My Favourite Festive Look: Soft Smoky Eye With A Deep Berry Lip!

Yesterday I asked about your favourite makeup look this Christmas, your go-to face over the holidays. Well, this has been mine - quick and easy, but very seasonal with the bronzey gold soft smoky eye, paired with a deep berry lip. These are the products I've been reaching for when I haven't had time to play about with my look - the ones that are foolproof but fabulous!

Holiday Make-Up Inspiration: Three Great Looks To Try, from Lisa Eldridge, Pixiwoo and Tanya Burr

The Christmas holidays offer the perfect excuse to play about with your makeup collection, rediscover old favourites and have fun trying out new looks.  I've been experimenting by teaming earthy eyes with berry lips (a night out on the town), rose gold all over (Christmas Day) and glittering greens (in preparation for New Year's Eve) - all inspired by some of my favourite YouTubers. If you're looking for a little party inspiration, I hope you'll find it in one of the three videos below. Enjoy!










What do you think, fancy giving any of these a try? What's been your favourite look over the festive season?

WIN! Survive The Party Season With Vita Coco 100% Natural Coconut Water - 5 Cases Up For Grabs!

Rihanna and I might not have all that much in common but I'll give her this: she knows how to party. And she also knows that it's essential to rehydrate on the morning after the night before. I've been taking a leaf out of her book over the festive season and giving my body a little helping hand with Vita Coco, 100% Natural Coconut Water. Packed with naturally occurring potassium and essential electrolytes, I've found that it really does help me when I've had that one sherry too many!

With no colourings, preservatives or flavourings and never produced from concentrate, it offers a great natural way to boost your body's hydration levels. And I have five cases to give away - one each to one of five lucky readers of Fluff and Fripperies.

This one is open to residents in Republic of Ireland only - just pop your details into the box below. Good luck everyone! 

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Umbrella Beauty: Crazy Colour in Burgundy

 

One of the great things about having your hair marbled, according to my fabulous hairdresser Niamh, is playing about with colour. And now I've put that to the test, I really must concur. New online Irish site Umbrella Beauty stock a range of fabulous hair products, and they recently sent me a bottle of Crazy Colour to try out.

WIN! E45 Pamper Hamper Up For Grabs!

 

Now that the turkey's been eaten and the presents unwrapped I thought we might all need a little something to cheer us up this St Stephen's Day (that's what we call Boxing Day in this part of the world!).

The run up to Christmas can be stressful and between that, the wind and the cold weather, our skin can look and feel less healthy. That’s why E45 launched their Emollient Therapy range, with gentle but effective products that are clinically proven to treat and soothe dry, itching, flaking, chapped and rough skin. Products include a new intense moisturiser, emollient bath oil, emollient shower gel and emollient wash.

E45 is an iconic brand, built on a foundation of trust with over 50 years’ experience working with leading dermatologists - and I have a fabulous hamper packed with all of these goodies to give away to one lucky reader – along with a luxury bathrobe.

This is open to readers resident in the Republic of Ireland - just pop your details below to be in to win!
 

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Season's Greetings From Fluff and Fripperies!

 

 

Hope you are all having the most magical time!

ONE MORE SLEEP! Christmas at Fluff and Fripperies Towers

Both our families live in Scotland so at Christmas time, that's normally where Mr Fluff and I are too. This year is different - we are staying in Ireland for the holidays, for the very first time. We have our first tree - a cute and chubby little number that is scenting the air with the smell of fresh pine. Add to that the gorgeous aromas from our Christmas wreath - a beautiful gift from French pharmacy brand Roger & Gallet - my baking attempts (check them out here!) and my Christmassy candles, and Fluff and Fripperies Towers is feeling festive to the max. 

My favourite candle this year is the Ginger and Black Pepper one from Irish luxury candle brand La Bougie - it smells heavenly and I love their new coloured glass packaging, which is quite a departure from their original range. The one I have is Valise size - it offers 40 hours burn time for a very reasonable €19.95. I also like this little lemongrass soy candle I was sent by another Irish brand, Emma's Eco-Soy Candles - you can check out their website here.  Happily, both brands also deliver worldwide :)

What's getting you into the Christmas spirit this year?

Deliciously Easy Cake Recipe: Spiced Apple, Cranberry and Ginger Upside Down Cake!

 

Despite having never made anything more ambitious than these peppermint creams, in a moment of insanity, I volunteered to bake dessert this Christmas. So it was with incredible relief that I found this recipe on the pages of the December issue of my favourite magazine, Red. I've given it a trial run and, despite being festive and delicious, it's also incredibly easy to make. Here's the recipe, if you fancy trying it out yourself. 

Watch! Nasa On Why The World Didn't End Yesterday

Something a tad different today - a really interesting little video from Nasa on the Mayan prophecy that the world would end on 21 December, 2012. Except, of course, it didn't. And thank god, eh - now we get to open our pressies next Tuesday! 

 

Estee Lauder Black Turquoise: An Unusually UnSparkly NOTD!

For once in this seemingly never-ending run up to Christmas I’m not sporting glitter on my nails and have quite fallen for this moody little number. Black Turquoise by Estee Lauder is actually part of their summer release, the Pure Colour Vivid Shine collection, and I’m afraid it was a limited edition – soz!

Bottom right: my top and bottom coats of choice these days, Sally Hansen Complete Care 4-in-1 and Seche Vite

It didn’t get much wear from me till the weather turned cooler but I wore it a lot throughout the autumn months. It applies a much darker and deeper shade of blackened blue than it looks in the bottle and it goes on nice and smooth. Weartime’s decent, too – I have a couple of Lauder polishes now and they’ve been consistently good. Spendy, though, at €20 a pop.

Have you tried any of the polishes from this brand? What are you loving on your nails these days?

What's Your Favourite Christmas Song Of All Time?

Without a doubt, this is mine! (Yes, I did post it last year - and doubtless it'll make an appearance next Christmas too, and the one after that, and the one after that...!)

Tell me yours in the comments!

Win! €100 RoC goody bag, to mark launch of RoC Multi Correxion range

As you may know, RoC recently launched the exciting new anti-ageing Multi Correxion range. The key ingredient, developed after seven years of research, is hexinol, which targets the 5 main signs of ageing: reducing wrinkles, firming sagging skin, intensely moisturising dry skin, lightening brown spots and leaves skin looking more radiant.

Caseable iPad Cover: Review and Pictures

One of the items on my Christmas wish list was an iPad case, to replace the functional yet boring black number I bought at the same time. Well, Christmas came early when Caseable offered me my choice of their hand-made, customisable cases.

 

 

The company offers everything from smartphone to laptop to eReader covers, all of which are handcrafted in Brooklyn or Berlin.  Customise your own, using your own text, images or  design, or choose artwork from a range of featured artists on the site. Either way, the order process is quick and easy, using the online system - it takes about 10 minutes, and a week later, my case was in my hands.

 

I opted for this striking skull design by Ali Gurec, a designer and illustrator from Istanbul - I love it! The design is gorgeous, I love the distressed black background and the sturdy, well-made case fits my iPad perfectly. I think it's worth every penny of the €49.90 pricetag and if you're after something that's customisable and unique, I'd encourage you to check out the rest of the options on their site, here.  

And here's a little treat for you if you spot something that you'd like - Caseable are offering readers of Fluff and Fripperies a 15% discount that's valid until midnight on December 31st. Just enter the following code at checkout: fluffandfripperies10.

Latest Love: The Galaxy Print Scarf, from Romwe

 

Ever since I saw Rosemary in hers, I've kinda been hankering after a pair of galaxy leggings. I just really like the print and the moody purple and blue colour palette, scattered through with little bursts of planets and stars. Dreamy. But I'm not really a leggings type of girl and deep down I knew if I picked up a pair, they'd languish unloved and unworn at the back of my wardrobe.

Enter Romwe, a site I've been eyeing for a while, having seen fellow Irish bloggers like Leanne Woodfull rocking some of their pieces in style. The site is operated from China and offers affordable, trend-led fashion pieces with free worldwide shipping - not bad, huh?

I ordered this galaxy print scarf and a detachable collar, which unfortunately sits too high to be worn with anything I currently own. The scarf though? I love. It's silky smooth and I find the print just mesmerising. If you're braver than me they also seem to do this print on just about anything - dresses, skirts, leggings, even a coat! My order arrived within two weeks and the scarf was a very reasonable €12.89.

Have you purchased from Romwe before? And where do you buy online?

The wait is over: Soap and Glory is this week's Boots Star Gift!

I hope you’re putting on your sprinting shoes as you’re reading, because this is one deal that you’re not gonna want to miss! You’ve heard me rave about Soap and Glory, and now you can experience it for yourself – and at better than half price. The perfect Christmas gift for your best friend, mum or sister, or just a great opportunity to stock up on your own cosmetic supplies, the Boots Ireland Star Gift this week is Soap & Glory: The Best of All.  For just €35 (down from €75), from today until next Thursday (20^th December), you can get your hands on all this beauty booty:

• The Righteous Butter (300ml)

• Hand Food (125ml)

• Sugar Crush Body Scrub (300ml

• Smoothie Star Body Milk (500ml)

• Clean On Me Shower Gel (500ml)

• Heel Genius Foot Mask (125ml)

• Peaches And Clean Cleansing Milk (200ml)

• Super-Colour Sexy Mother Lip Plump in Punch Bowl (3ml)

• Thick & Fast Mascara (10ml)

…and all packaged up in a gorgeous vanity case, too. But hurry – the offer is only available while stocks last, and this one is gonna fly!

Fluff and Fripperies in the Metro Herald! Pick Up Your Copy Today!

 

Metro Herald newspaper has been brightening up my commute forever and I am definitely not alone – this free Dublin newspaper goes out to 195,000 urbanites every morning. And if you’ve been picking it up over the past couple of weeks you may have noticed a familiar face popping up in the Style section every Thursday. I’m delighted to be writing a regular column for the paper which, in the run up to Christmas, is focusing on festive party makeup. If you missed it, or you live outside of Dublin, then I’ve posted my first two columns below. Hope you enjoy!

Ziaja Giveaway – A Nutritious Treat For Your Skin

 

Polish skincare brand Ziaja have introduced a new natural oils collection – an ultra-replenishing natural based face and body care collection that harnesses the topical power of essential fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9) for keeping your skin in shape.

Soap and Glory: New Favourites including Archery, Smooch Operator, Powdercoat Matte Lipstick, Glow All Out

Ahh, Soap and Glory! If the annual stampede for their half-price Boots Star Gift is anything to go by (it must be coming up soon!), lots of you share the love I have in my heart for this cheeky, great quality British brand.  I was recently sent a bundle of goodies that I have been using and loving – so much so that many of them are now firm favourites with me that I’ll be buying and using for ever and ever amen.

WIN! Les Jumelles Jewellery - Open Worldwide!

Les Jumelles is a charming online jewellery shop with a wide and eclectic selection of vintage and contemporary jewellery. Many of their pieces combine old and new by recycling vintage pieces alongside modern chains and fittings.

Their site is full of unique pieces and I've teamed up with them to offer one reader their pick of the six items pictured above. This giveaway is open worldwide - just follow the simple steps below. Best of luck everyone!

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Four Fabulous, Festive Frocks For The Party Season!

I’ve thrown myself into the sparkly season lately and become absolutely obsessed with everything that glitters and shines. So it was a real pleasure to be introduced to Misses Dressy, a site dedicated to fabulous frocks, with an absolutely massive selection that’s just perfect for the party season. Considering the detail of each piece, I’m really impressed with the prices, too. I’ve picked out a few of my favourites below.

Christmas Gift Guide 2012: For Her

We’ve looked at suggestions for the menfolk and I showed you some of my favourite gifts for girls, but today let’s get to the good stuff – as in, the stuff I’d like myself! Here’s my cut out and keep – or bookmark and visit later – guide to buying for the women in your life – or, if you’re feeling cheeky, send the link on to a loved one as a fairly heavy hint!  

Nail Chic Dublin: Review

A good pedicure is the way to my heart, so when I was invited to try one out at Dublin salon Nail Chic, I didn’t have to think twice. And I even got the manicure to match! I headed along one evening after a fairly stressful day at work and was welcomed by the warm and bubbly staff, who are obviously proud of the salon. It’s a modern, bright and very girlie sort of a place, all pink and chocolate trimmings, and it’s kept very busy with a lot of walk-in trade.

Christmas Gift Guide 2012: Gifts For Girls

My gorgeous nieces!

I thought I’d kick off this year’s Christmas gift guides with one that’s close to my heart. As a proud aunty of the most beautiful girls on the planet, I often find myself struggling to come up with great gift ideas that they’ll really love.  I want to knock their socks off and I want to help anyone who’s in the same boat! Here are my top five gift ideas for girls.

Best in Beauty: November 2012 (with International Giveaway!)

It feels like we're hurtling towards Christmas at the speed of light (to the soundtrack of Queen's Don't Stop Me Now, or is that just me?!). But before we get completely absorbed in the festive countdown I want to kick back for a second and pay tribute to my favourite beauty bits of November. Here's what's really impressed me over the past month.

Make Up Shake Up #11; This Week's Beauty Bag, Feat. YSL, No 7, Rimmel, Armani, Isadora and Creme De La Mer (ooh, fancy!)

I absolutely adored everything in last week's beauty bag and I was seriously tempted to use exactly the same products again this week - but where's the sense of adventure in that, eh? I am determined to make a dent in the makeup mountain that lives in my apartment and to let all of my pretty things have their time to shine. Here's what I've plucked from the pile for this week.