Chanel 1932 Review: Shine Bright Like A Diamond

I met with a beauty brand recently and we got to talking about our favourite scents. They looked at me a little expectantly – there are lots of lovely fragrances in their stable, after all – but all I could say was, somewhat apologetically, “Chanel. I just really love Chanel.”

 

Of course I like and wear other perfumes too from time to time, but I always, always, come back to Chanel in the end.

And now my heart has been warmed by the latest perfume in the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection. This range of 14 luxury fragrances launched here in 2008 and is available solely from Chanel Fashion Boutiques. I often visit them there, so when this arrived at my office it was honestly like all my Christmases were coming at once.

Named for the year Chanel launched their first fine jewellery line, 1932 is inspired by diamonds and it definitely does sparkle - but not in a hard, cold way like the gemstone. It's light and warm and fresh, like sunlight dappling through an Italian lemon grove, and every bit as delightful.  

To me, it smells like springtime on the isle of Capri – the air scented with citrus and jasmine, bright and soft and lovely in a very elegant and understated way. It's a subtle scent - it doesn't overpower, but it gently lingers on my skin for hours. It’s easily my favourite new perfume and if you like Chanel’s Cristalle Eau Vert (my wedding scent!), you’re going to love this too.

In Ireland, 1932 is available exclusively from the Chanel Fashion Boutique in Brown Thomas Dublin, priced from €130 for 75 ml.

Are you a Chanel fragrance fan? Which one do you love best?

Vichy Skincare: My Top Picks, Plus Gift With Purchase!

I think Vichy is one of those brands that we can sometimes take for granted. It’s one of the more widely available French pharmacy brands and that, coupled with the no-frills packaging, means it can sometimes be overlooked in favour of fancier, department store offerings.



And yet the brand produces some absolutely brilliant products that target a whole host of skincare concerns. They are particularly strong on anti-aging and treating blemish prone skin – I’ve had great success with the Normaderm range in the past, and my bathroom is rarely without a tube of this 3-in-1 cleanser, exfoliator and mask.

With salicylic acid, LHA and glycolic acid, along with 25% clay, it’s the business for fighting imperfections, without drying out your skin. It’s so well priced at €13.25 – this one is a repurchase, and I’ll be picking it up again.

 

 

LiftActiv is another Vichy line I really rate. The eyecream, LiftActiv Yeux, is fab - it contains the anti-aging ingredient rhamnose, which clinical studies have shown to improve the look of wrinkles around the eyes.

This is also a key ingredient in the latest product in the line, which I was recently sent to try. Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes treats the entire eye area, including the lashes. Mine have been weakened by extensions so I’m hoping this does the trick – it also promises to reduce wrinkles, brighten the eye area and function as a primer under makeup. Not bad for €27, eh?
 

 

And if you suffer from breakouts, another product that’s well worth checking out is the new Hyaluspot, which coats blemishes with an invisible film of product that allows them to quickly heal.

With salicylic acid to draw out impurities and hyaluronic acid to combat any drying effects on the skin, it’s both fast working and gentle to use – my skin is slightly sensitive and this doesn’t bother me at all. I love the hygienic metal applicator and have been reaching for this over my previous favourites. It’s €10, and this one was a PR sample.
 

 

If you fancy trying out anything from the brand, then now really is the time – they’re running a lovely promotion throughout April in selected pharmacies. Pick up two Vichy products, with one being a moisturiser, and you’ll receive a velvet pouch filled with products – including cleanser, Idealia moisturiser and a mini thermal spa water spray -  worth a total of €19.35.

 

What are your favourite Vichy products? Is there anything I should be checking out next?

Avon Supershock Gel Eye Liners: Review and Photos

If you thought Avon’s Supershock Gel Liners couldn’t be beaten, well, I’m sorry, but you’d have been wrong. Sure, they’re soft and creamy and they glide smoother than Torvill or Dean. Yes, the colour intensity is probably among the very best I’ve seen. And uh-huh, yep, they’re amazingly priced at just €8 and outperform products at more than double that price. All that might be true, but they were missing one thing. MORE COLOURS.

So far I’ve owned and loved the black version and more recently, the gorgeous Golden Fawn (which you can see in action here). But recently, four more shades have fallen through my letterbox and I am crushing all over them, hard. God, they’re gorgeous. They really are. Just look at ‘em.

These four stunners are, from left to right above: Khaki Shimmer, a golden green, Flash, a pink champagne, Aqua Pop, that gorgeous teal and Steel, the shimmery gunmetal grey. I’d use Flash under my eye or in the inner corner, while the other three are gorgeous on the top or bottom lashline, or on both.

A few snaps of Khaki Shimmer and Aqua Pop in action!

The Supershocks are similar to the fabulous Urban Decay 24/7 pencil liners or Lancome’s lovely Le Crayon Kohl but, and I don’t say this lightly, are arguably even better. If you keep them sharp and work quickly you can get quite a precise, winged out line, but they work even better for a lovely smudge of colour round the eyes. You have a little bit of wiggle room but once they set, these babies ain't for budging.

Do they have a downside? Well, doesn’t everything? In this case it’s the very softness that makes them such a joy to use – it also means they need a lot of sharpening, and you’ll go through ‘em fast.

But without going all Tina Turner on you, I’ve tried hundreds of eye pencils and these ones are simply the best. Snap ‘em up folks – you won’t regret it. Find your local Avon representative here.  

WIN! 2 x €50 Vouchers From Whitewater Shopping Centre

Whitewater Shopping Centre is holding a series of events throughout April, with expert advice on how to look good and feel great for your age and body shape. The Age of Elegance campaign is aimed at women over 40 and features Beauty Booths (13^th & 20^th April), Style Workshops (13^th & 20^th April) and one-on-one personal shopping sessions, with stylist Jules Fallon (on the 18^th, 19^th, 25^th & 26^th April).

To launch the campaign, 1^st Options models scouted for three stylish ladies of all shapes and sizes over 40, to be the face of Whitewater Shopping Centre’s Spring/Summer campaign. The selected women (pictured above) will also walk the catwalk with Jules Fallon on April 13^th.

If you’re over 40, or you’re close to someone who is – that could be your best pal, sister, mother or aunt - why not visit the Kildare shopping centre to check it out.  And here’s a little incentive for you – two lucky readers of Fluff and Fripperies will each win a €50 voucher to spend at Whitewater. You must be resident in Ireland and follow the simple steps in the widget below. Best of luck everyone!

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Kate Moss for Rimmel London Salon Pro with Lycra: Punk Rock and Disco Fever Nail Polish

I'm not really a complicated soul - make my life easier, and I'll pretty much love you forever. Make my life easier and give me a free manicure into the bargain? Rimmel London, I want to have your baby.

Apart from the mani, there are two reasons to get very excited about Rimmel's latest nail polish line. Salon Pro with Lycra is an all-in-one salon effect range that's set to give Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line a serious run for its money. It gives a glossy, gel-like salon finish, without the need for a separate base or top coat. The extra wide brush also makes application a doddle.

And if that's not enough shiny newness for you, how about a dollop of supermodel cool on the side? Kate Moss has teamed up with Rimmel yet again and 9 of the 22 new nail colours bear her name. 

Kate's shades are fashion inspired and each named for a different genre of music (I went for Disco Fever layered over Punk Rock). I really rate her lipstick line and expect the quality here to be similarly high.

Salon Pro with Lycra is set to launch on April 22nd, priced at €6.45 a pop. Will you be checking out the range?

Sneak Peek: Oasis Spring Summer 13

Oasis has long held a well-earned reputation for feminine elegance on the high street.

But with their soon-to-be-released Spring Summer collection, they’re shaking things up. Coming our way will be edgier prints, peek-a-boo cut-outs, higher hemlines and snugger fits– and all with a younger customer in mind. Prices are lower too, and start from €69.

That stunning vintage inspired clutch will be €37; the floral jacket will be €88 and the shorts, €47 - a matching dress will also be available. Also loving this cord and crystal necklace - very similar to the River Island lovely I showed you here.

The younger vibe is bolstered by a new collaboration with Rebecca Lefevre, a recent graduate of Central St Martin’s fashion college, which launches in May. The limited edition, 3-piece collection features vibrant colours and high-fashion detailing – I love this mesh panelled jacquard shift dress, which will be just €94.

As a more mature fan, I was slightly concerned about this younger direction – but honestly, I needn’t have worried. There’s plenty on offer for the old regulars, too, from standout separates to floral tea dresses and easy tailoring.  I’ve ear-marked a stunning black belted maxi dress for my holiday later this year. And as with previous collections, the accessories are to die for –think vintage inspired box clutches, and lots and lots of crystal.

Irish model Rozanna Purcell wearing the shorts and jacket from my collage above.

As my 13-year-old niece said to me recently, the next time I visit, we can both go shopping in Oasis. Sounds delightful, and sure what harm – apart from to my wallet…!

Pieces from the SS13 collection will be landing between end-March and May. Will you be paying them a wee visit in store?

Win Rich Looking Hair! 5 Hair Care Sets To Give Away (Open Internationally)

The latest brand to cause a stir on Irish shores is RICH, which has been doing wonders for those of us with dry, coloured or damaged hair. The brand seeks to offer a luxury haircare experience at affordable prices, which is a pretty appealing concept. I’ve tried this stuff and it’s the business: it’s silicone rich and will smooth and soften even the unruliest of manes into sleek submission!

But don’t take my word for it – here’s your chance to try it for yourself. I have 5 sets of RICH Pure Luxury Argan Colour Protect Shampoo, Conditioner and Rejuvenating Argan Oil Elixir to give away, worth €25.97 each.

This clever trio will protect and strengthen your hair – the shampoo and conditioner contains argan oil along with wheat, corn and soy proteins, to strengthen and moisturise dry, damaged hair. Meanwhile Rejuvenating Argan Oil Elixir helps calm and smooth frizz-prone hair and delivers a glamorous level of shine. Plus, all the products are heat, UV and colour protective.

Open worldwide, the only condition of entry is that you follow Fluff and Fripperies on Bloglovin’ and leave a comment below – though you have the option of picking up some extra entries if you’d like. Just follow the simple steps in the widget below. Good luck everyone!   

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You’ll find RICH in chemists nationwide, or online at Beauty Features. For more info, check out the RICH website or Facebook page.

Clarins Skin Perfecting BB Cream Review, with Before and After photos

From Asian offerings to budget brands, I’ve tried a lot of BB creams in my time and found them to be an incredibly mixed bag. Now, just as everyone else is moving on to the next generation CC creams, Clarins are launching their BB offering. This is a brand that’s synonymous with good skincare, but with this product is it a case of too little, too late?

The answer, thankfully, is no.  My favourite BBs are the ones offering more generous coverage, good skincare benefits and high levels of SPF. And typically, they don’t come cheap: Dior’s Hydra Life is €54.50, Estee Lauder’s Daywear Antioxidant BB is €40. The Clarins version is cheaper than both – it will retail for €33.50 when it hits stands later this month. And, at least in my book at least, it’s better than either.


Before

My skin is not at its best right now, as you can see from these before and after snaps. But the Clarins cream is more than a match for it: it protects against free radicals and sun damage while minimising imperfections, blurring fine lines and giving skin a natural, perfected finish. It's a good pick for oily skin as there's definitely some mattifying action going on, and on my skin it stays put for the whole working day. It’s very good indeed.



After - wearing no other makeup other than the Clarins BB

The Clarins Skin Perfecting BB Cream has an SPF of 25 and is available in light, medium or dark (I was given the medium).  Will you be checking it out?
 

Shu Uemura Tokyo Brow Station at Brown Thomas: Review

Having tried everything from waxing and threading to the full HD experience (read about it here!), I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing in brows. In Dublin right now, that would be the new Shu Uemura Tokyo Brow Station in Brown Thomas - so I popped in after work on Friday to check it out.

The Shu Uemura approach involves measuring the proportions of your face with a protractor (!), before brows are 'manicured' with a set of specially designed, curved scissors. The idea is that this will be kinder to the skin around your eyes than other methods - though any rogue hairs remaining will be gently tweezed.  My brows were finished off with pencil and, 10 minutes and €20 later, I was good to go.

I liked that they kept the fullness in my brows while tidying them and slightly defining the arch. The shape is natural but groomed,  and should be easy enough to maintain. I was less keen on sitting at the counter in the middle of a busy makeup floor - but for good results at a reasonable price, I think I can deal. 

Are you big on brows? How do you keep yours in check?

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel in Amande Défilé

Thanks to St. Patrick, today is a national holiday which means I don't have to go to work (yay!). So in honour of the man himself I've gone for an appropriate shade of pastel green: Amande Défilé, my favourite from the brand new Bourjois line.

With a new high-shine and chip resistant formula, the range, called Rendez-Vous a Paris, offers a gorgeously glossy finish and is really easy to work with.

It's comprised of the eight shades you see in the photo above, and the brand are suggesting that we wear 'em in pairs, as follows:

• Oh So Rose (pale pink) with Prepp-hibiscus ( a bright coral red)
• BC Beige (milky beige) with Amande Defile (milky pastel green)
• Adora-bleu (powder blue) with Taupe Model (taupe grey)
• Coton sur ton (very pale pink) with Peach and love (pinky peach)

I've been given a few to play with so I look forward to a experimenting a little, but for now I'm loving this shade all on its glorious lonesome. These are €7.99 and out now - which one's your pick of the bunch?

Chanel Le Vernis Accessoire: Review, Pics, Swatches

The weather was making a mockery of my spring pastels so I was delighted to pull out Accessoire, which is part of Chanel's Printemps Precieux collection for spring. So strong are my associations for the brand that I'm always compelled to photograph Chanel beside pearls - I don't even realise I'm doing it! These photos are obviously no different but let's just look past that for now and concentrate on this really gorgeous oxblood shade.

Unlike the other two shades in this collection, Accessoire is not your typical spring shade. Beside Fracas, a warm pink, and the pearly nude of Emprise, this looks altogether darker and more edgy. It's similar to my first Chanel nail polish love, Rouge Noir, but there's more brown to Accessoire, and I think the finish is glossier, too.

 

 

As for the formula, Temptalia called it 'head-to-toe luxury–fantastic ...with opaque color in two coats', and I woudn't dare to argue. I found this incredibly easy to work with, it was opaque in two coats and it lasted the guts of a week. I'm smitten.

 

The imperfect application is all me - don't blame the Chanel!

Tell me, because I'm nosy like that: what's on your nails today?

 

My Daily Face: Current Favourites from Bourjois, Rimmel, Dior and Urban Decay

We're creatures of habit, and though I'm lucky enough to have access to a variety of lovely make-up products, I often find myself reaching for a handful of tried and trusted favourites. I've been sticking to the same morning routine for a couple of weeks now, using beauty bits that are quick and easy to apply - anything to grab another few moments in bed! Here's a quick peek at what I'm currently using to make up my daily face.

BASE: It's interesting that the concealers, foundation and powder I'm favouring right now are all from budget brands - it just goes to show the massive improvements we've seen at this end of the market in the past couple of years. There was a time when I didn't think you could buy a good foundation for under €25, but those days are thankfully over.

I've been seriously impressed by the revamped version of this Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation - it gives a radiant healthy finish and outperforms many at twice or three times the price. It's just €9.99. Collection's Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer is oil-free, longlasting and brilliant for blemishes whereas the Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer has some light reflecting action for under the eyes. They're both about €7. Maybelline's Fit Me powder sets everything nicely and is a lovely powder that can be yours for the princely sum of €8.99.

 

EYES: Urban Decay's Naked Basics is really a fabulous little eye palette - with five matte shadows and one satin, it has everything you need for a polished, modern look. I also use the darker brown shade in my brows and the matte black as a liner so it's a very versatile piece of kit. Well priced, too, at €26. I didn't really like the shadows over MAC's Painterly Paint Pot, which used to be my eye primer of choice, but they are perfect over a touch of the Photoready Eye Primer and Brightener from Revlon.

 

 

I've also been loving the new Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara - despite not being a fan of brown mascara, I've been using the one the brand sent me on a daily basis. It's €32.50 and come pay day I'll be investing in black - this baby gives length, curl and definition with no clumps.

 

CHEEKS: Cheeks are also getting the Bourjois Healthy Mix treatment with their new apricot blush, designed to be universally flattering and provide a natural glow for all complexions. It’s €9.99 and was released this month.

A bleary eyed snap from 7.00am in the morning!

 

LIPS: My Fasia lipstick has rarely been off my lips since the day it arrived from Japan - I'm totally addicted! It's so flattering yet natural and easy to wear.

What are you loving right now? Have you tried any of this little lot, or do you plan to?

Herbal Essences Bee Strong Review and Giveaway!

Happy Humpday lovelies - how's about a little giveaway to break up the week? For the past few days I have been using and loving the new Bee Strong shampoo and conditioner from Herbal Essences, and three of you will soon be enjoying it too.

Honey is such a nourishing ingredient and here it's teamed with apricot extracts to protect and strengthen your hair. I noticed a difference to my dry, bleached ends after just one use - it felt noticeably silkier to the touch.

For such an affordable range - prices start at just €2.65 for 200ml of shampoo and conditioner - the products are also genuinely lovely to use. They smell divine, lather up well and rinse out fully to leave my hair feeling glossy and smooth. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the intensive conditioning mask in the range.

If you're resident in Ireland and fancy winning one of the three sets I have to give away, just pop your details into the box below.

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What's your favourite range of hair care?

Les Beiges De Chanel Healthy Glow Sheer Powder Review, Pics, Swatches

Ever since Gabrielle Chanel pioneered the sunkissed look in the 1920s, women the world over have sought to achieve a radiant, healthy glow. So it seems entirely fitting that Peter Phillips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, has launched the perfect product to help us do just that. Launching this week, Les Beiges De Chanel is a range of sheer, matte complexion powders, that Chanel have dubbed their most important makeup launch of the year.

 

So what sets these powders apart from your run-of-the-mill bronzing powder, then? A quick peek at this gorgeous 20 second clip, featuring Brazilian supermodel Giselle Bunchen, should set the scene. This launch is all about natural, healthy and effortless beauty - the powders are a shimmer-free zone, and subtlety is key.

I've been using, and loving, Shade 30, which is the third in the seven-strong range and ideal for my light-to-medium skintone. Lightweight and so finely milled that it feels creamy to the touch, this really lifts and enhances my complexion and gives me a lovely, natural looking glow. I never use bronzer, except to contour, but I find myself sweeping this across my face daily. Because it's sheer, it's pretty much foolproof -  there's no fear of depositing too much. I am absolutely hooked.

 

But it doesn't end there. In keeping with the modern trend for smart cosmetics, the formula is enriched with active botanicals to offer skincare benefits, too. Cotton flower and white rose plant cells help protect against pollution, dehydration and environmental stress factors, while an SPF of 15 fights sun damage.

 

Les Beiges De Chanel launches this Friday, 15th March, priced at €48. Spendy? Oh yeah. But it's also the best bronzing powder I've ever used, so if a healthy glow is what you're after, I would highly recommend.



Wearing no other makeup other than some BB cream

 

What do you reckon, are you tempted?

New MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Lush Life: Review, Pics, Swatches

MAC might be prolific with their collections and collaborations, but a new lipstick formulation is not something that comes along every day.

 

Freshly launched as part of the permanent collection, the new Mineralize Rich range joins the six existing formulas (Ampified Creme, Cremesheen, Glaze, Lustre, Matte and Satin) and is easily MAC's most luxurious lipstick offering to date. Enriched with no less than 77 minerals, these are designed to really nourish the lips and promise lasting moisture, a creamy formula and great colour payoff.

 

Different shades are available in different regions but here in Ireland we'll be able to choose from 12 shades, which include nudes, corals, pinks, reds and the one I was given to show you today. Lush Life is a classic berry shade that MAC describe as a cool toned plum, and it's gorgeous. 

I've found MAC lipsticks drying in the past (check out my Impassioned review) but this was incredibly comfortable to wear. One swipe gives a slightly translucent, glazed effect, while two delivers a more opaque finish with great pigmentation and a slightly glossy finish.  It has great pigmentation, fades evenly and leaves a subtle stain behind.

 

And it's not just the formula that's different: the packaging, with its unique shape, matte cap and magnetic closure, feels more high-end, too. The larger bullet means it's easy to apply evenly, and you also get more product in the tube.

All of this explains the price hike, and here's the only bit of bad news. A Mineralize Rich lipstick will set you back a cool €26.50 as opposed to €17.50 for a lippie from any of the existing lines. Sheesh...that's one helluva price to pay.

 

But you know what? For this formula, I totally would - and the tangerine Lady At Play looks likely to be my next investment.

What's your favourite MAC lipstick formula, and will you be checking out this brand new line?

Weleda Arnica Massage Balm: Review

Clumsy as I am, I’ve had quite a lot of experience with arnica over the years as a natural remedy to help heal bruising. It’s invaluable for those occasions when you fall headfirst down three flights of concrete stairs in a Glasgow tenement block or topple over onto a table in a nightclub. As you do. But it has a whole host of other benefits too, from soothing aches and pains to easing cramps and muscular pain and even helping with soft tissue injuries. No surprise then that it’s often used as a sports remedy and by physiotherapists, sports injury specialists and massage therapists alike.

When I was sent this Weleda Arnica Massage Balm, it was like a gift from the gods – I’ve suffered with a stiff and painful neck for more than two months now and while it gets a bit better and then a bit worse, it never quite goes away. Remedial massage has helped to loosen up the muscles and my therapist, Javier Diaz, has been a lifesaver (if you’re in Dublin you’ll find him at SV Fitness or Samadhi Yoga Studio). On my last visit I asked Javier to use this and, combined with his expert skills, I noticed a definite improvement – it both soothed my muscles and eased the pain, and the effects lasted longer than I’ve experienced with other oils and lotions.

Not to come across like a complete physical wreck (though it’s not far from the truth!), but I’ve also used the oil to treat an old soft tissue injury in my foot. It flares up on a regular basis but massaging in a few drops has helped relieve the pain.

The Weleda Arnica range also includes an ointment (€8.95) which can help with swelling and bruising (a good one for me to have in my handbag, I think!). The balm also comes in a larger 100ml size which would be perfect for runners or other sporting types.

Have you used arnica or are you a fan of any other natural remedies?  

The Dublin Lingerie Company: Giveaway!

The Dublin Lingerie Company is a brilliant new option for high quality, affordable underwear designed to suit all budgets and body shapes. And good news - they've teamed up with Fluff and Fripperies to offer one lucky reader a €60 voucher for the site.

Stocking everything from bridal to everyday to occasional bras and lingerie, the site offers an impressive range of sizes along with a wide choice of shapewear, sports bras and more. There's even a men's buying guide along with a range of helpful videos on topics ranging from measuring your size to choosing a post operative bra.

The friendly and helpful team will be happy to help you make your selection, and purchases arrive giftwrapped, for a touch of indulgence. With brands like Freya, Triumph, Sloggi and Panache, and cupsizes ranging from AAA to KK, there is bound to be something for you.

TO ENTER:

You must follow this site (you'll see the follow button in the right hand sidebar just under my profile pic, and you can do this through your gmail, twitter or yahoo account so no excuses!), leave a comment below and have liked both The Dublin Lingerie Company and Fluff and Fripperies on Facebook in order to enter - we'll be checking before we announce the winners. Other than that just pop your details into the widget below  (you'll also have the chance to pick up a couple of optional extra entries if you choose). The giveaway will run for two weeks and is open to all Irish residents, though if you're under 16 you'll need permission from a parent or guardian because we'll need your address to post out your prize. Good luck!

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What pieces would you order from the site?

Lindt Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street

"It's like we've died and gone to lady heaven", my friend Ina whispered to me as we walked into the Lindt event last week. And she wasn't wrong - there were chocolatey treats as far as the eye could see, from cookies, cupcakes, hot chocolate, chocolate cocktails and of course, more delicious Lindt chocolate than you could shake a stick at.

So what was all this in aid of? Well, having already raised €330k for Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin, the Lindt Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street campaign has kicked off again for the 6th year running. This year Gold Bunny Roadshows will rock up at Shopping centres - including Blanchardstown (23rd & 24th March), Mahon Point (28th March) and Pavillions in Swords (29th & 30th March) - where Lindt fans can pick up a mini Lindt Gold Bunny, in return for a €1 donation. Every cent raised goes directly to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

You can also check out the website in the run up to Easter to bid on gold plated ceramic Lindt bunnies, signed by celebrities including Katie Taylor, Robbie Williams and Little Mix. Again, all proceeds will go to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

This is really such a nice initiative, so if you live close to any of the roadshow destinations, do head along and show your support if you can.

Mothers Day Giveaway and Gift Guide!

If you live outside Ireland or the UK then you can relax, you’re off the hook. But for us, Mother’s Day is this Sunday, March 10th. If you’re stumped for a present then this little round-up should help – plus, keep reading for details of a flash giveaway that could solve your gift giving woes!

ONE:  I’ve recently discovered Lucy Annabella Organics, a lovely Irish brand offering luxury cosmetics and candles, like this Spearmint and Lavender one pictured. Three other candle varieties are also available, and they range from €36-€42. Find them on MiseBeauty.com.

TWO: The Emjoi Micro-Pedi is a genius at-home pedicure system that really works. The battery operated rollers make short shrift of dry, rough skin and will have your mum sandal ready in seconds. It’s €49.95 and I reviewed it here.

THREE: For unique personalised gift options, check out Not On The High Street – this keyring is just €12.23 and you can change both the message and the initial to suit.  

FOUR: If I lived in the same country as my mum, I’d be taking her for afternoon tea – one of life’s greatest pleasures! Here she is tucking into the spread at The Shelbourne on her last visit.

FIVE: You can find a great range of cards on Etsy with a bit more personality than the norm. This Mark Twain one from doodlelove caught my eye - I know at least half of it's true, and can only hope the other half applies!

SIX: In an ideal world I’d be sending my mum this Rosie for Autograph cashmere dressing gown from Marks & Spencer. Sadly the €270 pricetag falls just a little out of my budget - sorry Mum - but M&S offer a range of alternatives from around the €30 mark onwards.

SEVEN: Another Etsy Card I can just imagine my youngest niece giving to my sister. In fairness, she is pretty awesome - and her sister is equally amazing. Find it here.

EIGHT: For something a little unexpected, why not try Gift Owl – give them a few details about what your Mum might like, confirm your budget and they’ll do the rest. Prices start at just £12.99 (it's a UK service) and your handpicked and personalised gifts will arrive parcelled up in brown paper and string.

GIVEAWAY

But this year, you could have Mother's Day all wrapped up because the lovely people at Emjoi have given me two Micro-Pedi's to give away. Both prizes are worth €49.95 and I've actually gifted one of these to my Mum in the past, so I can tell you it will go down a treat. Open to Irish and UK followers, to enter just like both Emjoi and Fluff and Fripperies on Facebook and pop your details into the widget below. You'll also have the chance to gain a few extra optional entries if you'd like. Best of luck!

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