REVIEW : Skinetica Anti-Blemish Super Toner Makeup Base All In One

Hi everyone. So today I'm reviewing the Anti-Blemish Super Toner Makeup Base All In One from Skinetica that was sent to me to try out a few weeks ago. Skinetica is a UK based company offering their customers skincare products to battle acne and blemishes. This product retails for £9.95/€11.53 and can be purchased online here. 

 

So this product helps to heal and fight acne with visible results in just 2-3 days while also removing blackheads and other impurities from the skin that other toners may leave behind. It also improves the skins quality making your foundation look better and stay on longer throughout the day. 

As I struggle with my skin I was really excited to give this a go. On the first use the scent of this product reminded me of fairy liquid but it felt really nice on the skin and my whole face felt so refreshed. I was concerned about using it as this toner contains alcohol and pervious alcohol containing toners dried out my skin in places, however this toner was really gentle on my skin. My skin never felt dried out or irritated at all which I loved. After a few days of using this product I noticed my blemishes were certainly clearing up which obviously I was thrilled about. My makeup was looking so much better on my skin however I didn't notice my makeup lasting longer. As the days went on although this product was helping heal by breakouts it didn't stop my skin from creating new ones. This product did work, I don't think using it alone is enough to curve problematic skin especially if blemishes are a thing you constantly suffer with. 

As you can see from the above picture (before using the product) I had quite big painful spots with a lot of redness. Below are the pictures of my skin after using the product for a certain amount of time. You can clearly see that after 3 days of use my skin is a lot less red and the breakouts have healed somewhat, however a week after use my skin has started to break out again but the redness has stayed away.

  

 

I hope you enjoyed this review, again thank you to Skinetica for kindly sending me this to try, I have given my honest review on this product so hopefully it helps you out. If you have any questions regarding this product please drop me a comment I'd love to hear from you, also to make my day even better hit that follow button to keep up to date with my posts! 

Thanks for reading, 

Catherine X 

FIRST IMPRESSION/REVIEW : Essence Camouflage 2in1 Makeup & concealer

Welcome back. 

 

So today I'm reviewing the newest product to the Essence range, it's their Camouflage 2in1 Makeup & Concealer Foundation. This foundation promises to provide a long lasting high coverage matte finish to the skin with no mask effect. The foundation comes in a handy 30ml squeeze tube for easy application. I picked up this foundation from my local pharmacy, McNallys for €4.80* but it can also be bought in most other pharmacies and Penneys stores nationwide. 

So I started as I always do by priming my face with the Catrice Pore Refining Primer. On the back of this tube it suggests to apply the foundation with a makeup sponge, so I'm using my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge to see how it goes. So first off the consistency is thick but creamy. It blended out perfectly into my skin and the colour matched my pale complexion perfectly, I got this in the shade 10 ivory beige. I was a little disappointed that I had to use so much product however to get a good coverage, some of my bigger breakouts were still visible but in fairness they're practically the size of my head. The rest of my makeup blended really well on top on the foundation. 

So I had applied this foundation at 11am and wore it until 11pm that night. I was really surprised at how well this foundation lasted over the 12 hours. It had settled into my frown line between my brows, melted off my nose a little were I had been rubbing it, it did slightly cling to dry areas and spots and my oil had come threw but like for 12 hours I am impressed! I didn't touch up my powder at all during the day so a little touch up of powder and concealer and I would of been fit to keep going! For such a good price this little foundation is incredible. Granted it didn't look as good as some of my more expensive ones but it would be perfect for everyday wear. As I struggle to find a foundation that matches my paper coloured skin *yes I'm giving tanning a wee break* properly I have to stay I'm amazed such a cheap brand has a foundation this light. 

 

I would definitely give this foundation a 4/5, taking marks off for the fact I was expecting the coverage to be a tad bit better. All in all this is a great beauty bargain, definitely go out and get it! 

Let me know if you've tried it and what your thoughts on it are! Also please follow my blog to keep up to date with my posts and if that's not enough you can get me on Twitter, here. 

Talk to you soon x 

Catherine 

*price at time of blog posted 

My Eyebrow Tattoo Experience UPDATE

Hi lovelies! 

 

Today I'm writing an update on my tattooed eyebrows to let you know how I've been getting on with them. I got them done two weeks ago yesterday with Olena in Dublin, click the link HERE to view her website and get more information about eyebrow tattooing or other cosmetic procedures by Olena. I'm still so in love with how they're looking and can't get over how easy they make my life, doing my makeup only takes a few minutes every day instead of the dreaded hour or two! I'm delighted I finally took the leap to getting them done. 

 

So the first thing I encountered after getting them tattooed and the only side effect I had from the process was the tension like headache I had for 2 and a half days after the procedure, it was annoying and made me feel so tired and like crap but once it subsided I was back to myself with fabulous eyebrows. 

About a week after getting them done they started to flake, which is totally normal of course, they basically do exactly what a regular tattoo does. So at the moment they look slightly patchy and not the prettiest so I can't wait for this process to be over. My left eyebrow is definitely healing a lot better than my right one, it's not as patchy in places. I do have a top up on the 30th of this month, which you need to book once you get any cosmetic tattoo procedure done, so I'll get any areas that have healed faded or patchy touched up. The colour we went for (Walnut) is such a lovely cool toned blonde/brown shade, I haven't made my mind up yet whether I'll get them darker when I go back, but I'll know for sure when all the scabs are off. 

So that's my little update for any of you that were wondering how they've healed, it's good to know for anyone thinking of booking an appointment I guess. If you'd like to read my post on what happened the day of the procedure, you can do so by following the link HERE  Hope this post answers any questions you might have, but if not drop me a comment and I'll get back to you. 

Don't forget to FOLLOW my blog to get notified on new posts. 

Thanks for reading X 

Catherine 

25 Questions to Get To Know Me

Hi lovelies! Seen as I'm celebrating my month bloggerversary I thought I'd do a Get To Know Me post! Hope you enjoy and if there's a little question on your mind that you're curious about drop me a comment! 

 

What's your middle name? Yes, my middle name is Elizabeth. I have my grannies and my great grandmothers names. 

What was your favourite subject in school? It would definitely of been Art. I felt it was the only thing I was good at and really enjoyed doing! 

What is your favourite drink? I drink a ridiculous amount of black tea! 

What is your favourite song at the moment? I'm loving Ariana Grande and pretty much any song she comes out with lately, Side To Side is amazing. I'm also loving Littlemix Shoutout To My Ex. 

What is your favourite food? I'm such a foodie that there's not much I don't like. Obviously I love anything that I shouldn't be eating much of, such as pizza and Chinese food. 

What is the last thing you bought? The very last thing I bought was probably the chicken fried rice and chips I had Wednesday... see foodie here!! Before that I bought a roll on deodorant. Exciting I know!

Favourite book of all time? This will sound awful but I haven't picked up a proper book in years, I use to read all the time when I was younger, so please leave suggestions in the comments for a good book. 

Favourite Colour? I'm very much a monochrome kinda girl. I love plain colours probably too much! 

Do you have any pets? As I live in the country we have any amount! My little baby is my cat, Pixie! I'm very much more of a cat person though I do like dogs. 

Favourite perfume? Would have to be Cerruttii 1881 ( hope that's spelt right)

Favourite holiday? Well I've only been out of the country twice on holiday so far, but been in Canada back in May was such an incredible experience and the people are the nicest I've ever met. 

Are you married? Nope I'm far too young for that just yet! Someday though I hope.

Have you been out of the country? If so how many times? I'm been out of the country twice, first time I was 13 and it was a school trip to Paris. The second time was back in May of this year, I was in Toronto. Definitely hoping to get to Amsterdam next year. 

Do you speak any other languages? I was able to speak a little of French when I was in school but I've forgotten most of it. I was always hopeless at Irish.

How many siblings do you have? I have two older brothers and two younger sisters. I'm the middle baby. 

What is your favourite shop? I have 3! I love Penneys (obviously) and River Island for clothes shopping and I love Sam McCauleys for beauty related stuff, they always have great deals and a brilliant selection. 

Favourite Restaurant? Unfortunately I don't really go out for food very often as I always find it easier to order a takeaway but I do love the Lisdoo Restaurant in Dundalk, they do incredible food. 

When was the last time you cried? Probably last week, I always let things pile up on me and then combust. 

Favourite Blog? Well I'm still getting to grips with working blogspot and finding new blogs to follow so I don't have a favourite yet. 

Favourite movie? I literally live for movies, anything remotely scary. I do love an older kinda film that I actually can't get on DVD *cry* it's called the The Silver Stallion with Russell Crowe it's my all time favourite movie!

Favourite tv shows? My boyfriend has me into watching all sorts, Breaking Bad, Narcos! My personal fav's would be Friends and Supernatural! Who doesn't love drooling over Sam & Dean hunting all sorts? 

PC or MAC? Probably PC, I find them so much easier to do stuff on. 

What phone do you have? I currently have an iPhone 5. 

How tall are you? I'm 5ft 5.

Can you cook? I'm not the best cook, but I do try sometimes! Cooking isn't something that excites me. 

Hope you enjoyed getting to know me! Make sure to follow/subscribe and I'll do the same back! Chat soon X 

Catherine 

Night Out Outfit Inspiration

Hello guys.

So with 'THAT' time of year fast approaching *i won't lie I'm excited* there's nothing better than adding some new 'going out' clothing to the wardrobe. So I've made a little post on some gorgeous affordable clothing that'll have you getting a snog under the mistletoe for sure. Plus I've my eye on half the stuff here. Enjoy!

Over-sized Waterfall Coat

Personal I think a good dressy coat is an essential clothing item for Christmas, there are so many occasions and party's that the majority of us will attend and what better way to beat the chilly cold nights than with this gorgeous stylish piece. I have my eye on this coat coming in from Missguided for just €49.99. I love this coat as its long enough to keep the bare legs warm while we're dashing to the taxi or the pub. Its also a coat that comes back time and time again each year. This coat comes in 8 different colours and can be shopped by following the link to it here.

Leather Look Biker Jacket

Leather jackets are another clothing piece I just love around this time of year. They come back every year and are such a versatile piece. For me, a good leather jacket dresses up the simplest of outfits, whether it be a simple T and black jeans or a cute dress or playsuit. This one I found on the ASOS site, it comes from New Look at an incredible €39.99. The zip and quilted detailed really caught my eye and make it stand out among the rest. I love this style of jacket also as its slightly longer in body than some other leather jackets, which I find irritates me as they always stick out *if you've had a short leather jacket you'll know what I mean*. This jacket can be purchased by following the link here.

Nima Wine Silky Wrap Front Belted Playsuit

I am looooving this playsuit and planning on buying it myself soon. The colour first of all is gorgeous, it does come in a black aswell for those of you that may prefer that. This playsuit comes from Vavavoom, which offer next day delivery at an amazing price of €1.99 if ordered before 8.30pm. so you've no excuse to use the ' I have nothing to wear' line! This playsuit ticks the latest trend of wearing what looks like bed clothes out in public, the silk look of this paysuit has me dreaming. You can purchase this playsuit for an amazing €29.99 by following the link here.

Rave Red Frill Halterneck Dress

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a seasonal red dress. This one is coming again from Vavavoom and is just so simple but elegant and sexy. This figure hugging dress is gorgeous with its frill detail meaning a great statement pair of earrings is all you really need. This dress comes in a black and white also and is priced at €24.99. I feel this dress would be amazing for a Christmas wedding, staff party or even for a New Years eve meal. Shop this dress here.

Pleated Strappy Back Culotte Jumpsuit

 This jumpsuit screams Christmas. It is a nude/silver/metallic jumpsuit that is pretty simple with a strappy back detail. This is the kind of thing I'd be found in for New Years eve. I just love it and sure if you can't go all out with glitter and metallic for Christmas then when can you??. This jumpsuit comes in from Missguided at €49.00. Jumpsuits are a really cool and comfy alternative to a typical dress for a night out or occasion, I've been loving them myself recently as I feel more dressed up than I would if I was wearing jeans and a top yet its one piece of clothing which makes it effortless. You can shop this yourself by clicking the link here.

Avani Suit 

Im not sure how many ladies would go for a suit but I think ther're sexy, elegant and different. I've been meaning to buy one for such a long time. This suit comes in from Pretty Little Thing in 6 colours priced at €35.00 for the trousers and €49.00 for the jacket. Again this outfit is something different. I would personally wear it as the model has, with just loads of body chains, or you could pair it with a bralet top for extra coverage. This is a suit that can be worn all together or mix and match with other trousers and jackets. I just love it. Purchase this yourself by clicking the link to it here.

Rose Gold Strappy Heels

I had to add these gorgeous strappy heels from Korkys to this blog post when I seen them. How cute and incredible would they look with a plain red or black dress? Especially if you didn't want to go overboard with anything glittery or shiny this festive season. They are available in size 3 to size 8 and priced at €34.99. Follow the link here to purchase. 

Bodysuits

Bodysuits are also a cool way to add a touch of sparkle to an outfit, plus they can be worn with anything, shorts, trousers or skirts! I love bodysuits as you never have to keep pulling them down like you would a normal top. I've picked out just a two of my favourites from Pretty Little Thing, and yes the're all sparkly and sexy!  You can shop these bodysuits and more by clicking the link here.

                                                                               

 Clutch Bags

So if you're planning on revamping an old dress, the best way to do so that's in-expensive is with accessories, especially clutch bags. Clutch bags go with everything and my favourite accessory for a night out. I picked out this one coming from River Island, which will go with so many different looks. RI is the king of winter and Christmas for me, they're never mean with the glitz and glitter. This bag is priced at €33.00 and is just one of many gorgeous bags that RI do. Shop this bag here.

Jenna High Neck Cropped Leg Jumpsuit

Again jumpsuits are such an easy night out outfit. This jumpsuit is a really easy piece, that can be dressed up with some gold jewelry and a killer pair of heels. I love the khaki colour of this jumpsuit too, its still Christmasy, if that's what you want, but also different. if you don't like the khaki green you can also get this in black or ivory for €20.00, which is a bargain!

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So there's all my outfit inspiration for the festive season. I now want to buy everything as usual! Let me know if you enjoyed this post by leaving me a comment and even hitting the follow button, it'd truly make my day. have a great one and i'll talk to you soon!X

Catherine

REVIEW : Rimmel Sunshimmer Self Tanning Mousse

Hi guys! So today I'm reviewing the Rimmel Sunshimmer Self Tanning Mousse, which you may know if you follow me on my Twitter @blushingblonde_. The reason I purchased this tan is because it is loved by Xposes' Glenda Gilson, and let's face it her tan always looks on point. I purchased this from my nearest Penneys store for just €6.50* and in the dark shade. As far as I know it is available in a light and medium too. 

 

So after preparing my body the night before as I always do, I began to apply this mousse tan starting with my legs, the first thing I noticed is the scent of this tan, even though it is marketed as an unscented tan, it actually smelt quite nice. It reminded me of the Impulse Musk bodyspray my mother used religiously for years. However as all fake tans, I did wake up the following morning stinking of fake tan!

The tan applied really easily and looked pretty flawless everywhere. It takes this tan about 20-30 minutes to fully dry which isn't as long as some tans but also not the quickest. The following morning I had a gorgeous dark colour that was so seamless buuut stained smelly sheets, yuck!! Of course I lost quite a bit of that colour once I hit the shower, which is a bit of a pain. The colour I had been left with was still beautiful but I felt, for me anyway, that it wasn't really a 'dark' tan, so I'm glad I didn't opt for the medium shade. However as cheaper tans go this is a pretty good one. 

 

I hope you enjoyed my review on this tan and that it answered some questions you may of had, my advice is to definitely try it. I'll come back in a few days and leave an update in the comment section on how it wore so if you've any questions in the mean time please leave them down below for me. Don't forget if you liked this review or found it helpful to give my blog a follow! I'd really appreciate it. 

Talk to you soon X 

Catherine 

*price at time of review published

REVIEW : Oral B 3D White Brilliance

Hi guys. So today I'm reviewing something a little different, it's the Oral B 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste. This toothpaste promises to remove up to 80% of surface stains in just 2 weeks, leaving teeth visibly whiter on the front, back and visible surfaces between teeth while been safe for the tooth enamel. I purchased this toothpaste in my local pharmacy, McNallys for just €3.40*.

 

So over the past 2 weeks I've been using this toothpaste morning and night. The first thing I noticed about this product was how clean and fresh my whole mouth felt from using this, however the more I used this toothpaste the less I experienced this clean feeling, I guess my mouth and me got use to it. 

As I drink black tea like a fish drinks water, I had a lot of dark tea stains on the back of my lower front teeth, along with some slight staining on the front of my bottom teeth. Over the course of the 2 weeks I tested this out I was pretty impressed by how much of the stains were removed and reduced. I still have some stains on the backs and front of my teeth but this toothpaste has definitely shifted some of the staining. 

To be honest I haven't noticed a massive difference in the overall whiteness of my teeth, they might be a shade whiter but not enough for me or anyone else to notice. 

This toothpaste is certainly on the cheaper end of the scale when it comes to whitening toothpaste. If you're looking for a way to reduce staining on your teeth then this is perfect for you, I will definitely keep using it until I finish the tube but will more than likely try another type of toothpaste for better results. 

If you have any teeth whitening toothpastes or other products to recommend, please drop me a comment or tweet me at my blogs twitter, my twitter handle is blushingblonde_ , hope you enjoyed my review! 

Talk to you all soon X 

Catherine 

*price at time of blog posted