Laura Mercier Radiance Primer

by Makeupmonster on May 23, 2013 • 4 Comments

Blogs have recently been raving about Laura Mercier’s new radiance primer so when I got the chance to try it out, I was very excited. I love the idea of primers that give a soft glow to your skin and having never tried a Laura Mercier primer, I was interested...

Home / Lips / Reviews

No7 BB Lips – A Good Dupe for Clarins Lip Perfectors

by Makeupmonster on May 21, 2013 • 6 Comments

I have to say I tut tutted when I saw that BB Creams had suddenly becoming all all consuming buzz word that had managed to gravitate to all sorts of products including lip balms. Even the letters BB on a lot of face products is a bit if a fib...

Face / Home / Nails / Reviews

Bourjois Cream Blush & So Matt Topcoat

by Makeupmonster on May 20, 2013 • 25 Comments

The beauty world has been insanely excited about the new line of cream blushers coming from Bourjois and as I was in Boots at the weekend I knew I had to review at least one so I swatched all four and settled on shade Number 1 (€9) which is Nude...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder

by Makeupmonster on May 16, 2013 • 10 Comments

Ooh my laser card is cowering in fear. Boots are officially launching an IRISH website, meaning all the goodness of Boots and it’s many, many lustworthy brands are even easier to get your hands on, especially good news for you girls around the country who may not have a Boots...

Home / Lips / Nails / Reviews

Maybelline’s Two Very Nice Dupes for Illamasqua and Clarins

by Makeupmonster on May 14, 2013 • 18 Comments

While we were in Boots picking up L’Oreal’s incredible new cleansers I also picked up these two from Maybelline which were in a ‘buy one, get one half price’ sale which is always a nice little incentive to get you shopping! The nail varnish caught my eye for two reasons,firstly...

Home / Reviews / Skincare

L’Oreal Skin Perfection Cleansing Oil & Micellar Solution

by Makeupmonster on May 13, 2013 • 20 Comments

We had a wander around Boots in Liffey Valley at the weekend (and a cheeky Nandos…yum!) and I picked up a few bits with a little help from my brill boyfriend, who helped me hunt down these two babies when I couldn’t remember which brand they were from or where...

Cruelty Free / Eyes / Home / Reviews

Essence Stick-On Eyeliner – God send or Gimmick?

by Makeupmonster on May 9, 2013 • 24 Comments

Creating a perfect eyeliner flick is one of my many makeup fails and although I manage with a normal line most days, I can never get the dramatic sweeping liner look loved by many a femme fatale. So when I saw this cheap cheat from Essence, I thought it was...

Face / Home / Reviews

No. 7 Blusher in Soft Damson

by Makeupmonster on May 8, 2013 • 18 Comments

Tis the season for the No.7 voucher and having bought the incredible Airbrush Away primer (more on that another day) I spotted their very pretty blushers and decided to take a punt and try this soft plum pink shade ‘Soft Damson’. It was €11 before I used my €6.50 voucher...

Eyes / Home / Reviews

Le Volume de Chanel Mascara – Worth Every Penny

by Makeupmonster on May 7, 2013 • 18 Comments

I’ve been addicted to ARTDECO’s mascara ever since I tried it a few months back and I haven’t quite found anything that could better it but I have to say, it has a very serious contender. Le Volume de Chanel is the brand new offering from the upcoming Jeux de...

Face / Home / Reviews

Vichy Idéalia BB Cream Light – First Impressions

by Makeupmonster on May 2, 2013 • 24 Comments

It’s confirmed. I’m addicted to BB Creams. I can’t help it. Yes when they’re bad they’re horrid but when they’re good they work absolute wonders on the skin and offer full-proof, fuss-proof beauty in an instant. So I was suitably excited to hear the wonderful Vichy were releasing a BB...

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May Day Madness Competition – Open Internationally!

by Makeupmonster on May 1, 2013 • 73 Comments

Well lovely ladies, May is finally here, there’s a long weekend on the horizon and how better to get that Friday feeling on a Wednesday morning than with a snazzy little competition for you all! As you can see, there’s an exceedingly random array of goodies on offer for one lucky winner!...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Home / Reviews

Japanese Makeup Swap Review

by Makeupmonster on Apr 30, 2013 • 23 Comments

So, you may have seen a few weeks ago that I got a shed-load of goodies in a beauty swap with the lovely Joy Lee based in Japan and I’m now itching to do another beauty swap because of it! Anyway, I was dying to rip open these products and...

Cruelty Free / Home / Nails / Reviews

Topshop Dark Knight Nail Varnish

by Makeupmonster on Apr 29, 2013 • 20 Comments

We just finished watching the Batman trilogy again so maybe that has something to do with this recent purchase. I have a growing obsession with the Topshop stand so when I set my eyes on this beautiful blue sparkly number, I knew I had to buy it. Sparkly varnishes can...

Collections / Home / Reviews

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Perfume

by Makeupmonster on Apr 25, 2013 • 8 Comments

That’s certainly a mouthful of a title but this is a short and sweet post imploring you to go out and sniff Roger & Gallet’s brand new fragrance as fast as your little legs can take you. I’m not great at picking out notes within a perfume, I either like...

Cruelty Free / Home / Nails / Reviews

GOSH Galaxy Nail Varnish

by Makeupmonster on Apr 24, 2013 • 21 Comments

I’m a bit of a chemist fiend and I love going in and buying random beauty products, shampoo, deodorants and all other matters of stuff I don’t particularly need at the time. So last week on a quick visit to Doc Morris, I cast my eye over the GOSH stand and spotted...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

Catrice Highlighting Powder and ‘Gone With the Wind’ Blusher

by Makeupmonster on Apr 23, 2013 • 29 Comments

I have to say, Catrice are really worming their way into my heart with all their lovely goodies and each time I pass the stand now, something else catches my eye. Last week, it was their very pretty blusher which I originally bought for a competition, along with their very...

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Topshop Lip Crayon in Wave Goodbye

by Makeupmonster on Apr 22, 2013 • 21 Comments

Another day, another pink lip balm to add to the collection! But this one is surprisingly good, making Revlon’s lip butters quake a little in their boots. Topshop’s makeup range certainly has proved it’s worth at this stage, offering cruelty free makeup with great thought and fun behind it. I picked a...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc

by Makeupmonster on Apr 18, 2013 • 15 Comments

You may have seen my recent spate of NARS posts over the last week, where I sung the praises of their Immaculate Complexion Loose Powder and wallowed in disappointment with their Light Reflecting Pressed Powder. So today I turn to another insanely hyped product all over the blogesphere – their...

Home / Lips / Reviews

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel

by Makeupmonster on Apr 16, 2013 • 10 Comments

My first thought when I unboxed this lip gel was simply ‘yum’. It honestly looks good enough to eat and I now have a serious craving for jelly! This is one of two lip gels (€20) that belong to the jaw-droppingly amazing Splendours Collection which you may have caught a...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

Peachy & Pink Springtime Blushers

by Makeupmonster on Apr 15, 2013 • 14 Comments

Eventually my Spring posts will become timely, but for the moment you’re going to have to pretend Spring is in the air, the birds are singing and it’s balmy and warm outside! So here’s a little post showcasing three of my favourite blushers for when the sun is shining, although...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

NARS Immaculate Complexion Loose Powder – Lives up to it’s Claims

by Makeupmonster on Apr 11, 2013 • 10 Comments

You may have read my very disappointed review of NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder a few days ago which I frankly hated a little, leaving me a little disillusioned with NARS. Well thankfully, I can now firmly say I’ve found a powder of theirs which I now love to bits. I was...

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Revlon Lip Butter Pink Lemonade VS Burt’s Bees in Pink Blossom

by Makeupmonster on Apr 10, 2013 • 20 Comments

I’m all about pink when it comes to my lips. I had a fish in my makeup bag recently and every lip balm and gloss I came across was pink, pink, pink. So of course when I bought two new lip delights, they were both pink but both very different....

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder – A Huge Disappointment

by Makeupmonster on Apr 9, 2013 • 20 Comments

I’m very much into the glowing natural look lately but find it almost impossible to not use a good sweep of face powder to make sure my makeup is set. So when I started googling illuminating powders I came across this little beauty on two beauty blogs I highly regard,...

Collections / Home / Reviews

Japan Makeup Swap Haul!

by Makeupmonster on Apr 8, 2013 • 17 Comments

A little while ago, the lovely Lousie from Confessions of a Secret Shopper bravely took on the task of organising a giant makeup swap between blogs all over the world. I’ve wanted to do a swap for ages so jumped straight in and was paired with Joy Lee in Japan...

Home / Lips / Reviews

The Perfect Pink with Kate Moss Shade 101

by Makeupmonster on Apr 4, 2013 • 14 Comments

I’m probably the last girl in Ireland to try one of the new Kate Moss matte lipsticks but when I swatched this baby-pink beauty, shade 101, I had a quick change of heart and had to try it. In truth, I rarely, if ever, buy lipsticks for myself cause I’m...

Home / News / Reviews

Recent Purchases

by Makeupmonster on Apr 3, 2013 • 14 Comments

So you lovely lot, I hope Easter treated you well! Here’s a slightly lazy long weekend post about the recent bits and bobs I’ve picked up over the last couple of weeks! Pennys Bag – I love bags, I love Pennys, I love pink and I especially love when all...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

Skin79 BB Cream Breakdown – Pink, Gold & Orange

by Makeupmonster on Mar 28, 2013 • 21 Comments

I’ve reviewed Skin79 BB Creams before on the site and mentioned them many times due to my sheer obsession with their wondrous powers but I know some people get a little confused when it comes to which specific Skin79 BB Cream to get as there are quite a few in the range...

Cruelty Free / Home / Nails / Reviews

No Fuss Nail Art with Penny’s/Primark Nail Wraps

by Makeupmonster on Mar 27, 2013 • 20 Comments

I bought these on a whim on one of my regular jaunts around Pennys, believing they’d probably be a bit rubbish but at €1.50 a pack it was worth the gamble. They lay around in my makeup pile for review, repeatedly being overlooked and sent to the bottom of the...

Face / Home / Reviews

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer VS Lasting Perfection Concealer

by Makeupmonster on Mar 26, 2013 • 13 Comments

If you don’t know about my love for Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer, or have yet to try it, let me fill you in very quickly. Bascially it’s the best concealer I’ve tried, from high end to low end and I use it on my under eye area every day to...

Home / Lips / Reviews

Pretty in Pink with Clarins Instant Lip Perfector

by Makeupmonster on Mar 25, 2013 • 8 Comments

A lovely little post today showcasing the brand new shades in Clarin’s Instant Lip Perfector line. I’d never tried any of these lip glosses but quickly fell in love with this little pink beauty. There are three new shades in the line, and this one, Pink Shimmer, is a soft...

Home / Lips / Reviews

New Revlon Lip Butter Shades – Sweet Plum

by Makeupmonster on Mar 20, 2013 • 11 Comments

Everyone and their mother has bought a lip butter at this stage so there’s some brand new shades winging it our way so we have an excuse to buy more!I tried out Sweet Plum which is similar to Berry Smoothie which I really love. There’s two other shades on offer...

Home / Lips / Reviews

NYC Applelicious Lip Balms

by Makeupmonster on Mar 19, 2013 • 16 Comments

I’m a sucker for devastatingly beautiful cosmetics but I’m also a huge kid and anything cute and kitsch wins my heart over in a beat. So these brand spanking new balms from NYC immediately had the covet factor with just one glance. Applelicious lipbalms come in 5 shades and all...

Cruelty Free / Eyes / Home / Reviews

Naked Basics Palette – Worth the Hype?

by Makeupmonster on Mar 14, 2013 • 33 Comments

Every Naked palette has been huge the world over and with good reason, so there’s a distinct possibility that you may have already read 100 reviews about this palette, but hopefully the 101st will be the best!! This slimline palette moves away from the varied Naked 1 and 2 and...

Home / News / Reviews

Competition Time – Open Internationally!

by Makeupmonster on Mar 13, 2013 • 90 Comments

Last week I was a very lucky lady when I won a Pennys Voucher and as soon as it arrived on my doorstep I was straight into Pennys to pick up some goodies! But selfless beauty blogger that I am, I didn’t just buy for myself, I bought for you...

Home / News / Reviews / Skincare

So Fresh and So Clean – New Skincare Sensations

by Makeupmonster on Mar 12, 2013 • 13 Comments

I know you ladies adore your beauty posts but here’s a nice little change of pace with some of the latest skin products on the market to give you silky soft skin ready for a face of makeup! I’ve been trying out No. 7′s Protect & Perfect Eye Cream, Vichy’s...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Home / Reviews

ARTDECO Tribal Sunset Collection

by Makeupmonster on Mar 11, 2013 • 10 Comments

Despite the weather protesting, summer really isn’t that far away so tanned skin and strong coral shades are on the horizon whether you’re ready or not! ARTDECO has a brand new collection hot on the heels of it’s Makeup Innovations offering that I posted about just a few weeks ago,...

Face / Home / News / Reviews

Clarins Skin Perfecting BB Cream – First Impressions!

by Makeupmonster on Mar 8, 2013 • 14 Comments

This literally landed on my doorstep this morning but I couldn’t wait to let you lovely folk have a look. Now there isn’t many areas of beauty I feel I’m an expert on, but if there was one, it would probably be BB Cream. You may be aware of my...

Eyes / Home / Reviews

Scandal Eyes Nude Liner VS NYX Milk

by Makeupmonster on Mar 7, 2013 • 16 Comments

White liners for the waterline are a clever little invention but I’ve had a very mixed view of them over the years, having encountered many which were blindingly obvious and glaringly white. So I thought I’d take two of the most popular liners on the market today and pitch them...

Collections / Home / Lips / Reviews

Tony Moly Asian Treats

by Makeupmonster on Mar 6, 2013 • 23 Comments

I’m a sucker for anything Kawaii (meaning cuteness in Japanese), which basically encompasses anything cute and kitch (Hello Kitty and the like). If you want a taste of what I’m talking about, I’d highly recommend you visit Hawaii Kawaii which is one of my favourite sites and a treat to browse through!...

Home / News / Reviews

Mammy’s Day Ideas

by Makeupmonster on Mar 5, 2013 • 7 Comments

Where would we be without our mammy’s love? Picking a gift is a very personal thing as every mother is unique but here’s some of my picks of lovely pressies that any mammy, mam, mum, mummy, mother or ma would be happy to receive and all without breaking the budget!...

Face / Home / Reviews

Guerlain’s Meteorites €145 palette for just €40

by Makeupmonster on Mar 4, 2013 • 13 Comments

As you may know, I gave a glowing review to Guerlain’s Meteorites just two weeks ago so you may wonder why I am suddenly sporting the pressed version! Basically I adored the loose version but it’s bulky and I wanted a smaller palette I could keep in my handbag. Luckily,...

Home / News / Reviews

Specs Appeal – Who Wears it Best?

by Makeupmonster on Mar 1, 2013 • 13 Comments

It’s rare nowadays to come across someone who doesn’t need glasses for everyday wear or reading and, thanks to some clever fashion folks, it’s now become a trend all on it’s own whether you need them or not! In fact, nearly everyone worth their salt in Hollywood has been papped...

Home / News / Reviews

Competition Time! Win a One Year Supply of Cocoa Brown Tan!

by Makeupmonster on Feb 28, 2013 • 59 Comments

Spring has failed to show up on cue but worry not, Cocoa Brown Tan are on hand to inject a little colour into your life! Only those who live under distinctly shaded rocks haven’t heard the wonders of Cocoa Brown Tan and it’s ability to give a natural, beautiful tan...

News / Reviews

Adele’s Oscar Makeup Revealed

by Makeupmonster on Feb 27, 2013 • 14 Comments

Another impromptu post today because I simply knew everyone (including my good self) watched the amazing Adele at the Oscars on Sunday and wondered what makeup she was wearing! Well you can thank me now, because I know IT ALL!! Here’s a breakdown of the products used and the application...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Home / Reviews

Lush for Mother’s Day and Easter – First Peek!

by Makeupmonster on Feb 27, 2013 • 4 Comments

These literally landed in my porch half an hour ago from my lovely local postman but I had to feature them straight away, they were simply too darn cute to be ignored! Lush have really been pulling it out of the bag lately and there’s been some incredibly appealing and...

Face / Home / Reviews

Rimmel Match Perfection Blush – A Dupe for Benefit’s Hervana?

by Makeupmonster on Feb 26, 2013 • 21 Comments

Any time you began to see the end is in sight for a product, you have to ask yourself the question, is it worth repurchasing? In the case of my beloved Hervana blusher, the answer is a resounding yes but the high price tag meant that I began to have...

Collections / Home / Reviews

Bloggers Best Series: All About Eyes

by Makeupmonster on Feb 25, 2013 • 20 Comments

We beauty bloggers are self confessed cosmetic addicts and have the great pleasure of testing a plethora of products throughout the year with varying degrees of success. So while sifting through the mountain of goodies, we’re all bound to find some treasures that we’d love to share with our readers....

Cruelty Free / Eyes / Face / Home / Reviews

ARTDECO Make Up Innovations

by Makeupmonster on Feb 21, 2013 • 5 Comments

Spring is all about beautiful, natural looking skin and ARTDECO’s brand new collection aims to combat anti-aging, highlight skin and make it look all-round perfect. Sounds the business so far right? In the collection are two different sets of BB Creams, one for skin perfecting and one for anti-aging and...

Cruelty Free / Home / Nails / Reviews

Pastel Paradise with Butter London Sweetie Shop Collection

by Makeupmonster on Feb 20, 2013 • 11 Comments

With March on the horizon I’ve started to crave pretty pastel colours and balmy summer days. I adore pastel shades, in tops, jeans, blazers, shoes and anything makeup related. These were like a little burst of sunshine when I opened them up, it was exactly what I was craving to...

Cruelty Free / Home / Reviews

How Cruelty Free are our Makeup Bags?

by Makeupmonster on Feb 18, 2013 • 23 Comments

I got thinking about this recently and thought it would make a really interesting post. I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 12 and in the past few years I’ve made a conscious effort to buy cruelty free once I began to realise how many makeup brands unfortunately weren’t. As...

Face / Home / Reviews

Guerlain Meteorites in Teint Rose – WOW!

by Makeupmonster on Feb 13, 2013 • 23 Comments

I always wear face powder but with the long months of Winter nearing an end I decided I wanted to try out a product that wasn’t quite so matte but instead gave a radiant look. There were a few contenders in the running, but the competition promptly stopped when I...

Hair / News / Reviews

First Peek! Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

by Makeupmonster on Feb 12, 2013 • 16 Comments

Revlon I have to hand it to you. In the month we’re given Teint Vissionaire from Lancome you come out with your own budget friendly foundation and knock my socks off with it. There has already been whisperings of comparisons to YSL Touche Eclat Foundation and I’ll break it to...

Eyes / Home / Reviews

Clinique Chubby Sticks for Eyes – First Look!

by Makeupmonster on Feb 11, 2013 • 10 Comments

I was completely won over by Chubby Sticks when they first hit the shelves. Their sheer quality and cute colours had a nation of girls weak at the knees including my good self, so when I heard there was a new version for eyes, I was suitably intrigued. Now initially...

Eyes / Home / Reviews

Nars Duos – All About Eve, Bellissima, Kalahari & Brousse

by Makeupmonster on Feb 7, 2013 • 20 Comments

I’m always on the search for the next neutral palette to fawn over and through my various avenues on the internet I fell at the feet of Nars and their beautiful collection of eyeshadows. So when I finally got my mitts on 4 duos I was all flustered and excited...

Home / News / Reviews

What I’ve Learnt in my First Year Blogging

by Makeupmonster on Feb 4, 2013 • 31 Comments

I was lying in bed last night trying to get to sleep and my mind started drifting to blogging tips. I’ve read some fantastic posts covering the topic lately and I wondered whether my two cents was worth throwing into the pot! I don’t know if it is but here...

Eyes / Home / Reviews

Wand Wars – Max Factor, Benefit & ARTDECO

by Makeupmonster on Jan 31, 2013 • 17 Comments

I couldn’t even begin to imagine how many mascaras I’ve tried over the years. It was one of the first makeup products I ever bought as a teenager (remember clear mascara folks?) and many a brand has been binned over the years while the quest for the perfect product continued....

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Korres Lip Butter Love

by Makeupmonster on Jan 30, 2013 • 11 Comments

I’ve been dying to try Korres lip butters for a long time now so when I finally got my mitts on them, I had my hopes very, very high. Well, here’s the truth in a nutshell. They’ve exceeded my expectations. From the gorgeous packaging to the myriad of beautifully coloured...

Face / Home / Reviews

Lancome Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Duo

by Makeupmonster on Jan 29, 2013 • 20 Comments

My all time favourite foundation is Lancome’s Teint Miracle for it’s beautiful pale pink shade and luminous quality. Now I’m an out and out Asian BB Cream addict so that’s my go to product for everyday wear on my very dry skin, so foundations don’t normally excite me as much...

Home / Nails / Reviews

Max Factor Glossfinity for Nails

by Makeupmonster on Jan 25, 2013 • 12 Comments

I’d been a little neglectful of my nails since Christmas so when these new beauties popped in my letterbox it was a good excuse to get my hands looking in order once more! Brand spanking new and suitably shiny, Max Factor have brought out another range of nail varnishes which...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

Topshop Blusher in Flush

by Makeupmonster on Jan 23, 2013 • 23 Comments

I have to say I have overlooked the Topshop makeup stand many, many times, assuming for no particular reason that it was possibly a little cheap and nasty. Jeez, when you’re wrong you’re wrong! After narrowing my makeup brands considerably by making a huge effort to shop cruelty free, I...

Face / Home / Reviews

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder – The Holy Grail of Contouring?

by Makeupmonster on Jan 17, 2013 • 12 Comments

I’m pale and I like to contour. The two don’t seem to go hand in hand very easily and while I use the lightest shades of matte bronzers I can find, they always gave me an orange hue when what I really want is a shadow effect. So while trawling...

Cruelty Free / Eyes / Home / Reviews

The Search for the Perfect Eyeliner is Officially Over!

by Makeupmonster on Jan 16, 2013 • 14 Comments

I just love when you look in your makeup bag and start to see that you’re cultivating a growing number of products that do their job perfectly and have you looking your best. Well I officially ticked another box this week when my purchase from Debenhams online popped in my...

Collections / Eyes / Face / Home / Lips / Reviews

Clarins Rouge Eclat for Spring First Look!

by Makeupmonster on Jan 9, 2013 • 11 Comments

With the lights and loveliness of Christmas fading into the distance (well, except at our house where the tree is still up) us girls need some beautiful new collections to help us leave Winter behind and look ahead to the prettiness of Spring. Well Clarins, a brand that is sneaking it’s way...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Eyes / Home / Reviews

Urban Decay Feminine, Fun & Dangerous Palettes

by Makeupmonster on Dec 17, 2012 • 24 Comments

I nearly died of happiness when these came through the letterbox, such was their all-round gorgeousness. Just look at them! These are one of the rare sets of products that are just bloomin’ beautiful to look at, beautiful to use, and, well just perfect basically! So to the details! Each...

Collections / Eyes / Home / Lips / Reviews

ARTDECO Dita Von Teese Golden Vintage Collection

by Makeupmonster on Nov 15, 2012 • 8 Comments

The hugely successful Dita Von Teese range for ARTDECO has made us all feel supremely sultry, first with her Classics range, then with her Fall Favourites, so here’s some beautiful new additions to keep you looking extra glamorous come Christmas – the Golden Vintage Collection. This set has a beautiful...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Home / Nails / Reviews

Cruelty Free Day to Night Nails with Korres & Essence

by Makeupmonster on Oct 8, 2012 • 10 Comments

I’m rubbish with my nails in general, they’re always short and a little crooked and when it comes to nail art, I’m an epic failure. So when it comes to keeping my nails looking good, it’s pretty colours all the way to disguise their general messiness. I was lucky enough...

Face / Home / Reviews

Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup

by Makeupmonster on Oct 4, 2012 • 8 Comments

There’s a lot of fuss and big words used in the beauty business that dazzle and confuse but often don’t live up to their big claims so I’m always a little dubious (but excited like a 5 year old) when I hear of a new groundbreaking product. Armani are the...

Home / Reviews / Skincare

Skin Woes BeGone!

by Makeupmonster on Oct 3, 2012 • 8 Comments

I struggle with my skin all year round but find that, as the colder weather approaches, it begins to go downhill and my skin becomes dry, cracked and my eczema seems far more pronounced. This year I’m determined to tackle things head on and start a good routine now that will...

Home / News

Ahh!! I’m a Finalist in the Blog Awards Ireland 2012!!!!

by Makeupmonster on Sep 30, 2012 • 24 Comments

This is just a quick post to let you all know that I made it into the final 7 in the Best Fashion/Beauty Blog category in the Blog Awards Ireland 2012! I’m unbelievably shocked and delighted! I started this blog under a different name back in January of this year...

Eyes / Home / Reviews

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet for Christmas

by Makeupmonster on Sep 28, 2012 • 14 Comments

The less said about the ‘C’ word the better until at least November but, in truth, I’m already writing up my lists because if I don’t start budgeting now for Christmas presents I’ll be in trouble. Oh that and I love buying presents and always go overboard so if I...

Home / Nails / Reviews

Memorising Mirror Metallics from Nails Inc.

by Makeupmonster on Sep 26, 2012 • 4 Comments

You may have seen my recent Nails Inc. post where I gushed over their awesome Magnetic Effects polishes, the first time I’ve ever achieved any sort of nail art. Well if they’re not your style and you prefer your nails to make an impact with the colour alone, feast your...

Collections / Home / Lips / Reviews

ARTDECO Dita Von Teese for Autumn/Winter

by Makeupmonster on Sep 20, 2012 • 10 Comments

Following the hugely popular and seriously sexy ARTDECO Dita Von Teese collection released this summer follows some new additions to the line for the colder months and ladies, you’re gonna like them. You can check out more of the Dita line in my previous review, but here’s a sneak...

Home / Nails / Reviews

Nails Inc Magnetic Polish – Ace Nails Made Easy

by Makeupmonster on Sep 19, 2012 • 8 Comments

I’m rubbish at nails. Forget all the beautiful, intricate designs that are floating around the bloggersphere in abundance, I can barely get my polish on neatly, never mind trying to create a mini masterpiece on my talons. So honestly, Nails. Inc have me giving a satisfied sigh of relief with...

Cruelty Free / Home / Nails / Reviews

NYC Berry Shades for Autumn

by Makeupmonster on Sep 17, 2012 • 8 Comments

Well the sun may have blessed us with a swan song as summer gives way to Autumn, but the times they are a changin’ and that means a whole new range of clothes and cosmetics for the colder months. To be honest, Autumn is my favourite time and I love...

Face / Home / Reviews

Bobbi Brown BB Cream Extra Light

by Makeupmonster on Sep 13, 2012 • 9 Comments

The onslaught of European BB Creams on the market is enough to give some makeup addicts BB fatigue, but luckily I love trying out anything new (especially BB Creams) so I’ve taken to the task with gusto. Next in line after La Roche Posay’s BB offering is Bobbi Brown’s BB...

Face / Home / Reviews

A new BB Cream from La Roche Posay!

by Makeupmonster on Sep 10, 2012 • 8 Comments

I don’t claim to know it all when it comes to BB Creams but I do know a fair amount having tried out a lot and discovered what I believe are some of the best ones on the market! Foundations don’t really feature much in my daily routine anymore, it’s...

Home / Nails / Reviews

OPI Vintage Minnie Mini’s

by Makeupmonster on Sep 6, 2012 • 8 Comments

I was just thinking about varnishes as I was taking the pictures for this post and realised something – I’ve never actually finished a nail varnish. Even polishes I’ve loved have ended up separating and turning into a gloopy mess long before I’ve hit the bottom of the bottle. So with that...

Cruelty Free / Home / News

Korres Lipgloss Giveaway!!

by Makeupmonster on Aug 30, 2012 • 49 Comments

I’m in a very good humour as we have Electric Picnic this weekend which we’re viewing as our own mini holiday and will no doubt be great craic for the two of us, the perfect romantic, fun weekend! So since I’m feeling jolly, I’m leaving you lovely readers with a...

Collections / Home / Lips / Reviews

YSL Autumn 2012 – Contemporary Amazon

by Makeupmonster on Aug 27, 2012 • 8 Comments

I’ll admit it, I can’t wait for Autumn. As beautiful as summer is, there’s something about walking on a cool, sunny day all wrapped up in Autumn clothes while the windswept trees shed their leaves that makes me very, very happy. Luckily, the makeup world is also looking ahead...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews

The Big BB Breakdown

by Makeupmonster on Aug 23, 2012 • 14 Comments

I’m responsible for a recent spate of korean BB Cream buying with a lot of girls and there’s a lot of you who are really interested but unsure of which one to buy. So here’s a mini break down of some of the Korean BB Creams along with some readily...

Cruelty Free / Home / Reviews / Skincare

Just Peachy!

by Makeupmonster on Aug 21, 2012 • 4 Comments

Body butters are one of those beautiful products that I sniff and sample every time I’m in The Body Shop but yet never buy as they’re very expensive and I’m always in two minds about whether they’re worth the money. Well, having tried out the new Peach Body Butter...

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Japonesque Lip Palette Kit

by Makeupmonster on Aug 18, 2012 • 8 Comments

Japonesque are one of those brands I’ve fawned over, especially their beautiful empty palettes that have to be any makeup artist’s dream. Their current safari range of makeup brushes are also the coolest set I’ve seen since I laid my paws on my much loved Sigma Mrs. Bunny set. But...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

ARTDECO Autumn/Winter Collection Sneak Peek

by Makeupmonster on Aug 16, 2012 • 12 Comments

The Dita Von Teese collection is only out a few weeks and the next latest collection, Mystic Garden, pops in my letterbox to let you ladies have a little sneak peek! Autumn/Winter is all about nudes, browns and deep reds and lipstick fans are once again in for a...

Cruelty Free / Eyes / Home / Reviews

My New Favourite Mascara…..

by Makeupmonster on Aug 15, 2012 • 15 Comments

I’m all about the eyes – give me neutral eyeshadows galore, smokey liners and loads of lashes. After realising my beloved Max Factor mascara wasn’t cruelty free, a long search has ensued to find a worthy successor. Many have been bowing at the alter of Benefit and They’re Real but,...

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Revlon Lip Butters and Just Bitten Kissables

by Makeupmonster on Aug 3, 2012 • 18 Comments

So I’ve gushed about how perfect Revlon’s Photoready Primer is and I’ve been seriously impressed with their Photoready Mousse, so now it’s time for the lips. I held off for a seriously long time from buying the crazily hyped lip butters, but I was sent a couple along with the...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Eyes / Face / Home / Lips / Reviews

Lustworthy Cosmetics from Lush

by Makeupmonster on Jul 20, 2012 • 6 Comments

Ah Lush, you devils. Lulling me in with your sweetly scented goodies and then whacking me over the head with your new sparkly, fun cosmetics range. The packaging alone is well worth a look, all cute little jars with old fashioned paper labels tied on. The see through bottles allow...

Cruelty Free / Eyes / Home / Reviews

Be Stila My Beating Heart….

by Makeupmonster on Jul 17, 2012 • 6 Comments

Firstly, sorry for the corny title, I couldn’t resist! But in truth, Stila has been worming it’s way back into my heart hugely lately, first with their Tiki Trio of lip glazes and then with their drool-worthy eye palettes. Eye palettes are my thing, they bring out the magpie in...

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Sleek Vs. Inglot in the Cruelty Free Lip Paint Battle

by Makeupmonster on Jul 11, 2012 • 13 Comments

I’m an out and out gloss and balm girl. For the endless lipglosses and balms I own, there are only one or two lipsticks that actually end up in my regular rotation. Lip paints, to me, are the perfect compromise between the the two as you get the vibrancy of...

Cruelty Free / Home / Lips / Reviews

Stila Lip Glaze Trio in Tiki

by Makeupmonster on Jul 9, 2012 • 11 Comments

Ah Stila. It’s been a while since I bought a new Stila product but I’ve always had a soft spot for their foundation, powder and gorgeous eyeshadows. Well more the fool me for forgetting about them, because I’ve been missing out. Not only are the brand cruelty free, they’re bang...

Home / Nails / Reviews

China Glaze Sweet Hook – I’m Hooked!

by Makeupmonster on Jul 6, 2012 • 13 Comments

I was a very lucky girl when I won a Beauty Emporium Competition held by the lovely Fitz n’ Bitz! (visit her lovely blog here) The €20 voucher was instantly spent on a few lovely bits so here’s the first one, Sweet Hook from China Glaze! Now shamefully I’ve never...

Hair / Home / Reviews

Dry Shampoo Showdown

by Makeupmonster on Jun 25, 2012 • 15 Comments

Dry shampoo makes my hair happy. Without it, my fine locks start the day presentable but quickly descend on a slippery slope to greasiness by the end of the day. Especially my fringe. Second day hair is a complete no-no for me and, if I was going out that...

Cruelty Free / Face / Reviews

FACE Atelier Ultra Foundation & Zero Minus

by Makeupmonster on Jun 18, 2012 • 13 Comments

I am pale. There are paler gals than me out there, but in the grand scale of things I’m only a step or two below Snow White. Now while I love being pale, this makes foundation shopping a bloomin’ nightmare sometimes. Not only do I have to run the gauntlet...

Collections / Eyes / Face / Home / Lips / Reviews

Myface Cosmetics ‘Fair’ Collection

by Makeupmonster on Jun 14, 2012 • 13 Comments

I love trying out brands for the first time, especially when they’re savvy enough to release a whole line dedicated to the pale and interesting among us. In fact, there are three different lines for pale, medium and dark skin tones, taking the hassle out of worrying which shades will...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Lips / Reviews

Korres Blimey

by Makeupmonster on Jun 7, 2012 • 14 Comments

I’m loving Korres lately. I love their chunky cardboard packaging, their cruelty free ethos and, most importantly, the products themselves. I’ve been trying out some more of their lovely collection lately, starting with their Black Pine anti-wrinkle creams. I love their creams which are non-greasy and effective ....

Collections / Eyes / Face / Home / Reviews

Liz Earle Colour – A Classic Beauty

by Makeupmonster on Jun 6, 2012 • 8 Comments

There are few among us who haven’t fallen in love with Liz Earle’s skincare range over the years so it’s no surprise really that the lovely team behind Liz Earle have brought out an equally tantalising make up collection to tempt greedy product guzzlers such as myself. I was...

Collections / Face / Reviews

How Many Products Make Up Your Face?

by Makeupmonster on Jun 3, 2012 • 18 Comments

How many products do I stick on my face each day? I’ve been pondering this as I’ve sat surrounded by brushes, cotton buds, eyeshadows and all sorts as I stick on my makeup each day so decided to do a little breakdown. This doesn’t include make up brushes, cleansers...

Cruelty Free / Face / Home / Reviews / Skincare

Top SPF’s for under makeup…..

by Makeupmonster on May 17, 2012 • 9 Comments

Skin cancer, wrinkles, pigmentation spots, dehydration. None of us want these issues with our skin right? Yet a huge amount of ladies seem to forget just how important it is to have a decent SPF in our lives. Yes, nowadays most foundations and primers sport an SPF of...

Collections / Cruelty Free / Face / Reviews

Sigma Brushes Haul!

by Makeupmonster on May 14, 2012 • 18 Comments

I’d fallen a little out of love with my Inglot synthetic brush set after my makeup course as I still felt, despite the mammoth 42 brushes, there were still gaps I needed to fill with other brushes. After trying out the Sigma Synthetic F80 Kabuki brush and realising just how...

Face / Home / Reviews / Uncategorized

Foundations Round-Up: A Whiter Shade of Pale

by Makeupmonster on Mar 18, 2012 • 22 Comments

Finding a properly pale foundation can be a tricky business as I know all too well, so I decided to do a little round-up of my pale foundations so you can take a little peek and see how the shades and finishes compare! Just to let you ladies know, I’m...

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1st Blog Birthday Competition Number 3! OPI and Urban Decay!

by Makeupmonster on Jan 21, 2013 • 12:23 pm 67 Comments

Hello you eager readers and competition devotees, I hope Monday is treating you well and even if it isn’t, hopefully this competition will perk you up a little!

This week there are 2 prizes for 2 lucky winners!

Winner 1 will receive:

Winner 2 will receive:

Naked Skin Foundation in the lightest shade 0.5 (This has been swatched to show you the shade so be aware of that and don’t be worried when you receive it if it looks like it’s been pumped!)
OPI Sunny Fingers and Toes Collection containing 10 mini OPI shades

To win either of these beautiful goodies, simply enter the competition below and leave a comment stating which prize (or both) you would like to be considered for! And if you’re entering for the foundation please be aware of the light shade so you’re not disappointed if it doesn’t match! Good luck folks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winners are: Laura (what Larry loves) for the foundation and Darcy for the nail varnish collection!! Thanks to all the other girls who entered and there’s a new competition starting today!! If for any reason either of the people do not come forward to claim prizes another winner will be picked on Monday! Winners please contact me through the contact page or twitter or comment with your email!

http://twitter.com/LaurasHaven Laura

My skin is insanely pale in winter and I find it so hard to find bases that are the right shade! This foundation looks fab (and if it ends up being too pale, I know a friend of mine that would be very grateful) – the OPI polishes are so cute too! Love the mini size for travelling congrats on your year birthday! xx
Lulu

I’d like to win OPI Sunny Fingers and Toes Collection because I love the colors.
sabinacenusa

Happy Monday . I really like the look of the foundation and I’ve heard that it’s a great product for combination skin.
http://twitter.com/Kerrie0 Kerrie

Oooooooooooooh super! I’d love to win some of this, my nail in particular a fecked at the moment
Avril Joanne

I love the mini opi varnishes. So cute and good for traveling. Great giveaway.
trona

oooh lovely, the UD foundation looks perfect for my ‘peely-wally’ complexion, I’d love to try it! x
http://twitter.com/christinadragan Christina Dragan

I’d want to win the Urban Decay foundation prize because the shade is right for me and because lately I’ve been interested to trying it and seeing what it is like. I think to some extent it would help make my dark under eye circles not so noticeable. Thanks!
Karen Hayes

ooh, this has got me excited, urban decay is brill, and the little nailvarnishes are a lovely size because i get bored easily and the bigger nailvarnishes dry out before i get to the bottom
Blathin

Would love the OPI colours are fab!
http://www.facebook.com/emer.breen2 Emer Breen

Fab competition, i have to confess that i’d absolutely love to win either of these lovely prizes – please include me xx
Endless Summer

i want to win both prizes because i have never tried UD foundation, and nail polishes are so pretty!
Linda

I love urban decay but have never tried their foundation and you can never have too many nail polishes! Nice colours as well:)
kate

I’ve never tried Urban Decay and I would love too!

http://golddustk.blogspot.co.uk/

x
http://www.facebook.com/fiona.naughton.7 Fiona Naughton-Sulej

Fab prize! I’ve never tried either Urban Decay or Opi but I really want to so I’d love to win xo
http://www.facebook.com/clearydeb Debbie Cleary-Sewell

i can’t choose between them prizes so consider me for both please! OPI are legendary nail pollish producers and bring out up to date shades every season. Urban Decay have a huge following and for good reason: top quality products.
lie-ying

I’ve never tried Uban Decay or Opi polishes
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000289253157 Courtney Bella

i love everything urban decay!
sophie bowman

Such an amazing giveaway! I’ve never tried anything Urban decay so would love to widen my mind to other makeup products!! Thank you for doing this giveaway! xxx
http://olgreeneyes.blogspot.ie/ Emma Grimes

Would love to try that UD foundation since I’ve heard and read so many great things. Looks like the right shade too! what do you think of it?

Emma x
- makeupmonster1
  
  Think it’s gorgeous and a proper pale shade!
http://twitter.com/amyfilthygorgeo Amy Bennett

I would love to be considered for the OPI Collection we all need some glitz and glamour
http://thesleepyjellyfish.blogspot.com/ Ciara Hicks

Oh wow, great giveaway! I’d be happy to win either or them
Hannah Lucey

I would really love to win the Urban Decay foundation, the shade looks perfect for me, whiter than The Pale itself and Galway have no Urban Decay I often admire their products via the net and your lovely blog which I’m surprised I’ve only come across recently, I love it!
Simba

Another fab giveaway. Either prize please. I’m a whiter shade of pale though so foundation would be lovely
ciara h

I want to win this because I don’t have a liquid foundation!
http://twitter.com/makeup4theinept Makeupfortheinept

Would love to win the OPI nail polishes, my collection is a bit boring! x
http://twitter.com/robyntmorton Robyn Morton

While the foundation looks lovely, it’s a little pale for me. The OPI collection looks awesome though.
http://twitter.com/LaProfesoraFrid LaProfesoraFrida

I would love to try Urban Decay’s “Naked Skin!” It looks great!
Sarah Egan

Omg I’d LOVE to win the foundation, I’m like crazy pale!! Wouldn’t be complaining about the OPI either though. Happy blog birthday!!
Cuti-CLUE-les

I love OPI but I can’t afford to buy them Plus I think I *need* more nail polish
http://twitter.com/WhatLarryLoves Laura

Amazing giveway! would love to win! My milk bottle skin is dying to try out that foundation!!
beckysmakeup

I would love to win as I have never tried OPI before and this collection looks ah-mazing! Plus I have heard such good reviews of this foundation and I love trying new foundations!

Becky

beckys makeup
Grace

I would love to win the OPI set because I am obsessed with nail polishes! This is a brilliant giveaway, you are so generous!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Marilena-Kat/100002071958537 Marilena Kat

because i never use UD and i love to try!!!!!!!!
Diane Joaquin

I’d love to win the OPI nail polishes just because I’m such a nail polish addict but my Uni student budget doesn’t stretch that far unfortunately. Thanks for this giveaway happy blog anniversary
Janice Lowry

I would love love love to win! DYING to try this foundation for ages and the nail polishes look amazing. Great giveaways!
Despina T

it would be perfect to have so many opi colours in my nail polish collection.also i’d love to try the urban decay make up, i’ve never tried it before!
makeupmonster1

Great comments so far as always girls, your appetite for a good comp is insatiable:)
http://www.facebook.com/lourda.maunsell Lourda Maunsell

I love opi! And I need a new foundation,
Breige Flynn

I’d love to win as I’m addicted to nail polish!! And congrats on your 1st birthday!
Emma C

I’d love to win this because I’m an urban decay addict & an OPI virgin! Still haven’t got to try any OPI nail varnish so this would be a great prize!x
http://twitter.com/mateja1984 Mateja Novak

Because I am a nail polish addict I would love to win Sunny Fingers and Toes Collection containing 10 mini OPI shades.
Audrey O’Reilly

Wow this is a great competition! I would love to win the OPIs, I’m always a polish fan, and I’ve admired that set so many times! Such pretty colours!!
kesang

would love to win OPI nail polish as i have never tried them
http://twitter.com/Tanya_Soyer Tanya Soyer

I would lito win OPI nail polishes, because I’m addicted to polishes as well!
Jenny

I would love to win the foundation because I have heard such good things about it! I have been using tinted moisturizer because I have been without foundation for a while! Thank you xx
Darcy

would love the nail varnishes, Have 2 little girls and now my collection of nail polish seems to consist mainly of lilacs, blues, glittery pinks etc
http://www.facebook.com/people/Radmila-Ustych/100001334477372 Radmila Ustych

hi, the amswer is so simple! I need a new foundation and i have never tried OPI! Thanks, Radmila, rada76@mail.ru
Catherine

Hey, i’d like to win the foundation. Thanks
krankykitty

Would love to win the nail polishes
zamoran sa

I would love to win the foundation because I have never owned any Naked productsI
mandyderwin

How lovely! Would love to win either as a treat
http://www.facebook.com/people/John-Mspt/100002892729314 John Mspt

I’d like the foundation since I never tried any from ud!
brenda sabet

i would love to win this giveaway because i am a nail polish addict!
this is a great giveaway! thank you!
Lily Kitten

I would love to win this prize to try out the Urban Decay foundation – I am super pale so would be great to see if it is pale enough for my skin!
http://twitter.com/BrightownGirl Alice

I would love to win this prize as I really want to try out the Naked foundation as I have heard so many good things about it. x
mysteries1984

Me please! The UD foundation is apparently amazing, and I’m so pale. It’d really suit me
http://twitter.com/beauty__bird Beauty Bird

I’d love to win as I don’t own any Urban Decay products nor OPI Happy Blog birthday!xx
oohladybegood

OPI is the best. this is a great little selection and my hands and toes deserve it
Danni Golding

I would love to win the UD Foundation cause I’ve been eyeing it for ages! And it would be the perfect shade for me too!

teyu85@googlemail.com
xx
http://twitter.com/bloomzy_ Bloomzy

I want to win because I am a pasty lady (who finds it hard to find a good foundation) with a nail polish obsession XD
KIKI KARAPANAGIOTI

I’ve never tried urban decay products!!!I’ d like to!!
http://twitter.com/akronugurl Stephanie

i love urban decay
justi

I want to try urban decay!
Joanna

I would love to try the foundation because I’ve seen the reviews and I love the finish it gives to the skin. Its perfect! Love the packaging too.
makeupmonster1

The winners are: Laura (what Larry loves) for the foundation and Darcy for the nail varnish collection!! Thanks to all the other girls who entered and there’s a new compeition starting today!!
http://twitter.com/WhatLarryLoves Laura

wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

1st Blog Birthday Competition Number 3! OPI and Urban Decay!

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