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Beauty Stocking Fillers

I did this a couple of years ago in a different format. It went down pretty well. So I thought I would do it again. This year we’re definitely dialling it back for Christmas. Well as much as we can, I love buying presents. So whether you’re on a budget, want to pick up a token gift, or even something for yourself. Here is my list of beauty stocking fillers for 2018.

I picked from websites that are easy for us to order from in Ireland and that generally have decent discounts and sales on product too. I know everyone has different budgets as well, so I tried to cater to all, and to the skincare and makeup lovers in your life.

I’ll go in shop order to make things hopefully a little cohesive. Let’s start with beauty stocking fillers from Cloud 10 Beauty.

First up is this Best Of Bright Travel Kit from Pixi Beauty for €23.

I am such a fan of the brand, and this is a really lovely affordable introduction into their skincare.

Cloud 10 Beauty have some awesome Stila gift sets too.

I thought this Shimmering Heights one for €31.95 would make a lovely beauty stocking filler. It’s three of their Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows.

Lastly from Cloud 10 we have this Alpha H Petite Holiday Collection for €25.

Minis of some essentials, including their Liquid Gold, which I have yet to try so I have my eye on this in particular 🙂

Ok, over to Look Fantastic now.

This Caudalie Hand Cream Trio would make a great beauty stocking filler in my very humble beauty obsessed opinion. It will set you back €11.45.

I don’t think you can go wrong with hand cream as a gift idea.

Another super affordable suggestion is this Garnier Hydrating Sheet Mask Selection for €14.95.

Five Moisture Bomb Sheet masks for different concerns.

Beauty Bay is next on my beauty stocking filler hit list.

This Holiday Facial Spray Trio from Mario Badescu is €14!

Facial Sprays are a nice treat within your skincare routine, and it’s a great way to sample all three versions the brand have on offer.

If someone in your life is a fan of sleep sprays the This Works Sleep Tight bauble is awesome and is only €15.

You get two teeny pillow sprays and a stress check roller ball.

I got carried away on Cult Beauty, I must admit, so bare with me 🙂

This Peter Thomas Roth Meet You Mask Set looks awesome and it’s only £20.50. Sorry Cult Beauty don’t covert to euro, this is good for our exchange rate though!

I’ve never tried this brand and have always wanted too. It’s not the most affordable so I thought this would be a great way to dip a toe or two in and give it a go.

Nest up is one of my personal faves. This is the Becca Cosmetics Golden Trio and it costs £35.

It’s mini versions of Champagne Pop, Opal and Moonstone highlighters.

I’m fairly obsessed with this 🙂

This Sweet Indulgence Set from Beauty Blender would have us sorted for makeup sponges for all of 2019. It costs £52.

It contains 4 Beauty Blenders and 4 solid cleansers to keep them clean.

I got the original Zoeva Plaisir Box a couple of years back from John and I bloody love it. This is a mini eyeshadow palette version and it retails for £31 so thought it was good beauty stocking filler material.

It contains three small but mighty eyeshadow palettes, and the display box is gorge too.

Last stop on this journey is Debenhams.

I actually nearly pulled the trigger on this Urban Decay Starfire Heavy Metal Trio in store yesterday. The only thing that stopped me is that it contains the infamous Midnight Cowboy liner and I already own it.

These retail for 20 quid a piece. To buy them as a set is €46.

Last but not least on this beauty journey, let me introduce the Kat Von D Limited Edition Best Of Nudes Mini Studded Lipstick Set.

This is currently on sale for €32.01 which I thought was a great deal for 6 mini lippies. It would make any nude lipstick lover happy.

And there you have my beauty stocking fillers for this year. No pressure, just sharing my research 🙂

xxx

December 5, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

MAC Shiny Pretty Things Party Favours – Gold

I wasn’t going to do this just because I haven’t really played with them enough. But, a few of you asked to see swatches of my new lovely Mac Shiny Pretty Things Party Favours. I have the gold ones. There is also a pink version to choose from in Brown Thomas.

My lovely mate Cherry Sue and I were in BT perusing the Mac Christmas ranges. She decided to treat herself to the gold Mac Shiny Pretty Things Party Favours. But, she also very kindly picked me one up too. For no reason other than she’s sound. And yes, I cried, so thanks Sue 🙂

Mac know how to do Christmas. And this year is no different. Yes, I said the C word. Halloween is over, it’s officially the festive season. Get your garlands out 🙂

A full sized Mac pigment and glitter is €22 and I feel like although they’re awesome, you’ll never get through an entire pot in a lifetime. Unless you are hardcore or a makeup artist. So I love that they’re doing minis now. The minis on their own are €12. The Mac Shiny Pretty Things Party Favours in gold and pink are €30, so you make a decent saving. There are four pots per pack. Try saying that really fast.

You get two pigments and two glitters within the pack. I ripped mine open quick smart when I got it, so I just have a stock photo here for reference.

From left to right we have: English Gilt (pigment), Gold (glitter), Copper (glitter), Shiny Time (pigment).

I applied the pigments dry with a flat brush. I did used some setting spray with the glitters, just to adhere them to the skin.

I will 100% be showing you these in action on my eyeballs over on Instagram over the coming weeks, so pop over there if you want to see that. Are you going to pick anything up from the Christmas range? I think there’s a lot of great beauty lover present ideas within it for sure.

xxx

October 31, 2018/by Gem

Makeup

Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo Subtle Sunrise

I’ve used a few Pixi products in the past. I always have a stash of the Glow Tonic in my skincare drawer. I met with their UK PR last year and got to try even more skincare and some of the makeup. Their makeup was fairly new to me. I remember swatching some of in Boots in London a few years back and liking how it performed, but the packaging never really drew me in. Something that always stuck in my head after meeting with them though is my friend Sinéad aka The Beautiful Truth, who has at the meeting too saying, they are such an under rated makeup brand and after trying it for myself I completely agree. I have a post here about their Liquid Fairy Lights too if you want to check it out. Right now, I want to talk about, dare I say it, one of the best highlighters I have ever tried. The Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo Subtle Sunrise.

There is two shade ranges in the Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo (s). You can see both choices on their website here. Delicate Dew seems to be a little darker toned. I want to specifically talk about Subtle Sunrise.

I went for a dinner with the brand a few weeks ago, I know lucky me! And I got this duo in my goody back. I know, lucky me again. There is of course two colours within the compact. One is more of a champagne glow, and the other is a peachy rose gold.

The formula is just bloody gorgeous. It’s soft and creamy and oh so pigmented but in a glow-y way, hence the name 🙂 Both shades 100% create a glow to the skin without being sparkly or glitter. It’s just full on shine. I am a particular fan or the champagne side. If they created this on it’s own, I don’t think I would ever be without it. Here it is in action on the skin in video form. Make sure it’s in HD to see the full effect 🙂

I know I sound like I am gushing. Usually I come at a review as pragmatically as possible. I write about pros and cons, and then sum everything up. Honestly, I cannot say anything bad about the Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo Subtle Sunrise. Other than I wish they came as single pans, both shades serve a purpose and are beautiful though! The glow and the longevity of the glow is awesome!

We get some Pixi stock here in Ireland in Marks and Spencer. Do yourself a favour and go in if you can to swatch. You can buy the Pixi Glow-y Gossamer duo in Subtle Sunrise from Look Fantastic for €23.45 here. Can you tell I’m enamoured? 🙂

xxx

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July 4, 2018/by Gem

Makeup Tutorial, Youtube Video

Makeup Look GRWM For Dinner

My first get ready with me for 2018! You know I love these videos myself, I love zoning out and just watching the makeup take shape. This makeup look is one I did to go out for dinner.

I had some new products I wanted to use and I wanted to look put together but not too dolled up, if that makes sense?

Now of course that’s up for interpretation. You could look at this makeup look and think you could never in a million years put this much makeup on.

Primer: Fenty Beauty Instant Retouch Primer all over and the LA Girl Pro Prep Smoothing Face Primer on the T Zone for extra …priming 🙂

Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Foundation. (Review here), mixed with the LA Girl HD Foundation. Completely unnecessary to mix foundations, it’s just something I like to do to change up colour, coverage, longevity, depending on the scenario.

Eyebrows: LA Girl Shady Slim Brow Pencil. Freedom Brow Powder Duo. Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer, I used this on my face where I needed extra coverage too. Benefit Gimme Brow for a bit of added texture and then Benefit 24 HR Brow Setter to set them all in place.

Eyes: Zoeva Matte Eyeshadow Fix. theBalm Meet Matt(e) Shmaker I did a blogpost about this here the eyeliner used on the upper lash line is in this post too, along with the Mary-Dew Manizer highlight. I used that in the inner corners of my eyes and on my cheekbones. The main eyeshadow palette used was the Huda Beauty Smokey Obsessions. The Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Rose Glow was used in the waterline. To finish I added a tiny bit of the Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights in Crystalline over the top of everything. Mascaras used were the Catrice Lashes To Kill Pro and Mac Extended Play.

The rest of the face consisted of: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. Isa Dora Blotting Powder. Max Factor Creme Bronzer. La Girl Just Blushing blush in Just Peachy. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter and then the Too Faced Hangover Setting Spray.

Finally, lips were the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Pencil in Pillow Talk with the Fenty Gloss Bomb over top.

Ok, writing it out, it’s a hell of a lot of product to use in one makeup look I know, but I do go a bit extra with things. Not all steps are necessary 🙂

All the products listed are linked and you can go directly to my YouTube channel here if you want to check out the video directly.

As always thanks for clicking.

Gemma

xxxx

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February 16, 2018/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Fashion, Fragrance, Hair, Lifestyle, Makeup

My Christmas Wishlist 2017

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?

Thanks, as always for taking the time to read.

xxx

December 8, 2017/1 Comment/by Gem

Makeup

NYX Wanderlust Dublin City Set

Nyx have added four new colours to their City Set range. Toronto, New York, Santiago. And my city namesake, the NYX Wanderlust Dublin City Set.

These sets contain four eyeshadows, an illuminator and a blush. The colours are all supposed to compliment the city named Soft Matte Lip Cream within.

The NYX Wanderlust Dublin City Set contains very wearable shades throughout. There’s a lime green in there for good Irish measure though too.

Each eyeshadow is 1.9 grams, the highlight and blush are 3.5 grams and then the Dublin Soft Matte Lip Cream is standard size at 8mls.

The packaging is fairly bulky on the City Sets. It’s a magnetized cardboard palette with a generous mirror within.

All the shadows are powder and have a shimmery finish to them. Here they are swatched in the sequence they appear in the palette. All of shades are soft and pigmented.

The highlighter and blush are also both shimmery powders. The highlight is a really pale gold shade with an iridescent shimmer. The blush is a pale peach with gold sparkles.

The Dublin Soft Matte Lip Cream is definitely my favourite part of the NYX Wanderlust Dublin City Set. It’s a pinky mauve shade, which is right up my lipstick alley.

I am a big fan of the Soft Matte Lip Creams in general from NYX so having one named after the city I’m from feels (cringe worthily) cool to me 🙂

In my opinion, all the shades in the palette are nice, but I would definitely have to add in other colours if I was doing a full on look using it. I think the colour scheme is very much suited to paler skin. Even for me, the blush might be a little too pale. I generally wear blush to warm up my complexion. The palette size is a little bit cumbersome in my humble opinion aswell, for the amount of products you get in it. I think it would be a nice gift though, just probably not something I would go out and buy for myself.

You can find the NYX Wanderlust Dublin City Set now in Boots in store or online, from Debenhams here. Or, I found it on Look Fantastic here for what I believe is the cheapest price from a reputable retailer.

Have you tried it yet?

xxx

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November 27, 2017/by Gem

Posts

I’ll go in shop order to make things hopefully a little cohesive. Let’s start with beauty stocking fillers from Cloud 10 Beauty.

Ok, over to Look Fantastic now.

Beauty Bay is next on my beauty stocking filler hit list.

I got carried away on Cult Beauty, I must admit, so bare with me 🙂

Last stop on this journey is Debenhams.

And there you have my beauty stocking fillers for this year. No pressure, just sharing my research 🙂

xxx

I will 100% be showing you these in action on my eyeballs over on Instagram over the coming weeks, so pop over there if you want to see that. Are you going to pick anything up from the Christmas range? I think there’s a lot of great beauty lover present ideas within it for sure.

xxx

We get some Pixi stock here in Ireland in Marks and Spencer. Do yourself a favour and go in if you can to swatch. You can buy the Pixi Glow-y Gossamer duo in Subtle Sunrise from Look Fantastic for €23.45 here. Can you tell I’m enamoured? 🙂

xxx

*********PR SAMPLE**********

My first get ready with me for 2018! You know I love these videos myself, I love zoning out and just watching the makeup take shape. This makeup look is one I did to go out for dinner.

Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Foundation. (Review here), mixed with the LA Girl HD Foundation. Completely unnecessary to mix foundations, it’s just something I like to do to change up colour, coverage, longevity, depending on the scenario.

As always thanks for clicking.

Gemma

xxxx

*******PR SAMPLES USED*******

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?

Thanks, as always for taking the time to read.

xxx

You can find the NYX Wanderlust Dublin City Set now in Boots in store or online, from Debenhams here. Or, I found it on Look Fantastic here for what I believe is the cheapest price from a reputable retailer.

Have you tried it yet?

xxx

*******PR SAMPLE********

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