The Best Of The Black Friday Sales //

Friday 27 November 2015

The Best Of The Black Friday Sales //




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Even though Black Friday in Ireland is barely a year old, retailers online and instore have cut prices for today and most of the weekend-
If you are like me, you will be doing the saving from your comfortable bed with the swiping of an iPad!
Whether you treating yourself or doing your christmas shopping, you would be crazy to miss this weekends sales.
Companies slash prices today and then again on Monday for 'Cyber Monday'- there are savings to be had so make sure you bag yourself a few!

I have picked out my best picks from Selfridges (international delivery) , Oasis and Shopbop so get yourself a cuppa and enjoy the discounts!

Ultimate Black Friday Discount Codes 

Selfridges:20% off everything & 10% off beauty. Code: SELFCCE 
Oasis: 25% off everything code: BRIGHT25
Shopbop : 25% off with code: GOBIG15
Missguided: 20% off everything: Code CYBER20: https://www.missguided.eu
ASOS: 20% off EVERYTHING: Code CYBER:
Zara : 20% off Coats & Boots : http://www.zara.com/ie/
Brown Thomas: 20% off almost everything* : http://www.brownthomas.com
House of Fraser: up to 50% off selected lines and 10-20% off beauty and fragrance
Topshop: 50% off selected lines
Boohoo: 50% off EVERYTHING
New Look: 50% off
River Island: 50% off selected lines
GAP: 40% off EVERYTHING: Code FRIDAYGAP
Marks & Spencer: up to 50% off selected lines


Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado //

Tuesday 24 November 2015




This is the first eye cream I have ever purchased and it's safe to say it has been a lifesaver over the last few weeks with a toddler and a newborn! A facialist recommended that i start using an eye cream to prevent dehydrated eyelids a few months ago and i have been on the hunt for a nourishing one since.... This rich and creamy eye cream, from cult apothecary brand, Kiehl's, is specifically for those with dry eyelids. It has zero anti-ageing benefits which makes it the perfect choice for me. It is packed full of nourishing ingredients, such as avocado oil and Vitamin A to rehydrate the delicate area around the eyes. With this cold spell, my eye lids are dehydrated and even become sore at times. The first thing about this eye cream is its extremely creamy nature and green hue (courtesy of the avocados), it only takes a tiny amount to generously coat the surface under the eyes. The cream is so intensely moisturising- it makes the skin underneath smooth and plumped. I also find that my concealer goes on so much smoother. This is definitely a product worth splurging on this Christmas....




Ingredients 

Avocado Oil 

Avocado Oil, derived from the fruit of a tropical American tree, is a rich, fatty-acid emollient. Avocado Oil is known to be the most moisturizing of any fruit oil. It is also a natural source of Amino Acid proteins, Vitamins A, D, E, and potassium. Helps to restore the natural moisture of the skin.

Beta-Carotene 

Beta-Carotene is a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots. It is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is the natural fat obtained from the fruit of the African Karate tree and is widely used in lotions and cleansing products for its hydrating properties. Protects skin from dehydration, restores skin's suppleness and improves the appearance of dry skin.



It is priced at €25 for 14ml.

Kiehl's is available online HERE! , Wicklow Street, Dublin and Dundrum Town Centre.




NARS GLOSSY BOX GIVEAWAY //

Friday 20 November 2015


This festive season, global beauty box giant GlossyBox has partnered with the iconic international beauty brand NARS, creating a limited edition box that features some of its best-selling makeup. This glossy box is limited edition and sold out in 27 minutes! 

I have one to give away to one lucky person on my Facebook page / Katiedujour




The box will boast the Via Veneto Larger Than Life Eyeliner, Rikugien Satin Lip Pencil, The Multiple and Blush in cult shade 'Orgasm', as well as the much anticipated new Audacious Mascara

The ultimate beauty box offering, this box is worth over 80 euro and contains the perfect product edit for gifting or just self-spoiling! Not only do these exclusively designed luxe sample size minis provide a perfect introduction to the brand, but they're perfect for popping in your bag or taking away with you on a winter mini break. 

HOW TO ENTER

1. 'Like' my Facebook page / Katiedujour LINK!
2. Share the competition post.

It's that easy!

This is open WORLDWIDE & winner will be selected at random on Dec 1st 2015, just in time for Christmas!!




Introducing Isla Rose //

Tuesday 17 November 2015

We welcomed our little Isla Rose on November 5th 2015 and she is just perfection. We are in awe of her!

    "Isla (eye-la) is a feminine given name traditionally of primarily Scottish usage, derived from "Islay", which is the name of an island off the west coast of Scotland. It is also the name of two Scottish rivers"




She looks just like big sister, Arabella!


The second time around, I felt things were progressing much quicker than my first pregnancy. When pregnant with Arabella, I never felt as much as a twinge and was 42 weeks pregnant when induced. This time, I knew the baby was slighter bigger and had experienced 'braxton hicks' and felt the baby's head was low down and there was constant pressure.



My waters broke very early into thursday morning (I wasn't even sure if it was my waters) and I had 'period like' cramping straight away but nothing too severe. I wasn't sure if I should call the hospital but when I did, they said come in immediately. 

When I arrived , I was immediately examined to see if my waters had indeed broke and was given an injection of 'Pethidine', which is given in the early stages of labour for pain relief. There was no time for waiting around, I was already in full labour and went from 3cm to 8cm very quickly.

The delivery was certainly scary without pain relief as I was fully aware of exactly what was happening. With Arabella, I had an epidural and had a full chat with midwives during delivery! This time , it was happening very fast and Isla Rose arrived at 10:58am weighing 7lb 9.5 ounces and 19.5cm long.

She immediately felt much smaller and more delicate than Arabella , but then she arrived 2.5 weeks earlier. 
At 12pm, she was breastfeeding and there was no problem latching on, she just took to it immediately. Breastfeeding is so much easier second time around. 

The one difference between both labours was the recovery after.  Twenty minutes after birth, I could get up and walk as if nothing had happened. It was the most bizarre feeling!
I can't believe how quick the recovery has been and I think the second time around, your body just adjusts quicker.

On her first night, she slept from 2:30am -10:30am! 
The last few days have been great as she is still sleeping at night, usually 6/7 hours. I hope it continues but who knows at this early stage.

Bringing home a perfect little baby is such a miracle, in light of all the news items and horror stories regarding childbirth, it is definitely something that we don't take for granted. I don't think you worry any less the second time around!

Big sister, Arabella, is definitely having to adjust to a new baby in the house. She is very gentle and kisses & hugs her all the time!  Hopefully, there is a lovely age gap meaning in the next few months, Arabella will be able to 'play' with her new sister and form a lovely bond.

Sisters 





NARS Fall Edit 2015 //

Tuesday 10 November 2015

For Fall 2015, NARS Cosmetics has released an entire new range of eyeshadow sticks varying from neutral to bold shades. The eyeshadow sticks work great for layering, blending and they offer a high pigmentation. I have the shade 'goddess', which is a pink-champagne colour that is great for 'everyday'. My favourite products from this collection has to be the lip glosses. NARS always launches the best lip glosses but I think their 'Chelsea Girls' is amazing!


'Chelsea Girls' is described as a pink beige, the perfect nude lip- both moisturising and comfortable, you are definitely going to fall in love with this. It’s a subtle colour but the formula is perfection.


Have you tried any of the NARS fall collection?
                                                     
SHOP THIS POST HERE!

Autumn Bases //

Tuesday 3 November 2015




Changing up my foundations is something I do quite often, depending on the weather, how my skin is looking and feeling and any other concerns at the time. I have these four bases on rotation, which is surely far more than most, and I switch them up daily depending on how my skin feels. My current autumn bases are all very different, but appropriate for the ‘anything could happen’ Irish weather. I am currently trailing some new releases so It will be interesting to see how they compare to my holy grails!
The Complexion Rescue-er 
The Details:

With it's gel texture this one seems to smooth over the skin, locking in the moisture and providing long lasting hydration all day long.

Light weight but build-able situations, this is my perfect good skin day base. It's so easy to blend and i
t's hydrating properties are not only great for dry skin but leave a luminous sheen to the skin which only gives more glow throughout the day. Brushes are best with this base, creating a flawless complexion that evens out skin tone and texture. SPF 30+ makes the CR a great choice for daily wear.

It's definitely not a one stop base for every single occasion, but it's an excellent day base and my current number one for every day use. If you have dry/normal skin (or oily skin and you really like a glow!) then this is definitely one to buy. 

Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet

The Details:

There is so much to love about this velvety-smooth, sheer fluid base if you have normal to oily or combination skin. The texture is weightless and blends like a dream, providing sheer to light coverage that diffuses flaws yet let's your natural skin tone show through. The formula is watery, like really thin, and when blended into the skin, it just melts in. 

I love the packaging- typical Chanel- it’s sleek, chic and most importantly – probably one of the lightest and easiest to pack/store/travel with foundations in your stocks. Definitely more suited to those with oilier skin. 

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation 

The Details:

Full, natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, this breakthrough formula builds and blends effortlessly with just one drop. This is definitely a full cover base, much fuller than the NARS Sheer Glow. You literally need the tiniest amount to give a good cover. It does feel weightless on the skin but build this up too much and you are in danger of a caked finish so go easy with the application. What I love about this foundation is the flawless even tone it gives your skin with one pump. It has lasted me over 8 months. 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation 

The Details:

Charlotte’s Magic Foundation is what she describes as a “new generation” hybrid of anti-ageing, full coverage foundation. This is a weightless, easy to buff formula that will flatter every age, skin tone and skin concern. And she’s so confident in how great it is that her campaign images are before and after shots, completely un-retouched. 
It applies beautifully – I use a good buffing brush for best results, and I find the finish is perfect for me. Not too matte, not too dewy. It seems to keep me shine-free throughout the day too, something i’m hoping will improve with usage, like the description says.
In terms of coverage, I’m really impressed at how well this conceals and corrects, it's the perfect evening autumn base for those who like a bit more coverage. 


Remember that seasons change and so should your foundation!


Insta- Life Lately //

Sunday 1 November 2015



I can hardly believe that my favourite month is coming to a close... 

This month has brought afternoon tea & cocktails, Charlotte Tilbury makeovers, the best of my base collection (expect a post soon) and these beautiful Joie Dalton booties...




And when this ZARA box arrives full of winter goodies.....


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