Glossy Box July

Hey everyone!

It has been a little while since my last beauty post. Thank you all for your lovely comments. We really appreciate the support. I have set up a new blog page www.lifeoverlimbs.blogspot.ie where I will be adding posts as we go along our journey with the big C...

Today is all about moving forward and what better way than with a Glossybox delivery. With all the stress it was a beautiful day on Monday when my mam called me to tell me it had arrived....! What made it even more special was that i received the dispatch email only that day!! Score!

What a delight
I had an idea that this box was going to be beach themed. I spotted a picture on Glossybox Twitter feed and the beautiful aqua and coral colours jumped off the page at me! I was not disappointed and the box will take pride and place in my new bedroom where ever that may be! I cannot get over the colours of the box, ribbon, paper.. Seriously the presentation is more exciting than what is inside!





First Impressions 

So the UK subscribers were treated to some nicer products than their Irish Counterparts. This annoys me slightly as I do not see why there is such an issue with giving us the same products.. C'est la vie says you...

The first thing that caught my eye was not the Essie stickers.. Oh no, I spotted the Anatomicals spray bottle first and my oh my I was delire and excire as I don't own anything from that brand! EEEEKKKKK... Read on for more girlooossss....!!!

Anatomicals Spray Misty Facial Spritz

I gave this baby a whirl first and was excited to try as I really do think these spritz products are just a novelty.. An expensive one at that. I got a whiff of Lavender smelling salts. It does go after a few minutes but doesn't do an awful lot more after.. My face was moistened also.. Even though it don't get up to much I will keep it for decoration. That means You can't have it Gemma.


Sleek Pout Paints in Minx and Peachy Keen


Ohkay.... I am not sure about these colours. First impressions aren't great. Maybe because I think the peach is hideous. I am not into the really pale colours on my lips. Looks like I have slapped a load of heavy concealer on my lips. However if you were into that sort of thing... The colour is highly pigmented but is very watery. I shook as hard as I could and when I applied some to my hand the product seperated almost immediately. Here are some pictures for you to ponder over...



 Coola Mineral sunscreen and Tinted Moisturiser


This pretty is a sunscreen and tinted moisturiser. It has spf 20 and enviornmental protection. Now what more can you ask for? Well, there is no scent to this, I totally did not expect this as there is fruit oils and fruit water included in the ingredients... It has a nice texture and does not go sticky on hands after rubbing into skin. Leaves a lovely high shine on skin which is delightful. May have to test this baby out on the open road sometime!


Bamboo Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

I like this... I have received hair products in most of my boxes but this is the best so far..
It is designed to be sprayed onto dry or damp hair, start from roots to tips and then work in with your fingers for a nice textured tousled look. I love having my hair like that. I put plaits in the fronts of my hair most days in order to achieve that over the last few weeks! Not any morreeee!!!



Essie Nail Stickers 

The Piece De Resistance.. My nails are crap and the nail stickers don't fit all my nails. The thumbs are always too big (seriously do companies think we are all ogres or men in previous lives?) It is probably just me but anyway they are really pretty, I'm just not bothered... No You can't have them Gemma... Hehehe



What did you think of this months box? Exciting stuff.. I'm almost at the end of my subscription so need to think of something fun like a best and worst. You can help me decide whether to stop the subscription or renew...

Louise xxxxx

Times are a changing

Literally Twenty Four hours ago on July 11th we received news that has and will change our lives forever. My boyfriend has cancer....

Not just any old cancer, He has a tumour that has decided to set up shop and wrap itself around his right ankle and grow to the size of a tennis ball. I was in such a state yesterday that I never caught the medical name for this beast but what I did hear was that only 1 in 80 people in Ireland a year will be affected by this type of tumour.. 1 in 80! We had been to two hospitals since January when we first noticed the lump and not one doctor once thought the lump was cancerous! Apparently doctors will spend their whole career and not see a tumour like this! Shocking what!???!!!

My boyfriend is only 31. He has his whole life to live and he will have to do so missing his right leg. The cancer is so severe the only way to save him is by amputation. He will lose everything from his foot up to his shin. Thankfully he is not a  footballer but he is a keen driver.

We both sat there in a state of shock yesterday and couldn't believe this happened. When he went in last Wednesday for the biopsy we sat laughing together at the eccentric specialist who was so insistent that he has cancer I told him to get his will ready and make sure I get all his money lol.

So now there is a rush to make sure that this disgusting disease has not spread to any other part of his  precious body. We are confident that he will survive this illness once the amputation is successful.

We have 5 weeks to prepare. 5 weeks to say goodbye to the home we have built together. We live in an apartment with no lift and three flights of stairs. He doesn't want to leave here but the poor thing is going to be in a wheelchair until he learns how to walk again. There is no way he will be able to recover properly while hurting every time he needs to leave the apartment.
I am so upset and feel I am forcing him into moving but I know it is the only way we can move forward.

So now we are faced with the challenge of me working, packing up all our belongings and preparing Stephen for the most life altering action I never thought he would have to take. There is also the case of finding the deposit and pay off essential bills like electricity. €2000 is a lot of money when you don't have it.

Right now I have to force myself to keep going. I am only 25, Surely I am too young to be dealing with this. It has not really hit himself yet. He has such a great attitude that he is keeping me from falling apart.

We are together 17 months. Next month he will be sitting in hospital on our 1 1/2 year anniversary.
I am not overly religious but I am convinced of this.
The day we met we both knew we would spend the rest of our lives together. We fell in love fast and settled down after a year. I know in my heart God or whoever is up there made that happen.
I was supposed to meet him when I did and I am supposed to help him through this journey.


I want to keep blogging about this journey but I want to protect his privacy. I have launched a second blog page. www.lifeoverlimbs.blogspot.ie. Click here to read more.

Say a prayer for us or keep us in your thoughts. I'm sure we will find the money and in the long run this is the best solution for a horrid situation. Thanks for listening to my story.

Louise xxxx

Dream Tone by Lancome

Hey everyone!

I recently attended an event arranged by Lancome to celebrate the launch of a new revolutionary product aptly named Dream Tone..
Before I get down to what I does for your skin I want to share the science behind the cream! Prepare to be amazed!

So why have Lancome launched Dream Tone?

Over 10,000 women in 19 countries took part  in a study where it was found that there are no less than 64 different skin shades! Before now, assessment of skin colours where done on less than half a dozen skin types and based on gender, race and geography! Having the new knowledge meant Lancome (L'Oreal) could characterise to 3 pigmentation profiles (Light, Medium, Dark) and be true to colour. Lancome also knew from world wide studies that women are concerned about skin tone more so than wrinkles. They were able to see that certain skin types have varied problems with skin such as, Light skin and Redness, Medium skin and Sallowness, Dark skin and Blemish spots.

Lancome have discovered the true reason behind age spots and blemishes. From that they have been able to create a new approach to treating it!

Ooohh I am interested, Do tell more?

Lancome have used the profiles for Light, Medium and Dark skin tones and created creams to treat each of the three most common complaints of uneven skin tones..

The Science behind it all
Light Skin Addition of Micro Seaweed Extract to combat redness 

Medium Skin Addition of Maitake Extract to help fight sallowing of the skin tone

Dark Skin Addition of Salicylis Acid Derivative to target blemish marks

They have also worked really hard to improve the skins texture, to correct discolouration and improve radiance! The cream smells divine also!




The idea is that you apply cream every day for 8 weeks after which you will see results.. The exciting part so far is that the results are long lasting and not just a temporary effect.

I want it NOW... 

The good news is that Lancome DreamTone is available to purchase in store from 1st September 2013 Nationwide! 
The better news is that it is exclusively available from Brown Thomas Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway from 15th August 2013.

I know I cannot wait to use this product. What are your thoughts? I don't normally write posts like this but I was so intrigued by the science behind it all I wanted to briefly touch on it for you!

Louise xxxx



Dreamtone 40ml €87 RRP






Lessons of love with Mac

Hey everyone!

I decided to book myself into a personal lesson with Linda (MAC BT2, Blanchardstown).
She went through step by step guide on a day look that can be jazzed up to an evening look in seconds! Sounds great right! I will warn you before I carry on, this may be a long post.. It is sooooo worth it though! Promise!!! I'm already editing as we speak... So lets get cracking! I have linked as many products as I could to MAC website for reference... !!!

Products used

  • Prep & Prime Natural Radiance Skin Base
  • Mineralize Powders to set concealer and eye base and contour
  • Prolong Wear Concealer in NW25
  • Two Eyeshadows. Base was Amber Lights, Crease was Folie
  • Fluidline in Dipdown
  • Brow Pencil in Lingering
  • Extended Play Lash Mascara
  • Highlighter in Pearl
  • Lip Liner in Boldly Bare
  • Cremesheen Glass
Brushes Used


  • Flat Foundation Brush
  • 239 Flat Shader Brush
  • 266 Angle liner Brush
  • 168 Contour Brush

Step 1 - The Skin Base

Left side of my face has just primer. Look how amazing that is
















I have dehydrated skin that needs lots of moisture but very few blemishes so we decided to go for a natural flawless look. Firstly a gift  from God was applied to my face. 
 is a hydrating gel that is applied to face as a primer but also evens out skin tone immediately and the colour disappears on application so suitable for all skin tones. 
It Contains lots of lovely vitamins to protect your skin but also has some pearl powder that brightens skin!  It costs roughly €38 but you get a 50ml bottle for that and it will last you ages!!! I am obsessed with this now and cannot wait to get paid to buy myself a bottle!!!

Step 2 - The Eyes

Using the 239 Shader Brush, Linda applied a sweep of Mineralize Powder all over my lid and up to brow bone. This acts as a base and stops creasing. Then to add some definition before applying colour she added an orange tone powder to my crease winging the shadow out to the edge of my eye. This is not noticeable but is used to act as a 'canvas'! 

Amber Lights (Frost) was pressed onto my lid and lightly softened at crease. Then using the same 239 brush and having me look straight ahead Linda applied Folie (Satin) to my crease, going heavy at outer corner and allowing the colour to lighten the further inwards she went. 

Next using her 266 Angle Brush she added the Dipdown liner and brought as close to lash line as possible and gave me a small flick at edges. Lashings of mascara was added after and a quick liner of both folie and amber lights were applied beneath my lower lash line for the lolz...

Here's a tip.. When applying gel or fluid liners make sure you use a liner brush as opposed to a fine liner brush and allow the brush to do the work. Imagine connecting the dots... So follow the line of your eye and start from outer corner and end at inner corner of eye. Add flick as needed after!

I remember from my college work that the best way to see what colours suit and eye colour you can use a colour wheel and what ever is on opposite side will suit the colour. Eg I have blue/ green eyes so I Know browns, oranges, golds will make my eyes pop! Try it out for yourself!

 Step 3 - The Skin Finish

I was slightly embarrassed at myself by this stage as I was seriously in love with myself and nothing had been applied yet to my skin! My eyes looked like I had contact lenses and Linda did such an amazing job! She likes to leave the skin until last so as not to have any fall down to clean up after eyeshadow application..
Using her flat foundation brush and starting from my nose out Linda used tiny amounts of Prolongwear Concealer in NW 25 to cover my face. Took two minutes!

Using her 168 Contour Brush and the same Mineralize powder as earlier she went to work contouring the life out of me! She applied to cheekbones, along the jawline and down my neck, to the temples and across the forehead.. Basically everywhere! Damn round face! 

Then came my favourite part of the routine... Highlighter in Pearl was lovingly applied to my nose, just above the between my brows.. (speak English? lol sorry) under brow bone and upper lip.

Step 4 - The Finale  or Lips....

Lastly (or finally says you and Linda's back) we got the smackers doing some work.. 
Linda applied some Lip Liner in Boldly Bare and then some Cremesheen Glass Lipgloss in a nude colour that worked a treat!

To bring me from day to night we applied some more Dipdown into my water line...

So It has taken me a few days to get this post up but for good reason. I had such fun with my lesson. I purchased three items on the day. The concealer, eye liner and i wanted to pick up amber lights but they were sold out. I picked up another shade though in Sable which does the job.

I spent €48 in total and as you can see from this post received a wealth of knowledge! Seriously I don't think i have ever received such good customer service not just from Linda but all the girls and guys working in MAC, Blanchardstown. If you are like me and want to update your skills or are a complete novice then spending and hour with a qualified artist is well worth the money and you get to take it all home with you!!

I hope you enjoyed this post and I am looking forward to going back again soon for more advice!

Louise xxxx
Recreated look on myself and Gemma.. Sweaty bettys

The finished look



June Favourites

Hey everyone!

It's time for me to tell you all about my favourite beauty and non beauty related products this last month! I can't believe we are half way through 2013 already! 

Beauty

Kiehls Skin Rescuer Hydrating Moisturiser

This moisturiser is new to the market in Ireland and I was lucky enough to receive a tester at a recent event in Dublin. I have been using regularly for the last week and am already seeing results!
I am going to dedicate a full blog post to this once I have completed the trial as Kiehls recommend two weeks usage before results are noticeable.


Mac eyebrow pencil in Lingering

I have been loving using this pencil! I have been using this just to fill in my brows even when I am not wearing make up! Such a beautiful colour that matches my brows perfectly! I can see myself purchasing this again!

Natural brows lightly filled in with Lingering and lips are Rimmel no 12





























Kate Moss Lipstick in No 12 Lasting Finish


I bought this lipstick about a year ago and recently rediscovered when I was organising my lip products!

I love how the product is creamy and highly pigmented. It lasts for hours without the need to re apply! I think the colour is bang on trend for Summer, nice red lip with a hint of orange!

NYC Foil Explosion in Enchanting Fire (No12)

I was lucky enough to be given a range of NYC's new Foil Explosion nail varnish at a recent blogger meet up. Out of all the colours this one really stood out to me! 
 I love the metallic finish and you really would only need one coat and the whole nail is covered! It dries super quick and the colour is amazing! It is dark pink almost purple colour with a golden undertone.
 My index/ typing finger took a bashing in work and colour chipped quickly but the rest of my nails lasted for over a week before I noticed any damage.



Sorry about the dodgy application but dying to show the finished result

Non Beauty

Tv

I have been loving the new episodes of Gold Rush on Discovery Channel. Every Tuesday at 9pm myself and Stephen sit down to watch it. The show is based around four groups of gold miners in Alaska and shows how they mine the gold and different things they come across! 
We get really excited for the groups when they hit targets! 


Youtube

I regularly watch and subscribe to beauty videos on YouTube. I love picking up tips from different you-tubers and am in process of teaching myself how to upload videos!
Recently Tanya Burr and PixiWoo both reached over 1,000,000 subscribers! I love how social media for people has evolved. More and more people are starting to use the internet to find out about things they love. Myself included. I think they are fantastic role models and especially the Irish girls on YouTube werking it for us all!!!

Check out a small collection of YouTubers that I like to watch. I subscribe to so many more but these are my favourites!!

Lancome have another collaboration on the cards

bag
Hey everyone!

Lancome have announced a second collaboration with the amazing Jenny Packham fashion house.
Jenny Packham is a UK fashion brand that has been going stong since 1988! 25 years of dressing the likes of Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.

The name Jenny Packham is synonymous with luxury and elegance. I could never afford to buy (or fit) into any of the clothing so I will happily settle for a cosmetics bag!

Here is what Jenny says:
  ‘I am delighted to be collaborating with Lancôme once again. For 2013, I wanted to create a design that is fresh and stylish, with references straight from the catwalk. With its bold print and gold accessories, it has a very modern feel.’











The bags design has been inspired by the polka dot print that dominated the runway for Jenny Packham's Spring Summer 2013 collection.

They come in Pink and white colours and come FREE with two Lancome purchases (One to be Skin Care).


I wouldn't normally be bothered about free gifts as part of a collection but Lancome are normally at the top of their game when it comes to customer loyalty. The bags also come filled with testers so you can fall in love with Lancomes other amazing products. I especially loved their eye make up remover that I received in the last gift with a purchase over Christmas!

What do you think? Seriously gorgeous for a free gift! The cosmetics are available while stocks last! You will find Lancome counters in selected department stores. I love Debenhams in Blanchardstown, Dublin personally!

Louise xxxx






Free Jenny Packham for Lancôme cosmetic bag including the following trial-sized products: 1 x Galatéis Douceur 50ml, 1 x Tonique Douceur 50ml, 1 x Bi-Facil 30ml, 1 x Hypnôse Mascara 2ml, 1 x L’Absolu Rouge 1.65ml
Trial sizes: skincare – 30-50ml, makeup – 1.65-2ml.

PRESS RELEASE - My views however are my own.

Cloud 10 Beauty Haul

Hey everyone!

The other day I received an email that changed my life... Not really It was an offer for free shipping but it encouraged me to purchase some items that I have been obsessing over for a loooooong time!

I set up an account with Cloud 10 beauty a while back as I had heard some great things about the site. They have access to different brands that are otherwise hard to get hold of in Southern Ireland such as Sleek Cosmetics. They also have a huge range of cosmetic brands including Ciate, Khroma, Face Atelier and Sigma! This weekend was the first time I ordered products and I was delighted I did it! I spent €37 altogether and delivery took Two whole days! Amazing service!


 Sleek Cosmetics  Face Form in Light  €13

I jumped at the chance to purchase this as the last few times I have tried to find this particular colour palette it has been sold out! I bought the medium shade there a while back and it is too dark for me! 

I swatched the blusher first and couldn't get over how pretty it is! The name Rose Gold really suits the colour. I love how the blush has a gold shimmer running though the pink. These blushes are highly pigmented and cannot wait to go around looking highlighted oura me face! :-) lol

The contour colour is great for my skin tone. I am finding it hard to get a decent swatch so will use the contour and highlight during my usual make up routine and put up some pictures! 

I am so excited about this product and Gemma has already asked me to hook a sister up and buy her the same palette! 


Real Techniques Starter Set  Eye shadow set €24.99


Samantha Chapman is one half of You tube sensation Pixi Woo. a beauty and make up blog/ channel. Samantha launched her own range of cosmetic brushes and I think it is safe to say that there are few beauty bloggers at  this stage that do not own at least one of her brushes.
I bought the core collection ages ago and have been dying to get the eye shadow brushes since. I couldn't face the €28.99 price tag in Boots. The prices went up as they became more popular.. :( However Cloud 10 have the brushes at least €4 cheaper and at €24.99 how could I refuse!?!

All Brushes are synthetic and cruelty free:
  • Base Shadow Brush - Used to apply base colour but I have seen some people use this to apply concealer
  • Deluxe crease brush - Over sized contouring brush for the crease
  • Accent Brush - Precision brush for detailing, concealing, highlighting and smudging
  • Pixel-point eye liner brush -  has a tapered cut so you can use for dense or fine liner
  • Brow Brush - Used for distinctive brow shaping










I cannot wait to start using my new brushes and face palette. 
What do you think of my buys?? 

Louise xxxx


 

Beauty Haul

Hey everyone!

Happy July 1st! I updated posts for most of June and now I am at a cross roads. I still want to be present here but cannot commit to daily posts.. Until I figure out what I want to do I will continue on blogging every second day maybe...? Let me know what your preference is! :)

I am super excited to share my recent beauty buys today! I went a little mad on there on Sunday gone. I am ridiculous with my wages.... I would hang my head in shame but meh.. I refuse to feel guilty!
I was lucky enough to win a €15 all for one voucher in work last week so I really wanted to pick up something that I would not normally buy! AAAANNNDDD then some!

I window shopped in a number of shops but purchased from Two....

Boots

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Intense Black (01) €11.99
This is actually a second time buy for me. I bought this product when it was first released thinking it would be amazing and did not really gel well with it... (get it? lol)
The colour dried out grey not intense black and the product itself dried out quickly. At the time I was really just muddling my way through make up and didn't really know much so was unaware that there are products out there to get the moisture back into eyeliners.. 

This time round I am delighted I took the time to rediscover this product. I bought it today for €11.99 in Boots as part of an offer and first thing I did when I got home was test this baby out! I LOVE IT!! Maybelline must have worked on the formula because look at that picture!!! 
The eyeliner glided onto my lid and dried quickly. I actually used the brush provided to apply for the craic and think I will continue to do so going forward! Really think this has shot right past my love Essence Gel Liner. 


 




Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara Black €11.99

I am in heaven here. Seriously.  I applied this mascara without the aid of an eyelash curler and one coat only. I recently posted about my favourite mascara and have mentioned (complained...) that I haven't been able to find a mascara that would apply to bottom lashes without transferring! I am excited to use this product going forward!


 Mac, BT2 Blanchardstown

Mac Eyebrow Pencil in Lingering €17

I decided to take a trip to Mac and have a look around for an eyeshadow or some concealer. However what actually caught my eye was the eye pencils. I am obsessed with my eye brows and normally use a shadow. I normally use Omega as a brow shadow but sometimes I like the precision of a pencil. I had some assistance from a lovely artist who talked me through the pencil shades and we decided on Lingering.. I was delighted with myself as I had thought lingering would be a good colour too.. I think the shade is very true to my natural hair colour and really brings out the green in my eyes...

I have also booked myself into a make up session with Linda my new besto for next week where she will show me how to perfect a day and evening eye look. 
I actually cannot wait.. I have an idea in my head what colours I will be leaning towards but I really want to get out of my comfort zone and create something fun!!

I will be taking pictures on the day so will be doing a big blog post about it!




Hope you like my haul!! Hope everyone is having a lovely day!

Louise xxxxx