Vlogs

I have spent my day on YouTube. It is very rare that I have a day to do nothing. I think this was much overdue. The weather was so awful so it gave me a perfect excuse! Although, it only fuelled my obsession with all things makeup I have learned a lot. There are a few YouTube channels that I just HAVE to share with you. Watching these channels can be overwhelming. Often I feel that way myself. So many products, so many brushes. But, if you take bits and pieces from them all, consider what you already have, what you may be able to add, you would be surprised at how YOU would be able to achieve the looks! Makeup is an art. There isn't a wrong and a right way. 

Number 1:  Jaclyn Hill

I just happened upon this channel today and I just loved Jaclyn's fun energy and I just found myself smiling and throughly enjoying what she had to say. 

Number 2: Leighann Says

This girl is also really fun and enjoyable to watch. She doesn't take herself seriously at all. She really shows that nothing is perfect or should be perfect. She has a mix of hair and beauty tutorials which are useful for both everyday and going out looks.

Number 3: Sona Gasparian

This channel is brilliant. Sona is stunning AND she uses loads of Urban Decay products. This is really useful for those of us who have bought Urban Decay palettes and are looking for inspiration.

What I love about these videos is not only do they give you ideas but they also give you a good insight in to different products. I'm a student with a part time job. Although I would absolutely love to buy it ALL, I can't. By watching these videos I can decided what I like and what I think I really need... or lets be realistic here what I really want! 

Each of these Vloggers use a wide range of brushes. From watching their videos I have discovered that 'Sigma' is a really good affordable brush collection. I use 'Real Techniques' brushes. They are great and also affordable and they can be found in Boots in Cork City. But, I love trying new things. I cannot wait to try the F80 Kabuki Foundation brush! It is what I am going to treat myself to after Christmas. Recently, I have just taken a hate towards my current one. 

Some of my collection

I hope these channels help you!

Olivia <3

Christmas Nails!

For my first post of December I have decided to do Christmas Nails! I have never been much good at painting my own nails but, if I can do this.... anybody can! Make sure you have time on your hands (no pun intended) because it is fiddly! On my fifth nail, I finally ended up with some sort of a Christmas tree. Here is the story in pictures.

I just about got it on my last attempt!

Shopping

While we were in Dublin we of course had to do some shopping. Our original plan was to head to Dundrum but this didn't work out in the end. We happily stayed on Grafton Street, floating in and out of the shops and listening to the street performers. 

The Fitzafrenic

I couldn't wait to get in to Inglot!!! I finally made my first Inglot purchase. I bought a highlighter. It is fab! I love it. It is my first one and I have yet to use it for a night out but ye'll be the first to know about it! I also tried a pink/purple lipstick which I loved but it was sold out :( It was lip liner number 60 and lipstick number 419.  I guess I will just purchase it the next time. 

Highlight no. 59

This unfortunately is the only picture I have of the lipstick!

I headed for Topshop to purchase the leather quilted skirt that I mentioned in a previous blog post but that was SOLD OUT too. I was having a very unlucky day. Then we bought macaroons in Brown Thomas. 'Ladurée' must have the nicest macrons EVER. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures because we ate them so fast!

Macarons

And we popped in to Starbucks as we don't have any in Cork city itself. 

Volcano Choir

It was a spontaneous move by Shane, my boyfriend, to purchase two tickets to Volcano Choir. I came out of work one Saturday with the notification centre on my phone full of tweets. It was very strange. I read them as fast as I could and the end result was that we would be heading to Vicar Street. I was delighted. I LOVE concerts. The atmosphere, the crowd, the music, singing along to the lyrics and the merchandise. I try to purchase a t-shirt at every concert that I attend. We had a fantastic two days. I had never been to Vicar Street before but I had heard that it was a small venue. This made me very excited. I love gigs in small venues. Its so intimate and loud! 

Temple Bar

We had never been out in Temple Bar before. We had walked through during the day but not at night. While we were in Dublin we took the opportunity to go there. We popped in to a couple of pubs but decided to stay in Gogarty's. It was so stereotypically Irish but that's what made it fun. Traditional Irish music and Guinness. 

Yes, I did end up with an Irish flag on my face but I HAD to!

A very impressive bar man!

Shane & I

And then he did this....

Me in Temple Bar

Then, it was time to head to Vicar Street. We had a fifteen minute walk. It was ok except for the fact that I chose style over comfort and my feet were literally talking to me. We finally arrived. We got a drink at the bar. Shane chose 'Bushmills Whiskey' because it had a connection to the lead singer, Justin Vernon's father. Then we bought merchandise. 

Emily & I 

Volcano Choir t-shirt

The stage, the anticipation, the wait....

Shane drinking his whiskey

When they came out on stage

Justin Vernon

The concert was AH-MAH-ZING. Their songs just transport you to another world. Its just you and the music. Nobody else. If you have never seen them before.. GO GO GO! Or buy their album! 

Heres a link to one of their songs.  Their two albums are called 'Repave' and 'Un map'. Check them out. If you haven't heard of Volcano Choir you may know Justin Vernon from Bon Iver. Shane bought a vinyl of their album Repave and I simply cannot wait to hear it. 

A post for the men out there!

It is hard to find a pair of shoes/boots. It is like trying to find a pair of jeans. You want them to last forever and look good with everything. Here are 5 shoes/boots that may send you in the right direction when looking for a pair for yourself.

1. Converse

Classic Converse

Ryan Reynolds wearing Converse

Converse are a great choice of shoe for a dry day. They are a comfortable shoe but still stylish at the same time. What more could you want? 

2. Vans 

Classic Vans

Niall Horan wearing Vans in black

Vans are similar to converse. However, I find that they are slightly more comfortable. Both Vans and Converse come in a range of colours and are both at similar price points. 

3. Desert boots

Desert Boots

Robert Pattinson wearing desert boots

The Desert boot is yet another stylish but comfortable footwear choice. They can be bought with sheepskin lining to add an extra bit of warmth coming in to winter. I'm not sure how this style would fair in the rain but nevertheless you would still look good.

4.  Sturdy Boot

Timberland Earthkeeper Boot

Scott Disick & Kanye West wearing Timberland

I chose 'Timberland' because it is a brand that I think is becoming increasingly popular at the moment. The Kardashian family all have a pair, even the men. As can be seen in the picture above. These boots would last a lifetime. They are comfortable, waterproof and very cool.

5. The Brogue

Traditional Brogue

Usher wearing a Brogue with a modern suit

The brogue is a shoe that you may not wear everyday but when you're stuck for something to wear with a suit these shoes will save you. Here they are shown in tan and white but can be found in other colours too. 

I hope this blog post helps you to find the perfect shoe for you!