When I was in Cannes for work in October last year I had the pleasure of meeting Smashbox’s International Director of Make Up Artistry, Daniel Chavez and we talked make up for quite awhile.

Luckily enough for me he introduced me to Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I <3 it.

Don’t know how I managed before I found it! Well I do, I dabbled in Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer (which I found quite greasy).

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

With Smashbox Photo Finish Primer the application was simple and effective. I find my foundation goes on smoothly and lasts much longer on days I use the primer than days I don’t.

My one issue is the pump or lack there of a normal looking pump.  Smashbox say: ” In a new square airless pump for freshness to the last drop”. What I found…. I couldn’t et the product out of the container. The consistancy is that of a gel so an air pump that stopped working meant there was no hope I could get the product out even by removing the pump lid.

What to do? Well there was 95% of the product left so I wasn’t gonna let it go, not my new found “must have” product. I brought it into my nearest Smashbox counter and explain the issue and the girl on the spot offered a replacement. Wow, fab customer service but it lead me to wonder… was it a common fault or was I just unlucky.

Either way I am very happy with my new primer and will be keeping Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer as a staple in my makeup routine.

Have you guys tried it? Anybody else had pump issues?

Mwah

The online registration for this years Women’s Mini Marathon 2010 is now open. Everyone looking to take part must register either online or in the forms in the Evening Hearld on Saturdays or Wednesday closing date to register is April 27th 2010 or when maximum number of entries are reached.

While it is great to take part in the event it is a valuable way to raise money for very worthy charities.

This year while trying to make your decision of which charity to chose to raise funds for please consider ActionAid Ireland and to leanr more about them please watch the video below.

ActionAid Ireland work with and support the poorest and most vulnerable people to fight for and gain their rights to food, shelter, work, basic healthcare and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Among them are widows, orphans, the homeless and disabled, people with HIV & AIDS, tribal peoples and religious minorities.

You can check out more about ActionAid Ireland on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Mwah

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL THREE BANGLE SET €68

Crystals & Co. is Ireland’s hottest new online accessory boutique showcasing glamorous crystal embellished costume jewellery and bags suitable for any occasion.

If you haven’t spotted the new website run by Emily MacKeogh & Leah O’Reilly where have you been!?

The site launched with a glitzy party in Lillies Bordello Dublin where Emily & Leah showcased their extensive range of clutch bags, bangles, earrings and other costume jewellery are adorned with glittering Swarovski crystals and rhinestones which guarantee to give a touch of luxury to any outfit.

RHINESTONE TEAR DROP EARRINGS €28

Since the launch Crystals & Co.’s range has been warn by many the celeb including Clelia Murphy, Michelle McGrath and Sheana Keane on the red carpet. The girls have even brought their collection over to London Fashion Week.

All pieces come in an array of luxurious and vibrant colours, so if it’s a delicate feminine bridal piece, or a fun, sparkly piece for debs, ball, or party.

So why not get the girlies around and invite Crystals & Co. to your place for a fun night in. Their offer 10% off all prices for all their VIP party guests and 15% for the organiser.

What are you waiting for? Call and book today on 0879559202 or log on to their website to order from the comfort of your own home, 24/7. All major credit cards and laser cards are accepted.

CLEAR FULL CRYSTAL HEART CLUTCH €190

AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL APPLE RING €30

Mwah

NARS Orgasm Illuminator

I wouldn’t usually publish a blog post without trying the items first but I couldn’t keep this one to myself!

I can happily announce that Brown Thomas Dublin, have NARS Orgasm Illuminator in stock for €29.

A couple hours ago I was a NARS virgin AND NOW I can happily annouce I have multiple orgasms in my collection

NARS Orgasm Blusher

I couldn’t just buy NARS Orgasm Illiuminator without the notorious Orgasm Blusher also €29 now could I!?

I am going to use both for a few weeks before I post a review but watch this space.

Do you guys have NARS in your collection? I am eager to hear of other recommendations so please leave some in the comments.

Mwah

*Apologies for shoddy photos, taken with  iPhone to get online asap*

YSL French Manicure Pens

After a long hard week working in Cannes in October I decided to treat myself to a product I had wanted since it launched but never seemed to have spare cash to buy it!

The YSL French Manicure Pens were Duty Free and 10% off on my Aer Lingus flight so how was a girl to say no!

As a reformed on and off nail biter for me to even have enough nails for a French polish is sometimes too much to ask

To say I was disappointed in the product when I lusted after it for so long is an understatement. The product doesn’t come out of the pens easily, and then when you click to eventually get the polish flowing it wont stop, and spills out & glups everywhere.

Hope you can see the "glupping" & excess polish

I thought to do the the white of a French polish with these pens was going to be easy. Nah!!! Wrong again, even as a fully qualified nail technician I found them hard to manoeuvre and control & the blobbing of the polish of course didn’t help.

I remember starting my nails with nothing under my hands to protect my bedcovers and luckily enough I pulled something out and managed not to ruin them.

After Tidy Up!

I did manage to tidy them up using my acrylic brush and nail polish remover but the hassle & tidy up took up much more time & effort than my usual OPI French nail polish choices.

My advice save your money and invest in OPI instead.

Mwah

I was so thrilled to see the name on the list for Best Beauty / Fashion Blog & Best Personal Blog.  I scrolled through the list of the nominations on my iPhone while in the car (I wasn’t driving) and there were shrieks outta me

I am hoping to make it to Galway for what promises to be a great night if the Irish Web Awards last October  were anything to go by!

Mwah

Authentic Source provides superior quality toiletries and cosmetics that are inspired by outstanding natural ingredients.
With an emphasis on pure ethical skincare and natural organic-based products, our online emporium offers an exclusive range of niche brands including Essential Care, Burt’s Bees, Naturaleve, Sukícolor, Balm Balm and Saijojo.

The website has been launched in response to the growing demand for natural toiletries and cosmetics. According to webstore creator, Karen Kelly, Irish consumers are following worldwide trends by increasingly choosing products by niche manufacturers who favour natural ingredients:

“Irish consumers are now more savvy when it comes to glamorous marketing campaigns and the unrealistic product claims made by some beauty companies. Our market research indicates that there’s an increasing demand for quality natural ingredients and products that are free of parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)”.

“In general, shoppers are now less likely to be coaxed into purchasing celebrity endorsed products simply because they see a slick television ad or an air-brushed picture of a model in a glossy magazine. More and more consumers have begun choosing products based on ethical, health and environmental concerns. We’re progressively becoming resistant to the hype surrounding certain beauty products. Shoppers are becoming more interested in the credentials of the manufacturers they’re buying from rather than falling for hype, clever marketing campaigns and attractive packaging,” she explains.

With a full range of Women’s, Men’s and Mother and Baby skincare, the new online store offers Irish customers a fantastic choice of premium toiletries and cosmetics, many of which are not currently available in Irish retail outlets.

So log on and check it out; AuthenticSource.Com

Mwah

For all you Brides to Be - the place to be this weekend is Brown Thomas.

I just couldn’t let this go unblogged!

Kildare Village has annouced that their Juicy Couture Outlet store is opening on March 22nd 2010.

While I am the proud owner of a Juicy Couture tracksuit, I bought mine in Bloomingdales NYC. The prices in Dublin are astronomical.

I also have two bags from the Juicy collection. Granted I bought mine when not every teenager was hangin’ around Dundrum Town Centre with them. I have a brushed leather one that I still use regularly and a brown & pink daydreamer that I get out every now & then.

I wonder what the prices will be like in Kildare, not long to wait!

Mwah