2014 BEAUTY FAVOURTIES

This time last year, I probably didn't even have half of the amount of makeup products I have now. From having older sisters, I've always been interested in makeup and beauty, but over the past year I have definitely came to love makeup a lot more and experiment with makeup looks that I would have never tried before. Now, I see makeup as my main hobby, and a way to express yourself. I have collected quite a lot of it over the past year (with my own money!). I love how you can completely transform how you look, and how it can make you feel so much more confident. 

There are so many products that I love, so I found it really difficult to choose my favourites. I have chosen my favourite thing from each type of makeup (mascara, foundation, etc.) 

Face:

Favourite foundation 

Loreal True Match in Rose Ivory

Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc

I couldn't choose between these two foundations so I had to show you both! I had always heard lots about the two of them so I decided to buy both this year and i'm really glad I did.
The Loreal foundation is good if you're on a budget, and it's just as nice as a high end foundation! It's the first foundation I've ever owned that matched my skin colour perfectly, and it lasts really well. It's not dewy but not matte either, so it looks really natural.
If you want to spend a little more, the Nars foundation is gorgeous. It gives a dewy finish, without making you look shiny, and it photographs really well! Its just an overal great foundation. 
They both have a medium/high coverage, and they cover things like acne scars and redness. If you have quite a lot of spots, you may need concealer, but they can both be built up to a high coverage.


Favourite concealer

Collection Lasting Perfection

This concealer is amazing for the price (only £4.19), and I would never even think of using any other one. It has really good coverage and doesn't look cakey. It is definitely worth all the hype it gets.


Favourite powder

Collection Sheer Loose Powder

This powder is also the same brand as the concealer. I had this in my drawer for ages and sort of forgot about until I finished my Rimmel Stay Matte powder and needed something else to use, and I actually like it better than the Rimmel powder now! The powder is really fine so it dosen't give your face that horrible powdery look, and it's great for setting concealer.


Favourite blush

Mac Mineralise Blush in Dainty

I could talk about this blush for ages, I absolutely love it. It's baby pink with tiny flecks of glitter, so it's really nice on pale skin and makes you look really healthy and glowy! I wear it so much because it goes with almost every eye look.


Favourite bronzer

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

There is so much hype around this bronzer, and i've always wanted to try it so when I got this set and saw that it was inside, I was really excited to try it. I also have a review of this on my blog already so here it is : http://orlaghmarie.blogspot.com/2014/09/benefit-bronze-of-champions-review.html


Favourite highlighter

Topshop Highlighter

This is my first makeup product I ever bought from Topshop, but after using this I will definitely go out and try some other things from their makeup range! This highlighter is so pretty and makes your skin look gorgeous and glowy, without looking too obvious. It also photographs really nicely


Eyes:

 Favourite mascara

Maybelline The Falsies in Black Drama

I cannot say enough good things about this mascara, it's amazing! I bought it after watching Tanya Burr say how good it was, and she was definitely right! It does everything you'd want a mascara to do; lengthens, separates, and thickens! It's amazing for the price and I would highly recommend it.


Favourite Eyebrow Product

Benefit Browzings in Light

This brow palette is really good if you're not exactly a pro at filling in your brows, as the brushes make it a lot easier. It comes with a waxy side, which I like to use to draw out the shape I want, and also a powder side which I use to fill them in. It is really handy to take if you are on the go/travelling because it also has tweezers. I love it because it's really hard to get the right shade because of my hair colour, but this is perfect!


Favourite palette

Mua Undressed Palette

I'm not going to say much about this palette because I already have a blog post on it, so here it is : http://orlaghmarie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/mua-undressed-palette-3-looks.html , but it basically has every colour you'd ever need.


Favourite eye primer

Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Champagne

I only got this earlier in the month, but I am so obsessed with it already. As soon as I swatched it in the shop I fell in love with it. I had never even heard about it until Ingrid Nilsen (MissGlamourazzi on Youtube) showed it in a video, and I thought it was gorgeous. It's a gold/champagne colour and it's so shimmery. It's gorgeous on it's own but it works really well as a primer under eyeshadow.


Favourite eye product

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Brown Perfection

This is a little pricey, but it is so worth it. It's so easy to use because it's in a stick form, and I use it for so many different things. You can use it as an all over eyeshadow, on your waterline and its great to use as eyeliner too. It's a really easy way of making a smokey eye.


Lips:

Lipstick

Mac Lipstick in Hot Gossip

I love this lipstick sooo much. I had a few MAC lipsticks already, but they were all very bold and I wanted an everyday one, so I thought this one was perfect. It's a 'your lips but better colour' so it's really versatile and I love wearing it if my eyes are more dramatic because it is quite natural.


I hope you enjoyed this post and that you all have a happy New Year!
xo, Orlagh

My social medias:

Instagram - @_orlaghmccloskey 

Twitter - @_orlaghmarie

Bloglovin - bloglovin.com/blog/13215749

OOTW: WINTER FASHION INSPIRATION

I understand how hard and stressful it is choosing what to wear, especially when you're off on holidays, so here are some outfit ideas that might make your life a little easier!

Look 1: Christmas shopping 

Shorts: Topshop

Top: River Island

Boots: http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/boots/black-leather-cross-strap-shoe-boots_315444301

Coat: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/dark-blue-check-faux-fur-trim-duffle-coat_307217449

Bag: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/tan-grid-cut-out-front-backpack-_320896475 (in grey)

Look 2: Christmas party

(excuse how ridiculously pale I am and the bad quality)

Dress: Oasis

Shoes: Office

Look 3: Christmas day

Top: River Island

Skirt: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=skirt&storeId=12556&productId=15967085&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057

Shoes: http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,30/1562202740

Jacket: http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jackets-coats-2390889/biker-jackets-3111100/faux-leather-peplum-biker-jacket-3550026?bi=1&ps=20

Look 4: Casual

Top: Next

Jeans: http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jeans-446/moto-black-ripped-joni-jeans-3317050?refinements=Colour%7b1%7d~%5bblack%5d&bi=1&ps=20

Shoes: http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,30/1625801375

Bag: http://uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_20/6892664000

Thanks for reading!
xo, Orlagh

My social medias:

Instagram - @_orlaghmccloskey 

Twitter - @_orlaghmarie

Bloglovin - bloglovin.com/blog/13215749

3 LOOKS: ONE PALETTE

After reading reviews about this palette - and there are a lot, I finally decided to buy it and give it a go, to see if it deserves all the hype it gets.

(L-R: Puff, Rose Ash, Fawn, Gild, Hazel, Lion, Bronze Ore, Burnished Brown, Tawny, Henna, Fuel, Coal Grey.)

This is so often compared to the Naked Palette, and I do see why. All the colours are basically the same as the colours in the Naked Palette, even in the same order and everything! Some of the shadows in this MUA palette aren't quite as pigmented as the shadows in the Naked Palette, but how could you complain when it's only £4?! If you on a budget, it's £33 cheaper than the Naked Palette, it's a no-brainer which one to choose. Here's some swatches:

(Without flash)

(With flash)

For only £4 they are great quality, and if I want a little bit more pigment, i'll just spray my brush with Mac Fix+ spray! This palette is so versatile as it has shimmery and matte shadows, so you can create  loads of different looks for whatever you prefer. Here are a few looks you can with the eyeshadows:

1) Bronze/Gold

Step 1: Apply lion all over the eye, and also in the inner corner.

Step 2: Apply bronze ore on the outer half of the eye and all round the lower lashline.

Step 3: Using a small, tapered brush, apply burnished brown on the outer 'v' and on the outer part of the lower lashline.

Step 4: using an angled brush, put henna on the upper lash line and blend it out to make it smokey.

Step 5: Use hazel in the crease to blend everything together, and finally tightline with a black/brown eyeliner (personal preference) and apply mascara.

(Tip - this look is best for blue eyes!)

2) Pretty & Polished

Step 1: Apply Puff in the inner corner and all over the eyelid.

Step 2: Lightly dust Rose Ash over the eyelid, on top on the other eyeshadow

Step 3: Using a fluffy crease brush, apply Fawn in the crease in wind-wiper motions with a light hand so the eyeshadow looks natural, but still gives definition.

Step 4: Finally, draw a thin line with your eyeliner very close to the lashline, making a small flick at the end. Then apply mascara!

(Tip - this is a great look for school/work as it is easy, quick, natural and makes you look more awake and put together!)

3) Navy smokey eye

Step 1: using a fluffy brush and a light hand, apply fawn in the crease as a transition colour.

Step 2: With a flat eyeshadow brush, pat the colour fuel on the inner and outer corner of the eye, leaving the middle without any.

Step 3: Apply coal grey in the middle part of the eye, and also apply to the lower lash line.

Step 4: Blend all the colours together so there are no harsh lines.

Step 5: Highlight the brow bone and inner corner with puff, and place over the coal grey to lighten it a little.

Step 6: Apply your favourite eyeliner and apply lots of mascara to give your eyelashes lots of volume.

(Tip - if you have wide-set eyes, this will suit you best!)

Thanks so much for reading!

xo, Orlagh

My social medias:

Instagram - @_orlaghmccloskey 

Twitter - @_orlaghmarie

Bloglovin - bloglovin.com/blog/13215749

FAMILY DAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

On Sunday, me and my family decided that since I've been a hermit for the past few weeks (I just had an operation so I've been off school), and I can't do anything particularly that active, that we would go out for lunch in a lovely hotel in the countryside about an hour from where we live. I was delighted considering I haven't seen anything remotely interesting in the past few weeks, and the views were beautiful around the grounds of the hotel!

 #squadgoals

MOTD:

I decided to keep my skin and eyes quite neutral and go for a berry/red lip. I wanted to keep the rest natural so it wouldn't be too over powering. Here's what I used:

OOTD:

My outfit was quite plain and black, so I decided to add a floppy hat and chunky boots to dress it up a little. Here are the links to most of the things I wore:

Skirt: http://www.boohoo.com/new-in/rosie-full-circle-scuba-skater-skirt/invt/azz17665

Scarf: http://www.boohoo.com/scarves+hats/paige-boucle-check-oversized-tartan-scarf/invt/azz19388

Boots: http://www.boohoo.com/boots/sophia-buckled-strap-cleated-boot/invt/azz23539

Hat: http://www.hm.com/gb/product/22737?article=22737-A

Necklaces: http://www.hm.com/gb/product/68687?article=68687-A

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Feel free to leave a comment,

xo, Orlagh 

My social medias:

Instagram - @_orlaghmccloskey

Twitter - @_orlaghmarie

Bloglovin - bloglovin.com/blog/13215749

A/W BEAUTY AND FASHION ESSENTIALS

Personally, I absolutely love autumn and winter, it is definitely my favourite time of year. One of the things I love most are the darker colours and being able to wrap up in hats and scarves!

This time of year is beautiful for scenery, and also for the changing styles and colours in fashion and beauty. I am going to share with you what I feel are absolute essentials for autumn/winter!

Darker lip products: 

I love darker lip shades, my favourites are more brown toned and red, as I  feel they look best with my skin tone and hair colour, but they really can look flattering on anyone. Here are a few of my favourites:

(L-R: Mac lipstick in Girl About Town, Mac lipstick in Hot Gossip, Mua lipstick in Shade 1, Revlon Colourburst Lacquer Balm in 145 Ingenue)

(p.s: lip balm is a must! I love the lush honey trap lip balm)

Wintery nail polishes: 

In my opinion, winter time is the best way to get away with crazy glittery nails! I love using darker nail polish colours such as purples, burgundys, greys etc., and I think it's so fun to change up your nails with festive nail art or lots of glitter! My favourites:

(L-R: Colour Unlimited, Nails Inc. Graffiti in Hoxton Street, Barry M Nail Paint in Rose Quartz, Barry M Nail Paint in Berry Cosmo, Rimmel Lasting Finish in Black Cherries, and Les Lolitas in No. 21)

Comfy/Cosy/Christmas jumpers:

Now that it's November, it may be slightly more acceptable to start wearing cheesy Christmas jumpers. You can get all different kinds, some a lot cheesier than others! If you're on a budget, you don't have to worry because you can get them everywhere.

A pair of everyday boots: 

I think it's so important to have a pair of boots that go with everything for autumn and winter, because 1) They are super comfy, 2) They're a lot warmer than other shoes and 3) They can dress up any outfit! New Look have and Primark have loads of really nice boots if you're on a budget, and if you have a little more money, Topshop and Office have lovely Chelsea boots!

Hats and scarves:

I'm addicted to hats. They are such an easy way to accessorize an otherwise plain outfit; and if , like me, you live somewhere where the weather is freezing in the winter months (Irish weather sucks), they help keep you super warm as well - bonus!

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helped you out!

xo, Orlagh

My social medias:

Instagram - @_orlaghmccloskey

Twitter - @_orlaghmarie

Bloglovin - bloglovin.com/blog/13215749

REVIEW: BENEFIT THE BRONZE OF CHAMPIONS

So if you haven't already guessed by the title, this blog post is going to be a review about this Benefit set called 'The Bronze of Champions'

First of all; I love the name. What I love about Benefit is that they always have great names for their products, and never take themselves too seriously. I purchased this set when I was flying back to boring old Belfast after being to Tenerife (would do anything to go back!). As soon as I saw it in the little magazine I knew that it would be a good set as it described everything that comes in it, and because it was duty free, I bought it for only £16 (bargain!). It is originally priced at £26.50, and I still think it is definitely worth the money.

I absolutely love the packaging of it, and it was probably why it caught my eye. The packaging is gold and shiny, to tie in the whole 'bronzed' theme. It includes a  mirror which is really handy if you take it travelling, and the tips and tricks are great for beginners.

The set includes 5 things:

1) Creaseless cream shadow bikini-tini cream eyeshadow

I really like this cream eye shadow. It's super shimmery, so it's great for making you look more awake! It blends really well, and its also a great base for under eye shadows. It has really good lasting power, but the only down side to this shadow is that it has a very slippery texture, so sometimes it's hard to apply it without it blending away completely, It works a lot better to pat this product onto your lids rather than rub it in.

2) Longwear powder shadow thanks a latte powder eyeshadow
I love this eyeshadow! It's a gorgeous bronzey-gold colour, and when paired with the cream shadow underneath it creates such a nice simple eye look. You can make a smokey eye look by applying the shadow all over the lid and lower lashline, or to keep it natural you can apply it on the outer half of the lid and crease. This colour is perfect for blue eyes; (i'm sure it would look gorge on all eye colours) but if you are looking for an eyeshadow that will make your eyes look really blue, this is perfect.

3) Hoola bronzing powder 

So many people rave about how good this bronzer is, and I do think it is a really good bronzer. At first glance, I thought it might be a bit to dark for my extremely pale skin (the perks of being ginger), but it is a perfect universal colour. A little goes such a long way with this bronzer, it is amazingly pigmented and it blends really well. It's really good for contouring as it is matte, and I also like to use it in the crease sometimes. This  is definitely worth the hype!

4) Watt’s up! soft focus highlighter for face
This highlighter is a champagne/gold colour, and it has a lovely slightly shimmery finish, without being to in your face. It has really good lasting powder and it looks so natural and glowy when it's on. The only downside to this product is that I find it's hard to blend sometimes. As it came in the set, it is a mini size, and sometimes it's hard to apply as I'm scared the stick might break! This isn't a big deal however, I just put some on the back of my hand first and then apply it.

5) Ultra plush lip gloss hoola lip gloss
This lip gloss is.. OK. I wouldn't be rushing out to get it again, as I could probably get a nicer one for less than half the price. It's a nice lipgloss but it isn't anything amazing - I don't think it is worth paying the money for.

6) They're real! beyond mascara

Sometimes it can be hard to find a mascara that does everything you want, but this mascara has anything you could ever ask for. It lengthens, voluminises, thickens - and stays on for ages! This is another benefit product that is extremely popular, and I can see why. I had previously tried this mascara so when I seen that it was included in the set, I got really excited. Personally, I am obsessed with it, but if you hate the feeling of slightly clumpy lashes, this one may not be for you.

Overall, I love this set - the good definitely ways out the bad. I would more than likely repurchase this, as it has everything you need to create your face. All you would have to do is apply your base, use this set and you're good to go! It's great to bring travelling as it has everything you need in one little box. I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks for reading! xo Orlagh

My social medias:

Instagram - @_orlaghmccloskey

Twitter - @_orlaghmarie