L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Anti- Redness- Mixed Review

My lovely sister Sarah gave me this CC Cream as it did not match her skin tone. I was willing to give it a try, everyone loves something for nothing! I have tried several BB creams but I have never tried a CC cream. BB creams provide coverage with added skin care benefits like SPF and anti-oxidants etc where as a CC Cream addresses issues like redness or sallowness.

I use BB creams for days when I am pottering around the house, I prefer more coverage for when I step outside the door! So I wasn't sure I'd get much use outta this but I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage this cream gives.

It gives good coverage, it covers blemishes and redness/discolouration on the skin. The cream is long wearing, I applied it before work and it was still perfect after 9hours . I also really liked the colour of this cream, I have read some people found it a tad orange or to dark for their skin tone, as I usually wear quite dark foundation I didn't find this was an issue for me.  At the moment the product is only available in one shade. I have to say I also really enjoyed how the product came out of the bottle green and once you begin to blend it changes colour- ah the little things in life eh! 

There are a few negatives - As I have said it is only available in one colour which is rather limiting. I also found the consistency of the product a bit strange, it can feel a little sticky on the skin. On the first day I wore it, I felt like I could feel the stickiness and thought my face must be covered in oil and shine but when I ran to the bathroom for a quick check it still looked perfect on my skin. So I think the consistency is something I just have to get used too, I usually wear more matte based foundations.

All in all I was happy enough with this freebie but I do not think I would repurchase it. I think I would be better off sticking to a more matte based product which has more then one colour available!

Has anyone else tried L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Anti- Redness?

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Bling Nail Appliqués

Last week my lovely friend Maeve gave me a set of these as a gift. I have never tried nail wraps before so I was dying to try them out.

I absolutely loved the design, so unique. The pack comes with 18 stickers in total.

The application was very easy. You simply peel the wrap from the paper and stick it to your nail bed. Once you have it securely in place you can cut away the access wrap with a scissors. I was thrilled with how easy they were to apply.
I put them on my fingers Saturday morning and still had all 10 wraps when I was going out on Saturday night, unfortunately I managed to loose one while I was out but I still think they had great staying power as they lasted me the day. I would say these are more for a special occasion or one-off wear, I don't think they would last more then a day on your nails.

I am not sure of the exact price for these wraps as they were a gift.  The nail wraps are available from Penneys/Primark nationwide. They are several different shades and designs to choose from.

Has anyone else tired Bling Nail Appliqués?

Cocoa Brown Lovely Lady Afternoon Tea

On Saturday I was lucky enough to get an invite to the Lovely Lady Afternoon Tea with Cocoa Brown at The Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel, Stillorgan.

The afternoon was simply delightful. We enjoyed plenty of tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. The little cakes were super cute and even had the CB initials on them. The Radisson is a beautiful hotel and a perfect location for the event.

I was star struck to meet the lovely Marissa Carter. She is an inspiration us all. She made a beautiful speech thanking all of us for our reviews and feedback. Marissa, you deserve every bit of your success, you truly are an inspiration.

I also got an opportunity to meet with so many lovely bloggers while I was at the event. I have read Laura- Life, Laugh & Laura Blog and Danielle- The Imperfect Beauty blogs for a long time and I was so glad I plucked up the courage to go over and say hello.

Laura- Life, Laugh & Laura Blog, Danielle- The Imperfect Beauty, Grace- Ziegfeld Girl Beauty - Please check out all these gorgeous ladies blogs.

This was my first blogger event, and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully I will get to attend more of these great events and meet even more lovely beauty fanatics!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.

Thank you to Marissa and her lovely team.

Amy,

xxx

Make Your Own Summer Exfoliator for Radiant Skin

I was recently sent an email from the lovely Michelle at Skana Spa. Skana Spa of the New York Resort Turning Stone is based in a small town in upstate NY. Michelle kindly sent me some information about sun exposure and skin safety.

The team at Skana has come up with some interesting new home remedy products as well as helpful tips and tricks which can be used to protect the skin during sun exposure/ hot weather.

Michelle sent me this information on how to make your own all-natural skin Summer Exfoliator. I had to share this information with all my lovely readers-

Summer Exfoliator for Radiant Skin

What You Need

1/4 cup coffee grounds from coffee maker or French press

½ cup aloe vera gel

½ cup coconut oil

 

Drain the coffee grounds efficiently, but they do not need to be arid. Liquify the coconut oil and drizzle it over the coffee grounds, then mix with a spoon. Combine aloe vera gel and set it aside to firm. You can either chill it or just leave it out to cool to room temperature. The grounds will fall to the base. If you prefer, you can blend it, but that is not necessary. You can use the exfoliator before it is set as long as it is no longer hot. 

Use in the shower, to cleanse all over your figure. Pay particularly careful consideration to coarse skin on the elbows and feet. Rub on to parts that are apt to acquire cellulite and need a bit of sculpting, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

Scrub mildly in circular movements with your hands, towards your heart. Continue this for a few minutes and then splash with cool water. Pat your body dry with a towel. Keep in mind that this exfoliator is not advised for the face because it can be too rough. If you do use it on your face, be extremely soft and only use it once or twice a week.

What is great about this recipe is that it is all-natural and prevents you from putting any potentially harmful chemicals onto your skin. It uses only three ingredients, making it fast and simple to put together. Not only does coffee exfoliate your skin, but it removes wrinkles, prevents sun damage, and reduces the look of cellulite. Aloe vera gel performs as a lotion. It also heals sunburns and acne; it also diminishes the prominence of stretch marks. Coconut oil helps remove dead skin. This oil nourishes the skin and shields it from the severe beams of the sun. These three ingredients combined create a wonderful exfoliator for the body.

Source

 

 

Thank you to Michelle for all the helpful information.

Has anyone else heard of some good recipes for homemade skin products?

Amy,

xxx

Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff

I was absolutely thrilled when this arrived in the post for moi last week. Cocoa Brown has become my absolute favourite tanning product this Summer. Marissa Carter has created two tanning products- 1 hour Tan & Night & Day Tan, and now Cocoa Brown have introduced a new product- Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff*

This exfoliator is made from ingredient such as Coco-Glucoside & Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder . It can be used on both dry skin and wet skin. The scrub can be used up to 4 times a week. The product exfoliates the skin while also removing tan and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. I could not wait to try it out! Here are my thoughts-

First off, I absolutely love the pink packaging! So girly! The product is also a gorgeous pink shade. Its smells absolutely gorgeous, the scent is similar to the Cocoa Brown Tans.
I massaged the product in to areas where tan can get stuck- feet, ankles, knees, elbows & hands. After use my skin felt soft, smooth and tan free. It removed all those stubborn bits of tan, you know when tan sticks in places and you get that Giraffe skin look, no? Just me? Well it removes all those spots of tan, especially around the crease areas-knees, underarms etc. The granules in the product are very fine, this is what makes it such a good quality exfoliator, the small granules sink into the skin to remove dead skin cells and left over tan. I was delighted with this product, it does 'exactly what it says on the tin'!

Has anyone else tried this product?

Cocoa Brown is now available in pharmacies, Boots & Penneys Stores nationwide.

For more information about Cocoa Brown Tan visit the Cocoa Brown website,

Also, check out their Facebook page,

Amy,

xxx

Disclaimer: Anything marked with an asterisk (*) was gifted to me. I am not sponsored by any company, all opinions are my own.

My Oasis Personal Stylist Experience

On Saturday I made an appointment to go visit the lovely Claire Lane.  Claire is employed by Oasis to provide a Personal Stylist Service at their Oasis Store in the Dundrum Shopping Centre. 

 

Like most people I know what clothes I like to wear.  However, putting a whole outfit together is another story entirely! The Personal Stylist Service at Oasis helps to complete a look without the stress.  Whether you are looking for an outfit for a special occasion, or simply looking for some fresh work wear ideas, this service is there to help.

As I am in the office five days a week, I get sick of wearing the same clothes day in day out.  So, on Saturday I decided to make an appointment with Claire to see what outfits she would suggest for me.  I was delighted with the service she provided. 

First off, the appointment started with a complimentary trip to Starbucks. While in Starbucks Claire and I had a lovely chat, about the type of clothes, styles and colours I would usually wear, and what exactly I was hoping to get from the Personal Stylist Service.  We then headed back to the store to try on some clothes.  Claire was very helpful, rather than picking up several different miscellaneous items, Claire choose a few key pieces for me- A high waisted skirt, slim leg trousers and simple  blouses.  She demonstrated how picking a few key pieces could transform my work wardrobe.  By using these key pieces I could easily come up with several different outfits for the week.

I was very impressed with the service. I think this service would be perfect for anyone who has a wedding, or a special event coming up.  For those of you who are perhaps heading back into the working world, and need some advice/tips on work wear that suits you, I would really recommend making an appointment with Claire in Oasis in the Dundrum Shopping Centre.

Has anyone tried the Personal Stylist Service at Oasis, Dundrum?

Thank you to Claire for a fabulous experience!

To avail of this service simply contact Oasis Dundrum, or Claire directly on 086-0280476 or email clairelan@oasis-stores.co.uk.

The Oasis Personal Stylist Service is also available at Oasis Stephens Green, and Oasis in Cork.
 
Amy,
 
xxx

July Favourites

I cant believe its August where has the summer gone! It flew in. At least we had a few weeks of nice summery weather here in Ireland, hopefully it will continue into August. Here is a few products I was loving throughout July...

Mua Undressed me too Palette- I was thrilled when my friend picked up this palette for me, I use it every weekend, I love all the shades in this palette, perfect for day looks and more dramatic evening looks. Review-link.
Superdrug Deep Action Daily Exfoliating Wash- I have used this product every day since purchasing it. It  lathers up easily and gently exfoliates the skin leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth. It has a creamy formula, which removes oils without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. The product also smells amazing.
Sure Women Compressed Bright Deodorant-I am in love with these new compressed deodorants. They are perfect for throwing in your handbag, gym bag etc!
Tresemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray- I cannot say enough good things about this spray. I am always styling my hair so it was definitely time to invest in a good Heat protectant spray, this one does a great job- Review
Barry M Polish- Lychee- I have absolutely fallen in love with this colour. I love any neural, pale, white nail polish. I recently did a review on the Gelly Hi Shine Polish- Link. Everyone needs to get there hands on these polishs!

Has anyone else tried out these products? Or written a July Favourites this month?

Don't forget to enter my 200 Follower's Giveaway-Link

Amy,

xxx