Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Review

I came across this product pretty much by accident. I had ran out of the moisturiser I had been using and was in desperate need of a new one, however being a teenager I didn't have much money to get one.. So I raided my mothers beauty bag of all the products she never uses, and I came across this moisturiser which at the time had pink packaging. Being a young teenager in the winter my skin had been going through hell from having dry patches from the cold but also a few hormonal spots.. so as you can imagine I was tearing my hair out trying to figure out what moisturiser would be best for my skin. All I can say is that this little discovery was the best thing to happen to my skin... I am literally in love with this and after using up the first one, I have repurchased this time and time again and will continue to do so!

The product claims to be an intensive daily moisturiser which I totally agree with as through the winter months this is literally my saviour.. During winter my skin used to turn so problematic due to the coldness on my skin and then the drastic change from indoor heating meaning my skin would loose moisture and dry out easily causing my face to get so irritated! However I don't have any dry patches what so ever any more and this product really does make my skin feel thoroughly moisturised and dare I say beautiful!
Now I also used to get a few little bumps under my skin that never really came to a head which made it annoying because I had no Idea how I would get rid of them, they were mostly along my t-zone and along the highest points of my cheeks and I hated how my skin looked... It really got me down and never liked putting make-up on top of them because I felt it would make them look worse so as you can imagine when I started using this cream and then a couple of weeks later all the bumps under my skin were virtually gone I was sooo happy!! Now I can wear make-up as much as I want and I even look forward to taking it off just so I can then apply this!

I use this moisturiser every morning after I have washed and cleansed my faced and at night If I am not using a serum. It makes your skin very dewy which I love because I just feel that I look a lot healthier. A good tip also for this cream is if you want to add a little glow to your face maybe if you have already applied your make-up use a small amount of cream on your finger and dab along your cheekbones for a dewy look!

This product also contains SPF 15 which is perfect especially for winter time as temperatures do not tend to get very high so there is no need to have to worry about applying a coat of sunscreen as this should do you, however in the summer If you use this I would suggest wearing a sunscreen also because we don't want to be getting any sun damage!

I like the packaging of this product as it is a very classic Elizabeth Arden look and also if you notice the background on the packaging has '8's on is which I think is clever. It's easy to get out due to the sqeezyness  of it.

In the UK this particular cream at 50ml retails at the price of around £29. It is quite expensive but certainly worth the investment. My advice is if there is anything to do with beauty that you can invest in it would definitely be a good skin product like this because I feel a flawless base is far more important than anything else!

Overall I would 100% recommend this product especially for people who still haven't found there holy grail moisturiser and may feel like they  have problematic skin. I will continue to repurchase this product as I feel that I won't ever find anything that will match it and dare I say beat it! Totally in love with this product so a very well done to the brains behind Elizabeth Arden!

Thank you for reading and please leave a comment :)
Lots of love Sinead x

Fall/Autumn Fashion Essentials

It's that time of the year again...Summer is coming to an end but don't be too disheartened because now is the time to push your shorts and crops to one side and dig out your winter wardrobe. For me Fall Fashion is the best because you can dig out all those comfy sweaters and layer to your hearts content. I love all the colours associated with Fall, So for me being able to wear these colours is just heaven!
Here are my personal Fall Essentials I will be making sure I have to make a statement this 2013.

1) Oversized Knitted Sweater

I loooooove oversized sweaters for many reasons one of them being that I love the fact that they are just so comfy and really remind me of Fall. The fact that this garment can just engulf you but make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside really makes me smile. Oversize sweaters are really easy to style, If your feeling like you want a casual look pair one with some skinny jeans or maybe even some leggings for added comfort and a pair of high knee boots and a scarf to finish it off, however maybe you want to dress it up a little where in my case I would go for a skater skirt and some tights alongside some ankle boots. However you choose to style this versatile item of clothing, it will have heads turning left and right.

2) Knee High Boots

Can you get any more stylish than a pair of knee high boots during fall?! I think not. Not only will these keep your feet warm and snug you can grab a flat pair for a casual look or go the extra mile with a classy high heel. Pair these with some black jeans and a trench coat and you're effortless style is complete. Every woman should own a pair for the simple fact they can transform your outfit to from glum to glam.

3) Trench Coat

Oh the classic Trench Coat... where would we be in fashion without it. For me this style coat spells out class and sophistication. The trench coat was originally designed by the one and only Thomas Burberry who in fact invented the tightly woven, water resistant fabric known as gabardine for military use. The British Army took to his design and later on the name 'Trench Coat' was born. Nowadays this iconic coat is worn internationally as a huge fashion statement.

4) Skinny Jeans

I myself am I huge fan of the skinny Jean... I've lost count of how many pairs I own, needless to say they had to make it on this list. Now the weather is getting slightly cooler we're going to be wanting to exchange our shorts for Jeans. You can get skinny Jeans in so many colours so there are bound to be a colour to suit everyone; for me the classic black Jeans are a must as you can just pair them with almost everything. So if you haven't already grab yourself a pair!

5) A Scarves

Simple I know but most definitely a must! Keep your neck lovely and warm by wearing a scarf. My favourite scarf for fall would have to be a woollen one just for the mere fact it's chic and can add a whole lot of something to an outfit. 

So there you have it, my Fall Fashion essential list. No matter what your style embrace it this Fall and remember Everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runway... 

Thanks for reading :) 
Lots of love Sinead x

Makeup Must Haves For Summer...

1) Sea Salt Spray
For me sea salt spray is a must for those hot summer days where I don't feel like doing much with my hair but want to give it a little something.. What a sea salt spray does is it help texturise and add volume to your hair to give you that beachy wavy most of us crave, and the best thing is it's so easy and helps give us that edgy look! It works by spraying it onto your hair and either scrunching it for a messy look or you could style your hair in a bun or braids then spray to give a more wavy or crimped look. However I wouldn't recommend using salt spray everyday as the salt in it can cause your hair to become very dry and brittle, though with occasional use it's great! If you do want to use it quite a bit I would suggest making sure your use an oil in your hair at night such as argon oil to help keep your hair hydrated and healthy! I use the 'Toni and Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray' but you can easily make your own (I'll do a DIN tutorial).

2) Waterproof Mascara

No surprise here as this is definitely a must for the summer. It's quite likely that if it's great weather where you live your going to want to be visiting the beach or pools to cool yourselves down. And waterproof mascara is most likely going to become your best friend, I mean who wants there mascara running down there face scaring all the little kiddies (not me anyway) !! So it's a good idea to switch up your normal mascara for this so you can ensure its staying on your lashes all day even when you go swimming or work out!

3) Makeup Setting Spray
I have to praise the use of my setting spray through these summer days saving me from turning into a melting hot mess..If there is one thing I would definitely recommend It's a setting spray.. I don't know about you but in this hot weather without a spray I struggle to make it through to the end of the day with my makeup still where I put it on my face at the beginning on the day. So instead of worrying about whether your mascara is now your blusher try using a setting spray and keeping that purdy makeup in place all day! For me It's got to be the 'Urban decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray' Once this stuff is on there is no budging your makeup!

4)Tinted Lip Balm
In the summer I don't usually feel like putting lipstick and lip gloss on mostly due to the fact that I know it will all just end up smeared and messy, however I do like having something on my lips that's a little bit lighter.. So I love using  Tinted Lip balm! Not only does it moisturize your lips keeping them soft bit it also adds a little color and sheen too leaving your lips beautifully kissable! What I love about Tinted Lip balms is the fact that you can purchase ones with SPF in so you can keep your lips protected from the sun, we can't be forgetting those lips!! I'm always carrying one with me as it's just so easy to wip out my bag, swipe over my lips and I'm done! My favorites are the fruit scented ones! 'Burts Bee's' do marvelous tinted lip balms also 'Maybelline Baby Lips' are great!


 5) Colorful Nail Polish
Every girl needs a perfect pretty manicured nails for summer! And what better polish than bright and bold colours! Pinks, Yellows, Reds all such gorgeous colours that every girl should be rocking this summer! So if you haven't all ready treat yourself to a few of your favorite colour nail polish's and give yourself a manicure!



6) Sun Cream
No summer essential list would be complete without sun cream, Everybody needs sun cream to keep your protected for many health reasons! So ensure you, your family and friends are all stocked up and lathering it on!








7) Beauty Fragrance
Everyone needs a signature scent and for me, in the summer I like to go for a more fruity flirty scent that leaves me smelling fresh! Try picking a scent that really describes you and that you yourself can't get enough of! Smelling good is a must so make sure whatever you pick you love! My favourite scent this summer has been 'Hollisters Cresent Bay' it just smells like summer in a bottle.. It's so good! Plus I've had compliments on it which is always a good point!



8) Fake Tan
I can't say I use Fake tan really as I already have naturally olive toned skin but I know for people that find it hard to tan when the sun is out and need a little help.. especially as it is not best advised to be out in the sun tanning all the time as this will lead to skin damage and premature aging.. so to avoid all this fake tan is the way forward! As long as you get a good tanner that has good pigmentation then nobody will be able to tell it's fake! Quite a few of my friends use fake tan and one of the most popular I know of is St. Tropez, It gives them a beautiful glow without always being over powering! To ensure less mess and overall coverage try using a mit this will keep your palms from being tan free and mess free!



So there you go my Summer Must Have Lists.. Beauty products to help you get through summer looking your best! I'd love to know what everyone else's summer essentials are so leave me a comment below telling me yours!
Lots of love Sinead x

My 8 makeup essentials..

Makeup essentials are what every woman should know about... I've put together my top 8 makeup essentials that I believe every makeup wearer should own. It's my list that will save you time when trying to decide what to keep in your makeup bag! I've tried to think of things that are extremely versatile and therefor can save you money! So if you want to know what makeup essentials you need take a look!

1. Eyelash curler

What woman does not own an eyelash curler ? These scary looking things are an absolute life saver for me.. These are a great way to make you look more awake with or without mascara! They instantly make your eyelashes stand out! I use mine before I apply my mascara and sometimes I may do it throughout the day to open my eyes up a bit without having to apply more mascara! Although don't use these too much or they may damage your lashes by breaking off, however I always apply Vaseline to my lashes before hand so keep them moisturized and strong.

2. Mascara


Talking about lashes how could I forget mascara, this wonderful invention can make your lashes go from drab to fab in seconds! Every girl I know owns a mascara so it had to make the list! Mascaras come in all different formulas such as voluminous formulas or lengthening ones, heck some are volumising and lengthening. Finding the right one for you is pretty necessary! so if you have thin lashes try one that adds volume or if you have short sparse lashes try a lengthening one!

3. Lip gloss


Ahh Lip gloss... the wonders it does to make your lips even more kissable. By adding a lip gloss it can make your lips appear more plump and also adds a beautiful colour and sheen! Lip glosses come in many different colours so switch it up now and again to fulfill your mood!

4. Baby powder

You're probably thinking why is something for a baby on this list well let me tell you.. This little product is so versatile i can use it for many makeup fixes! If you haven't had time to wash your hair just sprinkle a bit in your hair and it soaks up the oils and acts as a dry shampoo (just be sure its all rubbed in). You can also use it as a primer which I will soon do a post on! And even to set your makeup.. now that's only a few way but there are many more, this will truly save you money and become very useful!

5. Argan Oil

This stuff is seriously a miracle in a bottle. I insist you go out and buy some pronto you will not regret it!! A few months ago I went to The Clothes Show and there I had my hair done by a professional, I asked to have an updo but explained how I didn't want too much back combing.. but as you can imagine the hair stylist completely ignored me and went on to back comb the WHOLE of my hair ( baring in mind my hair is super long and thick) so as you can guess when I got back home my hair was one big knot!! I used a deep conditioner on my hair for an hour, I combed it with a tangle teaser but nothing was working.. I literally thought I was going to have to have most of my hair which I had been growing for 2 years cut off because it was in that much of a state! However my mum brought back some Argan Oil for my hair, I used about a table spoon of Argan oil and left it in my hair whilst I slept and oh my god the next morning I could actually get a hairbrush through my hair!! So since then I use Argan oil everyday before I go to bed and wake up and it has absorbed into my hair leaving it feeling silky and soft! So please go get some it is defiantly worth it !

6. A double ended eye shadow brush

This little tool comes in handy.. If you only have room for one eye shadow brush in your makeup bag then take one that has two ends, one end to fill the lid in and the other end a smaller brush for the bits you want to define.

7. Concealer

Everybody has woken up after a rough nights sleep or maybe even a late night and need to cover the sins that screaming this! well concealer is your best friend.. If you have under eye bags and tend to be a bit bluish around your eye are concealer can do a great job in covering this up, It can also help cover spots that have just so happened to pop up out of the blue! So this is a good investment if you like your skin tone to look even and flawless.. who doesn't ?! Just be sure to set it with a powder to prevent creasing.

8) Bronzer

Ever woken up and looked in the mirror and thought god I look so pale and ill.. well you can achieve that healthy bronzed glowing look with a bronzer! As long as you apply it to the right places this will make you look sun kissed and glowing! you can even contour your face making it look a lot slimmer too !

So then they are my makeup essentials that I believe every woman should have or at least a couple. Hope you enjoyed reading this and talk to you in my next post!

Remember to comment and tell me what are your essentials!
Lots of love Sinead x

DIY Lip scrub

If you have dry lips and dream of silky soft lips then I have a wondrous solution for you that won't cost you a fortune! You most likely have these things lying around your house which makes this a whole lot easier for you :) I'm going to guide you through how I make my very own lip scrub that not only moisturizes and exfoliates your lips but also smells AMAZING ! Seriously this stuff is good enough to eat (I wouldn't try though) ;) So let me guide you through how to make this simple lip scrub.

You will need:-

• A small jar
• Chap stick (A flavored one of you choice)
• 3 teaspoons of Brown Sugar
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of Honey
• Toothpick (to stir)

Instructions

1. Chop about 1/4 of your chap stick off and put it into your jar.
2. Add the olive oil and mix it together with the chap stick.
3. Add the honey and Brown sugar and mix it all together.
4. If the mixture is too runny add some more sugar (the thicker the sugar in it the better)

Voila!! Your very own Home made lip scrub for a fraction of the cost of a bought one.



Lots of love Sinead x

15 great uses of Vaseline!!

Vaseline is one of my holy grail beauty products! It can be used for so many things making it very versatile. I've been using Vaseline for a couple of years now and it really is one my beauty addictions, seriously anybody who knows me knows how obsessed I am with this stuff !! I have so many tins of it and I never go out without it because it is great for fixing makeup... so without further a due I shall share with you 15 of my favorite uses of Vaseline...

1) Chapped lips
Okay so this is probably the most obvious one of all but is certainly the most used reason. Chapped lips ? no problem, just apply some Vaseline and you're guaranteed softer smoother lips. I carry a tub round with me everywhere I go so just in case my lips are feeling a little dry I can whip of my Vaseline and hydrate my lips! You can also put this on before bed like I do and when you wake up you will automatically feel a difference.. Now who doesn't want soft kissable lips ?!

2) Grow them Lashes
I've been applying Vaseline to my eyelashes for probable just over a year now after watching a tutorial on it, and wow what a difference it has made!! Vaseline is a perfect affordable way to to grow your lashes and make them stronger, Adding that moisture helps your lashes from stopping breaking and falling out meaning healthier fuller lashes. You can either grab a little bit on your fingers and apply that way by gently gliding over your lashes or you can use a clean mascara brush and brush the Vaseline through your lashes like you would with mascara. I apply Vaseline right before bed after my night time skin care routine and in the morning after I've washed my face.

3) Dry patches
This use is a massive savior for me especially in the winter when the harsh coldness is making my poor skin thirsty and dry. Whenever my face has dry patches I just dab a little bit of Vaseline on to it and it instantly hydrates the patch making it softer and less noticeable.

4) Keep those brows in place
If you suffer from unruly eyebrows then this use is definitely for you, have you ever been out and found your eyebrows not in place as you thought they were but you don't have any brow gel on you? well then grab your Vaseline and just slick some over them eyebrows of yours and you're all set to go.

5) Perfume smelling for longer
Sometimes I find as the day goes on I can't smell my perfume as much as when I applied it, and me being a lover of smelling great had to find a way to help it stay for longer, well this little trick helped me out a bunch! Just rub a bit of Vaseline on the spot you want to apply your perfume then go ahead and spray away! You're now all set to be smelling lush all day! how lovely :)

6) Tattoo after care
If you're thinking of getting a new tattoo or ave just had one done then this tip will benefit you a lot! As you already probably know getting a tattoo hurts like hell, and the pain after isn't too nice either. But to help sooth the soreness you can add a bit of Vaseline over the top of it once it's dried. I used the aloe vera one on my brother after he had his first one done and he said it made the pain a whole lot better in the way it soothed it a bit especial as the aloe vera in it has cooling properties.

7) Shaving
If you suffer with soreness and redness after you've shaved well try smoothing some Vaseline over the area to help soothe it and reduce the redness. This will also leave your skin lovely and smooth.

8) Split ends
Ahh split ends.. Have you ever been so bored that you've sat there just trimming off every split end you can find? if not maybe that's just me.. however what I also like to do when I find a pesky split end is apply some Vaseline to it which helps hide the appearance of them until you can next get a trim!

9) Eyelash glue
Have you ever been on a night out only to come home remover your makeup but then have residue left over from your eyelash glue.. this can be a pesky problem to deal with because you don't want to be rubbing it off and end up also pulling some of your eyelashes of with it too, also by leaving it can damage your eyelashes in the long run making them short and sparse. So to remove it easily take a dab of Vaseline and slide it over you lids to remove the glue gently.

10) Hair dye stains
As incredible dying your hair to whatever shade you desire is the downside is staining your skin around your hair!! However by applying some Vaseline to your hair line or forehead this can prevent the dye from staining your skin.

11) Spray tanning streaks
I know how some Ladies love to get a spray tan to make them look healthy and glowing but when you get those streaks over your body that's when it turns not so great.. To avoid these streaks rub some Vaseline into the areas that tend to get a bit streaky, this will then allow you to achieve a beautiful flawless tan! Yaay!

12) Moisturizing dry hands
Some people suffer from dry hands but a great way to help moisturize them is to rub some all over your hands before you go to bed and wear a glove over the top, then when you wake up you will have oh so soft hands.

13) Makeup stain remover
Got some foundation or lipstick on your favorite shirt ? No problem just rub some Vaseline over it and it should be sure enough to remover it.

14) Eye makeup remover
Sometimes I take my makeup off but I find not all of it has been taken off, A great way to remover the rest is to gently rub some Vaseline over it, not only are you taking the left over makeup off but also moisturizing your eye area! Fab!

15) Jewellery stuck 
Got a ring stuck on your finger ? Rub some Vaseline around it and it will be sure to slide off. Or maybe you can't get your earrings in and you're too scared to jab them through.. add some to your holes of your ear and this should help slide the earrings in

So there you have it.. My favorite uses of Vaseline ! Thanks for reading :)
Lots of love Sinead x

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation Review

I had bought this product when I had run out of my last daily foundation and i wanted to try something new. I had heard about this product from YouTube and various blog reviews and wanted to try it out.. I am soooo glad I did because this honestly the best drug store foundation I have ever used!

It has a dewy finish as the bottle says it "illuminates your skin as if lit from within" which I completely agree with. I usually apply this on my face in the mornings as I am usually looking slightly tired from my early starts, however instantly my face looks refreshed and glowing which I LOVE ! It makes me look awake ( even though I am usually still half asleep in the mornings, as most of us are ;D ) It has SPF 18 in it so no need for sunscreen because it keeps me protected which is necessary for me and all you lot! Plus i always get compliments on how healthy and flawless my skin looks when wearing this foundation which is a huge confident booster for me! 

I have an olive skin tone and my foundation is in shade 'N4 pure beige', this shade is a perfect match for my skin tone which is unusual for me because drug store foundations can usually turn me slightly orange as they oxidize throughout the day, but not this one it has matched me perfectly. There are 7 shades available ranging from 'ROSE PORCELAIN' to 'ROSE SAND', this could be considered a disadvantage as it does not supply a whole range of colours which is disappointing :( however you may be able to mix two colours together to find your shade. 

This foundation applies evenly and looks amazing when applied over the top of a primer because it gives me an even coverage which is great because some foundations I have found to be slightly patchy on my skin and appear darker in some areas. I have quite noticeable pores around my nose and cheek area so I like a foundation which can help diminish the appearance of them and when partnered with a silicone based primer they do the job nicely!

I would definitely say Lumi has a light to medium coverage but is certainly buildable too, if you prefer you foundation slightly heavier you can definitely create this with the foundation. For me I have combination skin but I do get the odd spot now and again and in the winter I sometimes get dry patches, This foundation does not stick to the dry patches and covers any blemishes beautifully to give me a glowing flawless face all year round.

The really like packaging of this foundation as I think it looks more high end because the bottle is made from glass and it comes with a pump which is ever so useful because it prevents any wastage.
I would say the price is very reasonable for the 30ml you get because the actual foundation is amazing and the packaging looks expensive.

Overall I love this product so much and would certainly recommend it to anybody who is looking for a great buildable coverage foundation and wants a glowing dewy finish :D Thank you for reading and please leave a comment!
Lots of love Sinead x

How to find the right foundation for your skin...

So you want to find the best foundation for your skin type right ? well my oily/combination/dry skinned girls, I'm going to point you in the right direction so you know what you should be looking for. I myself have combination skin so I get the odd dry patch here and there in the winter and a couple of spots every now and again so I can vouch on the best foundations for you as my skin like to chop and change. Foundation is the canvas to our makeup so we need it to be looking as flawless as possible, that can be achieved when you wear the right foundation.

Dry skin
If you have dry skin and find your usual foundation to be clingy to those pesky dry patches you may want to consider a foundation with a rich formula as oil free foundations are a massive no for your skin, you need your skin to be nicely moisturized all day don't you?  You should be looking for an oil based foundation that is very hydrating, this will make your skin feel comfortable and not so tight which is a problem for you ladies with dry skin, another benefit of using oil based foundations is the dewy glow it gives you which then results in you looking glowing and radiant, who doesn't want to look healthy ?! If you have more mature skin your skin has likely dried out as you have aged, A good option for you are the anti-aging moisturizers and foundations all rolled into one. Here are my top  foundations for dry skin:

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth
Foundation, £41.50

MAC Face & Body foundation,
£26.50

Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing
Liquid, £34

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick,
£28

L'oreal Paris Lumi Magique
Foundation,£10.99

Estee Lauder Resilience Lift extreme
Foundation, £31.50

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin you most probably suffer with a breakouts due to over production from oil glands, as unbearable this is there are foundations to help mask the problem and mattify your skin. You should be looking for an oil free foundation that will help keep your skin matte throughout the day.You also probably have the problem of applying foundation in the morning and by lunch time it has all slid off your face.. great.. but wait I have come to the rescue and picked 6 of my favorite foundations to help you stay flawless all day long, huraay !!

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation,
£5.99

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long wear
Flawless Fluid makeup, £36

Benefit Hello flawless oxygen
wow makeup, £24.50

Laura Mercier Oil free supreme
Foundation, £33

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long
Lasting foundation, £29

Revlon Color Stay Foundation,
£!2.49

Combination Skin 
 So you ladies have combination skin, and by this I mean your face has its oily parts ( normally T-zone) but it also has it dry patches.. when you wash your face it most likely feels tight in some areas. I too have combination skin so I know how much it can be a pain ! However I also have for you my best 6 foundations for our skin type:

MAC Face and Body Foundation,
£26.50

L'oreal Paris Lumi Magique
Foundation,£10.99

NARS sheer Glow Foundation,
£30.50

Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation.
£27.50

Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing
Liquid, £34

Bourjois healthy mix foundation,
£10.99

So there you have my personal favorites for combination/Dry/Oily skin. I hope this helped and please give me some feedback as this is my first post so I'm just getting used to things :) Ask me any questions and suggestions for my next posts,Thank you for reading!
Lots of love Sinead x