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

Pro Beauty Ireland Review & Haul

This past weekend Professional Beauty came to the RDS again. I've gone every year for the past 5 years since I've become a qualified Makeup Artist and Nail Tech, yeah that's a long time but this time it was different. This time I attended on a press pass as a blogger. I originally planned to attend on the Sunday but I changed my mind and decided to go on the Monday instead which I was told was a good call! Apparently the Sunday was jammers and the crowds were crazy. The Monday was busy but not overly packed, it was fairly easy to stroll around and window shop as well as actually shopping, of course! 

Generally this show is meant to be for professionals and people in the trade but I was quite surprised to see so many young girls in uniforms on the Monday. There was also an issue with fake Urban Decay being sold, The Beautiful Truth shared this information on her Facebook on Sunday evening after contacting the organisers. If you want to know all the details, check her out on Facebook. When I was there on Monday I didn't see any stands selling fake products, I later found out that these stands were removed before he doors opened on Monday, the organisers handled it well up by removing the stand! There were also lots of stands selling the likes of accessories and jewellery which I feel were pointless and didn't really go with the theme of the show. 

Overall I enjoyed the show but perhaps in the future I would like to see the show being exclusive to professionals and people in the trade, as well as having better quality stands and less irrelevant stands.  

Now onto the most fun bit! 

This year I didn't have that many things on my list, mostly the essentials like eyelashes, tan and backups of my favourite brushes. So I made my way to my top brand stands. For the past couple of years Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter has been at the show and I wanted to pick up some tanning goodies for the winter months but they weren't there this year which was a little disappointing. 

My first stop was to the Blank Canvas stand where I was actually served by the lovely Sinead from The Makeup Chair. I was delighted to get a signed copy of her book and have a little chat with her, we even took a selfie! Blank Canvas are easily my favourite brush brand because they are such amazing quality while still being extremely affordable. The face brushes were €10 each, the eyeshadow brushes were just €5 each and The Makeup Chair Handbook was just €12, it normally retails at €15... So still a bargain! 

I found out my favourite online site actually had a stand at the show so I had to make sure I went to the Cloud10Beauty! I had my eye on theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter which was just €20 at the show but they were all sold out so I was easily convinced to get the Manizer Sisters trio which was just €25 for all 3 highlighters! Mary-Lou is definitely my favourite but I'm excited to try out the other two. They also had special offers on GlamGlow, Tanya Burr Cosmetics and plenty of other brands. The Cloud10Beauty stand was amazing at the show! 

When I eventually got myself into the Crown Brush stand I was actually a little overwhelmed. There were a vast amount of brushes, all spread areas a large counter space, it was a little hard to make your way around but this just goes to show the reputation Crown Brush have! In the end I only got 3 eye brushes. The fluffy blending brush was just €8 is my favourite blending brush, so much so I already have 3 of them! The other two I got were different types of eyeliner brushes which were both only €3 each. 

My last stop was to Salon Savers where I wanted to stock up on some of my favourite lashes. I picked up 3 pairs of the Ardell Demi Wispies for just €2.99... I'm regretting not getting more at that price! I also got a couple of sets of individual eyelashes on a 3 for 2 deal at €6.99 per pack and to go with this I got a bottle of dark semi permanent eyelash glue which was just €3.99! 

Beside the Salon Savers stand was the Miss Fit Skinny Tea stand where Grace from Faces By Graces had a mini meet up. I was so disappointed when I realised her meet up was over by the time I found the stand. I love Graces blog & Youtube and follow her snapchat religiously and I hope to meet her soon! 

Were you at the Pro Beauty Show? What did you think? 

Love, A x  

September Favourites!

So I know it's been a minute since I've blogged but I stupidly signed myself out then forgot my password but none the less I am back and have lots of amazing blogs planned. Even though we're a good 2 weeks into October I've decided to share my September favourites anyway. This definitely won't be a monthly thing because I am such a creature of habit and once I find something I love I use it religiously but on the off chance I find several new products I love all in the same month, you can expect a little favourites blog. So now, finally, onto what I've been loving this month...

Makeup - 

Pippa Palette - Lulu highlighter. So I think it's pretty obvious from the picture below that I have an undeniable love for this highlighter from the Pippa Palette. It is the most amazing highlight for pale skin, the colour really gives it the natural look. Praying to God that this is released as a single so I can stock up. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Dipbrow Pomade in Auburn is possibly the best thing to ever happen to my brows! I have an entire review on this product from months back and this is still a favourite and a daily used product. 

Here you can see my favourite highlighter and brow product. The sheen across the tops of my cheeks, yup that's Lulu & those perfectly shaped brows are all thanks to Anastasia. 

Limecrime - Velvetine in Riot is my go to for a bold lip. I love these Velvetines for overdrawing my lips. This is a deep red with burgundy undertones that also dries matte which adds to the intensity. This product is long lasting and very durable. 

PS Love individual eyelashes have been a top pick for a lot of bloggers and MakeUp Artists since they first hit the shelves and rightly so. Althought I don't use the glue that come with the lashes they are a steal for just €1.50. The lashes come in clusters of 3 individual lashes which make them a lot easier to put on. When putting the lashes on I use duo glue and taking my tweezers I dip the lash band into the glue then place the as close the the lash line as possible, starting from the outer corner working my way in.

Urban Decay - All Nighter Setting Spray is marketed as a setting spray which prevents makeup settling into fine lines and avoids caking. It is meant to make your makeup look fresh last up to 16 hours, and boy does it live up to the description. It is perfect for using especially in humid climates, spritizing this over your face will cool your skin while setting your makeup in place. 

Hair - 

Back in August I got micro bead extensions and since then I've been making a conscious effort to keep them nice and healthy and shiny looking. 

Boots Coconut & Almond Leave in Conditioner / Intensive Hair Mask have been the perfect combination. Once a week I use the intensive hair mask and every time I wash my hair after towel drying I spray the leave in conditioner then style as normal. It's so important to keep your extensions moisturised because they are cut from the root so the hair isn't being nourished by your natural oils like you own hair is. Using these products have ensured no split ends and minimal heat damage showing. 

Pin Curling has been a God sent since having my extensions and I've don't it a lot this month. It's so simple to do with amazing results. I use my Tangle Teezer to brush through my hair before curling and as I curl each section I simply pin the curl to my head and let it set. Generally the longer you leave your hair to set the better the curl holds but I've found if I spray with hairspray before curling they will be okay to take out after about an hour( roughly the length of time I take doing my makeup for an event or night out). After I take all the pins out, I take my Tangle Teezer again and brush out the curls and I'm left with big bouncy curls that will last perfectly until the next day. This hair style is perfect for an all day or even two day event. 

Music & Movies - 

Legend was released at the start of September and as soon as I heard Tom Hardy I was in the que! Legend is based on the true story of The Kray twins, two East London gangsters in the 1940/1950's where Tom Hardy plays both characters. During parts of the film you actually forget it's one actor playing both roles, but just imagine two Tom Hardy's! Word of warning, there are fairly violent parts throughout, as you can imagine for a film about London gangsters, it's definitely not for the faint hearted but I really enjoyed it. 5/5

Ella Eyre has been around for a little while but recently I came across her cover of "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off" and her voice had me hooked from there. I went back to listen to some of her old stuff and found a song I had completely forgotten about. "Comeback" http://youtu.be/KnnvfHz7qzA is one of the most perfect break up songs I've ever heard and what girl doesn't love a good break up song. Ella is only 21 but has such a unique and recognisable voice, definitely the kind of artist I'd want to be if I ever had a shot at a music career. 

The Weeknd released his album "Beauty Behind the Madness" this month. The Weeknd has been around for years but got his big break when his song "Earned It" was featured on the 50 Shades of Grey Soundtrack. There are a couple of interesting features on this album lie, Lana Del Rey & Ed Sheeran. I've been loving this album since it was released, definitely worth the purchase.

Years & Years also released an album this month called "Communion". This is an easy listening dance pop record. Some of my favourite tracks are "Desire" & "Take Shelter". Years & Years are performing in Dublin this November but unfortunately I didn't manage to get tickets, I'm still holdi out hope.

What have been your September favourites? 

Love, A x

Hair Extension after-care!

Last week I gave in and decided to get my hair done. I got micro-beads back in for the first time in over 3 years. I bought the hair myself from Hairspray on Henry Street. I went in and the girls in there were very helpful, they matched my colour and suggested how much hair I needed. I got a half a head (4-5 bales of hair) 22" Spanish hair. For the first couple of days they were a little painful just because they are so fresh and tight but that's totally normal and expected, but by now they have settled in and don't hurt anymore but pain is beauty and it was so worth it! When my hair was done all I wanted to do was to swish & hair flip! 

So here are my top tips for taking care of and getting the most out of your extensions. 

1) When you get your extentions try to let them settle in for 2-3 days before washing for the first time. 

2) Aim to wash your hair once or twice a week but if you feel your hair needs to be freshened up dry shampoo is a great alternative to washing your hair. Only use it around the crown/frontal area on your natural hair as dry shampoo soaks up oil. As the extension hair is cut from source there is no nutrients or natural oils to keep it healthy and nourished like your own hair, so over washing and styling can have a drying effect on the hair overtime. However styling techniques will last longer in extension hair than in natural hair so once or twice a week becomes a little easier. 

3) When washing, always have your head up. NEVER wash extensions upside down as this will cause the bonds to knot and tangle.

4) Moisturising your extensions is important. The extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils and so you need to have moisture added so spray in a small amount of leave in conditioner on mid lengths and ends, not the bonds or beads. This will prevent the hair becoming brittle, leading to split and ratty ends. I've been loving the Boots Coconut & Almomd range for my hair, I like to spray my hair every second day with the leave in conditioner and when I wash my hair I use the intense mask. 

5) When washing your hair use shampoo and conditioners with no sulphate or harsh chemicals that will damage the extention hair. 

6) Always brush out all knots before you wash your hair, swim or sleep. Start at the bottom and work your way up slowly. I find tangle teezers the best for this. The same goes for drying and styling, brush your hair well and use a large soft bristle roller brush when blow drying your hair to minimise pull and damage to the hair. I always use this GHD brush whether I have extentions or not, it always gives my hair a smooth sleek finish. If you spent a little extra time blow drying your hair this will eliminate any extra styling or heat eg straightening. 

7) Use a good heat protection spray when blow drying, using straighteners, tongs or heated rollers. This will prevent your hair from drying out under the heat.

8) Always tie your hair back at night using a soft scrunchie or plat them to the side or behind, this will keep them tangle free during the night.

Here is a before & after of my hair. Even though this is just a half head of extentions you can see the extra volume and body is gives my hair. 

If you have any questions about micro beads or any other kind of extentions comment below and I will get back to you.

Love, 

A x

Confidence is Key!

So normally I only post about hair, makeup, general beauty stuff and occasionally fashion but recently I've decided there's so much more I want to talk about and after all this is my platform to talk about whatever I need/want to. 

During the week I saw this quote on Instagram & I had to repost it (my Instagram @alimartinx). 

When I read it, it was like something just clicked with me and it felt like it was directed at me. Growing up I wasn't one of those girls who had naturally perfect skin or hair and I was always bigger than most other kids my age. I didn't have much self confidence at all but growing up and learning who I am and who I wanted to be made my confidence grow but I felt people shunning me for it sometimes. As if just because I wasn't confident before doesn't mean I don't have the right to be confident now. 

When people ask me how I over came that and how I'm so confident and comfortable with myself now, I firmly believe it's because I know who I am, it took me 22 years but I know what's important to me and what's not. No, I'm not happy 24/7, I'm not flawless but no one is and that's perfectly fine. I can be an absolute mess of a person sometimes but that's just me, I am a work in progress.

If you want to be confident you need to accept yourself for who you are, flaws and all. Don't change yourself or your values for anybody else because at the end of the day you are only responsible for your own happiness. When it comes to yourself the only opinion that matter should be your own. You don't been to be validated by other. If your confidence depends on how others see you then you're never going to be 100% happy with yourself. 

Social media is a great thing, especially for bloggers etc., but it can give you a false sense of reality. It is all over produced content, most Instagram pictures go through several filters before being uploaded. People are selective with what they put online, they only put out there what they want people to see and know. We need to remember this when looking online, otherwise our sense of reality will become warped and this will definitely effect our self confidence.

For me personally my weight was always an issue and it was directly linked to my lack of self confidence. My weight loss journey wasn't just about a number on the scale or about size, it was and still is about how I feel. When I started loosing weight I felt more comfortable going to the gym, which meant I would go more often and push myself harder. Another issue I had was being a tomboy. When I was in secondary school I was quite young, one of the youngest in my year, some of the girls in my class were nearly 2 years older than me. This mad me feel very boyish and behind when it came to hair, makeup, clothes. So I started to watch YouTube videos to teach myself how to do my hair & makeup but I didn't come into my own until 6th year/ my first year of college. It has been a long process and it's still on going. 

                               

As women we need to change the way we speak about ourselves, we need to stop comparing ourselves to other women and we need to putting ourselves down. It's easier said than done, I know but what worked most of all for me was 'faking it until you make it'. I believe the universe will reflect back what you put out. 

                                                                Love,

                                                                  A x