NARS: Sister Done Good

Canada is a wonderful place! When my Sister announced back in January that she had my Birthday present, I was instantly desperate to know what she had bought. If you've seen any of my 'beauty care package' posts, you'll know my sister is brilliant when it comes to sending me products we don't have over here; but this one certainly tops it!

Here lies the Nars Fashion Icon set, that came out in the Spring 2011 collection. Containing Nars Orgasm and Super Orgasm blush (picture 3), Orgasm nail polish and Super Orgasm Lipgloss (picture 4) and the Orgasm Multiple, it really is a sight to behold. Its perfect for the spring/summer months with its mixture of pinks, peaches and gold sparkle, and a must have for anyone obsessed with the Orgasm collection or neutrals. The little squeal that came from my mouth when I laid eyes on it was, I'm sure, wonderfully amusing for my Mum; but it really is a gorgeous set.

Now, obviously because it was a present, I don't know the price and seeing as its limited edition I doubt it can still be bought, but if you can get your mitts on it, I would highly recommend it. Nars is a company that I love, but often sideline because of its price and because the only Nars counter in Dublin is tiny; but the quality of the products is wonderful and obviously my Sister realised and so decided to treat me with the best present ever.

Were these sets available at your local Nars counter and did you buy?

Anti-Bant 20th Birthday

If you have seen this video you will know that I despise my birthday. Ever since I was a little girl, my birthday is something that I try not to celebrate; I find it awkward, embarrassing and just plain awful. So when the day finally arrived, I did my best to detract the attention away from it. However, I did get some lovely presents (which I'm thankful for today, obviously!), had a nice dinner with the family, and spent the evening with my best friend whose come home from Canada, as I really didn't want to have a party or celebrate. So I have now left the teenage years and am seeing what life is like in the big 2-0's. My wish for no birthday cake and no singing Happy Birthday were sadly ignored..

some of the letters I got from the family - some of the birthday cards - birthday face of the day - products used - the beautiful present my wonderful sister sent from Canada - birthday cake - myself and my best friend

Products used on face: L-R - MAC Painterly Paintpot, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, Maybelline Mascara, MAC Shadows in Patina (top row, fourth from right), Satin Taupe (Middle row, fourth from right), Brule and Cork, Chanel Pro Lumiere, MAC Melba Blush, MAC Harmony Blush (as contour), Jemma Kidd Bio Veil Complex

Beauty Care Package

Since my Sister has moved to Canada, she sometimes sends me what I call "Beauty Care Packages". Being one of those lucky ones to have Sephora in the country, she chooses products she knows I'll like and that we can't get here in Ireland. A few days ago, much to my surprise a new package arrived.

And I am in love.

Blinc Tube Mascara

This new "tube" mascara is a new craze in America and hasn't quite reached Europe yet. Tube mascara doesn't coat the lashes, instead it forms water resistent tubes around the lashes. It is a lovely mascara, giving full and thick lashes, however when taking it off I nearly had a heart attack. The "tubes" fall off the lashes when removing, making it look like the lashes have fallen off. Of course, they haven't. I would put this mascara in the same league as Eyeko Big Eyes, as it creates beautifully long lashes but it is not as difficult to remove. The packaging is lovely, coming in a tube with the mascara inside. Love.

"Formerly known as Kiss Me, blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, these beauty tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes...blinc mascara will add volume and length to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day. Only when you are ready for removal, the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand without the use of a harsh makeup remover."


If you like the look of this mascara, here's a link to the Blinc website.

Josie Maran Agran All Over Face Palette in Lovely:

This palette is an absolute beauty containing four perfect neutral colours. While I have worn this on my eyes for the past few days, it can also be used on the cheeks and lips too. Being creme colours, they blend beautifully and create a never natural glow wherever you decide to put them. The packaging is beautiful, slightly reminiscent of Laura Mercier's in shape and sleekness.

"The innovative formula contains natural, organic ingredients - no fragrances or parabens. What's more, the beauty extends to the packaging: each shade comes housed in Josie's state-of-the-art biodegradable compact."

After a few days use of this product, I have only found one problem with it. When used on the eyes it does crease, even if a paintpot or primer potion is used. I quite like the creased look so it doesn't really bother me, but if you don't this would be better on the cheeks and lips.

If you want to know more, here's the link to the Josie Maran site and the Sephora one.

Colour Me Blue

My sister sent me this Sephora eyeshadow palette from Canada for Christmas, over two months later I;m using it for the first time. One little thing put me off : colour. While I loved the neutral shades in the set, the bright blue and turquoise completely put me off. The idea of wearing bright blue eyeshadow makes me feel slightly ill and I know it just wouldn't suit my colouring. While pondering over what to do with the set, I decided that my fear of coloured eyeshadows had to be taken under control, step by step. And while the look is nothing amazing or particularly 'colourful', it has to be a step in the right direction. I shall conquer this fear, I shall!

 Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paintpot

Sephora Colourful Palette:

A - all over lid

D and E- in crease

C - under waterline

B- inner corner



For those lucky enough to have a Sephora in their country, this Sephora Colourful Palette retails at $24/18euro (roughly). While I'm sure few people have the same fear of colour I have, incorporating the blues as liners could be a good idea to help you get over it!

Happy Thursday!