Tag Archives: Review

I have looked at Phibrows for a long time, thinking this could be the answer to my prayers as I have very few eyebrow hairs left after manic plucking sessions in the 90’s!

I had saved up to have the procedure done last year but my little car Lola needed work so my eyebrow money was spent on that.

Recently I won a competition to have Phibrows done with Phi Master Kim O’Sullivan and I was so happy I actually cried.

So, on Wednesday this week I had my appointment and it’s safe to say I was nervous and excited at the prospect of having proper brows again.

As you can see by my before photo, I had very few eyebrow hairs!!!

Kim went through the formalities and forms, measurements and shapes to suit my bone structure etc. and the procedure began with numbing cream and the first cuts ( Scraping, weird sensation) It was uncomfortable but I kept thinking of the end result, BROWS!

Anyway, I could go on and on but I’ll keep it brief!

Here’s a pic of me about 30 mins later in my car with my new pals (BROWS)

Flormar triple action mascara review

The endless search for the perfect mascara wand continues and Flormar have come up with this invention where you twist the lid of the mascara to change the brush shape and add length, volume and curl to your lashes. 


Everyone has a favourite wand they prefer to make their lashes pop and flutter. I personally like a wand with volume and a tapered end to catch the smaller lashes at the inner corners of the eye. I haven’t really warmed to the plastic type wands as they don’t seem to coat all of my lashes and as I don’t tend to wear false lashes I really want what I do have to look thicker and not necessarily longer. I prefer volume over length. 


So, I gave this mascara a whirl and I’m not a convert. It has a plastic wand where as I prefer the bristles. I only wish they had brought this out with more of a brush like wand, it would probably be my favourite then. The idea behind the twisting mechanism is good,3 mascaras in one. With that in mind I will continue using it but with a disposable mascara wand instead. 

If you like a plastic wand then this is for you.


Flormar is available at nationwide in pharmacies,Mullingar Pharmacy Penneys and you can check stockists here www.flormarireland.ie

NOTE Luminous Moisturizing Foundation Review 


NOTE Cosmetics are relatively new to Ireland and I stumbled upon the stand when picking up a few holiday essentials in my local pharmacy and decided that I would try out one of their foundations. At €9.95 for 35ml I was curious to see how it would stand up. 


The packaging is minimal Black and silver and sleek, so good so far. 

I have dry/combination skin, prone to hormonal breakouts so this was going to be a challenge. 

Note Cosmetics :

It protects and balances your skin tone with a natural coverage that lasts all day long. It highly moisturizes your skin thanks to Sweet Almond Oil with antioxidant features and Macadamia Oil that contains essential acids.

NOTE Superiority:

• Does not contain parabens

• Dermatologically tested

• It gives intensive moisture to your skin.

• Recommended for dry/ prone to dry skin

• Easy to apply with tube packaging

• Will not mark clothing thanks to its quick drying property.

• Concealing and silky soft texture

• SPF 15

• Best used within 12 months after opening.

My verdict:

Great!!! Excellent value for a “Drug store” foundation. The packaging (Tube) is so travel/make up bag friendly and the foundation itself: 
I applied as usual with my fingers and it’s creamy consistency was so easy to blend, it evened out my complexion and gave me a flawless finish. It lasted the whole day even on busy running around like crazy days and for €9.95 I’ll be stocking up. I chose the Colour 07 Apricot as I had applied false tan and it was a good match. As an affordable foundation it’s a good addition to your make up bag. And as it has an SPF15 it saves time too. 

NOTE COSMETICS are available in pharmacies and online here CH Chemists

I bought mine here at Mullingar Pharmacy

Thanks for reading ❤️❤️❤️

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation Review

I picked up these foundations having heard good things so decided I’d try it out myself.


I chose No.53 & No.54 as I wasn’t sure which one was best as I was tanned at the time of purchasing them. At the time Boots had a special offer two for €13 which was a lovely surprise when I was paying at the till. 

This anti-Fatigue foundation claims to instantly erase signs of fatigue for a flawless finish giving a fresh and healthy looking complexion lasting up to 16 hours with the aid of Vitamins C,E and B5.


My Verdict:

I have been using this for 2 weeks and have found its good on my dry skin as it didn’t cling to dry areas but coverage was not sufficient so I used some of my trusty concealer to conceal under my eyes and on any blemishes. 

The No.54 colour was perfect when I was wearing my false tan and it blends really easily. I apply my foundation with my hands and always set my foundation with powder to set it and get the whole day from it as I don’t have time to touch up my foundation. 

Overall I was happy with this foundation and would recommend it as a cheaper alternative to high end brands especially good for budget and great if you prefer to keep your more expensive cosmetics for the weekend. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation RRP €13.99 but Boots have their 3 for 2 on Bourjois products at the moment. 

Thanks for popping by 🌟❤️🌟

Review: Microneedling my honest take on it 


I’ve been meaning to write this review for some time now and haven’t gotten around to it until now. 

Here’s some questions I have been asked by friends and family when they saw I had it done and my honest answers! 

 Did it hurt? 

I actually enjoyed the sensation and as I had numbing cream applied all over my face and neck it didn’t hurt at all, I could feel the needle around my lip area but not in a painful or uncomfortable way. I knew it was doing good for my skin, so I got a kick out of it. 


What was your skin like afterwards?

Red! It was like I was sunburnt, which I never normally experience as I have skin that tans in the sun so this was new to me. I had sunglasses with me so I popped them on. I wasn’t embarrassed, I went into the pavilions straight afterwards and got a gorgeous pair of boots. 


Can you wear make up after treatment?

Ciara applied SPF50 after my treatment to give my skin a barrier from the elements and protect from sun damage. It’s advised you don’t wear make up for 24 hours to get the full benefit and let your skin heal. I have used the SPF every day afterwards.


What was your skin like the next day? 

The following morning the redness had reduced significantly and I was delighted to apply my make up and feel like myself again. My skin did feel noticeably firmer and plumped, my frown lines were noticeably reduced and my skin on my neck was still a bit red and sensitive so I made sure to apply more SPF there.


Was your skin dry afterwards?

Around day 3 post microneedling my skin did flake and peel so I made up my favourite scrub of sugar, lemon and honey and gave my skin a drenching with serum and moisturiser afterwards every night until it calmed down. 

Would you recommend it? 

Definitely yes if you want to reduce lines and wrinkles, improve circulation, boost your collagen in your skin, help with break outs, acne scars and open pores.

How much does it cost? 

€95 per session which lasts 1 hour although some times there is a deal of€250 for three sessions! 

Where can I have it done? 

Biofresh have two stores in Swords and Drogheda. I had my microneedling done in Swords with Ciara. 

Contact  Biofresh here www.biofreshskincare.ie


PS Penneys/Primark Bath & Body Collection review 

Strawberry, Pink Grapefruit and Coconut sound good? They smell even better than you can imagine and I’ve been enjoying these latest treats from Penneys ever since I got them in the post. 

My daughter Zara-Zöe just loves the Strawberry shower gel, especially after swimming and has been loving using the body scrub on her little knees. The hand cream is gorgeous too, and it doesn’t leave your hands too greasy afterwards which is a pet hate of mine, so I can get on with things. 

I’m loving the Coconut products too much, the scrub is perfect for gently removing any unwanted remnants of fake tan and it effectively removes and softens any dry/dead skin, leaving your skin nice and soft. The body spray is gorgeous and the fresh scent of coconut gives you a holiday lift in this dreary grey weather we have at the moment. It dries quickly so is perfect after the shower before dressing. 


I gave my Mum the Pink Grapefruit products to try and she is loving them, she’s particularly loving the scent and the hand cream is perfect for her as it’s not too overwhelming. 

The PS Love Rose perfume is so light and hints of floral and citrus make it perfect for daytime.

The PS Love Noir Perfume is a heavier scent with accents of musk and is a gorgeous perfume for evening. 

Penneys also very kindly sent me a backpack also pictured and it’s lined so can be used for the gym. We are currently loving it for swimming and it’s just €12 The Bath and Body range is available in Penneys now and prices range from €2

Penneys skin care review 

Penneys have brought out a gorgeous range of skin care and the packaging is cute and girly.

I have been using the range since I received it and it’s safe to say that it’s worth way more than it’s price. 


The Micellar water €2.50 is brilliant for a bed table, quick cleanse after a night out or if you use a cleanser first use this after on cotton pads to give yourself a double cleanse. 

This is amazing! I am weary of foaming face washes being drying on my skin but this leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth because of the Rose extract and Vitamin E. Only €2.75


Such a great eye make up remover to have in your make up bag! And for only €2.00 gives other more expensive brands a run for their money! 

This oil free moisturiser €2.50 is suitable for my combination skin and the witch hazel extract keeps my oily tzone under control and the cucumber gives a cool and calming feeling to the skin. 


I gave this to my Momma to try out as it would be too rich for my skin. I’m sure she will love the Vitamin E and Rose Extract to rehydrate her skin which can be prone to some dryness. I will let you know her verdict…. Also only €2.50 

All skincare is available in Penneys/Primark from €2 

Sass & Boho Candle Review

A couple of months ago the beautiful people from Sass & Boho sent me a beautiful candle called “Sweet Tart” and I could smell the candle even before I opened the packaging. 

The scent of the candle is Rhubarb & Damson Plum, so warm,lighly sweet and comforting and anyone who came into the house when I was burning it, commented on how gorgeous the house smelt. 

I’ve been saving it for when we have guests or if I’ve had a long day and I need to feel homely and snugly I’ll light the candle. It does definitely burn slower than most other candles I’ve had including Yankee and Jo Malone and I’m getting near the end of it now and that saddens me. 

Maybe Santa will bring me one for Christmas or maybe I’ll get one for my birthday. 

Sass & Boho candles are available to buy online Here

And are £25.00

What they say: Sass & Boho is a Luxury Range of Hand Poured Scented Candles made using the finest premium essential oils, fragrance oils and a unique blend of sustainably sourced, eco-friendly soy, palm and vegetable waxes. No paraffin is used in our candles. Our wicks are 100% cotton with no nasty lead, resulting in a very beautiful, clean, toxic free burn.

It’s our premium ingredients and skilled craftsmanship that has produced such a clean burning candle with no compromise to the amazing, long-lasting, strong; but not overpowering aromas that fill the home and leave you still smelling the scent long after the candle has been blown out.

Each candle is individually hand poured, tended to and monitored for 24hrs before being left to cure for a minimum of 3 weeks. It is then given one final inspection, labelled, boxed and ready for its new home.

The Scents

Each scent has been uniquely developed by blending fragrance and essential oils to not only fill your home with the most beautiful aromas but to also give calming or uplifting effects and to elevate and enhance your mood.

Hot Lips from Charlotte Tilbury

I received these gorgeous lipsticks from Charlotte Tilbury and wanted to use them on make up applications to try them out before I did a blogpost. Here’s what Charlotte herself says about her new lipstick range.

Darlings, I always say lipstick empowers confidence – it’s happiness in a tube! My beautiful NEW HOT LIPS collection has been created in collaboration with 12 incredible, brilliant, hypnotising women for an incredible charity: Women for Women International! Featuring my revolutionary, iconic square-angled tip that is designed to mimic a lip brush, as well as my CEW award-winning formula enriched with Orchid Extract, and voluminising 3D pigments for cashmere-soft lips that look lit from within. 


Electric Poppy is a vibrant hot pink, it’s creamy texture feels gorgon on your lips and lasts longer than a satin finish lipstick. Gorgeous for girls who love to make a statement.​


Salma’s smouldering and sexy colouring is so enchanting that I wanted to bottle it! That natural deep-rose plum brings out her beautiful brown eyes, adding instant sultry Latin sex-appeal to anyone who wears it. The perfect addition to the alluring DOLCE VITA look!



Kim K W is a beautiful nude lipstick, less of an orange undertone than Nude Kate and versatile enough to suit most skin types. Perfect with a dark smoky eye and beautiful alone or with gloss on top. 


Hot Lips are €30.00 and are available from Charlotte Tilbury online Here Or At Brown Thomas Here

Pippa Palette 

  
If you haven’t heard of The Pippa Palette you are seriously missing out. Since its launch it has continually sold out and the demand still remains high. Why? Well it’s the pure genius product from the fab people at Blank Canvas Cosmetics and Pippa O’Connor , Model, Presenter, Entrepreneur, blogger Pippa.ie ,Wife to Brian and mother to her adorable son Ollie to who invented this one stop shop Palette with 5 Eyeshadows, Highlighter, Bronzer/Shading/contour and Blusher all in one pretty pink palette with a mirror inside.  

Perfect for any one who is happy not to have to lug around lots of products when you are going away, running late for work (it’s handy on the train,tube,Luas,Plane) as its so compact.

 

Pippa Palette before & after

 
The colours are so easily adaptable for so many skin tones and typically amazing for Irish skin tones.

   
    
 Since I received my first Pippa Palette I have pretty much dipped in to it for every conceivable make up situation. In fact I did a whole wedding using the Pippa Palette from the Bride,4 Bridesmaids and Mum all glowed with Lulu the highlighter, Pipsy the Blusher and were contoured and shaded with Amour. 

  
The 4 matte/satin Eyeshadows are beautiful to blend and apply and the frosted/shimmer shade eyeshadow is gorgeous to use in the inner corner of the eye to brighten up eyes, make them appear bigger and I also like to apply a tiny amount just under the brows and blend well. 

Pippa Palette is €34.99 and can be bought at Here at Blank Canvas Cosmetics

PIPPA.IE
BLANK CANVAS COSMETICS