Current Wishlist #2!

I'm in one of those "blogging" moods. If you're a blogger, you'll know what I mean. Sometimes I go through phases where I'm not in the mood to blog but right now, I really am for some reason. I've decided to do a wishlist post (checkout my first wishlist post here), as I always love reading these sorts of posts. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas on how to blow your money (I know you're super grateful to me right now..not!)

I've been hunting the beauty world for a good foundation recently. I'm pretty fussy and I want something that won't irritate my skin but will give me nice, natural-looking coverage. My friend recommended the Naked Skin Foundation (1. €34) from Urban Decay. I've read some great reviews and I think this will find a way of getting into my stash. I just want to try it in-store first before purchasing. The next thing on my want list is a bit random, I will admit. I want a Fatboy beanbag (2. €199). Now you're probably thinking "Why, Steph? What use could a beanbag have to you?". And you may be right but I just find beanbags so much more comfy than chairs and couches. Plus these ones come in a variety of colours, which is always a bonus in the eyes!

Now, if you've been reading my blog for a while, you may know that I'm what you might call a belieber. Yes I love Justin Bieber. Judge me if you please. Even if you're not a fan of his music (you should checkout Believe Acoustic though- it's impressive) you may fancy his perfumes. The new release to his line of (now three) perfumes is "The Key"* (3. $49.50 for 1.7oz). His first two, "Someday" and "Girlfriend" are a lot girlier, housed in pink and purple bottles. "The Key" however, promises to bring something new and more grown-up to the table. If the packaging is anything to go by, this is gonna be a sexy, sleek scent.
*Not yet available in Ireland.

I'm a bit lazy when it comes to hair-does. When I do put some effort into my hair, I often like the big waves look- à la the Kardashian clan. I have yet to achieve this look and I'm hoping the Babyliss waving wand could do the trick (4. €42). The last item I've been lusting after, is a dress. More so a particular brand of dresses. The Jones and Jones dresses are the epitome of pretty. They are girly, flattering and oh so cute. If you're heading to some sort of relatively formal event, I'd definitely recommend taking a peep at their website. Also check your local Topshop, as they stock the brand there too. I love this particular denim dress (5. €81.90) with the lace detail. A perfect, more casual option for Summer.

They're my wishlist items, what are yours?

Look For Less: Cara Delevingne

It's been too long since I've done of these Look For Less posts- but better late than never, as they say! I thought, who better to do a look for less on than the model-of-the-moment, Cara Delevingne. Her style is quirky, but cool. Her typical look would be a leather jacket, jeans and maybe a beanie or some over-sized sunnies. 

I decided to re-create this particular look, as it's a little less out-there than Cara's typical style and is easier to wear for the average woman. Here are my picks to create your own off-duty model look without needing the salary of one!

The main focus of this look is the leather jacket. This offering, from Topshop (£58), adds an element of grunge to any look, without going overboard. The quilted details along with the zippers and buckles make it slightly different than your typical biker jacket. The rest of the outfit is kept pretty simple. Cara pairs her jacket with a simple white tank (Forever 21 €7.75) and a pair of grey skinny jeans (Topshop £36). The look is complete with a pair of black ankle boots (River Island €87) and a simple black shoulder bag to carry all your essentials (ASOS €46.39).

If you really want to channel your inner Cara, pair the look with casual, relaxed hair. Keep makeup simple, with your main focus on the famous "Cara" eyebrows.

Review + Swatches | Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

I'm a huge fan of BB Creams. Ever since their release, about two years ago, they've become a staple in my beauty regime. I've tried numerous brands including Garnier (review here) and Maybelline (review here). This particular offering is a little more high-end, coming from Smashbox.

Smashbox describe this BB Cream as a 5-in-1 product that "primes, perfects, protects, hydrates and controls oil in one step to create a flawless face in a flash". I'll start with the packaging. This is typical Smashbox packaging, sleek and straight to the point. There's really not much to it as it is housed in a sleek, plastic, black tube and the product simply squirts out. Nothing special, but nothing to complain about either. 

Now onto the important part- what's inside! The product itself is light and creamy, and blends nicely and easily into the skin. It has no strong scent either. The coverage is quite light and I find it best for adding colour to your face and blurring out minor imperfections, it doesn't provide any heavy coverage. It can be built up slightly, however, in certain areas but you will definitely need a concealer to cover up any major blemishes or under-eye circles. 

One thing I will definitely say is I don't think this a product for the fairer skinned folk. I picked up the shade 'Light/Medium' and it is quite dark. It suits my skin tone perfectly for now, but I am tanned from coming back from holidays and have a naturally sallow complexion. This product is definitely a better option for those with medium to dark skin tones. 

The product caused no problems with my skin at all. It blends out to a natural finish and can be worn without powder as it isn't greasy at all, unlike many BB Creams. It also contains SPF 35 which is always a bonus! The lasting power is pretty standard, lasting about eight hours with wear signs. 

Overall, this is a good product but I'm not convinced it's worth the hefty price tag. I purchased the travel size (15ml) and this set me back $19.50 (I bought it in Florida in Sephora) whereas there are just as good products for much cheaper and full-sized. Also, I prefer a little more coverage in my base products.

Smashbox BB Cream 30ml - €33 from Boots

Travel Diary #4 | Florida!

I'm sure you're sick of me mentioning how I'm just back from Florida but I decided to share a few photos of my travels with you anyway! 'Hope you enjoy seeing what I got up to whilst State-side.

Generic plane pic// Cheescake Factory// Teddy machine selfie// Disney Princess Castle// Minnie during a Parade// Epcot Fireworks// Universal Studios// Cool upside-down building// The Pink Palace (AKA the Don Cesar)

I love Florida and actually used to live there when I was younger, so this wasn't my first time visiting. We spent some time in Tampa and Orlando. We did the general tourist-y things such as visiting Disney World (how can you not!). It was a great, fun day out. There's something truly magical about that place and it's never not enjoyable. We visited Magic Kingdom and also Epcot in Disney as well as the waterparks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. If you ever visit Disney World, please check out the fireworks at Epcot. They are truly spectacular! During our travels we also spent a few days at the beach, jet-skiing, shopping and eating! American food is something else. Nothing really compares. The portions are absolutely gigantic. My favourite restaurant is definitely The Cheescake Factory- so delicious!

Have you visited anywhere exciting this Summer?

Review + Swatches | Selena Gomez for Nicole by OPI in 'Inner Sparkle'

As you may know, I am just back from a holiday in Florida. Whilst I was there I was lucky enough to pick up a few beauty products. The prices there are incredibly cheaper than here in Ireland, especially in terms of beauty products. One item I picked up was a nail polish from Selena Gomez's range for Nicole by OPI. I love me a bit of sparkle, and this shade, appropriately named 'Inner Sparkle', instantly caught my eye.

This is polish is packed with glitter. It includes fine gold glitter, along with larger glitter pieces of pink and purple. It is definitely a shade for girly, glitter lovers! I think this shade would definitely work better as a top coat, to add a bit of pizazz (did I really just say pizazz?!) to any simple nail colour. As with most glitter polishes, it takes quite a few coats to build up. The below swatch took approximately 4 thick coats. It did look very pretty once applied, and the photo really doesn't do the shade justice. I received a lot of compliments too which is always a good sign! 

In short, this is a very pretty shade that would be a lovely addition to any nail polish collection. Is it an essential, ground-breaking polish (not that I know any polish that could really be considered "ground-breaking")? no. However, if you're a lover of all things sparkly, I'd definitely check this polish out.

I picked this up at Target $7.04.

Unfortunately this is not yet available in UK/Ireland as far as I know.

Review | Bioderma

Phew *wipes forehead*, I'm finally back from 5 and a 1/2 weeks of travel, and I apologise for my absence. If I was a super organised, fabluous blogger, I would've scheduled posts to go up every few days or once a week but alas, I am no such thing and I am sorry for that. Anyway, I'll quit boring you with this introduction and get on to the reason you clicked on this page- the review!

You may remember, a couple months ago, I visited the city of Love, also known as Paris. Being the beauty-lover that I am, I knew I needed to hunt down the highly praised skincare cult product that is 'Bioderma'. In fancy terms, it's a Créaline TS H2O Micellaire Solution. In simpler terms, it's a cleansing water. 

I decided to pick up the 500ml original version (pictured) and a travel size version of the Sebium version (the one for oily skin). However, I don't find a huge difference in the two so I won't be reviewing each one individually. 

I apply the product at night time to cleanse my skin before washing it with my actual cleanser. It is unbelievable for removing any type of makeup (including eye makeup), grime and dirt on the skin. I even use it on my no-makeup days as sometimes you can't see the dirt on your skin until you swipe it with some bioderma. I dab a little of the product onto a cotton pad, swipe all over my face and that's about it! It is very gentle on the skin, and has never cause my skin to breakout or any irritation at all- and I have sensitive skin. Also, as I know this can be an important factor to some people- there is no noticeable scent in my opinion!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this product to everyone and anyone. It's worth the hype and I can't see myself returning to standard makeup remover anytime soon. The only downside is it isn't the easiest product to hunt down but I have included some links below that will hopefully help you out. If you are lucky enough to be visiting France soon, definitely pick it up as it's substantially cheaper there, I even nabbed mine on sale! It lasts ages too- I've been using mine for months and it's over 3/4 full!

Bioderma 500ml - £11.60 here.

Bioderma 500ml - $32.50 here.

Monthly Favourites: June 2013!

Another month, another monthly favourites post! For Summer, I like to keep things light and fresh, and these products have been helping me do just that. 

As much as I love the sun, it can be dangerous sometimes. I've been loving MAC's tendertones this month as they contain SPF to protect your lips from the suns harmful rays but also add a bit of shimmer to the lips, and you know me, I can never say no to shimmer. Unfortunately these are limited edition and are no longer available but there are plenty other lip products that can do a similar job. Another great lip product is Revlon Lip Butter in 'Cotton Candy' (€11.18) . These are supremely raved about products, as they're butter smooth and add just the right amount of colour. This shade is a light pink that goes with anything.

As I like to keep my base makeup light, the key is to have glowy skin. The best product to achieve this is "High Beam" from Benefit. It's a iridescent highlighter and gives the most gorgeous sheen to the skin. I like to apply to my cheekbones and just beneath the brow for best results. Another great product from Benefit is their "Go Tropi Coral" lip & cheek kit (€35). It comes with a couple of products that help get the perfect look for Summer. 

My final two favourites this month are a slight step away from makeup. The first is the gel-look topcoat from essence. This bargain item makes your nails super shiny and gives them the gel-nail look without the price tag or the hassle! Finally, I have been loving Bioderma this month. Again, this is a raved about product in the beauty world. Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult to track down (unless you live in France). I was lucky enough to pick this up in Paris a few months ago and have been loving it ever since!

What products have you been loving this month?