FAVOURITES | October 2014

It honestly feels like only last week that I posted my September Favourites. Where is the time going, and can it stop going there please?! 

First product of this month may have secured itself a place on my list if all time favourites! As you can see above, I'm talking about the LORAC PRO Palette. It's a gorgeous palette, full of wearable, neutral shades and a couple of curveballs! I find it so hard to pick a favourite shade, they're all so beautiful! There's also an even keel of matte and shimmer, 8 of each. The shadows themselves are highly pigmented, and have a lovely, buttery feel to them. Only downfall? It's not available in Ireland. Boo! At the beginning of the month, I posted a more indepth look at this palette, you can check that out here!

I've been loving experimenting with Halloween makeup looks so much this month! Halloween is a great time to get crazy with your makeup, you can just pass it off as a costume. What's not to love about that?! Snazaroo is great quality paint, and they do a great Special FX wax, perfect for creating scars and wounds. Plus, you can't forget the blood, no Halloween costume is complete without it! I got this fake blood from a Halloween store for €1, and the Snazaroo Gel Blood came in a set with the wax!

This concealer, Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light, has been my go to this month! It's super lightweight, gives good coverage, and is very blendable. It is warm-toned, so I would 100% recommend this concealer for anyone who loves yellow-toned bases! Don't get me wrong, I'm sold on it as an everyday concealer, I just prefer it for highlighting.

 Peaches is a gorgeous peach blush, with subtle brown undertones and a matte finish. It's got a nice, silky-smooth texture, and blends easily with zero fallout. MAC Sheertone Blushes are great because the coverage is so buildable. You can create a pretty, natural flush, or go for a more intense colour - depending on what you're feeling that day!

Maybelline Color Tattoos are so versatile, they can be used as a base, or as an all over lid colour. This particular shade, Barely Branded, is a pearly, warm-toned oyster colour, with a frost finish to it. I love it as an all over lid shade, especially on days where I feel like wearing minimal makeup! It's subtle colour isn't too stand outish, but the shimmer let's people know you mean business! 

What have you been loving this month? Let me know below! 

Until next time, 

Elle x

Find me on:

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BEAUTY | My Go To Fall Make-Up

With the weather unable to make it's mind up recently, I find myself stumped at what to do with my face. Not anymore! Today, I bring you my go to look in 5 simple steps, using only 5 products! 

BEAUTY | Top 5...

With the dreary, cold weather brings our need to make everything darker; our wardrobe, our hair, and even our lips! There is just something about darker lipstick that can't be worn in the summer months. Today's Top 5 is my Autumn/Winter lip colour faves!

MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #8

LIFESTYLE | Autumn Wishlist

BEAUTY | The Tale of Two Palettes

When I first planned this post, I was prepared to pit these two palettes against one another. I have since seen the error of my ways. It was like Sophie's Choice, albeit not as dramatic! Actually, I'm willing to bet that it was just as dramatic! Who says I can't love them both equally?!

BEAUTY | A Face Full of First Impressions

With my recent trip to the US and the inevitable haul that came from it, I found myself with a lot of products I'd never used before! Like the title suggests, today's post is a face full of first impressions . Basically I'm putting some new stuff on my face, and then telling you all what I think about it!

FAVOURITES | September 2014

Oh My God! How is September over already?! This year is seriously flying by, before we know it, we'll be ringing in the New Year.. Eek! Let's jump into this month's favourites, there's a nice little mix this time around!

MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #7

BEAUTY | USA Haul

No trip to America is complete without sampling the beauty goods on offer! I didn't venture out of my usual haunts too much, although having now experienced the wonders of Ulta, I think I've found a new fave! I did stick to Target & Walmart for the drugstore side, I just found they were cheaper in comparison to the likes of Walgreens and CVS. Let's dive in, because we've got a lot to get through..

DUTY FREE 

- Chanel Perfection Lumiere in 30 Beige €37 

WALMART

Clockwise from Top Right:

- Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette in Comfort Zone $4.68

- ELF Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder Duo in St. Lucia $3

- Hard Candy Glamoflage Concealer in Medium Light $6.00

- L'Oreal Paris True Match Foundation in W5 Sand Beige & W6 Sun Beige $8.97

- ELF Studio Matte Lip Colour in Natural $3

- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry $4.59

- Maybelline Master Precise by Eye Studio Liquid Liner in Black $5.94

- Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette $9.98

- Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant $6.44

- ELF Concealer Brush $3

- ELF Small Stippling Brush $3

- Wet n' Wild Color Icon Single Eyeshadow in Spiked .93c

MAC COSMETICS

Clockwise from Top Right:

- Nocturnals Pigments and Glitter/Black and Gold $26 from The Cosmetics Company Outlet

- Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Staunchly Stylish $20

- Cyber Satin Finish Lipstick $16

- Sin Matte Finish Lipstick $16

- Peaches Sheertone Blush $22

- Fix+ $22

- Naked Pigment Mini $10

SEPHORA

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown $18

- Benefit Hoola Bronzer $28

TARGET

Clockwise from Top Right: 

- CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara in Very Black $6.99 

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser in Light $6.99

- Maybelline ColorSensational The Elixir in Breathtaking Apricot & Caviar Couture $6.79

- Wet n' Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Stoplight Red $1.99 

- Maybelline ColorSensational Matte in Daringly Nude $5.49

- Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Rio Rush $7.49

- Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in Coquette $6.99

- Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Audacious and Shameless $6.99

- ELF Bronzing Brush $1

- Up & Up Eye Definition Brush Set $4.99

- L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush $6.99

- Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded $5.99

- Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells $2.94

- Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Stick in 330 Toffee $5.99

ULTA

- Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette $49

- LORAC PRO Matte Lip Color in Merlot $16

- LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick in Duchess $16

- Benefit The POREfessional Mini $10

- LORAC PRO Palette $42 

Clockwise from Top Left:

- NYX Powder Blush in Peaches $5.99

- NYX Rouge Cream Blushes in Rose Petal and Ticked $5.99 each

- NYX Powder Blush in Dusty Rose $5.99

- NYX Loose Pearl Eyeshadows in Mink, Pearl White, Pearl and Sky Pink $2.99 each

- Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight $6.99

- Rimmel London 1000 Kisses Lipliner $3.99 

- NYX Slim Lip Pencils in Peekaboo Natural, Plum, Hot Red, Prune and Fuschia $3.49 each

- NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams in Zurich, Cairo and Transylvania $5.99 each 

- NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk $4.49

- NYX Nude Matte Shadow in Leather and Lace $4.99

- NYX Glam Eyeshadow in Fairy $4.99

- NYX Glam Shadow Stick in Exquisite Garnet $4.49

- NYX Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Blue $4.49

- NYX Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner in Black $4.49 

DISCLAIMER: I just want throw it out there, I am by no means trying to brag! I personally love hauls, and I know lots of others do too, I think they're a great way to find new products! 

That is it for this USA Haul, I have included prices, just incase any of you are travelling to America in the near future! It's always handy to know what to budget for! If you guys want to see makeup looks or reviews on any of these products, tell me in the comments!

What beauty goodies have you bought recently? Anything I NEED to try? Let me know below! 

Until next time, 

Elle x

Find me on:

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LIFESTYLE | Welcome To The Sunshine State

I AM BACK! After lots of sun, sea and shopping, the three most important S's, I've returned with a new lease on life. Nothing like two weeks away to get the creative juices flowing! There's gonna be lots of new makeup looks, reviews, and even a haul coming your way in the near future! For now, I'm just gonna share some snaps with you all! 

Dreary Dublin Departure!

LIFESTYLE | ... Goodbye Summer!

Just a little glimpse into what I got up to this summer! Cannot believe it's over already..

summer starts here // foundry nights // happy birthday mama // unholy trinity // bank holiday fun
chicas // birthday surprise from Oz // weirdos // one direction // capital craziness

shameless selfie // costa date // thirsty thursday // fab four // budz

daytripper // soul sistas // baby shower time // spraoi // medieval times
our very own runyon //  loftus hall // hook lighthouse //  mani monday // little nugget's debs

SIDE NOTE: I'm off on holiday TODAY! It's finally here, so this blog will be inactive for a little bit. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram to see what I get up too! But when I get back, I'll have lots of hauls and reviews for you all! Yay!

How was your summer?! What was your favourite part?!

Until next time, 

Elle x

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin' - Facebook

FAVOURITES | August 2014

Here we are in the last week of August, how has the summer passed by so quickly?! Here are some of the things that I've been loving this month..

LIFESTYLE | My Carry On Essentials

I don't know how to pack light. There, I said it! The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem! Whether it's my suitcase, or hand luggage, I always over pack. I just like to cover ever eventuality. Not ideal if you plan on doing some (A LOT) of shopping. While I don't see myself tackling the suitcase issue anytime soon, I have managed to compile a list of my must haves in my carry-on!

FASHION | Top 5 ...

Like I said in previous posts, my holiday is fast approaching (9 days!!!!), so this last edition of Holiday Top 5 is going to be my 5 fashion must haves. I'm heading to Florida, and while I've never been there at this time of year, the average temperature for September is in the 90's (that's in the 30's for us Celsius folk!). Here's what I can't go without..

LIFESTYLE | Top 5 ...

Reading is one of my favourite pastimes, and I could honestly read 10+ books when I'm on holiday! However this year, I'm a bit stuck on what to read. I'd love your recommendations! So instead, here are 5 books/series that remind me of summer. Let's dive in!

BEAUTY | Top 5 ...

Today's post starts a trio of Holiday Top 5 posts. With my holiday fast approaching, I've been forced to think about what I need to bring! This means I'm making lots of list, deciding what I can and can't live without when I'm away. So, I'm going to share them with you all! Today's list is the 5 beauty items I can't be without abroad! These are more skin/hair care based, but if you want to see what's in my travel beauty bag, it's here for your perusal!

BEAUTY | What's In My Travel Make Up Bag?

While I know most people are done their summer holidays, I've yet to go on mine. I hope you'll forgive the next couple of posts, they are holiday themed. It's been torture seeing everyone's holiday snaps splashed across social media, but now, I get to have my revenge! Today's post delves into my holiday beauty essentials! This makeup bag is from Primark, by the way, I think it was around the €4 mark.

LIFESTYLE | August Wishlist

MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #6

It's been a while since I've posted a playlist, so this is what I've been jamming out to all summer!

BEAUTY | Top 5 ...

I love bright lips all year round, but even more so in the summer months. There's no better time to experiment with bright, crazy colours than the sunshine season! So, what's this edition of Top 5 about? You guessed it.. My Top 5 Summer Brights!

LIFESTYLE | We Want The Funk

As I write this, it has been exactly FOUR months since this blog was last active. How did that happen?!

FAVOURITES | March 2014

How is it the end of March? I know I said this last month, but seriously, this year is going by too quickly! Although, I am very excited for summer to come along!

The Maybelline Fit Me Foundation has been a firm favourite of mine for a while, but it wasn't until I ran out that I realised just how much I loved it! I had wanted to try out a new foundation, and ended up coming right back to this one. Who was I trying to kid? If it ain't broke, don't fix it! It's a very easy foundation to love; it comes in an amazing 18 shades, it's lightweight and easy to blend, and gives a medium coverage that can be built up! It can be found in pharmacies for €11.99.

My lips have been suffering a bit this month, so Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub has been my saviour! While it's quite messy (you end up looking like you've devoured some donuts), it does exactly what it's meant to! It removes any and all roughness/dead skin, and leaves your lips smooth! The best part? You can just lick your lips clean! It's completely edible, and rightly so! It'd be too much of a temptation to eat, if it wasn't! I'm not too certain of the price, as this was a Christmas gift, but having search online, the consensus seems to say under €7!

I was a little bit jealous, seeing a lot of UK bloggers and vloggers raving about Primark's new beauty line, P.S. My local store hadn't stocked it.. Until now! I spotted lots of goodies on a recent trip, but this vibrant coral nail polish really caught my eye! It's no surprise that I love neons for summer, and I've been looking of this kind of coral for ages! At €1.50, it's a right bargain!

God know how long I've been on the hunt for the perfect black jean. They've all been too long, too baggy, too big, too small, none just right! I ventured into River Island, my last resort, and stumbled upon the Black Molly Reform Jeggings. Not only do they stock a great range of sizes, but leg lengths too! I got mine in a short leg! They are pricey (€50), but they fit perfectly in every aspect. They are so soft and comfy too, I don't think I can be without them! They're also "crafted from flattering high-performance fabric in a mid rise waist" and "work hard to hold you in". Ace!

I purchased these Primark sunglasses at what I thought was the start of our good weather. Seems like I just jinxed it. Oops! I love the round lenses, and the keyhole nose bridge is very in this Spring/Summer. For €1.50, you could hardly leave them there, and I know I'll be wearing them all the time!

While I've never been vocal about my love of rugby on here, it's one of my favourite sport. From a spectators perspective obviously, I don't think I could handle all the tackling, and mauls! I posted about my trip to a Six Nation's game recently, and just this past weekend saw Munster beat Benetton Treviso in Thomond Park! It was a good game, and especially great to see the Munster lads from the national team out at half time with the Six Nations Cup. I even managed to take a cheeky selfie with Conor Murray - that's being kept under lock and key though! I highly recommend a trip to a rugby game, it's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon/evening!

What have you been loving this month?! 

Until next time, 

Elle.

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

BEAUTY | Top 5...

This edition of 'Top 5' features possibly my favourite beauty item (after lipstick!), mascara! I tend to overbuy mascara, I just can't get enough of the stuff! Because of that, these are my current Top 5. Let's dive in!

1. Maybelline's Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

Described as "America's favourite mascara, it conditions as it thickens." While the packaging is a little bit dated, it's classic, relatively unchanged from it's original! As a child, I remember seeing the 'Great Lash' iconic pink & green packaging amongst my grandmother's things! What I love most about it is the small wand. It separates and defines lashes like a dream, and while it's definitely buildable, there's minimal clumping! Fab!

2. Benefit's They're Real

This started as an impulse buy, the mini tube calling to me from it's bowl on the Sephora checkout counter. I've never really been a fan of Benefit before, never really had the means to be, but for €10, I decided to give They're Real! a whirl! I loved it! Like Great Lash, it separates and defines, the added dome tip on the brush grabs even the smallest of lashes so no lash goes untouched! 

3. Rimmel London Lash Accelerator in Extreme Black

I love this mascara for creating length, and as a base for layering! I typically use this or Great Lash first, and then load on lots of a voluminizing mascara to get my desired look. The brush is quite thin, and is perfect for get those bottom lashes, hopefully without poking your eye out! Lash Accelerator holds the curl really well, and makes it a great base. 

4. Essence I Heart Extreme Volume Mascara

Essence mascaras are what started my obsession. They are so inexpensive that I picked one (or two) up every time I passed a stand. Oops! They literally have a mascara for everything, and they are all under €5. Can you say bargain?! This particular mascara is perfect for adding volume and drama to your lashes. It's a great finishing touch, and for touch ups when you're on the go! 

5. Kiko Make Up Milano Luxurious Lashes Waterproof Mascara

Kiko was a new brand (to me, at least) that I discovered whilst on holiday in Portugal! I was drawn in by a pretty good deal they had on mascara at the time! I love the jumbo brush, it's perfect for coating every lash and creating lots of volume! Like Lash Accelerator, Luxurious Lashes holds the curl well, and lengthens the lashes too! 

What are your Top 5 mascaras? Let me know in the comments! 

Until next time, 

Elle. 

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #5

1. Stay High (Tove Lo Flip) - Hippie Sabotage

2. No Idea - All Time Low

3. Erase Me ft. Kanye West - Kid Cudi

4. Partition - Beyoncé

5. Saving All My Love For You - Whitney Houston

6. Little Me - Little Mix 

7. Rather Be ft. Jess Glynne - Clean Bandit

8. Dark Horse ft. Juicy J - Katy Perry

9. Closer - Hogan

10. Odd Look ft. The Weeknd - Kavinsky 

11. Think Twice - Celine Dion 

12. Whenever - Kid Cudi 

13. Demons - Imagine Dragons

14. Shot Me Down ft. Skylar Grey - David Guetta

15. Can't Help Falling In Love (Cover) - Fleet Foxes

16. And We Danced - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

17. Riptide - Vance Joy

18. Breezeblocks - alt-J

19. Hard To Concentrate - Red Hot Chili Peppers

20. Otherside ft. Fences - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 

What have you been listening to? 

Until next time,

Elle

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

FASHION | Top 5...

This edition of Top 5 showcases my favourite online stores. If I'm being honest, I spend more time than I'd care to admit trawling through these particular sites, creating wishlists, and wanting a never-ending bank balance! Someday..

1. Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe is my go-to store when I travel to the states, so it seems only right that I love their website too! The clothes are super cute, and affordable, and they always have great deals on shoes! The online store is also a great insight into what's in store, so you can plan your shopping trip in advance! Yay!

2. Pacsun

Whenever I browse the Pacsun store, I always think "this is what my wardrobe would look like, if I lived on the beach in California or Hawaii!". It's total surfer/beach babe heaven, and I want it all! Kendall & Kylie Jenner have their own line with Pacsun that is to die for! 

3. Brandy Melville
Brandy does basics, and does them well! Lots of simple tees, dresses and cardigans that can be styled any way your heart desires! They've also started doing graphic tees, that are a firm favourite with the likes of the Jenner sisters, Selena Gomez and YouTuber Lauren Elizabeth! The only downside is that Brandy's sizing is a one size fits most. 

4. Victoria's Secret 

Ah, Victoria's Secret, where every girls dream of being in leagues with Miranda Kerr and Adriana Lima become a reality, if even for a moment! This is another site where I like to plan my shopping trip before hand! Not only are the undies super comfy, but they are super cute too. I also adore the Pink range, their sweat pants are my absolute favourites! 

5. Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal is my ultimate window shopping site, reserved for days when I really want to feel bad about my financial standing. Why do pretty things need such a hefty price tag? Why do I proceed to torture myself for hours on end? I guess I'm a glutton for punishment! 

What are your favourite online stores? Let me know below! 

Until next time, 

Elle.

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

LIFESTYLE | March Wishlist

1. Benefit's Hoola bronzer.
Hoola had a hype I was not willing to give into, emphasis on had! A friend of mine used it while she was doing my make up recently, and let me tell you, I'm converted! Why have I been using any other bronzers? 

2. River Island Coral Peep Toe Sandal.
The second I saw these, I fell in love. It just screams 'Perfect Summer Sandal' to me.
3. Sleek Blush By 3 in CALIFORN.I.A.
 I adore Sleek blushes in general, but when I saw that this palette had all cream blushes, I needed it!
4. Sigma Brush Essential Kit  in Make Me Cool
Granted these brushes have been on my forever wishlist, they are just so pretty!
5. MAC's Studio Fix Fluid.
Having delayed my foray into MAC foundations (I wanted to do my research!), I think I finally found the right one for me!
6. Mulberry Willow Tote in Ballet Pink
There's not much I can say about the Willow, other than "I WANT IT! I WANT IT! I WANT IT!". That seems sufficient!
7. A Tropical Island Getaway.
We've had a week of good weather here, and while it mightn't last (fingers crossed it does!), it's left me craving a sunny break away. Preferably soon, on an island, with all the cocktails I can drink! Oh, a girl can dream..
8. Tickets for Ireland v France in Paris.
While it might seem a tad extreme that I'd give the whole left side of my body to be in Paris this Saturday, it's the utter truth! So if anyone has a magic lamp/genie/fairy godmother that can spare a wish, it'd be greatly appreciated! 

What's on your wishlist this month?!

Until next time,
Elle. 

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

LIFESTYLE | A Day in Dublin

Before the motorway, travelling to Dublin was a chore. You had two options, a long ass train ride, or a long ass car ride. Now a return trip to our fair capital can be achieved in the time a one way trip used to take. It'd be a shame not to make use of it! My trips to Dublin are usually based around something fun; concerts, shopping, IKEA trips, and this time was no different.

By some sort of magic, my parents and I managed to get our hands on tickets for the Ireland v Italy 6 Nations test match in the Aviva. I figure someone mustn't have wanted them & sent them back to Ticketmaster, because they were really, really good seats! Lucky us! The weather fairies were looking down on us too, there were blue skies all round!

                       

The match was absolutely brilliant. The atmosphere in the Aviva was just electric! Of course, it was fantastic that we won, and by such a margin too, but it was also a great game to mark Brian O'Driscoll's last home game with Ireland! Hopefully now, the team can go onto Paris this weekend, and do what needs to be done to win the championship. Fingers crossed!

                                      

Before heading home, we stopped off at Pitt Bros BBQ on George's Street for some tasty eats! For between €12 and €13, you can pick a meat & two sides. I chose the ribs with fries, and onions. Boy, I was not let down by my choice! I don't know what they put in the sauce but it's magic! They also do really good 'Bun Meals' for less than a tenner. How could you resist? And there is a free ice-cream cone at the end of it all. Who doesn't love free ice-cream?! Pitt Bros are serving honest-to-God good BBQ food, in a fantastic environment, I'm only kicking myself that it's taken this long to find them!

                                 

How do you like to spend time in your capital?

Until next time,

Elle.

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'