February 2012
20 posts
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Rouge Beauty Salon: Rejuvenate & Cleanse Your Skin
Whether you’re in need of a little pampering, waxing, or complete skin care overhaul, Rouge is a salon that is dedicated to the craft of beauty. Situated in Renalagh (a stones throw away from the Luas line), the salon specialises in a variety of treatments ranging from relaxing massage to pedicures and electrolysis. It is their skin treatments however which mark them out in particular when...
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Top 5: Make-Up Artist Books
Like most people who are passionate about beauty and make-up I have managed to accumulate a collection of books revolving around the subject, with some even dating back almost 20 years (like the original Body Shop book). Whether they are hardback or paperback, books created by make-up artists always capture people’s attention, fascinating our eyes and minds with colour, ideas and techniques to...
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Trend Alert: Pixie Crops
Elfin, pixie crops are all the rage in fashion and celeb land at the moment with Emma Watson, Agnes Deyn and Michelle Williams leading the pack, and proving that short hair does not have to mean man hair! Whether you’re thinking of going for a long fringe, an asymmetric do or ultra short crop the trend is there for the taking and can seriously revamp and modernise your look in no time at all....
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Retro Beauty: Estee Lauder "Mad Men" Collection
Estee Lauder have teamed up with Matthew Weiner; creator and producer of the cult TV phenomenon Mad Men to launch a special limited edition collection this coming March 18th. Unlike many of today’s brands, who would be using the 1960s simply as inspiration for the collaboration, the cosmetics house have delved into their vaults, revamping designs and products from the era when Estee Lauder...
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New: Make Up Forever "La Boheme" Collection
With designers such as Carolina Herrera, Chanel and Valentino all embracing a care free bohemian feel this spring, the new “La Boheme” collection from Make Up Forever has arrived just in time. Featuring a beautiful 6 shadow palette with the limited edition, iridescent shades; Lagoon Green, Natural Green, Beige, Parma Violet, Brown and Coral - there’s everything you could want...
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Rewarding Recyclying: Ojon Trade In Day
Following on from the success of their recycling initiative in the UK last year, this coming March 8th, Arnotts will be hosting a special “trade in” event in conjunction with Ojon. The luxury hair care company are giving customers the chance to swap their old, empty shampoo and conditioner bottles (from any brand) for a full sized Damage Reverse conditioner and shampoo.
Ojon are...
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Make-up Artist Tip: Sealers
A secret weapon of make-up artists is the sealer, which is used to turn regular eyeliner & mascara into longer lasting, waterproof products. Sealers also help to strengthen the colour of a product so that the finish is more intense, especially when used with a cake eyeliner or if you want to pump up the volume of an eye shadow colour. Make-up Forever Eye Sealer is one of the best...
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Did You Know?
Looking at the key ingredients list of many lip balms, moisturisers and cosmetics you will probably come across the name Lanolin. Lanolin is derived from the oil in sheep’s wool, and is most commonly used as an emollient in products. This means that it’s primary function is to aid in making the formula smoother in consistency, resulting in a silky over all feeling and texture when applying it....
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Sweet Treat: Le Petit Tom Patisserie Lipgloss
The Patisserie collection from Danish company Le Petit Tom is proof positive that lipgloss has never been so delicious! The range features some very dainty little designs including cupcakes, truffles and ornate, fruit pastry cases, all housing various flavours such as vanilla, cream tart, chocolate and strawberry which will stave off any sugar cravings throughout the day. The glosses start at...
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Kiss Proof: YSL Vernis á Lévres
YSL have introduced a series of revolutionary new lip products to their cosmetic line up in the shape of Vernis á lévres; a set of long lasting, lip colours that are a combination of a stain, lipstick and gloss all in one. Labeled as the product for women who “want it all” and “refuse to compromise” the intriguing vernis á lévres is hard to pin down in any traditional...
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Molton Brown: For Her & For Him
Whether or not you’re a fan of Valentines Day it’s always nice to receive a gift, so why not spoil your loved one (or yourself) with some bath time treats? Following on from the hugely successful, award winning Recharge Black Pepper collection for men, Molton Brown created the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod range last year for women. Both collections protect skin against environmental...
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Trend Alert: Modern Metallics
Unusually for Spring, one of the biggest make-up trends to emerge is smokey, smoldering eyes, jazzed up with metallic eye shadows and glitter. Highly pigmented, shimmering shades have been a key element of many of the hottest looks on the runway for this season - with designers including Rodarte, Armani and Philip Lim all embracing a more starry eyed approach. Some, such as Fendi (above) decided...
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DIY: Strawberry Hand & Foot Scrub
Give your hands and feet a little love with this sweet home made strawberry scrub that smells good enough to eat! Natural fruit enzymes and vitamin C found in strawberries help to brighten and soften skin, removing impurities and improving skin tone. Sea salt will keep bacteria at bay whilst the added exfoliating action of the brown sugar gives circulation a boost; reducing swelling and...
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New Make-up: Roses Ultimes de Chanel S/S 2012
The winter blues are definitely a thing of the past as far as Chanel are concerned as they look towards spring with their newest collection Roses Ultimes de Chanel; a beautiful series of lip glosses and nail colours in a variety of rose petal pink shades.
The signature Levres Scintillantes glosses shimmer and shine whilst also moisturising lips and are available in 6 new shades - Suprise,...
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New Fragrance: Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty
Just in time for Valentines day Calvin Klein have released their newest fragrance Sheer Beauty, a fresh and fruity scent created by the master perfumer Carlos Benaim. Light, zesty fragrances have come to be a signature of the Calvin Klein perfume ranges and this new offering will definitely sit nicely with anyone who is a fan of their best sellers such as Eternity or Truth. Sheer Beauty contains...
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Introducing: HD Brows
The HD Brows treatment is a relatively new arrival to Ireland but thanks to a massive following in both America and the UK, as well as glowing testimonials from a plethora of celebrity clients it is quickly becoming the treatment of choice for those looking for the perfect brows. I went to visit the Up To My Eyes Salon out in Greystones to find out what all the fuss is about and see the results...
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Winter Skin Saver: Trilogy Everything Balm
Multi-purpose products are always incredibly useful and since the weather has turned nasty recently a little skin saving treat is probably in order! Trilogy Everything Balm is jam packed with soothing, healing ingredients such as Vitamin E, certified organic Rose hip oil and marula oil. As you’d imagine from the name, the balm can be used in a variety of different ways, so whether you have...
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ASA Have Their Say: L'Oreal Revitalift Advert Ban
L’Oreal have received another slap on the wrist as the Advertising Standards Authority in the UK have deemed their Revita-Lift campaign featuring Rachel Weisz has been too heavily air brushed. The campaign, they believe, gives an unrealistic message as to what the anti-aging cream can actually achieve, a notion that L’Oreal spokes people have been quick to dismiss citing good...
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Smart Anti-Aging: Shiseido Bio-Performance
Originally founded in 1872, Shiseido are known to be one of the most innovative skin care specialists across the globe and are currently ranked as the no 1 anti-aging skin care company in Europe. Never ones to rest of their laurels, Shiseido were the first private cosmetics firm to produce hyaluronic acid; a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in the body which can hold 1000 times its own...
January 2012
28 posts
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Sultry & Seductive: Make Up Forever Smoky Coleurs
If you’re a fan of experimenting with techniques and shades for your night time eyes then check out the latest offering from Make Up Forever; the Smokey Coleurs collection is all about creating high octane, dramatic looks and includes new eyeliners, mascara and a limited edition eye shadow palette. The palette features 8 new shadows, which can be mixed and matched or used singularly to create...
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Limited Edition: Lush Red Dragon Soap
2012 is the year of the Red Dragon for Chinese New Year, so to celebrate the free spirit and creativity of this mystical creature Lush have given their Karma collection a new addition with the vegan friendly Red Dragon soap. The limited edition offering features the blended scents of patchouli, lavender and pine which when combined, make an intense earthy/floral fragrance. Celebrate the dragon...
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Introducing: Soap & Glory Cosmetics
Previously, cheeky retro brand Soap & Glory have only dipped their toe into the cosmetics pool instead concentrating on their best selling body and skin care products; 2012 however is gearing up to be the year their make-up comes into its own as the brand has designed a fun loving collection designed to to give you killer lashes, glowing skin and super sexy pout. With much of the collection...
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Photo Shoot: Arnotts Communion Dresses
Here are a couple of preview pictures from shoot a I did a few weeks back with stylist Rosemary Mac Cabe and photographer Ailbhe O’Donnell. Out in The Irish Times today, the piece features a variety of stunning communion dresses, currently available from Arnotts. As far as make-up and hair goes, the two girls had flawless skin (as only children do!) so I just powdered lightly and then gave...
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WatchToday FM: Shave or Dye Campaign 2012
Today FM’s Shave or Dye campaign is back with a bang this year and I was delighted to be a part of the process by working on the hair and make-up for their advertising campaign. To raise awareness for the Irish Cancer Society some of the station’s top DJs including Matt Cooper, Ian Dempsey and Ray D’Arcy can be sponsored to either shave or...
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Say No to Cruel Cosmetics
If you like your little fluffy bunnys hopping about and eating carrots, rather than being forced into animal testing then listen up. The No Cruel Cosmetics campaign is trying to eradicate all animal testing in the European Union so that rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and other small creatures won’t be injected, force fed and killed in the name of beauty.
If you’re passionate about keeping...
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Limited Edition: Cowshed "Spoilt Cow" Collection
Since they first launched in 1998, luxury bath & body brand Cowshed have strived to create products that capture moods and elevate the senses to provide an all round therapeutic, indulgent experience come bath time. For a limited edition run, top sellers such as Knackered Cow and Grumpy Cow are to be joined by the new addition Spoilt Cow which features a moisture infusing shower gel &...
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Trend Alert: Power Brows
This Spring there are a few unexpected trends hitting the runways, one of which is the power brow seen at Derek Lam (above), Jean Paul Gaultier and Oscar De La Renta. Teamed with a simple, barely there make-up the strong arch and darker shading is reminiscent of classic beauties such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, proving that the 1960s influences of A/W are definitely sticking around...
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Spotlight on: Corrective Make-up
Traditionally, corrective make-up for redness was limited to slathering a thick layer of green concealer under foundation (not the most flattering..). Technology has come a long way since then and there now are a multitude of different products out there which enable us to cover flaws better than ever before. Many use the same colour theory practices but the advanced formulas mean that heavy...
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Dolce & Gabbana: Kohl Collection
Neatly side stepping the usual Spring colour trends this year, Dolce & Gabbana have launched their new Kohl Collection featuring 5 new shades of eyeliner and 5 corresponding nail polish tones. The long wearing, highly pigmented kohl pencils are perfect for creating smooth, precise lines yet are also soft enough to be used for smudging out to a smokey effect if so desired. Shades available...
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Give Away (Closed): The Body Shop Chocomania
For anyone who’s held their resolve and stuck to their new years diet resolutions a little pick me up in the form of a chocolate fix is most definitely in order! This spring, The Body Shop are releasing their newest bath and body collection “Chocomania”; a delectable, decadent (and zero calorie!) treat for the senses made with community fair trade cocoa butter from Ghana. The...
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Treat Your Feet: Lush Home Spa
Treat your feet to a little Lush home spa experience this week in just two easy steps! To start, the intensive exfoliating action of their Stepping Stones removes stubborn dead skin and gets circulation going to improve the look and feel of your feet.
Next up is the deep cleansing Volcano Foot Mask; cinnamon leaf oil warms and softens skin while clay and essential oils work to get deep down...
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Make-up: Out With The Old
It can be very tempting to hang on to old make-up that, let’s face it you’re unlikely to use ever again. Whether it’s because you just can’t bare to let it go or because it was a luxury buy you only use a few times a year, you should always be aware that products have a life span. According to the trades description act, all weights, ingredients and use by dates have to be written on...
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L'Occitane: Shea Butter Range
Next week L’Occitane will be unveiling their latest innovation in skin care; The Shea Butter range which is aimed at rejuvenating and protecting very dry skin. Having been used for centuries by women in West Africa to keep their skin supple and hydrated, natural shea butter has become known throughout the world as one of the most effective and comprehensive ways to combat feelings of...
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Anna Sui: Rose Fairy S/S 2012 Make-up
Although small when compared to other cosmetic brands, the Anna Sui make-up collections are always classic examples of quantity vs quality and should be seen as real investment pieces for your beauty bag. As a designer, Sui is best known for her use of colour and detail in clothes and accessories and that aesthetic flows into the beauty line seamlessly to create exquisite make-up that is both...
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Going High Tech: Hession Hair Salon
With more and more people living via their smart phones these days it was only a matter of time before an innovative Irish hairdresser would launch their very own App - and the first one to do that is Hession Hairdressing. The multi award winning salons celebrated their 40th year in business last year and have decided to up the ante in 2012 by going high tech thanks to their partnership with...
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Perfect Pin-Up: Vintage Style Lashes
The silhouette and style of the 1950s may go in and out of favour when it comes to fashion but it rarely finds itself out of the limelight in terms of beauty with vintage inspired brands such as Soap & Glory, Cath Kidston and Benefit remaining continuously popular. The Vintage Cosmetic Company is a new, similarly self styled brand who specialise in beautiful, pin-up girl false lashes that...
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Make-up & Exercise = A good Idea?
According to certain reports, up to 92% of new year’s resolutions made by people to get fit in 2012 have already been broken - so if you’re one of the remaining few who still have a little fight left in them then congratulations! Despite the negativity surrounding resolutions there are still plenty of positive articles out there which (amongst other things) are extolling the benefits...
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Introducing: Ojon Hair Care
Ethical beauty that actually does what it promises to is always high on my priority list to investigate and one brand that ticks those boxes is Ojon; a hair care system from the US. Founded by Denis and Silvana Simioni in 2003 the secret to their products lies in a highly nutritious palm nut oil derived the Ojon tree found in the rain forests of Central America. For over 500 years the nuts have...
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New: Lancome Roseraie Des Delices S/S 2012
If you’re suffering from the January blues it might be time to check out the latest collection from Lancome. Suffused with bright and beautiful spring colours, Aaron de May’s Roseraie Des Delices range takes its inspiration from the gardens of Paris where roses are in full bloom during the spring and the playful, sweetness of French macaroons. Peppered with delicate hues of pink,...
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Photo Shoot: Irish Times "Grey Matters"
Here are a couple of preview pictures from the shoot “Grey Matters” (out today in The Irish Times) that I did recently with photographer Sean Jackson, stylist Grace Moore and model Catherine Woods from Morgan The Agency. In keeping with the softness and over all feel of the shoot, both hair and make-up had to be natural yet feminine, so I worked with, and enhanced the natural waves...
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Beat the Cravings: Minty Fresh Beauty
If you’re finding it difficult to keep to your “dodge the biscuit tin” new year’s resolution, it might be time to try using a little trick from the world of aromatherapy. Mint has long been known to curb cravings for sweet treats as it triggers a different part of your senses than the smell of say… warm, freshly made donuts… (as you can see, my resolve is...
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WatchLast October, I did hair & makeup for the RTE commissioned film “Unsaid”, written and directed by IMTV award nominee Stevie Russel (produced by Tidal Productions). A dark drama set in the 1990s, Unsaid is the story of Oisin, (played by actor Conor Delany) who is battling with his past, as well as the prospects currently facing him in small town Ireland. You can learn more about the...
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Give Away (Closed): Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick...
Last October, Supermodel Kate Moss celebrated her 10 year union with make-up giant Rimmel by creating a stunning series of lipsticks and now… it’s time for one lucky person to win the entire collection, right here on Pretty Easy! The lipstick’s sleek, rock and roll packaging encases shades with a long wearing formula enhanced with the unique ingredient Black Diamond; giving...
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Quick Tip: Beautiful Skin from Within
We all know that topical treatments & skin care, when chosen correctly for your skin type will work wonders for conditions such as acne, dehydration or sensitivity but there are plenty of things that we can do “behind the scenes” to improve the condition of our skin too. Regardless of what is happening on the surface, our skin needs nourishment to thrive so it can appear fresh and...
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Trend Alert: 1960s Doll Eyes
Spring trends for make-up and fashion are taking their queue from the 1960s this year with doll eyes coming up as one of the strongest looks thanks to designers such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Eternally youthful and always pretty, this is a make-up that can allow your skin to breathe as to keep it modern a light, dewy foundation is all that’s needed for a base. All the attention is...
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DIY: Papaya Skin Brightening Mask
If you’re looking to add a little twinkle and lustre to your skin, this Papaya Brightening Mask recipe is the perfect skin fix - and won’t break the bank either! Papaya contains the natural enzyme papain which is known to aid the renewal of skin cells and brighten up a dull complexion. There are also high levels of vitamins C and E which will repair damage, soothe sensitive skin and...
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Happy New Year everyone & thank you for the continuing support - here’s to 2012, which I can already tell is going to be a great year!
Sarah x
December 2011
26 posts
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Vintage Couture Make-up: Jean Paul Gaultier '09
Give yourself a new look for the new year with this vintage inspired make-up by Jean Paul Gaultier circa 2009. To keep it modern, use a soft metallic sheen on eyes such as Laura Mercier Topaz or a cream eye shadow in deep chocolate. Lips can be worn matte or with a hydrating, tinted lipstick/balm such as Clinique’s Chubby Stick in Richer Raisin.
Rather than using a blusher, sculpt...
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Make-Up Artist Tip: Applying Glitter
Glitter is all part and parcel of the festive season although it always seems that no matter whether you initially decide to wear it - those little, glimmering specks have a unique ability to end up pretty much everywhere! Over the years I’ve picked up a few handy tips, so to help you along the shimmering path to a very sparkly new year’s make-up look here are a few of them…
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