A whole new world

It has been a while since I last blogged, I hope 2017 treats you all very well.

2016 was a horrible year for so many, but it will hold a special place in my families heart forever…

Just before Christmas 2016, David and I welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world

(A little sooner than we expected, if it wasn't a dramatic arrival we would have been shocked!)

We chose not to really share our news until November when I was rather heavily pregnant. 

I masterfully hid my baby bump by spending the last 3 months of my pregnancy taking photo tips from Mike and the Mechanics (Looking back, over my shoulder) so this news may surprise some readers who do not follow me on other social media platforms.

My pregnancy was a little difficult, I was plagued with sickness but powered through. 

I had the most beautiful birth plan ready to go but things took a turn for the worrisome and labour was induced.

I knew I would be okay, David was by my side every step of the way but I had a longing for my parents to be close by.

Giving birth was when I expected it would be, a tough days work.

I had the tunes of Annie Lennox (walking on broken glass, TUNE ) to help me through contractions. 

David lovingly took pictures of me dancing myself through a horrible contraction.

I am a strong woman, I am big and my pain threshold is up there with the best of them, but at times I honestly didn't know how I was going to do it. 

Just as I started to panic that I would not be able to deliver naturally,  It happened! our daughter made her debut.

Moments after baby was safely delivered (by a group of absolutely amazing women) my parents walked in to the delivery room, despite every policy in the hospital the head of the labour ward allowed them in, I will forever be in her debt as it gave my parents the chance to meet their granddaughter mere moments after her birth. Pretty special.

People always say there is no love like the love you feel towards your children, I suppose it is true but I have felt a love like this before, for my whole life really… 

This all consuming love is a version of the love I feel for her father. 

When I look at our baby, my heart feels like it could burst. When I see David, I get a similar feeling. 

When my parents unexpectedly walked through the doors of the labour ward, I had that same heart swelling feeling. I am extremely lucky. 

They are my favourite people. I hope my daughter and future children feel the same when they see me. 

When mum and dad walked in I wanted to cry my eyes out with joy, but I’ve recently discovered that when life changing events happen, I find it a little hard to truly express my feelings. 

Something so amazing as giving birth with the love of your life by your side, after almost losing him a year previously and then the two most amazing people you know walking through the doors….

It is too overwhelming.

Words have always been my thing. If I cant verbalise it, I write it. 

But even now, I don't have the appropriate words. Indescribable joy, pride and love. For my family. My entire and amazing family.

The generosity shown to us in recent weeks has been another heart swelling experience. 

When I visited home I had to extend my stay by a week to accommodate visitors calling to meet baby and shower her with gifts. 

I can safely say they've been some of the loveliest days of my life. The gifts we have received have been so generous and thoughtful. A lot of little nods to Paris.

She is the ‘moving on’ people talk about. We will never forget what happened but she is our focus, our reason to get out of bed and see the light again. 

The house is coming down with beautiful cards and gifts. 

Our little girl is going to be one exceptionally well dressed lady. 

Thanks to my friends, family, neighbours and my friends made through tragedy- the greatest people 

A terrible darkness consumed us, suddenly the world looks a lot brighter.

This world can be scary, but with the amazing roll models our little one has, she's going to have the most wonderful life. We will make sure of it.

We are lucky to know some of the strongest people this world has to offer. She's adored. 

Our love, gratitude and adoration to you all

X

KH

Lime Crime Velvetines.

Anyone who reads my blog knows I rarely, if ever post negative reviews. 

I prefer to use my blog to spread positivity, Its just how I like to do things.

 However, I actually can not get over how disappointed I am with a few of my recent Lime Crime purchases.

I hear you, I hear you!

YES, I KNOW! 

I know that Lime Crime has been dogged by drama and controversy in recent years, but I ignored all that and a few years ago, I decided to give Lime Crime a whirl. 

I never had a problem and I loved the products that I tried, One in particular- 

The absolutely delicious Red Velvet from Lime Crimes much loved Velvetines collection.

A few weeks ago, I decided to repurchase Red Velvet as my original had just ran out.

When I was on the website a few others caught my eye and I decided to buy in bulk.

Being 100% honest, I am really, really disappointed.

Lime Crime Velvetines cost €18.13 a pop so you would be hoping to get your €'s worth.

The Red Velvet I repurchased looks entirely different to the original. 

I wish I hadn't thrown my first out as I could show you exactly what I mean, This shade is nowhere as rich and velvety as the original.

In my opinion this is a fairly watered down red in comparison. 

Don't get me wrong, It wears well and still looks nice, but its just NOT the same. 

I guess they may have reformulated it.

Heartbroken!.

Next up on the not so wonderful list:

 'Rustic'

When I was purchasing it online, I just had to have it- It looked absolutely GORGEOUS and I read a few positive reviews saying the same.

However on me, it looks a bit bland and not as striking.  

Even after first time application it looks like it has been on the whole day, no vibrancy.

I've layered it up for these pictures and it still looks rather lacklustre.

On the Lime Crime website it is described as an 'earthy red hue' but I don't know how to describe it- other than 'just not what I wanted'. 

Full disclosure, I know the picture quality on my blog isn't wonderful ATM as I am using my rather old iPhone, still searching through boxes for my camera and blogging bits.

Now on to the products I have tried and I love: 

'True Love'.

With a name like that how could I not like it?.

Like all of Lime Crime Velvetines, you can layer this colour up a little for a more intense pink.

For a day time look, I decided less is more so this is the result of only one application.

True Love is described as having a beautiful Pinky Red hue, and it lives up to it. 

It really colours your lips like a pretty rose bud.

I really like it, Its more subtle than most of my usual lipstick shades, Its a lovely change.

Something Wicked this way comes!

No, not Macbeth, I am talking about

'Wicked'

When I added this to my basket, I wasn't sure I would actually like it, at all.

Mainly because I didn't think I would be able to pull it off.

 It is a Deep blood red hue, And it is absolutely gorgeous. 

I would usually never touch this shade with a bargepole but I am glad I tried it, it is beautiful.

At the minute I am very lazy when it comes to make-up, I cant recall the last time I actually applied eyeshadow! 

I wear my usual black liner and rely heavily on lipstick to pull the look together.

Wicked is my absolute favourite of all the Velvetines, still does not replace my original Red Velvet, I am sure I will get over it, at some point.

Finally I tried out the pretty 90's inspired

'Blondie'

Blondie is absolutely deadly, pictures do not do this lipstick any justice.

It is so unlike me, which is why I love it!

When I first put this on, all I could think about was my childhood love for Jem and the Holograms.

I now have a serious want for Pale Pink hair and a sudden need for gigantic pink star earrings.

Truly Outrageous!

A few months ago I was reading about all the Jeffree Star drama, Make-up sweetheart Kat Von D called JS out on Instagram, she then released a youtube video giving her reasons why she was disassociating herself from JS.

I've never liked Jeffree Star, I was a little stunned to hear he had a make up range and it was doing so well, I remembered him from his Myspace days- While Jeffree looks deadly I always found everything about JS and the ever-growing brand to be abrasive and extremely rude and a little creepy.

One of my favourite bloggers, Sera from the Style Guide Blog posted a brilliant review about the drama (which you can read HERE )

  Sera also shared her personal views on Lime Crime and why she will never buy from them. Sera includes a pretty hefty link filled with all the shady Lime Crime facts. Not so sweet!

While I didn't listen at the time, after chatting to a few people about Lime Crime and my disappointment with my purchases, I have to say, I don't think I will be rushing out to buy from Lime Crime any time soon.

Have you had a good or bad Lime Crime experience? Let me know!!!

Pat McGrath Lust 004 Lip Kit 'Bloodwine'

'Submit to temptation and make your mouth a metaphysical masterpiece'

Pat McGrath 

Lust 004

Bloodwine

Limited Edition

I have amazing friends.

If it wasn't for my dear friend Lily, I would not be writing this blog post so HUGE thanks to Lily for making this possible.

Lily kindly sent me over a Bloodwine kit after I missed out when the Pat McGrath website went into meltdown on the day of release.

I first saw the beautiful images of Bella Hadid & company walking down the catwalk of the Atelier Versace run way in Paris on Twitter, my glamour loving eyes lit up.

After a little research I heard the glitter lips were the creation of the amazing Pat McGrath,  I had to get my paws on Lust Kit 004 and I am so glad I did. 

DIVINE.

Absolutely everything about this kit makes me giddy.

It is just brilliant.

Can we just appreciate the sequins for one second?.

Pat McGrath has been named THE most influential make up artist in the world and its not hard to see why- her make up looks are mind blowing.

This Lust 004 kit in Bloodwine kit contains two lipsticks, one vinyl lip gloss, one pot of blood glitter and one pot of gold pigment.

I am going to blog about the metallic gold pigment and the clear vinyl gloss tomorrow because it is just AMAZING and deserves a post of its own.

I absolutely get that a glitter lip is not everyones cup of tea, I would wear one every day if i could get away with it!

So if you hate the idea of glitter lips, I can assure you the lipsticks on their own are absolutely gorgeous and superior to most in their quality and wearability.

In the above picture I am wearing Blood 1 Lipstick.

The Blood microfine glitter is a pleasure to use.

I have created my own version of a glitter lips in the past, using Barry M glitter (which is pretty good but rather coarse) and also with M.A.C glitter, which is a step up from Barry M but nothing can top Pat McGrath's Blood microfine glitter.

I pressed the glitter over Blood 1 but I didn't add the gloss for a matte look.

Now I am no runway model but putting on a glitter lip and blogging about it made me feel absolutely deadly. 

There is something about playing with glitter that fills you with a childlike glee- 

money can't buy that kind of lovely feeling.

This is the Blood glitter worn over Blood 2 which is my absolute favourite.

I am usually not too much of a dark lip fan. The glitter gives it a whole new life of its own.

VAMP STATUS: 

Through the roof.

The below picture is of Blood 2 lipsticks sans glitter.

 A brilliant dark plummy lip colour.

Still intensely vampish and gorgeous but I have to say, the glitter wins for me.

These kits are like gold dust and so hard to get, I think Bloodwine is sold out.

The kits will set you back $60 so roughly €53/54 

What do you think? Let me know!

Chanel N°5 L’Eau

CHANEL, another of my great loves.

I would say almost every household in Ireland has a bottle of Chanel N°5 hidden away by someones Granny, Mammy or sister to be kept for good. 

Chanel N°5 is an iconic scent, almost everyone I know has a story about either loving or loathing the scent.

I personally LOVE Chanel N°5 but it is strong scent and I know it gets mixed reactions.

Last week I was rather unwell, I ended up in hospital for a few days. 

As a ‘get well soon’ gift my lovely finance bought me a few CHANEL treats. 

What a man.

I first smelled the newest fragrance in the Chanel N°5 family, L’Eau a few weeks ago (when I decided to spray myself quite liberally in Brown Thomas)

From the second I smelled it, I absolutely adored everything about it. 

L’eau has all the hallmarks of the slightly more mature Chanel N°5 but with a lighter, fresher more youthful scent. 

As I was buying a face cream on the day of my liberal spraying, the lady on the counter gave me a little sample.

CAN WE PLEASE JUST. LOOK.AT.THE.CUTENESS!

An absolutely TINY perfect doll size bottle. 

My heart!

Anyway back to the perfume!

As I was saying, L’Eau is the latest fragrance in the legendary Chanel N°5 line.

I know it is available to buy online but if like me, you like to try before you buy, you can head into Brown Thomas or Debenhams now to give it a whirl.

I am not sure if Boots have L'eau in store yet but Boots are usually fairly great at stocking up on Chanel so expect to see it inshore soon!

I personally love this scent, It smells so clean and fresh.

I have worn it every day since David bought it and I have no got tired of the smell, its quickly turning into a favourite, a little early to make such a claim but there we go!

L'eau has a very elegant scent, as if you would expect anything less from a brand like Chanel.

Chanel N°5 L’Eau has top notes of lemon, mandarin, orange, neroli, and aldehydes. 

The heart of the scent is made up of rose, ylang-ylang and jasmine with a base of cedar and white musk.

Have you tried it yet? Let me know if you like it!

50ML will set you back €89/100ml €126

Agent Provocateur Voluptuous Creme Lipstick

If you have read my blog before, you will know I am hopelessly in love with all things Agent Provocateur.

From a rather young age, any spare cent I had would go towards saving for things that I could tick off my ‘Glamour’ list:

 MAC Ruby Woo lipstick, MAC Cork and Shroom eye shadows, Hold ups from Agent Provocateur (always wanting more) and ridiculously high heels.

I can not tell you the absolute delight I felt the first day I walked into Brown Thomas’ long gone Agent Provocateur boutique and bought my very AP bra...

I mean it took me five years to purchase the matching briefs but that is not the point! 

To this day I still look at that set of lingerie and it brings me so much joy. 

I am giving you this little AP back story because if it isn't obvious by now, for as long as I can recall, I have been absolutely in love with all things Glamorous. 

Its what makes me, me.

When I heard AP were bringing out a line of lipsticks, I just knew I had to try. 

I was a little hesitant as I didn't want one of my favourite brands to disappoint me. I am a lipstick snob.

These lipsticks are not cheap, they will set you back €40 a pop.

But for that €40 you get the most divine, Swarovski crystal encrusted mirrored metal AP engraved bullet. A truly beautiful product.

However, looking pretty doesn't really mean much if the lipsticks do not wear well. 

I would not post this review if I didn't think like minded readers would get value for their money so despite my AP love, If I wasn't impressed, I wouldn't be recommending these lipsticks to anyone.

I bought Voluptuous Creme Lipstick Fiery which is just the most gorgeous orange red

And the beautiful Voluptuous Creme Lipstick Showstopper,

an absolutely gorgeous popping pink, it lives up to its name, its just lovely.

Since purchasing I have been wearing them regularly and testing out how pigmented they really are? do they bleed? do they flake and dry my lips out? 

I am so happy to report back that these lipsticks do not disappoint.

I have not experienced any bleeding whatsoever (which tends to happen at some stage if I am wearing a shiny lipstick.)

AP describe these lipsticks as being ‘Demi-shine’ and that they are. 

They are very highly pigmented also, which I love.

I noticed my lips looking lustrous and very well hydrated.
I personally prefer matte lips but the amount of compliments I have received, uncountable. 

The lipsticks are formulated using luxurious cupuacu butter and it does a fantastic job keeping lips hydrated and plump.

So what do you think? 

I personally really like the colours and I get a real kick out of applying my lipstick with the extremely handy luxurious mirrored bullet. 

I am a sucker for a good gimmick! 

These lipsticks are currently available to buy online

OR

If you are lucky enough to have a boutique nearby, pop in and try for yourself. 

(OH AGENT PROVOCATEUR, PLEASE COME BACK TO IRELAND, I WILL WORK FOR FREE!)

Organic Surge

A few weeks ago, I was invited along to the launch party of Organic Surge. 

I was given a gift bag filled with goodies to try out and see what I think. 

I have been loving the products so I thought I would share my thoughts with you and give you all the good news about Organic Surge.

I am not a woman for jargon- 

so when I heard Organic Surge steer clear of all parabens, artificial perfumes and colorants it was enough to sell me on their products. 

I really dislike finding a product I love only for perfume to destroy it all and make my eyes water.

All Organic Surge products are Ecocert certified and contain a minimum of 96% naturally derived ingredients. Whats not to like?.

We all want glowing skin but we don't want to break the bank to achieve it- this is where Organic Surge excels, the products are so affordable for what they are.  The serum may seem pricey but you need so little, I foresee it lasting a very long time.

In my opinion, organic surge will soon be knocking stripes off their competitors 

(Hot cloth cleanser in particular!)

To remove my make up, I have been using the Organic Surge refreshing face wash RRP €7.99

The face wash has 100% organic lather which is just divine, have you ever picked a daffodil and felt that sappy, slimy texture that exudes from the stem? The face wash's texture reminds me of…now that I see that in writing it absolutely sounds repugnant but I can tell you without any hesitation it feels AMAZING on your skin.

The essential oils help to restore skin’s natural balance & clears your complexion.

It is also enriched with organic Rose Geranium Leaf Essential Oil and Aloe Vera to soothe skin irritation and redness.

Organic Surge Brightening Hot cloth cleanser RRP€18.99
without a shadow of a doubt this is my favourite product.
I apply a small amount onto my skin.
I take my time and massage it into my skin as the massaging action stimulates blood flow helping to achieve that sought after glow.
The cleanser is enriched with damask rose oil to which also stimulates and hydrate skin cells. Once you have rinsed your skin with a warm water and a cloth, your skin is left feeling moisturised thanks to the shea butter and rejuvenated thanks to the orange peel- this stuff is seriously sumptuous.

The Face Serum RRP €29.99

The smoothing serum soaks is a dream, it melts into my skin. There is no oily residue or heavy feeling on the skin, once it is applied it just seems to sooth and smoothen my skin.

This serum has been nriched with Madagascan Para Cress extract, chosen because of its known effectiveness at improving the appearance of wrinkles.

I often avoid wearing serums as I find they mess up my foundation, I am happy to report I have had absolutely no problem with my foundation, no weird balling or foundation separation!

Now on to the lovely Lavender Meadow Hand & Nail Cream RRP €5.99

Now, not only does the cream absorb fast, it doesn't leave that yuck greasy residue on your hands. It is clinically proven to be suitable for sensitive and eczema prone skin and also packed full of skin loving ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter to name but a few.

You never realise how important it is for your hands to look well at all times, until you get engaged. Thankfully I have this hand cream in my bag AT ALL TIMES to insure my hands are in tip-top-ring admiring-condition no matter what!

I was also given a tub of Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Skin Perfecting Body Scrub 350ml RRP €16.99

I am being entirely honest, I used this once of my legs and have decided to SAVE THIS GORGEOUS STUFF FOR THE SUMMER. It is DIVINE.

Mind you, I am a scrub fanatic so I was always going to adore this, but what makes me love this even more is the divine scent and the knowledge, like ALL of their products, no animals have suffered so we can look good.

So what do you think? Do you think you will be popping into Allcare pharmacies

Dublin, Cork, Kildare and Louth- to try some Organic Surge?

Let me know if you do