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Wednesday, 30 December 2015

25% off Bare Minerals: Look Fantastic SALE

In all honesty, this year's Christmas/Boxing day sales didn't impress or excite me as much as previous years. I searched through all of my favourite websites, both fashion and beauty.. and the only one that really stood out to me was Look Fantastic , which is actually where I purchased the majority of my post-christmas sales goodies last year. I'd highly recommend you have a look at their offerings if you're a student on a budget or if you're bank balance is running low after Christmas. A brand whose price points are reasonably discounted on Look Fantastic is Bare Minerals , and there is quite a good selection to choose from.. so it's definitely worth your while to have a look. I'll list my favourite picks below and of course leave links so you can purchase some of your must-haves or maybe even some new products to try and test! 




Bare Minerals Marvellous Moxie Lipsticks

RRP: £17.00
Look Fantastic Price: £12.75

At £12.75, these lipsticks are giving MAC a run for their money. I'd confidently say that the quality of these beat some Chanel and YSL lipsticks that I own. The formula is super creamy and long-lasting. I often wear one of my favourite shades 'Live Large' on a long day of work or at an all-day event and I rarely need to re-apply throughout the day. I'd definitely recommend!



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Sunday, 27 December 2015

What I Wore: Christmas & Boxing Day

It's so hard to believe that Christmas is over already! I felt as though I haven't had time to properly enjoy the festive weeks building up to Christmas as I've been so busy.. it's usually my favourite few weeks of the year, but this year it seemed to just come out of nowhere, and now it's over. Complaining aside, I'm very much looking forward to the New Year. There's so many things I want to do and I've set plans that I'm pretty optimistic about. 

Honestly, there aren't many things in this world that bring me as much joy as shopping for Christmas clothes.. or just shopping in general. I'm an absolute magpie to anything glittery, sparkly, gold, silver, sequinned.  I purchased this gold sparkly skirt from Warehouse just last week (and in the meantime it has dropped in price to £30.. run! ) - it's the perfect addition to my Christmas/winter wardrobe . I'd actually pull this out any time of the year and pair with a lighter coloured top and bare legs for a more spring appropriate look. The black lace top is from  Topshop and is a new favourite of mine as I adore anything with flute sleeves since they first became popular this AW season . Plus, high necks are completely my thing right now, although with this piece being so popular, stock in store and online didn't last long and it's completely sold out :-(. These two items paired with heeled knee high boots , MAC 'Ruby Woo' lipstick and a sparkly eye is perfect for this festive time of year.


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Thursday, 10 December 2015

Missguided: Christmas Party Outfits

Missguided  has got to be one of my all time favourite online fashion stores, not just for the festive season, but all year round. For such reasonable prices, I always manage to find some absolute gems.. and this year is no different. Sparkle and sequins are usually at the front line of the fashion world at Christmas time, and Missguided have seriously upped their game with the appearance of lots of velvet pieces, not to mention the amazing selection of shoes and boots (for very little £££) - make sure to keep an eye out for boosted student discount codes too.. I actually got these pieces for 30% off recently.. there are always new codes being added!

I ordered this jumpsuit with the intention of wearing it to a winter graduation as I didn't want to opt for a dress and bare legs, so I thought something like this would do the job.. (we've all had rain-related tan disasters!) At first glance online, I absolutely fell in love. I think the red and cream lace is just perfect for the Christmas season - it's super elegant and classy. So maybe if you've got an event this year (or even for New Years Eve), this would be a great option, although I'd definitely recommend ordering one size up! Although it looks fine in the photo, I hadn't got it zipped up at the back - it was just too tight so sadly I had to send it back for a refund, and by that time, if I had ordered the next size it wouldn't have arrived in time.. gutted. Luckily I managed to find a back-up dress in Warehouse that I'm going to pair with black knee high heeled boots and a cream coat.
(P.S. There's a limited size range of this jumpsuit still available, link as follows;







I ordered this next dress for a Christmas party recently as I wanted something a bit different from the usual style of dresses in the high street stores. The suede effect and criss-cross detail is what persuaded me to buy it, and it definitely did not disappoint when it arrived! It is super, super soft and comfortable, and the burgundy shade is definitely appropriate for this time of year. The midi length is what I adore about the dress as it flatters my shape and is the perfect length for my height (I'm just over 5'9). I paired it with these strappy heels, a statement necklace and a dark nude lip which actually looks more red/plum in the photo below.. (all make-up details listed underneath). Also, I should mention that unlike the jumpsuit, I'd actually recommend ordering your true size for this dress - I ordered a size up and it was slightly too big around my tummy. 
(Link as follows; Missguided Faux Suede Cross Front Midi Dress - RRP £35, also limited sizes available!)

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Friday, 27 November 2015

Love Me Beauty Subscription Box

An explanation is in order for the lack of posting lately.. final year of college life has taken over everything the past few weeks and today is the first time in what seems like forever that I've been able to actually spend an hour doing something other than research or write-ups! I predict I'll be mega busy from now until Christmas, so please bear with me while I get my life in order.. *weeps*  

Moaning aside, I had been contacted by a lady from the Love Me Beauty subscription service a few weeks ago, who had kindly sent me over this lovely box for review. In the past, I hadn't been interested in subscribing to beauty boxes as you're usually unaware of the products you'll receive, and whether or not they'll be something you'll actually like and use.  This is where Love Me Beauty has really upped their game.

A very simple online questionnaire helps determine what products will benefit your specific skin type, hair, body etc, and based on the answers you give, the specialists handpick the products you'll receive! I was really surprised at the selection of  amazing brands to choose from, including Too Faced, Lord & Berry, Nuxe, Malin & Goetz and NailsInc (although these products are switched up quite regularly, and obviously you mightn't receive the same products as it is dependent on how you answer the questions.) You can check the Love Me Beauty website for more info on how the service works! (The prices are usually 70% lower than high street prices, and you can use discount code - ciara50 for 50% off!! )


The box itself arrived really quickly and I've been spending the past few weeks trialing the products, some of which have really impressed me! You can see my review of the products below..

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Thursday, 5 November 2015

90's Inspired Fashion

''You've got holes in your jeans, you know'' - I've heard it at least ten times coming from (a) the older generation, or (b) somebody with absolutely no clue about fashion. *eye rolls* 

Although you may not consider this the 'grungy' look, it is actually quite different for me as it isn't something I'd typically put together. I'm usually the one wearing light colours and pink lipstick. Recently, though, I've been really inspired by the whole 90's trend that I've been seeing everywhere lately. Not saying that I can see myself in a pair of Doc Marten's anytime soon (that would be a bit extreme for me), but with signature 90's fashion trends like berry lips and leather biker jackets coming back, I've been tempted to give it a go myself. 

I'm always fascinated to see fashion trends from decades ago come back into style. I found it hilarious when everybody began wearing the choker necklaces that we all ran about with years ago. I just hope 'mood rings' don't come back. *cringe*
 It shows that you really shouldn't dump clothes just because the 'trend' has been and gone, it will come back in style sooner or later! 90s ripped jeans trend
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Friday, 30 October 2015

MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation Review


This is the MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation that has been released within the past few months, and everybody in the beauty world has been going crazy over it. 
I haven't been a massive fan of MAC foundations in the past, as they always seemed to break me out or make my face incredibly itchy (I must have been allergic), so I honestly wasn't all that interested when I heard they were bringing out a new formula.
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Wednesday, 28 October 2015

NEW IN: Topshop

It was Autumn of 2013 that tartan became a massive staple in my wardrobe, as it seemed to become super popular on the fashion front with so many high street retailers making it a huge focus in their stores and online. Being my picky self when it comes to patterns (as well as everything else in life), I spent pretty much this whole year trying to find a tartan shirt that wasn't too long, wasn't too 'manly looking' and didn't look like a pyjama top. Definitely easier said than done!
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Wednesday, 21 October 2015

MAC Prep+Prime: My No.1 Must-Have Primer

This one is for the girls (and boys) out there who, like me, have never considered a foundation primer a staple in their make-up routine. Eye primer has always been a must-have in my make-up collection, however I've never really had the same attachment to a base primer...

That was until I'd been kindly given a sample of the MAC Prep+Prime 'Skin' Primer by the super helpful make-up artist at my local MAC counter.  He advised me to apply it to my T-zone, as that is where I tend to get oiliest. However, when applying to my nose, I also sweep a little bit down the sides of my nose and onto my cheekbones as this is where my foundation tends to slide throughout the day.

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Sunday, 11 October 2015

Lipstick Love & FOTD : MAC Diva

I'll begin by saying that I am so  pleased to finally have MAC 'Diva' lipstick in my hands (and on my lips) having received it as a gift from New York recently. It was the lipstick that I'd been lusting over for quite a few weeks, and I had been told over and over again that it was sold out each time I visited my local MAC counter. (It's like the 'Velvet Teddy' phase all over again!)  I've literally been wearing 'Diva' almost every day, and have gotten so many compliments on it, and also people asking, ''OMG what have you got on your lips?!''.. hence why I've decided to do this post! :-)
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Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm Review (Vs. Liz Earle)

I'll start by saying that I've been an avid user of the super popular Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for near enough two years, and for those two years, it served me well. Recently, though, I had the urge to switch up my skincare routine slightly as I felt as though my skin just wasn't looking the best it could. I'd heard so many beauty gurus and bloggers mention the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm , and once I heard Caroline Hirons mention it, I purchased it right away.

The one thing I'd never loved about the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish was the simple fact that it was a cream cleanser. I just don't find these to be as nourishing for my skin as I'd like, as well as the fact that it just doesn't feel any way luxurious on the skin like the Emma Hardie cleansing balm does. I'll admit, in terms of cleansers and skincare products in general, I can be a bit high maintenance, haha.. anyone else? 


When I first received it in the post, the first thing I noticed was how high-end the packaging itself feels and looks, although it may not be the best for travelling if you prefer to travel light. The excitement was all a bit much so I removed my make-up as soon as I could, and fell in love with this product immediately. 
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Sunday, 13 September 2015

Review: Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

I've always had so much bother in the past trying to find a mascara to meet the needs of my desperately short, straight lashes. Every mascara that I had dried was either, (a) too clumpy, (b) too heavy and didn't hold a curl, or (c) made absolutely no difference in terms of length or volume.

A week or two ago, I'd been doing my usual round at the make-up counters in Debenhams in an attempt to find a high-end mascara that I'd possibly like. I asked several different girls for their opinion and recommendations.. whilst also looking up reviews online. I needed to be convinced that spending £25+ on a mascara would be worth it!
I had my eye on the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, and it was Ruth Crilly's review that then persuaded me to part with my £23 and give it a new home, although the fancy packaging definitely made me want it even more. I'm a complete magpie when it comes to shiny make-up packaging.




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Friday, 4 September 2015

House of Fraser: £10 off Beauty Confidential Event NOW ON!


The team at House of Fraser have announced that between Monday 7th September (NOW ON) and Tuesday 22nd September 2015 (inclusive), they will be having a '£10 off Beauty Confidential Event' both in-store and online. The event allows us make-up and skincare addicts to receive a very generous £10* off one of our favourite beauty products when we purchase one of their favourite products featured in the list below. 
So why not give your autumn/winter make-up and skincare stash a refresh with the award-winning products handpicked by the team of beauty experts at House of Fraser



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Tuesday, 1 September 2015

August Favourites

Three must-haves that I've been obsessing over throughout the month of August.. MAC 'Ruby Woo', MAC MSF Natural 'Medium', and Make Up For Ever Full Cover Camouflage Concealer '5'. Apologies if this results in a spendy shopping spree on your part..




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Friday, 28 August 2015

Topshop Sleeveless Coat



I had to share my awkward fitting room selfie to show off this amazing navy sleeveless coat I found at Topshop last week for £50. I thought it would be much more expensive to be honest, amazing quality for that price and its super thick and warm!


I can't wait to wear this when it gets a bit colder in Ireland, I think it would look AMAZING with a long sleeve navy polka-dot top underneath.. or even stripes and a red lip would be stunning with it!


My shoes are also Topshop, and I recently just picked up the same ones in a burnt orange colour for £12 in the sale!  This coat is still available from Topshop  here  and it also comes in a stunning grey colour which I very nearly bought but managed to contain myself... for now.




Ciara Rose xox

Here's where you can find me:



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Sunday, 12 July 2015

Cocowhite: A Review.. Worth the Hype??


A few weeks ago I had put up a post to share my excitement after I'd received Cocowhite: Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth in the post. I thought I'd be mad not to give it a go after seeing loads of amazing results photos on instagram.. so it would be fair to say I had high hopes. I'll keep this short and to the point..


I tried my first sachet on the morning I received my parcel, although I wasn't expecting to see a noticable difference until I was about a week or so into it. The first few days had passed and I noticed my teeth had been feeling a lot cleaner in general and for this, I really do like this product.. although I can't justify spending £25 on this product again if I can buy a jar of coconut oil in Tesco for a lot cheaper and get the same results! (The ingredients in Cocowhite are literally; coconut oil and flavouring.. it says that on the packet..)



Having used these sachets for the full 14 days, I cannot see any difference to the colour of my teeth, which is disappointing! So if you're thinking about purchasing this product, my advice would be to try some basic coconut oil because chances are, if you don't see results with basic coconut oil.. you'll most likely not see results with this product!




Have you tried Cocowhite? Were your results any different to mine?


Ciara Rose xox

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Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Current Favourite Skincare Products








I picked up this Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanner for face a few months back although it has only been this past few weeks that I've been using it everyday. Now that its summer, I prefer wearing a lighter coverage foundation or tinted moisturiser - my favourite right now is the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue and since I accidentally picked up a shade too light for my skin tone, having a natural bronzed face helps to create the perfect colour for me.


I apply this with a cotton pad, sweeping it all over my face and making sure to avoid eyebrows and my hairline so that it doesn't stick or cling to these areas. You can apply this both morning and night but I prefer to just apply it on mornings right after my moisturiser and before primer or foundation. 

It gives a really natural looking bronze to the skin and never looks orange or streaky. The bottle lasts a long time also, as you really don't need a lot per application, however I must say if you want to maintain the bronzed look on your skin, you will have to reapply every other day at least as it does fade due to cleansing and exfoliating.

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Tuesday, 9 June 2015

CocoWhite: Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth





A product that results in brilliantly white teeth has always been something I've had difficulty finding. Over the years, I've tried so many different toothpastes that promise whiter teeth, as well as spending £100 on professional whitening treatment from my dentist.. all of which failed to make a noticable difference to the shade of my teeth. 

I recently noticed a lot of people raving about 'Cocowhite' on Instagram, and after searching for before & after pictures tonline, I was keen to give it a go. I ordered the 'Minty Fresh' 14 sachet pack from Cocowhite.com and managed to find a 20% discount code on Instagram.


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Monday, 11 May 2015

Little Beauty Haul

So its coming up to the end of semester, which means endless amounts of coursework and random shopping sprees here and there to keep me sane through it all. I recently made an order from the House of Fraser website and took a little trip to Boots also. 




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Tuesday, 28 April 2015

House of Fraser Wishlist: Brand Event 2015

It's been a while since I've gone makeup shopping, so you can imagine my excitement when an email came through to my inbox this evening reminding me about an upcoming Brand Event in House of Fraser (from 29th April - 1st May 2015) which offers up to 30% off every department and 10% off selected beauty (which is the important bit really). Here are a few products I really want...






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Thursday, 16 April 2015

Topshop Sale Picks 2015

Topshop finally launched their mid-season sale today which I'd been waiting on for what seemed like forever Having had a good look through the sale section online this morning, I've picked out my top 9 sale picks, so I think an online order may have to happen veryyy  soon! 

Top 9 Sale Picks..


Links for sale items here:
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Thursday, 9 April 2015

High-End Makeup Haul & Review

 



I'll start with the new Limited Edition Bare Minerals 'California Bronze' palette. I found this palette in Debenhams a few weeks back after seeing somebody post a photo of it on instagram, but assumed it would be sold out everywhere. It retails for £25 which, for three reasonably sized high-end products (two bronze shades and one highlight) is amazing value. 

The cardboard-like packaging of this palette makes it very lightweight and ideal for your handbag or travelling.. and it comes with a decent-sized mirror for on-the-go application. I really do prefer this type of packaging compared to the standard matte black packaging that Bare Minerals use normally as this doesn't get covered in fingerprints right from the first use!
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Thursday, 12 March 2015

Top 5 'Must-Have' Lipsticks




I have a fairly decent amount of lipsticks in my collection, both high-end and high-street. In terms of a lot of high-end lipsticks (like MAC, BareMinerals and Nars), I feel that you really get what you pay for, however there are some AMAZING high-street brands that you can buy for a fraction of the price that are just as good, and sometimes even better.
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