The Irish Beauty Blog Awards 2015

Hello lovelies, Thursday night was crazy and such an experience and of course, like all events and things I do, I want to share it all with you guys. Unfortunately my blogger didn't upload this on Monday and I was so busy with Graduation I didn't even realise so finally, here we go.

Over the past few weeks I found out I was originally long-listed for Best New Blog in the Irish Beauty Blog Awards 2015. Then the week prior to the awards I was informed I was short-listed!

The awards were on Thursday just gone, the 21st of May. I was contacted by the wonderful organiser Lisa who informed me of the short-list nomination and gave me the details.

First off I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me in the run up to the long-list and to the judges who seen something in my baby blog as I like to call it. It was a surreal experience and one I was highly humbled to be a part of. Being short-listed has boosted my confidence in my baby blog and made me appreciate the power of the internet and how in just a short few months you can gain recognition and connect with so many people over a passion you have.

The Event

Thursday came around pretty quick and after getting ready for hours on end and meeting my wonderful date and best friend Trish, we headed to the awards.

They were held in Lillies Bordello in Dublin City Centre.

Complimentary Vodka and Cranberry on arrival

When we arrived the party was already in full swing and I met Lisa on the way in who was so welcoming and handed us our goodie bags and gave us details on the event and plan for the night, then directed us to the VIP area up the stairs where we remained for the night.

There was finger food, cupcakes from Jen's Couture Cakes, which were to die for, and we got a free drink and amazing service from the staff of Lillies, so prop's up to the staff who were probably a little overwhelmed at such a big event.

TanOrganic Cupakes made by Jen's Couture Cakes...Amazing!

My favourite thing about the awards was it was in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland, an amazing organisation.

After meeting up with two wonderful blogger friends of mine, Cat from Mentally Beautiful and Amy from What She Does Now and also a fellow nominee, we had a few drinks, ate some food and gossiped like all beauty lovers do.

The awards started at half nine, a half hour later than expected and went on for an hour, there was various spokespersons and lots of amazing bloggers.

Congratulations to all who won, it was well deserved to all and to all the fellow nominee's continue to be proud of your work! Everyone involved and present was hard working and deserved to be long-listed, short-listed and to win.

I didn't win my category but the wonderful 'The Beauty Inbox' did, which was amazing and I was so happy for her.

After the awards ceremony, there was a raffle which the proceeds went to Breast Cancer Ireland and then drinks and more dancing till all hours.

What I Wore

Statement Necklace*: iClothing

N/A 

Black Drape Dress: River Island

€45 

Available in store

Black/Gold heels: NewLook

€45

Available in store / online

Over all it was a wonderfully organised event and I look forward to attending future awards in support of such a hard working online community! Nominated or not, it is an event every blogger should attend, it's free and in aid of an amazing cause!

Thank you to the wonderful team behind the awards, especially Lisa who made it all happen and who was super helpful and to all the lovely new bloggers I spoke to that night who were humbling and welcoming into the wider group.

Congratulations once again to all the winners!

First impressions & Tanning 101 with Cocoa Brown.

The past few months I have fallen back in love with having olive toned skin and feeling like I've been on holiday even when I haven't left the house. 

I was never really big on tanning growing up and only did so for nights out and even then I was forcing myself to fit in. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with being as pale as I am, I love that, but sometimes I just want that holiday feeling with a new outfit. 

If you've read some of my previous posts and favourite products then you'll know I've become a complete Cocoa Brown (CB) addict since December of last year. It's the only tanning product I feel works best with my skin and my everyday routine. 

Why am I such a big Cocoa Brown lover? 

I'm not a 'tan every day' kind of girl. I don't think anyone would ever really put that effort in.

For myself I use the 1 Hour tan weekly, I apply it on a Sunday night ready for the week and leave for 2-3 hours. The good thing with the 1 hour tan is you can choose how dark you want to be and it lasts throughout the week fading evenly, so by the weekend I'm as pale as a sheet but that's when the cycle begins again.

When I found out CB brought out a darker version of the 1 hour tan, I had to try it. So I finally hunted a bottle of the dark tan in penny's/primark and here I am, about to try, test and see how it works for me. 

Prep

Shower- It is recommended you have your daily shower prior to application, so wash with your body wash products. Do not shave before tanning, shave the night before so you don't end up with tan spots and clogged pores on your legs. 

Exfoliate- Make sure to scrub your body the night before. I use 'Tough Stuff' by CB also as it's sweet, pink and not too harsh on my skin. It's available from penny's/primark and is 6 euro.

Moisturise- Before applying any tan, make sure to moisturise. I use an Aloe Vera based moisturiser pre-tanning but any daily moisturiser will do as long as it is extra absorbent and doesn't leave a residue on the skin. I recommend any Garnier products as they are cheap and perfect for pre-tan applications. CB also do a moisturiser called Chocolate Whip, but I use that post tanning which you will see in a while, but this could also be used. 

Tanning

What's needed?- If you're a tanning newbie or expert it doesn't matter, you need the few following things. 

- An old towel: This is to stand on and make sure you don't get tan everywhere. 

- Gloves: you can by CB tanning gloves or just pick up a cheap box of 100 disposable plastic gloves from the pound shop, either will do. This is to stop the tan that will go through the tanning mitt from staining your hands, nobody likes orange palms. 

-Tanning mitt: Never, EVER, try tanning with a proper mitt, tanning mitt's exist for a reason and if you want patch-less skin and an even glow, then pick one up. You can buy numerous different brands in penny's/primark and they are about 2-3 euro. 

Never tan without!

- Tanning wear: I tend to sit around in a fluffy dressing gown, but you can mix it up any way you like. Dressing gown, tank top and shorts, any loose clothing is perfect while waiting for tan to develop. Do not wear any bra/bikini as this will leave marks not just on your body but also on your clothes, especially white clothing, so try to avoid white at best until after development.  

Post-Tan

-CB shower directions: If you haven't read the bottle there's a reason you shower prior to your tanning application, as after applying you need to shower again but this is when you use no products and just water. So make sure you get that body wash in before hand.

-Moisturise: After I have washed off the tan and my body now has the desired glow, I use CB's Chocolate Whip moisturiser. It helps with sealing the tan, dries quickly and also smells like chocolate. I use this throughout the week also as it helps the tan fade evenly. 

Cocoa Brown Dark 1 Hour Tan- First Impressions

The result

After 1 hour of development

The first difference I noticed about the new dark shade was the new nozzle. It's smaller and easier to control over pumping. When I first applied the tan it was a lot darker then I thought it would be and I was afraid after the hour that I would be seven shades darker then usual. There was no difference with the formula just the colour. 

I left the tan on for just an hour. The colour wasn't too intense after the hour and I am super happy with the result, it saved me two hours of waiting as usually I use the original 1 hour tan and wait for three hours for a similar shade, so if you like being darker and want to save time I highly recommend the darker shade. 

I'm going to continue to use this tan over the next two weeks and will give a full review on how it fades and re-applies. 

Until next time, 

Lots of love

Melody x

The Sunday Night Movie Pick'N'Mix!

Hello lovelies,
Happy Sunday, I hope you've had a wonderful weekend. Of course though, tomorrow is a new week, a new Monday and a new day full of life stresses for most. So to brighten up the last few hours of this Sunday evening, why not snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie?

I've picked my top ten Sunday night movie loves at the moment to share with you all and hopefully give you an idea of what you might watch on this fine evening! 

A Long Way Down

 

A comedy and drama in one, perfect for someone who loves that feeling when you think you're about to cry and then something hilarious happens and you're left laughing till you cry instead of sobbing like a baby. 

It also features some wonderful actors and actresses and a storyline that everyone can relate to in some way. 

MORE INFO.

The Seven Year Itch

Golden Globe winner, multi-nominated and complete classic all in one. One of my all time favourite movies with some of my favourite actors/actresses, and of course my favourite icon Marilyn!

If you haven't seen this classic yet, then it's one to watch!

MORE INFO.

Lets Be Cops

The perfect movie for a night in with friends or family!

It will have you laughing from start to finish, like the hangover and 21 and over in one. 

I think I cried for a solid ten minutes at one point at this movie...no shame. It was hilarious. 

MORE INFO.

21 and Over

Another hilarious movie, I think there's a theme here. This film is another movie that had me crying laughing, I may laugh at everything but it's hard for me to actually find comedy films funny, so if I laugh, it's a good one. 

Perfect for date night, just saying. 

MORE INFO.

Tangled

I had to include some Disney in the list somewhere, one of my favourites and one of the most recent famous movies after the pandemic of Frozen of course.

Fun, not just for the ladies and also quite funny. 

MORE INFO.

Divergent

I love Shailene Woodley, yes I'm a massive 'Secret life of the american teenager' fan, but when Divergent came out I just never actually got around to seeing it, till last week when I downloaded it off the Sky Store and watched it four days in a row. For those panic moments, comedy and some typical teen romance (Mr. Four is perfect eye candy) then this is the movie for you.

It was perfect for a girls night and for watching alone.

MORE INFO.

The Heat

Multi-award winner and hilariously funny. Yes I know, another comedy, but when you have those Sunday night blues you need a pick me up. Two of the greatest and funniest actresses alive bring this crazy story to life, the perfect duo!

MORE INFO.

White House Down

I feel this movie is really underrated, though at some points it can be a little unrealistic, it's glorified drama and action. Which is great when you want those bullets and explosions everywhere. 

Boys night in, girls night in, both gender's night in, any kind of night, day, date, it's an all rounder film for me. 

MORE INFO.

Stuck in Love

This film is one of my all time favourites with an amazing cast and story line. It will have you crying laughing, just crying and smiling from ear to ear at intense moments, it's like a subtle tear-jerker and I'm obsessed. 

I may just watch this tonight, a perfect way to end the week.

MORE INFO.

The Wolf of Wall Street

My all time favourite movie. I know, you're all thinking 'Why there's so much better' but I base films on how happy they make me. The story of when I first saw this film also contributes to the happy feelings every time I watch it, which is countless. 

The story involved a man obviously leaving to use the bathroom at the notorious 'GIVE ME THE PHONE' moment, (you know, when they were out of it on drugs), and I have never seen a man react to a film like ever before. Half way down the cinema stairs, he collapsed onto a step and began laughing and crying so loud that it made the entire cinema laugh louder, then his friends had to go pick him up off the floor and help him back to his seat. 

Every time I watch that part, I just can't help but laugh a little louder reminiscing that moment. 

MORE INFO

I hope you find a movie to watch that you haven't seen before or maybe have and had forgotten about, but until next time...

Happy Watching!

Melody x

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My Hair Care Diary!- A typical day

Hello lovelies, recently I've been getting into my hair care routine again, something I was really into when growing my hair out, and after letting my hair grow and dying it to a colour I love. I've been styling it a lot more which means I need to keep it in good condition especially since I have ombre. If you haven't guessed, blonde is a very hard colour to achieve without any sort of damage.
I decided to write up, in order of use, a typical day in my hair care routine and share my favourite products, prices and any tips I may have. 

Herbal Essence Shampoo and Condition (DUO)

I've gone through many duo's and I could just never find a balance but once I gave in to the neurotic overly sexual and photo-shopped advertisement with Nicole, I decided to give in and buy the duo. 

If you're looking for something to help with split ends and especially if you're trying to grow out your hair, I would recommended this duo. Not only does it give a hi-shine (nothing like Nicole's), but it also smooths the hair, de-frizzes and helps repair. 

Shampoo- €5.99 

Conditioner- €5.99

Available in Dunnes Stores, Tesco's and Boots nationwide.

Tips

 When in the shower (TMI, I KNOW), I wash my hair with the shampoo first. Basically, I lather till my heads practically a bubble ridden snow globe and then leave to sit for a few seconds, then I just wash out as normal. The usual shampoo routine that I'm sure everyone does. I leave my hair free of product for a minute or two and then lather the conditioner from 3/4 of the way down and I leave it sitting in my hair for five minutes tops! 

I find this helps get the product into the bottom of my hair better and the longer I leave it the smoother and more repaired my hair looks the following day. It also helps with grease, because guys you can't lie, every girl and boys hair out there is going to get greasy at some point, that's the sign you need to think about washing it maybe the day after, but don't forget the natural oils are also good for you hair.

My hair lasts up to three days without any problems but I'm in the habit of washing my hair every second day so very rarely I would leave it the three days but on the recent occasions that I have, I noticed that it was smooth and still looked clean and fresh even after curling, waves and straightening. 

TRESemme Heat Defence Spray

I've been using this product for two to three years now and it's the only heat spray that doesn't leave my hair feeling too heavy or sticky. 

It helps protect the hair when drying or straightening, which is what every heat defence spray is meant to do but often they don't live up to the hype. 

Spray €6.99

Available in Dunnes Stores, Tesco and Boots nationwide.

Tips

After towel drying my hair I spray this product all over my hair from roots to ends, I concentrate on the ends more as I want the most protect there. You don't need much, about five to six sprays should do it, I have medium length hair so if you have longer hair I recommend 10 sprays should cover roots to ends. I then massage the product into the hair and re-towel dry the hair, to get rid of extra product, it's a habit but I find it works best for myself. 

Primark Argan Oil

Argan Oil is similar to the morrocan oil within my daily shampoo and conditioner above, I use this as an 'extra guard'. I have tried many, which include elixir oils from high end brands and I found they all do the same thing, so I now use the primark version as it's cheap and does the job for me, it also lasts a long time for such a small bottle, no over spraying. 

Argan Oil €2.50

Available from Penny's/Primark nationwide.

Tips

I apply this product after re-towel drying the hair. I drop four to five drops onto the palm of my hand, rub my hands together to create a warmth and then run the product over my hair from roots to ends concentrating on the ends. Then taking an extra drop or two I apply another thin layer to the ends of my hair and leave to sit for a minute or two. This is when I'll leave my hair to air-dry and then blast the hair dryer over my hair. I'm trying to avoid the dryer, so I only use if in a rush, otherwise I'll leave to air-dry. 

With the products above my hair turns out good whether I use a styling tool like the dryer or leave to air dry, there is no residue from the products and it takes only a few minutes. 

Hope this helps some of you hair loving lovelies. 

Stay Fab, 

Melody x

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Becoming Cinderella

Glass slippers and sparkles seem pretty fancy and out there compared to the fashion that fills our high streets at the moment, I'm talking no black, no dark colours and no ripped jeans *sighs*, but I promise, this will be equally as glorious.

So there's no usual introduction here my lovelies, as I just really need to explain and get this wish off my chest, but as a massive Disney movie buff , (and a critical one at that) when I went to see Cinderella on the big screen in all it's real life acclaimed glory, I was sceptical. 

Now if you're one of the many who are too afraid to see the new adaptation or you just haven't got around to seeing it because of a hectic schedule, it's a movie to add to the list, and one I fell in love with. The story was the same as the classic, there was no dramatic changes that would ruin anyone's Disney filled childhood, but it was different. 

Ever since seeing the film, I've been addicted to bringing more sparkle into my life, yes I know this sounds weird and a little crazy, but the film had such wonder and sparkle, and it's something I was already obsessed with, that somehow I've found a way to bring more into it. That's not enough though, I want to embody Cinderella! 

It's crazy, but I grew my metaphorical mermaid legs at a young age (I was a very competitive and dedicated swimmer), so I have Ariel covered, so now it's time to embody another beautiful princess and the only way to do this for myself at least, is to budget. 

First up, I need the outfit, now I'm not talking that crazy overly expensive blue dress, oh no, I'm talking the budget version, that will make me feel like Cinderella at the ball. 

Left- The Skirt

I think it's better to be a little classy then overly in your face, especially in Ireland, you don't want to be walking into a dinner and look like you're actually playing the part of Cinderella in a stage production. I mean, of course I would love a Cinderella ball gown, but to avoid the strange looks and over-dressing, I'll stick to this tulle ballerina skirt, something I've had my eye on for awhile. 

It's €69.00 over at Cari's Closet for the Irish Girls and also available from ASOS worldwide for a cheaper and less 'puffy' alternative for €43.83.

Middle- The top

Sticking with the glow and glam of Cinderella, I found this beautiful versatile top from Nasty Gal for €54.66, A bit expensive I know, but inspiration of course, I'm sure there's going to be some similar versions hitting pennys/primark for the summer months.

Right- The Heels

Cinderella's glass slippers had this blue glow that beamed off them within the movie and of course the story books. So sticking with the glow, the glamour and the blue gleam, I found these cute heels from Boohoo for €34.00. 

With the outfit inspiration down, we can't forget those glowing accessories to carry all those bits and bobs around and complete the outfit. 

Left- The bag

This glitter envelope clutch is from Boohoo also and would be a perfect compliment to the perfect Cinderella outfit. It's €16.00 and beautiful.

Right- The Crown

Every Cinderella needs her crowing glory moment and instead of running around with a giant crown on your head hoping that a real life prince might mistake you for his current wife on a night out, (We wish), finish off the look with this beautiful head-dress from Boohoo for €11.00. 

There's currently cheaper versions in primark and pennys but I think the quality and shine from this beauty would compliment any outfit, let alone that Cinderella inspired look. 

Just curl or wave your locks and you'll be ready to go!

To finish any look you need the perfect make up and all you need extra to complete this look from your everyday make up is a glitter eye-liner. 

Urban Decay have some fabulous glitter liquid liners that will bounce off any look. You can simply line the lash line or use as a top coat over a metallic colour for extra intensity like the looks above. 

You can also use a basic glitter shadow that you can find anywhere but the best buys I have had over the years and pigmentation were from MAC but COLLECTION have just brought out a new 'Galactica' line with amazingly pigmented and glitter loving liner, available here and in Boots stores nationwide. 

Massive shout out to the wonderful MUA's and Gal's that completed the eye looks above! Beautiful ladies! Details on the photo's above.

Being Cinderella

Now for the aura and embodiment of Cinderella, I can't tell you how to act, but since I believe myself, that I have most of these down just to re-iterate the basic human nature and common sense, be kind to everyone you meet, if you don't like something about someone do not point it out. The best thing I heard this week is 'If someone can't fix something about their appearance in ten minutes, don't point it out'. 

So be kind lovelies, like I'm sure you all are, compliment your friends daily, spread good Karma and rock any outfit you want! Confidence is key, Cinderella gained confidence when she believed in herself and so can you!

Lot's of love,

Melody x

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Sosu Launch OOTN- Details

Hello lovelies, so as promised I have a quick post for you on all my outfit details from the most recent event I went to. I got some wonderful compliments on my skirt that I wore out for the first time since purchasing it back in November 2014.

All items in this outfit were bought months in advance and are unavailable at the moment, so I found similar items from the original stores that the items were purchased in. 

Outfit Details:

Shirt- Missguided.co.uk

Similar Shirt- Janella Crepe Blouse Black

€28.00 

Skirt- Littlewoods, Ireland. 

Similar Skirt- Expensive Version: Ted Baker Cascading Floral Full Skirt

£175 (€236)

Money Saver Version: Very Scuba Printed Skirt

€50.00

Boots- Missguided

Ankle Boots: Pointed Toe, Chelsea Boots

€49.00

Lots of love,

Melody x

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SoSu By Suzanne Jackson- Launch Party!

Myself and the woman of the night (Sue Jackson)

Hello lovelies! So on Thursday I had the wonderful privledge of attending the #SoSuLaunch. If you're Irish or love blogs then you possibly know who Suzanne Jackson is. She is a full time blogger, whom started blogging five years ago and has created herself an empire. She is a blogger's dream, a true inspiration to all us fellow bloggers.

On Monday the 27th of April, Sue released her own line of Gel nail polishes called SoSu, which are available to buy in pharmacies and Penny's, nationwide.

I attended the launch with one of my wonderful blogger friend's Elle, also known as Elleganze and met a new lovely blogger called Amy who attended with us. 

The launch party was at 10 Ormond Quay, an amazing and classic venue.

When we arrived we were greeted by the lovely Revolve PR girls, whom knew who we were from previous events and they were very welcoming, there was a lot of hustle and bustle in the entrance and it was a tight squeeze as the photography teams and the films crews (Xpose etc), were also set up in the entrance.

Five minutes after we walked in, Rosanna Davidson came in and started her photo's and interviews, it was a bit surreal to be in the same room as such a beauty, I even got to have a quick chit chat with her. Okay we exchanged a few words but she's super nice. 

As we walked into the first event room we were given a glass of champagne, you could already hear the other rooms atmosphere, which was filled with friends, family, bloggers and readers.

Source

Sue then made a speech about half an hour after we started mingling.

She thanked everyone for coming, and supporting her, and the fact that she was amazed at such a big turn out. 

The event was originally an 80 person event but somehow got up to 200 plus.

There was also a nail bar at the back of the facility but the line was super long and there was so many people I never even got near the room. 

Some of the colours available from the SOSU range.

It was a wonderful night in all and Sue was as humble and funny as she always seems. She's lovely and so genuine.

Unfortunately I didn't receive a goodie bag as the planned 80 bags had already been given out but I'll be picking up some polishes over the bank holiday weekend and will have a review up but from what I got to see at the Launch they should be a winner. 

Check out my launch outfit and details!

Lots of Love, 

Melody x

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