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 | Manicure Monday #13

While I've been in love with matte nails for a what seems like an age, I couldn't find a matte top coat to save my life. Until now. Thank you Wet n' Wild for being my saviour! I've been turning every mani matte this month, and for €1.99, why wouldn't I be? Wet n' Wild stands can be found in Dunnes Stores supermarkets all across Ireland!

My new favourite nail trend for S/S? Neon nails! Did anyone see Lily Allen on Graham Norton this past weekend? Not only did she look stunning House of Holland, but she rocked some amazing neon yellow nails too! While I feel like neon for summer could become passé, in a very Devil Wears Prada way ("Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking."), I can't help but love how they look on nails! Besides we need all the help we can get, to brighten up this dreary Irish weather!

Another nail obsession of mine this month; Wah Nails. Wah is a cult London-based nail salon, who have done nails for everyone from Nike to Marc Jacobs, and are a favourite at London Fashion Week! They have a salon in Dalston, as well as Topshop Oxford Circus and Harvey Nichols in our very own Dublin! I cannot stop stalking their instagram feed, and constantly suffer from nail envy! They do everything for demure nudes and pastels, to crazy patterns, something for every taste!

                             

What's been your go-to mani this month? Any trends you've been dying to try?

Side Note: Over the weekend, I reached over 100 followers on Bloglovin'. I was absolutely speechless, to think that so many people choose to subscribe to what I have to say is mind blowing. I just want to say, to anyone that has followed, commented, or even browsed this blog in the last 4 months, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means more than I can put into words!

Until next time,

Elle

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

BEAUTY | The' Pink To Make The Boys Wink' Haul

While this isn't a huge haul, I had some gift cards leftover from Christmas, and discovered the Wet n' Wild stand in my local Dunnes Stores, so my spending was a little warranted!

I think I went a little crazy with the lip products. Oops! It began as a search for a pinky-nude, but escalated quite quickly. Oops again! In my defense, I can't help myself when it comes to lip products, I throw all caution to the wind! Can you blame me? I had a gift card from Sam McCauley's Chemist taking up residency in my purse, so I thought that should be my first stop! There I picked up the Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in the shade 101, Catrice's Ultimate Shine lipstick in the shade 250 Yes We Can-dy, and one of the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers in Apocaliptic. I then headed over to Dunnes Stores and picked up a Wet n Wild Mega Slicks Lip Balm Stain in 127 A Stiff Pink. 

L-R: Yes, We Can-dy, 101, A Stiff Pink, Apocaliptic. 

I also picked up the Catrice Camouflage Cream in 020 Light Beige in Sam McCauley's. While perusing what the new Wet n Wild stand had to offer, I came across their Wild Shine Matte Top Coat. Having been undecided about the Barry M Matte Nail Paints, I snatched this up. This way I can turn any nail polish matte! Ace! I also picked up another Wild Shine polish in French White Crème. 

That's it for this haul! If you want me to review any of these, let me know in the comments! What have you been hauling lately? Have you tried anything from Wet n Wild yet? 

Until next time,
Elle. 

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin' 

REVIEW | 17 Miracle Matte Foundation

While I'm very adventurous with all other make-up, when it comes to foundation, I play it very safe! I've been using the Maybelline Fit Me foundation for close enough to a year now, and have found it hard to look past it! However, with the current 3 for 2 in Boots, I decided to get a little brave and branch out foundation wise!

I have an unhealthy obsession with matte finishes - lipstick, eyeshadow, powder, nail polish, you name it, I want it. But I'd never tried a matte foundation.. Until now! I purchased the 17 Miracle Matte Foundation in the shade Honey. It's marketed as having a "matte satin flawless finish" and "up to 16 hour shine control". I'm not going to lie, I was excited to use it. I had been stuck in my ways for too long, and I was ready for change!

My excitement, it seems, was short-lived. On first application, the foundation was cakey and patchy. Uh oh! After A LOT of blending and a dusting of translucent powder, it began to look somewhat presentable. Second time around, I applied a primer beforehand, and it was a disaster zone. My face looked muddy and discoloured in places. Not what you want before a night out. It looked so bad, I had to go back to my old faithful!

I'm not one to write products off without a fair trial, so I gave the Miracle Matte another shot. Third time's the charm, or so they tell me! Unlike the first two applications, I began by focusing on my cheeks, applying it to one at a time, and then the rest of my face. Surprisingly, it looked okay, for the most part. There were still some patchy areas near my jawline, it just needs some TLC!

My main issue with this foundation is it dries too quickly, making difficult to blend. No bueno! Because of it's quick drying, it also needs some time when applying. My best advice, take your time, go in stages! Coverage wise, it's a nice everyday foundation, I just prefer a higher coverage. When I'm determined to like something, I will not stop until I find some sort of redeeming quality!

Have you tried any matte foundations? Did you have better luck than me?

Until next time,
Elle.

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'