Book Review: Forever Yours

I've gone off reading a little since finishing this book, does anyone else get like that? I can go through like 12/15 books one after the other and then suddenly I have no desire to pick up another book for the longest time. I'm trying to find something lighthearted and trashy to read right now, but its hard to find anything good! I'm just in one of those funks.

I both loved and disliked this book. Hands down it was genuinely the most terrifying modern themed thing I have ever read. This was magical for me on many levels. The one that stands out most for me is the fact that I had to turn on the lights while reading this, I was that scared by the story. (I read it on my kindle which has a light, in case your thinking I'm sitting in the dark squinting at a dark page) I've read horrors, murder mysteries and the likes, but a book that seems to be more of a romantic.. thriller? And I had to finish the book all in one go. It was one of those sleepless nights anyway, so I was kept in good company. And then I disliked it for some of the same reasons. The content of the book, the slightly drawn out story and in some cases the poorly translated phrasing. 

Forever Yours is a story about the single Judith who owns and runs a light shop. She accidentally bumps into Hannes in a shop one day and it turns out they don't work so far from one another. Soon they start to bump into each other more often and it turns into coffee and dating. Hannes is every womans dream man and everyone in Judiths life is wowed by how wonderful he is. Judith herself can't believe her luck that such a charming and gorgeous man is interested in her. From how she acts when a compliment is given to her, its clear to see that confidance is lacking.

As wonderful as this man is, he soon starts to show signs of somewhat obsessive behavior, making his affections for Judith weary, oppressive and overbearing. Its lovely to be the apple of this mans eye, but can no one else see how he is beginning to act? Feeling isolated from family and friends, she tries to cut Hannes out of her life, but shes tormented by him everyday, even in her dreams. Why can't anyone else see the suffering he is causing her and how scary he is? Yet the minute something goes wrong in Judiths life, Hannes is there at the door waiting to make it all better again.

This was hair raising for me, a phrase I don't associate with when having read a book. It wasn't an amazing story, but the fear of the theme is what really made it for me. At the end of this story there is a moment that gets me in the feels in all sorts of ways, a real hurrah for the sexes kind of thing. And of course theres a big twist too, something else I liked about it. If more books were based on this type of topic I would never sleep again. One to put on your to-read list for sure.

Max Factor Skin Luminizer Foundation

Max Factor has another new product out, this time its for the face, *the skin luminzer foundation. This is meant to give the effect of barely there foundation, 'giving a healthy looking glow that still evens out imperfections.' There is a swirl added to this foundation as you can see in the bottle, which has skin luminizers and pearl pigments to give that instant glow. This is also meant to offer the skin hydration, vitains B3 and E and have elastomers that make light reflect off the skin so your left with a glow.

This foundation comes in only a small range of 6 colours, which I think is a little annoying. Its fine if your like me and just pick up the lightest shade in whatevers going, but for someone with darker skin it must be a real pain in the arse. I have the lightest shade, 40 light ivory. This is almost a perfect match to my colouring so I was excited to try it. It has a lovely consistency, not too thick and not overly watery. Its just right - and now I feel like the three bears are about to walk in.. Personally this just didn't do it for me coverage-wise. My skin is far too patchy red and full of spots to have a light coverage foundation like this, I need the heavy duty stuff. Even after a good base of correctors and concealers, I was still left needing way more face help. I envy those who don't have many blemishes as this would be the perfect light make up to perk up your skin, making you look more awake without having to cake on the makeup like I do. (With a shovel, might I just add. Theres not a brush out there that can help me apply it all!)

I'm a fan of the packaging, its lovely eye catching gold is a big thing for me, I'm such a magpie! Its also in a plastic bottle and pump which makes it utterly perfect for travelling or just carrying in your bag and easy to use. I'm gaining muscles from carting around a glass foundation at the minute, I know I wont need it, but just in case! The only downside about this foundation for me (apart from my awful skin needing more coverage help) is the price. For a bottle of this your going to be paying €17.99 and I just couldn't fork that out for any foundation ever. However Max Factor does have a 3 for 2 offer in Boots at the moment so it might make the price a little easier to manage. Though personally I think cheaper brands are just as good and I have a load of cheaper make up brands that have great coverage, be they foundations or even BB creams for half the price of this. 

So the foundation overall is a thumbs down from me. I need a much heavier coverage. But thats not saying that this mightn't be perfect for those who are lucky enough to have clear skin. In terms of Max Factor, I'm going to be sticking to their nail varnish and maybe a sneaky look at their eye shadow. (*drools* have you seen their smokey eye pens and lipsticks?! Mmmm) Would you look at my barely awake looking self below. Swear to god, if I don't have eyeliner on my eyes are non existent!

Would you buy this foundation or do you have the same coverage issue as me?

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.

To My Thirteen Year Old Self

Two years ago when I turned 20 I wrote a letter to my 30 year old self. After those 10 years I could look back and see what I thought at 20 and what my younger self wanted to know from my 30 year old self. (which I'm debating whether or not to put up after this post some time?) Recently I came across this letter and it got me thinking, what would have want to have told my younger self? I know this has been done lots before, but my blog is not only a space online to talk to other people, but to document things for myself. So that is what I'm going to do now. 

Why to my 13 year old self and not older? I just turned 13 a few weeks after starting secondary school, my granddad died that summer and I feel this is the time that I went from being a child to more of an adult. The silly things I did, the people I met and the unstoppable 'life' things that happened that I had no control over. This is what I would say to a younger me now.

• Take home ec. You can barely cook toast, even by 22.
• Darling you are still a little girl, you deserve to stay that way for longer.
• Those cool kids who bully you? Yeah, it will last all though school. But I promise it actually does get better.
• You don't have people forever, have more time for them.
• Your going to make some of your best friends in the next few years who will be by your side for years to come. Get excited!
• Its really ok to stay at home on the weekend. Parties will still be there long into your 20s and even after.
• Don't dye your hair. Oh god, please don't.
• Fighting and being aggressive will only leave you hurt. 
• This black eyeliner that you've discovered is really cool, I know. But please don't line your eyes so heavily with it. Emo is never ever a good look.
• Try to listen in class and do your work. Please, school is actually really important.
• That oversized blue jumper you got when you were 15? Don't throw it out!
• Buy as many of those tuck shop strawberries as you can. After you leave school you'll never be able to find that kind again. Which is really sad, but leaves you less hyper too.
• You briefly find religion at about 15, don't worry it doesn't last long.
• People will let you down and can be horrible, but honey stay strong. You have so much love to give yet.
• White Musk from the body shop is great, but you wear it for years. Try something different.
• I am so proud of you for never touching drugs, keep going the right way.
• Enjoy compliments! Stop brushing them off as nothing, they are good.
• Keep hold of your ancient Nokia, you will break countless phones over the years!
• Spellings? Don't sweat it, everything has auto correct now.
• Don't try to fit in or be someone your not. Its ok to be totally mad and people will still love you.
• Keep to the 'boys', the 'men' can come when your much older.
• Don't wear high heels. You could never walk in them and you'll brake your ankles numinous times in the next few years.
• You are still going to be as confused with what career you want when your 22 as when you were 13, so don't panic. You have years to do that!
• Try to be as independent as you can.
• Its ok to watch cartoons, read comics and generally do things that are thought of as 'being a baby' when your in secondary school. In a few years guys think its ok (and even hot!)
• Don't judge your appearance too harshly, remember you are changing all the time.

What would you have said to your 13 year old self?

Mondss Underarm Wear

Every month it seems theres some new and wonderful product being launched thats never been seen before. In theory these all sound great, like tiny colourless plasters for spots and reusable nappies. You will always find something totally out there that people will actually buy if theres enough hype behind it and a semi famous face stuck alongside it. This time I'm going to be talking about *Mondss, the alternative for deodorants.

Mondss is an Irish company thats just popped up in the last few months. They are selling plaster-like things that you stick into your armpits and go on your merry way. These claim to absorb all sweat and moisture so you don't have sweat patches on your clothes. Pushing the whole feeling comfortable and wear what you want thing. Its a good idea but man, these things look like sanitary pads. Several friends (both male and female) and family have commented on how unattractive and horrible they look when I showed them.

I'm all for no sweat patches and smelling nice, but I couldn't stand having these on. After an hour I had to take them off, they were irritating my skin, generally uncomfortable to wear and I felt self conscious just wearing them at home. No, these aren't for me. The packaging is really appealing and the Founder of Mondss, Jane, is really lovely. As are whoever man the pr/twitter side, but I have to admit I hate the product. 

You get 10 of these pads in a box for €9.99 which is quite steep. €1 for each pad means that you could buy up to 5 bottles of deodorant for the same price, depending on sales and offers on in the shop. I'm sure for some these will be a life saver, or for those who are alergic to many kinds of sprays, but I'm not sure if I can see them taking off very well. It all looks and sounds a bit too gimmicky to me.

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.

A Look At Inglot: Red Lips

Inglot is a the type of make up brand that I goo over, say I must try it when I have the spare cash and then walk on by the stand. (I could have made a song out of that, but I didn't. Impressed?) I would class this brand in the MAC category: Overpriced, over hyped and lets face it, a little bit too posh for the likes of me. And I'm fine with that, I love my Seventeen, Rimmel and the odd spurge on Maybelline even. But when a friend gave these to me for my birthday, I was totally over the moon and felt fancy as hell. Inglot? Lip products? In red!? Oh holy god, be still my dancing ovaries (thats a saying now, I've just decided).

First lets take a second to talk about the packaging before we start on the products themselves. I'm forever giving out about the predominantly black packaging that holds most makeup, but when I look at Inglot all of that goes out the window. How sleek and luxurious does it look? Just wow. The lipstick is small, neat and easy to pop into a clutch without taking up too much room. The lid never budges on this either which is amazing as I have some very loved but battered lipsticks purely because the lids wont stay on. Its so annoying to find it all over your bag and all broken up, but not with Inglot products it seems. The gloss is the same, the lid doesn't budge as its a twist on top. My eyes always open a little wider when I take out this gloss, the long tube looks just like something out of my old science class rooms and its nothing but gorgeous. All of the love for how right Inglot got their products to look!

First is the lipstick in the shade 409. This is so much darker on the site and I was annoyed at how shiny it looks too. Pictures can be so deceiving on the aul interwebs sometimes! This is a gorgeous dark 'matte moisturising formula with vitamin E, avocado oil and macadamia oil.' This is far from moisturising in my opinion. It drags on the lips and can be quite hard to apply if your trying to do a quick coat. (spoiler alert: you can't do a quick coat with this. Ever.) Its interesting to see that theres macadamia oil in here, along with the others. I'm not sure how long Inglot has been around or how long this particular formula has been in stock, but macadamia oil has been the big craze for the past year or so. I would say this is a big selling point for them here - its not just a nice lipstick shade, it has other benefits too! It also says its paraben free (another craze every product is banging on about) and its not tested on animals. 

To be very honest this doesn't wear well without applying a lip pencil first and even then if you've been eating or drinking it will soon need to be reapplied badly. Its such a dark colour too that you will need to pull out a mirror with every application, just to be safe. And as I said earlier, it drags on the lips and isn't moisturising. This lipstick isn't forgiving either, so you would need to use a good amount of lip scrub before this. On a really positive note, this smells really sweet, kind of like cherry sweets. But it tastes awful - I do these things so you don't have to!

Next is the sleek cream in the shade 93. This colour is more true to life on their site and is again not tested on animals and paraben free. I have no clue what the difference is between sleek cream lip paints and bog standard lip gloss, because from where I'm standing they both look the same. Then again this is a more high end brand then what I've ever used before so clearly I am unsophisticated and uneducated in the ways of the paint-glosses of the lips.  This says its got 'vitamin E hydrates and nourishes in this long lasting non sticky lip paint with a luster effect'. Maybe its not as sticky as regular gloss? (also, is anyone else wondering what the hell a luster effect is?... I just googled it. 'Lustre is the way light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock or mineral' - boom, you just got educated about light. This isn't just about a lip gloss anymore, oh no.)

This is about as long lasting as a normal lip gloss for me. Its not as gloopy as some I have tried and is easy to apply. But again, its not hydrating and after I take it off in the evening I tend to use a lip balm as my lips feel dry. However this smells as lovely as the lipstick, but in a more sickly sweet caramel way - Again, doesn't taste nice.

Would you take a look at me. I look like I've documented my three stages of going to sleep. Each photo my eyes are more closed. Promise it was because the sun kept coming out brighter and not because I was off to sleep standing up! As you can see, both layered together looks great and a little more moisturising then just the lipstick on its own. Both of the colours are just gorgeous and although I bitched about them a lot in this post, I'll be wearing them non stop considering its autumn and soon into the Christmas period. Who doesn't love an aul dark red lip for the season? 

What do you think of Inglot, have you tried their products?

September Favourites

This has been such a good month for me, I'm so sad to see it go! I feel like it lasted the perfect amount of time, does anyone else get like that? I'm forever saying a month dragged or flew, but never that it was just right. It could have something to do with it been my birthday month, but sure feck it, everyone has to have a good time now and again. I have so so much that I have loved this month and actually had to narrow it down. Normally I'm wreaking my brain trying to think what I have used and enjoyed, but not for September. I've actually loved so much I've decided to do a few separate reviews to satisfy my cravings and need to tell people about wonderful things. I've spent the full day taking photos non stop, I'm delighted to have a few things ready to go for the blog. Theres nothing worse then feeling like your getting behind and will never be able to blog again.

I've a good few things that I've loved that aren't really beauty related. For one Netflix; I just realised  a few days ago that How I Met Your Mother has a season 9, I thought it ended at 8! So I can't wait to start watching that. (Those of you who are big HIMYM fans have every right to boo and give out to me!) I've also been really getting into Once Upon A Time - a retelling of all your favourite fairy tales but with a modern twist thats just great. I'm half way through season 2 and its starting to drag, but I've been told it picks up! Has anyone watched it? Lastly Bones. I'm a long time fan of Bones but somewhere down the line I stopped watching it so over the past two months I've been re-watching all the seasons. Its so good and addictive! 

Other things that I've been loving are candles (which I will do a review of soon) and hot chocolate. Nearly every single night I will go to bed with one, I'm awful! But after putting back a big box of Cadburys last time I was in Tesco, I thought I'd treat myself only to find that the biggest tub was reduced to €2. Made my month. I've been to lots of blogger events this month too and its just so lovely to meet new people and catch up with blogger friends that I genuinely have such a big space in my heart for. Ugh, you women!! *cuddles all the ladies*

Oh, and the Gyspy Rose bar in town (on the quays?) is normally somewhere I'd never venture - loud, many many people and if I'm honest, a little scary. But I was in there one of the really quiet nights and I was bowled over by how friendly, polite and just down right gentlemanly the fella behind the bar was. Its not often a bar tender makes me feel safe and not even slightly perved on, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell anyone and everyone to stop by if your looking for some nice staff.

That was a freakin' mad long intro, sorry! First, lets just take a minute to love these colours above, side by side. Mmmm. Max Factors new nail varnishes were one of the only ones I wore this month, alone and with colourful accent nails. These were two of my favourtie colours as they stood out and made an outfit. Have a proper look at the entire collection Over Here.

Two random things that I've really loved this month are bobbins and earphones that are both pink! Some of you will have seen my haul from yesterday that had these invisibobbles in it. I've had these for almost two weeks (I know, shameful to have a haul and not put it up sooner!) have been using them non stop. I love them more then any bobbins I've ever had. They don't break on me, are really stretchy, hold hair much better then regular bobbins, don't catch or pull on my hair and are different to the everyday stuff you see. I know these claim to leave no kinks in your hair but I've noticed some in mine - much less then with normal bobbins but still a few. However that wouldn't stop me from using them or going out and buying more. Its love. 

Next are these earphones that were €2 in the pound shop! I got them as I broke my other ones (€3 from Penneys) and wanted to watch videos on the bus. They are so freakin' handy!! You pull them all the way out and when your done pull on them again and the wrap themselves back up. No untangling for 10 minutes before you can listen to music. The one downside is that they are only €2 so the quality isn't amazing. But there cheap enough that if I break them it isn't a big loss, easy to use and small enough not to take up space in my bag. 200 please and thank you!

Its hard to find a really good lipstick that I will wear non stop. I'm not one for bothering with my lips too much, let alone reapplying. This is a serious big deal for me, I've been using this for a month and a half every time I go out. Every, single, time. Its from one of my favourite brands, Seventeen and is their supreme shine lipstick in the shade Pink Posey. I went on the hunt for something that was dark and purple, but wasn't going to be too OTT - the lighting is so poor in the above photo, I'm sorry! This entire collection is darker shades that just make you want them all. I've been so happy with this one and its half way gone, its been that used. Its moistursing, slightly shiny and doesn't have a very strong colour that you would need to apply in front of a mirror. Its really perfect for on the go or sneakily putting back on between drinks or food. It doesn't last forever but it keeps my lips hydrated which for a 'drug store' brand lipstick is amazing. Theres 12 colours at €6.29 each. Plus, look at the shiny gorgeous packaging!   

Two little palettes that I haven't been able to do without are the Wet'n'Wild Comfort Zone and the NYX eyebrow cake powder. I'm not going to talk about the eyebrow kit at all because it needs its own post. Thats how much love I'm willing to give it. Watch out for it on the blog soon! Every time I've put on makeup without fail I have used these. I've loved the eyeshadows so much that I went out specially and bought a brown mascara to go with the brown side for a smoky eye look. I've also got brave and used the green side a few times. I've put some of the eyeball looks up on Instagram over here if you fancy a goo. You can also see my full review with swatches of all the colours Over Here.

The last two things are old loves of mine. Vaseline spray and go body moisturiser has got so much love this month that my cocoa one finished and I've started to use this one now. These bottles last a crazy long time too. I got a little sick of a nearly empty product so one morning after the shower I tried to finish up the bottle. I was covered from head to toe in this stuff and there was far too much, but after I rubbed it in a little it was totally absorbed and gone. I'm even more impressed with it now as I was sure there would be a greasy residue left on my skin and I'd feel sticky. But that wasn't the case at all and I am pleased to say this will be a long time repurchase until they stop making the stuff! 

For my birthday I got so many lovely things from friends and family but decided not to do a 'haul' post as I find they can sound quite braggy at times. But one thing that I've been using loads is this Yardley perfume called Diamond. I've had this once before and its the most lovely fresh scent that I have owned. I was gutted when I finished it and I remember going on a hunt only to find Boots didn't stock it. So when a friend guess bought this for me without knowing I loved it, I was delighted! And just look at that bottle. Oh its so pretty. I always feel lighter, fresh and 'wake me up' scents make me feel so much happier and perky then my deep heavy sweet scents, although most of my collection is made up of the latter!

So, tell me something you've loved this September!

And also, do you have any Netflix recommendations?

Boots Haul: Hair and Makeup Must Haves

Its important to note that this spend was totally ok as I had gotten a Boots voucher for my birthday and it was burning a hole in my handbag. The majority of this haul are things that I had needed to repurchase or that I had been looking at for ages and just never had the extra funds to splurge on. So thank you to one of my besties for feeding my Boots habit, the doll! Boots are doing there regular savings with 3 for 2 on make up and the likes, but there also doing a 3 for 2 on all hair care - which I think ends up being a little expensive in the long run. So until they finish that offer I'm hunting around the house for some shampoo and conditioner!

I had to get more hair dye as I'm finally finished my god awful bottle of Bleach London. Now I can go back to much loved and trusted Live Colour XXL in purple. This stuff lasts such a long time and is one of the best purple dyes I have tried (and believe me, I've tried them all!) This was only €6.99 and normally its on offer for two fro €9, so look out for that if your a dye addict like myself.

I also picked up Soap&Glory Orangeasm body wash that I have wanted since it came out. I can't get enough of the scent and a friend actually took it from me because I was sniffing it too much. (opps). I can't wait to try this out in the shower and see if the scent is long lasting and what it really smells like once its applied to the skin. Not only that, but obviously if it washes well and leaves me squeaky clean! This was the cheapest out of the new line at €9, which is a bit steep, but after all it is S&G.

Another thing that I had been after for ages was the Invisi bobble that I read about on a blog and really wanted to try. This is meant to keep hair in place without catching or leaving bobbin marks in your hair. I am forever tying my hair up and letting it loose again late only to find kinks and crazy possessed big hair. I really hope this isn't a gimmiky product and it actually works. It will make a nice change from getting my hair pulled out by my bobbins too and I'm hoping it wont break as easy as the ones I'm currently using at the minute. For a pack of three this was €4.89.

I was set on getting a Sleek palette as I have never owned one and when I saw the limited edition Arabian Nights, I knew it had to be mine. What I didn't know was that Sleek had a buy one get one half price on all their stock so I came away with another much drooled over palette, Vintage Romance. Both of these make me happy just to look at and I can't wait to have a proper play and create some looks. These are €9.99 each, but I got the second one for €4.99. Over the past month I have been seriously gaining a lot of new shadows and palettes so I think these will be the last for a while as I just have too many! The last Sleek palette I really want is the Sunset one, after that the craving should be filled! (Or so I hope). I'll start doing reviews and swatches in the next while of all the these shadows and products, so keel the eyes peeled.

Lastly, some much needed repurchases. Seventeen is one of my most loved make up brands and I have bought dozens of their phwoarr paint concealers and miracle matte pressed powders. The concealer is a near dupe of Benefits boi-ing but for only €6.99, while the pressed powder was €5.09. Seventeen had an offer on of buy two products and get a free back lash mascara that is normally €8.19. It was just my luck that I was buying two things anyway! I haven't seen this mascara before, so I don't know if its new or not, although I don't pay too much attention to any mascaras out.

Lastly I picked up a reduced Bourjois record liner in black for €3, originally €10.49 as the packaging had been damaged. I couldn't have been happier as this brand is normally out of my reach with its slightly high end prices.