To What's Gone And What's Yet To Come

2015 has taught me a lot. It has taught me that so much can happen in a year, things change, people come & go and yet life still goes on but mostly importantly 2015 has taught me, well, about me! 
2015 has been a year of growth, 12 months of battling and over coming things I never believed I could, 365 days of learning who I am and starting to really like that person. 

A year ago today I was in a very different place in my life, I was a shadow of the person I am now, possibly the lowest I've ever been. This year I decided to take control of my life and my mental health instead of letting it control me. I made myself aware of the danger I was putting myself in. 



2015 taught me the difference between lonely and alone. It's okay to be alone, it's health to enjoy your own company sometimes but that doesn't mean feeling lonely. This learned I learned how to express myself and how to ask for help. The help that was always closer than I anticipated. 

This year I was reminded that blood is thicker than water. At the end of the day I can always count on my crazy & disfunctional family for love and support in everything I do. 

I learned that as you get older it's okay for your circle to get smaller. Less friends but more of the right ones. Less frequent meetings but more meaningful. To my handful of close friends (you know who you are) I sincerely thank you for the love and encouragement I have received throughout the past year. Here's to many more! 


I learned that I don't need a man or a partner to be complete. I am already complete. To the men of 2015, I thank you for the sleepless nights, the tears, the laughter and the heartbreak. Everything happens for a reason, our crossing paths were no different. Our experiences shape who we are and where we are meant to end up. This year I learned that at 22 years old, for right now, I am enough for me. 




A year changes you a lot and that's okay! 

As I sit here writing this piece, with multiple emotions over coming me, reminiscing about a year which has flown by, I have decided that 2016 is going to be whatever I want it to be, it's going to be good! 



This year I made changes for the better and I'm going to continue doing what's best for me. I have decided to make myself a priority and put my own feeling and body first for a change. I have taken steps to make my mind healthier now I'm ready to make my body itself healthier.

I want 2016 to be a year of new experiences, a year to travel to new places and a year to make new memories with the most important people in my life. 2016 is shaping up to be a good year for me! I have secured my dream internship with a company full of empowering women who I know I will learn a lot from, it has been a hard road to get here but I am ready to put the work in for my future career. I have new tattoo bookings made and travel plans with friends.

This year I want to become more dedicated to blogging, to put out quality content, to be more consistent with posts and to get more involved in the irish blogging community. For years I have wanted to set up a YouTube but I've never had the confidence, maybe this year will be the year.
I am ready for the year to come! 



Here's to the year that's gone and the year to come. I hope it brings you everything you need just as you need it. 

Love, A x 

Holiday Gift Guide - under €50

So this one is for all those people who are cringing at the thought of Christmas Shopping. Hopefully this will make it a little easier on you while still keeping the family happy and the best bit, every item is under €50! 

For Her :

Handbags and purses can be tough to pick so look to the person you're buying for, for inspritation. Have a look at a bag that they already own and pick a similar style. This River Island handbag is a gorgeous neutral with gold detailing for just €45, you can also pick up a matching purse ranging from €15-25.

Alex & Ani energy bracelets are very on trend right now, they look nice on their own or stacked together. These bracelets come in silver or gold with a range of different charms which all have their own meaning. Alex & Ani bracelets are available from Arnott's for €36. 

Aldo has a gorgeous range of watched like this Luskin Multi Strap Watch retailing for €44.12. Aldo is also available in store or from ASOS.ie.

These Deluxe Robes are from littlewoods.ie ranging from €28 - €44 and also come in several different colours. This item is perfect for any woman in your life but particularly appreciated by Mams or Nanas.

For Him :

When it comes to men they generally don't buy skincare products for themselves but they'll use products within reach, am I right ladies? This Liz Earle Men's Try Me kit from Boots is just €26 and it's perfect. This set includes a cleanse and polish face wash, a shower gel, shaving cream, aftershave moisturiser and a muslin cloth all in a handy travel washbag. 

Fashion accessories are always a good choice when it comes to the man in your life. Burton Menswear has some really good quality but affordable pieces, like this Real Leather Wallet for €30, Grey Textured Tie for just €14 or one of their gorgeous belts starting from €18.

Another fashion option is this grey wool scarf from Zara which is a steal at €25.95.

Keeping with the men's fashion theme, I have picked 2 watches which will suit a range of men. This Sekonda Men's stainless steel bracelet watch is €50 while this Red Herring Men's Brown Mock Multi Dial Watch is slightly cheaper at €37.50. This range of watches are available from Arnott's. 

For Them : 

These next couple of gift ideas could be for a man or woman in your life. They're unisex gifts that are sure to be appreciated by anyone. 

When choosing a present you can never go wrong with good quality headphones. These cool Betron HD1000 Headphones are €40 and can be purchases on Amazon.co.uk. 

Coffee table books are always an interesting gift, they are good conversation starters. This copy of "Inked" is perfect for a tattooed fan in your life and it's just €9.50 and is available from Amazon.co.uk.

This one will keep the watch fanatic in your life happy. This 12 Watch Display Box Case with Faux Leather costs €20 and is available from Amazon.co.uk. 

I hope this guide helped easy the Christmas shopping stress.

Love, 

A x

Holiday Gift Guide for Beauty Lovers : Under €50

It's that time of year again, love it or hate it, here we go... holiday gift guide time! 

This year there have been so many gorgeous Christmas sets particularly in the makeup and beauty department so I've decided to split my gift guide and give the makeup and beauty gift their very own post. Not only have I found plenty of gorgeous gifts for under €50, I have also found some amazing stocking fillers for under €15, all perfect for the beauty addict in your life! Boys, pay attention, this one will keep the girlfriends happy for another year! 

Make-Up & Beauty Gifts : Under €50 

Staring off with this gorgeous brush set from Cara Pharmacy, which you'll probably already know from my previous post. If not, be sure to check it out. This can be purchase online at carapharmacy.ie or in store for just €29.50, absolute bargain! 

This is the perfect set for the winged liner enthusiast in your life from Inglot for just €30. This set includes the Inglot bestseller AMC gel liner No.77, brush 31T & a miniature eye makeup remover, the perfect combination that will guarantee that #eyelineronfleek! 

Every year Benefit releases sets combining some of their best products, both of these sets cost €35. This complexion set comes in Light, Medium & Dark. The Feelin' Dandy set includes a highlighter and blush which perfectly compliments the Complextion set. They are available from Arnotts & Debenhams.

  

Triple whammy up next! MAC Cosmetics are know for many things, their Christmas Collection is just one of those things. I have picked 3 sets out of the Christmas collection but there are more to choose from in store. First up is the perfect lip kit for €45, you get everything you'll need to create the perfect pink lip. If the pink combo isn't for you, there are others to choose from. The next two sets include four lipglosses or four pigments/glitters for just €35! The lipgloss set comes in three different combinations and the pigment/glitter sets come in bronze/gold, purple and blue shades. 

Stocking Fillers : Under €15 

Although I'm calling these next few gifts "Stocking Fillers" that doesn't mean that's all they can be. Putting a selections of these smaller gifts into a basket or hamper would turn into one bad-ass beauty lovers dream gift and would definitely earn you some brownie points! 

These gorgeous Benefit mini sets are available from Boots for just €12! They are perfect for a teen starting out with makeup or for those jet setters who are always travelling, minis of your favourite makeup products always come in handy! 

Penneys/Primark have really stepped up their game in the beauty department recently, so you won't really go wrong when picking up pieces from the range. I've mentioned these individual lashes plenty of times, they are so versatile and suit every eye shape and for just €1.50 they're a winner for me! The ps.love range also has an amazing affordable variety brushes, with every brush you would need from just €1.50-€2.50! 

Forever21 isn't just for cute clothing anymore, they have vast beauty section in store and online with plenty of things to choose from. This 3 pack of blending sponges cost just €9, a girl can never have enough. There is also lots of mini makeup mirrors with different colours, patterns and slogans so you can pick the one best suited for that lucky person, best part is they cost just €4. Last but not least is this gorgeous large makeup bag for just €8! Forever21 stock lots of makeup bags with a range of styles, sizes and of course price ranges but all still cute and affordable.

That's it for today guys. I hope you enjoyed this little post and I hope you picked up some ideas for those beauty lovers in your life! 

Love,

A x 

Cara Professional Brush Set Review

During the week I received this gorgeous brush set from Cara Pharmacy. Delivery time was really quick, it took about 3 days to arrive. The first thing I noticed was the packaging, everything was securely wrapped in bubble wrap and tissue paper, so if you were ordering perfume or other beauty products from CaraPharmacy.ie you can relax knowing all items are well protected during postage. Then I got a lovely smell of perfume, as well as my brushes the package included 2 perfume samples, Paco Rabanne Lady Million & Clavin Klein Eternity Now, Christmas Gift Guide and a lovely personalised thank you note. It was a lovely touch! 

This set included 12 must-have makeup brushes and a sleek black storage case. Retail price is €29.50, this is amazing value and perfect as a Christmas gift for the beginner or advanced makeup lover in your life. The brushes included are : 

C01 : Flat foundation brush - liquid and compact foundation

C02 : Stippler brush - liquid or compact foundation blending 

C03 : Large blush brush - contouring with bronzer or blush 

C04 : Kabuki foundation/powder brush - contouring with cream or liquid foundation 

C05 : Wide bristle eyeshadow brush - packing on eyeshadow 

C06 : Concealer brush - concealer application 

C07 : Angled eyeliner brush - perfect for brows or gel eyeliner application 

C08 : Large powder brush - setting foundation 

C09 : Lip brush 

C10 : Small compact bristle eyeshadow brush - buffing in eyeshadow

C11 : Round kabuki eyeshadow brush - blending eyeshadow

C12 : Pointed kabuki eyeshadow brush - blending eyeshadow 

Makeup brushes are very versatile and can be used in different ways and for different things but all of this information comes on the box as a guideline for what to use and where, perfect for a beginner into makeup. These brushes are animal friendly, they are made with soft, synthetic hair. 

I have used these brushes a couple of times and so far I'm delighted with them. The quality is really good, the bristles are soft which makes blending so much quicker and easier. I have spot cleaned them twice so far and they are still as soft as the first time I used them. When spot cleaning I use the MAC brush cleanser. There has been virtually no shedding from the brushes when I have used or cleaned them, which I am really pleased about. The case is also really easily cleaned, it can be just wiped down with a baby wipe or an antibacterial wipe and its spick and span again. 

Considering the quality of all 12 brushes and the gorgeous black case, which also comes in pink, along with the price point, I think this set is an amazing bargain making it a perfect Christmas gift or as a little treat for yourself. 

I have created a couple of looks using these brushes but this one below is my favourite so far. I'm going to run through what products and brushes I used to create this look. 

I started by priming my face with the Nivea Hydration primer. Then I used the C02 stipple brush to apply my L'oreal Lumi foundation in C1 Rose Pearl. This is my favourite type of brush to apply foundation on all skin types, particularly mature skin. It seemingly blends the product into the skin, leaving no marks or lines. Next I applied my ELF HD brightening concealer under my eyes, on my forehead, down my nose and just along my Cupid's bow, I blended that in with a damp beauty blender. I have an unhealthy addiction to using my new beauty blender, I love the effect it gives especially under the eyes. Alternatively you could use the C04 instead, as it is pointed it's perfect for getting into the under eye area and kabuki brushes are so densely packed they are brilliant for blending out product. I used the C05 with my ELF HD undereye setting powder to set that concealer in place. 

While I leave my foundation and concealer to set I love onto my eyes and come back to the rest of my face later. First I combed through my brows using a spoolie then I used the C07 angled brush to shape and fill in my brows using Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow pomade in Soft Brown and finished off the brows with a clear brow gel from Maybelline. 

I used my Urban Decay original primer potion as an eyeshadow base, I applied and blended it out with my pinky finger. I set that primer with Inglot eyeshadow no.318 with the C06 eyeshadow brush. I took Inglot no.368 (a peachy shade) on the C11 into the crease and blended upwards, then I took a mix on Inglot no. 341 (cool tone dusty pink shade) & 337 (cool tone grey brown shade) on the same brush into the crease to define it. I used the C10 to pack on my main lid/tear duct colour, Urban Decay Midnight Cowgirl. Lastly I took Inglot no.329 and MAC Wedge on the C12 to darken the outer corner, I blended these colours in a triangle shade to created that cat eye effect. 

The box said the C09 is a lip brush but to me it seemed perfect for gel eyeliner. I used the Inglot AMC gel liner in No.77 black with the C09 which worked phenomenally. I currently have semi permanent eyelashes on so I just applied a tiny coat of mascara to my top & bottom lashes to complete the eye look. 

Next I used the C03 to contour my cheek bones, around my hair line, down along my jaw and finally a little bit of product either side of my nose with an NYX blush in Taupe. Since I generally don't powder my face I used the C08 to highlight my face. This brush is quite large so it's just as well I like a strong highlight, with a light hand you could get away with using such a large brush but just be careful, build product as you go, remember it's easier to add product than to take it away.  I used my holy grail highlighter MAC Soft & Gentle MSF on the tops of my cheeks, down the centre of my nose and a touch just above my Cupid's bow.

Finally I lined my lips with MAC's Burgundy lipliner and topped it off with Diva lipstick also from MAC. I spritzed my face with Urban Decays All Nighter Setting spray to lock my makeup in place.

I hope you enjoyed this quick review and info on my makeup look details. 

Love, 

A x 

Top 5 Makeup & Beauty Instagrammers

My own personal makeup style and tastes have definitely changed and matured, I generally stick to matte neutrals with the occasional pop of bronze or gold glitter or pigment but from time to time, when I'm feeling adventurous & want to step outside my comfort zone I look to these amazing Instagrammers for some major makeup inspiration. I have learned a lot and really developed my skills from watching these ladies & recreating their looks on a regular basis. 

Instagram is my favourite place to look for inspiration but these gorgeous girls can also be found on Facebook, snapchat, YouTube etc. all of their links and info are in their Instagram bios. 

@emmacervin 

Emma is a Swedish makeup artist & youtuber. Emma has the most amazing eyes, her eye makeup is always on point. She uses lots of colour as well as lots of glitter & lashes, perfect combo! 

@aideenkatemakeup 

Aideen is a former INGLOT makeup artist who has now gone freelance. Audience really caught my eye around Halloween with all her amazing facepaint/SFX work. As well as this she effortlessly creates the well known Inglot eye, perfect full glam every time! 

@georgia.bartley

Georgia is a makeup artist from Newcastle with nearly 50k Instagram followers. Georgia is the queen of a strong eye & bold lip combo. She generally goes for the blown smokey eye & heavy under eye. 

@gemmale_makeup

Gemma is a freelance makeup artist from Dublin. Gemma is a fellow pale Irish girl so I love seeing what different face products she's using & recommends. Her style of eye makeup is my favourite, it's very blown out, blended with lots of glitter & colour.

@jamiegenevieve 

Jamie is a Scottish makeup artist & youtuber with over 243k Instagram followers. I am constantly in awe with how perfect her skin is, her signature look is flawless coverage & strong highlight. 

These are just some of my favourite makeup Instagram accounts I follow. I love following new artists so who are your favourites & who would you recommend? 

Love, A x