Tanning Thursday with Cocoa Brown

Welcome to Tanning Thursday

This weeks product is from Cocoa Brown tan and I tried the 1 hour tan.I bought this in Penneys/primark and it cost €8.00
I had heard a lot about this tan so I did have high hopes and was not disappointed.
The fragrance is not like other fake tans (soggy biscuit) smells lovely and exotic.
It is very moisturising and gentle enough to be used on both face and body.
It is an easy to apply mousse, fast-drying, non-stick and fades evenly.
Another plus for me is that it contains no Parabens and is kind to sensitive skin.
Apply tan and wait between 1 and 3 hours. Colour Varies between light and dark depending on how long you leave the tan on before showering.
Once you wash it off the GOLDEN tan ( not orange ) will last up to 5 days.I love that this tan fades evenly with no patchy dirty looking bits

.I cannot wait to try more from this fab range

I

Here is the before and after... the tan was applied before bed and  this was how it looked after my morning shower ...pretty amazing huh!!!

 

This is also available from Simply Foxy  shop here 

 http://www.simplyfoxy.com

Wow me Wednesday...Mememe cosmetics

Todays blog is all about ME... Mememe cosmetics that is. 

Ok so I am totally new to this brand never even heard of it until recently
I spotted it in a pharmacy  and I was blown away. 
The packagaing is very cute and not cheap and crappy like some i could mention.The product range is fantastic ,great choice of shades,and textures but the quality is Fanbloodytastic.I purchased a few bits and will definately be buying the entire range to review each product but for now what i did buy.. I purchased the Beat the blues highlighter. which comes in 2 shades ,which are incredible dupes for Benefit's high beam and moon beam but costs only €6.99!!!!!They give a lovely sheen and glow to the skin but in a sublte and sexy grown up way.

I also purchased an eyeshadow quad,these are fantastic,very pigmented and very little fall off when applying. They are a baked shadow so not drying on the lid and I found they didnt settle in the little creases which is great because you are not left with a miserable line of shadow when you blink !! They can also be applied wet for a more dramatic evening look and cost only €8.50.

The last product i bought was the blush in a coral shade which is identical to Benefits Coralista (even has a little brush)and costs only €10.99. The colour is great ,coverage is even and smooth..I loved it. 

I cannot wait to try more from this range..they even have lipgloss with a light in the wand how fab does that sound .
This is my new favourite affordable range check it out ASAP

Tight Ass Tuesday...Equal -Perfumes &Cosmetics

Hey Guys welcome back to Tight ass Tuesday. So i get lots of messages that go like this
'Claire can you recommend a nice perfume'.
'no problem'....
'one that's cheap'....
'OK now we have a  problem'
Not any more..
I have discovered a little Gem of a shop where for just €13.99 you can get 50ml EDP. This shop is called Equal and is based in Midleton (more stores coming soon ).They also have an on line shop .shop online here
This shop has an unique ethos..they do not do counterfeits..or copies of designer perfumes but what they do is a perfume that is very similar to your favourite high end brands.

These affordable perfumes are classified by numbers and olfactory families ,to help you make your choice.
Perfumes fall into many categories..Fresh,Floral,Citrus, Oriental, Woody are the most popular. In store and on line you will find an information card in front of each fragrance telling you what family it belongs to and what notes it contains.

The cost is ridiculous €13.99 for 50ml or €20.99 for 100ml of EDP...that's crazy value.
Equal do fragrance for both men and women

It is worth noting that this shop only sells Eau De Parfum they do not do Eau De Toilette.
What is the difference i hear you ask...EDP is a higher concentration of essential oils which means your fragrance will last a LOT longer on you when you spray
They don't sell cheap copies of perfumes  and they don't copy fragrances  from any of the big brands , they bring a very similar olfactory experience.
What this means basically is they use the same top, middle and base notes as the big brands to achieve a very similar scent.
We are all familiar with generic medicines here they sell generic perfume.It smells very similar but its easy on the wallet as they are not paying a big celebrity to hold the bottle and waft the perfume around while looking like they are having an orgasm.
 I went to midleton and had a great chat with the owner Joe and his passion for fragrance is obvious. The staff are super helpful and highly trained in all things fragrance.I was fortunate enough to be gifted some fragrance and other products (review of those coming soon ) and I must say I have been very impressed.

The fragrance is affordable ,it lasts on the skin and lingers on your clothes.Basically what you are getting is good honest value for money and in this economic climate I am all for that. I am a mom myself and i know us women can often put our families needs before our own  ...well now can we indulge ourselves without the guilt .
They also do some amazing reed diffusers and car fragrance that are 100% natural oils...last a long time and a very 'real' fragrance.
They also do an incredible BAR of SHAMPOO...separate review coming on that as well the bath bombs ..fab!!!
In short get yourselves in store or on line  here and pick up a new  fragrance for spring summer...you're worth it !!!

Make up Monday Benefit

Hey guys welcome back to Make up Monday...Todays brand is Benefit cosmetics and I freaking love it .Such cute packaging and products that really deliver..have some fun putting on your face .
Here are my current favs from the range

Benefit Cosmetics - Hello Flawless TOASTED BEIGE

Flawless face now who doesnt want that???
This give a beautiful flawless appearance to the skin..it really helps to brighten and grey skin and makes you look alive and healthy!!
Available in Debenhams.

Benefit Cosmetics - Hello Flawless..I use TOASTED BEIGE

Benefit Cosmetics - Pocket Pal Lip Gloss

Love this little guy a must have for your make up bag
Benefit Cosmetics - Pocket Pal Lip Gloss

Benefit Cosmetics - BADgal Waterproof Mascara

BADgal waterproof is one amazing , black waterproof mascara  .The waterproof & smudge-proof formula keeps mascara intact no matter what elements eyelashes may face. No more smudging or lingering on lids... this stuff doesn't move!

Benefit Cosmetics - BADgal Waterproof Mascara

Wow me Wednesday...Tan Eraser mitt

So guys I have trialling lots and lots of self tanner and gradual glows etc all on your behalf of course.
This left me with some very sore and raw limbs over the past few weeks...well no more.
I have found the holy grail of tan remover and its in the form of a mitt...The Tan Eraser Mitt to be precise available HERE

I was kindly sent one to try out and I have found that the  Tan Eraser leaves your skin beautifully soft ,and removes every scrap of tan without removing a layer of skin in the process.
It is also fab to use in the shower to prepare your skin for its next tan application resulting in a more even and longer lasting  tan.
The mitt has  2 different sides...one side is pink and one side is black.'.You can use the pink side for light exfoliation and the black side for those more stubborn areas like the elbows and ankles 'or for tan that is really hard to remove.
It is so easy to use just hop  in the shower wash as normal and rinse off all  suds and then got to work just buffing with the mitt.
I only needed to use the pink side of the mitt and without any effort at all the stubborn orange patches were gone. The dead and dry skin came off with so easily I could have cried with happiness.
Normally removing my self tanner is an ordeal..I end up rubbing and scrubbing in a frenzy,and get out of the shower red raw and sore.
Those days are soooo over!!!
This is not just for us tanning queens..it is ideal for everyone to exfoliate and remove all the dead skin,also a must have before you go on holidays !
Any moisturiser you apply afterwards just sinks in beautifully as it doesn't have to try and sink in through layers of dead skin (gross!!!)

I will be using this for the rest of my life it is fanflippintastic available online from  www.taneraser.com

If you are in Cork and are looking for a local stockists check out Hunny Bunnys Salon
Retails for  only  €7.99 .

Tight Ass Tuesday....Get your Glow on with Botanics Radiance Balm

WOW WOW WOW...That's all I can say about this little tube form the Botanics range in Boots.
Its the Radiance Balm,All Bright and its fan- bloody- tastic.

It glides onto the skin and give a stunning glow. This can be used all over the face under your foundation which will give a beautiful ' lit from within' look to the skin.
It can also be used over your foundation as a highlighter on the high points of your cheeks,down the centre of the nose and in the cupids bow.
This balm smells Divine..it would also be really nice along the collar bones to add a sexy glow or down the shins to give the illusion of longer and leaner limbs( and who doesn't want that??)
Anther spot to use it is under the brow..it gives a clean edge and the illusion of higher arch so a more awake appearance to the eye area.
It reminds me a lot of  Benefits highlighters..it will give a very similar effect but for a much smaller price.
I bought mine this week in Boots in Mahon Point and its 1/2 price so it only costs a tiny €3.99
Get yours fast...you will not be disappointed.

 This is how it is packaged and normally retails at €7.99,currently €3.99 in  Boots in Mahon Point

 This is the colour of the product its a light peachy colour.

This is my before and after the before is the grey looking hand on top and the after is the bottom hand which just looks youthful and glowy.

Make up Monday...Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

What can I say...I love this primer.

I fell in love with Smashbox in 2004 when I went stateside and it is an obsession i have carried with me.I was so happy when Debenhams in Cork began to stock smashbox and so gutted last year when they stopped.I am always on the look out for new stockists up and down the country the latest one i discovered is https://www.facebook.com/mcguirespharmacy

Back to the primer...it is silicone based so it glides onto the skin like silk.It leaves the skin super soft which i love.I will use the primer even if i am having a 'no make up' day as it gives a beautiful finish to the skin and helps to blur fine lines and wrinkles. 

You really do only need a very small amount . I smoothed the product all over my face, and fell in love with the feel on my skin. So silky. So smooth. Lovely Matt finish.  When you  check your makeup half  way through the afternoon it looks freshly applied which is what we all want.

One tip I will give is this... wait a few minutes after applying the primer before you go ahead with your foundation, or you will find your foundation kinda rolls off as you are applying it.
This can also happen if you use too much of the product,you really only need a pea size amount.
Have you tried it..let me know in the comments below what you thought.
If you haven't tried it I have a competition on my facebook page check it out  here

Fancy Friday....spongelle anti cellulite bodybuffer

So I got this interesting little guy in the post last week from the lovely Michelle  from Spongelle and its their Anti Cellulite Body Buffer.

What it says on the label...It's an all in one Luxurious body wash to cleanse and improve the appearance of cellulite with every shower.
What i say is i absolutely agree.This is a beauty must have. It smells delicious.It says the fragrance is Passion Fruit-Yuzu Aromatherapy  and  it is gorgeous..a really clean fresh and lightly floral scent which lingers on the skin after your shower.Also leaves the bathroom smelling like a spa.
Normally i hate exfoliating in the shower as half my product just goes down the plug hole but with this that doesn't happen. In fact you get at least 25 showers from one spongelle buffer.
This dual sided Anti-Cellulite Toning Buffer utilises the SalSphere delivery system to massage, smooth, and exfoliate areas prone to cellulite.
 You use the soft side to cleanse and moisturise your skin then flip over to use the textured side for a deep exfoliating massage.
Also brilliant to use on that dimpled chicken skin looking bit at the back of the arms...you know what i mean right?

One of the things I love about this buffer is that its Paraben Free! Big thumbs up !
It will Lasts for  at least 25 showers so great value for money
It contains  Green Tree Extract  which is known for its amazing anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties.
It also has Grapefruit Seed Extract (skin conditioning properties)as well as Indian Lotus Flower which works to improve the  texture of the skin.

I had high hopes for this buffer especially coming into spring and summer where more body parts are on display and i have to say this body buffer did the trick.It  left my skin smooth, with better tone and super soft.
With regards to improving cellulite i do think this will defiinately work for that.I can already see a difference after just  a few showers in the tone of my skin and the appearance of the backs of my thighs.. ..I will keep you posted...when i come to the end of my buffer I will share a before a after pic of my legs to show you the difference :) :)
These are available in the following locations in Cork  ..Body Beautiful, East village, Douglas, Co.Cork and
Phalanges Care, Seskin, Bantry.Co Cork and Emer's Beauty Parties, Ladysbridge,Co.Cork.
 For a nationwide list of stockists click here
They are also available to purchase online from spongelleireland.ie
To shop click here

Tanning Thursday ...St Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion

St Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion

I am a huge fan of the Original St Tropez lotion and indeed the Mousse so was excited to try their instant tan
I was quite impressed with this tan, you really can tan and go with this so it's ideal if you are in a rush and need a quick glow.(..impromptu girls night out!!! ). I was also impressed with the hydration from  this fake tan and it has left my skin feeling both tanned and moisturised.
On the smell front..., there is no fake tan smell with this product which is great if you are applying it as you run out the door.
Be warned this tan is very dark brown in colour. However once applied to the skin it blends in nicely and just tints the skin a golden brown.It is not a dark tan it really is more a hint...a golden glow as against a deep tan.
This would be ideal for any red heads or really fair haired and very fair skinned people who find that traditional fake tans look either a  bit orange  ridiculously dark on them.
I found that this was quite long lasting for an instant tan and didn't transfer off onto my clothes..it didn't even come off when my friend was bumped into and spilt her drink all over my arm....

Over all I like this...it isn't a dark tan but its good for taking the milk bottle look away ..its ideal for this time of year when a dark tan can look unnatural and ideal for fair skinned ladies and gents.
Available in Debenhams,boots Sam McCauleys and other selected retailers for around €20

Wow me Wednesday....Got2be Happy Hour hairspray

Welcome back to wow me Wednesday...

Today's review is a bit of a weird one but its something most of us use..its hairspray.
Do you want a stunning style that lasts? Then got2b happy hour 24 hour hairspray  will be your ultimate new best friend. Gives your style the long lasting hold you want  from morning until night.
First thing to mention...some hairsprays have a strong chemical scent..not this one  it has a fresh almost fruity scent.
This gives really good hold to the hair without stopping the hair from moving in a natural way. ...your  hair style is intact but the hair has good body and movement if that makes any sense?
You don't get helmet hair with this hairspray but you do get long lasting hold.
It also doesn't leave the hair crunchy which i hate. You can still run your fingers through your hair  without any stickiness or tackiness a huge plus point for me :)
This left my hair really shiny and was easy to brush out if i changed my mind on the style.
You can spray the whole head or spray individual strands to create a funkier style..whatever look you want this will hold it in place.
Available in Boots,Sam McCauleys and other selected pharmacies as well as some major supermarkets It is  priced at around  €5.75 or included in the 3 for 2 at boots right now