It’s that time of the year again. Time for black Friday deals, and Cyber Monday to boot. I’m more of a Cyber Monday gal myself. I don’t tend to bother with the crowds 🙂
As a disclaimer, I will just say. You are under no obligation to buy any black Friday deals. I am doing this just because as a blogger I get sent a lot of the codes, so it’s easy enough to put them in one place. And also to be completely transparent, some of the links I will share are affiliate links. You pay no more using an affiliate link. All it means is that if you click on my link and choose to buy something, I make a minuscule commission.
Anyway, let’s get onto the black Friday deals. I’ll insert the ones I have already and then update this post as often as I can with more codes/links and cyber Monday deals too.
I am very hesitant to call this a hair curling tutorial. I’m forever hesitant to use that word anywhere on Beautynook to be honest. But, it’s what people search for, so I’m just jumping on the bandwagon. Don’t think any less of me 🙂
Myself and hair styling would not be the best of friends. I’m lucky in that my hair isn’t too unruly so I can get away with doing the bare minimum with it most of the time. There is really only two facets to my ability. Straightening, which I use the L’Oréal Steampod for. (Review here). Or, I can curl it, which I’m doing a lot of lately.
At first when I was asked a few times by you lovely lot on Snapchat and Instagram how I curl my hair, I kind of got embarrassed. I just think of myself as so shit at hair. I decided to give a ‘hair curling tutorial’ a go anyways though and as I got into it, I realised, maybe I do have a couple of tips that people might learn from. We all do these things differently, right?
I generally curl my hair when it’s freshly clean. I know most people don’t do that, but I have oily roots and if I did it on second or third day hair, it just wouldn’t be worth my while. I’ll use heat protection spray before drying and then just blast dry it. I used the fancy Dyson hairdryer in this video because we’re house sitting. Sad to say, I definitely don’t have one of these at home 🙁
I’ll link the vent brush here too that I use in case you like the look of it 🙂 I let my hair cool and let my really old but favourite Babyliss curling wand heat up. I like less uniformed waves rather than full on curls. That’s of course personal preference though.
I do one side of my head at a time, taking approximately one inch sections. I like the tousled look, so I don’t think too much about it, once all the hair has a bit of a wave I’m happy. Click on the video above or directly here to see the whole Hair Curling Tutorial in action. You’ll get a better sense at how crap I am at hair and of the finished result 🙂
As you probably know if you watched my ‘What I Got For Christmas‘ video. John very kindly got me a L’Oréal Steampod for Christmas.
I say it all the time, hair is not my forte. I’m lucky enough that I have a decent mop on my head, so I don’t always think too much about it. I can straighten and curl it and that’s about as fancy as I get. I have quite the chubby face, so I wear it down most of the time, it’s kind of my comfort blanket. My previous straighteners was a GHD (that was around eleven years old). So a new one was definitely overdue.
After doing some research and listening to some of my awesome blogging buddies, the L’Oréal Steampod was decided on. I got the second generation one.
‘The Steampod 2.0is a revolutionary hairstyling tool from L’Oreal. A combination of steam and pro-keratin technology helps to tame hair movement and leave it silky smooth, whilst protecting from heat damage’, according to L’Oréal.
There’s loads of videos and blogposts already on it. But I thought I would throw my opinion into the mix. And also give a very basic demo of it on my hair. I have a lot of hair, but it is quite fine and it tends to get limp very quickly. As always you can watch the demo and hear my thoughts by clicking on the video above. Or, you can click here to go directly to my YouTube channel.
John got my L’Oréal Steampod directly from Peter Mark salon here in Dublin. I believe it was Liffey Valley. It’s generally cheaper online though. I found it on Look Fantastic here for the best price.
Let me know what you think. Have you tried the Steampod yourself? What’s your favourite hair tool or product?
I asked on my Facebook page, would you lovely lot be interested in seeing my Christmas Wishlist for 2017. I toyed with doing gift guides this year. But, I feel a bit weird recommending things that I haven’t tried myself. I’m not really in the position blog wise or financially to get lots of lovely things together myself…maybe one day 🙂
You guys were so supportive of a Christmas Wishlist post. And so was John too may I add. He’s very excited to have a list of all the bits and bobs I would love under the tree. Makes his job a bit easier 🙂 Now, I am not expecting all of these, don’t worry. And also, we’ve decided not to do really big pressies this year either. In an ideal world, I would be getting a Dyson hairdryer, an iPhone X and a new bed, but that’s a big excessive. I would also be totally sticking a Nintendo Switch down on my list too if money was no object.
Oh and also if I didn’t have carpal tunnel from playing Mario on the DS. No, I am not ashamed of it 🙂 But we’re being somewhat sensible and going for more medium range pressies and some little bits and bobs for each other too this Christmas.
Enough jabbering on. Let’s get on to my actual Christmas Wishlist.
First up would have to be a L’Oréal Steampod.
So many of my blogging friends have literally said this has changed their hair lives. I’m still using a first edition GHD which is pretty shameful, I know. This would be a lovely addition to my hair tool collection. This is the 2.0 version. You can find it currently on offer from Look Fantastic here.
The Mac Snowball Mini Lipstick Kit has been something I’ve been eyeing up for ages, but definitely do not need.
It contains 12 mini lipsticks of some of Mac’s best selling shades. I actually couldn’t find it available online anywhere else now except John Lewis here. It’s the cheapest I have seen it in the past though. Only thing is they won’t ship it to Ireland so you would have to use Parcel Motel or Address Pal to ship it to a UK address and then get them to deliver it here. Not the worst though. It’s a very reasonable and effective way to do it.
Another beauty product on my list would be the By Terry Baume De Rose.
I do love a fancy lip balm so I do. It’s a lovely treat. And lip balm is something I use consistently everyday. This one is full of lovely ingredients and has SPF. It can also double up for dry skin or cuticles aswell. You can find By Terry in store from Space NK or online here. They have a Christmas ornament version of it too, which is super cute.
I waffle on about the L’Occitance Almond Shower Oil all the time. (I only hauled some of it here recently).
Well this is the body oil version of it and I really want to try it. I am currently obsessed with body oils at the minute. The colder weather definitely has something to do it it. This 100ml of the oil is actually on special at the minute from Debenhams here. Such a lovely gift to get someone.
The last more beauty related item on my list is something quite practical. An electric toothbrush!
I have to be honest, I picked this one from Boots here for a couple of not so logical reasons. It’s currently half price at €45.99. I figured that was a good deal. And it’s an Oral B. They are the only reasons. I’ve tried electrical toothbrushes over the years and they’ve always been crap so I’ve always gone back to manual brushing. But they’ve come a long way since then and they’re meant to clean so much better than just using a standard toothbrush. Ok, I’ll shut up now, I sound like an advert.
I have my sights set on a couple of pairs of shoes this festive season. This first pair are these awesome buckle ankle boots from River Island.
I’m not usually a fan of faux crocodile skin, but I think it just works for these. I love the buckle detailing and I also love that they have a zip for ease. They’re flat for comfort, but still look super smart. They’re current stock on the website here.
My other shoe want are some Vans Old Skool runners.
Everyone and their granny has a pair of these at the moment I know. But they’re just so darn cool. I couldn’t find the classic black and white ones in my size online. But, I came across these all black ones here and I actually really dig them! Let me know what you think?
I was never one for particularly nice jewellery. Penneys costume would do me grand. Ever since getting my engagement ring though, I’ve become more interested in investing in some nice pieces. The Missoma website has become a bit of a haunt for me. YouTube definitely makes me do it. I’ve three pieces from Missoma that my eyes are currently on.
The first ones are their Talisman Evil Eye Earrings.
Super delicate and pretty. They’re on the website here.
Another pair of earrings are haunting my dreams too.
Again, super small and delicate. I have my ears pierced three times and already have actual diamond studs (how fancy am I?), in the third hole. John got me them last Christmas. So in an ideal earring world these would round out my trio of ear adorments 🙂 They are the Gold Vermeil Tiny Orb Hinged Hoops if you want to check them out here.
My third Missoma love is their Tiny Horn Necklace.
These come in different sizes, I just like the idea of wearing the small one on an everyday basis. It’s from the Lucy Williams collection here.
Another accessory I have my eye on (John actually knows all about this already) is this Casio Rose Gold Watch.
This has been in my ASOS Wishlist folder for ages. I often add things into it in hopes they go down in price and I can justify buying them. I love the masculine feel of this, but it’s still quite delicate and classic. You can check out more info about it here.
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is always part of my fragrance collection. But I thought I would add their newest release BonBon to my Christmas Wishlist for this year.
It’s much sweeter and more girlie. I think it would be lovely layered with Flowerbomb as well as worn on it’s own. I’ve tested it a few times in store now and really like it. It’s currently on sale from Debenhams here.
My very last wishlist item will only mean anything to you if you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls.
I fell in love with this print after seeing it in the background of Karissa Pukas’ videos. She told me she ordered it from Etsy. I found the seller here. Unfortunately the creator is in the States so shipping to Ireland is pretty steep, but I still definitely would. I really really love this.
And….we’re done. If you got to the end of this, well done you! Let me know what’s on your Christmas Wishlist for this Christmas?
I get asked every year to do a beauty advent calendar post, and I’ve always not ended up doing one. I generally always like to be able to use and give a physical opinion on products when it comes to the blog. I’ve been doing this four years now and that’s what kind of feels natural to me. To talk about products I have road tested and used. But sure there’s always exceptions and I’ve realised that now.
I’m a little blogger fish in a big pond and I can’t buy or get sent all of the fancy beauty advent calendars every year. So, I thought I would just compile the ones that are really taking my fancy in the run to Christmas for 2017 🙂
The first one is the one I am really considering buying for myself, although I have yet to justify it. This is the Beauty In Wonderland from Look Fantastic
This is retailing from their website here for €98. They say it contains product worth up to £300.
It’s a mixture of all different brands and all different types of beauty products. Also the packaging is pretty gorgeous. i blame Sharon Leavy from Behind Green Eyes for making me lust after this so much 🙂
Feel Unique do their own version too here. This costs €42 which is a little more palatable, I know.
They also give you a list of the products enclosed if you don’t want to wait until the Christmas countdown.
Clarins always do a really lovely beauty advent calendar and this year is no exception.
This is what would be deemed the more feminine version but there is a male offering too. This will set you back £52.50 here. This has been the cheapest I’ve found it online. It contains 12 minis including one of their Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors, one of my personal faves.
Lancôme have a ridiculously lovely one this year with a 25 day countdown.
This costs €130 from Boots here, but you do get 25 mini products, ranging from skincare to fragrance.
If you want exclusively skincare, L’Occitane have a beautiful 25 day calendar chock full of it.
I actually think this is a really good deal at €59 from Debenhams here.
If Charlotte Tilbury is your go to brand, you’re in luck! She has released a Naughty & Nice Magic Box for this year.
It contains 12 makeup and skincare goodies. This is the most expensive one of the bunch coming in at €180 here.
If lipstick is your thing, Nyx have released their Kiss & Tell Advent Calendar again this year.
This is €67.57 from Asos here. Although if you buy in pounds it generally works out cheaper.
It contains 24 lip colours to suit any mood.
I know these are all pretty pricey, so if you are looking for a more budget friendly beauty advent calendar, hopefully I can cover you here.
The Tanya Burr 12 Sweet Days Beauty Calendar contains 12 products including nail polish and glitter liners.
I included this because you can still get your beauty hit with it, and it’s on sale from Feel Unique at the moment here. They also have it on 3 for 2 if you’re shopping for anyone else.
Asos have a budget friendly option too here from Mad Beauty.
This is a range of hair, skin and nail products and will only set you back €14.85.
My last choice is this years Makeup Revolution Calendar. This contains 25 full sized products.
It is on sale at the moment from Superdrug here. It was £50 and now it’s £30.
And there you have my beauty advent calendar countdown. Any take your fancy? Have you already bought one? Let me know 🙂
Myself and dry shampoo have a really close relationship, yep you read that right. I panic if I don’t have one stashed in a drawer ready for use. I have oily skin, which means I have oily roots. Generally, the second day after washing my gruaig, I will need a spritz. I am always a bit reluctant to talk about hair stuff too in-depth. I am not great with hair. I know how to wash, dry and use a hair straighteners or a curling wand on it. That is the extent of my hair abilities. But I guess when it comes to hair care, I know what I like and what works for me, so I am allowed dabble in it, right? 🙂 I picked up the new Soap & Glory The Rushower Dry Shampoo for one reason. Purely because it had the familiar scent the brand are known for.
They call it their Signature Pink scent which consists of Rose and Bergamot. I am a big fan of it. I love the kitsch packaging too.
I have to admit I am not majorly fussy when it comes to dry shampoo. I just want one that smells good, sprays evenly and doesn’t leave my hair feeling like I was rolling around in the sand all day. Ok, maybe I am a little bit fussy… I can say that the Soap & Glory The Rushower Dry Shampoo ticks all of them boxes for me.
It smells really good (in my opinion). It sprays really finely on the hair, so it doesn’t make your fingers or hairbrush sticky as you disperse it through the roots. It does a great job at mopping up any unwanted oiliness in the roots of the hair and gives it a bit of a lift at the same time. It also doesn’t leave a white cast on your hair, once you don’t spray it too close and give everything a good rub in!
One downside of the Soap & Glory The Rushower Dry Shampoo. It only comes in a 200ml can. And you can go through it mighty quickly! The mist is fine, so you do tend to go a bit nuts using it.
Overall though, I am a fan! I will definitely repurchase. The Soap & Glory The Rushower Dry Shampoo is available in store and online here from Boots now for €3.89.
It’s that time of the year again. Time for black Friday deals, and Cyber Monday to boot. I’m more of a Cyber Monday gal myself. I don’t tend to bother with the crowds 🙂
As you probably know if you watched my ‘
I say it all the time, hair is not my forte. I’m lucky enough that I have a decent mop on my head, so I don’t always think too much about it. I can straighten and curl it and that’s about as fancy as I get. I have quite the chubby face, so I wear it down most of the time, it’s kind of my comfort blanket. My previous straighteners was a GHD (that was around eleven years old). So a new one was definitely overdue.
