What I Got For Christmas 2013!

Merry Christmas everyone! Well actually, I suppose I should be saying Happy St.Stephen's Day, as Christmas is now over... Anyway I hope you've all had a lovely holiday and ate lots of lovely food and spent time with the ones you love. I had a lovely day. Now, of course Christmas is not about the gifts but who doesn't like seeing what everyone else received? I know I do, and if you're a tad nosey like me, hopefully you'll enjoy this post. Before I start, I guess I'll have to include the mandatory disclaimer that I am of course not showing off and this is simply a fun little post! If you don't enjoy these sorts of posts, feel free to exit right now. It goes without saying that I am genuinely extremely grateful for everything I received and for all the amazing people in my life. Here are most of the gifts I received this year...

Above, I have all of my Santa pressies. I honestly received alot more than I could have ever imagined. My main gift was a gorgeous embellished parka from Free People that I didn't include in the above photo, but if you fancy seeing a pic click here. The biggest surprise I received was the beats pill speakers. It is a tiny wireless bluetooth speaker and I love it! The sound is great and it's perfect for blasting music everywhere and anywhere! My stocking stuffers (which are my favourite bit!) included some MAC makeup, chocolates, Real Techniques brush sets, a Paris Street Style book and a fabulous vintage-style eiffel tower mirror. I also got a Babyliss curling wand- I can't wait to try and recreate some Kardashian waves!

Below, is a bracelet I also received in my stocking. It was a total surprise and I absolutely love it! It's from Ti Siento and it's a simple and delicate silver chained bracelet with a diamond in the middle. I love dainty jewellery such as this and I haven't taken it off since I opened it! On the right are a few gifts I received from my family members. I mostly received money this year but I also got a Benefit makeup kit, short grey Uggs and a Wildfox jumper.

Well there are my gifts this year, let me know what you received in the comments! I've had a lovely Christmas, relaxed and hanging out with family. Just how it should be. 

Review + Swatches | Riri ♥s MAC Blusher Duo in 'Hibiscus Kiss'

Good evening lovelies! I hope you're all doing well. If any of you are fans of MAC and/or Rihanna, then you'll most likely have heard of her latest collection for the brand. I was highly anticipating its release as the product images were absolutely gorgeous!

I'm not going to lie, a big reason I bought this was because of the packaging. How is it possible to walk away from pink, shiny makeup? It simply isn't! The shininess of the product does however make it very difficult to photograph. This photo isn't entirely accurate as it comes across quite orange looking in the photo. I cannot fault this packaging, except for the fact it's plastic, I would sort of like for it to be something more sturdy. However, it gets 10/10 for prettiness. This blush comes in a compact included with a mirror, perfect for on the go application.

The product inside is also gorgeous. It is a bronzer/blush duo which is why I'm confused as to why it is called a blusher only as there is more bronzer than blush in the product. Rihanna's signature is also embossed in the product which adds to the classiness of the product.

The product isn't particularly pigmented which is a bit disappointing. However, the bronzer is perfect for paler skinned ladies and can be built up if you're naturally tanner. If you have a deep complexion though I don't think this product is worth purchasing.

Overall, this is a lovely pretty product that is great to have purely to showcase on your vanity. Is it the best bronzer/blusher in the world? Nope, so don't feel as if you're hugely missing out without owning it. There are plenty better bronzers available on the market. However, it is still a nice product that I will continue to use and is worth purchasing if you fancy something for the collection.

RiRi for MAC Fall Collection is available in Brown Thomas stores and online. Hurry though as it is limited edition! - link

Hibiscus Kiss Duo- €30

Review: MAC Dazzle Lash Mascara

Hey Dolls,

Mascaras are one beauty product that many agree can be bought from the high street and don't need to be forked out for. I can agree with this, as nearly all my mascaras are drugstore brands, but a few of my favourites are from the higher end brands. The MAC Dazzle Lash mascara is something I haven't heard a lot about. I'll let you in on my thoughts of the product.

I'll start with the packaging, as this is always important in my opinion. At first glance, this packaging seems very basic- a simple black tube. However, if you look closely there are tiny sparkles all over the tube, and the cap has a different texture to the tube. I love this packaging as it's sturdy, sleek and pretty.

Now for the actual product! The wand looks quite basic, but is unique in it's size. It is quite small and slim and is very handy for grabbing every lash, including the tricky inner and outer lashes. It is great for precision, and is very easy to use without causing any smudges.

This mascara is in the shade "Black Dazzle"

The formula is nice and smooth and doesn't cause any clumps. It is definitely more of a lengthening mascara rather than volumising. Perfect if you are looking for a mascara that provides length, definition and a natural effect.

Please note that I always curl my lashes prior to applying mascara as I have extremely straight lashes.

The one downside to this product is the lasting power. It tends to fade after around 5 hours but does keep your lashes looking curled throughout the entire day.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this mascara as it is great for lengthening and for everyday wear. However, there are many other less expensive mascaras that can provide the same effect.

Dazzle Lash Mascara is available from MAC Stores and counters for €16.50. 

MAC Giveaway!- CLOSED

*** This Giveaway is now CLOSED***

Hey Dolls!

I am so very excited to be hosting my first ever giveaway! Yay! I have wanted to do a giveaway for such a long time now, but didn't know what to giveaway and when to do it. This, for me, is the perfect time to host a giveaway as my blog is growing and also next week is my one year blog anniversary! 

I decided to give one of you amazing readers the chance to win a MAC lipstick in the shade "Saint Germain". This is a gorgeous light Barbie pink colour -perfect for all you girlies out there! I own this lipstick myself and feel it's one every girl needs in their collection. 

Don't worry- This is my own lipstick. The winner will receive an unopened version!

This giveaway is a thank you from me to all of you. I wish I could give each and every one of you a prize, but I'm not sure my wallet could handle that! Without sounding too mushy, I would like to personally thank you all for taking the time out of your busy lives to read my blog, write comments, follow me on twitter etc etc.. I honestly appreciate it so much and makes writing my blog that much more special and worthwhile. To know that one person enjoys reading what I write is an incredibly feeling so thank you.

Now, onto the rules!

1. You must be a follower of my blog via GFC. (Just click the follow button on the top left corner of the page!).

2. Leave a comment below letting me know posts you would like me to do/your favourite types of posts. Also if you would like to tell me how you found out about my blog I would love to know! Also include contact details such as your blog, twitter user-name and/or email address.

3. If you are under the age of 18, please make sure you have permission from a parent/guardian to enter as I will need a shipping address if you win to mail you the prize!

Extra Information:

- This giveaway is open internationally

- This giveaway will close on the 19th February 2013 at 11:59pm GMT.

- You can earn extra entries by liking my page on Facebook, Tweeting about the giveaway and by following me on Twitter.

Just fill in the Rafflecopter widget below and you're good to go! (Ooh that rhymed!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you again for all your support and best of luck in the giveaway!