Monthly natters

Hey again everyone! So this is going to be a rather odd blog but I felt I had to share some of my 'inspirational insights' this week :P

So I was browsing instagram this week, it's my new obsession. Reading some of the quotes about friendship and trusting people I realized so many of them clicked with me! I used to think losing contact with people was a bad thing and I had to have so many friends for Facebook and social media. Well, getting older really made me see the light with this fact.

As you get older you will notice your circle start to get smaller and you won't see people as much and that is just a part of life. People change! As you go through different stages you meet more people and make more friends. Everyone does.

As well as that I realized Social media is great and exciting but it's a fantastic mask for people's insecurities. You might see a post about how happy someone is with such a person, a job, a product, etc or how they are so fit now, have a new car, graduated. But in most cases they literally just post it to make others jealous, to get likes, to fit in to what social media perceives is the norm. Everyone does it, including myself! How sad is it that this has become reality? I got the luas one day to Dundrum from Stephens green and everyone was on their phone, on facebook or twitter. Not that long ago I was getting the train to heuston and a man sat down beside me from Portlaois to talk to me, despite the fact I obviously had my earphones and iphone out at the time. Yet I don't regret talking to him one bit! It passed the journey and it was a nice conversation. One day when we're old and the next generation take our steps, we will regret not looking around us more often, not seeing and doing more with our time than  looking at a blue screen for at least 10 of the 24 hours in a day. When was the last time anyone actually left their phone at home. went to town and actually smiled and talked to people on the street?

It can also be such a great place for people called 'keyboard warriors' or 'trolls'. I think everyone has plenty of experience with these people, myself included. I have been subjected to people criticizing my opinion, my work, etc all on social media but I guarantee they wouldn't say it to me in person. In fact I actually came face to face to some of these 'warriors' who accused me of being the reason for a relationship break up, when they themselves were the reason. I was called every name under the sun and people were told by this person that I was the one emailing abusive things! Yet face to face they looked away quickly and didn't say a word. It is so easy for people to act all tough and  aggressive over Facebook. But complete cowards in real life! Some will also use others who claim to be your friend to find out information for these people. Again I have been prey to this too often. But mistakes in life are lessons learnt! People who abuse you like these are just petty and jealous and better off ignored! You should try to understand them and pity them rather then feel anger towards them!

For all my ranting I will be the first to tell you I couldn't live without them :P

 This is just the way the world has gone and people have to adapt to the changes around them. That is just human nature, Social media can be fun and helpful for jobs or meeting old friends etc, but we have to remember to 'check out' the odd time too and actually speak to those around us. 

Rant over :P 

Any opinions on this yourselves? Feel free to leave them down below :) 

Thanks for reading!

Sandy.S

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Back to videos!

Hey everyone, so I have finally discovered a way to make more videos. With a broken comp, little internet and an old camera, I did it! Dedication :P 

SO if you could all have a look and let me know what you think, I would be so greatful :D

Have a click and a look down below...

My video :*

So excited!! 

Also, suggestions for a new youtube/blog name? Or is it ok? I'd appreciate some feedback :) 

Thanks guys :* :* 

Sandy.S

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Urban Decay Smoky Palette

So, I finally got my hands on the long awaited Urban Decay Smoky Palette. 

Excitement!

So what do I think of the highly anticipated sequel? 

I would give it a 3/5.

 I have tried a few looks by now and even though I do like it, I wouldn't leave the house with just this and no other, unlike naked 1 or 3... I feel like I would need to bring some more mattes with me, even though it has some beautiful colours combined  in the one palette. It is definitely a palette you would keep for occasion wear or nights out. Or if you're brave and like wearing dramatic makeup 24/7 :P It has by far my favourite metallic eyeshadows, but I prefer the one or three for the mattes :) 

The colours, although they claim to be brand new, are very similar to some recent colours in other Urban Decay palettes. 

Smoky Palette's high and dirty sweet very similar to...

Naked 1's sin and half baked.

However I do lie it and highly recommend for creating that beautiful smoky eye!

Here's one I did earlier :) 

A 'how to' will follow up soon :) 

Thanks for reading guys!! 

Sandy.S

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Autumn Must haves/trends/wishlist 2015

So it is already Autumn, though it is not much of a surprise here in Ireland with the crazy weather we have been having lately, especially in the west :( 

I have recently been browsing the web, magazines and all websites possible to see what we can expect to come our way in the beauty and fashion industry, I have to say I am very excited! :D

So far in cosmetics I  am seeing plenty of what are called '90's lips', basically berry coloured lips, bronze eyeshadows rather than gold and silver, naturally flushed cheeks and an easy dramatic eye with plenty of crazy liner.

In terms of fashion, it's all about tassels, fringes, bold prints, burgundy, tan suede, denim and plenty of monochrome. It's looking like we're staying in a step back to the 60's and 70's, with a futuristic twist. The pastels have been taken away for the sale racks and burnt oranges, coppers and burgundy are creeping in. I love this time of year :D 

According to Primark, the transition to Autumn will see inspiration from 'the exotic souks of Morocco - bright tiles prints and intricate linework - while elements of traditional 70s paisley also come into play, especially when it comes to blouses and cut-out shoulder smock dresses. Despite many pieces within the collection looking minimalist and clean-cut, texture and print can still be achieved through layering with tribal printed capes and subtly fringed kimonos.'

Primark Autumn 2015

I cannot wait! 

Below are some examples of Boohoo's new collection, hello boho vibes! 

For makeup trends I have located some gorgeous new products coming soon to a shop near you! I am very excited about these :) 

First off is the maybelline color sensational creamy mattes lipstick. I am so excited to try some out, they come in 8 shades from nude to scarlet. Have to give these a try!

The Maybelline Master concealer. I have always loved Maybellines concealers and cover sticks and I hope this will be no different! 

Maybelline's Fit me Range. I wasn't able to just narrow down to one, but after the revamping of the excellent fit me range I just had to include them all! I have tried their balance stick and powder and was so upset when I ran out. With new formulas especially for dry and oily skin, they really are catering for all. There is even a questionnaire online of how to find the best fit. Get me to boots!

Next up is Catrice.

I just need a moment to appreciate these...How pretty does all of this look? And the great thing is...you could buy all of these and not be bankrupt! Just look at the rich purples and nudes. I especially cannot wait to try the foundation and deluxe eye palette. Catrice are really bang on trend this Autumn. Wait until I review some of these!

Of course I have to review this. The Urban decay long awaited naked Smoky Palette. Personally I haven't bought this yet, but I am going to as soon as I can. God bless  my sister for giving me a voucher for my birthday :D I think the colours are very similar to those in previous palettes, despite the different names. Still, I love the look of it, the gorgeous various shades in metallic and matte, Can't wait to try some gorgeous looks with this. 

In Homecare I have to say Penneys always win for me, but I like to browse Argos too :) Autumn winter is cosy season, cups of tea by the stove, slipper socks, fuzzy blankets. But it's also time for students to go back to school and college, Penneys are taking care of that :)

All items in both pictures range from 2€ to about 12€...where would you be going? :D 

Here are some of my favourites from the new homecare range :D I am so excited! Rose gold is a big trend this Autumn, perfect for a girly room. 

I hope you all enjoy my recommendations :D If you try any of the products let me know! 

Hopefully I will have some reviews soon <3

Thank you for reading!

Sandy.S

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10 Things...that city people miss out on.

So I recently applied for a job with the well known 'Her.ie' website for Irish women. This is the article I came up with as part of their '10 things' featured pieces

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 My feature Piece on the style of the regular ’10 Things’ Piece.

10 Things that…City People miss out on.

So, we all know that every county in Ireland has its mixture of city and country folk. When both come together, it can be quite interesting to see the vast differences between the two and even the major personalities clashing. According to Dubliners, every county outside of their own is considered bog land and ‘culchieville’ Even though each county in its own right has its population of ‘townies’ and ‘boggers’ . So what really is the difference between them? What do the city folk miss out on that is common place for the Country people? 

Here are ten things that country people pride in experiencing over their rivals.

       (1)    Silage cutting.

Ahhh the annual cutting of silage during the summer. Whether you actually live on a farm or not in the country, you most likely live near one, are related to a farmer, or you’re friends with one. Every year the perfumed smell of freshly cut grass fills the air and the rows of grass are made to jump over. To country kids, these rows are made into a game, where you have to reach one end of the field, jumping over every row without upsetting the grass (god help you if you do!) The whole process is pure excitement, from seeing the flashing orange lights on the tractors speeding over the potholes to the shiny black bales and towering silage pits.

2. Lack of Public Transport.

One thing City people take for advantage is the level of Public Transport. Living in the country, if you don’t drive yet either you walk, cycle or pray that your parents or siblings will be home on time to drop you to a friend’s house or a bus to the nearest town.  You have to time that one bus that says it leaves at 9.30 sharp, but really leaves anywhere between nine and ten in the morning. You learn to drive at the age of five, because let’s face it; you’re screwed if you don’t at least have your provisional at the age of 17.

     

     3.  Animals, everywhere.

     So there you are, making yourself a cuppa in the kitchen and all of a sudden you look out the window to make eye contact with a few cows and maybe the odd sheep. But it’s ok, because such and such a neighbour has a new fencing system that’s a bit dodgy and his animals always break out lately.

4. Sense of Direction.

So, a tourist, or even a townie stops you up while you’re going for your evening walk and ask you where a certain landmark is. Even though you know perfectly well where it is, you have to think for a second how to phrase it because these people aren’t going to understand “down the road there” or “up yonder”. You have to use actual place names. 

5. Sound level.

When your cousin from the city comes down to stay for the summer and they can’t sleep because it’s so quiet that it’s deafening to them, meanwhile you’re snoring your head off next door. Also as soon as they hear a fox crying, that’s it, no more summers at Aunty Mary’s farm in the country.

6. Neighbours.

So in the city, you might know a few people in the houses around you in the estate, if you’re lucky. In the country, you might know people as far over as the next couple of villages and of course they’re all your neighbours that live down the road. “That’s the man with the fancy house” “there goes herself and her toy boy” “that’s your man that got the new bull” can all be heard after mass of a Sunday.

7. The Electric Fence.

City dwellers will never understand the excitement that comes from getting to test the electric fence with a blade of grass. It’s dangerous and could possibly kill a person if high enough, but that’s part of the thrill.

8. Beware of the Badger.

Even though the quieter areas of the cities might witness some wildlife, they are the least of their worries when walking at night. But to country people, the badger is the scariest thing to run into. Most are brought up to know that you have to walk with a stick when walking down a country road at night.  Why? Because according to your gullible mother a badger will bite and not let go until he hears a snap. Hence the need to have a stick with you to crack and sound like bone breaking and give her piece of mind.

Never mind masked murderers or killers, a badger could be on the loose!

9. The lack of…everything!

So you’re craving a bottle of coke, or a pizza and there’s nothing in the fridge, what do you do? Forget it. Unless you can drive or persuade someone to drive you to the nearest town, you won’t be able to get them. Not like the city where you can walk 100 yards to your nearest grocers. As well as that you also have to get used to the lack of a good internet facility, no phone reception, less of a social life and not being able to go to the movies when you feel like it or pop to the shops. All the same, it makes you appreciate these things more when you do get them.

10. The bog.

You have to listen to the story every time you put a piece of turf into the fire “there’s no cup of tea like the cup you have in the bog” from a grandparent or older family member. Then you’re forced to sit down with your fifth sandwich and mineral drink of 7up to hear stories of times gone by, that you have probably heard a million and one times. 

Still, you wouldn’t trade any of it!

Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think! :D 

Sandy.S

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Maybelline mini haul :)

Hey guys! 

So recently I was in Boots and decided to take advantage of the great offers in there :) Particularly the 2 for 3 offer in Maybelline :)

I picked up the new Lash sensational Mascara, Flawless Nude dream foundation in Ivory and Instant Age Rewind concealer in Light.

I was really impatient to try these out as I have heard so many different reviews, especially on the foundation. 

The first thing I tried (literally leaving town, in the car :P) was the Lash Sensational Mascara and I love it! It created such a beautiful, natural curl to my lashes and made them appear instantly longer. I was asked was I wearing false lashes at one stage! I would highly recommend this :) 

Secondly I tried the Foundation and unfortunately I wasn't massively impressed. It comes with a small stick applicator in a beautiful shaped bottle. The colour is a bit too dark for me, and it has very poor coverage. I had to mix with another foundation (Revlon Colorstay) just to get a nice coverage. For someone who has a lot of freckles, especially around this time of year, it felt like it was barely there even when I applied loads! It was also very drying :/ However I am going to try it with some different primers and moisturisers to see if I can change my opinion :) 

Last but not least the age rewind concealer :) I actually really like this. It is very light but manages to cover any dark circles, veins or redness. It is very subtle but good. I also love the applicator, a really soft sponge that glides and blends on the skin.

Overall, not my most favourite foundation, but good concealer and mascara :) Maybelline get 2/3 for me this time around!!

Thanks for reading :)

Sandy.S

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Must have Brush Set!

Hey guys!! 

Sorry it has been an age and a half <3 :(

However I am going to be doing a lot more blogs soon on recent favourites and just general items I keep going back for :)

So, this time round, I am going to be discussing my all time favourite brush set.

No it's not real techniques, crown or any other. But a simple twelve piece set from a pharmacy found in the West and North west of Ireland called Cara pharmacies. Now I have wanted this brush set since it came out and for some reason never picked it up! Until one day, there was a massive sale in the shop and it was down in price so I had no choice! My arms literally grabbed it before my brain had a chance to think!

They come in a beautiful pink or black storage case, which is placed inside another beautiful black box, with the details of all inside. 

I tried it out the moment I went home and fell in love! My personal favourites being the C02 Stippler Brush and CO8 Large Powder Brush! I just feel that my Makeup looks smoother and less flaky!

It comes with 12 beautiful pink/black handled brushes, ranging from a flat foundation brush to a Pointed Kabuki Eyeshadow and Blender Brush :) They cost just 29.50 which means it is about 2-3€ per brush! Nothing :) 

Highly Highly recommend ordering online or buying in the pharmacy if you are in any of the areas :) I bought mine in Galway :)
If you want to buy it online or even have a look you can get it here:
Cara Pharmacy Professional Brush set

Happy Brushing <3 <3 <3!!! :D

Until Next time :) 

Sandy.S

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I love Spring Things! Tag 2015 :)

Hey everyone!! So I am back with a fun and simple tag for Spring :) I said I would finally do it as the weather has gotten less cold and we saw some sun today so here goes!! 

Name your top 10 spring makeup items ❀

1. Nyx Wicked Dreams Palette

2.Seventeen Pink Power lipstick

3.Nyx HD Concealer

4.Bourjois Volume max Mascara

5.Soap & Glory Smoulder and kohl eyeliner pen

6.Manhattan Cream Compact makeup 

7.Manhattan Soft Compact Powder

8.Isa Dora Bronzing powder

9.Urban Decay Primer Potion

10.Catrice Liquid Liner

Name your top 5 spring blushes ❀

1. MeMeMe Blush me in Coral

2. Nyx Powder Blush in Dusty Rose

3. Catrice Defining blush in Apropos Apricot

4. Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Lovely Pink

5.Bourjois Round pot blush in Rose Èclat 

What do you look forward to about Spring?❀

The (hopefully) warmer weather, the change in fashion, closer to Summer and of course my Birthday in April :) 

What are some fashion and beauty trends you are going to rock?❀

I am loving the crazy prints in Primark atm, and the shoes, also love the pastel colours :)  For beauty I am loving the natural look :) 

Have you a favourite Spring inspired clothing item?❀

Yes! I have a beautiful dress from Primark that is black and white with flowers on it :) It's perfect for Spring! 

Favorite spring accessories?❀

Scarves, bracelets, statement jewellery, all in bright pastel of course! :) 

Favorite spring scents?❀

Viva la Juicy by Juicy couture or any of the DKNY scents :) 

What is your favourite Spring Flower?❀

The daffodil or daisy :) 

Are you planning anything for this Spring?❀

Not that I am aware of but it is my birthday in April, I will be a big 22 year old (Yay)...(Not!) :D 

Ok guys so that is it!! Feel free to do it yourself as I tag everyone and anyone :) 

Happy Spring <3 !! 

Sandy.S❀

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