favourites: lipstick;

A little known fact about me is that I am an avid lipstick collector.  I have dozens of lipsticks in my collection of all colours and brands.  I can't so much as walk past a make-up stand without picking up a tube or two... or four.  However, this does not mean that I am much of a lipstick wearer.  I rarely wear lipstick, or anything on my lips at all!  In fact, there's several lipsticks in my collection that have never even been used!  I do almost always carry one around with me though, just in case, and when I do wear lipstick I tend to stick to the same few every time.  In no particular order, here are my favourite and most worn lipsticks:

(1)  Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush:  These chubby-stick lip stains have become infamous in the blogging community since their release, this colour in particular.  Crush is a deep plum colour that is quite sheer and glossy.  Perfect vampy lip colour for beginners.  

(2)  MAC lipstick in Up The Amp:  As I mentioned in my December haul post, I had been lusting after this shade for months before I finally picked it up, and I was not disappointed.  It's an Amplified Creme finish, meaning it's really creamy and moisturising, and this blue-toned lilac is the prettiest, most wearable purple I've ever seen.

(3)  MAC lipstick in Please Me:  This is the first MAC lipstick I ever bought, and it is still a firm favourite of mine.  It's one of the lesser-known "your lips but better" shades, it seems, but the matte finish and slight coral tone really won me over!

(4)  Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 107:  I feel that everyone and their mother owns this lipstick, and rightly so.  The Kate Moss matte collection has one of the nicest matte formulas I've ever used (I'm a matte finish junkie), and this berry red shade is perfect for spicing up these cold Irish "summer" days.

(5)  Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 16:  Can you tell I adore the Kate Moss lipsticks?  This summery colour is more on the pink side of coral, and I've been reaching for this one quite a lot in the last week.  It's a bit creamier and glossier than a matte finish, meaning it doesn't dry your lips out so much, and the packaging is just gorgeous!

(6)  Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Cotton Candy:  The Revlon Lip Butters, much like the lip stains, have been hugely hyped, and I completely agree.  Cotton Candy is a sheer, glossy, barbie-pink with a gold sparkle and sheen.  It's really moisturising, and is great for giving a quick wash of colour.

Have you tried any of these lipsticks?  What are your favourites?  Thanks for reading!

favourites: movies;

Here's a fact about me:  I am a movie junkie.  My attention span is too short for books, and my schedule often means I don't get to watch any tv, but I always have time for movies!  For me, a trip to the cinema is always an occasion, and despite being able to record from the tv and stream online, I still insist on buying dvds.  I find it much easier to sleep with a movie playing in the background, and I have specific movies that I watch depending on my mood.  I just like 'em.  In no particular order (it was difficult enough narrowing it down to five, believe me), these are my top five favourite movies of all time.

(1) The Snapper:  Though this boxset as a whole is unreal, The Snapper is my favourite of the three.  The Snapper is about a girl called Sharon Curley, who gets pregnant and refuses to tell anyone who the father is. Firstly, it's Irish.  'Nuff said.  Secondly, it's hilarious!  Irish humour at it's best.  Thirdly, Colm Meaney is my favourite human.  It's an absolute classic, I'd recommend it to anyone!

(2) Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium:  Dustin Hoffman is also my favourite human.  This is the story of teh eccentric Mr. Magorium, his magical toy shop, and the story of what happens when he gives ownership of the shop to the store manager, Molly Mahoney.  I first saw this movie while babysitting my younger cousins, and it blew me away.  It has a much deeper meaning than anyone watching it as just a kids' movie will ever understand.  I don't want to give any of the story away (I really, really want all of you to watch this), but I will tell you that this movie truly taught me to be more positive.  It just makes me feel so happy.  I'm getting emotional just thinking about it!

(3) The Sound of Music:  A classic, I'm sure this one needs no explanation.  This is what I call a feel-good flick, and it's something that I put on when I've a few hours to myself and I need a bit of cheering up.  There's  no better feeling than snuggling up with a good cup of tea and belting out to the words to all the songs.  I think everyone wanted a Maria in their lives at least once, I know I did!

(4) Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging:  I will never, ever get tired of this! It's about 14-year-old Georgia Nicholson, and her venture into the world of crushes and kisses.  This movie is full of cringey stories, quirky slang words, and teenage angst, which I can totally relate to.  It's a little bit ridiculous (which tbh it what I like most about it) and you either love it or hate it, but I can't get enough of it!  I wish Georgia's life was my life.

(5) Mary Poppins:  Last, but certainly not least.  I can't remember the first time I saw this, because I was just a baby!  Mary Poppins is a magical nanny (practically perfect in every way) who comes to work for Mr. Banks and his family.  Even as an infant, I was a movie lover, and my parents tell me that I often refused to settle unless Mary Poppins was playing.  I've watched it so many times that I burned through the tape on my VHS!  Hopefully my DVD proves more durable.  This is something I turn to when I want something easy going and lighthearted to watch, and I'll never be bored with it.  It's been my favourite with 21 years now, I don't think that will change any time soon!

As you can see, the majority of these are kids' movies, but there's a reason for that!  I often watch movies when I have some time off from my busy schedule, when I want to unwind and relax, so I much prefer easy going, easy to watch movies that give me a bit of a giggle and lift my spirits.  Now, don't get me wrong, there is a time and a place for a high-powered, suspense-filled, heartstring-tugging action/drama/thriller/horror movies (horror/gore movies are another favourite of mine.  Opposites, much?), but I've always been drawn to kids' movies.  

What are your favourite movies?  Thanks for reading!

favourites: soap & glory;

(Sorry for the awful photo. Life without Photoshop is miserable!)

I have mentioned Soap & Glory too many times already, I know!  However, I've yet to make a post entirely dedicated to this fabulous brand.  Well, today is the day.  Here's a quick run-down of my favourite Soap & Glory products!

(1) Clean On Me:  One of my all-time favourite shower gels, after Snow Fairy.  It has that classic S&G scent that stays on your skin for hours, yet it's still incredibly kind to my sensitive skin.  It lathers really well, and the bubbles are lovely and creamy.  A little goes a long way, and considering the size of the bottle (500mls), it lasts aages.  

(2) Scrub Your Nose In It:  This is a facial scrub/mask which works wonders on blocked pores, blackheads, and blemishes (salicylic acid is a babe!).  It's minty/tea tree scent is delish, and it even smells like it's good for you!  It can be used as a quick-rinse scrub, or left on longer as a face mask.  Or a combination of the two!  The scrubbing beads are quite small so it's not too hardcore but, as with all scrubs, be careful not to over-scrub! I use this once a week, and it really helps to cut through any leftover residue/oil from the weeks make-up, and it leaves my skin feeling soo smooth and fresh.  Five gold stars!

(3) The Righteous Butter:  I best not mention this again or y'all will get tired of hearing about it! Read here, invest, indulge, and enjoy.

(4) Pulp Friction:  And the award for Most Clever Name goes to...? Pulp Friction is a body scrub, which is a 2in1 body wash and scrub.  Perfect for saving time in the shower!  It has a mild fruity smell, which isn't exactly my favourite,  but the product itself more than makes up for that.  I use it primarily to exfoliate before applying false tan.  Because the exfoliating particles are quite small, I can use this more often than other once-weekly scrubs, and I've found that this has made a big difference to my skin. It's the type of product that prompts you to ask strangers "feel how smooth my legs are!". 

So there you have it!  Have you tried any S&G products?  What are your favourites?  Thanks for reading!