Spa Shower

How to make the more of your daily shower!

Showers are just a daily routine but here are just a few tips to get 

the most out of your shower.

1. Face First - Steam from the shower can do wonders for the skin, so make sure the steam is working on clean skin to get the best results.

2. Shampoo - Work shampoo into the hair for a few minutes, think Herbal Essences ads - all that massaging actually does some good by boosting circulation.

3. Condition - Apply conditioner from the ear length down, this will prevent it from weighing down the hair and adding excess oils to the roots which can contribute to greasy hair. (Wash out the conditioner at the end of your shower)

4. Exfoliate - The steam from the shower has had time to soften the skin this is a great time to exfoliate and get the best results. Use exfoliating wash/gloves/loofah. (Click here to see what I love to use)

5. Shaving - The best time to shave is after exfoliating not the other way around as it can irritate the skin. Exfoliating the skin first can give a closer longer lasting shave.

6. Switch to Cold - Sounds crazy but switch to a cooler temperature to finish off the shower, this will boost circulation and tighten the skin but it also adds shine to the hair as it "closes" the hair follicle.

Top Tip 

Spend more on the right shampoo as most conditioners are the same except treatments of course. 

On average it takes 5 minutes for hair products to be washed fully out of the hair which is why it should be one of the first things you do.

Moisturise right after showering, locks in moisture and is very important after shaving.

BECAUSE I AM A GIRL

BECAUSE I AM A GIRL On the 22 September 2011

I was recently flicking through my favourite Irish magazine “U Magazine” (100% Irish) and I came across an amazing article about the international day of the girl on the 22 September. (www.becauseiamagirl.ie)

"Because I am a Girl" is Plan’s campaign for fighting gender inequality, promoting girl’s rights and breaking the cycle of poverty. I was blown away with some of the facts that U magazine highlighted about the way girls are suffering at the very bottom of the social ladder. 

(all facts to be found on page 10/11 in the 25 September 2011 issue.)

In times of economic downturn and poverty girls are most likely to suffer. As a girl it breaks my heart that in 2011 when some of us have iPhone’s, Laptops, a warm bed, food to eat and a safe home to sleep in, there are girls all across the world suffering from malnutrition because their brothers are fed first, living on less than $1 per day, denied access to health services and education and face extremely high levels of violence and abuse.

Doesn't seem fair does it? So how can we help?

Follow the campaign on twitter (@PlanBIAAG) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/planireland  

Follow and read the weekly updated Because I am a Girl Blog http://becauseiamagirl.wordpress.com/

Sign the petition please - http://plan-international.org/girls/get-involved/sign-the-petition.php

Sponsor a girl - https://plan.ie/online-forms/child-sponsorship-form

Donate to the girl’s fund - https://plan.ie/what-you-can-do/support-an-appeal

And spread the word, on the 22 September why not set your status on your social network to “because I am a girl….) and add your own ending.

Some of the influential women in Ireland have already given their thoughts on being a girl, why not do the same on your blog and social network to spread the word? Here are my thoughts on being a girl.

Because I am a girl I ask….why can’t every girl in the world live happy healthy lives and be given the same chances in life to live the life they want.

Because I am a girl I hope….one day women won’t be forced to live a life chosen for them. They will be able to marry who they want, have the careers they want to have and earn the money they deserve for the work they do.

Because I am a girl I like…..that we are born with all the best skills, the ability to read others emotions, to be sympathetic, loving and compassionate. To read situations that our male counterparts can only dream of understanding.

Because I am a girl I dislike....how we can be our own worst enemies. We need to unite not pull each other apart. 

Because I am a girl I feel….grateful for the chances I have had to a loving home and family because I know it could be very different.

Because I am a girl I….am glad to be part of an extraordinary club, a huge worldwide club of females. We are awesome!   

Comment below with your own "because I am a girl" answer...

Best Foundation Ever!!

I found it!! I found it!!!

Okay so for the longest time I have been looking for foundation that works in Natural lighting, Evening lighting, Artificial lighting, and the dreaded dread FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY!!

At last, after years (hmm yeah!) of searching I have found it!!

             The best     

                 Foundation 

                     ever found is

                             Drum Roll please......

Rimmel 16 Hour Lasting Finish Foundation!

Yes you have heard me right! This super cheap drugstore foundation has beaten high end and low end foundation!

LOOK!! 

 As you can see, the foundation doesn't change, no moon face in flash, not washed out in natural day light!

Make-up for Beginners

Beginners Make-up

Step 1.
How to Prep the Skin -
The most thing I get asked it "Why doesn't my make-up turn out right?" It's all in the prep!
Its important to apply your make-up on fresh, clean skin. There is nothing worse then "adding" make-up the morning after the night before!





Start by cleansing the skin - Using a cleanser to remove any dirt or old make-up on the skin.

Use eye make-up remover - Its important to remove those "panda eyes" with a water base eye make-up
remover, Water bases is used as oil bases removes can leave a residue on the skin which will prevent the make-up being applied correctly.

Use toner on cotton wool - Toners remove any left over cleansers leaving the skin smooth and ready for make-up!

Apply Moisturizer - If you do nothing else, apply moisturizer to your skin. It's a must, so spend a little time on finding the right one for you.

Optional step - Primer - Applying primer is the final step in our prep. It's always the final step before foundation. A little tip on saving money with primers is to use a face primer on lid and lips. Primer really helps the make-up last so is it some thing worth investing in. For tips on different primers check out my reviews.

Full video here: Howto prep the Skin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vqOA8KVcME

Step 2.

Choosing the right foundation for you! 

Few thing to consider when picking the right foundation.

Shade - Which is the hardest to find, but what my video here to see my tips on getting the right shade.

Coverage - Whether you want full, medium or sheer coverage. Click here to see my foundation suggestions.

Finish - Matte finish (suited to oil skin) Dewy (suited to dryer skin) Satin (Suited to most skin types)

Top Tips:

Pick three shades - starting with a lightest shade then you think you are and work up from there. This will prevent you buying a shade that is too dark. (Which most people do)

Try the shades out on your jawline/neck where possible, otherwise your wrist or hand can help give a general guide.

Remember to stand in a doorway or outside to see if the colour matches, it’s also important to blend the foundation and let it set to see the TRUE shade.

A foundation with sunscreen is a safe bet, but you will still need to wear sunscreen under your foundation.

Foundation is totally optional, if you have blemishes or pimples, try strategically placed concealer instead. Or just wear the foundation on the parts that need it, around your nose, under the eyes and on the chin. Always make sure to blend properly.

Watch video here: Picking the Right Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkV_xnQOu0M




Step 3


Applying Foundation


So many different ways to apply foundation. Each foundation has a technique that works best with it. Also the technique you choice will give you a different effects. I have list of my foundation suggestions and the best way to apply them, Click here to view.

So lets go through the different tools you can use -

Finger Tips are the easiest and cheapest to use (because they are always there) They can give you the best finish as the heat can bring the foundation to skin temperature and help it to blend evenly. No matter what tool I use, I always finish off using my finger tips.


Sponges are my favorite to use for many reasons, they blend really well. They can give you full to sheer(light) coverage. Cheap and disposable or you can be super cheap and wash them. Click here to see how I do it.

There are a few foundation brushes, Stippling brushes can be used to apply liquid and mineral powder foundation. It can give you a great flawless look.
When applying liquid foundation using a dabbing and swirling motion works best and using a swirling motion works best with mineral foundation too.
This has been my chosen tool as of late, click here to see why. 



Flat foundation brushes were the most popular choice when I started making videos, They are still popular but being replaced with other tools nowadays. It can give you full coverage. I like using it to apply my primers.
Newer round top foundation can also give you a beautiful application.




Watch video here: Applying Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGKbwWlgJo4

Step 4.


Concealer

For so many of us concealer is over use or forgotten. (I have to admit I used to totally over use it) Concealer is a concentrated form of pigment used to hide some thing (hence the name conceal)
A lot of us focus too much on full coverage foundation and instead need to use concealer to hide our imperfections.

Even though concealer comes in so many forms - Liquid, cream, stick...However there basically two types of concealer that you need for your make-up bag.
One for under the eyes and One to be used on imperfections.


Under eyes

Under the eyes is slightly drier so the concealer that you use need to be slightly moisturising.
It can also be pink/salmon tone to neutralising the blue/dark hues under the skin.
Some concealer can also have highlighters, theses are used for under the eye area to brighten and lift the eyes. Some used these on blemishes but they are not designed for any real covering anything, they are designed to brighten the area.

The most famous out of all the highlighter is a Touche Eclat which is a highlighter, not a concealer despite what everyone believes.



Blemishes/Imperfection


When it comes to spots/pimples you need to use a concealer that is matte and full coverage. Its important that a concealer for blemish has no shine as shine can draw attention to the area you want to hide.


No matter that you concealer only use a small amount, apply it to the blemishes or discolouration only and blend blend blend!!

Watch video here: Picking the Right Concealers - Under Eyes/Blemishes Step 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-2hmAZ70PQ


Step 5.


How to Make Foundation/Concealer Last All Day


So here is a step that I think really might help a lot of you, its some thing I never did as a teen, mostly because I didn't know about it but its is to set your foundation with a powder or a setting spray.

Setting sprays can be used after a full face of make-up as been applied, its great if you use liquid or cream make-up and don't want to set it with a powder. Hold the spray back from your face and lightly mist the face, then allow is to dry. After that you should be all set!

Setting powders can be used after all cream and liquids have been applied. Loose or pressed powders can be used.

Watch full video here: Setting Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UnPBOI6ABs

Sunshine Award

I was lucky enough to receive a Sunshine Award from http://birgitscorner.blogspot.com/ So nice of her and I was really grateful! 

The rules are:

• Thank the person who gave you this award

• Write a post about it
• Answer to the questions below
• Pass it on to 10 bloggers who you think really deserve it and send them message to let them know.

The questions and answers are here:

1. Favorite color: I like Hot pink and fuchsia shades, I always go for them in lipstick and shoes and dress and tops and jackets lol Seriously! 
2. Favorite Animal: I love all animals, but I guess dogs, my dogs ( Sandy who is my baby)
3. Favorite number: Lucky Number 21, same as my boyfriends birthday and our anniversary but it has always been my lucky number even before I meet him. (His has always been 7 - My birthday)
4. What perfume am I using right now?: Chanel No. 5
5. Something you always wear with you and identifies you: Don't think I can think of one, I was known for always having my hair down and never tying it up I guess that would be it.
6. What’s your passion?: Make-up, which makes me sound like a girlie girlie but it not just applying make-up it is the theory behind make-up and the history not just about wearing it.
7. What was the last eyeshadow you used?: Mocha by ELF which I love, you can see swatches of it on my swatches tag.
8. Favorite day of the week: Wednesday or Saturday not sure why though.
9. Are your nails painted right now?: Yeah on my hands I have Essence 07 Wanna Kiss? and on my toes I have NYC Hot Pink.

I TAG all the girls that I love hearing from - 

1. http://makeupbysaz.blogspot.com/
2. http://blushblendbeauty.blogspot.com/
3. http://makeup-hair-glitz.blogspot.com/
4. http://ellybellybaybee.blogspot.com/
5. http://obsessedwiththismakeup.tumblr.com/
6. http://treenabean.tumblr.com/
7. http://glamlifeguru.com/
8. Nina Carry (Review Page Facebook)
9. http://www.katieelisabeth.com/
10. http://www.beautybroadcast.net/

Foundation Review

Light Coverage
BOURJOIS 10 HOUR SLEEP EFFECT
Available in 5 shades – Slight yellow tone
Beautiful Scent - Peaches
Goes on like a tinted moisturize looks sheer but secretly evens out the skin tone.
“Barely There” kind of look
Great for Normal to Dry Skin, gives a dewy sheen.
*My shade 71








Personal Recommendation – Great for the inexperienced women, one step-up from a tinted moisturizer.
Application – Works best with finger tips but also works well with stippling brushes.

Light/Medium Coverage
BOURJOIS HEALTHY MIX
Available in 5 shades – Slight yellow tone (works with most undertones, even difficult ones)
Beautiful Scent - Fruity
Very comparable to “Sleep Effect” but has a slightly higher coverage. (Buildable)
Great for normal/dry (Combination in the colder month)
Has been recommended as a wedding day foundation.
*I use this daily, Shade 51








Personal Recommendation - Anyone who is scared of trying foundation young to old this is an easy texture to work with.
Application – Any including stippling brushes, fingers tips, sponges or foundation brushes.
Also Available – Matching Concealer which is full coverage.

Medium Coverage
MAYBELLINE 24H SUPER STAY
Available in 12 shades – Mixture of tone
Fragrance-free and oil-free
Super long lasting, no transfer withstands heat, sweat and humidity.
Finish is kind of neutral so can work on the oiler skin types who hate matte finish foundation.
*I use this for a night out, In Ivory.









Personal recommendation – Can give full coverage if you need it with a fresh look even after hours of wear.
Application – Work best with sponges, fingers tips or foundation brushes.

Also Available – Matching Concealer which is full coverage and featured in my Friday Favourite.

Medium/Full Coverage
Rimmel Lasting Finish 16&25 Hour
Both Available 6 in shades
Both very long lashing and very similar!
Comparable to Maybelline 24H and Revlon Photoready foundation but cheaper.
Finish is kind of dewy/neutral, works best for dry to combo skin.
*I use it in ivory shades
*Best set with a finish spray rather then too much powder.




Personal recommendation – Great foundation for photos and videos, Wedding and proms/Debs.
Application – Work best with sponges, fingers tips or foundation brushes. Different applications give different coverage.

Prime Time

Gosh Vs L’Oreal Vs Elf  

Gosh Velvet Touch Primer - €18.50 – 1.0 oz (30ml)

L'oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer – €14.50 – 0.49 oz (15ml)

Elf Mineral Infused Face Primer - €6.80 - 0.49oz (15ml)

These Silicone based primer are all fairly similar in consistency but have a few differences so let me break it down.

Gosh Velvet Touch Primer

Gosh primer is expensive and hard to find. (A|wear in Cork City is where I usually get mine.) Its one of the first primer I’ve ever tired and I love it. It really helps the foundation to smooth on and last longer. 

Claims to “It fills in fine lines and deep pores in the skin, creating a uniform, matt and silky soft surface, enabling the easy and smooth application of foundation”

I have this in my kit and use it on most (if not every) client.

For all skin type - It is more suited to normal skin.

Also available from this line:

- Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Apricot with Matrixyl 3000 (a face firming peptitde)

- Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Cream

- Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Lip Primer

- Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Eye Primer

L'oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer

L’oreal as a brand is more easily available however it is not the best price. If you compare it to the Gosh primer which has twice the amount of product is doesn’t seem that worth it. However if you are travelling any time soon, L’oreal has some great duty free products. I got two for 18euro on my flight back from Rome.

Claims – “this primer masks wrinkles and uneven textures in the skin, making the complexion feel smooth and soft, with a remarkable velvety touch”

I feel like this is a good summer primer the smallest amount (seriously less is more) on the t-zone really helps to keep oiliness and large pores at bay. I have been using this for awhile and I love it, It has a slight pink tint which brightens the skin.

It is more suited to Combination/oil skin.

Also available from this line:

Studio Secrets Professional Primer Anti-Shine

Studio Secrets Professional Primer Anti-Dullness

Studio Secrets Professional Primer Anti-Redness

Elf Mineral Infused Face Primer

Last but not least my favourite primer – Elf primer from the studio line. I talked about this so many times. It is comparable to smashbox and the above the Gosh Primer. The texture is very similar, light clear gel and I would consider it a dope for sure. 

Elf primer is available on the Elf websites though you get less then the Gosh primer in one bottle if my calculations are correct buying two Elf bottles are still cheaper then the Gosh Primer.

The only thing I do not like about the Elf primer is the packaging, the pump got clogged and I had to scrap out the product in the end but I still love it, it’s like that puppy that eats your favourite shoes but you still love her. Plus I would rather have some thing wrong with the packaging then the product because the packaging can be fix (Elf are you listening)

Overall I LOVE this one more then the others! :)

For all skin types.

Vegan Brownies!

The best brownies I have ever had! And they are Vegan!!

Here is the original recipe. 

250 g or 2 cups  - unbleached all-purpose flour

• 400 g or 2 cups - white sugar
• 65 g or 3/4 cup - unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Teaspoon -  baking powder
• 1 Teaspoon - salt
• 235 ml or 1 cup water
• 235 ml or 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 
  

• I change it slight by changing the water to half water/half soya milk and half the vegetable oil  because that is a lot of oil!! 

  Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. I use an electric mixer so they were really smooth.
  3. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch baking pan. (I lined my tray with grease proof paper)
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. (Keep a check on them, Vegan brownies I better soft) 
  5. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Unless you like them falling apart and crumbling like I do!
  
  
  I am rubbish at making brownies usually but these were so easy and turned out to be the best brownies I have ever made! (Said my dad!)
  
  
  I'm sineadycady thanks for....Oh wait never mind! lol
  
  
  Sineadycady xx 

Smoother Skin

I have been using the magic peeling glove now for a few weeks. I love this way of exfoliating because you are phycailly removing the I don't have to worry about my skin reacting to the lotions/gels and beads mix that typically come along with exfoliating.

Before using the peeling glove I was using Dove Shower scrub. I like it. It has a beautiful smell and I thought it exfoliated pretty well that was until I use the magic peeling glove which is amazing!

Not only does this exfoliate the skin but it has other benefits -

-Eliminates dead skin cells with a gentle action that leaves the skin brighter.

-Liberates the skin from impurities and improves the skin ability for deep penetration of treatments - Like Anti-wrinkles, Moisturizer, Anti-cellulite and Spot removing.

-Revitalizes stretch Marks and acne scars.

-Prepares the skin for a perfect hair removing by promoting the exposure of ingrown hair.

-Promotes more effective and long lasting tanning.

-Help to prevent and clear up the small dark spots from the chest, face and hands that can be caused from the exposure to the sun.

From my experience I have found that it has brightens and smoothed my skin. Boosted circulation which has help with the improvement of the skin overall and helped revitalized stretch marks. (on going process)

Help with the removal of old fake tan and allowing new tanning application to last long and look flawless. Aided with the removal of hair, including getting a closer smoother long lasting shave and made is easier to use a epilator on underarms and bikini line due to exposure of the hair and the reduction in ingrown hair. 

All in all I LOVE this product and look forward to using it every week. 

How to use video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5B4MQABMKk

First thoughts - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GNhwa2ncBQ&feature=player_embedded

Mineral Make-up

Above Is The Link To My New Video On How To Apply Mineral Foundation. This Link And Others Like It Can Also Found On The Howto Page.

Products used in this video:

KmS mineral Essentials - 

100% Pure Mineral Make-up 

http://kmsmineralessentials.com/

Kms Application Brush

Mineral Mate Palette
15% off 1st order with coupon Code New11, and shipping is free worldwide.

Why is Minerals Make-up different - 

KmS minerals are long wearing, waterproof, sweat proof while protecting the skin with natural SPF. I find the foundation has a silky texture once applied to the skin.

They are paraben free, free of talc, fragrance oils, chemicals and preservatives, Irritant-free and can be used on all skin types, including those that have Acne or Rosacea

Mineral Foundation is one of the easiest foundations to work with, and I would recommend it to anyone including mature skin types.

Skin Care Routine

Feel free to check out the full video above!

Otherwise keep reading to get an insight into my skin care routine and the products that I used that have helped clear up my break outs!

About my skin:

When I was a teen I never had break outs, I had the odd spot here and there but nothing crazy. In fact my skin was on the dryer side. Click here to see my top tips on dry skin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-khL4aZXzk)

However the older I got the worse my skin seemed to get. I was covered in spots, blemishes, pimples!!! Seemed like one would clear up and another two would replace it! I tried every thing - All the odd home recipes, the kitty litter mask, lemon and sugar treatment but NOTHING WORKED!

Finally I stopped with all the quick fixes and just used the same products every night and every morning and my skin is getting better and better!

The products I used might not work for you, but finding the right skin care routine will.

Cleanser - Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash

I use this at night to remove my make-up (one pump) and to also clean my skin (second pump). I don’t use this every morning as I don’t want to over wash my skin. Even though I used to take my make-up off at night I didn’t clean my skin too. So now I not only remove my make-up but I wash my face afterwards. I can’t stress enough how important it is to remove your make-up at night Just by doing that you will notice a difference!

Scrub - Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub

I use this once a week or twice if I notice a huge problem. Mostly once does the trick and I will stick to that. Exfoliating is great and feels great too but you have to be careful not to over do it. Especially if you have spots, if you keep disturbing the healing of the spots they will last longer!

Toner - Witch Hazel and Rose Water

This is my favourite part of my routine! I use my toner once in the morning instead of cleansing my skin and once at night after cleansing and I love this stuff! If you are looking for a good toner try looking in the health care and vitamin section of the pharmacy. Witch Hazel and Rose Water are natural extracts that not only remove any oils or dirt felt after cleansing the skin, but it leaves it super smooth and soft too!

Moisturiser - Nivea Soft Moisturiser

This is my favourite ever moisturiser I have tried. I love this more then any other product - high end or low this is the best! I highly recommend this! Seriously!!