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What I Got For Christmas 2017 Beautynook

I’ve done it! I know it’s a controversial kind of post, but I love having a nose, so here’s my offering of ‘What I Got For Christmas’ 2017. We didn’t go to mad on pressies this year, but I did get some lovely bits and though I would chat through some of them πŸ™‚

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I’ll list some of the main things in case anything takes your fancy or you want to add anything to your list for next year.

John got me the L’OrΓ©al Steampod. He bought it directly from Peter Mark in one of the salons. But you can find it online here.

My red lipstick for this season was the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in 56 Rouge Charnel. You can get in from Debenhams online here.

My very fancy lip balm is the infamous ByTerry Baume De Rose. He picked it up from Spacenk in store, but it’s online here if you want a closer look.

My future Fenty purchases will be from Harvey Nicks in store, but they also sell online here. You just can’t use gift cards on their website which is a bit of a pain.

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Here is the candle I chat about close up. It’s a Malin + Goetz Dark Rum candle and John picked it up from Spacenk here.

My Chanel Mademoiselle Body Oil is from Brown Thomas here.

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The Casio watch is from Asos. It’s not there anymore unfortunately. However they do have a a yellow gold one (which I want now as well), here. The bracelet is from TK Maxx so I can’t link it.what I got for christmas

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Anything else, just holler πŸ™‚ The full video is over on my YouTube channel here.

So, I’ve told you what I got for Christmas this year. It was a really nice chilled affair. I ate and drank loads and I’m still recovering. Now you tell me, what did you get?

Happy 2018. Hope it brings loads of lovely happy memories.

Thanks for sticking around.

Gemma

xxx

 

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 πŸ™‚

Christmas Gift Ideas 2017

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 πŸ™‚ 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.

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Oh and also if I didn’t have carpal tunnel from playing Mario on the DS. No, I am not ashamed of it πŸ™‚ 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’OrΓ©al Steampod.

L'OrΓ©al 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.

irish beauty blogMac Cosmetics Lipstick

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.

ByTerry Baume De RoseByTerry Ireland

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).

l'occitance body oil

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!

oral b Pro 2 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.

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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. top irish beauty sitedublin beauty blog

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.

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Super delicate and pretty. They’re on the website here.

Another pair of earrings are haunting my dreams too.

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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 πŸ™‚ 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.irish beauty website

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.

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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.

viktor & Rolf BonBon Parfum

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’veΒ  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.

my christmas wishlist

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

 

 

 

 

 

This is my very first Black Friday Deals blog post, so I am really hoping it ends up being helpful to people πŸ™‚ I did my pick of Advent Calendars here for this year and it went down really well.Black Friday Deals I always declare, but just to be extra transparent, I do use affiliate links. This doesn’t mean you pay anymore as a consumer. It just means if you buy anything through the links I share I make a really small commission. And it all goes back into buying makeup so I can keep writing (and filming) for Beautynook.

So, now that’s out of the way, let us get onto the Black Friday Deals for this year. I’ll list what I can, as early as I can. And then, if I spot anything else worth sharing, I will update this post throughout as things change. Some codes may only work on Friday.

These are places that I have bought from before myself and are tried, tested and generally sell awesome products. In my humble opinion of course πŸ™‚
  • ASOS have 20% off their website with the code WIN20 here.
  • Look Fantastic have 15% off with UNLOCK (exclusions apply) on their website here.
  • Feel Unique haveΒ  on their website here.
  • Cult Beauty have 15% off orders over Β£20 with the code 15BLACK and 20% off ordered over Β£200 with the code 20BLACK here.
  • Boohoo have 30% off their website with code GOGOGO here.
  • Beauty Bay have 30% off more or less everything on their website here.
  • Debenhams have 10% off all beauty including their gift sets on their website here.
  • Superdrug are doing to half price savings on their website here.
  • Boots are doing up to half price savings on their website here.
  • Missguided have dresses from Β£8 on their website here.
  • Littlewoods have up to 30% off on their website here.
  • Joanie Clothing have 30% off all full priced items on their website here.
  • River Island have 20% off full priced item (minimum spend Β£75 on their website here.
  • Pretty Little Thing have 30% off everything with code ITSON on their website here.
  • Cloud10beauty have 20% with BLACK20 on their website here.
  • Glitz n Pieces have 20% off site wide with the code BLACKFRIDAY here.
  • House of Fraser have 10% off all beauty site wide and up to 40% off everything else here.
  • Office have 20% off site wide with the code SHINE here.
  • Arnotts have 20% off ‘almost everything’ here.
  • Brown Thomas also have 20% off ‘almost everything’ here.
  • Nasty Gal are doing a whopping 50% off everything with the code GIMME50 here.
  • Lifestyle Sports have 15% off with the code EARLYBIRD here.
  • Topshop have up to 50% off and free shipping worldwide here.
  • Selfridges have 20% off gifts and 10% off beauty and fragrance with the code SELFCCE here.
  • Public Desire are doing 20% off everything with the code CYBERBAE here.
  • Harvey Nichols have….on their site here.
  • Zoeva Cosmetics have 20% site wide using the code ZFS2017 here.
  • The Body Shop have 30% in store on Friday.
  • The Body Shop (UK site) has 40% off hundreds of items here.
  • TRND Beauty have 20% off site wide from midnight on the 22nd until midnight on Friday the 24th here.
  • Carraig Donn have 20% off site wide all week here.
  • Elf Cosmetics (UK) have 50% off site wide on orders over Β£30 with the code CELEBRATE here.
  • Nike have 25% off site wide with the code EPIC25 here.
  • Blank Canvas Cosmetics have 20% off everything with BLACK20 here.
  • Schuh have up to 40% in store and online here.
  • Only have 25% off all full priced items in store and online here.
  • Inglot have 25% off their Signature Collection in store and online here.
  • New Look have 25% off everything in store and online here.
  • Stila UK have 20% off site wide with the code FRIDAY17 here.
  • Missoma jewellery have 25% off their entire site with the code BF25 here.
  • Deciem (The Ordinary, Niod skincare etc) are doing skincare bundles that are heavily discounted here.
  • Robes4You have 10% off everything with the code BLKFRIDAY here.
  • Platinum Hair Extensions have 10% off everything with the code BLACKFRIDAY17 site wide here.
  • Pestle & Mortar have 20% off everything in stock online here.
  • Emma Hardie have 25% off everything online with the code BF25 from Friday here.
  • Zara have up to 50% off online here.
  • Sigma Beauty have 30% off site wide and free worldwide shipping here.

black friday dealsLet me live vicariously through you and let me know what you pick up πŸ™‚

Gemma.

xxx

 

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We were so fortunate to be invited to the very swanky Merrion Hotel for a breakfast preview of the Liz Earle Christmas launch, but also the unveiling of the Liz Earle Rose Pelargonium Necklace created by Boodles.

I have been a fan for a long time now.Β  I think IΒ  have gone through all of the skincare products in the brand over the years, and although we switch and change we still come back to Liz Earle one way or another.

So firstly, in the beautiful surroundings of The Merrion Hotel we got to see what Liz Earle has in store for Christmas 2014. The room was filled with flowers and white rose petals adorned the tables presenting their Christmas treats.

Botanicals in the snow

The theme this Christmas is “Botanicals In The Snow”, very fitting indeed.

Every year they bring out a slightly different formulated version of their Cleanse and Polish.

C&P_Sweet_Orange_and_Mint_Limited_Edition (2)

This year it is infused with Sweet Orange and Mint (it smells amazing) and how beautiful is the packaging? This is priced at 23.50euro.

They also do the normal Cleanse & Polish in a gorgeous drum so if you are buying it for a loved one…it is already presented perfectly for gifting πŸ™‚ This 50 ml is 10.75euro.

C&P_50ml_Christmas_Edition (2)

They have these really cute “Christmas Star Beauty Treats”, one contains a nail polish (9.00euro)

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And the other a signature Lip Colour (priced at 16.75euro)

Christmas Star Beauty liz Earle

Really cute stocking fillers in really pretty packaging πŸ™‚

On a side note, the room smelled amazing when we walked in the Merrion and it was all thanks to their candle in Eucalyptus and Rosemary, I think this will be on both of our Christmas lists this year, the scent is just so warm and welcoming.

Liz Earle Candle

 

They also have gift sets to suit everyone and all budgets too. You can get Liz Earle in Boots, Liffey Valley and in Wilde and Green in Milltown.

This event as already mentioned was also to unveil the “Liz Earle Rose Pelargonium Necklace by Boodles”. Boodles is a fine jewellery brand. The Director Jody Wainwright,

Boodles

collaborated with the gorgeous Liz Earle herself,

Liz Earle

for the charity “Shining Faces” an orphanage in India. It is a cause close to both of their hearts. This necklace will be released in Boodles and Liz Earle stores on the 17th of November with 100% of the proceeds going to the charity.

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When your purchase the necklace, the Liz Earle beauty company also gift you with a beautiful botanical hamper full of goodies.

Liz Earle Pelargonium Necklace by Boodles

The necklace is priced at 1,950euro. It is definitely a splurge item, made of ethically sourced sapphires, rose and white gold. If you are in the market for an investment piece of jewellery, be sure to check it out though. It is for such a lovely cause.

 

We had a really lovely time at the event and got a little star struck at meeting Liz herself πŸ™‚

Chatterbox and Liz Earle

 

As always thanks for reading,

Gemma

xxx

 

 

 

Birthday

So I turned another year older not too long ago, 29 to be exact. One step closer to 30 Arrrgggghhhhh, no I’m not worried about that in the slightest πŸ˜›

My lovely friends and family were very kind to me (and I was a bit kind to myself too) so thought you might want to nose at what I got, perhaps for some shopping inspiration or just to window shop.

First up, is my main pressie from the boyfriend, I dropped many a hint for these.

Raybans

These are the Rayban Clubmasters. I am a sunglasses junkie and have wanted these for ages.

Rayban Clubmasters

I am going through a bit of a 90’s phase at the minute as are alot of people and these sunnies fit right in with this πŸ™‚

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb

He also treated me to a fresh bottle of my very beloved fragrance Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb. I love this perfume so much. It’s flowery and musky all at the same time, and lingers on your skin for ages, I think I will always have a bottle of this in my perfume collection.

Diptique Mimosa Candle

Out of some bday cash, I treated myself to another smelly item. This is Diptyque candle in the scent Mimosa. I am obsessed with this smell, it makes me happy, if you are ever in Brown Thomas or Spacenk, give your nostrils a treat and take a whiff. This is definitely not an everyday purchase, it set me back 50 quid, madness I know, but Diptyque candles burn beautifully and the scent really fills the room, so I do think you get your money’s worth out of them.

Ted Baker Mint Makeup Bag

I got this gorgeous mint green Ted Baker makeupbag for my handbag, I couldn’t resist. BT2 were having a sale and I picked up this little beauty for 21 euro. Don’t think that’s too bad at all, and it fits perfectly into my handbag.

I bought some posh bits of makeup to add to my every growing collection.

By Terry

I have been after this for ages and it’s always out of stock, so when Spacenk opened in Grafton Street, and they had it I literally jumped on it. This is the very coveted By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock.

Misty Rock

This is my second Ombre Blackstar I have Bronze Moon too which I absolutely adore. This one however, I think is going to be my favourite. It is the prettiest mauvey purple colour, that shimmers in the light, and nearly looks wet on your eyelids. It may need its own blogpost soon πŸ™‚

By Terry Ombre Blackstar

By Terry Ombre Blackstar Misty Rock

Another makeup wish was granted from the new Spacenk.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette

This is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. Hourglass do these setting and highlighting powders separately but to be able to get them in a palette form really makes me happy as you can have the 3 of them in 1.

Hourglass

Hourglass palette

There is 3 setting/highlighting powders in the palette. Dim Light, Incandescent Light and Radiant Light. Again this product may need it’s very own blogpost soon πŸ™‚

I bought some Boots in Office while out on my Birthday travels.

Office Boots

Office Black Boots

These cut out boots were on the sale rack and I couldn’t resist. I think they’ll work for hot and cold weather aswell as with dresses and trousers. At 46 euro I think they were a bargain and I will get a lot of wear from them.

The last thing I bought I really feel bullied into. Everyone is obsessed with this palette and won’t stop talking about…so well I had to invest πŸ˜›

Lorac Pro Palette

I won’t waffle on too much about it because I had to buy it on eBay and it hasn’t come yet, but the internet is ripe with blogposts about how fab it is.

 

I should probably leave it there and stop milking the birthday, think I’m a bit old for that now πŸ™‚

 

If you have any of these be sure to let me know what you think. I love your feedback.

 

Thanks,

Gemma

xxx