Sleek Eye Dust Shadow Pots - Review & Swatches

Greens and Blues

Brights

Darks and Blacks

Browns

Here I have eleven of the twenty two shades available from the Sleek Eye Dust collection. They are all super pigmented and a complete bargain at only €3.99 a pot. I have heard mixed reviews about these Eye Dust pots, mostly complaints about fall out but lets be realistic. You are always going to have fall out from loose pigments. When using these pigments I always do my eye make-up first then remove fall out from my cheeks and continue with my foundation routine after to achieve a flawless look.

Some of the pigments have larger particles than others and some are a fine powder. The fine pigments such as Blue lagoon, Sunfest, So Sleek and Drama are less shimmery and leave more of a matte finish with a high colour payout. The heavy particle pigments like Tigress, Dirty, Ooh Baby and Scrub leave the most fantastic shimmer finish. To create a smokey look I would apply a light shadow to the crease of my eye before applying one of these Eye Dust shadows to the lid. Top it all off with some fierce lashes or your favourite volume mascara and you are ready to catch peoples eyes wherever you go!

Love,

Sarah

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WIN! Beyonce Pulse Gift Set *International*

Beyonce Pulse NYC Eau de Parfum 50ml €37 30ml €25.95

Back in February this year I was invited along to an event by Coty to check out the Spring/Summer 2013 fragrance collection. Pulse NYC by Beyonce was one of the fragrances talked about on the night. It is described as being an electric meeting of two style icons. Beyonce herself and New York City.

On first spritz of Pulse NYC you will be enchanted with a fruity infusion of raspberry, pomegranate and pear followed by a floral blend of Peony, jasmine and orchid. You might think this would be a very sweet smelling scent but then you find the fragrance unwinds with a sensual cashmere musk, patchouli and for the first time ever a scent that has captured the aroma of red velvet cupcake. 

The bottle itself captures your attention with the clear perfume being displayed in a faceted, transparent crystal shaped bottle inspired by the skyscrapers of New York City.The silver and electric blue metallic cap is inspired by Beyonce's stage costumes.

Beyonce Pulse set contains Luminous body milk, Beyonce Pulse eau de parfum 30ml and luminous shower cream. 

It's nearly time to say "Goodbye 2013" and "Hello 2014" but before I ring in the new year I wanted to say thank you for all your support this year. It's been exciting and fun with lots of new memories and I wouldn't have it any other way.

To Win:

1. Follow Adoreabubbles blog via the GFC or Bloglovin button in the side bar.

2. Comment below telling me your username.

Extra Entries: 

3. Tweet about this giveaway making sure to leave a link with your comment.

4. Share on Facebook.

5. Google Plus this post.

Giveaway closes on the 7th of January, the third year anniversary of Adoreabubbles. Make sure you leave one comment below telling me the actions you have completed. If you have time, tell me what you're doing for New Years! 

Love,

Sarah

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Winner Winner Turkey Dinner! - Christmas Giveaway Winners!

Happy Christmas everyone.

I've exchanged presents with my boyfriend (he did good!), the fry up is on and I have Santa's (Barrys) Tea in my favourite mug beside me. I'm looking forward to heading out to my parents house around lunch time today. Before I can continue to soak up every bit of Christmas cheer possible I must announce the winners to my latest Christmas giveaway's kindly sponsored by The Body Shop, Pixy and NIMA.

***Drum roll please***

1. The Body Shop Lightening touch radiance highlighter - Debbie Cleary-Sewell

2. The body Shop White Musk Smoky perfume set - Darlene Morris

3. Pixy Skincare - Edel Hennessy

4. NIMA make-up remover mitt - Karen Scammell

Congratulations to everybody who won. Don't be too disheartened if you don't see your name. I've taken on board what everybody told me they were hoping to get for Christmas and I have some fun New Years giveaway's coming soon!

Have a lovely day everybody. Thinking of you all and of how happy you have made me this year by supporting my blog.

Hugs & Kisses,

Sarah

Irish Bloggers Secret Santa reveal 2013

Hello Adoreabuddies,

This year I took part in the #IrishbbloggersSS which was organised by the wonderful Aisling from Total Make Up Addict. Aisling thought it would be a fun idea for any bloggers interested to get together to do a Secret Santa. And she was oh so right! My family have been doing Secret Santa for the last four years now and it's great fun and relives a lot of stress because you're only shopping for one person. Now the only problem I've had since we started is every year I've had my mam or my dad and I would love to have one of my brothers at some stage because there's only so many handbags and power tools you can buy a person!

When I found out who I had I was over the moon, I was excited to find out I had one of my favourite bloggers so it was going to be even more fun deciding what to get them compared to not knowing the person at all and being lost for idea. As part of the Secret Santa all who took part are to post a blog on this day (22/12/13) about who we had and what we got. I had Kat from Dollyrouge so you can check out their blog to see what I got her.

The person who had me was Alex from Pinkelephantbloggin.com. When the parcel came through the door I was so excited to rip it open to find out who had me! I took to twitter to make sure it was okay and also thought maybe I should wait until Christmas day to open it because my family do SS it might be nicer to wait and open it. Then I remembered about having to do this post so I opened it straight away! The lovely ribbon was tossed to the floor. The luxurious wrapping paper was sent flying into the air and I was left at my kitchen table making all sorts of oohing and aah sounds!

The lovely Alex sent me a candy cane, a pair of smartphone gloves from H&M, a gorgeous necklace from H&M, a lip cream from Sleek in Rioja Red and a delightful note book that I will save for the new year for to-do lists. Alex also wrote a lovely card saying how she looked up my blog to find out what I would like which is a nice touch because I really love everything she sent me. 

I must say a big thank you to Aisling for organising the Secret Santa, she put in a lot of time and effort and she has brought a smile to my face and a lot of other bloggers too. Thank you to Alex for sending me such lovely treats make sure you check out her blog.

I'm off to Dublin now to finish off the last of the Christmas shopping so enjoy the rest of your weekend everybody and if you took part in the Secret Santa be sure to leave a link to your post in the comments below.

Love,

Sarah

The NIMA Mitt - Removes make-up with just water - Giveaway *International*

Nima Mitt €12.95

Hello Adorea-buddies,

The Nima Mitt is an eco friendly make-up remover that removes all traces of make-up using just water. Hold on, lets just take that in for one moment. Just water!! I remember the first time I heard about the Nima mitt. I had been using two different types of make-up remover solutions at the time and thought, yea right. I'll believe that when I see it!

Well girls, not only did I get to see it working in action but I also had Niamh Martin, the owner of NIMA show me just how to use it. 

She removed my make-up within moments by applying a little bit of water to the soft pink mitt and using both sides removed all traces of make-up on my face. I think the Nima Mitt is the perfect item to pack when I'm staying away from home. So much easier to pack compared to cotton pads, make-up removers and as advertised it's eco-friendly. When finished all you have to do is wash it with a bar of soap and leave it to dry, ready for use the following day.

Treat yourself and support Irish this Christmas. You can order and find out more about the Nima mitt on her website www.nimabrush.com. I've also done a video review on Nima Brushes which you can watch HERE.

Niamh has been kind enough to let me have a giveaway for you. To enter follow the steps below.

1. Like Adoreabubbles facebook page HERE
2. Like and share the Nima Mitt Giveaway photo
3. Leave a comment
4. Grab a drink and relax

Have a Pixy Christmas - Gift Guide and Giveaway *International*

Pixy Natural Skincare is a brand I have mentioned many times here in Adoreabubbles blog land. You can check out previous reviews by checking out my Product Review Directory. Born and reared in Co. Cork you really are supporting Irish by purchasing Pixy this Christmas. Pixy was developed to be a fun and fragrant skincare range using pure natural ingredients, I think they have succeeded in their mission. I also like that they are continuously coming up with new fun products for the Irish market.

They have made shopping for Christmas a little easier by making gift sets for all price ranges. Above I have the Red teddy Tutti Fruity bath bomb which costs €9.95 and the newest member to the Shower Mousse family, Coconut Ice Shower Mousse which costs €12.95. You can also pick up a Teddy bath bomb with a strawberry, citrus, lavender, honey and limelight bath bomb. These guys are so cute and make perfect stocking fillers. If like me and you're more of a shower person than a bath person you can pick up the Pixy Mousse in Pineapple, Cocoa, strawberry, spa fresh and lemon sorbet. 

Brown Cow Beauty Boutique in Carrickmines retail Park are just one of the stockists in Co, Dublin where you can purchase Pixy. They are currently selling these beautifully packaged gift sets. You can check out the Pixy Stockist list on their website HERE. Pixy also do free shipping on orders over €10 within Ireland. You can also save 10% off your next order by signing up to the Pixy newsletter on their website.  

To win yourself some Irish natural made Pixy products follow the steps below. Best of Luck and have yourself a Pixy Christmas. 

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*WIN* Lightening Touch Radiance Highlighter by The Body Shop *International*

Make your facial features pop this Christmas with the Lightening Touch Radiance highlighter pen €20.95 by The Body Shop. Just dab onto your eye area around shadows and pat into the skin to illuminate your eyes, cheak bones, brow bones. It contains light diffusing particles which will have you glowing for the party season. 

The Body Shop have been very kind enough to give me one Lightening Touch Radiance highlighter to give away to one of my readers. Enter the steps below to be in with a chance.

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The Body Shop Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway *International*

I must tip my hat to The Body Shop this year. They have managed to successfully capture the essence of Christmas fun within their Christmas range. They have gift sets and stocking fillers for the whole family which all fall into an affordable category. Affordability is of major importance for me at Christmas. I would rather get my loved ones a few little gifts than spend a fortune on one expensive item. The Body Shop has made this possible while delivering (as always) great quality products with luxurious packaging that make them almost impossible to walk by without oohing and aahing! 

Perfect gifts sets for this Christmas include the White Musk Classic Moisture & Spritz Deluxe Gift for €39.95. Their iconic white musk fragrance is a soft and sensual blend of musk, lily, ylang ylang, vanilla and amber notes. Also this year they have their lovable Snowman Shea Scrub and Soften gift set for €11.95. It's cute, festive and contains two wonderful products that will have your skin feeling fresh and soft.

The Body Shop also have the perfect little stocking fillers if you're looking for something fun and festive. You can get the Reindeer wash ball for €5.95 and the Very Merry Mirror for €8.50. They also have the cutest snowman and gingerbread wash ball which are just so cute I want to have them all for myself!

Another cool thing about The Body Shop Christmas Collection this year is that a whopping £200,000 of their gift sales is going towards Community Fair Trade areas to build and amazing five new schools around the world. There's no better gift than the gift of education and in turn creating a brighter, happier future. To spread the word about this amazing School project The Body Shop have released the The Joyful Gingerbread School House which costs €29.95. Inside you will find Cranberry Shower gel, Gingerbread Shower gel, Cranberry Body butter, Gingerbread body butter and a mini crinkle lily body puff. 

Tis the season to Jolly and I'm very jolly today because I get to hold a giveaway for you my lovely readers. 

To be in with a chance to win yourself a bottle of White Musk Smoky Rose Eau De Parfum worth €20.95 and a bottle of White Musk Smoky Rose Eau De Toilette worth €15.95 all you have to do is complete the steps below. Good luck and a very merry Christmas to all. 

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Vintage Make-up and Handbags galore with Bernie's Bags this Christmas

Have you ever walk into a shop and thought WOW!, my friend would love this? Or OH MY GOD!, my mam would really love this piece. Well that happened to me recently when I went to the home of Bernies Bags. Bernies bags is a vintage shop owned by a lady in Co Meath. She sells vintage items through her Facebook page and also attends vintage and craft fairs regularly in the area. She also does repairs and hires out a number of her really special pieces.

She has some absolute gorgeous pieces and an unreal amount of vintage make-up I thought you might all be interested in. The fact that I got to see and hold theses pieces was a real delight for me. Just think about who owned them previously and the sights they might have seen.

 Irish Made sandalwood Leather Beverly Bag from the 1970's

Bernie has a small number of Beverly bags in her collection. Beverly was very populary in the 60's and 70's around the world for making handmade leather bags right here in Ireland. Fans at the time included Grace Kelly and Jackie O. If you are lucky enough you might be able to grab yourself one from Bernies Bags, the company went out of business in the 90's which is a real shame. The quality of their work is very hard to come by today.

I love this quirky clutch bag she also had in her collection when I went to visit, I've never seen an opening like that before. And the beading is gorgeous. Her pieces are in really great condition and deserve to be loved again!

Bernie's bags also has a wonderful collection of vintage make-up which includes compacts and lipsticks with the original make-up still contained. She also has vintage manicure sets which might appeal to collectors and any ladies who are interested in nails.

I really would recommend checking out Bernie's Bags out, you are sure to find a real gem for yourself or a friend this Christmas.

Check out her Facebook page for photos and you can contact her through her page also. She is currently show casing her pieces at the Christmas Craft fair in The Central Pub in Navan, Co Meath on Trimgate street. You can also contact her by email at handbagsforhire@hotmail.com.

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Are you a fan of vintage? 

Love,

Sarah

Buy Irish this Christmas - Addiebeads Jewellery

It's that time of year again, some find it a joy and some dread it. Finding that perfect gift for your loved ones gets harder each year. Over the next few days I'm going to make it a little bit easier for you to find something special by sharing some of my favourite Irish businesses with you. Why not get your loved ones something unique and support Irish businesses at the same time. Today I'm introducing you to Addiebeads, a handmade beaded jewellery on-line shop owned by Mary Drea in Co Dublin.

Marys Mission
To supply top quality glass beads and findings in vintage bohemian and classic styles at affordable prices. With this in mind Addiesbeads ships free within Ireland and only charges a flat rate of €2 to the UK. You can check out her website for other postal information.

Mary makes wonderful pieces that you will only find in her on-line store. She's also great at updating her Facebook page with new pieces and information on craft fairs where you can find her Addiebeads creations. I bought a lovely pair of Christmas earrings from her last year and have received lots of compliments on them. I'm really happy with the quality and she uses really gorgeous glass beads in her pieces to boot.

Mary started out focusing on selling beads but her pieces have become so popular now she has decided to focus on that just as much coming into the new year. Mary has told me that in the new year she will be "developing a full range of addibeads 'staples'.  Long chain necklaces made to order using crystals and semi precious stones.  Bracelets that will co ordinate, mix and can be layered with either the customers own pieces or mine. It will be an ecclectic mix made with top quality components, all nickel free and tarnish free. Chains will feature and lots of rosary style hand looped and hand wired beads will be the main focus." 

She describes her jewellery style as "very relaxed" with an "earthy twist on bling" and I would have to agree. I think her pieces would suit ladies of all ages and would make the perfect gift for someone special this Christmas. You can peruse her on-line shop and choose a piece with your loved ones favourite colour in mind. She really has something for everyone. I personally love her use of colours and beading designs. 

Addiebeads Links

Like her Facebook page

Visit her Website

Follow her Blog

Follow her on Twitter

Check out her work and let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you know anyone who would be thrilled with an Addiebeads creation this Christmas?

Love,

Sarah

Festive Nails With Barry M Nail Paint

(left to right) Textured 'Lady', Limited Edition for Christmas Nail Paint 336 and Red Wine.

I picked up these polishes in Boots recently because I thought they would be perfect for the Christmas party season. The Textured white 'Lady' polish with it's shimmering glittering texture caught my attention immediatly and I had to buy it. Boots are also doing 3 for 2 on Barry M products at the moment so I had to pick up two other polishes naturally! The limited edition nail paint in 336 reminded me of Christmas tinsel so I wanted to give that a go and you can never go wrong with classic red at Christmas.





I'm absolutely in love with Lady, it's gorgeous and perfect for Christmas. It made my nails look and feel luxurious. In the pictures I have two coats on and I have to say I was surprised how pigmented it turned out to be. It applied very nicely and didn't have that glupy consistency that usually comes with most glitter polishes. I loved wearing it on it's own and also trying it with different shades to create different looks.

I have to say I wasn't fond of the Limited Edition Christmas polish in 336. I just wasn't happy with the over all look. It applied fine and dried with no problems. The colours are perfect for Christmas but I just didn't like the effect itself. It looked kind of messy to me and I had to take it off not long after wearing it!

What polishes would you recommend for this Christmas season, I'm on the hunt for more! MOOOOOORE!

Love,

Sarah

*WIN* A YEARS SUPPLY OF NYC MAKE-UP WORTH €300

How would you like to win yourself a years supply of NYC make-up worth up to the value of €300 or a goodie bag worth €50? New York Color are giving you the chance to do just that.

"We want users to compare their NYC products versus other makeup they have used, then tell us what they think to be in with a chance to win prizes -

TELL US what you think -  there is a goodie bag worth €50 up for grabs, or 

SHOW US how they compared (upload a pic) and you *could* win a €300 hamper!"

High tail it over to their Facebook page HERE and enter girls. This would be a wonderful treat for yourself or a lovely Christmas present for your best friend, mother or sister. Once you enter you will also be entered into a draw to win one of their mascaras. 

NYC has always been one of my favourite affordable beauty brands. I own nearly their entire nail polish collection and don't know where I would be without their black liquid eye-liner pens for achieving the perfect winged liner look! 

NYC PRODUCTS MENTIONED ON ADOREABUBBLES

N.Y.C Pinstripe White

N.Y.C Fine Red Wine

N.Y.C City Blackout

N.Y.C East Village

N.Y.C Lip Stains

NYC Expert last lip colour

Good Luck,

Sarah

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The Body Shop Luxury Advent Calender - The Best of The Body Shop Christmas 2013

Ding Dong..If I wasn't already excited enough about Christmas you should have seen my face when I seen The Body Shop Christmas advent calender in their Grafton street store in Dublin this week. I was invited along to see their new Christmas Ginger, Cranberry and Vanilla collections but the advent calender stole the show for me on the night.

With twenty four amazing products for €99 (Contents worth €126.30) I just could not contain my excitement. The packaging, the Gingerbread house, all the little doors and the shear size of it. Oh momma!

If you want to know what's behind each door keep reading on, otherwise tell me in the comments below how excited you would be to have this in your possession in the comments below!!

This Advent Calender contains:

Almond Hand & Nail Cream 30ml

Vitamin E Moisture Cream 15ml

Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask 6ml

Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream 15ml

White Musk Smooth Satin Body Lotion 60ml

Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 60ml

Lip & cheek Stain: 02 Bronze Glimmer 8ml

Born Lippy Raspberry Lip Balm 10ml

Coconut Shower Cream 60ml

Mango Body Whip 60ml

Moringa Body Milk 60ml

Shea Body Butter 50ml

Chocomania Soap 25g

Cranberry Joy Soap 25g

Ginger Sparkle Soap 25g

Honeymania Lip Balm 10ml

Satsuma Body Puree 60ml

Moringa Shower Gel 60ml

Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm 10ml

Strawberry Shower Gel 60ml

Shea Shower Cream 60ml

Shea Lip Butter 10ml

Bath Lily White

Eyeshadow Brush

Isn't she a beaut! Probably the best advent calender I have seen in a long time! The advent Calender is also available in stores in the UK for £55 (contents worth £80). It might be worth mentioning too that there is also three version available. This is the Luxury edition, there is also a Deluxe edition which comes in a green box and an Ultimate version which comes in a gold box and cost more but unfortunately (for greedy people like me) they are not available in Ireland (Thank god says my bank balance!).

Love, 

Sarah

The Perfect Red Lips for the Party Season featuring Barry M and Rimmel London

Hmmm.. What am I missing?! Oh yes, the perfect red lipstick for the upcoming party season!

In fact I have a pretty spectacular Lip liner and lipstick to tell you about. Barry M 163 Little Vixen €8 and Rimmel London Exaggerate Lip liner in 024 Red Diva €5.49

I lined my lips with Red Diva, a full colour lip liner definer which is soft textured and the fine tip offers precise definition. I didn't find this liner to be drying, it went on so smoothly. I made sure not to twist it up too much to avoid causing the liner to snap. I just twisted up a little at a time and it worked perfectly. This liner made the perfect base to the lipstick I chose to apply next. They matched each other perfectly. 

Next I applied Little Vixen by Barry M. I bought this lipstick as part of Boots 3 for 2 offer. I also bought two Barry M polishes, I shall report back on them soon! I love this classic red lipstick because it's not too bright and it's not too dark, it's just right. Little Vixen is made up of Barry M newest ultra moisturising lip paint formula. All hail cocoa butter! It means no more dry looking lips but it does also mean you need a very good lip liner to keep it in place. It's suits my complexion perfectly and I look forward to wearing it over the Christmas party season and well into the new year.

I applied both of these products at lunch time and after dinner, a trip to the cinema were obligatory popcorn was had and a quick stop into my local on the way home to see a band play I noticed then that the lipstick had held up for a good 10 hours!!! You can't get much better than that girls! 

To prolong your lipstick for even longer check out my post on Lipstick sealers.

Love,

Sarah

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Penneys Haul - Snug As A Bug

Snug Herringbone Pillow €6 - Cream Deer Pajamas €8 - J'Adore Double Bed set €17 - Two Pack Pillow cases €4 - Double Fitted bed sheet €8 - LED lights €3 

Hi All,

Just a quick post on some recent items I purchased from Penneys. With the weather being so baltic outside at the moment I find it harder than ever to get out of bed in the mornings and counting down the hours until I will see my bed again when I'm in work. There's just something about cold weather that makes me want to be snug as a bug and cosy up with my jammies on! 

Penneys have some really nice affordable bed sets and I couldn't leave without getting this J'Adore bed set. The print is utter girlyness with perfume bottles, pearl necklaces, heart shaped lock and keys, pretty flowers and romantic writing. I also love the Snug herringbone pillow and thought I'd get into the Christmas spirit with some fairy lights! 

Penneys also have some really nice comfy Pj's in at the moment. I have to be honest and say I spend most of December in Pj's because I'm saving for presents I tend to stay in a lot more and snuggle up so Cosy jammies are a must. The cream deer set caught my attention with polka dots, festive deers and super soft material to keep me warm. 

Stay snug this winter everyone. Tell me your favourite way to stay snug in the comments below. 

Love,

Sarah