MY INSPIRATION

I decided to dedicate a post to my favourite bloggers and my inspiration for starting this blog. I won't be going in-depth about their background but giving you a short snippet about what they are about. I want to share with you why I follow them and why I watch their daily vlogs on Snapchat! I'm sure there are some fantastic bloggers I have left out and can't wait to update this post when I find more that catch my eye (I'm always on the look out). The Irish blogging scene has really taken off with strong female role models paving the way. Find out my favourites:

1. Marissa Carter 
Snapchat: CarterMarissa

I decided to start with the GIRL BOSS that is Marissa Carter. For those of you that don't follow Marissa, get following now! She is one of the greatest female role models and entrepreneurs in Ireland. She is a great example of a working mum running her own business, breaking every glass ceiling out there. She has recently conquered the UK, USA and Australia making her Cocoa Brown tanning brand global. But they are just some of the reasons I love Marissa. Mainly I love her because of her open and honest personality. She shares her personal experience of running a business and is an inspiration to anyone who wants to start their own business. On top of her positive energy and genuine spirit, she truly is an expert in all things skin, beauty and cosmetics. She gives advice on a weekly basis through Q&As and regularly carries out tutorials for followers in a range of areas, tan, makeup or hair. She also bakes the most delicious cakes!

2. The Skin Nerd 
Snapchat: theskinnerd

Next up - the most knowledgable blogger I follow on all things skin related. She has a wealth of experience in this area. She does a Q&A every Sunday answering all the questions from that week. It is part of my weekly routine! They may not be directly related to you but can be helpful in all areas. She discusses the implications of diet and exercise on your skin and offers alternatives and advice. She is friendly, open and funny and as a hobby gives facials to all our favourite bloggers - she even vlogs them. If you're interested in skin or want to learn more about it - this is your girl!

3. Tara O'Farrell
Snapchat & Instagram: tara_makeup

Tara is first and foremost an amazing makeup artist based in Dublin  but is also a model, gym bunny, blogger and most recently a wife. She is a beauty expert and can offer tips on almost anything. My favourite quality about Tara is her down to earth personality. She is honest and funny and is not afraid to show her true self. Her Q&A's are always thought-provoking and usually hilarious. She recently got married and was the most beautiful bride! 

4. Ellen Kavanagh-Jones (Waxperts) 
Snapchat & Instagram: waxpertsellen

Ellen is the founder and owner of awarding winning Dublin based waxing brand and salon WAXPERTS. This woman has transformed the Irish waxing industry with her no double dipping policy. She is motivating and uplifting as she shows you both her work life and her home life. She is mother to her beautiful boy Cooper who could brighten anyone's day (he really is the cutest child I've ever seen). She is definitely worth a follow as she fills you in on her beauty buys, travels and life as a working mother and entrepreneur. 

5. Louise McDonnell (LMD)
Snapchat: OfficialLMD
Instagram: lmdmakeup

I love Louise on Snapchat!! Louise and her sisters are hilarious, she documents her daily life in her two salons, Magherafelt and Portglenone and at home. She regularly gets in front of the camera to complete makeup looks and tutorials showing you her favourite tricks and products. Louise is so down to earth and absolutely hilarious, she even vlogged her boyfriend doing her makeup! Her makeup style has become known as being LMD'd, it really is one of a kind - that glow! Look out for Louise on Facebook - her business acumen is brilliant. 

6. Faces By Grace 
Snapchat & Instagram: facesbygrace23

Grace was one of the first bloggers I followed and the first I really felt I got to know (I even met her one day in Inglot in Dundrum). Grace is the most honest blogger I have encountered, she vlogs her whole day - the good and the bad. I love this about Grace as she has opened up about mental health awareness and her own struggles. Grace is also a trained makeup artist and regularly updates you on her latest beauty finds. Grace is most like a lifestyle blogger to me as I feel I know her family - her mum, mags and kips! Grace seems like a friend on FaceTime through Snapchat - almost like someone I already knew.

7. Pippa O'Connor
Snapchat: pippa.oconnor
Instagram: pipsy_pie

Pippa the powerhouse O'Connor - this woman has built a brand. Pippa is an amazing blogger, mum and business woman. Her blogging really appears effortless and is so natural to her. Pippa is the ultimate fashionista - I follow her for all things fashion related. She is as big a ZARA fan as myself. She keeps me right on all things beauty and documents her life as a working mum and wife. She truly is brilliant with her work on the Fashion Factories. I love keeping up to date with Pippa's life as she lets you in on her everyday routine. 

8. So Sue Me
Snapchat & Instagram: SoSueMe_ie

So Sue Me was the first blogger I ever followed. Why have I not mentioned her sooner? I assume everyone reading this already follows the woman that transformed the Irish blogging industry. So Sue Me is not just a blog but an empire. So Sue Me began as a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog but has become a brand that discusses everything from travel, weddings to news stories. So Sue Me has a range of products - the lashes, contour kit, nail polishes and remover with more in the pipe line. So Sue Me has captured the attention of so many Irish woman with her infectious personality and winning smile. She is effortlessly stylish and shares her life, experiences and tips through all platforms of social media. 

9. Retro Flame (Erika Fox)
Snapchat: retroflame1
Instagram: retroflame 

Erika Fox is the ultimate city girl - she is an Irish blogger currently living in NYC. I love watching Erika's daily snapchats of NYC and most of all her outfit posts. This girl knows the importance of monochrome. She puts the most beautiful pieces together and is a genius at interior design. She is an ambitious, hardworking and driven young woman who inspires others. I feel myself motivated after watching her snapchats due to her hard work ethic. Erika completes youtube videos on her experiences and gives a realistic insight into a young girl living out her dream in the big apple. 

10. The Dublin Makeup Academy (Kim O'Sullivan)
Snapchat & Instagram: thedublinmakeupacademy

Kim O'Sullivan is the master of eyebrow embroidery. I first found Kim when searching for a specialist in this area, she exceeded all of my expectations. Kim shares her experience as both a top eyebrow specialist in Dublin and as a leading makeup artist. She shares her favourite products and her life at the salon which she owns in Dublin's city centre.

11. Terrie McEvoy
Snapchat: tmcevoy24
Instagram: terriemcevoy

This girl is all the goals and on top of that she is one of the funniest bloggers about. Terrie is an Irish blogger AND nurse from Dublin who has recently moved to Sydney Australia. Terrie has recently started a Youtube channel on everything from makeup to hair. She is so talented at makeup hair and hair styling and offers all her tips. She also is the perfect fit for someone thinking of moving to Australia or pursuing a career in nursing because she regularly does Q&A's on these topics. She is an ambassador for her nursing agency in Australia and so gives helpful advice on the ins and outs of her profession out there. Most of all I follow Terrie for her travel adventures, she has been EVERYWHERE. She can tell you about almost everything about everywhere - she is a very experienced traveller. 

12. Lauren Arthurs 
Snapchat: laurenarthurs
Instagram: lovelauren_eu

Lauren is a photography genius! She captures the best shots. Lauren has such an eye for fashion, she picks up the best pieces and regularly shares them through snapchat. She has recently began travelling more than ever since making her move to Dublin - which I love to see. Her instagram is perfect -every picture is just so instagram worthy!! 

13. The Makeup Fairy (Joanne Larby)
Snapchat & Instagram: makeupfairypro

For all the gym bunnies out there - this is your gal. Joanne is a dedicated fitness junkie and business woman. This woman means business. She is hardworking and motivated in her field. She regularly does Q&A's on everything from skincare to being your own boss. This girl really is a GIRL BOSS. She is a reliable and committed blogger who updates her content daily. 

14. Mrs Makeup ie (Michelle Regazzoli Stone)
Snapchat & Instagram: mrsmakeup_ie

Mrs Makeup is a makeup artist to the stars. Her most famous makeup has to be Rosanna Davison's bridal makeup. She is such a talented artist who paints the faces of the biggest names in Ireland. What I like most about Michelle is her passion. She is so enthusiastic about makeup and her favourite products. She regularly shares her purchases - clothes, makeup and shoes and lets you in on her life at home with her two boys. In addition to this she is just so funny, she makes me laugh daily with her vlogs on Snapchat. 

15. Rosie Connolly
Snapchat & Instagram: rosieconxxx

Rosie was also one of the first bloggers I followed, she started out in the game early on. She became instagram famous through sharing her pregnancy wardrobe. As a personal shopper in Arnotts Rosie had a brilliant platform to begin her blogging career and great experience in all things fashion. She is also a professional makeup artist and I love the day-time looks she creates. Her beautiful boy Harry also features regularly on her snapchat and she offers great advice for mums on how she manages her career and motherhood. Rosie is recently engaged and will be getting married very soon. She will be the most stunning bride so stay tuned. 

More of my favourites 

1. Toni Kelly - t.kells 

2. Colour Me Bootiful 

3. Caris Closet 

4. Melissa Gormley - Prim & Penny 

5. Nikita's Hair Extensions 

MY DAILY BEAUTY REGIME (FACE - Luxurious Edit)

This is the next segment in my 'My Daily Beauty Regime' series. This time I will be focusing on the products I use on my face, beginning with foundation. Now that your base is complete, it is time to accentuate what's already there. 

Step one: Foundation 

It is so important to find a foundation that suits your skin type. I have tried many over the years, making mistakes but also finding gems. I definitely believe trying a foundation at home is essential before purchasing. Ask for a tester at the counter because picking a foundation and colour on impulse is a disaster, an expensive one at that! I'm going to link my favourites below (here) but be warned sometimes to achieve the perfect colour or consistency I mix them! 

Georgio Armani Luminous Silk £37.00 (here)

I got this foundation for myself, my sister and my mum and we all had different opinions. I personally loved this foundation because of it's lightweight texture and buildable coverage. My sister really liked the foundation but did not re-purchase because she felt the coverage was too light and used a lot of product. My mum loved the foundation for similar reasons to my own and felt that it blended in with her skin texture and did not irritate her sensitive skin. The main problem with this product is the price - this is definitely a luxurious product and not something I would use everyday! I try to keep this foundation for special occasions. I do agree with my sister that when I use it for a night out I use quite a bit of product to achieve a flawless base. The colour we all went for was 6.5 which was the perfect shade. It is an olive colour and beautiful with a bronzed base. There are 21 stunning colours, so I'm sure you could find the right one for you! 

Still Stay All Day Foundation £29.50 (here)

This foundation is FAB! It gives a full coverage base and a flawless finish. This foundation is still lightweight but has a stickier finish. I love this foundation when I'm not wearing tan because the Shade Buff is the perfect colour. It could also be worn with tan when bronzed up by powders and contour. 

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation £29.00 (here)

I heard so much about this foundation before I gave it a try. This foundation is fantastic for photographs and TV with it's Ultra HD Finish. It comes in over 40 shades which is great for people who find it difficult to find the perfect one. It provides a medium coverage which is buildable to achieve a flawless base. It is light weight in texture and feels similar to the Luminous Silk Foundation. It is a cheaper alternative but still expensive at £29.00. 

MAC Pro Longwear Conceal - NC25 £18.00 (here)

I have been using this concealer for over 4 months now and it is now one of my essentials. A little goes a very long way with this product. It is a very fluid concealer and perfect for under your eyes because it is lightweight and you can match the colour perfectly to your foundation. It is very long-wearing, I never need to top up during the day. It is water-resistant and ideal for someone who can't touch up or will be busy all day. I think this product will last for a very long time as I use half a pump everyday, applying it over my nose, under my eyes, on my chin and forehead. 

Make Up Studio Face It Foundation Cream - Yellow 

I use this product mainly for contouring, applying it on my nose forehead, and chin. It is a lightweight cream and lasts for ages. I have had this product for over 6 months and it is only touching pan. This product is creamy and blends beautifully over foundation. I buy this product at Paddy McGurgan's Shop in Derry/Belfast. 

Make Up Studio Face It Foundation Cream - Oriental (here)

Similar to the concealer above, this is a creamy product which is a dream to blend. I use this to contour applying it in a three motion, on my forehead, my cheekbones and my jaw line. This can also be bought in a contour set. I buy this product at Paddy McGurgan's Shop in Derry/Belfast. 

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder £29 (here)

I believe this is key to any flawless base. It is silky, lightweight and a dream over any foundation. It's sheer composition doesn't settle in fine lines and doesn't feel powdery or harsh on your skin. It really is a beautiful translucent powder but on the pricey side again but perfect if you want to splash out. I get a product like this at Christmas! 

MAC Mineralise Skin Finish - Medium Golden £24 (here)

Why two powders? Well the reason I love this powder from MAC is because it adds coverage to your foundation. This colour is perfect over my foundation and if it was MAC that would be NC35. It blends beautifully over foundation and I would use this product when I am looking for a natural contour or all over the face for a flawless coverage. 

Kat Von D Shade Light Palette (here)

This palette was a gift from my sister who has just recently returned from her honeymoon in Las Vegas. She knows how much of a makeup addict I am and how annoying I find it when we can't buy american products here or the ridiculous postage/customs charge. This palette was on my list because of it's versatility. I use it for contouring, to set my eyelids, to set under my eye and eye shadows. There is so much pigment from every colour. It blends beautiful and doesn't go cakey or choppy over foundation or other powders. 

MAC Bronzer Give Me Sun £24 (here)

I love this product for similar reasons to Medium Golden above. The main selling point of this product for me is the COLOUR - it is the most beautiful bronzer colour I have seen yet. I have tried Hoola which is so popular but this stands out to me by a mile. It can be used to create a natural glow or a really bronzed finish. I just love it, I couldn't recommend it more!

MAC Blusher Peaches/Melba/Sunbasque (here)

There is definitely a pattern with the peach toned blushers here - the above colours are my go-to colours everyday for blusher. I have had some of these blushers for over two years and there is so no sign of any of them hitting pan. They are beautiful wearable colours that won't leave you looking like a clown. I think peaches  and melba can be paired with any look. Sunbasque is ideal for a summer glow with it's shimmery pigment.

Becca X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop (here)

I am OBSESSED with highlighters - I just love finding one better than the last. This highlighter is my favourite so far... This is a collaboration with one of my favourite youtubers Jaclyn Hill (her videos are so professional and really worth watching). This is the most pigmented highlighter, you are positively GLOWING when you apply this (I always use a fan brush). 

Mary Loumanizer by the Balm (here)

I was so loyal to this highlighter until I found Champagne Pop but  I still use it regularly because I love this colour in the corner of my eye. The Balm products are amazing quality and I can't wait to talk to you about some of their stunning palettes. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown (here)

I couldn't live without this product now, I use the shade Dark Brown which is the perfect colour for medium-dark brown hair. I use this everyday. I think the pot will last me ages as I've been using it for months and I've only dented the pomade. It blends into the brow so naturally and I only have to use the smallest amount for an effective, defined brow. 

Sleek Makeup Brow Kit Dark (here)

This is a great cheaper alternative. 

MAC Fix Plus Spray £17.50  (here)

This is perfect for someone who travels a lot. I will really reap the benefits of this product in NYC. It is instantly hydrating and refreshing. This is great when you've been wearing your makeup all day and want it to look fresh for an evening event. I even spray this on my face before I apply my makeup. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray £22  (here) 

This is similar in that it is a water based product but very different in it's function. This product is to be applied after your makeup to ensure your makeup stays on all day. It does this by lowering the temperature of your makeup to keep your foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place in all weather conditions. I have had really good results using this product, it never leaves my skin feeling dry but actually feels hydrating on the skin. 

Extra Product!! I got a lot of responses to the ACNE OUT lotion I posted in my skin post so decided to fill you in on what I use in conjunction with it. 

Kiehls Blue Herbal Moisturiser £26.50 (here)

I use this product nearly all the time normally applying it at night or when my skin is particularly bad. This moisturiser is oil free but the key ingredient is Salicylic Acid which reduces the appearance of blemishes and pores (I hear Marissa Carter and The Skin Nerd rave about this ingredient). It really does leave the skin more even and prevents new blemishes. It is a really mattifying cream which is perfect for anyone with really oily skin. This product gives quite quick results and I've gone back time and again to re-purchase. 

MY DAILY BEAUTY REGIME (SKIN)

I am always interested in what go-to products people use everyday. They are the foundation to any makeup kit and are those we use consistently and regularly replace. For me, I have the most faith in these products, they are not a selling ploy or something used once for one night only. They are what I call my i-can't-live-without products which I use everyday. Because I have so many products I want to share with you, I have decided to break it into three separate posts. 

Estee Lauder DayWear Moisturiser (Advanced Multi Protection Anti Oxidant Creme) £42

http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/product/688/13158/Product-Catalog/Skincare/By-Category/Moisturisers/DayWear/Advanced-Multi-Protection-Anti-Oxidant-Creme-SPF-15

First up, after I wash and cleanse my face I apply Estee Lauder DayWear Moisturiser (Advanced Multi Protection Anti Oxidant Creme). This moisturiser is designed for dry/combination skin and contains SPF 15. The reason I love this moisturiser is it's light weight texture, yet, my skin still feels healthy and hydrated. Another reason I continue to buy this product is it's anti-ageing shielding technology, yes I may seem young but as my sister continually reminds me - you're never too young to start moisturising properly. If you're not looking for something too rich, this is perfect. I always look out for the Estee Lauder gift sets (you can save a lot)! The NightWear Plus cream (here) and also the Advanced Night Repair Eye Balm(here)are brilliant and if you can splash out I would highly recommend both. 

Lancaster Self Tanning Ultra Natural Bronze €12

I always remember to re-purchase this product when I'm on holidays, it lasts me for the full twelve months! This is perfect for people looking for glowing bronzed skin for days. When applying tan I have to resist the urge to just wipe the mitt over my face aswell. But over the years I have learned that tan is just too strong for my sensitive skin. This on the other hand works well with sensitive skin like mine, it is light in texture and does not dry out your skin but hydrates it. You only need a small amount to achieve a glowing bronzed look and could even use this product to try out the tantouring craze, defining your cheek bones. This product provides a natural and gradual tan for the face. 

Nivea Men Post Shave Balm £3.50

http://www.boots.com/en/NIVEA-MEN-Sensitive-Post-Shave-Balm-100ml_1343/

The next product has hit the beauty world recently after it was spotted in Kylie Jenner's makeup kit. I use this product after my moisturiser as a primer. To those of you who are shocked by a men's shave balm as a primer, my trick is to use it sparingly applying it evenly all over my face. However, I have to say I try to  use this product only when I need longevity, when I want my makeup to stick and stay all day. I would not recommend this product for people who suffer from dry skin as it is designed for oily skin. It has a very light and runny consistency because of the thin formula. It works well for me but I recognise that not everyone has the same results. One of the best parts about this product is it's price tag which does vary but normally retails for in and around £3.50. 

MAC Prep and Prime Natural Radiance £29.50

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13825/22076/Products/Skincare/Primers/Prep-Prime-Natural-Radiance?cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-ShoppingFeed-_-Skincare-_-Primers&gclid=CjwKEAjwrcC9BRC2v5rjyvSbhWASJACKkjDzEdVC7_ZzTvN8Ku-vnyFhCwi10Q9oK1XBYCgxe-V-DxoCHRjw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

For those with a bigger budget, my primer of choice is the MAC Prep and Prime Natural Radiance. I love the consistency of this hydrating, smoothing and oil-controlling product. It leaves the perfect base to achieve a flawless foundation. It could be used as both an illuminator and a primer as it has radiant finish. This product is expensive at £29.50 however, a little bit goes a long way. 

Makeup Atelier Paris Iridescent Highlighter FLV2 £22.50

http://www.makeupatelierparis.co.uk/iridescent-highlighter-p-4968.html

The next product I reach for is an illuminator. I am a highlighter junkie and so naturally, I absolutely adore illuminators. I use the iridescent highlighter by Makeup Atelier Paris in the shade FLV2 which can be identified as medium in the colour chart. The pigment of this liquid highlighter is unbelievable and so must be applied in small doses for the faint hearted. This product blends like a dream and gives a glow unmatched by another illuminator. It also offers coverage under your foundation and can be applied over or under foundation depending on the look you are trying to achieve. I absolutely love this product and cannot wait to try out the other shades, FLV1 Clear and FLV3 Gilded.

Similar product: MAC Strobe Cream £24.50 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13824/364/Products/Skincare/Moisturizers/Strobe-Cream

I would recommend this product for those looking for a natural glow, almost a glow from within. This works well for people with dry/combination skin. It both hydrates and illuminates. I found that this instantly brightened the look of my skin whilst not making it look greasy. I noticed that when applying this cream on it's own that it left my skin feeling hydrated for a long period of time. To achieve a natural bronzed glow, I mix this with my foundation. 

Cocoa Brown Golden Goddess Oil £9.99

http://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Fake-Tan-&-Bronzing/Self-Tan/Cocoa-Brown-Golden-Goddess-Oil-Shimmering-Dry-Body-Oil/p/328208

Anyone who I've talked to about makeup has probably heard me RAVE about this product. I am probably one of the biggest Golden Goddess fans out there. I am constantly in awe of the founder of Cocoa Brown, Marissa Carter she truly is the ultimate girl boss. She has transformed the Irish beauty industry creating products of a superb quality at an affordable price. This product is no different and is unrivalled when it comes to a highly pigmented dry oil. I am amazed by the pigment of this dry oil. It is a dream to put on and genuinely makes a difference to any makeup look. If it's good enough for the Kardashians, it's good enough for me. I lather this all over my legs, the top of my arms, neck collar bones and shoulders. It is absolutely stunning and is so wearable. It could take a daytime look to night time very quick but can also be utilised for a natural glow. I can't wait to experiment with the BRAND NEW limited to Primark Rose Gold Goddess.

WARNING 

This product will NOT be for everyone. However, if you like me suffered from bad skin at a period or occasionally get break outs, this is perfect. OR if you currently suffer from acne or breakouts this will definitely interest you. It is a fantastic product in my opinion. 

Acne Out Active Lotion £7.97

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acne-Out-Active-lotion-60ml/dp/B004OOMVGE/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1471203567&sr=1-2&keywords=biotrade+acne+out

I first heard of this product on Faces By Grace's snapchat and didn't hesitate to purchase when I saw the results. I have tried everything on the market, both from the doctor and over the counter and this product definitely get results. I am not saying it is a complete fix but it is a quick fix. From my experience, if you get a spot and apply this lotion, it will be visibly reduced if not gone hours later. It is an inexpensive product in comparison to other skincare products of this nature and is definitely worth a try!