First things first Skincare. I cant do anything else unless I've cleansed and Moisturised my skin I use
Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil. This is a lightweight cleansing oil for all skin types filled with Natural Organic Ingredients, doesn't clog up your pores and leaves your skin feeling nourished and fresh.
To lock in that nourishment I lather my skin with Benefits Triple Performing Oil free Moisturizer and move onto my makeup.
My New favourite Foundation has to be Laura Mercier Silk creme foundation. It's a beautiful lightweight but good coverage matte foundation,leaves your skin looking flawless all day long.
After working long hours I need a good full coverage concealer to hide those under eye circles and blemishes. I'm loving Amazing Cosmetics Concealer in Fair golden. It's yellow based so it literally covers every discolouration but doesn't feel too heavy or cakey.
As I'm as pale as a ghost I need to add some warmth to my skin so I love Benefits Hoola Bronzer as It's not to heavy or muddy on my skin and gives my face a natural lift and glow. My top tip with bronzer is to build it up slowly applying too much at once will just give you a muddyy/dirty appearance.
Next I load on my favourite Blush Benefits Rockateur,
It's a Rose gold blush with a lovely sheen to it but not glitter so it suits all skin tones and ages.
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer is a beautiful gold highlighter, it's not too harsh or chunky and the pigmentation is out of this world, I highly recommend it.
To make my eyes look more awake I love to apply a little bit of NYX Wonder pencil on my water line, It also doubles up as a concealer and Reverse Lip liner which is great for muting lips if you want to over draw them.
EOS lip balms are always in my makeup bag, I find them great for keeping my lips hydrated and they are full with antioxidants.
Urban Decay is one of my favourite cosmetic brands at the moment as they dont use any parabens/chemicals and are cruelty free!
This All nighter setting spray is one of the best Ive tried and your makeup literally does not move for the day!!!!
My favourite Lip combo has to be NYX Natural lipliner and The balm Ma bills be paid Nude Lipstick.... STUNNING!!!
So for today's post I just wanted to share my latest makeup tutorial and giveaway.
If you watch my videos, you may have already seen this but I'm so excited to mention I teamed up with Benefit to Giveaway over 150 euros worth of the best selling Benefit Products over on my Instagram "Makeupbysaz1"
All you need to do is Follow me and Benefit, Regram the Picture and Tag 4 friends
Aw man It's so good to be back blogging again!!!!! It was June 2014 since my last post which is just crazy right?! I think I mainly lost interest due to lack of time, I always saw my channel and my blog as two separate things rather than just treating it as one and felt I was stuck for time trying to get both done, So one of my new years resolutions was to give my blog a little makeover and get back into blogging regularly. I don't do many reviews on my channel so It might be a good idea to start doing my reviews here and also my old school outfit of the day posts....Gosh I missed those days. It may take me a while to get back into a regular blogging schedule but I'm feeling very positive about everything.
So First things first, A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to receive a few products to try out from Rodial Cosmetics. I never heard of the brand before so I was a little skeptical but as soon as I checked out the website and online reviews, I was very eager to receive my package.
I got the Glamolash XXL mascara which I must say is so amazing for thickness,
the only thing I didn't like about the mascara was the size of the brush, If you have small eyes you might want to choose one of their other mascara's as the brush is quite wide so It can be tricky to get right into the root of the lash without poking yourself in the eye ha! But otherwise I really liked the packaging, the texture is really lightweight and the formula doesn't clump the lashes. My lashes looked so dark and thick compared to other mascaras.
I was most excited to try this Glamstick called Revenage. I choose the colour myself as I'm a big lover of pinks and peachy shades. The formula is buttery but lightweight, leaves your lips feeling nourished and doesn't dry up as it's enriched in vitamin E and cocoa butter.
The colour pay off was good, a little translucent as it's a balm but quite long lasting. I totally fell in LOVE with the packaging like WOW!!!! I think it's by far my favourite brand packaging yet. Click me for direct link
OH MAMA!!!!! This was by far my favourite product of the bunch. It's the Eye sculpt cream shadow in Brown and it's the most perfect cream shadow Ive ever tried. It's extremely lightweight feels like a moose, It gives AMAZING colour pay off so a little goes a long way. It said on the website it doesn't move once its on the skin and boy they weren't lying. The smokey eye pencil I received aswell (here) was so creamy and melted beautifully, so both combined create the perfect smokey eye and I'll leave the link to my Smokey eye Tutorial below.
And lastly and unfortunately my least favourite was the Stemcell Super-food day cream.
I really liked the lightweight texture of this moisturiser and it gives the skin a nice radiant glow, however I didn't feel it left my skin nourished, My skin felt quite tight after it and that may be because I don't have the full stemcell range.
The moisturiser wasn't in anyway bad however for the price, the ingredients weren't the best I've seen so I wouldn't be rushing out to buy another. But that's not to say that this product isn't good, I just felt It didn't work on my skin, Skincare is always tough to review because what works for me may not work for you and likewise. Click me for direct link
And that about wraps up this blog post. I really hope you enjoy this review. Even tho these products were sent to me, all opinions are 100% my own. Be sure to check out Rodial's Social Pages
So over 2 months ago I blogged about my decision to get invisalign braces. I'm now 7 weeks into my treatment and so far so good They are so easy to remove and I'm starting to see results ALREADY. Isn't that crazy?!
Incase you missed my last post, Invisalign braces are clear removable braces that work exactly like metal braces except they are practically invisible. You can remove them for 1-2 hours a day to eat and drink and simply brush and clip them back in. The only thing you can do with them in is drink water.
My treatment time is just over 15 months depending on how long I remove them a day and I have 23 trays. Each tray is moulded to the shape of your teeth and on how they should look every 2/3 weeks
Here's my progress so far.
Here's a picture of my teeth before I received my braces. My bottom teeth were very very crowded and my top front teeth was twisted and a few other teeth weren't in the right place (so embarrased sharing this picture). My dentist placed these small white implants onto a few of my very twisted teeth. This is different for everyone but it helps stubborn teeth move into place.
I was very nervous about getting braces in, as Ive heard so many stories about braces being painful so I was pleasantly surprised that my teeth didn't hurt at all!!!! The braces (pictured above) did feel tight for a few days and were very hard to remove for the first 2 days as they were so tight and I was kinda nervous removing them but as the week went on I was surprised at how easy they were to remove.
I couldn't eat properly for a few days, when I removed my braces my teeth were very sensitive and I could almost feel them moving as I was chewing and this totally freaked me out. I gave up all the hard to eat foods and stuck with mashed potato and soup, water and tea but as the weeks went on I found they settled and I could eat more of the foods I enjoy.
I did struggle with a lisp for about a month I felt like my mouth was hugeeeeee and struggled to talk and even covered my mouth in case I spat on someone... disgusting I know!!!!
I'm now 7 weeks into my treatment and I have noticed my bottom teeth have moved and my top twisted tooth has moved a good bit. I have also found I'm so confident with my braces in, no one has really noticed I had them until I take my braces off and they spot the white implants on my teeth and from a distance it even looks like my teeth are just straight which has given me loads of confidence in myself. I was also worried about my videos but I think they look great on camera.
I honestly don't even mind wearing them, It's definitely the best thing I've ever invested in.
Progress: Just 4 weeks into treatment (without braces)
Disadvantages: One of the biggest disadvantages about Invisalign is going out for meals. I personally hate using public bathrooms so its even harder for me to brush my teeth
I also hate that you have to watch your timing so your really rushing your food.
Now I understand why it has to be done so I'm not complaining I know it's not all going to be rosy but it is something that worries me when I go out.
I also cannot wear lipstick that much, I work at a makeup counter so I kinda NEED to wear lipstick I also wear them for my videos but I find it just all sticks to my braces no matter how hard you scrub them and it's kinda gross. However I was told that with normal braces this is a issue aswell as it all sticks to the bars and its harder to remove and clean so I guess in a way it's also a positive thing that you can wear lipstick if you need too.
To finish this post here's a quick snap of me 6 weeks into my treatment with my braces in.
Would you like to see my do a video on my braces?!
So after a long long break I've decided to return to the world blogging...
Today I'm going to talk about something that has bothered me for a very very long time and that's my TEETH!!
Since I was a little girl I've HATED my teeth, they bothered on a day to day basis. I would never smile in pictures, I would cover my mouth alot when I smiled and I found it affected my confidence ALOT!!!! ....
I went to get braces back when I was just 14 years old but unfortunately my teeth weren't 'classed' as bad enough to be covered by the government so I had no other option but to go private.
After I had my moulds done the dentist told my parents it would cost 5,000 and he needed a grand upfront to go ahead with the treatment. At the time I had a little brother and another on the way and of course that was alot of money for any parents to hand out especially on teeth, I was too young to understand the value of money and I was very disappointed that I couldn't go ahead with my treatment.
I started my blog back in 2010 which give me a new lease of life and I found it easy enough to hide my teeth in pictures and I could be that fun confident person I've always wanted to be, However when I finally plucked up the courage to start making youtube videos, I started receiving comments on my teeth which brought all the pain back again.
After christmas this year I made a big career move and settled into a really good permanent job so I decided to look into braces again.
I took the plunge in february and went in for a free consultation for invisalign and after a pay monthly scheme was announced I decided to go ahead with the treatment.
Invisalign is a clear brace that is cliped onto your teeth, It works exactly like braces except you can barely notice them, you clip them out for a max of 2 hours a day to eat so theres no limits on what you can eat or drink.
The total cost of Invisalign treatment is 3,500 but I know it will be worth EVERY penney......
I will keep you posted with a monthly diary of my treatment :)
Love you lots
Saz xXx
Today is finally the launch day for Benefit's newest product..... Agent Zero Shine.
The idea of Agent Zero Shine is to easily vanish pores and shine in a instant. This baby was designed to work with the famous Uk/Irelands best selling pore minimizing primer.... The "Porefessional" Agent Zero is a lightweight, translucent powder that mattifies the skin while smoothing and minimizing the look of open pores.
Here are my thoughts......
As always the packaging is adorable and easy to use. You simply screw off the top, tap powder into the lid and apply using the built in brush. Easy right?!
The powder is translucent so it will suit most skin tones and feels very light on the skin. I personally don't have oily skin so I don't have any shine to cover so I can't rate it on it's mattifying effect however I do have alot of open pores on my cheeks and it covered them instantly. I wouldn't use this product as a replacement for powder... instead pop it into your handbag and use it for quick touch ups throughout the day.
Agent Zero retails at 33.50 and is definitely worth the price if you have problems with oil or open pores It's small enough to pop into your handbag and the built in brush is very soft and can also be used for bronzing or applying blush so that's another great way to lighten your load......no more crushed powder or heavy brushes.
What do you think? Will you be picking up Agent Zero Shine?
Not sure what to get your loved one for Christmas, fear not.....Here's some of my favourite gifts this year.
Blank Canvas Cosmetics is a brand that every makeup lover will adore. They stock everything from Brush sets, single brushes to face and eye shadow palettes, with professional products at very reasonable prices what's not to love right?!
If your willing to splurge on your partner, relation or (a very lucky) friend this Professional Brush set is definitely for you. Everything from face brushes to eyes and brows in one set, it also includes the famous all in one F20 brush which is nearly always sold out. Once more you can choose if you want your stunning brushes to come in a cup holder or folio pictured above.
Blank Canvas Cosmetics 15 piece professional Brush Set: €126.50 Click here
If your looking for something a little more on the cheaper side you have a huge selection of eyeshadow, blush and contour palettes to choose from, you can't go wrong with this blush and eyeshadow palette which retails at a whopping €11
The fun doesn't end there you can get 10% off any orders over €15 just by popping in "SARAH" at the checkout.... Awesome right?!....
Not only is Benefit one of the best makeup brands on the market at the moment they also have some pretty awesome gift sets this Christmas for all ages and budgets....
This set "groovy kinda love" which retails at €39.50 or €35.55 if you buy from Debenhams stores this week only for the 10% off gift spectacular event. Set Includes:
4 Stunning, Neutral eye shadows that suit all skin tones and eye colours.
2 blushes (1 matte, 1 shimmer)
benetint (a natural rose lip and cheek stain)
The worlds best selling mascara They're real
UK/Ireland best selling primer and pore minimizer
It's pretty much got everything a girl needs, everything is basic in the sense anyone who is a fan of makeup will need eye shadows, blush and mascara. Not only that but you also get to try two best selling products that are also small enough to pop into your handbag or travel with.
If your looking for something a little bigger this tin "primed for loving" retails at €65 this set includes 3 full sized products (high beam, they're real and porefessional) and 1 mini lipgloss,
Not only do you save over €30 you also get this cute re-usable tin
new coffee tins anyone??
If your looking for stocking fillers this skincare set from Benefit is a must.You get to try the whole skincare range which may I add is suitable for all skin types, free from harsh chemicals and includes a added formula of PA++ which means it protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, This formula is exclusive to just Benefit Cosmetics all for just €16
No one wants to invest in skincare without trying a few samples, this way you have already tried and tested the whole range.
Set Includes:
Foamingly clean facial wash
Refined finish facial polish (exfoliater)
Moisture prep toning lotion
Triple performing facial emulsion SPF 15 PA++
Total moisture facial cream
It's potent! eye cream
As you know I love love love using natural products, being a beauty therapist and understanding how the skin works I believe it's super important to use natural products to bring out the best in your skin. Not only do natural products smell good they also leave you feeling happy and energized.
This set from Irish brand "Bia Beauty" is just to die for I will definitely be adding this to my wishlist :)
This gift set contains: Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser,Orange & Grapefruit Facial Exfoliant and Cleanser,Stop the Clock Eye Gel andLime Pie Lip Balm. All products suit ALL SKIN TYPES!!! €50 for more info click here free delivery over €30 within Ireland. Us girls LOVE our nails but don't always love the effort of painting them after a long day at work. Why not treat her to a gel nail gift set starter pack. Set includes everything you need for a 2 week manicure at home with no drying time and enough for 20 manicures, More polishes are available at any boots store.
Click Here for more info... €126 reduced to €55 for limited time only If you willing to go all out Karmin Professional have a fab range of straighteners, curlers and driers all professional quality, the perfect treat for your partner, Mother, daughter or even friend. Check out my video for a more detailed review and lastly if all else fails enter the giveaway by simply subscribing/commenting and it could be yours for FREE!!!!
Hope you enjoyed this post and found it even a little helpful.
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