Over the next week the hard skin literally fell of my feet! (This is a little gross but it shows the solution worked). This “shedding” lasted for 4 or 5 days and little by little my feet have became practically summer ready.

This mask really does work. There is one point I would like add - for a couple of days after using this mask my feet where cold! I am unsure of what this means but just thought id mention it. So if you can handle a few cold toes and the whole “shedding” experience I highly recommend this mask. I will use it again and think it is excellent value for money!

I look forward to finding more little preparation products, masks and the likes to aid my skin in the seasonal transition!

Have you tried similar products and if so did you like them? Please leave a comment and share your experience.

XOXO 

P.S DONT FORGET COMPETITION

Sound Asleep ..........................and Soft Skin

My sleep habits have been far from perfect in recent times, so much so that when I came across these products from the “This Works” range I was happy to try them. The fact that I also love the smell of lavender was also a contributing factor to my purchases. I was new to this brand of products but had read and heard many good things so I was eager to get trying! 

First up is the Deep Sleep Shower Gel by This Works -250ml €19.50 or £15.00

This shower gel maybe rather expensive but it is potent so again it seems to be lasting for a while. Said to be a natural shower gel that promotes a good sleep.  It is free from sulphates, alcohol and artificial fragrances and colours. A natural blend of high concentration pure essential oils includes Camomile and Lavender to calm and soothe. It also contains Coconut Oil to soften and protect the skin.  The bottle is a pump bottle. The pump disperses only a small amount so only one or two pumps are enough. You are also encouraged to run the gel under running water to enjoy it while having a bath. I am really enjoying using this product, its smell is just so relaxing and it genuinely leaves my skin soft. I have found myself drifting off to sleep a little faster! I am really enjoying using this product. 

Next purchase was the Sleep balm by This Works - 10g €16 or £12.00

This little pot of balm is a relaxing pulse point balm with aroma therapeutic benefits to help you unwind, relax and essentially have a better sleep at night (or whenever you fancy a little shut eye!)  It is a rich balm that is all natural, has a fantastic smell (lavender, camomile, Monoi and Coconut oils.  I keep this little pot at my bedside and I rub is on my wrist pulse points and temples just before I settle to sleep. Again I find myself drifting off to the land of sleeps really easily. This little balm can be used almost anywhere on the skin to treat/protect against irritation but it is not advised to use on the lip. The area’s where I have used it I have noticed a softness to my skin. Again I am really enjoying using this product and will continue to do so.

I like these two products and I genuinely feel they do have relaxing properties but one thing I am sure of is that they are gentle, kind and all round good for the skin. I really like the aroma of lavender and camomile so if these smells are not for you then maybe these are not the products for you but otherwise they are a real luxury.   

For more information on these products CLICK HERE

I have purchases one or two other products from the “This Works” range of skin and body care so I am looking forward to trying these out and sharing my experiences.

Do you have any nice products or goodies that help you get off to the land of sleeps? Please leave a comment and share your tips. 

Also don't forget to check out my competition open right now just have a look HERE

 

Xoxo

Healthy Hair with an added Bounce!

As I have mentioned many times before I do love healthy hair with a little added volume. In my pursuit for this I have tried and tested many many products. Some I have loved, some hated, some have left my hair sticky and heavy and others I have been repurchasing again and again. In this post I am going to share some of my great little finds that have helped me achieve healthy bouncy hair. Let me add at this point I have long dark just beyond shoulder length hair, it is coloured and the ends have a slight ombre. I don’t necessarily have thick hair but I have lots of it! Ok just so you know what kind of hair I am dealing with !

First up is one of my favourite shampoo and conditioner sets at the moment.

TIGI Bed Head Styleshots Epic Volume Shampoo - Click Here For Info

This shampoo is really rich and sulfate-free and contains volume boosting shots. It cleans your hair really well and does not in any way weigh it down. There is defiantly a bounce and my hair was so easy to style and manage after washing, even if I did not use conditioner and just used hair oil. The shampoo is rich and concentrated so you only need a very small amount and plenty of water to create a luxurious lather.

 I used this with TIGI Bed Head Styleshots Epic Volume Conditioner Click Here

Again this is a really great product to give your hair bounce, shine and leave it really healthy looking. It smells like flowers, is light on the hair and defiantly strengthens your hair while preparing it for easy styling. 

Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer . I can not praise this product enough. I got a sampler of this product a few months ago and on the second use I purchased a full size tub as I just knew  it would become a stable in my hair care routine. A winner of many beauty awards in 2012 for example Bazaar Beauty Hot 100 2012 it is a worthy winner.

Originally created specifically for Audrey Hepburn it is a pre-shampoo treatment delivers elasticity, bounce and shine to hair. It also provides uv protection after washing and helps prolong the life of colour treatments in hair. I experienced results after the first use and with continued use it seems to just get better. You only need a walnut size amount worked through hair – I use a little more maybe once a month and work it all over the hair. I leave it for over an hour (as long as possible) as the longer you leave the product in your hair the richer the results. I genuinely recommend this product for all hair types – I recently treated my sister’s hair (bleach blonde) and the results were fabulous. My favourite hair care product at the moment! For more information Click Here

Volume Boost Mousse by James Brown

I have tried many hair mousse and I have always found that they leave my hair sticky, heavy and feeling really bad in general – well that was until I found this mousse. I randomly picked this up to try it and was very happily surprised with the result. Written on the bottle is “create a natural full body without a trace of stickiness” and I am happy to confirm this as true. A small amount applied to the roots of the hair gives a natural boost, helps styling and leaves no stickiness. It is packed with vitamins such as vitamin B which can only help your hair’s health. This is a good mouse that does exactly what it says on the tin! For more info Click Here

Toni & Guy Glamour Volume Plumping Whip

This is my newest purchase from the world of hair products. This hair whip is said to give full body with movement. I have tried it a few times and I find that is does give a definite lift to the hair. I only apply it to the roots of my hair as I think it may be a little too heavy to apply through the hair. I also find that you must only apply a very small amount as to avoid the stickiness. I do like this product from my use so far but I would only apply it when hoping to achieve a definite style or need extra lift. For more Info Click Here

Schwarzkopf - Osis+ Dust it mattifying powder

This little pot of magic dust as I call it works absolute wonders for your hair but be warned it is strong! Only to be used on an occasion where extreme volume or height is required this dust lifts your hair to new heights. Apply to the root of the hair you can either tease the hair with your finger tips or back comb your hair. I use this in conjunction with a back combing brush. The dust lifts from the root and the back combing brush styles and adds height. One thing I find with this chosen method of styling is that I have to wash my hair before I go to bed after using this as it does leave your hair very matty and it is almost impossible to comb the next day if left. Despite this I love these products to add that little something extra.  For more info Click Here

There are my some of my favourite hair styling products at the moment for achieving bounce and volume that moves freely and has little or no stickiness. I hope you find one or two products that you like. 

What are the hair care products you are loving at the moment? Please leave a comment below and share your finds and experiences. 

 xoxo 

P.S Dont forget my little competition open right now click here for all the details

Competition Time !

I have been enjoying creating my blog so much and as I mentioned before I love the fact that maybe one, two or ten (fingers crossed) have been enjoying reading it. As a little thank you I have compiled a little give away / competition.  My little give-away focuses on Lips and Eyes and consists of the following

¬  Covergirl Volume Exact Mascara in Black

¬  L’Oreal Super Liner Gel Intenza in Black (Gel liquid eyeliner pot and brush)

¬  Figs and Rouge Balm  100 % organic in Rambling Rose

¬  Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush in Warm Ruby Red

¬  Essence Colour and Go in Rich Red

¬  Clinque Spring Summer Beauty Bag.

For a chance to win this little gift set all you have to do is follow these steps

1.     Go to the Great Little Finds Facebook Page

CLICK HERE

2.    Like this page

3.    Subscribe to newsfeed

4.    Share this page

5.    Leave a comment saying you liked and shared.

Winner will be announced 2 weeks from today on the 15^th of April. You can enter as many times as you like and winner will be chosen at random from those that enter.

Good Luck <3

XOXO

Items in prize where bought by myself and were not sponsored.