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.

Golden Girl

You may know by now that my style is a mishmash of vintage, secondhand and high street. I love to create unique looks by mixing original vintage pieces with modern items from high street brands. Tiny vintage touches, even if it’s just an accessory, will give your current clothing new life and help you stand out from the trend-driven crowd. I wore this outfit recently to a gig. I’ve had the leather skirt a few years now, and while I still adore it, it needed a little rejuvenation. Even my shoes received a revamp; they originally had black ankle straps, but I thought burnt orange was a more suitable mate for leopard print!

 

 

Jumper – Old is Gold Vintage Clothing

Brooch – Granny's Attic Vintage

Skirt – H&M

Bag & Shoes – Penneys/Primark

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!

Waiting For Spring

 April come she will
When streams are ripe and swelled with rain

                                                                   - Simon & Garfunkel

 

Windswept. That’s been my permanent state these past few months. I’m not quite sure if this coat has left my back. I certainly got my money’s worth. While my heart is longing for luminous shades and pretty florals, I can’t get my head around the fact that it’s spring. Until the bitter weather eases, I’ll be sticking to my winter palette. In the meantime, in an effort to be less gloomy, I've been wearing jumper dresses without black opaques. Of course, there’s two tops under this one!  

 

Coat – River Island

Jumper Dress – Asos (available here)

Boots – Thrifted from my local SVP

Suitcase – Vintage 1960s

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With A Simple Zesty Green Cocktail

I plan to be quite unpatriotic this St. Patrick’s Day. When I toast family and friends, there won’t be Guinness or a famed Irish whiskey in my glass. No, a Kiwi Caipiroska will be my tipple of choice. This Brazilian-inspired cocktail is incredibly refreshing and sweet, and easy to make. It’s also green, well, green-ish!  

Retro Recommends: This recipe requires muddling. What’s that, I hear you ask?! Well, it basically involves mashing fruit/herbs in the bottom of a glass to extract juice/oil. You can buy a muddler; I purchased mine in my beloved Tiger for €3 (see below), or you can use the handle of a wooden spoon.

Ingredients: vodka, kiwis, limes, caster sugar, tonic water

1.       Juice a lime and put to one side. Take another lime or two (it depends on how many people you’re serving) and cut into wedges.

2.       Peel and dice the kiwis.

3.       Line the bottom of your glasses with kiwi, lime, 1 teaspoon of sugar and approximately half a shot glass of lime juice.

4.       Muddle together.

5.       Fill each glass with ice and pour in a shot of vodka. Top with tonic water.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough.”

Retro Rates: Ashley Williams x Red or Dead

Be still, my beating heart (and rebellious credit card!). Never before has a shoe collection grabbed my attention so fiercely as Ashley Williams’ collaboration with Red or Dead. The British designer has teamed up with the label to create a seven piece range entitled #MakingMovies. The retro-inspired collection includes provocative vinyl kitten heels and pointed monochrome stilettoes. Williams was influenced by Red or Dead’s back catalogue from the 1990s and early noughties and her own kitsch designs. Her spring/summer '15 runway show featured an East meets West theme which fascinatingly came about after she saw photographs of Vietnamese prostitutes in the 1960s.  

The #MakingMovies collection is available now exclusively on schuh.co.uk

"For girls who live their lives through movies”

See more of Ashley Williams’ divine SS15 collection here

Spell It Out This Valentine’s Day With Quirky Irish Gifts

Valentine’s Day needn’t cost the earth. I’ve put together a unique but affordable gift selection that’s sure to impress your sweetheart. Save your pennies while supporting Irish design and business.

Illustrated cards by Salty Philip

The card is often the most appreciated gift. These pun-tastic lovelies by Dublin-based illustrator Lynn MacPherson will give your special someone a right ol’ chortle. You can buy them in The Loft Market  in Powerscourt Townhouse.

Handmade cards by A Little Idea

These charming cards are by Dublin designer Ali. She also crafts stationery, headscarves, bunting, cushion covers and costume jewellery. Ali sells her pieces at numerous markets including the Ha'penny Flea Market, but you can purchase them on Etsy too.

Blind Date With A Book at Dubray Bookstores

Surprise your beloved (and even yourself!) with a beautifully wrapped book from Dubray Books. What’s inside? Oh, the intrigue! There's a selection of ‘blind date’ books in every branch. A novel idea, eh?!

I had to include this wonderful piñata after spotting it on Instagram. Piñatas Piñatas is owned by Louth-based designer Ruth O’Reilly. Ruth handcrafts everything from Minions to cupcakes and will custom-make anything you’ve in mind…like this anti-Valentine’s Day gem.