Beauty Thursday- AA Skincare Essentials Collection

Beauty Thursday

For this week's Beauty Thursday, I was recently sent a Refreshing Eye Gel from the brand AA Skincare Essentials to review for you guys. Once again, I must stress all of the opinions expressed are my own. AA Skincare have many years experience in aromatherapy and natural skincare, and create  naturally effective products for your skin whilst still being affordable.

I received this eye Seaweed and Aloe Refreshing eye gel two weeks ago and have gotten to test it a good few times now. First off, I love how cute and handy the packaging is, I love products that have pumps because it's so much more hygienic than the jars or pots and it's a good size that you are getting value for your money but you can also fit for travel. The Refreshing Eye Gel has multi purposes; it can safely remove eye make up, soothes tired eyes and can also help cool the skin after the sun. 

As you all know by now I have sensitive skin so before I placed the product near my eyes I rubbed it in the back of my hand and had no reaction so I tested it on my eye's. Thankfully the few times I've been using it I have really liked it.

The gel is thin and when I applied it, it felt really light and I got a tingling sensation on my face. It instantly absorbs into the skin and then gives a firming sensation making my skin feel refreshed and alive. When you apply it as a cooling gel you just lightly dab and rub into the area around your eyes.

If you are using it as a make up remover, you just apply one pump onto a cotton pad and remove your make up. I was really surprised at how easy it was to remove my make up, I didn't have to rub very hard to remove my eye make up which I sometimes need to with other make up removers.

Pros:
- The packaging is adorable and having a pump is so handy! 
- It does a great job of waking up my eyes and face no matter how tired I was and it also removed my eye make up with ease! 
-It's super affordable
-It's multipurpose, who doesn't love multipurpose things?!

Cons:
- When I used it to remove my face make up other than eyes I felt greasy for about 15 minutes afterwards

Overall I really enjoyed using this product and would definitely recommend it! It did a great job at removing my eye make up and it was a miracle when I didn't have much sleep and had a tired looking face.

The Seaweed and Aloe Refreshing Eye Gel costs £6.96 and you can purchase it here:

That's it for this week's Beauty Thursday, I hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Manicure Monday

Manicure Monday

Hey everyone, so for this week's Manicure Monday I thought I would do things a little differently. Suzanne Jackson the creator of the blog SoSueMe (if you haven't checked her out you totally should!) recently came out with a brand of gel finish nail polishes. Now as you all know I love my nail polish and I love SoSueMe so I was extremely excited and after I bought two bottles I decided I'd do a review for you all.

With a selection of 25 colours from the SoSu brand you really are spoiled for choice. To start off with a bought "Who's The Boss?"  (pictured above) which is a dark purple colour and "First Date" which is a bright red colour (pictured below.)

After buying the two colours I can honestly say I have full intentions of purchasing them all, it just might take a while because each bottle is 7.99 euro. I usually find no matter what, with most nail polishes after applying a base coat and a top coat my nails always chip within a couple of hours or by the next day, with SoSu polish it didn't chip for a good while, I think I might have gotten a week with no chipping which is honestly a miracle for me.

Overall, I LOVE the SoSu polishes, they have such an array of colours and they miraculously don't chip plus the sleek gel finish is amazing. The only thing was I wish they were like 3 euro because I would own the entire collection by now but really for the quality of polish I don't mind paying 7.99 for them because I have paid more money for a lesser quality before. You can tell Suzanne really went through the trouble of making sure the product was perfect because I have no complaints and with a nail polish that is so rare!

SoSu by Suzanne Jackson gel based polishes are in pharmacies nationwide and also available to purchase in Penney's. You can also purchase them online from McCabes here:

So that's it for this week's Manicure Monday, I hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Follow me on twitter: @SKavanaghStyle

Follow me on Google Plus: Sophie Kavanagh

Beauty Thursday

Beauty Thursday- InstaNatural Review

I was recently sent a Vitamin C moisturizer from the brand InstaNatural to consider to review for you guys, so I am dedicating this week's Beauty Thursday to it. Once again, I must stress that all of the opinions expressed are my own. InstaNatural is a Florida based company which aims to provide safe, effective and affordable skin care products without sacrificing quality. Their products are developed using organic and natural ingredients without the use of alcohols, parabens or sulfates.

As you all know I have extremely sensitive skin so before I brought the product near my face I applied it on my hand and rubbed it in the first day to test if I would react. Thankfully, there was no reaction and I have been using the Vitamin C moisturizer for almost two weeks every day and honestly I quite like it. 

Pros:

It's almost a light lotion so the moisturizer has a nice texture. Another pro is that it comps with a pump! I also really like that it applies nice and smooth on to the face. I found it did keep my face hydrated throughout the day. My last pro is that it's fragrance free! 

Cons:

 The only con I really have is that if you are in a hurry, it does take a little while longer to absorb into the skin but it's not tacky or anything.

Overall, I really liked the moisturizer and I would definitely recommend it. If the only con that I could come up with was that it takes a little while to sink into the skin, I think that's a good sign!

If you would like to purchase the InstaNatural Vitamin C moisturizer, you can do so here: The moisturizer costs $19.97.

So that's it for this week's Beauty Thursday, I hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Disclaimer: These items were kindly sent to me by InstaNatural for free for consideration to review. I was not paid for my review, nor am I affiliated with the company in anyway. This is 100% my honest opinion as always.

Beauty Thursday

 W7 Cosmetics

So recently I have been discovering more and more products from the brand w7 and so I was extremely greatful to be sent a couple products to review for you guys.

Although W7 has been around for many years it feels like it has suddenly burst onto the scene and becoming one of the most popular make up brands in Ireland. For make up lovers like myself it's amazing how cheap everything is, especially considering the quality.

Lip Paint

So the first item I tried was the W7 Lip Paint in the shade "naughty" this item is cost £4.95. I found it really easy to apply with a lip brush and the finish I got off it was amazing, the paint was extremely pigmented which I love, even when the gloss was gone my lips had a great colour from the staining. I also really liked the consistency to it because it didn't feel overly sticky when it was on my lips and they just glide onto your lips.

A Hint of Bali

The next item I tried was the W7 Cosmetics' lip and cheek stain "A Hint of Bali" this product cost £4.95. I'm not gonna lie tint's scare me where they dry so quickly but I was really intrigued by the nail polish style packaging. It's easy enough to apply with the 'nail polish' brush but I do recommend you dab it straight away with your finger to blend it on your cheeks. I actually quite liked this product for a tint and I have since decided to not be so judgmental of tints on my cheeks anymore. I also tried this product on my lips and it did a great job at tinting my lips and I loved the colour. The one tiny con that I have is that I wasn't overly fond of the taste that I got from my lips.

Triple Volume Mascara

The last product I tried out was the Triple Volume mascara. I applied 3-4 coats because the first two didn't do much, but after the forth it was nice and I think for the price you can't really go wrong. If you want a nice mascara that's super cheap I would definitely recommend this. I did notice that when I was going to clean my face at the end of the day there was a smudge under my eye from the mascara but that was really the only bad thing I have to say.

If you want to check out W7 Cosmetic's website you can do so here:

You can also like their Facebook page here: to see a full list of everyone who stocks W7 in Ireland.

That's it for this week's Beauty Thursday, I hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Disclaimer: These items were kindly sent to me by W7 Cosmetics for consideration to review. I was not paid for my review, nor am I affiliated with the company in anyway. This is 100% my honest opinion as always.

Beauty Thursday- Voya Review

Beauty Thursday

I was recently sent a "Get Glowing" mask from VOYA to review for you guys so I am dedicating this week's Beauty Thursday. I tried the product myself and I also asked one of my friends to try it too, the opinions expressed are my own opinion and my friend's opinion also. VOYA is an Irish, organic seaweed based skincare company.

I was so unbelievably excited when I was sent the Get Glowing mask because I love clay masks, however my skin's sensitivity let me down once again. My skin had a major reaction, it was quite red and inflamed that day but then calmed down after a couple antihistamines. 

Thankfully I have a wonderful friend (who doesn't suffer with sensitive skin) who was able to test the product for me too. After my lovely assistant had tried the mask she couldn't stop raving about it (I was slightly resentful.) She said her skin felt tighter and smoother, her pores had minimized. I was able to see how rejuvenated and clean her skin looked.


I would definitely recommend the VOYA Get Glowing mask to anyone who doesn't suffer with sensitive skin because the results were really amazing and it's the perfect product to battle this Winters harsh weather. As for those of us with the sensitive skin we shall just sit there and be jealous. 

If you would like to purchase VOYA Get Glowing mask you can do so here:


That's it for this week's Beauty Thursday, I hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

Over the past while I have heard great things about Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps so I was really excited to be fortunate to get sent some samples to try out and do an honest review for you guys. Dr. Bronner was created by Emanuel Bronner who brought his soap to America in 1948. They're the number 1 selling soap brand in America because of their natural ingredients and multiple purposes. The soap is cruelty free, vegan and even Fair Trade!

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is said to have 18 different uses, I received a sheet with all of them and they were; massage oil, acne fighter, mouthwash anti-frizz serum, shower reading, pet shampoo, make up brush cleaner, on- the - go cleaner, car wash, house cleaning, toothpaste, shaving, deodorant, allergy free soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soul cleaner and delicate clothes cleaner. I didn't try every single use because there were so many but I tried a good few and I even had James volunteering to help me.

- Shipping: everything came in perfect condition and nothing had spilled which I was quite relieved about.

 - Prices: Depending on the size of the bottle the prices range from $3 to $33. The smallest size which is 2oz costs $3.19 and the biggest size which is half of a gallon costs $33.49.

Here are the items I received:

Peppermint Castille Liquid Soap

The was a 2oz bottle, out of the three soaps this one was definitely my favourite (and James') 

Pros:

- We both LOVED the smell of the peppermint and you didn't need to use a whole lot to get the smell. 

-I used this one for massage soap and massage oil and both were so relaxing. I actually had a sinus headache at the time and the strong smell of the peppermint cleared them (new use.)

- I also tried it as a hand sanitizer and when I first put it on my hands it did feel like soap but once I rubbed it in it felt fine.

Cons:

-James tried it as a mouthwash and said it was very soapy, so I wouldn't personally try it as a mouthwash or a toothpaste.

- The "shower reading" I wear glasses or contacts so I can't really read in the shower but  when I tried to read the bottle the amount of writing was a little overwhelming.

Hemp- Rose Castille Soap

I was also sent the 8oz bottle of 

Both James and I found the smell of this one strange ( James only smelt it in the bottle.) One part of the smell was really nice, and then the other part wasn't nice. It was like each nostril smelt different things. 

Pros:

-I used this Quite a lot of lather but it didn't effect my dry skin.

- I really liked how clean I felt afterwards.

-My makeup brushes were really clean after using this

Cons:

-It took several rinses to fully wash out the product so it wasn't stuck in the bristles from my make up brushes.

"Hemp and Tea Tree" Pure Castille Soap

This was another 2oz bottle, I couldn't really smell anything off of this soap.

Pros: 

I used this soap to clean my sink and shower and it worked perfectly.

- I also gave it to my friend to try to wash her car (I don't have one) and she really liked it and said it left her car really clean.

- I used it as a normal hand soap and it was quite good my hands felt very clean.

Cons:

- I tried washing my hair with it and I didn't totally love the feeling it left my hair with so I ended up washing it again with my normal shampoo and conditioner.

Dr. Bronner's Magic All- One Organic Lip Balm in an "Orange and Ginger"

Pros:

-This was my FAVOURITE product, normally I'm not that fond of ginger but I really like this!

- It was really good at moisturizing my lips, I've been using it for almost two weeks and I haven't had any chapped or dry lips.

-It goes on so nice and smooth that you could just keep going back and forth with the tube along your lips.

- I didn't need to constantly reapply like some lip balms.

-The price is quite affordable as well.

-I can't wait for Winter just so I can beat the cold weather (well colder weather) and not have chapped lips.

Cons:

- I didn't have any for this product.

Final Thoughts:

So I didn't really try all of the uses for the soaps because there were so many but a lot of them seemed to be quite good. I would recommend buying these soaps because they're quite affordable and it seems as though if one use doesn't suit you another one will, you will always find a use for these soaps that will work for you. I also LOVE the lip balm and for definite recommend it.

If you want to purchase any of Dr. Bronner's products you can do so here:

That's all for today, I hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Business Review

Review!

Okay so I got these cupcakes as a gift for my birthday and oh sweet jesus they are better than any cupcakes I have ever had in my life! I just had to do a review because they were just heaven I am drooling just thinking about them again, if you live in the Leinster area in Ireland you seriously NEED to get an order of these cupcakes. They are even better than all the high cupcake chains.

I got Guinness cupcakes and a red velvet one. They were so perfect the Guinness ones didn't taste overly Guinnessy they tasted as I said perfect! I just can't rave enough about these amazing cupcakes, seriously if you want to find out what heaven taste likes order some!

You can order some here:

That's all folks, hope you enjoyed today's blog!

Xoxo

Sophie

Restaurant Review

Restaurant Review

Hey everyone,

I'm just back from dinner with my family and I just had to do a review of the restaurant I was at, it was called The Mystic Celt and it's in Wicklow Town. Guys, if you are ever in Wicklow you HAVE to come and check it out. I have never been to a restaurant like this place, the service is amazing everyone is so lovely and welcoming and it's not forced they're genuinely nice people from the minute you step into the restaurant to the minute you step out they make you feel special. The food is all gluten free which you would never guess and I have never tasted food as delicious in my life (sorry mum) the food was like little bits of heaven in every bite. I just can't say enough good things about the place and the food.  

I would rate this place easily 10/10 because everything is so perfect and I will definitely be going back again, in fact we have already booked going there for my birthday meal in a couple of weeks.

That's all folks, back to normal blog posts again tomorrow just had to say how great the place was! Hope you enjoyed the blog!

You can check out their website to see their menu or to contact them here:

Xoxo

Sophie

Hair Review

Hair Review

This isn't going to be a regular blog post, but I got my hair done yesterday and love it so I wanted to do a review. I went to Peter Marks hair dressing salon in Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow. I got a T bar of highlights and lowlights which is basically just the top of your roots which I find is enough to make the rest of my hair look brighter even if it's only a few. I love my hair because I don't like to be really blonde I just like to brighten it up but still look natural. I also got a very small trim just to tidy up my hair. I got my layers and my overall hair trimmed and got my fringe trimmed because it was getting quite long. So yeah I love it and all the girls were really nice and understood that I wanted to keep my hair as long as possible.

So yeah I definitely recommend them, I've been to them a good few times and each time they get my hair just the way I like it and they're all so lovely.

Hope you enjoyed this review!

Xoxo

Sophie