Urban Decay Beauty Box

Hello beauties!

I am soo sorry this post has taken so long to publish – I wrote this last week however my computer and internet crashed and have only just had the chance to get back online to HIT the publish button! I hope you enjoy this review post and from now on I will be back on track with my 1 or 2 posts a week!

I hope you are all well and enjoying the New Year, it’s been pretty chilly where I am and we even had a bit of snow on Saturday! I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve been pretty hectic at work and been going away of weekends a lot recently – I have been reading a lot of your blog posts on my travels though and have finally found a bit of time to start writing some new posts.

You may have read on my last post about the reviews that were to come on some of the gorgeous Christmas gifts I received and this will be one of them. This post is going to be all about my Urban Decay beauty box that I was very lucky to receive….

I absolutely adore this brand and although it is quite new to the UK market I am crazy for it and the products, so opening this beauty of a little purple box on Christmas day was a real excitement. There were 3 products within this including the All Nighter – Makeup Setting Spray, Naked2 Eye shadow Palette and Naked Flushed contour palette.

Naked Flushed - Streak

Now I love this palette, it’s very simple and basic – yet the colours match my skin tone perfectly. It includes a bronzer, highlighter and blusher (which for me I find perfect for a quick contour for everyday/ work based makeup). All three powders are very light on the skin, and can be built up quite easily for a thicker, fuller coverage – so depending on where I am going and what I am doing it’s very easy to create different looks. However if I was to pick out a negative for this product it would be that the highlighter is quite shimmery so if applied a little to thickly or too much you would look a bit like a Christmas bauble so just a tip – use a little and spread.



Naked 2 Palette

This palette was one of the first things that I wrote on my list to “Santa” – I love playing about with makeup and creating different looks, after reading a few other bloggers reviews this looked the perfect palette to create so many types of smoky eyes and looks. The shades are just soo pretty with a combination of matte and metallic shades, I have used this since Christmas day and can’t say there has been a combination that I haven’t been happy with. A few of my favourite shades are Half baked, Bootycall, Pistol and YDK. If you have this palette what are your favourite shades or combinations for a smoky eye – I’d love to try some of your ideas!?

All Nighter - Make-up Setting Spray

I have always been looking for a product that would make my makeup last on a night out, without making me look cakey or oily – which I find most primers can do after long use. However this spray is the most perfect thing ever created, once all your makeup is complete all you need to do is spray a few spritz onto your face in an ‘X’ and ‘T’ motion and BAM your makeup will be perfect until you remove with cleanser. It is a very lightweight spray and you don’t feel sticky or residue on the skin either which is great. I know it’s a sin to sleep with your makeup on but I wanted to give this spray the ultimate test so on New Years when I used this spray, I slept in my makeup and I can honestly admit when I woke up (minus the headache and feeling sick) my face was absolutely fine – smoky eye, eyeliner the lot – I looked ready for round 2 ha-ha. So I would 100% recommend this makeup setting spray to anyone who likes their makeup to last all night without having to go for toilet breaks to top the face up.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this and I will hopefully speak to you all soon J

Feel free to ask me anything xxx

Catching up on Christmas

Hello beauties!

I am finally back after a little break away over Christmas, and I am pretty excited for what this year has got planned for me! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and new year and look forward to catching up with your blogs and hopefully meeting some of you at future blogger events.

Me and my man on NYE.

Over the last week or so I have been spending some time away with my partner in Bristol and South Wales which has been ever so lovely - but it was back to reality today, including back to work. So as I’ve been off the media for a while I thought I’d start with a post of some of my lovely gifts that I received for Christmas and what the next few posts will reveal...

1.       Ted Baker Handbag

I had been in need of a new handbag for a while but couldn’t quite decide on what I wanted, when I came across this bag in John Lewis one day I just knew that it was the bag I NEEDED. It is a gorgeous patent, crosshatch style in the famous ted baker ‘shell pink’ with rose gold metal features including the zips and buckles. It has a lovely monochrome floral design on the lining and is just the most perfect girly, sophisticated handbag. I put myself off for buying it for me and put it on the list of things I’d like (including a text letting my partner know too). Cheeky I know, but my mum always says if you don’t ask you can’t get – so thought it was worth a try.

2.       Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes

Again, I had been wanting to get a whole new set of makeup brushes as mine were getting a little old and outdated and I’m going to be honest I didn’t look after them as well as I should have when I first got them. So I was very thrilled when my mum treated me to the three sets of core edition brushes which also came in 3 separate cases which bend and secure into stands which is just so easy and perfect for when I’m applying the face in the mornings!

3.       Jack Wills Nail Set

Being a therapist, family always have an easy idea to buy me something beauty related and know that I will love it – I received this cute Jack Wills nail set from my mum too and I can’t wait to try it out. It included 2x emery boards and 2x nail varnishes in the official pink and blue shades.

4.       Jersey Pearl Earrings

I have to admit I was well and truly spoilt this year by my partner, not only did he get me the bag, another gift was this gorgeous pair of freshwater pearl earrings – which I am totally in love with. I can be quite fussy when it comes to earrings but these are the perfect size studs and create such a beautiful classic look.

5.       Build-A-Bear

Say hello to.... PUMPKIN

Yes that’s right, I am twenty years old and got a build-a-bear for Christmas and I couldn’t be happier! My partner is away a lot due to his training for the marines and as a very very thoughtful gesture he got me this adorable bear to remind me of him when he is away. PS it is THE softest bear in the world.

So that’s just a few of the gifts that I received and I can’t even begin to show how grateful I am for how much I was spoilt this year – I couldn’t quite believe it!

What were your top presents? Or what gifts did you receive – I’d love to know!

The next two blog posts are going to be reviews on some new products/items that I received for Christmas and am VERY excited to try out….

  

 

A festive Christmas Tag

A perfect little blog today, I saw this Christmas tag on a few blogs and thought it was so festive and cute that I would do it myself on Christmas day. So now I am fully over indulged on turkey, veg, pigs in blankets and sweets and chocolates galore here goes…

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?
 I absolutely love Elf, although it’s a Christmas movie I can happily sit and watch it all year round – no matter how many times I’ve seen it I will still be crying of laughter all the way along. The other is The Holiday, I just love the story line and it’s such a feel-good movie and gets me ready for Christmas PLUS I have a keen eye for Jude Law (who doesn’t).

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
First thing Christmas morning! I usually get woken up by my three younger siblings at the crack of dawn and the excitement begins – we had a bit of a lay-in today 8am compared to 05:30 last year!! We then sit in a circle on the floor with our piles that Santa left and take it in turns to open one each youngest to oldest.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
My favourite Christmas memory (even though there is many) is when my little sister was still quite ickle and decided to eat one of the chocolates hanging on the tree when no-one was looking, then later on Christmas day we could see chocolate melting down the tree, as it turned out she had taken a bite and quickly chucked it back in the tree when someone came in. We still remind her of it every year.

4. Favourite festive food?
It has to be the pigs in blankets, they just melt in my mouth…. But then I do have a real sweet tooth and although I don’t eat Christmas pudding my mum usually buys me GU chocolate pudding or profiteroles.

5. Favourite Christmas gift?
This is really hard to choose one overall, but my favourite Christmas gift of this year would have to be the full collection of Real Techniques brushes (a review blog will come soon, I promise). But then my mum still does me a stocking, which is always some small bits and bobs like my favourite fluffy socks and chocolate coins.

6. Favourite Christmas scent?
My favourite Christmas scent has to be the turkey, slow-roasting in the oven throughout the day – it’s the best smell in the morning when the Christmas songs are on and we’re opening the presents.

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
We don’t tend to have a tradition, but my grandparents come down Christmas eve and stay overnight – we usually just watch the soaps, and then me and mum are usually manically wrapping the presents like little elves… however we were more prepared this year and managed to sit down with a drink and just relax for the evening.

8. What tops your tree?
We have a china-faced angel on the top of the tree, it has been the decoration on the top of the tree ever since I was a little child and every year I remember the arguments I had with my older brother as to who got to put it on each year.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

I myself don’t class it as a crazy or wild gift but I always ask for a puppy…. Maybe one day Santa will bring me a little pug!? I have always been told if you don’t ask you don’t get so to me there’s no harm in asking every year, just in case.

 

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?

The best part of Christmas for me, is watching everyone open there presents and seeing their reactions (let’s be honest we can all tell when someone doesn’t like something but still smiles)… but spending it with my family and having a HUGE roast which is my favourite meal. The whole festive season is just amazing and one of my favourite times of year (except my birthday of course!).

Its beginning to look a lot like christmas.....

Hello beauties!

It feels like forever since I last posted, the last few weeks have just flown by. I have been pretty busy at work what with everyone wanting to have their nails and skin looking gorgeous and glam for the Christmas festivities and on my days off I have been doing the last few bits of Christmas shopping (which I’m glad to say is now finished).


Me and my family went down to see the Christmas light switch on in my local town, which was a really lovely event hosted by Heart FM radio with live music, Christmas carols and a big firework display – it really got everyone in the Christmas spirit.



In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I’m slowly finding small bits of time to wind down and pamper myself including painting my nails (Jessica Cherrywood & Champagne bubbles) and decorating the house. So yes the tree is up, some presents are wrapped and I’m slowly beginning to feel ready. I just love Christmas and can’t even begin to explain how excited I am for Santa to visit!

 

In the last few weeks the weather here has seemed to really turn pretty bitter with a icy chill in the air, especially when the wind is blowing I’m pretty sure I have icicles growing on the end of my nose - it feels that cold!

 

My skin never seems to like the cold and this year it really has decided to take a turn for the worse, I’ve been sticking to my skincare routine with the intense serum and weekly mask however my skin just seems to be forever dry and UBER sensitive to the point that just the other night even aqueous cream stung!? 

 

I have found that using my Mary Kay facial brush (similar to the Panasonic cleansing brush) has really help to gently exfoliate my skin, I use this with my spa find cleanser which seems to help hydrate the skin a bit more too! It’s made me realise just how important using a rich intensive serum and moisturiser is in the cold weather. I’d strongly recommend this facial brush to anyone who feels their skin is dry, tight or sensitive – not only does it ensure of a deep cleanse but softly buffs away the dead skin cells from the surface. My Blistex daily lip conditioner has become a must for every few hours each day too.
As pretty this weather is, my skin isn’t quite agreeing – I think it’s telling me a winter holiday in the sun is needed!

Do you have any tips or advice that may help sensitive skin in this cold weather!?

Feed your skin fellas!

Hello fellas!

So the last few weeks I have been increasing my knowledge of you guys and what type of stuff you read, so yes I throw my hands up and admit, I have read articles from Men’s Health as well as some other ‘manly’ articles and journals.  As mentioned at the end of the last blog for you guys, this blog is all about different skin types and what moisturisers would be best – being a woman I haven’t ‘tried & tested’ these products personally, however after asking certain friends and family I have gained a better taste  for them, so here goes.

The first thing you are probably thinking is why do I need to moisturise? Not only can they help to prevent dry skin they also help to reduce premature ageing through hydrating and keeping the skin supple. And now you’re probably thinking, how do they do that? Moisturisers work in two ways hydrating and locking in moisture; however the effects only seem to usually last for 6-8 hours which is why it is important to moisturise twice a day as mentioned in my previous blog. (If you haven’t caught my post on men’s skincare you can catch up here)

Acne/Oily
- usually has a ‘shine’ to the surface of the skin, large open pores, blemishes and outbreaks.

Clarins – Ultra-matte Rebalancing Lotion
- A lightweight moisturiser with purifying and rebalancing properties, tightening pores and reducing sebum production. This moisturiser not only helps reduce the oil production but has a mattifying finish too!

Lab Series – Treat Daily Moisture Defense Lotion
- A very lightweight, quick absorbing moisturiser with a high content of antioxidants to reduce bacteria levels within the skin’s surface.

Combination
- tends to have an oily T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead) and dry/normal skin on the cheeks and neck.

Bulldog – Original Moisturiser
- This is a natural moisturiser containing 8 essential oils – three of which help to detoxifying, purify and tighten the pores whilst the others have high hydrating and nourishing properties.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar – H Soothing Compensation Moisturiser
- Helps to rebalance the skin and soothe any irritation that may have been caused to blemish creams or strong astringent properties in other products – this cream is a great pick me up to the skin.

Dry/Sensitive
- usually has a ‘flaky’ or rough surface to the skin, tight pores and small pimples under the surface.

Polaar – Moisturising Face Cream
- This ultra-rich, long lasting cream helps to repair damaged skin, soothing any irritations and providing rapid relief.

Clinique – SPF21 Moisturiser
- This has recently been awarded “Best Moisturiser for Men’s Health Grooming Awards” not only does it have the added benefit of a high spf protecting your skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays, it has a high moisturising content too.

If you’re still unsure to what skin type you may be there are many salons, and department stores that will have a consultant more than happy to help you. It is more than normal for your skin type to change throughout the year depending on the seasons, environment and even products that you are using and that’s why it’s important to use a specific product that has been formulated for a skin type.

If you have any questions regarding any of the products mentioned or want any information on a product, I am more than happy to help or to point you in the right direction J

How did you find this blog? What could I improve? Is there anything in particular you would like to know about or have any questions on?

So get in touch…
Comment below this post.
Email: Hannah-fehily@live.co.uk
Twitter: @Missfehily

Simple Men's Routine

Hello fellas!

Yes that’s right this post is for all you guys out there, that take the time to read my posts. I know that in recent years the grooming standards for men has grown and so has the market for men’s products too! After questioning a lot of the guys I know I have figured that just like cars, men want products that are going to be quick, easy and top spec (with a low price tag if possible). In this blog I have created a simple daily routine, to help keep your skin fresh and clear.

 

 

1.      CLEANSE
The first sin for bad skin is to use soap and water, it can leave your skin feeling tight and dry as it strips the natural ph. and damages the surface of your skin. It is important to use a facial wash that has been modified to cleanse the skin efficiently without stripping the layers. So squeeze/pump some into your hands, lather up and apply in circles to the whole face, rinse with water or a flannel to remove.

2.     EXFOLIATE (only once/twice a week, after cleanse)
Using a facial scrub can help to reduce build-up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria from the surface of the skin and inside the minute pores (which are usually the cause to spots, blackheads and blemishes). Just like a facial wash, squeeze/pump some into your hands, and apply in circles to the whole face concentrating on areas of dry skin especially the forehead, nose and chin, rinse with water or a flannel to remove.

3.     SHAVE

       If you tend to shave each day, just do what you got to do in this step here.

4.     TONE
Research has shown that most men believe a lot of products to be just an extra thing on the shelf or an extra thing to waste money on, however toners help to rebalance the skin’s surface and to tighten pores – preventing any dirt from getting in the pores and removing any excess product from the skin.

5.     MOISTURISE
Whether you have oily, dry or ageing skin there is a moisturiser out there to help combat and improve your skin. Moisturisers help to hydrate the skin, creating a barrier against the harshness of any environment, and can reduce the effects of UV if they contain an SPF. I also found that quite a lot of you tend to just moisturise as and when you feel you need it, but the truth is your skin will need moisturising every day if not twice a day – this is because your skin faces a lot each day think of the pollution in the air, the cold winds, the hot sweaty gym- the list goes on… your facial skin needs to be kept hydrated and nourished.

The next few male blog posts ideas will include;
- Different skin types and what products are best
- Skincare protection for all those different sports and events
- Top tips for shaving and aftershave advice
- Beards

How did you find this blog? What could I improve? Is there anything in particular you would like to know about or have any questions on?

Contact me and let me know…
Comment below this post.
Email: Hannah-fehily@live.co.uk
Twitter: @Missfehily

makeup - 8 simple steps

Hello Beauties!

I’ve been so busy lately getting into the festive swing, ordered so many Christmas gifts and getting so excited for all the wrapping and decorating to come!! I haven’t really thought about what I am going to put on my own Christmas list so today I thought I’d share my daily makeup routine, it doesn’t take too long to do and is just a basic classic for me to be honest.

 

1. PRIME
   I find that using a primer really helps to create a perfect base for any makeup and also helps the longevity too, I recently purchased a new primer and I am in love with how good it works, it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin and has great added benefits of all day hydration.
2. FOUNDATION
   I like to have a full coverage of foundation however not to look too cakey, I apply my foundation with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and slowly build up the coverage as I go. I would use a slightly thicker and fuller coverage for a night out but for the everyday/work makeup a light coverage is all that is needed.
3. CONCEAL
   For all those dark shadows, spots and blemishes that we all curse, concealer is a miracle, I tend to use a liquid concealer as I find it easier to apply and blend. I apply using the wand that it comes with and then blend using my Real Techniques Setting Brush.
4. CONTOUR
   On an everyday basis I don’t tend to do much contour but using my palette I can do the essential bronzer, highlighter and blusher. I use my Eco Tools Bamboo Domed Bronzer brush to apply the bronzer over the top points of my forehead, under cheekbones, jaw line and down the nose. I then use Bamboo Airbrush Concealer Brush for the highlighter just lightly swept over the top of my cheekbones, and the Tapered Blush Brush to apply a light coverage to the apple of my cheeks. 
5. POWDER
   To set the makeup and to help blend it all in effectively using my Mary Kay Kabuki brush I apply my powder in downward sweeps then circular motions all over my face.
6. EYES
   For an everyday quick and easy smoky eye look I use a duo stick in Golden Haze. One end is a creamy/gold which I apply all over then blend with Eco Tools Bamboo Eye shadow brush, then using the darker taupe brown end of the stick lightly in the crease and outside corner and blend again using the eye shadow brush. A quick line on the lower lid using Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal, and a few coats to the lashes of Maybelline Volume Express Colossal Smoky Eye Mascara to finish the look.
7. EYEBROWS
   Even though it’s a quick everyday thing, my eyebrows have to be perfect so I usually spend quite a bit of time on my eyebrows using the HD Brows eye & brow palette, I use a pencil to even out the shape, then the powder to thicken and fill the eyebrow and a gel-like mascara to set into place – I don’t tend to add much to my shape mainly just outline and thicken with powder.
8. LIPS
   Depending on how my lips are I either just apply Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner or use Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Lava Berry – this has a real creamy texture and has a long lasting pigment which means you don’t need to keep re-applying throughout the day.

And there you have it my everyday makeup look:

BEFORE                                    AFTER

If you click on each of the points, it will directly link you to the page to purchase the particular product that I use.