Disappointing Beauty Products

As I wrote about my current favourite beauty products last month, I thought I’d tell you about the products that have let me down. While I'm shouting AVOID, AVOID, AVOID, bear in mind that we all have different tastes, skin types, hair types, and so on. Just because something didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

Soap & Glory Supercat Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen (€8): Soap & Glory say this pen is “foolproof” and they’re not wrong - it’s super easy to use. The felt-tip is sturdy and the colour is a deep, glossy black. The issue I have with it is its longevity. While there are no long-lasting claims on the packaging, I expected this to wear well without primer. That’s not the case. Without primer, this smudges within 3 to 4 hours. Once my primer is on, Supercat lasts all day, but as I don’t have oily eyelids, having to apply primer every time I use this really irks me.

Bourjois Liner Feutre Ultra Black 24H Felt-tip Eyeliner (€8.99): Oh dear. This is the worst eyeliner pen I’ve ever tried. Even with primer, this fades and flakes. You must be thinking at this stage that my primer is useless! Not so. I use the much-lauded Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It’s not cheap and I prefer to keep it for nights out. We’re all used to mammoth claims from the beauty industry but this 24 hour declaration from Bourjois is just plain bizarre!
 

Garnier Ultimate Blends The Revitalising 7-in-1 Dry Shampoo (€4.99): Seven actions? More like no action! This dry shampoo made no difference to my unwashed hair. Not a thing. This was commended when it was first released due to the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast like traditional dry shampoos, but I think that’s where the problem lies. At least with those products you know they’re absorbing oil. As much as I disliked Garnier Ultimate Blends, it’s nothing compared to the level of loathing I have for Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo. It left my hair in such a sticky mess that I threw it in the bin before I could take a photo of it. I’ll never stray from my darling Batiste again!

 

Rimmel Brow This Way Brow Styling Gel (€5.49): The only person I can imagine getting on well with this is Chris de Burgh. I’ve been ‘blessed’ with naturally full brows but even this brush is too large for me. Despite wiping excess gel on a tissue (the brush holds a lot of product) and careful application, it’s impossible not to get some gel around your eyebrows. The product itself is quite wet and takes a few minutes to set. What’s more, the deepest shade Dark Brown is more like a chestnut brown. A big thumbs down from me.

Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream (€6.49): The description says “this doesn’t cake, flake or dry out”. I’m afraid it does all that and more. Matte lip products are notoriously difficult to wear, so I prepped my lips before application and kept them apart while the cream set. Nonetheless, it wore away quite quickly on the inside of my bottom lip which was really obvious. Reapplication was disastrous with the product balling up into little clumps. When I removed the product, which I couldn’t wait to do, my lips were sore and dehydrated. Admittedly, I’ve never had an easy friendship with matte lipsticks; I think my lips are naturally too dry. I do have one good thing to say about Sleek Matte Me; the colour is very strong and vibrant, but Fandango Purple didn’t suit my skin tone at all.

Lipcote (€4.99): My never-ending quest for long-lasting lipstick brought me to Lipcote. This is a lipstick sealer that has been around for 50 years. While most of the negative reviews online focus on the strong alcohol scent and the fact that it stings on application, my problem with it is that it doesn’t work! Again I followed the instructions to a T, but my lipstick faded within the normal time frame and began to look patchy. One plus - it didn’t feather, but I still couldn’t recommend this.

What products have left you feeling a little “meh”?

Current Beauty Favourites

 

1. Max Factor CC Cream in Fair (€14.99): None of my everyday foundations stood a chance when this colour correcting cream entered my life, it’s like Photoshop in a tube! While the coverage is light to medium, it neutralises redness, covers imperfections and softens the appearance of pores and fine lines. The lightweight formula is really hydrating; this is definitely best suited to those with drier complexions.  But the best part? The finish. Max Factor CC Cream imparts a gorgeous, dewy glow. The shade Fair blends seamlessly into my pale visage, another big plus. Application is easy; I use either my fingers or the Real Techniques Stippling Brush, and you only need a tiny amount so the 30ml tube lasts for ages. €15 well spent.

Max Factor CC Cream in 40 Fair

2. Revlon Photoready Powder in Fair/Light (€16.49): When it comes to affordable pressed powders, I know my stuff. I’ve tried them all; from Natural Collection to L’Oréal, and everything in between. However, this one is in a league of its own. Revlon Photoready Powder contains light reflective particles that give skin a natural but luminous finish. If you prefer a matte look, this probably isn’t for you. Nevertheless, it effectively sets foundation and eliminates shine. As it’s so finely milled, it doesn’t look cakey on the skin - a problem with many budget powders. The compact itself is sturdy and contains a mirror and a brush, perfect for touch-ups on the go.

Revlon Photoready Powder in 010 Fair/Light         

3. Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm (€16): Continuing with the glow theme, this balm (it’s more like a lotion really) was a gift from a friend. I apply it after moisturiser and before foundation, and on occasion, on top of my cheekbones after my makeup has set. This delivers a very subtle sheen to the skin without any shimmer. I’ve been really enjoying using this; the minty fragrance is refreshing and I feel it makes me look less fatigued. However, there are more affordable dupes out there such as Botanics All Bright Radiance Balm, which is what I’ll be purchasing when this runs out.

Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm              

 

4. No7 Precision Lips Pencil in Paprika (€8.75): Orangey-red lipsticks are everywhere this summer but it’s hard to find a liner to match, especially an inexpensive one. This moisturising pencil is the answer to your coral-hued prayers. I love pairing it with Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in In Love With Ginger.

 

5. MAC Lip Pencil in Currant (€16.50): This is the product of a Brown Thomas gift card, I wouldn’t normally spend so much money on a lip liner. It is, however, incredibly long-lasting and worth every cent. I was advised to team this with MAC Rebel but I feel Rimmel Glam Plum Fulham is a more suitable mate.

 

6. Essence Lip Liner in 07 Cute Pink (€1.29): Yes, another lip liner! This creamy pencil is the ultimate my-lips-but-better shade. I like to wear it on its own or with No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Pink Hint. I strongly recommend checking out the Essence range of lip liners; they have some gorgeous shades for mere pocket change.

 

                                From left to right: No7 Paprika, MAC Currant, Essence Cute Pink          

Thrifty Treat Of The Week: MooGoo 100% Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil has become a cult beauty product. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it hydrates dry and ageing skin, while also improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Acclaimed skincare brand Trilogy is synonymous with rosehip oil; a 20ml bottle will set you back €19.99. However, I’ve found a much cheaper alternative that blows Trilogy out of the water.

MooGoo is an Australian company that make a range of natural products for sensitive and intolerant skin. Most rosehip oils come in a glass dropper bottle, but MooGoo’s is sealed in an airless pump bottle to prevent oxidation. This occurs when oil is exposed to air and sunlight which causes the oil to lose its effectiveness. The pump also dispenses the perfect amount of product without any mess. While I love the packaging, it’s what’s inside that counts. The oil is a beautiful amber colour that absorbs quickly. I’ve been using it a few times a week at night instead of my night cream and eye cream, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the texture of my skin. Dry patches are reduced and my skin appears plumper. I wasn’t expecting much from this €10.50 oil but it’s really dazzled me.

MooGoo is stocked in pharmacies and health food stores across Ireland. To find your nearest stockist click here.

Thrifty Treat Of The Week: Essence Liquid Eyeliner

 

I’ll get straight to the point – this €2.89 eyeliner is outstanding. The deeply pigmented formula (I’m talking black black) is one of the most long-lasting I’ve tried. This stuff doesn’t budge; it stays in place all day without smudging or flaking. The sponge-tipped applicator, similar to L’Oréal’s Super Liner, takes a little getting used to if pencil or gel is your liner of choice. However, after one or two attempts, a smooth, precise line will be yours. I find it ideal for creating a dramatic cat eye. The compact tube fits snugly into my makeup bag, and removal is a cinch with an oil-based cleanser. Good job Essence!

 

Thrifty Treat Of The Week is a weekly series on The Retro Suitcase. Occasionally, the series will only appear on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram so follow me for excellent bargains, tips and offers!

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!

  

Cancel That Order…Get Your NYX Fix In Ireland!

NYX, an American makeup brand known for its excellent and affordable products, has landed in Ireland. Gone are the days when you had to wait weeks for your order to arrive from the US, now you can pick up your favourite lippy and blush in your local pharmacy! NYX is currently in 25 pharmacies nationwide and I’ve heard more pharmacies will be stocking it in the coming weeks. You can find a full list of Irish stockists here.

 

Upon discovering Mangans Pharmacy in Sallins, Co. Kildare is one of the stockists, I rushed over there to browse (swatch the hell out of!) the stand. I somehow managed to control myself and purchased only three products. I’ve wanted to try these for ages, especially the green concealer and setting spray as so few budget brands carry those particular items. Here’s my thoughts after a week of putting them through their paces.

 
NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Green (€6.99):

There are three colour correcting concealers in the range; yellow for under-eye darkness, lavender to counteract dullness and green to reduce the appearance of redness. I picked up the latter as I’ve some redness in my cheeks and around my nose that has become increasingly difficult to cover. I really like this concealer although it took me a few days to master the application. You only need a tiny amount; it’s a creamy formula but quite thick. I found it was best to dot on the product rather than brush it on and blend, blend, blend. You'll be left with a green cast on your skin but my foundation goes on smoothly and effectively covers it. This is an impressive concealer; it’s non-drying, long-wearing and best of all, my redness was undetectable. However, I’ll probably reserve this for nights out and special occasions as the application takes too much time for my everyday makeup routine.

                    NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Green & NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Deep Red

 

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Deep Red (€4.99):

A lip liner and lip colour in one - it seems every brand have their own take on this from Clinque’s Chubby Sticks to Revlon’s ColorBurst Balms. However, I feel NYX’s Jumbo Lip Pencils are in a league of their own. I was taken aback by how long-wearing but moisturising this pencil is. It’s extremely pigmented, lasts for hours, wears evenly and doesn’t dry out my lips. I also adore the colour; Deep Red is a vampy burgundy shade. Unfortunately there are some drawbacks; it smells rather like permanent marker and appears to melt quite easily. I also expected this to twist up like the aforementioned Chubby Stick and ColorBurst Balm and had to turn to Google to find out how to sharpen a plastic pencil! Apparently they can be sharpened with a regular pencil sharpener as the plastic is just a thin coating. I haven’t tried this yet but I’ll report back here when I do. Despite these flaws, I plan to pick up another NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in a different shade. It really is a lovely product for such a small price.

 

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray (€9.99):

There are two setting sprays available; one with a matte finish and one with a dewy finish. Both claim to make your makeup last longer. I opted for the dewy finish setting spray as I’ve dry skin and prefer a luminous look. I was initially nervous using this as I was convinced it would make my makeup run, but I needn’t have worried. While it’s definitely not a mist, this spray is light and dries in 30 to 60 seconds. I immediately noticed my makeup looked softer and more natural. I can go overboard with foundation and powder at times and this spray helped to smooth any cakey-looking areas. However, I found my makeup lasted only slightly longer than usual. Fading occurred in the usual place, my nose, and I had to re-powder. NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray is brilliant for giving your makeup a more natural, somewhat airbrushed finish but if you want your makeup to stay put all day, this isn’t the setting spray for you.

 

Are you a fan of NYX? Have you tried these products?

My Current Skincare Routine

The past few months have been an education - an education in skincare. Thanks to advanced facialist Caroline Hiron’s blog and Laura Kennedy’s wonderful posts on Beaut.ie, I’ve overhauled my skincare routine. Mineral oil, exfoliating toner and hyaluronic acid are now part of my vocabulary - the latter two also an essential part of my skincare arsenal. Any products containing mineral oil have been dumped. Mineral oil, also known as petrolatum and liquid paraffin, is a controversial ingredient loved and loathed in equal measure. I personally believe it’s comedogenic and has no benefit to the skin. However, I know many people will disagree with me.

As well as banishing mineral oil, I’ve also given manual exfoliators the old heave-ho. Manual exfoliators can cause broken capillaries and unfortunately I already have a few of those. In the words of the great Caroline Hirons, “Nothing good ever came from scrubbing your face with a peach kernel. There's a reason they are 99p. Step away.” I now rely on exfoliating toners to remove dead skin cells (more on that below) and with the aid of hyaluronic acid my skin has improved dramatically. I was plagued with dry patches and milia; now I’m dry patch-free (I honestly can’t remember the last time I had one!) and the milia are steadily retreating.

Below is my current skincare routine.

Eye Makeup Remover: I always remove my eye makeup with a separate cleanser. Sporting an almost permanent cat eye flick demands this. I’m not loyal to any particular brand but I only use bi-phase (oil and water) formulas. These type of formulas instantly dissolve eye makeup when activated (just shake, shake, shake) whilst being gentle and nourishing. They’re also excellent at removing lipstick. I’m currently using Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Makeup Remover (€4.29).

Cleanser: My cleanser of choice is an oil-based cleanser - Super Facialist By Úna Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil (€13.99). This contains a beautiful blend of lightweight oils including olive, grape seed and rosehip oil. As with all cleansing oils, you massage Super Facialist into dry skin (a little goes a long way) and then add warm water to emulsify and rinse off. I always use a face cloth to ensure my skin is thoroughly cleansed and to gently exfoliate. I adore this product, never before has a cleanser removed my makeup so effectively without stripping my skin. I use this morning and evening but if I get bored and want to mix it up a bit I turn to No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser, which is another oil-based cleanser. Here are Caroline’s cleansing tips.

Toner: Before Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner (€31) I’ve never really bothered with toning. Past experience with toners had led me to believe that they’re astringent liquids that dry out my already parched skin. And the truth is the majority of classic toners are just that - perfumed water with a high alcohol content. However, there’s a new generation of toners about town. Exfoliating toners, also known as acid toners, contain very small amounts of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to encourage cell turnover in the skin and increase the effectiveness of skin care applied afterwards. I was hesitant about buying this Clarins toner not only because of the price (I almost cried handing over that amount of money for one product) but because I’ve very sensitive skin. However, this toner is ultra-gentle and doesn’t dry out my skin. It’s also worth every cent and a bottle will last approximately 2-3 months. A word of warning: AHAs increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so you must wear sun protection while using this. Read Laura’s post on why we should all be using toner here.

Serum: Hyaluronic acid is the beauty buzzword of the moment. It seems any serum or moisturiser worth its salt now contains this magical ingredient. But what is it? Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that’s found in virtually every part of the body. It’s a powerful hydrating agent capable of holding up to one thousand times its weight in water. When applied topically under a water-based moisturiser, it greatly increases the potency of that product. Aldi’s Lacura Aqua-Complete Multi Intensive Serum (€4.79) is the most affordable serum containing hyaluronic acid that I’ve come across. It’s a reported dupe for Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum and while I can’t confirm this as I’ve never tried Aqualia Thermal, they do have similar ingredients. Lacura Aqua-Complete, aimed at people aged between 20 and 35, is a thin serum that sinks into my skin instantly. I apply this morning and evening and one pump is enough to cover my face and neck. As this is quite a perfumed product I was convinced I’d react to it but my skin adores it, it literally drinks it up.

Day Cream: Wearing a high SPF has been a crucial part of my daily skincare routine for years. I’m still using and loving Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Moisture Cream SPF 30 (€5.29) which I wrote about here in February.

Night Cream: I picked up Simple Kind To Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream (€6.99) a few weeks ago and while I like it, I don’t think I’ll repurchase it. It’s a lovely lightweight cream packed full of vitamins including pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and vitamin F. However, it’s a little too light for me and I think it would be best suited to combination skin.

Eye Cream: Super Facialist By Úna Brennan Neroli Firming Illuminate Eye Cream (€14.49) contains the wonder ingredient hyaluronic acid as well as shea butter, grape seed oil, aloe vera and caffeine. This cream has a very fluid consistency but hydrates the eye contour very well. Online reviews praise this product for its de-puffing abilities but I can’t vouch for that as thankfully I don’t suffer from puffy eyes. I’ve been using this for the past 8 weeks and while I haven’t noticed any difference to my fine lines, I'm really liking it.

 Multi-Tasker: Everyone should have a multi-tasker in their skincare arsenal; mine is Trilogy Everything Balm. There is only one tiny tiny advantage to my twin sister living in New Zealand and that’s the beautiful Trilogy products she sends me (I recently got The Rosehip Collection travel set - gorgeous!). This balm smells heavenly and is full of natural ingredients including sweet almond oil, beeswax, evening primrose oil, rosehip oil and honey. It’s quite solid; you need to warm it between your fingers before using but once melted it sinks in quickly. I use this on my cuticles, as a lip balm and on any rough areas - elbows, knees and feet. I’ve also used it as a face mask/treatment, leaving it on my face for approximately 15 minutes and removing it with a warm face cloth.

What’s your current skincare routine?

Thrifty Treat Of The Week: Lacura ProRevive Hand Cream

Every time I discover a wonderful budget beauty product I want to shout it from the rooftops. I feel like I’m on a mission, a money-saving mission – PUT IT DOWN, PUT THAT OVERPRICED LOTION DOWN! I’m Eddie Hobbs but Eddie’s lost his Cork accent and stern expression and now has a love of lipstick and vintage clothing. Jesus, what an image! But on a serious note, I really love helping people save money be it 2 quid or 20. Yes, some budget beauty products are rubbish and full of nasty chemicals but there are hundreds that are far superior to their “luxury” counterparts.

One such products is Aldi’s Lacura ProRevive hand cream. This is the best hand cream I’ve ever used and believe me, I know my hand creams. A lovely combination of dry skin and dermatitis means I constantly have a hand cream nearby. I’ve tried so many and have been disappointed time and time again so I usually revert to E45. There’s three hand creams in the Lacura range, a hand & nail cream, a nourishing cream and an anti-ageing cream. I went for the anti-ageing cream, not because I’m worried about my hands ageing (although at times they've looked like they belong to a 70-year-old!) but because anti-ageing creams are always more moisturising. Lacura ProRevive hand cream is just that; it contains beeswax, glycerine and vitamin E. The cream itself is quite thick but it sinks in really quickly. That’s a major problem I have with E45, it’s so greasy that sometimes I have to wipe my hands in a tissue before I go about my daily business. However, I’ve no such problems with Lacura ProRevive - I can use my phone/laptop straight away.

I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the condition of my skin since using this. After just one use my hands looked younger and smoother, the cream seems to act like a silky veil blurring imperfections. Within a couple of days, my hands were softer and the skin around my nails wasn’t so dry and chapped.  The cream is lightly fragranced but it’s pleasant and hasn’t aggravated my dermatitis like fragranced products tend to do. The packaging isn’t the prettiest (it’s that great ugly barcode) but the tube itself is a generous 125ml and I like the fact that it has a flip top cap. Oh, have I mentioned that it’s 99c? Yes, this gorgeous rich hand cream is under a euro! A EURO!

Thrifty Treat Of The Week is a weekly series on The Retro Suitcase. Occasionally, the series will only appear on Facebook so keep an eye on the page for excellent bargains, tips and offers!

 

Thrifty Treat Of The Week: Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Moisture Cream SPF 30

 

I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I spotted this moisturiser in Boots. I just couldn’t believe it was €5.29. When I realised it wasn’t on offer, that its retail price is actually under a tenner, I knew it had to feature on Thrifty Treat Of The Week!

Very few budget moisturisers have high SPF; the majority only go up to SPF 15. It seems that if you want a moisturiser with a decent SPF, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, you have to pay big bucks. Well, not anymore!  

The moisturiser itself is a light cream that absorbs quickly. You would think a moisturiser of that description would only be suitable for combination or oily skin, yes? Wrong! This cream effectively hydrates my dry and sensitive skin, probably because it’s packed full of nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, glycerine and sweet almond oil. It’s also an excellent base for makeup.

And what makes this Thrifty Treat Of The Week extra special? It’s currently 3 for 2 on selected Simple skincare in Boots!
 

Thrifty Treat Of The Week is a weekly series on The Retro Suitcase. I want to help you save your hard-earned moolah with my bargains, tips and offers. Keep an eye on Facebook for more wonderful deals.

Suddenly Diamonds Perfume Is A Lidl Gem

Suddenly Diamonds Eau de Parfum (€3.99 for 50ml): Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is Lidl’s latest perfume. It’s certainly new to me and there’s very little information about it online so I'm guessing it’s just hit Irish shelves. Word on the web is that it’s a dupe for a well-known luxury fragrance. Lidl’s first perfume, Suddenly Madame Glamour, is a celebrated dupe for Chanel Coco Mademoiselle and was an instant hit when it was first released here. Suddenly Diamonds is reportedly a dupe for Boss Orange by Hugo Boss. I have no idea if this is true as I have yet to smell Boss Orange but I definitely plan to and will report back here when I do. The packaging is quite similar, both boxes are white with an orange and silver design, and when I researched Boss Orange’s description it certainly sounds like Suddenly Diamonds is an imitation.

I've been really enjoying wearing this the past few days; it’s a beautiful and unusual scent. At first I thought it was too sweet for me, it's distinctly fruity; however intriguingly, it’s also intense with a vanilla and woodsy base. It lasts about 4 to 5 hours and while the bottle is nothing to write home about, it fits snugly into a handbag. I've a feeling Suddenly Diamonds is going to be another sell-out fragrance for Lidl. It’s undoubtedly a winner in my eyes. I recommend checking out this perfume before it flies off the shelves. And if it’s indeed a dupe for Boss Orange you’ll be saving yourself approximately €60, Boss Orange 50ml is currently €64 in Boots.

Would you wear perfume from Lidl?

UPDATE:

I finally went into Boots to give Hugo Boss Boss Orange a good sniff. Not a thorough scientific analysis I must admit but my fully functioning nose confirmed that Lidl's Suddenly Diamonds is without a doubt a dupe for Boss Orange!

Three Budget Hair Products I Can't Live Without

 

'Helene Curtis Spray Net' Ad 1956

 

1. Hask Argan Oil (€2.50 from Penneys/Primark): Moroccanoil revolutionised the hair care industry. Following on from its success; brands such as L’Oréal, Schwarzkopf, Shu Uemura, John Frieda and even Aldi launched hair oils claiming to contain the same miraculous argan oil. As far as I can tell, these oils are all the same. They can all be used on wet or dry hair, smell divine and will leave your hair incredibly shiny and soft. The only thing that varies is the price. Hask Argan oil, which is available in Penneys, is the most purse-friendly. The bottle is a tiny 18mls which makes it perfect for travelling and a little goes a long way.

 

2. Wella Silvikrin Hairspray (approx. €3 for 250ml): My hair doesn’t need a complicated updo to get a blast of hairspray. No, my flyaway mane gets its hairspray fix every day! I've been using Silvikrin for years. It's by no means the cheapest on the market but when I’ve tried more affordable brands, I’ve been left bitterly disappointed. What I love about this hairspray, apart from its long-lasting hold, is that it brushes out effortlessly. My hair is back to normal after a quick brush, soft and clean with no residue. Silvikrin also has a pleasant fragrance unlike its overpowering and overpriced rival L'Oreal Elnett.

 
3. Batiste Cherry (approx. €3.99): Since discovering Batiste dry shampoo a few years ago I’ve gone through countless cans of the stuff. It’s one of my must-have beauty products. It's an excellent multitasker (and lifesaver!), creating volume as well as refreshing hair. Batiste Cherry was launched last year and its sweet and fruity scent is my favourite from the range. The retro print can also looks great on my dressing table.

Beauty Review: Catrice Long Lasting Lip Pencils

 

I’m rarely seen without lipstick. Reds, corals, plums and pinks - I love them all. If I’m not wearing lipstick, you’ll find me sporting a slick of gloss or tinted lip balm. Before applying lipstick, I use a lip liner to define my lips. I’ve always been a bit envious of people who can apply their lipstick perfectly without liner (or the aid of a mirror!). I, on the other hand, need all the help I can get in the shaping department. Once I’ve outlined my lips, I fill them in with the liner. This acts as a primer and helps to prolong the wear of my lipstick.

 

From top to bottom: 050 Red Lip District, 090 Reach The Peach, 030 Berryson Ford

 

Catrice recently launched their Long Lasting Lip Liners as part of their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. There are 12 shades available and they're €1.99 each. During my last visit to Penneys/Primark I picked up these three.

 

Catrice is a German beauty brand known for its inexpensive, good quality products. Their products also have wonderful quirky names. I wasn’t let down on the quirky name front with these lip liners, I particularly loved the novel Berryson Ford. However, I was let down by the product itself. Catrice claim their Long Lasting Lip Liners are waterproof and last 4 hours but I got less than 2 hours wear before fading occurred. Application was also tricky with the pencils dragging a little. Even sharpening the pencils proved difficult, the nibs constantly broke and Berryson Ford is now half the man (err…pencil!) he used to be.

 Despite being highly pigmented, apart from Reach The Peach which is oddly sheer and shimmery, these liners have very little staying power and aren’t waterproof either. Quite disappointing from an otherwise excellent beauty brand.

Left to right: 050 Red Lip District, 090 Reach The Peach, 030 Berryson Ford

 

 

Beauty Review: Lush Sparkle Toothy Tabs

Toothy Tabs aren’t new to Lush. The ethical cosmetic brand invented their solid toothpaste tablets in 2011, in response to the tons of non-recyclable toothpaste tubes being dumped every year. Toothy tabs’ main ingredient is sodium bicarbonate, which is a natural cleanser and whitening agent. There are six flavours available, each containing different essential oils and spices.

I went for Sparkle which is the whitening Toothy Tab. Sparkle is flavoured with lemon oil, grapefruit oil and black pepper. The black pepper is the most distinct flavour and it has quite a kick to it, it left my mouth feeling really fresh. The taste does take some getting used to, mint being the flavour we associate with toothpaste. The tabs are a doddle to use. You just place one between your teeth, nibble it to break it up and then start brushing with a wet toothbrush. The chalkiness of the tab feels a little bit odd at first and it doesn't foam as much as regular toothpaste. However, after just one use my teeth were left with a professional polish type feel. Yes, squeaky clean! They also looked noticeably brighter. After using Sparkle Toothy Tabs for a number of weeks, I didn't see a huge increase in whiteness which led me to conclude that they’re more of a quick fix. Perfect to use before a date or a big event for added dazzle.

Toothy Tabs get a big thumbs up from me. Teeth look and feel cleaner (they've undergone dental trials and are proven to work just as well, or even better, than regular toothpaste), the packaging is 100% recyclable, they’re relatively inexpensive - for €3.10 you get 40 tabs and they’re much easier to transport than a tube of toothpaste.

If lemon and black pepper isn't your thing, Lush have two mint flavoured Toothy Tabs. Dirty contains spearmint oil while Ultrablast contains peppermint oil.

Beauty Review: TRESemmé Volume Styler

When I got my hair cut into a bob last year I soon realised I needed a styling tool to maintain its smooth shape. I've never been able to blow dry my hair into a style and while I love using heated rollers they are time-consuming. I was tempted by the acclaimed BaByliss Big Hair Hot Air Styler but I wasn't willing to pay over €60 for it. While looking for a cheaper alternative I came across TRESemmé Volume Styler.

TRESemmé Volume Styler dries your hair while adding body and shape. It doesn't create curls, rather bends and flicks, so it’s perfect if you prefer your hair straight but with some bounce. And the best bit? You only need to use one hand! No more achy arms from holding a heavy hairdryer and brush. I find if I rough dry my hair first until it’s 80% dry (it's not a hairdryer so it won't dry your hair fully, unless you have very short or fine hair), separate it into manageable sections and use the highest setting I get a better result.

As far as I can see, the biggest difference between TRESemmé Volume Styler and BaByliss Big Hair is the fact that BaByliss Big Hair has a rotating barrel. However, both barrels are 50mm and ceramic coated and both stylers have ionic conditioning and a 700w motor. TRESemmé Volume Styler is available from Argos for €33.99

Beauty Review: Dermalogica Products

 

Last year I resolved to take better care of my skin and invest in some high-end skincare products. I typically have normal/dry skin but I'm also prone to flare-ups of dermatitis. With my skin’s propensity for extreme dryness, I was concerned about premature ageing. I chose Dermalogica over other skincare brands for a number of reasons. (1) Dermalogica classifies skin care as a health issue as opposed to a cosmetic concern. Its products are free from common irritants and ingredients found in budget skincare products. (2) My sister uses Dermalogica products and swears by them. (3) Dermalogica products repeatedly win beauty awards in respected women's magazines. (4) Jessica Alba, Victoria Beckham and Lucy Liu have all stated they use Dermalogica products. If they’re good enough for them, eh?! Millies Beauty Rooms have the best value Dermalogica products in the country. You can buy online here

Intensive Moisture Balance (€41.95 for 100ml, €31.25 for 50ml): This is an ultra-rich cream for dry or prematurely-ageing skin. Vitamins A, C and E and nourishing ingredients such as ginkgo, wild yam and grape seed all work together to smooth dry lines and reduce the signs of premature ageing. I noticed a huge improvement after using this for a few days. My skin looked plumped up and dry patches disappeared. As Intensive Moisture Balance doesn’t contain SPF, I use it as my night cream.

Daily Microfoliant (€37.50 Winner of ‘Best Facial Exfoliator’, InStyle Best Beauty Buys 2012): This exfoliator is unique in the sense that it is a powder formula. It transforms into a creamy paste upon contact with water. This paste is so gentle that it can be used every day and around the delicate eye area which is ideal if, like me, you suffer from dry patches under your eyes. Like Intensive Moisture Balance it is packed full of gorgeous ingredients such as rice enzymes, salicylic acid, grapefruit, liquorice, green tea and colloidal oatmeal. Daily Microfoliant effectively removes dulling skin cells leaving skin smoother and brighter. It also soothes the skin while helping to balance uneven skin pigmentation.

 

Fair Maidens Rejoice: Rimmel's New Match Perfection Foundation In 010 Light Porcelain Is Super Pale!

 

010 Light Porcelain

Budget brands are improving their foundations all the time in terms of coverage, longevity and packaging yet their shades remain terribly limited. Many budget foundations are simply too dark for girls with pale or Celtic skin tones; what is labelled ‘ivory’ is usually soft beige or something bordering on tangerine! I found this was the case with two of the most popular budget foundations launched this year. Both Rimmel Wake Me Up and Bourjois Healthy Mix’s lightest offerings were at least two shades too dark for me.

 When my fair friend Laura told me she had found the ultimate pale foundation in Rimmel Match Perfection I was sceptical at first. Match Perfection has been around since 2010 and I had never heard it applauded for its light shades. However, unbeknownst to me, Rimmel launched a new Match Perfection foundation in November and its lightest shade is now a beautiful porcelain!

  
This is definitely the palest budget foundation shade I have come across. If you're lighter than NW10-15 in MAC foundations I would recommend trying this. The foundation itself is a light liquid formula which smells lovely, very like Bourjois Healthy Mix. It blends in effortlessly and gives light to medium coverage. Rimmel Match Perfection is marketed as an illuminating foundation but it doesn’t have any obvious radiance sparkles in it. Rather, it leaves a natural finish with a subtle glow. I find it lasts all day on my normal/dry skin and doesn’t emphasise any dry patches. 

The truth is I’m in love with this foundation – the glass bottle, the pump dispenser, the price (€9.95), the SPF of 18, the gorgeous finish and the fact that it actually matches my ghostly complexion perfectly. Yes, match perfection indeed!