treat Archives - Irish Beauty Blog Beautynook

Posts

Galgorm Resort & Spa

I was very kindly invited to the very beautiful Galgorm Resort & Spa a few weeks ago. If you follow me on social media, you would have seen myself and John being treated like royalty to celebrate their Wellness Day and their new extended facilities.

We were blown away the minute we stepped out of the car in all honesty. The grounds of Galgorm Resort & Spa are so beautiful, our candid snaps do not do it much justice.

Galgorm cater for weddings and big occasions too, so they have two Rolls Royce casually parked on the grounds for when they are needed. There was actually a wedding on that day so one was away on duty 🙂

The foyer.

There was a small group of us including press and bloggers, so we partook in the Wellness Party Package. Here’s a link to it on the website. It includes:
• Celtic Sauna Ritual
• Body & Mind Class
• 1 course lunch in Gillies
• Private use of the group treatment suite for 3 hours
• Smoothie & fruit on arrival
• Thermal Village Experience
• 25 minute treatment each
£90 per person Mon – Thurs/ £100 per person Fri – Sun
Based on a minimum of 10 people

I’m just going to include all the pics I took to give you a bit of an insight. We did spend alot of the day in the water so I couldn’t bring the camera too close, but it might give you an idea of what to expect.

The spa uses products from both Aromatherapy Associates and Voya.

The Galgorm Resort & Spa Thermal Village contains an Orangery, the Celtic Sauna, a snow cabin, a Sanarium, snail showers, waterbeds, and an indoor pool. Then, the River House is situated in the middle of it all where the private treatments take place.

We did some exercise to begin with and then went and experienced the Celtic sauna Ritual, which was like nothing I have ever done before. I’ll quote Galgorm here if that’s ok to describe 🙂 ‘Originating in Finland and now practised world-wide this is Galgorm’s unique presentation on the Aufguss sauna ritual. Your Sauna Master will guide through this meditative experience where a ritual with towels is used to agitate the air, lessening the intensity of the heat and allowing you to breathe in the essential oils infused into the air. You will complete the ritual with a meditation session in the River House followed by rejuvenation and refreshment in the Orangery where you can float away into a state of utter relaxation.’

After lunch, it was time for our spa treatments. I opted for a back and shoulder massage, that made me feel like bubble wrap. All my knots and tension was taken care of. John opted for a eye treatment and was so relaxed he actually fell asleep on the bed 🙂

And then, we just spent the rest of the day in the sauna, pool and hot tub hopping. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon, right?

Our room for the night was one of the newly built deluxe room that overlook the Thermal Village. This was our view for the evening.

Because we were so darn relaxed, we forgot to take some pictures of the room before we messed it all up. Here’s some from the next day, but you get the gist 🙂 All the formal info of their deluxe rooms is here.

The bed felt like a king size marshmallow and I wanted to bring the light up mirror in the bathroom home, not going to lie 🙂

The room comes with a complimentary mini bar which is a really nice added extra. It has some snacks and drinks, and includes Galgorm’s very own craft beer. This can only be gotten in the resort. John being the beer connoisseur that he is, really enjoyed it.

In the evening we were treated to a really tasty meal in the on site Italian restaurant Fratelli’s.

After undoing all the wellness of the day with lots of delicious grub, we ended the night in the Gin Bar. A gin lovers paradise.

The next morning, we had breakfast before we left, which was a sit down affair with a buffet full of fruit and pastries and then whatever you want from the menu. It was the perfect way to end a beautiful and relaxing break at Galgorm.

We ended our stay in Northern Ireland with a trip to the Giant’s Causeway. The weather was pretty miserable, but it’s such a beautiful part of the country, so it was worth it 🙂

Overall, our experience in Galgorm Spa & Resort was an amazing one. Neither myself or John had ever been on a spa break and after this, we’re already planning our next one.

If you are looking for somewhere to go as a treat to unwind and relax, I would hand on hear recommend it.

Thank you so much to all the staff for having us.

xxx

August 5, 2016/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Haul, Skincare

Bioderma Christmas Pouch

So as all of us beauty lovers know, Bioderma recently made their way onto Irish shores. Bioderma were really the pioneers of micellar water, and also do lots of other lovely skincare products.

For Christmas, they’ve released a pouch containing 4 products.

I happened to see this while I was scrolling through twitter (I’m @beautynookie over there, shameless plug :). Then I saw the lovely Jen from Matte To Metallic chatting about getting one over on Snapchat. She had gotten it in McCabes Pharmacy in the Pavillion in Swords, so I high tailed it over to the Northside and grabbed me one too 🙂

If you have been wanting to try the Bioderma range (or you know someone who has), this is really a great buy.

In the Christmas Pouch you get:

A 15m of their Atoderm Crème.

This is a fragrance free and paraben free moisturiser for dry to very dry skin.

You get a 100ml of the Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel.

This is a soap free gel for sensitive skin. So really great for any of us.

There’s also a full 40ml of the Anti Redness BB Cream.

This on it’s own costs €16. It’s made for Sensitive Skin that’s prone to Rosacea. I’ve yet to use this yet, so I hope it works on my oily skin and the anti redness would be great for any blemishes. It also contains SPF 30 which is brilliant.

This is in the shade Light. When you first apply it, it looks really dark on the skin, but it blends in really well.

The last product in the pouch is of course the Bioderma cult classic.

You get a 100ml of their Micellar Water. This is hypo allergenic, so great for sensitive skin. I love using Micellar Water on cotton pads to remove the bulk of my makeup before full on cleansing. This means you are doing a double cleanse and are sure to be squeaky clean 🙂 Cannot wait to give this a go. Everyone has such good things to say about it.

I am going to sunny Lanzarote for Christmas this year, so I bought this to bring with me.

The Bioderma Christmas Pouch will cost you €17.50, and is a great way to try some of the products without committing fully.

Have you tried any Bioderma? Let me know what you would recommend?

xxx

November 20, 2015/1 Comment/by Gem

Haul, Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette

The Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette has been on my lust list for a long ass time. I finally bit the bullet and went in to Brown Thomas to part with the dosh. Ms Dolce Vita looks a bit like this.

On the back Charlotte gives a guide. The lightest shade is the prime, the coppery is the enhance, the darker brown is the smoke shade and then the glitter is the pop. Of course you can use them any way you want, ’tis up to you 😉

They are all shimmery shades. They are buttery and full of pigment too. If you are like me and like a bit more of a matte shade in the crease though, you will obviously have to bring some other shadows into the mix, but we can live with that, right?

The eyeshadow quads feel lovely and luxurious, as does most of the Charlotte Tilbury range. Thank god because the products ain’t cheap!

I did a really quick eye look with Dolce Vita so you can see it in action.

I primed my lids and added a skin colour powder as normal to get rid of any tackiness.

I added a taupe brown shade lightly in my crease too just to give the shimmery colours something to blend into.

I took some of the coppery shade.

And applied this all over my lid. Be sure to tap off your brush, there will be fallout.

Then took a fluffy brush and blended into the light crease colour.

I then took the darkest ‘Smoke’ shade.

I used a tapered brush and added the colour on the tip of the brush.

I applied it onto the outer corner of my eye, and blended it into the crease.

I lined my upper lid with the brown Rimmel Waterproof Eye Definer.

I curled and added a load of mascara to my top lashes as you do. Then took the lightest shade of the Dolce Vita Palette.

I applied this to my brow bone and used it to highlight the inner corner of my eyes.

I of course had to use the pop shade, so I just applied a light layer of it on my eyelid with my finger. I think it applies best with your fingers.

To define the lower lash line a little bit, I just applied some of the coppery shade and blended it out.

To finish the look, I added some mascara on my lower lashes and used the Rimmel pencil in my waterline. Dunzo 🙂

I think the shades in the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette are really universal and will work for every eye colour. It looks particularly gorge on blue eyes though. It’s really a lovely palette, but with a €50 price tag (here), it’s definitely a treat. Maybe something to put on the Christmas list?

xxx

November 17, 2015/3 Comments/by Gem

Skincare

Pixi Glow Tonic Review

As you can see from the amount left in the bottle I have been using the Pixi Glow Tonic for a long time now. It has reached cult status and I can understand why.

Glow Tonic is an exfoliating toner. So as well as toning your skin and prepping it for moisturiser, it will gently remove dead skin cells, which in turn will help keep your skin smoother. It contains ingredients like Witch Hazel and glycolic acid (5%) to help with exfoliating along with aloe vera to help sooth the skin so it’s not too harsh. Just be sure to use SPF if you use the Glow Tonic in your morning routine as glycolic can sensitise your skin to sunlight, we should be wearing it anyway 🙂

You use Glow Tonic as you would any other toner. Wet a cotton pad with it and apply to your skin. I use it down my neck and on my chest too. You can use it both day and night after cleansing whatever you choose or whatever works best for your skin.

I feel like the Pixi Glow Tonic does pretty much what it says it does for me. It helps keep any dry patches at bay, it helps keep my pores as clear as they can be rather than me using harsh scrubs or exfoliants in my cleansing routine. My skin doesn’t feel tight after using it, it does feel softer though.

Since picking up the La Roche Posay Serozinc, which I reviewed here I love using both this and the Pixi Glow Tonic together.

I feel the Pixi Glow Tonic clears my skin of any impurities or as many as it can do and then the Serozinc keeps them at bay and helps keep the oil away for longer. Neither contain alcohol which is good in my book.

Overall, I really love this Pixi Glow Tonic. I was never really a toner user before, I would try one for a bit and then just get bored or found it wasn’t enhancing my skincare in any way. As someone with oily skin I find the Pixi Glow Tonic fits perfectly into my skincare routine and it actually helping rather than just being a step I am being told to do. Its targeted towards all skin types though. It has a strong scent so be wary of that if you have a sensitive nose.

I get my Pixi Glow Tonic from Mise Beauty They are based in Dundalk which is a bit of a trek for me from Dublin, but it’s instant gratification and they sell so many other cool products too, it’s always worth it 🙂

xxx

May 19, 2015/5 Comments/by Gem

Makeup

My Top 5 Mac Lipsticks

I could probably make a list like this at least once a year. I know Mac lippies are a bit expensive and other more afforable brands do brilliant alternatives that I have and love, but Mac lipsticks were the first ‘higher end’ makeup I ever owned. I love going into Mac full stop, but coming home with a sleek black bullet full of colour just gets me so excited and less face it they do great lipsticks. You can pick them up in Brown Thomas or in some BT2 and they are priced at 19.50 euro.

So I wanted to compile my top 5 for you. I thought 5 was a manageable number and I could get a good range of colours and finishes into the list, in case you are a Mac newbie or you are just looking for a new one to add to your collection 🙂 I will disclaim and say I am not really a nude lip gal. I have a couple of more nude options in my Mac collection like ‘Lovelorn’ and ‘Myth’ but they don’t really get a whole load of love. I wanted to be honest with my picks, so if you only wear nude lippies…I’m sorry 🙁

First up, I have probably the most wearable out of my 5 picks.

This is ‘Plumful’. This is a lustre finish lipstick. You can see from the bullet this is well loved by me.

It is a modest berry colour, that I think would suit a multitude of people. It has a lovely sheen to it with it being a lustre, so gloss does not have to be added if you like a glossy finish. It goes with any kind of makeup look and is so easy to wear, you can slap this on on the way out the door and you don’t need to worry about it. It last reasonably well too and will leave a hint of a stain behind when it starts to wear.

Next up I have Plumful’s more intense cousin 🙂

This is Rebel and this is a Satin finish lipstick.

I have blabbed about Rebel a good bit since I have added it to my collection. It’s a medium to dark berry toned shade depending on how intensely you apply it and is cool toned. With it being a Satin finish, it is not completely matte, it has a subtle shine to it which makes it comfortable to wear. I love Rebel for a dramatic night out with minimal makeup, it really makes a statement. If you like a dark lip Rebel is a good option to have in my opinion, I get alot of wear out of it. Again, it lasts really well and is easy to touch up throughout the night or day as the Satin formula doesn’t cling too much to the lips.

‘Girl About Town’ is one of my favourite lipsticks ever ever ever.

Growing up, I had crap teeth, so in my teens and early 20’s I didn’t experiment with lipstick alot because I didn’t want to bring attention to them. A few years ago I got Invisalign (best thing I ever did). After a few months my teeth were straight and my lipsticks stash started to grow and grow. Girl About Town was one of the first intense colours I ever bought and will always hold a special place in my heart.

It is an Amplified finish.

This means it packs a bold punch, a little goes a long way. It is a fuschia pink with blue undertones, hello whiter teeth! Although it is nearly a matte formula when on, it’s a creamy lipstick and glides onto the lips really well. I love this shade, it makes you look brighter whatever your skin tone. If you don’t have it, swatch it the next time you are in Mac, it is really worth the look.

The last two on this Mac lipstick journey are matte formula lipsticks.

First up is ‘Lady Danger’.

Lady Danger is one of the coolest lipsticks I own ever, full stop!

It is bold, it is rich, it is orangey red and it has warm undertones, so not for the faint hearted. I think it is alot more orange than red, but I suppose it depends on who is wearing it that determines that. On me (Mac NC20) it is more orange. Lady Danger lasts a really long time on the lips. Although it’s matte its not the most drying lipstick I have ever used, it doesn’t cling too badly if your lips are not in tip top condition. Not for everyone I know, but I just love it 🙂

My last choice is a no brainer. Mac do red lipsticks and they do them well, so one had to creep it’s way into my top 5.

This is their Retro-Matte lipstick in ‘Riri Woo’.

This is the red that they collaborated with Rihanna on, but ‘Ruby Woo’ from the permanent collection is pretty much the same when applied, the packaging just pulled me in on this one.

Riri Woo is the perfect cool toned matte red lipstick. It is pigmented beyond belief but it is one of the most drying lipsicks you will ever use. You need to be prepared for that. It lasts for ages too and will stain the lips as it wears but if your lips begin to dry or flake you will feel it and notice it and it won’t be pretty, so you do have to keep an eye on your lips throughout the day or night. It is best applied with a lip brush for precise application as it can drag the lips a bit.

I sound a bit negative saying all of that, but it is so worth it for the lip colour you get in return, just prepare in advance for it!

There you have it. My top 5 Mac lipsticks. I am always in the market for more favourites, so be sure to tell me yours.

xxx

March 24, 2015/2 Comments/by Gem

Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury- Velvet Underground

I thought this week was the perfect week of the year to talk about a love affair I have been having…with a lipstick. It is coming up to Valentine’s Day after all.

If you are a makeup fan you know who Charlotte Tilbury is. I had the privilege of meeting her and she is as cool in real life #fangirl 🙂

This is her K.I.S.S.I.N.G lippie in “Velvet Underground”.

The packaging bestowed on these lipsticks is beautiful, so I am just going to take a minute and say it’s so pretty and luxurious and rose gold…eeeek!!

It would want to be right? With the price tag of €30 (you can buy them here from Brown Thomas if you so desire). If you are the romantic type and are wanting something pretty for Valentine’s Day, get the other half over to the Charlotte Tilbury counter for a look, this would be the perfect Valentine’s shade 🙂

“Velvet Underground” is a blue based magenta colour.

It is quite a stiff formula in the bullet, especially around these cold parts i.e. Ireland, so to apply it precisely may I suggest a lip brush or any small brush just to perfect the outline.

For a pale gal like myself this colour really wakes up my complexion. It is a colour that you can wear boldly and proudly or of course like any lipstick patted into the lips for a more demure look. It smells really nice, not really important I know but it is an added bonus 🙂

Charlotte Tilbury also claim that these lipsticks contain an anti oxidant that protect your lips from UV damage and pollution, another added bonus.

“Velvet Underground” is the only one I own right now from the brand (I have my eye on “Love Liberty” which is one of the Matte Revolution lipsticks aswell), so I can only give my opinion on this shade. It is really pigmented, a little goes a long way, it lasts really well on the lips without drying them out or caking up. It has a satin finish, so there is a bit of a sheen to it, it looks lovely with a gloss layered over top too.

I really am in love with this. It is an investment I know, but if makeup is your thing or you are looking to invest in a special item, it really lives up to the hype.

What do you think, would you splurge? You can buy Charlotte Tilbury makeup from Brown Thomas in store or online here

xxx

February 10, 2015/by Gem