Thursday, 9 January 2014

We're in Holly Hagan Heaven!!

Hi Ladies!

So something I've noticed over the past couple of years is just how bloody cool it is to be a Geordie, from Cheryl Cole to Ant and Dec and Alan Shearer to the entire cast of MTV's hit reality tv show 'Geordie Shore'. Who knew Newcastle on Tyne was such a huge producer of famous faces?  Trust me, just Google 'famous Geordies' the list is ridiculously long!

(Image: Wikipedia.org)

Aside from the hilarious drunken antics of the cast of Geordie Shore, one of the best things to come from Newcastle this past year or so is the fashion! Thankfully for those of us that cannot afford high end designer frocks the ever fabulous Holly Hagan of Geordie Shore fame has her own range with online fashion giant 'The Fashion Bible'. Although we know Holly is was born in Thornaby-on-Tees, in our eyes she is an honorary Geordie and that is how we will always see her!

 
(Image: www.geordieshoreweb.com)



Holly is known for her killer heels, mini dresses and gorgeous hair that has been purple, red, blue, brown and practically every colour known to man! She one of very few people that can pull off just about any hair colour and we love how she isn't afraid to push the boundaries with her hair and fashion choices! Holly is absolutely stunning and shows her strength on a regular basis, by standing up to bullies and critics, and we love her for that! The collection is filled with beanies, dresses, leggings and more, meaning it has something for every one!

 So in honour of all things Holly stands for and represents, we decided to pick our favourite pieces from her 'Yours Faithfully' collection with The UK Fashion Bible and share them with you, enjoy!



You Can't Sit With Us Sweatshirt In Grey
Sweatshirt €24.13

Tartan Peter Pan Collar Mini Dress € 32.58

 
Sequin Body Con Low Back Dress € 66.38

Aztec Swing Dress € 26.56

'Love' Bangle € 8.45

Short Faux Fur Coat € 30.17


'More Issues Than Vogue' Sweatshirt € 30.18

Tartan Skort € 18.10

Wet Look Leggings € 16.89

Vintage Inspired Floral Fringe Jacket € 59.76

So from the must have item of the season the skort to perfecting the tartan trend, the 'Yours Faithfully' Collection by Holly Hagan has something for everyone and it is easy on the credit card too!

All of the pieces featured, along with the whole collection can be seen here:



Happy Shopping Ladies!



Love Megan

Recessionista HQ

xx


Saturday, 28 December 2013

New Year, New You!

Hi ladies,

Now that Christmas is almost over (I say almost because I am refusing to let go just yet, admitting its over means I'll have to take off my onesie and stop having chocolate for breakfast and I need at least one more day) its time to start thinking about 2014 and all that it can bring with it.

(Image: www.mnn.com)

Many people will begin to reflect on the closing year and start to think about all the things they wish they could go back and do differently or they choose to think about what the past year has taught them and what they would like to change about themselves for next year, usually involving losing weight, giving up smoking, getting a new job etc. but for me, I think a little differently; I prefer to think about what I can take on in the new year, rather than what I can give up.

I will turn 22 in February 2014 and although I know 22 is not old, I recently had a bit of a panic about my upcoming birthday. I know most people reading that last sentence will probably laugh and if they're older than me will probably be thinking 'Oh wait until you turn 25 or 30 or whatever age said reader is' but for me its not about being 22 that scares me, its that my whole life I couldn't wait to be 21. I knew that I would have finished college by the time I turned 21 and had dreamed that 21 would be my adventure year. I had hoped that 2013 would be filled with travelling, finding my dream job and really achieving something and as I started to reflect, I realized that I hadn't done any of those things, which then got me thinking.

(Image: www.zazzle.com)

I am a firm believer in the bucket list. I think it is much more positive and more likely to be a successful new years resolution if you choose to take on or try something new rather than trying to give up something. This time last year I made my very own bucket list, which I lost and can't remember what was on it but this year will be different; this year my two best friends and I have made a joint 2014 bucket list.


We decided that we would each choose 4 new activities, make a list of the final 12 things and made a pact to do one thing from the list each month. We each went away and began googling bucket lists and things to do before you die and came up with all sorts of ideas from crashing a wedding to swimming with sharks, but we tried to keep the list as feasible as possible and we have yet to decide what order we will do them but here is our final list:


(Image: www.jaimeemorse.com)

1. Walk to the top of Mt.Brandon 
2. To jump off the top of a waterfall
3. To do something for charity
4. To visit the Cliffs of Moher
5. Kayaking
6. To do the Electric Run in Dublin
7. Get a map of Europe, choose a destination blindfolded and travel there for 2/3 days.
8. Go to a musical
9.  Hot Air Balloon
10. Go glamping
11. Water Zorbing
12. Be extras on a film or TV show for a day

Now I know lots of you will be thinking parts of our list aren't very exciting or maybe you've already done most of it, but bucket lists are very personal, and will be very different for each person. We just wanted to make sure that by this time next year, we can look back and enjoy the memories we made trying these new things, and who knows, maybe it will become an annual tradition for us! Seeing as none of us are overly flush with cash these days, we've also decided to choose something luxurious that we really want, like expensive make up or shoes (I'm choosing a pair of Louboutins) and we are saving a small amount each week so that in one year's time we can each buy our luxury item!

(Image: www.ladyrika.wordpress.com)

I can't wait to start our 2014 adventures but I have also made a list of some personal things I would like to achieve such as paying off my debts, passing my full license driving test, developing the blog, spending more time with my family and friends, reading more, taking more photos and things like that. 
One major thing I wish to do in 2014 is to live more! We spend so much of our lives working and cleaning and doing all those grown up things that we sometimes forget to just live, have a duvet day, a water fight, get outside and get some fresh air, go to more concerts, go to the beach, make a fort with your kids or nieces/nephews, bake! The lists are endless, but just remember that life is for living!

(Image: www.mountainemeadows.com)

This post is a bit different to what we usually do here at Recessionista Styling, especially since it isn't fashion or beauty related, but we have exciting news, in 2014 we will be launching a brand new website, new name, and new format and we will be expanding the scope of the blog to include lifestyle pieces as well as lots more fashion, beauty and hair posts too! 

I will be writing a post about each of our experiences as we do them throughout the year!

We can't wait to finally share our new logo and new website with you, it has taken a lot longer than we originally thought but we're just happy to be so close to the launch!

Thank you for your continued support throughout 2013, we wish you all the best for the New Year!



Megan
Recessionista HQ
xxx





Monday, 2 December 2013

Have a Beauty-Full Christmas




Hi Girlies!




Eeek! We are into December now and the official countdown for Christmas has started! Yayyy I'm so excited! But...if you're anything like me then you probably still have gifts to buy? If you're stuck for ideas then hopefully I can help? I have made a list of what I think are the top ten beauty buys this Christmas. Most of them are under €100 too!



#1
Benefit - Best of Benefit, you're my number one.
This set contains six mini versions of Benefits best selling products. Its perfect for when you know someone uses the brand but you're not sure which products they use, and it would also be a brilliantly cost effective way to treat yourself to trying these products out!














Set contains:
Mini Porefessional (Primer) 7.5ml
They’re Real Mini (Mascara) 4.0g
Mini Hoola (Bronzer) 3.0g
Mini Benetint (Cheek tint) 4.0ml
Mini boiing (Concealer) 01 & 02 2x 1.5g
Mini Highbeam (Highlighter) 4.0ml



Price: €29.50
Available from www.boots.ie



#2
Bobbi Brown - Twilight Pink Lip and Eye Palette (Limited Edition)
This palette is amazing for any one of any age. The ten eyeshadow shades are a gorgeous mix of matte and shimmer colours that will take you from "dawn-to-dusk" and also four lip shades to compliment these eye shadows. Its a fantastic little set that would make a perfect Christmas present!



Price: €67.50
Available from Brown Thomas



#3
Elizabeth Arden - Untold (Eau De Parfum)
This is a luxurious and modern, floral and sensual fragrance. Something new to the Elizabeth Arden line and suitable for any woman who would love a slightly woody, musky, warm and fruity fragrance . You can mostly smell the patchouli as the base note from this and its really lovely and different. People will compliment you when you wear this fragrance!




Price: €90 for 100ml (various sizes available)
Available from Debenhams



#4
Clarins - The Essential Eye Makeup Palette (Limited Edition)
This palette contains 10 amazing mineral eye shadow shades. All very neutral and very complimenting for any eye colour or for any age. I would highly recommend this limited edition product. I even recommend it before Urban Decays naked palette! Its fab and anyone who has used it loves it! Money well spent and the ideal gift for any makeup wearer or even the perfect addiction to a makeup lovers kit!




Price: €42
Available from Debenhams



#5
Lancôme - Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara Set
This set is fab for someone who loves wearing mascara and liner. It contains an eye makeup remover too. It is a perfect stocking filler or Kris Kringle buy!




Set contains.
Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara (Black)
Bi Facial Eye Makeup Remover
Mini Crayon Kohl (Black)



Price: €27
Available from Debenhams



#6
Clarins - Face & Body Getaways Set
This set is great to get for someone when you're not sure what skincare products they use, as it contains a great mix of miniature face and body essentials suitable for all skin types and all ages!



Set contains:
Beauty Flash Balm 50ml
Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 100ml
One Step Gentle Cleanser 75ml
Eye Contour Gel 10ml
Hydra Quench Cream Normal 15ml
Moisture Rich Body Lotion 30ml



Price: €55
Available from Debenhams



#7
Babyliss - Curl Secret
This is the new "must have" in the hair world! It was all about the curling wand but now its this product. It gives free flowing long lasting curls and can be used on long or short hair. I love anything that gets my hair ready in less time so this is definitely going on my list!



Price: €139.99
Available from Mulligans



#8
Bare Minerals - Perfect Ten (Limited Edition)
This set has been compiled using the ten most iconic shades available at Bare Escentuals. This sleek and slim travel size clutch contains eyeshadows lip glosses and cheek colours that are neutral enough to take you through all the seasons. I personally think this is an amazing gift for a friend or family member who is travelling or moving away and can only bring a few makeup essentials. Its perfect for any age.




Set includes:
6 eyeshadow shades-
•One Hit Wonder (Butter Chiffon)1.3g
•Ritzy (Shimmering Cocoa) 1.3g
•So Chic (Shimmering Java) 1.3g
•Promise (Creamy Beige) 1.3g
•Ooh La La (Sugared Mauve) 1.3g
•Keepsake (Sparkling Graphite) 1.3g



2 Blush Shades-
•The Indecent Proposal (Sparkling Plum) 3g
•Luminizer in The Premiere 4.5g



Marvelous MoxieTM Lipstick in Make Your Move (soft neutral pink) 0.8g
Marvelous MoxieTM Lipstick in Stand Out (rosewood) 0.8g
Mini Lip Brush
Mini Double-Ended Blush & Shadow Brush



Price: €46
Available from Debenhams





#9
Opi Nail Lacquer 10 Piece set, Take Ten Mini Kit (Limited Edition)
I love OPI nail polishes! They are long lasting and easy to use. They are very similar to the result you get from a 2-3 week shellac or gelish polish. The polish lasts about 1-2 weeks. I have searched high and low for these in the shops but I think most people buy them online. This set is perfect to take you through any look over the Xmas period.




Price: $17.50/€12.88 (free delivery)
Available from www.Amazon.com



#10
NUXE - Luxury Christmas Gift Set
This is a luxurious boxed gift set containing three of NUXE’s best selling products. This set is perfect for someone who loves luxurious skincare and it's also great pick me up product as it leaves your skin feeling soft and with a radiant glow. The creams are loaded with vitamins A and E, green tea, camomile and cornflower water.
The multi purpose oil contains a unique cocktail of precious plant oils which work together to give you a product that will nourish and repair your body and hair and can be used on all skin and hair types. It also improves the appearance of stretch marks.




Set contains:
Huile Prodigieuse Ltd Edt Oil 50ml
Crème Prodigieuse face cream 40ml
Creme Prodigieuse eye cream  15ml



Price: €36.50
Available from www.cloud10beauty.com





*Don't forget that at this time of year, most cosmetics counters in most department stores can make "tailored to you" hampers. Making life so much easier!



Happy shopping ;)
Sammy xx

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

My Letter To Santa

Hi Dolls!

So this week's theme for 'Into the West Blogger Network' is 'My Letter to Santa' so here it is:

Dear Santa,

I hope you are keeping well and I'm sure you're super busy what with Christmas being less than one month away and all, but if you have a minute I'd appreciate if you could read my letter.

I have searched high and low to find things to add to my list this year, so please read my letter carefully.

1. Shoes - because there are very few things life can throw at me that a new pair of shoes won't fix. Plus I live by the motto 'Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world'.
Black embellished open toe shoe boots

2. A watch - if I'm going to conquer the world in my new shoes, then I had better be on time!
Red Jelly Watch

3. A dress - Mostly because I love this dress but also conquering the world probably requires clothes.



4. A bag - to store all of world conquering tools such as my phone, make up and iPad...by the way I don't have an iPad so you might want to throw one of those in there too.


5. A jacket - in case it rains or gets cold (a.k.a pretty much 50% of the year in Ireland)


6. A Mi Moneda Necklace - 'Carpe Diem' means 'seize the day' so you know, it will serve as my inspiration for 2014, and its really pretty AND it everyone who is anyone has one!


I hope Mrs.Claus is keeping well, I heard she was having issues with some of the elves?! Anyway I suppose after asking for so much from you, I 'd like to offer my services, have you thought about social media? I could teach you a thing or two!

Let me know,

Happy Christmas, see you on the 24th!

Love Megan
Recessionista HQ
xx

Ps, If you decide to hire me to take care of your PR and Social Media, I'm sure we could work out an easy form of payment, perhaps a car? I know it won't fit down my chimney but you can park it outside and just pop the keys under the tree! I'd love a Mercedes Benz ;)

(Image: Wikipedia.org)




Friday, 22 November 2013

Walk The Line

Hey girlies!!



This week I have decided to do a post about liquid eyeliners. Its one of the products I don't think I'd survive without, and, well, I'm sure if I can't live without it then it's got to be a staple for lots of other people too, and finding the one you love is a major priority. It's like finding the right bra! I have reviewed 8 liquid eyeliners (in black) and I have rated them out of 5. My top liner is my favourite budget one and the following is my favourite couture one. 

Enjoy ;)

Rimmel - Glam Eyes Professional liquid liner
This liner is my favourite of all time. Not only because of the price. Its so easy to use too. I've been using this since I was around 15 (and that's a long time) if it's been around that long it must be doing something right! And it is! I think with many products that you would use for years, you would get used to it and feel like a change, or want to see what else is out there but always go back to the one you love? That's this product for me. This liner has a brush tip. It glides on effortlessly with no need for corrections. Its long lasting and transfer and smudge resistant. Also easy on the pocket!

(Image: www.rimmellondon.com)

Priced: €7.19
Rate: 5/5


Clarins - Instant liner
This is my favourite couture liner. It's not even the priciest one here but it is from a designer cosmetics brand. I love the spongey tip, it makes application very easy. It drys very quick. It's very black (which I love). Its easy to do both thick and thin lines so its suitable for all looks. It doesn't smudge or transfer onto eyelids which I think is the most important factor and it lasts all day!

(Image: www.nordstrom.com)


Price: €25
Rate: 5/5

Estée Lauder- Zero Smudge Double Wear Liner
This brush tip liner is close favourite to the Clarins one. Its easy to use. Its also transfer and smudge resistant. Its one of my absolute favourite and I have it in my makeup kit for using on clients.
(Image: www.perfumeemporium.com)


Price: €27.50
Rate: 5/5


Dior Style liner- Intense liquid liner
Another of my favourites! Does exactly what you want it to. It's really black aswell. Love it :) Its felt tip and lasts all day!
(Image: www.allure.com)

Price: €33
Rate: 5/5


MAC liquid last liner
This is my least favourite of all the liners. I was so disappointed as I love love love MAC but this product was a complete let down. It was just messy. It irritated my eyes! Maybe the reason it was messy was due to that irritation. I'm not sure, but I couldn't wait to get it off and it ruined all my eye-shadow too.

(Image: www.beautylish.com)

Price: €21
Rate: 0/5

Rimmel Scandleyes Thick and Thin Eyeliner
I wanted to try this product after I saw it on Rosanna Davison's Instagram page. She was raving about it saying how amazing it was. Soooo I went out the next day and bought it. It wasn't at all how I expected it to be. Totally the opposite. It smudged into my upper eyelids and faded away after a couple of hours. I expected it to be amazing considering that she loved it and because it's made by the same people as my already favourite liner. I wouldn't recommend it.

(Image: www.beaut.ie)

Price: €6.99
Rate: 0/5

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
I really wanted to give this product a 5/5. It's really good! I love it! The results are fab it lasts all day it doesn't smudge or transfer...if you have eye-shadow on!? If you're like me and get days when you're fed up off having a full face of makeup and only want to wear some liner and mascara on your eyes then don't use this product on those days as it will smudge but its amazing every other day. It was going to be my favourite couture product until I discovered this flaw. I'm disappointed but it's okay I will still wear it!
(Image: www.feelunique.com)

Price: €17.50
Rate: 4/5

Catrice Waterproof Liquid Liner
This liner was recommended to me from a fellow blogger. She absolutely loves the product! I went and bought it and I have to say I'm not a huge fan. It went on lovely and I did love it for a while but it didn't last all day, took ages to dry and it smudged onto my upper eye lids. I was getting excited about this product as I thought it was going to be my new favourite but it let me down. I know its great value but I think of the saying "you get what you pay for" when I think of this liner.

(Image: www.coolspotters.com)

Price: €4.30
Rate: 3/5

Below I have posted a pick of my eyes before liner and then after and with lashes added for effect. It's amazing the difference eyeliner can make to your whole makeup look! Anyone can do it. It just takes practice, and practice makes perfect!



Tip:
To apply liner to the eye. The trick is to lay the applicator down parallel to the line of your eye. Don't hold it the same as you would a pen straight out from the eye. Small strokes are the best and start from the inner corner or middle of the eye and work your way out wards. If you make a mistake, use a q-tip, it will come in handy to wipe away any smudges.


Happy lining! ;)

Sammy
xx

Sunday, 10 November 2013

Irish Tanning Companies Reviewed

Hi ladies!

My next post is for the "Into the West Blogger Network"

The theme is "All Things Irish" so I have decided to write a post about 2 very successful Irish tanning companies "Cocoa Brown Tan" and "TanOrganics" and some of my favourite of the products that they provide.
I thought that giving the time of year, with party season fast approaching it would be great to review the perfect Irish tanning products to give those pins a "natural sun-kissed ", "just been on holiday look."

I want to start with "TanOrganics"
The Kildare native Noelle O'Connor is the driven business woman and entrepreneur behind the brand. She pitched her self-tanning product to the dragons of "Dragons Den" back in the depths of the recession in 2010 looking for a €50,000 investment for the brand that's now worth millions. Not only are the products available in this brand, amazing for being Irish and for the story of how it all started, but because they are lovely products to use that really do work and give a lovely bronzed tan moisturised glow to our naturally pale Irish skin tones.
They have won numerous awards ie: "RSVP Beauty Award 2013" & "Social and Personal Best Buys". "Tan Organics Original" self tanning product doesn't leave that horrible curry smell and it doesn't fade away in patches that leave you looking like a sick Dalmatian which wins it for me alone. I have read mixed reviews about this product but I have to say I love it! The only downside is that it doesn't last as long as I would have liked.
It has ultra moisturising ingredients, hydrates the skin, gives a radiant glow, 100% natural organic and paraben free.


Rate 4/5
Price: €19.99
Available from: www.tanorganics.com



A sister product to this is the fabulous "Oil Arganic" which is intended to be a preparation for the tan but it is great as an everyday body moisturiser even when you're not tanning. I love this dry body oil spray especially because of how it absorbs so easily into the skin. You can dress straight after application and you won't feel a residue left on your skin like other oils. Gives a lovely radiant glow to your skin and instantly hydrates. It contains 8 different plant oils. Can be used on skin and even hair! Improves stretch marks also.


Rate: 5/5
Price: €24.99
Available from: www.tanorganics.com



Cocoa Brown Tan is another very successful Irish self-tan company. It was also set up by an Irish female entrepreneur. Marissa Carter who is a Blackrock native and owner of the already very successful Carter Beauty Salon, Beauty Editor of Irish Parent Magazine and Beauty Expert on TV3's Xpose, is the lady behind the brand. She developed "Cocoa Brown Tan" to meet her customers lifestyle needs which were to have a naturally bronzed looking tan. The products available are 1 hour tan , Night and Day Mousse and Tough Stuff Body Scrub. The 1 hour tan is an amazing instant tan product that you leave on for between 1-3 hours depending on how dark you would like it. Then you shower and within another 2-3 hours you have your gorgeous sunkissed tan. It claims it doesn't have a "biscuit smell" but don't expect to have a completely odourless tan, as in my opinion all tans have some sort of smell.

Rate: 4/5
Price: €7.99
Available: www.carterbeauty.ie and various chemists



The Night and Day mousse is my favourite of the 2 as it gives a darker tan. It's really easy to apply as it goes on dark. Doesn't take long to develop and lasts a few days too. It says it lasts 5 days but I'd say maybe 3-4. Its a great tan for that Christmas party if you want a flawless and dark tan.

Rate: 5/5
Price: €7.99

Available: www.carterbeauty.ie and various chemists




Love Sammy
Recessionista HQ
xx