Pretty Easy

2013-06-20

Brand Focus: Human+Kind Organic Skin Care

Irish brand Human+Kind pride themselves on creating 100% naturally based, organic skin care suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. With a selection of multi-tasking products available such as The Family Remedy Cream, Body Oil and Day+Night Cream; one of the best things about this range is its universal appeal whether you’re a busy mum, workaholic or fellow beauty junky like me!

Free from parabens, sulphates and other skin care nasties that time & time again clog pores or cause allergic reactions the organic formulas are perfect for those with who struggle to find effective yet gentle beauty products. As another plus point; a keen sense of environmental awareness led the team behind Human+Kind to ensure that both the formulas and packaging are biodegradable so you’ll not only look good, but will be doing good for the environment too!

Human+Kind is available nationwide now. For more info & to see the full range check out their official website www.humanandkind.com

2013-06-19

Recommended: Blank Canvas Cosmetics Double Ended Eye Brush Set

Good brushes are an essential piece of kit for any make-up enthusiast, especially when it comes to getting a perfect smokey eye. Unfortunately though, most of us will already know that building a collection from scratch can be both challenging and expensive, which is why I was so delighted to see the new Double Ended Eye Brush Set from Blank Canvas Cosmetics which offers up 5 double ended brushes (which is really 10 brushes when you think of it) for an amazing €55.99.

Offering both high quality and value for money, the set comprises of 5 double ended eye shadow/liner brushes designed and tested by BCC owner, and make-up artist, Una Tynan to give the best results possible whether they’re being used on a professional or personal basis. To keep the brushes safe from harm there’s also a slim, zipped travel case which makes looking after your brushes extra easy. All in all this really is a great set for anyone who is looking to build or add to their current make-up brush collection.

Blank Canvas Cosmetics are available online. Keep up to date with all their news via the official Facebook page or follow on twitter @BCCosmetics

2013-06-18

Summer Make-up: YSL Baby Doll Collection 2013

Since their first make-up collection was launched in 1978 with the tag line “Yves Saint Laurent gives a face to the woman he dresses”, sophistication and elegance have been watch words for YSL cosmetics. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the new Baby Doll Summer 2013 make-up collection is far more chic than cutesy.

The Baby Doll trend; seen at Rachel Zoe, Moschino and Diane Von Furstenburg to name a few is all about creating doll-like lashes and youthful, innocent beauty. For doe eyes that would give Bambi a run for his money YSL have introduced a brand new mascara as the center piece of the Baby Doll collection. Inspired by graphene technology the Faux Cils Baby Doll mascara is available in black, brown, blue and purple and is definitely one of my favourite make-up releases this year. With a patented formula and new flexible wand, Faux Cils Babydoll delivers great results including length, curl, volume and long lasting colour.

To accompany the statement mascara there are 2 new liquid liners in the soft, feminine shades of Rose Babydoll and Golden Reflections as well as two limited edition “Fuschia Collector” products. Rose Babydoll Vernis à Lèvres and the matching Rose Babydoll La Laque Couture nail polish are investment pieces for any make-up bag, especially if you’re looking to add a splash of intense colour as well as classic French style.

YSL cosmetics are available in selected department stores nationwide including Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Debenhams and House of Fraser. YSL Baby Doll collection will be on counters from June 2013 with prices ranging from €21 - €32.50.

2013-06-17

3 of the Best: Waterproof Make-up Products

Runny mascara is never a good look but unfortunately that is what happens all too often when we get caught shedding a few tears at a wedding or on the hop in the rain. So, whatever the occasion, be it combatting the weather here at home, preparing for a few days splashing about on a beach further afield or heading to a friend’s big day these top picks will keep your make-up looking fresh and smudge free all day:

1) Make Up Forever Aqua Brow Kit: Available in 7 shades this unique waterproofing kit for brows allows you to define, lengthen & fill in sparse areas for an effortlessly natural result that doesn’t fade or smudge, even in hot and humid temperatures.

2) Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil: With a lightweight creamy formula, these luxe pencils glide on effortlessly without dragging or irritating eyes. The formula is water and oil resistant so won’t feather or bleed, leaving you with a true colour that looks fresh all day.

3) Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara: Certain waterproof mascaras can cause lashes to dry out and become brittle over time, thankfully Stila’s Stay All Day is not one of those! This leaves lashes longer and fuller throughout the day without becoming flaky thanks to a special polymer in the formula.

2013-06-14

Top Picks: Foaming Cleansers to suit all skin types

Foaming cleansers always make a great addition to any beauty routine whether you want to get your make-up off in a flash come evening time or just need a pick me up in the morning. Although most are suitable for any skin type, I’ve selected my top picks for different skin types so that you can target your regime for maximum results!

1) Vichy Purete Thermale: this delicately scented face wash is incredibly gentle so even the most sensitive skin is left feeling clean and refreshed.

2) Suki Creamy Foaming Cleanser: Vegan friendly, the creamy texture suits drier and mature skin that needs an added infusion of moisture.

3) The Body Shop Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser: Oily and problem skin can be settled and rebalanced by this cult classic, which also gives your skin a tingly morning wake up call.

4) SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser: suitable for all skin types but my pick as best for removing make-up and every day grime, this cleanser is fragrance free and offers a deep cleansing action to leave skin feeling cleaner and fresher.

Vichy is available in selected pharmacies nationwide, Suki skin care is online at Bath & Unwind, The Body Shop is on Grafton St, SkinCeuticals is available online

Heaven Cent Campaign Advert

Above is the official Heaven Cent charity commercial that I did make-up and hair styling for a few weeks ago. Featuring charity ambassador and RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan, the message is simple but effective so if you so see any of the Heaven Cent boxes in your area please donate whatever you can to help sick children and their families.

To learn more about the campaign visit the official website www.heavencent.ie

2013-06-13

The Rich Is Back: Matthew Williamson and Benefit Cosmetics Collaboration

Inspired by the original disco divas of the 1970s, Benefit cosmetics’ latest collaboration with celebrity designer Matthew Williamson couldn’t get more glam if it tried! Available exclusively in Debenhams and Benefit Boutiques throughout the UK and Ireland from 15th June “The Rich is Back” will certainly appeal to anyone who looking to inject a bit of glamour into their summer make-up wardrobe.

To start; there are the quad eye shadows which pack a punch containing a selection of bright peacock green and rich gold tones for eyes as well as a show stopping red gloss called “Inferno”. Also in the set is the best selling “They’re Real” mascara and an iridescent cheek powder/blush called “Gimme Fever”. Disco Fever? Yes please!

The Rich is Back is a limited edition set and will be available from 15th June in Debenhams and Benefit Boutiques. Keep up to date with all the latest benefit news via twitter @benefitbeauty

2013-06-12

Featured in U Magazine: My Easy Tips for Perfect Skin

Above is a little piece I did recently for U Magazine who asked me to give some insider top tips for looking after your skin so it always looks healthy and glowing. To read the full feature check out the latest issue of U Magazine (June Issue) page 61.

Brand Focus: Tara Smith Hair Care

With its mix of bright and bold packaging plus a tag line that reads “Tested on film stars, not on animals”, there’s an element of playfulness and fun when it comes to the Tara Smith Hair Care collection. Tara, (who was named UK Celebrity Hairdresser of the year in 2009) has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion & film including shoots for Vanity Fair, Vogue and Harpers Bazaar so knows about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to looking after your hair.

Available exclusively in Marks & Spencer beauty hall and online, the vegan friendly products are made with natural ingredients free from harsh chemicals and toxins, something that was especially important when creating each formula as Smith firmly believes that ’What you put on to your body is as important as what you put in to it.’ The collection consists of styling products as well as shampoo & conditioner combos for different hair types which also come in handy travel sizes too.

Tara Smith hair care is available in Marks & Spencer beauty hall, Henry St now or online at www.marksandspencer.ie. Follow them on twitter @mandsireland and Tara Smith @TaraSmithHair

2013-06-07

Vogue Cover Girls: Linda Evangelista & Choupette

My fellow cat fans will love the new Deutsch Vogue cover above featuring super model Linda Evangelista and Karl Lagerfeld’s uber fashionable (and pampered) cat Choupette. Too cute!

Essence: Guerilla Gardening Collection 2013

Budget friendly make-up brand Essence have just unveiled their latest collection for summer which should be hitting stores nationwide any day now. Guerilla Gardening features a mix of products including some earthy toned eye shadows and brow gels as well as bright and cheery items such as the cream-to-powder blushers in both bright red and pink with lip creams available in matching shades.

It is the nail products however which stand out for me in this collection, along with 4 new polish shades there are also two velvet nail effect powders (in green and pink) which you can use to give your nails the same velvet finish popularized on both the runways and red carpet this year. Being a conscientious bunch, Essence have even gone so far as to add a little fanned nail brush to the collection to make it super easy to achieve the look at home!

Essence Trend Editions are available in Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide now. Keep up to date with all the new via the Essence Facebook Page.

2013-06-06

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: L’Occitane Competition

After lots and lots of entries it is time to announce the 7 lucky winners of the fabulous L’Occitane Competition!! Drum roll please… and the winners are:

Verbena Gift Boxes: Sinead O’Rourke , Karen George & Alice O’Neill

Miniatures Collection Picnic Hamper: Fiona Mc Cord

Shea Butter Hand Cream: Debbie Cleary, S Ní Bhraonáin & Michelle Brien

Congratulations to all the winners!! You should have already received an email but if not please check your spam box. Hope you enjoy the lovely prizes and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. More great competitions to come!

My Work: LIFE Magazine Editorial June 2013

Published last Sunday in LIFE magazine, this is one the recent editorials I’ve been working on along with photographer Eilish McCormick and stylist Linda Conway. Each shot features designs which have been short listed for the Persil Fashion award 2013.

Make-up was kept very simple; starting with a lightweight foundation for a clean, fresh base and then highlighter used to accentuate bone structure. Aside from mascara the only other main product used was a deep pink stain in the center of the models’ lips to give a slightly doll-like effect. Nails were nude with a slash of deep pink across the tips to mimic lips.

For the hair I wanted to do something a bit more interesting than a traditional top knot so instead went for this slightly oriental style; a variation of the Gucci A/W 2013 show. This is easily achieved by first tying hair into a high ponytail and then wrapping it around to form a bun - leave pieces free and spray them into points so they become stiffer.

Photographer: Eilish McCormick // Make-up, Hair & Nails: Sarah Lanagan // Styling: Linda Conway // Models: January and Lauryn from Morgan The Agency. Pictures copyright to Eilish McCormick 2013 published in LIFE magazine 2nd June 2013.

2013-06-04

Amazing: Art created using make-up

Make-up has the ability to pick us up when we look tired, conceal flaws, sculpt bone structure and bring out our best features, but when an artist gets their hands on it something special and unexpected can happen. Here are some of my favourite pieces of art created using make-up…

The sculpture above is named 1M3 de beauté; a 330lb block of YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick molded into one solid piece by the French artist Fabrice Hyber as part of his current exibition in the Palais de Tokyo. The thinking behind this is that as a medium, lipstick is ”a material that permanently moves…a work that is never finished”.

Nathalie Irish is an American artist based in Houston Texas best known for creating portraits of famous pop culture icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain. Her art is brought to life through different techniques, including blending lipstick and even applying it and then kissing the canvas to create texture.

Exploring the idea of individuality and modern femininity, South American artist Livia Marin sculpted 2015 unique lipsticks into chess-like pieces as part of one of her exhibitions.

This is a shot of Nick Munier (best known as one of the hosts of Masterchef Ireland but a respected artist in his own right) from a series I worked on last year. The idea was to use make-up as a way to bring the artist personally back into their own work by making them a physical part of it. I used a combination of classic face paints, brushes & palette knives to mimic his painting.

All art featured is copyright to the artist mentioned above.

2013-05-30

CLOSED (COMPETITION: Win L’Occitane Verbena Gift Boxes, Hand Creams & Travel Hamper)

Since the very first boutique opened in 1976 L’Occitane en Provence have been known across the globe for their top quality beauty products ranging from skin care to fragrance to bath & body. This year the French company are marking 14 years of success in Ireland by renovating their stores nationwide including the newly relaunched Cork branch on Oliver Plunkett St which opened its doors today! To help them celebrate Pretty Easy has some gorgeous prizes for a few, very lucky winners to take home, yay!

What’s Up for Grabs?!

3x Verbena Gift boxes: Fresh and zingy, Verbena is the perfect for scent for summer and these gift boxes (worth €70 each!) are full to the brim with products including a shower gel, soap, body lotion, perfume sachet, hand wash and cooling hand cream.

1 x Miniatures Collection Hamper: Packing for holidays suddenly just got a whole lot easier thanks to these little beauties! Stored in a cute picnic hamper one lucky winner will find miniature versions of best sellers from the Almond, lavender, cherry blossom, verbena and shea butter collections.

3 x 150ml Shea Butter Hand Cream: With one sold every 3 seconds around the world this is a definite cult skin care product if ever there was one! The luxuriously creamy treatment is perfect for hands in need of an instant moisture injection to protect them from the ever changing weather.

HOW TO WIN…

1) Answer this question: Which country is L’Occitane originally from?

2) Leave your answer and a comment below stating your location and also prize preference!

3) ”Like” Pretty Easy and L’Occitane Ireland on Facebook and follow @prettyeasy on twitter. Please share the competition with friends :)

***This competition is now CLOSED ***