Recent Buys Feat. River Island, H&M, Boots & Aldi

River Island (available in store now)

I plan to emulate 60s sirens Brigitte Bardot and Pattie Boyd this autumn with this wonderful suede-leather-fur amalgamation. I’ve been dreaming up ways to wear this beauty - over the knee boots, a fur cossack hat and a George Harrison look-alike on my arm!

                                      Autumn/Winter inspiration: Bardot & Boyd

                                                              H&M (available in store now)

I’ve a feeling these heeled Chelsea boots will rarely leave my feet over the next few months. They’re surprisingly comfortable and seem to go with everything. The handbag is also going to be worn to death; it’s large enough for all my essential bits and pieces but not too big that I spend half an hour looking for my keys!
 

Lacura Aqua-Complete Multi Intensive Serum (€4.79): This serum is a regular purchase from Aldi. It contains the wonder ingredient hyaluronic acid and I apply it under my moisturiser morning and night. Click here for a full review.

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser (€6.49): This is also a repurchase. I adore this stuff! I initially thought it would be too light in consistency for my dry skin but it’s really hydrating. What I love most about it is how it’s cut my moisturising time in half; before I was waiting around for heavy lotions and oils to sink in - Spray & Go absorbs almost instantly. It’s also quite a novelty to spray on your moisturiser, dare I say moisturising is now fun?! A bottle lasts about 3 weeks (I use it every day) and it’s often on offer in Boots.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads (€17.99): When I ran out of my beloved Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner I headed into my local Boots to search for a toning stopgap. These pads exceeded my not so high expectations. They’re packed full of glycolic acid, the same ingredient in the Clarins toner, which speeds up cell turnover and helps prep the skin for serum and moisturiser. They also contain hyaluronic acid and glycerine to prevent your skin from drying out. I haven’t been using them long enough to notice much of a difference, but I really like them so far and they haven’t irritated my sensitive skin. One tub contains 60 pads so they work out a little pricey if you tone twice a day.

Seventeen Doll’d Up Mascara (€7.99): I picked this up while on the hunt for a good daytime mascara and it turns out Doll’d Up fits that description perfectly. Doll’d Up promises curl and volume but I found it worked better as a lengthening and separating mascara. The slightly curved plastic wand is a doddle to use and coats every lash. It also lasts all day with no flaking or smudging. If you’re looking for a fuss free mascara for work, I highly recommend Doll’d Up.

Duo Lash Adhesive (€5.99): I’ve always wanted to try the world’s bestselling false lash glue but I thought it was only available online or at MAC counters. Lo and behold, it appeared in my local Boots last week and for only 6 quid too. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m sure to be sporting many a faux lash this season in my quest to be a Swinging Sixties seductress!

Where have you been?!

I want to apologise for my absence. Those of you who follow the blog on social media will know I started a new job in July. Long hours and commuting compounded with a lack of Wi-Fi at home meant very little blogging unfortunately. While I was a no-show, I was shortlisted for Best Lifestyle Blog in the IMAGE.ie Blog Awards. I still can’t believe such a distinguished publication nominated me for an award. Of course, voting was also down to the public and I want to thank everyone who voted for me. It really means the world to me that people read (and seemingly enjoy!) my posts. Pink Elephant Blog deservedly walked away with the award on the night and I urge you to check out their gorgeous blog now.

Here’s to more blogging!