Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

FAVOURITES | December 2013

Ah! It's my last favourites post of 2013. I actually started working on this post before Christmas, and then got so overwhelmed in the festive period, that I forgot to finish. Oops! I feel like this year has just gone by so fast! Crazy! I don't have many favourites this month, but let's jump right in!

My first favourite this month is the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Eye Shadow Stick in the shade 008 Blackmail. All of the Scandal Eyes range is fantastic, but I am especially loving this crayon lately! I've been using it to create quite a grunge-y, smokey eye. Blackmail works as the perfect base, as it's super pigmented and blendable! The pigmentation is buildable, which is ideal, because you can always add, but you can't take away without having to start from scratch! The Scandal Eyes Shadow Sticks retail at €5.95.


 Next item in my December Favourites may have won a place my all time favourites. It is MAC's Candy Yum-Yum. Candy Yum-Yum is a neon, blue-based pink with a matte finish - surprise, surprise! Having seen a couple of my nearest and dearest wearing this lipstick, I had to have it. It's everything I love in a lipstick; pink, bold, and most importantly MATTE! While it's not hydrating, it's not drying in the least! Definitely might be my number one MAC lippy! Candy Yum Yum retails for €19, and can be purchased from Brown Thomas or MAC's flagship Irish store at BT2 on Henry Street in Dublin. A handy tidbit; if you sign up for a BT Loyalty Card, you can collect points that can be used for money off purchases in MAC. Ace!


For a fashion-y favourite, these Primark leggings are just the most comfortable things EVER, and they're in my favourite print right now: TARTAN! These retail at €8, and come in two different colours! I originally bought the red pair, but ended going back a week later to buy the other colour. Primark also stock a woollier version of the blue/green ones!


My last favourite for this month is One Direction's Our Moment fragrance. While I wasn't entirely sold on the band bringing out a fragrance (it seemed sort of.. gimmicky), my opinion changed as soon as I smelled it! It's described as a "sparkling, juicy and feminine fragrance" that is "made up of splashes of fresh fruit and seasonal flowers infused with undertones of warm musk." I fell in love at first whiff, it was right up my street. Even my mother said it was a 'me perfume'! I was only too happy to discover it under the Christmas tree! It ranges in price, from €27 for a 30ml bottle to €49 for a 100ml bottle, and can be found in most pharmacies and department stores.




What are your favourites of December, and 2013? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time, and Happy New Year!,
Elle

Find me on:
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Friday, 20 December 2013

MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #2

This month's playlist is, of course, laden with Christmas songs, how could it not be?! I've also found some new artists that I've been loving, and rediscovered some that I'd forgotten about. Let's dive in!

1. Last Christmas - Wham
2. She Ticks All The Boxes - Bressie
3. You & I - One Direction
4. Bound 2 - Kanye West
5. U.S - Paper Planes
6. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
7. Knee Socks - Arctic Monkeys
8. Girls - The 1975
9. Disco Love - The Saturdays
10. Don't Save Me - Haim
11. 8 Days of Christmas - Destiny's Child
12. Move - Little Mix
13. Does He Know? - One Direction
14. From Nowhere - Dan Croll
15. Rage and Romance - Bressie
16. Teenage Icon - The Vaccines
17. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
18. Female Robbery - The Neighbourhood
19. Right Now - One Direction
20. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) - Michael Bublé

What have you had on repeat this month? Has it been all Christmas everything, or have you found some new artists? Let me know below!

Until next time, and Merry Christmas!
Elle.

Find me on:
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Friday, 6 December 2013

FESTIVE | Christmas Bedroom Decoration

Bringing the Christmas spirit to my room was something I've always wanted, but never really made the effort to do! It can be quite expensive, and time consuming, but I've complied a quick and easy way to decorate your bedroom for the holidays!

What Christmas would be complete without a tree? I recently purchased this 3ft white tree in Tesco for €7! The ornaments come in a pack of 24, I got those in a local newsagent for €3. There's your whole tree for €10. Ace! My mum also bought me a little bear ornament with my name on it, so cute!


Candles. Candles. Candles. I have a slight obsession with Yankee Candles, can you tell? Their Christmas scents are among my favourite all time candles, these ones below in particular! I got this set as a gift the last two years running, they come in a book-like package with 12 of the signature Christmas scents! The snowman candle was purchase from Heatons for around €2.


Candles From L-R: Heatons Snowman, Yankee Candle's Home For The Holidays


From L-R: Christmas Cookie, Sparkling Cinnamon, Sparkling Snow, Balsam & Cedar.

For my window display, there's a light up acrylic tree that came my aunt got in a local book club, it was around €10. The fairy lights are from Heatons and they were €5 for 100. I also have 50 berry lights from Primark, €5, but I'm keeping those for my new bed! I wrapped those around my curtain pole, along with a silver beaded chain from Tesco, €1.50. 


I haven't gotten my hands on Christmas bed linen just yet, but I have spotted a few around! You can find a gorgeous set in Primark and also here, here, here, and here! 

Will you be decorating your bedroom for the holidays? What are some of your quick and easy ways to decorate? 

Until next time, 
Elle.

Find me on:
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Wednesday, 4 December 2013

FESTIVE | Ultimate Holiday To Do List

I am a HUGE lover of Christmas, it's genuinely my favourite time of year, has been since I was a little girl! Now that December has graced us with her presence, I have complied a list of things that I think are essential at this time of year!


  • A Christmas movie marathon is essential. Nothing gets me in the festive spirit like my favourite holiday flicks!


  • Decorating the tree/house/bedroom can be tiring work, but so worth it once it's done! Keep your eyes peeled for my quick my quick & easy solution to festive bedroom decorating!
  • Nothing screams 'CHRISTMAS' to me quite like the smell of freshly baked goods around the house! Cookies, cakes, brownies, pies, anything can be made festive by adding some cinnamon or vanilla. Yum! Also, building and decorating gingerbread houses/people are a fun activity! 
  • What baking & decorating activity would be complete without some Christmas tunes? Here are some of my favourites: (you can peep my Christmas playlist here)
    Baby, It's Cold Outside - Glee Version
    All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
    Last Christmas - Wham
    White Christmas - The Drifters
  • Curling up by the fire with a good book/movie, and a cup of tea, while all the lights from the tree twinkle around you.. It's like something straight from the movies!
  • One of my most favourite Christmas activities is basking in the festive atmosphere around my city! I also find Dublin is extra magical at this time of year!
  • I'm not sure how common this is in other households, but my family & I love driving around, looking at the light displays around town!
  • It's one of my most treasured holiday pastimes, but I know for a fact that I'm a terrible gift wrapper! Unless it's square or rectangle, I'm useless! Oh well
  • One of the more sentimental holiday musts is, of course, family time, There's nothing quite like spending quality time with loved ones! I especially love all the get-togethers my family have, it's nice to be all in the same place for once! 
  • Last, but by no means least, "THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER IS BY SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR" Thanks Buddy the Elf! (Refer to number 4 for all your holiday tunes!) 

What are some things on your Holiday To Do list? Have you got any Christmas traditions that you just have to uphold? Let me know in the comments below! 

Until next time, 
Elle. 

Find me on:
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Friday, 22 November 2013

MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #1

I thought as a break from my usual spiel, at the end (or near the end) of each month, I'd post a playlist of what I'm listening to! 

This month's playlist has some new ones, some old ones and some cheeky guilty pleasures! Let's dive in! 

1. Story Of My Life - One Direction
2. Boy - Little Mix
3. Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know - Britney Spears
4. Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood 
5. Take Me To Church - Hozier
6. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran
7. Dangerzone - Kenny Loggins
8. If I Could Change Your Mind - Haim
9. Not Like The Movies - Katy Perry
10. Can We Dance? - The Vamps
11. Her Every Flaw, Her Every Virtue - Bressie
12. Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell
13. Can't Sleep - Paper Planes
14. Over Again - One Direction
15. Borderline - Madonna
16. Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus
17. I Wish - Cher Lloyd ft. TI
18. Can't Fight The Moonlight - Leann Rimes
19. Holy Grail - Jay-Z ft. Justin Timberlake
20. You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates  

That's it for November's playlist! What have you been listening to this month?! 

Until next time, 
Elle. 

Find me on:
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Friday, 15 November 2013

FASHION | Winter Warmers For Your Wardrobe!

I'm not one to have a favourite season, they all have their merits, but Winter is gunning for first in the fashion department this year. Big coats, hats and scarves, woolly jumpers.. BOOTS, what's a girl not to love? Here are some of my fashion picks that are guaranteed to warm your wardrobe right up!

1. Parkas


(L-R Primark Parka, RI 3-in-1 Faux Fur Parka in Black, Missguided Orla Faux Fur Detail in Burgundy )

Parkas are a perfect casual winter coat. Don't get me wrong, I love a good mac, or even a duffle, but sometimes, a casual outfit just doesn't match. Primark have a wonderful selection of parkas, one every taste, and are reasonably priced. Missguided have a great collection too, if you're willing to pay a bit more. While I look at winter coats as an investment, the River Island parka above is just a bit too much for my purse to handle. Doesn't stop me from wanting it, in fact, I think that makes me want it more. Where's the money fairy when you need her?

2. Hats. Hats. Hats.

(Clockwise from Top Right: American Apparel Wool Floppy Hat in Dark Rust, RI Navy Pom Pom Beanie, Black Hair Turban, RI Black Rolled Brim Bowler)

This is the one thing I take through every season. I love hats, a well known fact about me. I've even been told I have a head for hats, not sure if that's a complement, but I'll take it. Winter is perfect for hats, and the best part is, there's a great range that you can rock this season! Whatever look you want to achieve, I can guarantee there is a hat to match. You can look stylish and keep your noggin warm too. Result! Pictured above are some styles that I love and can't wait to wear!

3. Boots


(Clockwise from Top Right: New Look Black Cut Out Buckle Metal Tip Ankle Boots, Dunnes Tan Ankle Boots, Primark Black Heeled Chelsea Boots, Steve Madden Black TROOPA Combat Boots)

My second favourite thing about winter. Rainy days means exchanging our much loved converse and vans for sturdy, weatherproof boots. Yes! I don't know where my obsession with boots came from, all I know is I never want it to go away. Like everything else, there is something for everyone when it comes to boots. Heeled or flat, ankle, knee, or thigh high, you name it, you can find it.

4. Knitwear


(Clockwise from Top Right: New Look Grey Ombre Stripe Oversize Jumper, Forever21 Americana Dolman Sweater, Dunnes Heart Feather Jumper, Topshop Red Knitted Chunky Bobble Jumper)

While I'm not a huge fan of knitwear, I do enjoy a good oversized jumper in the aptly named 'sweater weather'. This winter season is all about the printed knit. How fun?! If prints aren't for you though, jumpers in deep reds, blues and greens are everywhere. Not to mention, who doesn't love a good striped knit?

5. Tartan


(L-R: Topshop Red & Green Check Treggings, Top to Bottom: F&F Checked Skater Skirt, New Look Red Tartan Check T-Shirt, Zara Two-Sided Soft Scarf, Pull & Bear Woollen Check Print Lingerie Dress)

Yes, I am aware that tartan is a print, but I am LOVING anything tartan this season. Coats, trousers, dresses, scarves, shirts, skirts, I want it all! The simplest way to add some plaid (see what I did there?), is with a scarf. The Zara one above is a tad pricey, but Primark offer a great alternative for €5! Go ahead, add a little grunge to your wardrobe!

Did I bypass some of your favourite ways to warm up in winter? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,
Elle.

Find me on:
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Friday, 1 November 2013

FAVOURITES | October 2013

These were meant to be a part of my beauty favourites, but it was already longer than it needed to be! I'm slowly, but surely, figuring this out, so bare with me while I work out some kinks! There's not too many, and I promise to try be less long winded! Let's jump right in!

In terms of fashion pieces, I've only had one this month that I just cannot get enough of. It's these black boots from New Look. They retail at €59.99, but bare in mind, they are real leather, so you'll get your money's worth! I couldn't find these particular boots in the online store, but they could be still available for purchase in New Look stores. I adore these boots. I've worn them as much as physically possible. It does take a few wears to get them super comfortable, but for a boot that will last be the whole winter and then some, it's well worth it. I cannot speak highly enough of them! While these particular boots may not be in everyone's price range, but I do know that Primark have a very similar pair for a third of the price (€22.00), and they come in both black, and a tan colour.


Books wise, while travelling, I picked up The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I will admit, the sole reason I picked this book up was because I had enjoyed the movies so much both times I saw it! What I wasn't expecting was to find that the book was so different to the movie adaptation, having read online that they stuck closely to the story line! It became this brand new story, and I was unsure how it would end. I loved it immensely! So much so that I'm planning to buy the rest of the series. It is a bit daunting, beginning a book series with 5 books already published, and another on the way in 2014. Don't let that put you off! This series will have you chomping at the bit to get your hands on the next one (believe me, I'm speaking from experience here!).


In the spirit of Halloween, my movie favourites are some festive classics. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus must watches for me during the spookiest time of year! Both movies are jam packed with songs to sing 'til your heart's content, and aren't so scary that you'll be awake until Christmas! Perfect for scardey cats like me! 

Musically, October has been one for my favourites. I've been listening to four records in constant rotation: Arctic Monkeys' AM, Kings Of Leon's Mechanical Bull, Days Are Gone by Haim and The 1975's self titled debut. I could wax lyrical about these albums for days, just know that they all fantastic and sometimes splashing out on the deluxe edition is worth the extra euros!

Now, I couldn't mention musical favourites without mentioning my loves, One Direction (I like 'em - sue me!). Their newest single Story Of My Life was released this week, and the video will be online this coming Sunday. I'm not gonna lie, I really like the song! It usually takes me quite some time to warm up to songs, especially singles from unreleased records, but it was an instant love affair. Story Of My Life, available for download on iTunes, is from 1D's upcoming third album, Midnight Memories, which will be released November 25th of this year (expect a review to follow the release!).


This last favourite, I forgot to include in my beauty favorites. It's the Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner. I'll be the first to admit, I'm very, very lazy when it comes to cleaning my brushes. It's shocking. Prior to this, I'd never even purchased a brush cleaner, opting to use home remedies instead. At last, I have seen the light. This daily cleaner is quick and easy, and takes minimal effort. Perfect! 6 pumps covers the largest of brushes, then you lightly swipe the brush across a clean cloth until clean, then leave to dry. It's that simple. This product costs around €6.50 and can be purchased from any Sephora store. 


That's it for my monthly favourite! Hopefully next month, I'll be able to fit them all into the one post! Also, I kind of want to play around with how I lay out these types of posts. If anyone has any suggestions, or if you like this layout, please share your thoughts. Don't be a stranger!

Until next time, 
Elle. 

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Wednesday, 30 October 2013

FAVOURITES | October Beauty 2013

Having neglected this blog for just under a year now, I had the sudden urge to jump back in. What better way to reintroduce myself than a monthly favourites post?! On top of that, there has been a change in name! inthetwilightofmyyouth has become ellebglr. Something easier to remember, no doubt!

A lot of my favourites this month are products I've purchased because so many beauty bloggers have raved about them & their greatness! I have a huge fear of missing out, hence my need to try EVERYTHING! Luckily, I fell in love with them all, so my spending wasn't in vain! Let's get started...

My first beauty favourite is something I have lusted after for quite some time, it's MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle. This product is quite popular, which was evident when I went to purchase it this month! I managed to get the last one in stock, only after the sales assistant searched a little harder. Phew! All the hype that surrounds Soft & Gentle is rightly placed! It is such a fantastic highlighter & I fear I may never use anything else! It goes on the skin so smoothly, it's like it was meant to be there! I honestly don't think I could rave about this enough! The Mineralize Skinfinishes retail for about €28, and can be purchased at Brown Thomas, and any MAC retailer.


Next is another coveted item. Sleek Make Up's Blush BY 3 in Lace is a trio of blushes in various shades. Sleek is currently only available online in Ireland, but hopefully, we'll see it stocked in stores here soon! I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Portugal this month, & a trip to Sephora is where I managed to get my hands on this product. The Lace palette contains 3 blushes; one orange, one iridescent pink & one true pink. As you can see below, the pigmentation is quite bright, but can be blended out to be more subtle! I've struggled for some time to find a good quality blush (without splashing out on high end ones, for fear of them not suiting), but at a mere €13, this palette has something for everyone! While I think I'll be saving the orange & iridescent pink for S/S 14, the true pink is perfect for giving a 'just in from the cold' glow without having to brave the winter chill!


Giving into the hype once again, at the beginning of the month, I purchased the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in the shade 'On And On Bronze'. Once again, the hype is well placed! The Colour Tattoos are so very versatile; they can be used as a shadow base, an all-over lid colour, or as part of a smokey eye look. What more could you want? Granted I've never been a fan of cream shadows, I am a changed woman. They are long lasting and surprisingly easy to work with! So much so, that I have plans to buy several other shades too! On And On Bronze is a great go-to colour for the Autumn/Winter season, and at €8.99, it won't necessarily break the bank!

The last of my beauty favourites is by far my most favourite, possibly of all time. It is, of course, MAC's Rebel lipstick. Rebel is a deep fuchsia-toned berry, and is from MAC's satin finish collection. Before purchasing Rebel, I went through an intense matte lipstick phase, but I've seen the light! It looks great with a smokey eye or as a statement lip. Also, I've seen it suit so many skin tones, which is what's so fantastic about it! It currently retails at €19 and can be purchased from Brown Thomas, or any MAC retailer.


I only have one skin care favourite this month, and that is KIKO's Cleansing Eye & Lip Make Up Remover. This was quite a spur of the moment purchase while I was in Portugal. I'm not usually one to buy skin care, or beauty, products without having done my research beforehand, but on this particular occasion, I made an allowance. Before my trip, I had purchased Nivea's Gentle Eye Make Up Remover and was quite pleased with it, so this purchase seemed a little excessive. KIKO Cosmetics are relatively unheard of in Ireland, but they have several stores throughout Europe. You can peruse all they have to offer here. What sold me on it, besides the pushy sales assistant, was the fact that it was also a lipstick remover. I may have given her all the tools for the sale, as I was sporting the remains of the night before's lipstick, but it was something I was seriously lacking. I tend to wear quite pigmented lipstick, so this is a godsend after a long day! It does exactly what it says on the tin, and for €4.10, at least I no longer have to resemble the Joker!


This favourite is one that I have been waiting to rave about. If like me, you get bored with your hair easily, here's your solution; BLEACH LONDON. At the beginning of this month, Bleach released an at home colour range with Boots Pharmacy. In the range, available at Boots Jervis St & Liffey Valley in Dublin, Boots Half Moon St in Cork and at boots.ie for the rest of Ireland, there is a Total Bleach Kit, White Toner, DIY Dip Dye, 12 Super Cool Colours, as well as a range of colour care & styling products. Everything retails under the €10 mark, & if you spend over €25, you can pick your order up from your local Boots store completely FREE of charge. Ace! As soon as the products went online, I had my order in, a Total Bleach Kit, Toner, a Sliver Shampoo & Conditioner, as well as a Super Cool Colour in Bruised Violet. While the bleaching of my hair didn't go to plan (my own fault, I should have purchased way more than one bleaching kit!), I cannot speak highly enough of the Bleach range. I felt no discomfort whilst bleaching my hair, the kit comes with everything you could need and the instructions were simple & easy to follow! The Silver Shampoo & Conditioner are my saving grace at the minute, as my hair is several shades of blonde (oops!), and honestly, my hair has never felt better after a bleaching! I'm saving Bruised Violet for when my hair is a whiter blonde, but I can only imagine it's as great as the rest of the range! Not only is the range on top of it's game, but the Bleach team are wonderful to boot! All my questions and queries were answered on their twitter, and I was really assured that I was making the right choice in dye! While I am singing their praises, may I point you in the direction of their very comprehensive Bleach Bible. I studied this before I even thought of bleaching my hair, so I could ensure that my locks were in tip-top condition. It's a must read for anyone who might be a little apprehensive about bleaching in any way, it calmed all my fears!



That's it for my beauty related favourites for this month! I planned to included my fashion, as well as other favourites in this post, but it's already longer than I intended for it to be! So look out for that post soon! What are some of your beauty favourites for this month?

Until next time,
Elle.

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