Johnson and Johnson Eye Makeup Remover

Hey guys!

I done a blog post awhile ago about Lancome products and one of the things that I reviewed was eye makeup remover! I mentioned how much I loved it...Well unfortunately a few weeks after writing that post I knocked the bottle over with the lid off and it went everywhere....meaning I had no eye makeup remover left and felt devastated! I off course felt like crying and I really don't have that much money to buy the Lancome one again. 

So I was in Boots about 2 weeks ago and just picked up the first one I seen that was a good price. I bought Johnson and Johnson eye makeup remover and it was only €4.29, a fraction of Lancome's price. This product has obviously been around for ages, but it was my first time reviewing it. Well ladies...I have been converted! It's fantastic all you have to do is shake it and squeeze a tiny amount onto a cotton pad! I wear quite heavy eye makeup on nights out and this has removed every bit of it...even the stubborn bits that get jammed in your creases! Couldn't recommend this anymore! It's fantastic and for the price it's a real bargain. It's a little bit oily but sure what product isn't and it's not overly greasy too! 

10/10 fantastic product, super cheap, absolute bargain! Highly recommend it girls!

Have any of you tried this product? Opinions? Would you recommend another eye makeup remover?! I'd love to hear from you! 

Thanks for reading,

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Barry M "Lash Vegas"

Hello Girlies!

It's absolutely horrible outside, so I suppose it's a good thing that I'm stuck in work until 5! I was of course almost an hour late for work, waking up and hearing rain does not encourage you to get out of bed and without my trustful mammy to pull the covers off me it's even more difficult...but the good news is she'll be home tonight! I'm just a little bit excited to see her!

So, the other day I was on Grafton Street looking for Race Day dresses, but of course no joy! On the way back to my car I decided I'd stop off in boots for an impulse buy... something to cheer me up after my horrible day!

I ended up picking up Barry M's latest mascara Lash Vegas. It was €9.75, so was a little bit more expensive than my usual mascara but I decided I had to try it after all of the hype that had been built up around it. It was so worth it though! The shape of the mascara is different than most and I love the design of it (I find it easier to hold). I have extremely sensitive eyes, and can only use certain mascaras, so I was afraid this mascara would make my eyes itchy. It didn't, it applied really well and I only needed about two sweeps to get the lashes I was after. Because I'm naturally quite fair, my lashes need a good mascara, otherwise my eyes look tiny.

I would highly recommend this girls, a must have for any make up bag (or box in my case). Although it's a little bit more expensive, compared to brands like Lancome and MAC it's dirt cheap....and it does the exact same job!

On a final note, I'm sad (and glad) to say bye bye Mabelline Great Lash Mascara...you have been replaced! You've done me well over the past 6 years, but it's time for change!

Thanks for reading girls! Have you tried Barry M's Lash Vegas yet? What's your verdict? Yay or Nay?!

Bee Lovely Hand Cream - Neal's Yard Remedies

I haven't really had the chance to post in awhile and this is mainly because I have literally been so busy with college and the likes. There has been so much happening in my life, it would actually be so difficult to even explain. Let's just say I got to the point last week were I would just cry over anything....and I mean anything!

So, I recently got a new hand cream and had to do a review on it. My hands are always cold and dry, and they've also started to swell a lot at my joint recently, so I constantly need to apply hand cream. I'd never heard about Neal's Yard Remedies before but I absolutely loved the fact that it is organic. It's also such a cute little bottle and perfect for any handbag. I've been using this for almost a week now and at first I didn't like it, but after continual use, it has just kept growing and growing on me, and my hands feel so amazingly soft. I recently read an article about how good honey is for you, and the main ingredient in this hand cream is honey! It also contains "energizing orange essential oil" which is the main scent you can get from this hand cream. When I originally applied it I thought it was overly greasy, but after using it more than once I realised that yes it is greasy upon first application (like all hand creams), but it dries in so quickly and doesn't have that sticky effect (which most hand creams have).

I will definitely be buying this once it runs out, and although it's a little bit pricey for a hand cream, it's so worth it! Have you tried the Bee Lovely Hand Cream yet? Or any other Neal's Yard Remedies Products?

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin x

Maybelline Color Show Update

Ok so a quick update, I recently done a blog post on my mini Boots haul and mentioned that I bought three Maybelline Color Show nail polishes. I originally said that I was disappointed in these but now... Well now I've changed my mind. It must have been the other shade I had been using but I used the cool blue shade and I love it. Now saying that, I just love the colour. Everything else still stands, but the colour it just POPS!! It has chipped after about 11 hours and it was watery to apply but then again it was cheap enough. So I suppose I can't reeeeeeally complain.

Thanks for reading

Dawn xXx

I'm terrible at painting my nails and always correct them after, so ignore the nail polish all over my hands!

Everyday Make-up Essentials

I recently done a post on what's in my make-up box and from this I realised I had to do my everyday make-up essentials. As most people know, I will never leave my house without make-up so these make-up essentials are extremely useful...

1.The foundation that I am loving at the moment (and have done for the past 5 years) is Maxfactor Colour Adapt. I have no idea how I was introduced to the product but it is definitely a favourite. It retails for about €15 and it's well worth the price. It has a sort of creamy texture and goes on so smoothly. I used to use the darker shade (75 golden) but it was a little bit too dark for everyday use and with changing my hair colour back to blonde, I thought I would tone it down, so the current shade I'm using is 70 Natural.
2.My next essential is my eyeliner. I've always worn black eyeliner since I was probably about 12...but I only use it on the waterline now so it's not too dramatic. Currently a huge favourite for me is the Soap and Glory Smoulder Kohl. This stays on all day and doesn't smudge. And even better is that it has a sharpener in the lid if you're on the go! It retails at around €7 in Boots stores. Another eyeliner that I love is Barry M's Kohl Pencil. Again, this stays in place all day and doesn't smudge, and is perfect for everyday use.

3.The next make-up essential is my powder and my bronzer. Both are recent purchases and both cost around €3 each. I was running out of powder last week and my bronzer shattered awhile ago so I had to buy more, but I just didn't have the money. So I ended up buying from the cheaper natural collection range. I've had terrible experiences with this brand before but I was pleasantly surprised by my two recent purchases. Although they were cheap purchases, they do their job well. Nothing to rant and rave about, but I probably would buy both again, without hesitation.The powder I am using is the pressed powder in the Warm shade, while the sun tint bronzing powder is in the Sun Shine shade.

4.On to my eye-shadow essentials, and I'm currently using 17 eye trio in the Nude shade. It is compiled of three neutral shades, perfect for every day use. I use the medium shade as the base on my lid and the darker colour to contour. I rarely ever use the lightest shade but when I do, it's to highlight my brows.

5.This brings me onto the next essential, my eyebrow pencil. I'm currently using no.7 beautiful brows pencil in 10. Brown/ Black. Its the perfect shade because it's more of an auburn colour and matches the shade my of my hair quiet well. I only ever really use this pencil to define the shape of my brows and this usually only occurs once or twice a week. I'm not fully sure of the actual retail price, but I know I bought mine at a reduced rate of €5. 

6.The next part of my daily routine is my mascara. I wear mascara EVERYWHERE I go, this is mainly because I have such fair hair and lashes that if I didn't, my eyes would seem so small. I also have quite sensitive eyes so I can only use certain mascaras without them itching or stinging my eyes. One that I have been purchasing since I was about 16 is Maybellines Great Lash in brownish black. I remember all of my friends using this when I was younger, and at least half still do. That's mainly because it is actually a good mascara. It's not clumpy or too over priced and available in most Boots stores and pharmacies. 

FINALLY, my blusher. I don't wear blush everyday, it usually only appears if I want to make an effort, and I usually have blusher from the no.7 range or 17. However, I got a gift set last Christmas with eye-shadows and bronzers and a blush in it. It's called sunkissed and I don't think they're available for individual purchase. It's not a fantastic range or anything but the shade of blush is quite natural and subtle (a brownie-pink) which is the main reason I'm using it. I wouldn't buy it and am only really using it because it's there, but yeah...it's ok! 

Phew, that's a kind of run through of my everyday make-up essentials, and these are all perfect for my hectic lifestyle (some more than others).

Thanks for reading...any comments can be left below!

Dawn x x x

What's in my make-up box...

Okay so I had to do a post about my make-up case. As you can see from the picture my make up case is ridiculously big! My boyfriend bought it for me for our one year anniversary and it was actually a fairly decent purchase. When I first seen it, I was like "YES this is going to be an excuse to fill it", but I've actually found it hasn't been that hard. It's actually the perfect size for me because before I had three make-up bags, each organised into different sections e.g. day-to-day, nights out, random stuff. My boyfriend used to say it was ridiculous, because I would ask him to get me my make-up bag when I was getting ready, and he would give me the wrong one, which would usually result in me getting mad because he didn't know which one I meant #GirlProblems. 

This case is actually perfect for me because of the amount of different sections and I can put my pride and joy (MAC Make-up Brushes) away safely, AND everything is kept neatly together. And it's pink! So the left hand side is my sort of every day make-up, with the essentials being on the top (click here to see the blog on my everyday essentials) and the one off bits, on the lower section. 

The top right hand side has all of my night out essentials (darker foundation, black eye shadows, gel liner, etc) and the bottom section has lots of random eye-shadows and little bit and bobs.

So anyone that really knows me, knows how much I like to make an effort and feel glam. The bottom section of my make up case helps me achieve this...my false eye lashes. I have about 5 individual sets and then I purchased 10 pairs of lashes from eBay last year, which was such a great investment (€1.50 I think for the set with postage and packaging). If you ever see me wearing false eyelashes during the day and I'm not going out that night, you know I'm feeling a little bit low and was in need of a pick me up!

The bottom shelf also has my make-up brushes, baby wipes (essential), brush cleaner and cleansing pads.

My main aim from this make-up case is to eventually get my nail polishes into it, and moisturisers and all that. I want to make sure it is being utilised to it's full potential and that every space is being used wisely!

Am I bit O-T-T with the size of my make-up box?! Do you think I should reduce it down to one make-up bag?! I'd love to hear your opinion...

Slight Obsession...

New Shoes From Bank

I had to do a review on my new shoes, they are that amazing!! I've been complimented on them at least 20 times since I've started wearing them. My boyfriend bought me them for Valentines day, and I had been scoping them out since the start of the month. They're from Bank, which is in Liffey Valley, and they're relatively inexpensive. Bank opened in Liffey Valley, I'd say, less than a year ago. I was kind of afraid to go inside for the first few months, mainly because I could see so much that I wanted to buy but was afraid of extortionate prices. I eventually built up the courage and stepped inside and realised it wasn't overly priced and was actually quite reasonable. I've only actually been in twice, but that's because I'm rarely ever up in Liffey Valley. Their style and merch at the moment is kind of that 90's swag and they have a lot of camouflage, snapbacks and hi-tops, which is all fine with me because it's a trend I'm currently loving. 
So I ended up seeing these Hi-top runners in Bank just before Valentines Day and I asked my boyfriend to get them for me (I hate when people buy me gifts and I know they will never be used, I'd rather just let someone know what to buy me). These runners have a wedge in them so they give you a little bit of height. I'm not small at all, I'm actually a quite tall (5'9ft) but I love the wedge because it makes my legs look slimmer. They're so easy to walk in and look great with a pair of skinny jeans and a baggy jumper.
I told my boyfriend to get them in a size 7 because I have a high in step (I'm usually a size 6) and I wanted to be safe. They are a tight fit but they could stretch out. I'm fairly sure they cost around €38 and I think that Bank do a 10% student discount, so you get them for less than €35. Definitely love love LOVE these shoes and would tell every one to get a pair.
I also think I may have to save up and go on a Bank shopping spree...

Catrice Prime and Fine Loose Powder

Ok, so I recently bought a loose powder from Catrice and felt I had to do I review on it. I discovered this range about a year ago and fell in love, mainly due to the fact that all of their products are so ridiculously cheap and usually as high a quality as the more expensive brands.  I’ve always bought nail polishes and lipsticks from this brand have bought one setting powder which was fine.

I love loose powder because I feel it goes on a lot easier and doesn’t go hard I guess after a few uses, even if it is a bit messy! So I seen the Catrice Prime and Fine translucent loose powder for only €5.95 (I think) and had to buy it. I used it for about a week and thought this is perfect, even if it did end up all over my floor. I did however notice that in some natural light pictures it made my skin tone look a bit weird and uneven. I convinced myself it was just me being conscious about using a new product like this on my face and continued using it. I did end up wearing it on a night out though, and realised it made my face look so white and ghostly, while making it look incredibly uneven in photos. After seeing these I couldn’t wear it anymore and am literally about to throw it in the bin. I’m too paranoid to be honest that that’s how it was making my face look on a day-to-day basis.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone and would definitely say pay the extra €10 for a well-known brand, especially if it’s going anywhere near your face (need I mention my Garda age card picture and cheap makeup disaster). Other than that Catrices products are usually perfect for me and I was quite disappointed I didn’t like this product, but I’ve learnt my lesson now!

Has anyone else had any dodgy dealing with the Catrice brand?! I’d love to know!

Recent Purchases

I may have went a little bit overboard when I went shopping the other day, but then saying that I rarely ever spoil  myself (or have money to spoil myself). I ended up in Liffey Valley and was on the look out for some new spring/summer bits. I seen some pretty dresses but to be honest I wasn't overly pushed on them. I ended up buying a really nice black crop top in New Look which I have been looking for, for awhile. It was only €6.99 and I got student discount on top of that. I then went into Republic but I really wasn't feeling the style they had in at the moment, so ended up not buying anything, which is so strange!

I ended up going down to Dundrum later on in the day and picked up a few bits in Penneys. I'll admit I'm such a scab sometimes, that when I see something I like, I'll usually wait until Penneys get their own version in! As much as I love brand names, I can't actually afford them. So I ended up buying a good bit but the total was only €40, so I don't actually mind. Unfortunately I didn't see anything anywhere else, which is so typical.

Van Style Shoes €8

Black Skinny Jeans €8

Trackie Bottom €8

Fringe Vest €8

Black Lightweight Vest €4

Skull Print Scarf €4

New Look Black Crop Top €6.99

I ended up venturing into Boots, probably the one place I have to buy something! I bought some more of that Barry M nail polish in Plum and also 17 lasting fix lipstick in Honey Blossom. The lipstick is a bit risky for me, a little bit darker but it's not going to be for everyday use and will be mainly used for specific outfits or looks. It kind of has an orange tint to it which I only really realised when I got home, but it is nice on. The nail polish I of course had to buy after my experience with the other one and they're only €5.99 so it's well worth it.

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Plum

17 Lasting Fix lipstick in Honey Blossom

Everyday Essentials

One of my friends recently done a blog on her everyday college essentials and I thought I would share with you my everyday essentials (regardless of where I'm going). A lot of people have commented on the size of the bags that I carry (they're exceptionally large), but I do tend to carry a lot in them, and I love big bags! The main reason though that I will always have a big bag is because since I am in my final year I tend to either have college work with me, when I'm out and about, or journal articles for my thesis. I know this could seem extremely nerdy and what not, but I really don't care, any spare chance I get I try do something. So other than usually always  having college work with me, these are my other everyday essentials:

My Everyday Essentials

1. A diary and a pen - Working 3 jobs, having college and a social life, I sometimes need to write stuff down to remember where I am, on what days and what I'm meant to be doing. I recommend that anyone with a busy schedule to get one, because whether I have the hours that I've worked for the week or meetings I need to be at written down, in the past year this has been my life saver.

2. Lip Care - Whether it's vaseline or carmex I always carry something. I hate the feeling of my lips becoming really chapped, especially around winter time!

3. Body Spray/ Deodrant - Every girl should carry a perfume, body spray or deodrant in their handbag. There is nothing worse than getting a feeling that you smell a little bit and panicking for the rest of the day. Even if you don't use it, you may need it for an emergency one day!

4. Mints - I hate feeling like I have bad breath, and due to the fact that I tend to eat smelly and spicy foods, and I smoke, I will always have a pack of chewing gum in my bag. There is nothing better than having nice fresh breath all day around.

5. Bonjela - Due to the fact I get mouth ulcers a lot I always have to carry around bonjela.

6. Pain Killers - Again, because I get mouth ulcers I always have pain killers in my bag. Also great for any other pains and will realistically never go to waste (it's beginning to sound like I'm a walking first aid kit).

7. Eye Liner & 8. Lipstick - I'll admit I used to carry around my entire make up kit with me, but after many near fatal losses, I decided to only bring the essentials. And the essentials for me are lipstick and eyeliner. I always wear black eyeliner and I'm currently using Barry M kohl pencil which is relatively inexpensive, around €7. For my lipstick I usually carry around nude shades or light pinks for everyday use. Currently in my handbag I have Rimmel's Kate Moss Lipstick #26 Rossetto. It's a nude colour and adds a lovely gloss to your lips.

9. Hand Cream - I thought I had included this in the picture, but I must have forgotten somehow. Working with cash and newspapers, my hands get very dry, VERY quick. I'll always carry some form of hand cream in my bag, and I'm fairly sure most girls do (well most of my best friends do anyway). Right now, I'm using Vaseline healthy hands and UV protection (the green bottle). This has lasted about 5 months and I still have a good bit left. An essential to any girls hand bag!

Saying this, my going out bag would not contain as much stuff! Usually if I was going out I would have lipstick, mascara and an eye liner to touch up my make up (and if I remember, concealer), my camera which rarely ever emerges, my phone, my passport and money, and of course my house keys.

So that's my basic day to day hand bag essentials, quite a lot but they all come in handy at some point!