Hey everyone!

You may remember a few months ago I attended a make up master class with Thoa Tran for Giorgio Armani.
Thoa kindly gave us a sneak peak at the new christmas collection.

I was able to try the new Eccentrico Star Palette. The blush is beautifully packaged into a shiny red compact and houses 4 different colours together making a fresh blush on the cheek. I have to say it also makes one heck of a highlight!

Eccentrico Star Palette €65

True picture of blush

#303 Dazzling €26

This month seen the launch of The Eccentrico collection. Be quick with this one ladies! It is a limited edition collection. The Eccentrico Star Palette, Lip maestro and matching nail laquer.
These brilliant colours are a little different to the usual Armani classic collections but the blush and gloss take inspiration from the travelling fashion line this year so you can have fun with some colour!


I especially love the idea of the bold glosses. There are 3 shades to choose from; #302 Clash #303 Dazzling, #505 Eccentrico

Available in Brown Thomas Cork and Dublin from November 1st.

Hey everyone!

Hey everyone!

A few weeks ago myself and Gemma went on a trip to Newcastle. I have always wanted to go and after the ordeal of the last six months with the cancer battle I thought I was well over due a break away. It is also gemma's 21st birthday soon so we used her birthday as an excuse too! hehe

Adding to my portfolio. lol

He's famous hun!

Flying away

We flew with Ryanair and took the first flight in the morning at 7am. I was exhausted, As a sky employee we were given complimentary tickets to The Late Late show at RTE so the night before we flew I was there until 1am!It was a great night though so I'm not complaining! It was more the 2 hours sleep I had before the flight that killed me!
We decided to check in a bag! I forgot to check the bag return online so had to spend €60 to check the bag at the desk.. I was sick but sure It was my own fault.

I was asleep. Gemma had some fun!

Sister time

Entrance to Hotel from the Carpark

We stayed in a hotel right in the middle of Newcastle city centre called the Newgate Hotel. It is stag and hen friendly so the place was mental all Saturday. The hotel is above a Topless club and there is only a staircase that brings you to reception. We were a little overwhelmed to say the least when we arrived. Talk about sleazy! The staff were so lovely. They allowed us to check in a few hours early so we went straight to the room to recoup and take in the surroundings.


The room itself smelled musty, the windows would not open and the room was not as clean as you would expect. There was food on the windowsill. I actually wanted to go and buy some cleaning products and clean down the room before we settled.
The walls are paper thin so it is not somewhere you would want to go to have a quiet night sleep.!!
The room was not all that bad though. There was at least 3 large mirrors in the room and plenty of plug sockets. The bed was the comfiest bed I've slept in for a long time and the bath was fabulous!

Also as mentioned earlier the hotel is right in the middle of the centre. Just outside the front door to the left was The Gate. It is like a shopping centre with pubs and restaurants! It is right next to Tiger Tiger on Newgate Street. We went to a cocktail bar called Label that had some great specials.
We then went to a few places around the city, we just can't remember the names!

St James Park

The next day we spent some time sightseeing! We went on the big red bus finally!!! It cost £10 and well worth the money! The bus brought us up to St James Park, the Quayside and past alot of old buildings. Newcastle has some amazing history!
Afterwards we went shopping! I'll do another post on what I bought but I picked up some bargains!!! We had a calmer night on Sunday but still had a lovely time. The hotel had calmed down at this stage and the whole atmosphere was nicer. I wish it was like that when we arrived. I would have felt safer altogether!

Central Station

We went home Monday morning and the travel to the airport was grand, A few delays but the metro system is great. It brings you straight to the airport and only costs £3.60 one way, much cheaper than a taxi!

I had a fantastic time in Newcastle and fell in love with the Geordies!We are going back in January and will be stopping by South shields so I can visit the Catherine Cookson Museum! Cookson is an author who wrote stories based in Newcastle and Northumberland set in 1800's.

Where is your favourite place to go in Newcastle?

Louise xxxx

Hey everyone!

Ellie

Recently Stephen and I decided to add to our little family. We both love animals and I have been pining for the company of a doggy since we moved. At home we have two dogs, Oscar and Ellie and they are my life. I would sit and talk about them for hours if I was let. I am ridiculous. I'm not alone though. My mother calls Oscar Son.. Somehow that makes me feel a little better haha.

Ellie is almost a year old and her mother had another litter 8 weeks ago so when I heard, I couldn't resist going for a look at the new babies. I was signing myself over to the devil because I knew I would be going home with one. I fell in love with a little fart who was real feisty and took to me straight away.

Oscar

We collected our new puppy a few weeks later and named him Loki after the Norse God of Mischief and Thor's brother from the movie. A fitting name!

Another reason for the rush to get a puppy was for Stephen's rehabilitation. He is now almost 12 weeks over his operation and has come off all the medication. He doesn't have that much to do with his time as he is still waiting on the prosthesis so thought that this would be a welcome distraction and force him to put structure and routine back into the day. We were right. Having to get up to feed the puppy and play with him as given Stephen the boost he needs.

We have Loki Two weeks now and he is a little rascal. It is hard work training him but he is starting to get it now that the mat is for toilet but still forgets! He is still teething so is chewing everything he sees. He sleeps in his own bed on the floor in our room. He cries sometimes to get into bed with us but has been sleeping through the night lately.




Oh and he adores Oscar and Ellie. He loves spending time at my mothers and is developing so quickly by being around the others!

See some pictures of cuteness!

Louise xxx

Hey everyone!

It's coming to the time of year where we change up our make up routines. I prefer to go with a matte look for Autumn/ Winter but still keep my skin hydrated. God knows my skin gets very dry so it is just a personal preference that I like to keep it simple during the day with the foundation.

Catrice is like the hidden gem when it comes to drug store make up. Not every store stocks Catrice - Where I live Catrice is only available in Pennys so for me it took some time to come around to the brand. I should have tried it sooner! It started with a single shadow! Then I tried one of their matte foundations and I loved it. The consistency is great and it lasts all day. I think the foundations would suit a dry to combination skin.

This Autumn Catrice has launched a matte range. I have not used any yet but thought it would be something you would be interested in! Also everything costs under €7!

Catrice Prime and Fine Illuminating Base €5.49

Catrice All Matt Plus - Shine Control Make Up €6.99

This foundation claims to give you a flawless finish and acts like a second skin. This make up is oil free and long lasting so perfect for Oily to combination skin. It should give a decent coverage and there are light reflecting pigments to ensure a matte finish and a fresh look!
Not bad for €6.99!

Catrice All Matt Plus - Shine Control Powder €3.99

                

This Powder keeps your foundation under control. It is long lasting and the powder is ultra fine. This is definitely something I want to try out. It keeps your skin matte and oil free!











Catrice is stocked nationwide in pharmacies and most Pennys stores.

Let me know what you think of Catrice!!

Louise xxx

The Cara Delvigne Shoot for Spring Collection 2014

Fred Letailleur and Daniela Moyles

Model wearing recreated look from Cara Delivigne Shoot

Hey everyone!

If you follow me on Twitter you will see that I had the honour of attending a make up master class with Yves Saint Laurent's European Make up Artist Fred Letailleur.
Fred has over 28 years experience as an artist working with the likes of Cara Delvigne and met us in Dublin to show us some key trends for this Autumn.

We were also treated to a live demonstration on model and Celebrity Apprentice Daniela Moyles.

Lashes first.

Then the Brigit Bardot Inspired 60's liner using YSL Shocking Eyeliner

Fred gave us not One but two trend 'tutorials'. (All products used were from YSL current and upcoming spring collection. Some of the products I am restricted on showing as the collection has not been officially launched but trust me the wait is worth it!)

Fred used Touche Éclat to illuminate the models face. TIP: He placed three pumps of the product on his hand to prevent too much product going on to the face, then applied the product with a flat foundation brush to the areas you would normally highlight!

Fred used YSL Shocking Eyeliner pen for the Brigit Bardot inspired liner. TIP: Instead of trying to apply liner with one stroke across the eye, Try applying liner to one half of eye - stop, and then apply from opposite end and meet in the middle. 

the finished look with Ombre Lip

For the Ombré lips Fred used the Spring collection lip glosses. YSL are renowned for being market leaders in the most current make up trends. They have developed a range of glosses that will compliment any look you want to create.

For the Ombre Fred used a Black gloss. This was applied to bottom and top half of lip, leaving space on the middle of lip for another colour.
To finish the look Fred suggested using a bright bold colour like Orange, Red, or to stay on Trend this Autumn a berry colour like this one shown!




After the master class I took the opportunity to ask Fred for some tips and he kindly took about 10 minutes to chat away to myself and a few of the girls and pose for some photos! What a lovely man!

As mentioned earlier You will have to wait until closer to Spring for the low down on some of the spring products. Anything with Links is available now at Brown Thomas in Ireland or any YSL counter.

Until next time,

Louise xxx

Myself and Mr Lettaileur

Fred's personal Kit eeekkkk!!!

Hey everyone!


I am so lazy when it comes to removing my make up. I hate using wipes and I know the chemicals in the wipes are so bad for my skin but I just don't have the time for a huge routine.
I was excited when I heard about the mitt and forgot to pick one up when I bought my Nima brushes so the gift was perfect timing!
What made it even more special was the fact the creator of said mitt gave us a tutorial to prove the benefits of using the mitt. So to say I was in my element is an understatement!

This mitt is made of tiny little microfibres that along with wait for it TAP WATER (wam ish for best results) removes all traces of make up, grime and all types of eye make up even water proof mascara. I kid you not! I raced home just to use the mitt and I have used it every day since.

So there isn't much science to it. You wet the mitt. Wipe your face clean and use a bar of soap to wash after every use to keep it fresh and anti bacterial. I tried to use liquid soap to wash and it really doesn't work as well FYI. Leave out to dry and use again and again. Don't put it near a washing machine.

I am seriously loving this mitt. I promise you wont be let down. I have bought one for all the ladies in my life. I will be hanging up my cleanser and toner for a while now!

€12.95 is a small price to pay for easy, quick and safe make up remover!!

Have you tried a mitt? what do you think?

Louise xxx

End of the day face

Make up free!! WEEEEEEE

Hey everyone!

As mentioned in my last post I went to a blogger meet up last Sunday! It was arranged by Aisling at Total Make up Addict to allow us all a catch up and to celebrate the end to #SBBC a monthly event dreamt up by Girl Friday Beauty Blog.

It was great to see so many familiar faces and to meet some more new bloggers! These meet ups stop being so scary after a while and everyone is so welcoming.

We were all treated to goodies by some extremely generous brands which I am extremely excited about. Thanks so much to the following who have kindly introduced us to their brand. Some are new to the Irish market and some are favourites already!

• Human and Kind  http://www.humanandkind.com/
• Mama Mio http://www.mamamio.com
• Oriflame  http://ie.oriflame.com/
• Blank Canvas Cosmetics http://www.blankcanvascosmetics.com/
• Zlaja http://www.ziaja.ie
• Royal and Langnickel http://www.royalbrush.com
• Surya Brazil http://www.yourtonic.com
• Beauty Emporium http://beautyemporium.ie/
• Precious Polishes www.preciouspolish.bigcartel.com

Nima Brushes