Five Times Beauty Fails Us

Being done up is a lovely feeling, however, getting done up is a whole different story. No matter what though, the tears, tantrums, anger and worry is always worth it for the sake of a new Facebook profiler...

Here are some relatable moments that we all go through while trying to transform ourselves!

1. Eyelash tantrums
'I can't do it, they won't stick on, the corner keeps popping off, now my eye make-up is rubbing off, he doesn't love me, I have jiggly thighs, I'm so poor, we're going to be late. I'M JUST NOT GOING ANYMORE.'

2. When you don't look like Adele
It's a very stressful time alright, my personal motto during this frustration is: If you can't wing the eyeliner, bin the eyeliner.

3. Hair on the back of your legs
Not going to go away no matter how many times I go over you with the razor, nah? You could film I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here back there...

4. The terrible tan
'Is your face supposed to be a different colour to your body? And can anyone smell cat pee?'

5. The realisation of celebrity myths and legends
Are all girls expected to be able to contour like Kim, have lips like Kylie and look as smokin' hot as Khloe on the cover of Complex? Yeaaaah, unfortunately I wouldn't even make the cut for KUWTK season one...

Beauty On A Budget: Stocking Fillers For Beauty Lovers

We all know how expensive Christmas can be - Do I spend this forty euro on a dress for St. Stephen's night or just invest in a few boxes of Roses and go into a food coma instead? The struggle is real! However, if you have a friend/sister/mother/daughter who is a huge lover of beauty products, you don't need to break the bank! It's time to start hinting to Santa's elves, ladies, because these are my stocking filler ideas for beauty lovers :)

Essence lipsticks
I cannot stress enough how much I love Essence. Their products are available in Penneys and pharmacies nationwide and are a must have for Christmas. I am in love with their lipsticks because there are so many shades available, they don't dry out your lips and they are cheap and cheerful! I always use them. They are perfect if you have a teenage daughter finding her feet in the world of beauty because you will be able to buy her a few for the price of one expensive lipstick. And trust me, it's totally worth it, such great quality... I love them!

Make Up Gallery Smoothly Does It Pressed Powder
You aren't going to believe me when I say I bought this for only €1.49, but it's the truth! This is my go to powder and doesn't make me want to look in my purse and cry after purchasing. I can't wait to try all of Dealz other make-up products, I am very impressed so far.

Batiste Plumping Powder
Okay, so I know you're probably all sick of me going on about this stuff I refer to as fairy dust, but I promise you, you will be thanking me later. You simply sprinkle it on your hair and it creates volume, so no more backcombing hassle. I have seen other brands for around €30 euro, but I bought mine in Penneys for around the €4 mark and usually stock up. I actually tried the more expensive one to test it, but I didn't find it as good as Batiste. My mum is a hairdresser and uses it in her salon and we LOVE it. Plumping powder is a must have in the Fox household!

Penneys Make-up Brushes
I was dying to try these from the moment I heard they came out. I finally bought one for my eyes and love it. For €1.50 you would be crazy not to grab a few, has Penneys ever let us down before? I think not! Just think how pricey other make-up brushes can be, it's mad. I have not tried the others in the Penneys range yet so cannot recommend them but I definitely will be trying them as I'm sure they're great. I love my one for the eyes as I can blend with the bigger end and I use the smaller to apply eyeshadow as eyeliner, I love it :)

Penneys Make-up Fixing Spray
Even as a blogger and lover of make-up, I'm not going to sit here and tell you I can afford loads of expensive make-up because that would be a complete lie, I'm constantly bargain hunting! I cannot express how excited I was the time I was strolling out of Penneys and a bottle of Make-Up Fixing Spray caught my eye. I had never had one of these before so headed up to the till with this instantly. I honestly find it really good for setting my make-up and it only cost €2.50.

Catrice Even Skin Tone Beautifying Foundation
I am such a foundation hopper these days, I can't help myself. I always use Estee Lauder Double Wear for going out but for everyday use I need something a little more natural and affordable. I was using No7 Stay Perfect which I loved, but then I ran out so decided to give another affordable brand a go - Catrice! I bought their Even Skin Tone Foundation for around the €8 mark and am really loving it. I am so pale so I find it hard to find a natural looking foundation to match my skin tone. I must say though, after buying it, I am really impressed. It has really nice coverage (goodbye dark circles) and doesn't make me look orange. Such a gorgeous product for a natural, flawless finish!

Okay girls, I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but I can see how all this beauty product shopping is going to end...

I hope you enjoyed this post and it gave you some ideas for Christmas :) Now it's time to start shopping, or dropping hints! 

Rant Of The Week: Sleepless Outside Seattle

After spending a lazy Sunday watching films, one struck a chord with me more than the others. This film was Sleepless In Seattle, a movie being all about love and signs. Due to this, I am now here at 12:30am, being very sleepless, outside of Seattle, believing watching that movie tonight was a sign in itself. I have known about this film for years and had seen it in bits and pieces over the years, but I had never sat down and properly watched (or totally over analysed) it until tonight. For any girl that is a complete hopeless romantic like me, you need to get your best friend over and watch this film. Right now. In this film, the lead female character's friend tells her: 'You don't want to be in love, you want to be in love in a movie.' And well, ladies, I am here to tell you that that is the most accurate description of my life I have ever heard. Ever.

What should love be? Is there someone for everybody? Do you know when you've found the one? In my own opinion, yes is the answer to the second and third question. I think there is someone for everyone and I think when you know, you know. I have had many people tell me that my idea of movie love is unrealistic, but I still hold onto hope that movie love exists. I mean, hey, what inspired these movie romances to begin with, surely real life? 

To all my teenage readers, you may not believe it now as you stare across the table in McDonald's at the guy who you think is the love of your life while he's ignoring you and possibly texting another girl right in front of you, but, movie love DOES exist. Maybe not with him though, drop his player ass asap, soz. If he doesn't cause fireworks in your heart when he walks into the room and you're sitting there thinking 'Wait, why do I like you so much again?' then chances are he's not the one. If you can't stand the sight of him anymore and constantly want to punch him in the face everytime he so much as breathes, then yes, unfortunately, this is a sign. Don't settle for less than you deserve. If he treats you like you're ordinary and you think there should be more to love than this, then that's because there should be more to love than this. That again is another sign. Also take notice of songs you hear, or what happens in your dreams, I think these can be signs too. Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert (real life Bridget Jones here people) but I'm a firm believer in real love and destiny. No matter how many times my heart gets broken, no matter how many times guys may not text back, no matter how many nights I may spend using my naggin to catch my tears, I still hold onto hope because everything happens for a reason.

My best friend always tells me to expect the unexpected, and I think this is so true. You might meet your soulmate tomorrow while buying a chicken fillet roll or buying socks, or you may bump into the guy who broke your heart while you're completely make-up free in a tracksuit zooming around Aldi's chocolate section. You just don't know. However, one thing I do know is that I want to be in love like in a movie because I think when you know, you know and all the signs will confirm it. Fate. I'm hoping and guessing it will feel like magic, as described by Tom Hanks. 

Saying all this though, more obvious signs would be a lot handier, wonder if all the heartbreakers of the world would mind gluing road signs to their forehead to warn us before we start to become attached?

My Party Picks!

I have been browsing online a lot lately because I am on the hunt for items to add to my wardrobe for Christmas. So with sequin and velvet season in full swing I decided to show you some of my favourite party picks from boohoo.com! They also have up to 48% off Party Wear which ends midnight tonight, so get shopping! I have included all the links to the pieces so you have no excuse not to purchase ;)

• I love making the most of metallic and glittery looks over Christmas, so the dress below is a must-have for me. Really unusual but will be turning heads for all the right reasons!

• If I was a shoe, I feel like they would make me into some sort of fluffy/pom pom high heel, because my eyes are instantly drawn to them! So cute and quirky and will dress up a black outfit :)

• I LOOOOOOOVE VELVET! I actually bought this dress last year and it is my favourite dress. I call it my magic dress because it is just my go to LBD. It is so flattering and is lovely if you don't like showing off your arms. Sexy, yet very classy too!

 

• This jacket is from the boohoo plus range and I think it is absolutely stunning. It is simple but a lovely shape with gorgeous detail around the edge. Perfect from day to night - would be fab with a pair of jeans and high heels!

• Who doesn't love a pair of earrings to dress up an outfit? Especially when they're FLUFFY! I bought these in black somewhere else and mine cost €10, but luckily for you guys these ones are only €4! They come in both white and pink so I think I might have to buy both pairs and perhaps wear them as a quirky mismatched look, fab!

• Anyone else getting mermaid vibes from this jumpsuit or is it just me? AND it's backless, so what's not to love?

• And last but not least is this timeless classic! Add a red lip and you're good to go!

Happy shopping ladies and just remember, take advantage of the party season outfits. Go all out, wear the outfit with confidence and have a great time :) xx

Rant Of The Week: It's All Over For Another Year!

All of the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! fans know it wouldn't be Christmas without the run up filled with cockroaches, animal testicles, and a load of random Celebrities thrown into the jungle, and this year did not disappoint! I am absolutely gutted tonight is the final, I feel like the time flew, although, I doubt Tony Hadley and Duncan Bannatyne would say the same...

I am delighted with the final three so I don't mind who wins. I had a feeling Vicky would be in the final, she is so great, humorous, and up for everything - a real team player. Aaaand she shops in Primark, what a woman! Ferne's bubbly personality always has me smiling, and after almost being strangled by a snake that girl deserves a bloody medal! As for George, I just think he is the cutest guy ever (that smile though) and to be honest I just want to bring him home to meet my Nan. So, George Of The Jungle, if thing's don't work out with Ferne (or Jorgie) I'm always up for the flanter, okay?

This year was definitely the most dramatic in a few years, but I would have loved to hear about Yvette's experiences from Most Haunted and more about Vicky's time on Geordie Shore. I don't know how they all coped in there, I would have done an Yvette on Lady C from day one! I was so happy Yvette did that, she was so brave. I can't believe Lady C can have such a strong dislike for the father figure of the camp Tony Hadley, and Duncan Bannatyne, the Jungle Sort! 

Of course the main things I will miss will be Ant and Dec's jokes, and Laura Whitmore's wardrobe! That girl is constantly slaying in the style stakes, love her! I'm also really hoping they try to get Karl Pilkington on the show next year.

I would absolutely love to go on this show (hint hint) - Celebrity Cyclone? Yes please! Making celeb friends? Yes please! Coming face to face with an Ostrich or Lady C? Ummm, I'll have to get back to you on that one!

Goodbye Australian Jungle, until next year! You will be missed <3 xx 

Do You Have Mr. Big Syndrome?

Before reading this blog post, ask yourself if you are familiar with the character of Mr. Big in Sex and the City. If not, I would advise you to go and watch all six seasons and both movies, but if you really don't have time to do all that today then I'll update you. John James Preston aka Mr. Big is Carrie Bradshaws own Prince Charming. And sure he may have some of the prince qualities- lots of money, fancy suits, and a charismatic personality, but he's lacking quite a few of the charming qualities. He can never commit to Carrie properly but enjoys stringing her along until he actually decides to marry her in the movie (after deserting her in her fab wedding dress the first time around, just sayin'.)

Sex and the City may have ended years ago, but I personally think most women have a Mr. Big. These emotionally unavailable men don't only exist in your late 20's and 30's, there are many younger men fearing any sort of commitment. What are you all so afraid of? Spooning every Sunday morning? Netflix and chill every night? Seeing me without make-up? Women with feelings? If you aren't sure whether or not you have a Mr. Big then chances are you don't because if you had a real Mr. Big in your life he would have popped into mind straight away when you started reading this post. Here are 10 signs that you're suffering from Mr. Big Syndrome...

1. He's your worst habit 
You may bite your nails, drink, swear, comfort eat and have spent hundreds of euro on shoes and handbags over the years, but this guy takes the biscuit! He's an addiction, one you are willing to fall back into every. single. time. Excuse me Mr. Big, can I please kick this habit or at least kick you?

2. You're constantly going around in circles

Do you like me? Are we a thing? Am I friend-zoned? Do you always kiss your friends? Aren't you seeing someone else? Do you only want me when I stop showing interest? Am I the only one that's going crazy here?

3. He will always be that guy

Hear his name? Heart breaks. Hear his favourite song? Heart breaks. See his mothers friends brothers aunt? Heart breaks. See another guy with the same colour hair? Heart breaks. Bump into him? Heart breaks. He commits to someone else? Try to act not bothered at all times until you eventually crack...

4. You try (emphasis on the 'try' part) your best to forget about him until you open a bottle of wine

Must not be bitter. Must not be bitter. Ooooh alcohol!

5. Your friends aren't exactly his biggest fan

You can't blame them really...

6. He knows it too!

Charlotte had the right idea...

7. You always defend him and compare everybody to him even though he is quite clearly an asshole

Why do we like him again? Is it the way he's so mean? The way he runs for the hills the second any emotions are shared? The way he's so caught up in what he wants he doesn't care about your feelings? The way he has you on a string because he knows you care about him too much to hurt him? 

8. 364 days of the year you are driven to insanity by overthinking

And the other day is probably Christmas, or you just slept for 24 hours straight or something...

9. You're never emotionally prepared to welcome new men into your life because you're constantly waiting for his dramatic comeback

He's done this comeback like 18,000 times before so you always know it's on the horizon...

10. He knows too well how to play with your heart

Get them hopes up and prepare yourself for the fall again girl...

Don't get me wrong, I love Mr. Big's character (that is my main problem in life) but I don't love him as much when I'm the one in Carrie's shoes. Of course you care about him, every girl does. I think you always will even if it's just a little bit, but does he really care about you enough or do you just get trampled on constantly for caring about him? Is it time to throw away Mr. Big and focus on Aidan? Does anyone ever really get a happy ending with their Mr. Big or was Carrie Bradshaw just a symbol of dreamy fairytale fiction? Let's not fret though ladies, I still have hope for men, after all, look how many different types of guys the Sex and the City girls dated altogether, surely there must be one that's a healthy habit?

European Fashion Styles: Looking Stylish on the Continent

This is a piece that I wrote about fashion trends in Europe for The Spotahome Blog. Check out their blog for great posts and information about various European cities :)

In Europe’s buzzing, ever changing cities, one thing is for sure – fashion never goes out of style. On our travels we meet new people, new traditions and new fashion trends, but how do these vary across the board? 

European Fashion: Dublin
As an Irish girl, I have walked the streets of Dublin many times, but I am still amazed by the style I come across each time. From the chic, on trend bloggers, to the quirky, risk taking art students, to the everyday man or woman out doing their shopping, Dublin is very much on trend. The rainy days and often cloudy skies allow for faux fur to make an appearance, one of my favourite autumn/winter trends. Thigh high boots are also a must have, which are often teamed with a gorgeous patterned blanket cape and an oversized handbag. The average Dublin girl lets her own fashion do the talking when she hits those streets, combining pieces of high street with vintage. Men will often be seen in a high street cardigan or a casual shirt, up to recently with a man bun, but this trend is slowly disappearing. Skinny trousers are very much desired, whether they are jeans or skinny tracksuit bottoms.

European Fashion: Rome
So you’re probably wondering what happens when in Rome? Well, in such a respectable city with so much historical importance, appropriate clothes are a must. It would be very rare to see anyone in something overly revealing. Romans are all about brands, after all, it is Italy – a major home of fashion. Jeans are a very prominent European fashion trend in this city, mainly dark coloured denim. Denim shirts and jackets are also worn often, and don’t have to be the same colour as the jeans. Even though it is quite a hot temperature over there, black is a very on trend colour – safe and fashionable. Not to worry though, this is easily brightened up with a statement scarf! As for dresses? Opt for long and flowy – elegant and perfect for the weather.

European Fashion: Madrid
Fashion in Madrid is very seasonal. The summers are hot and the winters cold. Similarly to Dublin, fur is very on trend during the winter. Stylish hats and scarves are also loved, as are sunglasses and designer handbags. Scarves are seen everywhere in different colours and styles, all year round. Spring allows for a lightweight jacket, but sandals do not make an appearance until at least May. Many people in Madrid dress very nicely, meaning goodbye tracksuits and hello shirts and stylish jeans.