Monday 24 February 2014

My 'Go to' perfumes


Today I am doing a post about my go to perfumes, the perfumes I constantly reach for and re-purchase. So I am going to just jump in and begin :) Enjoy!


This is my favourite perfume of all time!! This is 'Katy Perry-Killer Queen'. The smell of this is to die for, sweet, rich, and fresh. A little goes a long way with this fragrance. When I run out I will most defiantly be buying this again.


The next perfume I am loving is 'River Island-New York'. I like to wear this at night if I am heading away as it is not a 'Daytime scent', quite strong and extremely rich. It has a slight vanilla scent, I am rubbish at describing smells lol. None the less it is a beautiful scent and I really adore it.


Love this perfume, again this is from Katy Perry and its called 'Meow'. This is a super sweet scent with undertones of vanilla. This is a really girly smell and perfect scent for spring. Katy Perry's perfumes go a long way, one squirt and you are smelling fabulous for ages.


I got this perfume as a present at christmas and I never really has smelt it before, but I'm sorry I hadn't smelt it before now.  It is 'Intimately Beckham'. It is a strong yet fresh scent, very femine! Again this goes a long way and an extra squirt can be too much and overwelming. 

These are a few of my favourite perfumes and if you would like me to do a full product review on anyone them just comment below :)

Thank you for reading this post, if you could follow my blog would be highly appreciated and check out my other social networks :) 

All That Shines - Megan x


Sunday 23 February 2014

TMI (Too much information) Tag 50 Questions

Hey there everyone :)

Today I am having a very lazy Sunday and decided to do something fun on my blog, so I decided to answer 50 random questions and do this TMI tag :) At the end  I will be tagging 3 people to continue this TAG and answer the same questions on their  blog! 

So lets go!!!

1. What are you wearing? Since I am having a lazy day, I am in trackies and a basic long sleeve black top and odd socks of course!!

2.  Ever been in love? I am currently in love <3

3. Ever had a terrible break-up? At the time yes but looking back now it wasn't a big deal.

4. How tall are you? 5FT1

5. How much you weigh? 79kg!!!

6. Any tattoos? Yes I have 2

7. Any piercings? My ears and used to have my lip pierced but took it out and have a scar :(

8. OTP (One true pairing: Whats your favourite fictional couple?) Penny and Leonard from Big bang theory

9.  Favourite tv show? Only way is essex (new series tonight yay) and any of the Kardashians; any cooking programmes!

10. Favourite bands? Paramore, Bastille, and Disclosure.

11. Something you miss? Relationship with my Dad

12. Favourite song atm? Hayley Williams- stay the night

13. How old are you? 23

14. Zodiac sign? Gemini

15. Quality you look for in a partner? Someone who can make me laugh and loves me the  way I am

16. Favourite quote? "together forever never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart" and have that tattood on my arm

17. Favourite actor? Johnny Depp

18. Favourite colour? Turquoise

19. Loud or soft music? Both depending on my mood

20. Where do you go when you're sad? Straight to my boyfriend or under the duvet cover and hide away

21. How long does it take you to shower? Not too long between 10 and 20 mins.

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings? Depends if I am wearing make-up or not, if I have to apply make-up maybe 20 mins and 10 mins of not.

23. Ever been in a physical fight? Nope 

24. Turn on? Tattoo'd men lol

25. Turn off? Arrogance

26. The reason I joined youtube? I haven't posted any videos yet, can't build up the confidence to :(

27. Fears? Death and butterflies

28. Last thing that made you cry? Thinking back on some memories I have

29. Last time you said you loved someone? This morning to my boyfriend and yesterday to my little sister

30. The meaning behind you youtube/blogging name? All That Shines was a name I simply picked as I love all that shines and thought it was a pretty name for a beauty blog.

31. Last book you read? Sam Frairs Autobiography

32. Book you are currently reading? none

33. Last show you watched? Atm I have the music channel on, and before that I watched Gordon Ramsey cookery show

34. Last person you talked to? Well apart from talking to you guys now, my boyfriend.

35. The relationship between you and the last person you texted? My mum.

36. Favourite food? Chinese or Italian

37. Place you want to visit? Las Vegas.

38. Last place you were? Just in my local town doing some groceries.

39. Do you have a crush? well I am in relationship but I have a slight crush on Niall Horan haha

40. Last time you kissed someone? This morning.

41. Last time you were insulted? About a month ago.

42. Favourite flavour of sweet? Cola or cherry.

43. What instruments do you play? None.

44. Favourite piece of jewellery? My charm bracelet

45. Last sport you played? None.

46. Last song you sang? Midnight memories - One direction.

47. Favourite chat up line? I hate chat up lines!!!!

48. Have you ever used it? NO

49. Last time you hung out with anyone? All last week with my boyfriends sister.

50. Who should these questions next? +grace whyte  +Katie Tupper +Leigh-Ann Grupp 

Hope you liked this TAG :) 

Chat soon  

All That Shines - Megan x

Thursday 20 February 2014

Mini Drugstore Haul :)


Been a while since I blogged so decided to let you guys see what I purchased in Boots today. They had 3 for 2 on nearly everything in store, so it would have been rude not to pick up a few things I am running low on :)


I decided to pick up the Garnier Micellar Cleansing water to try. I have heard a few people rave about this and wanted to see for myself how good it really is, so as soon as I got home I removed my makeup and WOW it truely cleans your face! My makeup came off so easily without rubbing! So far so good :)


I picked up the Garnier Express 2 in 1 eye makeup remover from the same range. This is like a cleansing water but has a purple oil that sits on top of the water and before use you shake it up! Again, I tried this when I got home and my mascara which is waterproof just slid off.


Since it was 3 for 2, I just picked up my favourite moisturiser, Garnier Moisture match for dry to very dry skin. I have done a small review in one of my previous posts :)


I just got some simple boots oval cotton pads, pretty basic!

Since a lot of cosmetics were in the 3 for 2 deal, I picked a few things up that I was running low on, which happened to be bronzer, eyeliner and concealer :) I went for the bourjous bronzer which I swear by! I got the loreal instant age rewind concealer, I use this for under my eyes as it hides dark circles flawlessly. For eyeliner, I decided to try seventeen high drama liquid eyeliner, the consitancy and packaging reminded me of the barry m liquid liner which I loved so Ill give it a go :)

All these products where bought in boots and go check out there deals in store, worth a look :)

This is not a typical haul, quite small but hopefully you enjoyed this post and if you want me to do an updated skincare routine or daily makeup look using the new products just ask below :)

All that Shines - Megan x

Monday 10 February 2014

Panic Attacks!


I decided to write about quite a personal topic today, I mainly thought I'd share it with you as some of you might be a panic attack sufferer yourself or maybe know someone who is. I hope this post helps you understand more about anxiety and panic attacks or maybe just makes you feel as though you know me better.

Anxiety is a natural feeling and lies in everyone but may never show its ugly head in all of us, for me anxiety is a big part of my week and can pop up and say hello several days a week leading to horrible panic attacks. Panic attacks creep up on you without you even knowing, and the next minute you feel worried, anxious, breathless, and like everything is wrong. Anxiety is a feeling that cannot be controlled.

I have been suffering with panic attacks and high levels of anxiety for nearly 5 years now and it took me a long time to discover what a panic attack is and even people around me like my boyfriend struggle to understand whats going on when it happens to me. Maybe you are a panic attack sufferer and are clueless to what is happening what you feel like this so hopefully I can help slightly.

When a panic attack starts, you feel like the room is slowly getting smaller, more and more people are looking at you, feel like you cant breathe and you just want to run away from it all before it all catches up on you. Panic attacks pump adrenalin through your body, preparing yourself for the worst. This is what happens in your brain in a life or death sort of situation. When the adrenalin is released, this speeds your heart rate and can cause quite a few physical and emotional changes in yourself, like, sweating, feeling sick, feeling claustrophobic, crying uncontrollably, and rapid breathing. These are the ones that effect me but there is some more.

Some peoples panic attacks stop them wanting to get themselves into positions where there is lots of people, small rooms or spaces etc but my panic attacks are triggered by depression. I realised I wasn't myself late last year and I went to a doctor and had a chat. I have some things I need to sort out before I can get myself back on track, but I find when something is annoying me and makes me sad it brings on a panic attack.

Since I am still trying to sort things out, I have no major advice on how to manage the panic attacks but all I can say is, talk to your family, go to doctor and when you feel like your in a position your not comfortable with just get up and get away from the position and get air and take deep breathes and just achknowledge that you may be having a panic attack and it helps.

Nothing is ever too bad that can't be fixed by talking or just let someone know that you have panic attacks or if something is annoying you, never hold anything in because that is what I have done for 5 years nearly and it has seriously built up on me and it harder to figure out what certain thing is triggering the anxiety, the panic attacks or the depression.

I hope this little post gave you some help or maybe has give you the push to tell someone what is up :)

All That Shines - Megan x

Sunday 9 February 2014

My Skincare products & reviews


Good evening everyone, Hope you are enjoying the last of a great weekend :) I thought since I am having a squeaky clean, fresh faced sort of a day, I would share with you the products I use in my skincare routine and also do a review on each product. When it comes to skincare, I find it hard to find products that work for my skin. I have normal skin with dry areas and I am prone to break outs on my chin, but I feel these products are my savior when it comes to spots and blemishes! So lets begin :)


1. Primark Beauty - 4 in 1 gentle cleansing wipes. I use these wipes to remove my make-up before I wash my face. These are the only wipes I can use on my skin that don't break me out. If you have sensitive skin and can't seem to find a cleansing wipe for you defiantly try these. They are great value for money as you get a twin pack for only €1.50. 


2. Soap & Glory Clarity face wash - I use a pea sized amount of this face wash and apply it on dampened skin, I rub it in until a foam appears. I love the feeling this face wash gives your skin while using it, it gives a cooling, tingling sensation and how bright and fresh your skin looks after use is amazing. My skin feels a little tight after I use it but moisturiser sorts that right out. This is for oily/combination skin so works brilliant for any kind of skin. I have normal/dry skin and works great for me. It is packed with vitamin c and super-fruit plum which is natural extract which brightens tired, dull skin. This is only €6.33 in boots at the moment and is bargain as it lasts long.


3. Moisturiser - I have two favourite moisturisers and jump between the two of them and use a different one each night. Firstly is, Garnier moisture match goodbye dry, which is the pink packaged one, this moisturiser is my holy grail of all moisturisers. This product is sooo hydrating and nourishing on the face, it is a thick and creamy consistency and makes your skin super soft. Garnier have 5 of these moisturisers and they are all for different skin types, the one I have is for dry to very dry skin. It is enriched with shea butter,Camellia oil, omega 3& 6, which all have intense nourishing properties. This is a thick heavy product but quickly absorbs into the skin. My second fave moisturiser is Soap & Glory feel good factor with spf 25, I like to use this one in the morning underneath my make up or before I head out into the world, where as I would use the other at night. This moisturiser has a thinner consistency and may not be as nourishing as the other but is has a good spf. , I buy my Garnier from Primark for €3 and the soap and glory is in boots for a pricey €16.


4. Soap & Glory 'You wont believe your eyes' eye cream. I use this eye cream every morning to alleviate the appearance of tired, puffy eyes. It has illuminating pigments that give a wide eyed, more awake look and with the 360 degrees roller top it is easy to apply. This is the only eye cream I have used that you notice a difference straight away. I highly recommend it. This is €14 in most drugstores.


5. Lastly, sometimes if I have some nasty spots I use the Soap & Glory 'Dr.Spot' spot cream. This reduces the redness in spots straight away and have soothing effect on them too. It is a clear gel, so you can apply whenever or where-ever you please without a noticeable white blob on you spots making them stand out even more. This spot cream has witch hazel in it, which neutralizes the PH balance of your skin and also has vitamins A, C, E & B3 to stimulate circulation, brighten dark spots and exfoliates the skin. Good spot cream for them whoppers we all get now and again. It is just under €10.



So guys, that is my daily skincare products that I use. I think all these products are worth a try, I was not disappointed by any of these and will defiantly be buying them again when I run out.

I hope this post was OK and that you enjoyed reading it.

Please comment below with your thoughts or if you have any suggestions on any other skincare products you think I would like.

Thank you

All That Shines - Megan x

Friday 7 February 2014

My Current Wishlist

Hi girls :)

Today I thought I would do a quick wishlist of all the items I am loving and really want. Everybody is always lusting for something, whether it be make-up, clothes, shoes etc :)


Above are the things I want at the moment and hopefully will get around to purchasing :) Ill start from top left and end with the boots :)

1. This beautiful bowler bag from River island which is 55 euro. I like the blocked coloring and the neon orange stands out beautifully against the subtle navy and cream. I love the size of these bowler style bags. This bag could really be the statement piece of an outfit and could be used casually or dressed up.

2. Nars Sheer Glow foundation! I have never tried this foundation before but have heard great reviews. One of my favourite you tube guru's, Shaanxo, raves about this foundation and includes in most of her earlier on make-up tutorials. This may be a bit pricey compared to some other foundations, coming in at 40 euro.

3. A bulldog puppy :) This doesn't really keep with the theme of my beauty/fashion wishlist but i had to include as it kinda is one of my biggest wishes :) Once I have my own place I am going to own one of these beauties.

4. I hate curling my hair with straightening irons, they always look angular :/ This Bellami 6 in 1 curler looks amazing with its 6 inter-changeable heads, you can achieve beachy waves, ringlets or even just thick loose curls. All you need in one box. This is pricey but I think it is worth it, it costs $289 whatever that is in euro!!

5. Another Nars product on my wishlist, and this is the Nars albatross highlighter. It is beautiful with its gold shimmer, it really gives you a healthy glow in the areas you would highlight. I need this product! I have watched many a review on this highlighter and not one is bad.

6. Finally, I need a new pair of cosy UGGs, I had a chestnut bailey button pair and they lasted ages but sadly they are done and look shabby. I love to throw on uggs with skinny jeans and comfy jumper on those cold days that Ireland seem to experience quite a lot.

So girls, that is my current wishlist :) 

Hope you enjoyed this simple little post and maybe it will get you thinking up some things you would like to purchase. If you have any items that you would love to own, please comment below, I would love to hear them :)

All That Shines - Megan x


Thursday 6 February 2014

My Make-up Must Haves

Hi all...

Tonight I decided to share my 'Make-up must haves' with you all. These are what I think are the most essential products you need in your make-up collection. If you are starting out experimenting with make-up, this post may help you choose what products are staple with a fresh make-up look.

1. To help create a smooth base for your foundation, a good primer is essential. I love the 'Catrice- Prime and fine' primer. I find it real smooths out any imperfections and creates an amazing base for foundation to sit well on your skin.


2. Since we now have a smooth base all ready, time to find a foundation that suits your skin. I have quite normal skin but at times my nose can become a combination of oily and dry, so I found that 'Bourjous Healthy mix' foundation worked a treat on my skin. It lasts brilliantly and blends in very well. It improved the condition of my skin slightly which is a bonus, as most foundations have a tendency to dry out your skin. I wear the shade 'vanilla' and it matches perfect!


3. A good foundation brush is 'the' must have of all must haves, if you invest in a good quality brush it makes all the difference to the appearance of your foundation. I have tried and tested many foundation brushes but my holy grail brush, is the the Real Techniques 'expert face brush'. This brush does not shed any bristles, and so dense and thick. It doesn't soak up loads of the product so there is no waste. It applies the foundation smoothly and buffs it in seamlessly.


4. Under eye bags are a nightmare! They make you look tired and run-down. To give that totally flawless finish, I go for the Rimmel 'Instant anti-age eye eraser'. This concealer is unbelievable, it completely disguises tired eyes and bags. It comes with a handy spongy brush attached to the bottle so all you do is squeeze and apply to the area needed.


5. Now that our base is perfectly flawless, my next 'make up must have' is, an eyebrow pencil. Good eyebrows is a must this year. They frame your face and with a natural make up look they can really become the statement piece of your look. I like to use the Rimmel eye pencils, they glide on really well and give off a soft and natural look when used correctly. I team it with a brown powder.


6. Mascara!! I have loads of favourite mascaras and it was very hard to decide which I found the best. I decided to go with 'Covergirl - lash blast volume mascara', it doesnt clump, it makes your eyelashes stand out and gives you a flashy look. Mascara can really open your eyes and make them look bigger.


7. Invest in a good lip balm to keep those smackers hydrated and silky smooth. I adore the babylips 'hydrate'.


8. The last 'must have' is bronzer. Contouring is a great way to slim your face and define you cheekbones. It gives the illusion of a more structured face. For bronzer, I think Benefit 'Hoola' is the best. It has a matte finish and is the perfect sunkissed colour. It comes in cute packaging and come with a handy brush which is the perfect shape for contouring.



Thank you for reading my 'make-up must haves' and hopefully this give you a few ideas on what to add to your make up collection :) 

If you have any suggestions for my blog, I would love to hear them :) And any questions I would be glad to answer!

All That Shines - Megan x




Tuesday 4 February 2014

Dramatic Lip and bronze eye tutorial


Hi Dolly birds :) So I had a bit of fun this evening playing around with some make up and thought I might aswell do a kind of tutorial.

I am also not the best at photography lol so pardon the bad pics.

So ladies to start clean your face thoroughly with cleansing wipes

After I cleaned my face and made myself very scary looking, I applied some BB cream as a primer.

Arrghhh :O oh sorry got frightened there haha, I use Rimmel BB cream in the shade light and I applied it using the Real techniques Stippling brush.

I then chose to use my Bourjous Healthy mix foundation in the shade 'Vanille', look this foundation, feels great on my skin and gives good coverage.


I squirted a pea size of the foundation onto my hand and used my Real Techniques expert face brush to buff the foundation into my skin and made sure to leave no seams. To get an even complexion, use a brush like below and buff the foundation using circular motions on your skin. I have a video below of the movement you should be making.


Next I used a palette of concealer I have to contour, I used the lightest shade and spread some under my eyes, middle of forehead and chin and also down the center of my nose, then again buffed in with the expert face brush.

Afterwards, make sure to apply some setting powder with a face brush. I used catrice matte setting powder in the lightest shade. When putting the powder on be sure not to drag the brush across the skin, as you will shift the concealer, so be sure to dab it on gently, especially under the eye area.

Next is my brows, BE WARNED, my eyebrows need doing in this tutorial, they are bushy as hell lol.

I use the catrice brow bar in medium and its a powder product, I use my real techniques angle brush to fill in my brows.

I am not including an image of me doing my eyebrows as they are a disgrace, but if you wish, I can do an eyebrow routine on my blog when they are waxed :)

I apply some Urban decay potion primer before I start my eyeshadow. I really recommend this eye primer.

I decided to use my NYX natural palette and my Urban Decay 'Baked' shadow. In the NYX palette, I used the lightest shade to highlight my brow bone.

From the same palette I used the cream coloured eyeshadow just as an overall base, for all the eyes I am using my real techniques brushes and few topshop brushes, so I just packed on some cream all over my eyelid.

Next I picked a thin delicate brush and I used a dark brown eyeshadow and marked out the crease and outer corner shape on my eye. Note : this is just guidelines and very rough, it will be blended out!!


I then used a big fluffy brush and I blended blended blended!! I took a packing brush and packed some Baked eyeshadow by urban decay on the eyelid and added more brown to the outer corners and crease to add more drama to the eye look, and again I blended it all out.

Next I just applied some gel eyeliner and winged it out and used urban decay mascara to long lashes.



For the lips, I used soap and glory lip balm as a lip primer and applied my rimmel red lippy :)




And voila!!! I am not the best at explaining how to apply makeup etc but I hope you were able to follow it ok :)




All That Shines - Megan :)


REVIEW: MAC Studio fix fluid

Hello Dollies :)

This is my first review on a product on my blog and I thought I'd start off with quite a popular branded cosmetic. Today I am going to be reviewing MAC studio fix fluid in NC15. I had a voucher and decided to try something new so I could do a review on it. Hopefully you find this useful or insightful and maybe gives you first time MAC buyers some help on choosing the right foundation.



Before I start reviewing the product, I just want to let you know I have normal skin but prone to having dry spots around my nose and my chin breaks out now and again. If I use a super matte foundation my skin goes super dry. I never put my foundation directly onto my skin, I use a bb cream and a primer before applying.


 Shade:

When deciding what shade of foundation with MAC, you must determine whether you are cool toned or warm toned. NC is for cool toned and NW is for, yes you guessed it, warm toned :) People with more yellow in there skin tone usually pick the cool toned and people with a pink red tone pick the warm toned foundation. My skin generally is pink but my body is yellow toned so for my foundation I picked NC15 so it would match my neck and chest. 
NC15 I think is the lightest foundation and I found it matched perfect, so If you are used to using ivory or porcelain shades I would pick NC15. The undertone to this foundation is yellow/neutral. As the shade in foundation is crucial, it is best to go into a MAC store or a MAC counter and let them match your skin to the perfect foundation. Nothing worse than an orange face and white chest!!! I would rate this foundation for the shade match a 4/5.

Coverage:

MAC say this foundation is medium coverage although I really find this foundation full coverage. It covers the redness in my cheeks and around my nose well although I found it didn't cover my spots on my chin very well. This foundation worked well as full coverage on the rest of my skin but failed when came to acne as I felt it caked and made it more apparent. If you are looking for a natural looking foundation this is not the one for you. This makeup is very noticeable and sits on the skin rather than blending into the skin, it looks like you are wearing a full face of makeup. It would be great for a wedding or a special occasion but I never use it for every day use as I feel like my skin cant breath with it on. So for coverage I would give it 3/5.

Longevity:

I was very impressed at how long this foundation lasted on my skin. I put it on in the morning and went about my business and it didn't budge and lasted me the whole day. I had just applied a light dusting of powder over the top and it lasted brilliantly so I defiantly giving a 5/5 for this.

Packaging:

The packaging it very simple, black box and inside just a glass jar with a rubbery textured screw lid which got very dirty and grubby looking easily, but nothing a wet wipe wont sort :) The packaging is straight forward no fuss so I rate it a 4/5.

Finish:

The finish is semi matte. This makes it easy to use on both dry and oily skin types. Mac also claim that the Studio Fix Fluid “contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimise the appearance of imperfections.” Ill give the finish 4/5.



Conclusion:

Overall I am hit and miss with this foundation, I like natural looking foundation with a good coverage. This doesn't tick all the boxes for me, it doesn't cover my spots at all, sits cakey on my skin, and really doesnt let my skin breathe. As I have said, it would be brilliant for special occasions as it lasts so long and makes you feel made up but for everyday natural makeup its a big no no for me. I love Bourjous healthy mix foundation its perfect coverage and works wonders with my skin :) 

If you would like me to do a review on the Bourjous Healthy mix foundation please comment below.

Thank you all for reading and would love to hear what you think of my first review :)



All That Shines - Megan x