Thursday, 30 June 2011
5 Nail Polishes I'm Loving
Everyone and their granny seem to be doing some version or another of this post at the moment, so I thought I'd give my two cents!
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| L-R: OPI Big Hair...Big Nails, Sally Hansen Yellow Kitty, Barry M Pure Turquoise, Chanel Morning Rose, Models Own Jade Stone |
These are all fairly predictable shades for summer - brights and pastels that all look great with a tan. In spite of my ridiculous nail polish collection, I've been steadily coming to rely on these shades above all others. And, most importantly, don't they all look so pretty lined up together?!
FOTD: Chatterbox
I've noticed lately that I've been neglecting a lovely lipstick in my collection: MAC Chatterbox. So here is a FOTD featuring it!
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| Please excuse my scary Conehead -style hair. It wasn't this alarming in real life, I swear...;) |
Sleek Make-Up comes to Ireland!
While doing the daily check of our inbox today, I did a bit of a double take. I'm not going to beat around the bush here....Sleek is now available to order from an Irish online retailer! Online cosmetics store BeautyEmporium.ie will be stocking Sleek from Monday 4th July 2011.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Shopping Guide: London
If Disney is the happiest place on earth then London is definitely the coolest!
My recent shopping guide for Belfast City went down really well so, in light of mine and Dee's impending sojourn across the Irish Sea, I thought I would fill you in on my favourite shopping spots there. I don't claim to be an expert on London at all and I haven't yet done the markets like Camden (Dee and I will be doing these) but, I can fill you in on some of the mainstream spots and those stores that you love here but, can get cheaper there!
Now, everybody knows that Harrods (Knightsbridge) and Selfridges (Oxford Street) are the places to go for a truly luxurious day perusing clothes, shoes and jewels you could never afford. While Selfridges is effectively the Brown Thomas of London though with the world's largest shoe rooms, Harrods is well worth a visit.
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| Harrods, Knightsbridge |
Other than those Big Daddy's of shopping, what else does London Town have to offer?
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
VA Investigates: O'Leary PR's Aoife Murtagh
Aoife kindly agreed to be the next feature of our VA Investigates series, which aims to give you a behind the scenes look into all areas of the beauty industry (Click here for our chat with MUA Simone Gannon and here for our chat with Blogger/YouTuber Leanne Woodfull).
We recently caught up with Aoife and asked her about what it's really like to work in PR, her impressions of the ever-expanding Irish online beauty community and what her own beauty necessities are.
Sunday, 26 June 2011
FOTD Featuring Cha Cha Tint!
This is just a quick post to show you what Cha Cha Tint looks like on my mug! My first impressions of it are really positive - the consistency is a gel (like Posie Tint) and it's really easy to blend. It gives a gorgeous healthy glow to cheeks, which can be further enhanced with some bronzer.
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Benefit Beauty Bloggers Breakfast and Event
That breakfast was held this morning in conjunction with the Benefit/Beaut.ie event taking place all day today. To say we were excited would be an understatement and, when we learnt it would be the launch of the long-awaited Chachatint, we were even more delighted! We took footage of the entire event and also filmed our OOTD/FOTD/NOTD for your viewing pleasure so, be sure to check them at the end of the post or visit our YouTube channel!
We can't go any further without pointing out how thoroughly lovely, knowledgeable and down-to-earth Maggie and Annie were, not to mention absolutely stunning with the most flawless skin we've ever seen! They were really happy to sit and natter and laugh with us for well over an hour and answer any questions we had about their personal and professional lives.
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| Us looking SO not glamorous in comparison to Maggie (L) and Annie (R) |
Dee's Monthly-ish Favourites!
I've decided over the past couple of months to move my monthly favourites to mid-way through the month, just to avoid too much repetition on the blog seeing as there is two of us! However this one is more than a bit late, apologies!
200 Followers Giveaway! [NOW CLOSED]
The first is a Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki brush which will be provided by Sigma for us to giveaway to one of you. We'll have a full review coming up on this in the next couple of days but, suffice to say it is an amazing make-up brush, especially for getting an airbrushed foundation appearance.
The second is a bottle of Benefit's JUST released and much-anticipated Chachatint- a mango/coral cheek tint. We received a bottle of this at the Benefit breakfast we attended today (post coming up!) and, loved the product so much that we decided that we would also buy another to give away to celebrate yet another website milestone!
To Enter:
- You must be a follower of the blog (we'll be checking!) via Google Friend Connect. If you don't have a Google Account don't worry- you can follow via your Twitter account by just clicking "Follow" and following the prompts.
- You must leave a comment on this post to show your interest and please include your email address/Twitter username.
- For a second entry, follow us on Twitter (@VivaAdonis). Be sure to leave your Twitter username in the comment so we can check that you're following.
- For a third entry, "Like" our Facebook page. You can do this by clicking this link or by clicking the "Like" button on the Wibiya toolbar at the bottom of this page.
Due to shipping and customs charges, this contest will only be open to Ireland and the UK. If you are under 18, please get your parent or guardian's permission to enter as we will need your address to send your prize.
The giveaway will close on July 9, 2011 at Midday!
Good luck to everybody who enters and thank you again for all your support!
Love,
D&S
x
Friday, 24 June 2011
MAC Starter Kit
Despite the fact that there are hundreds upon hundreds of cosmetic brands gracing our shores and our computer screens, MAC still seems to prevail as the one that everybody wants, turns to and loves. I've been using MAC as my primary make-up brand (I have since begun to branch out!) since I was 14 and I still love it, particularly for its eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks and Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powders.I noticed when we held our 100 Followers giveaway and gave the choice of a lipstick/lipgloss and an eyeshadow that a surprisingly large amount of entries said that they had not yet owned any MAC and weren't sure what to pick. I suppose I was just surprised because MAC has played such a big part in my make-up story that I, wrongly, assumed everyone else has the same relationship with the brand that I do.
So, I got to thinking and, while I can't afford to buy each and every one of you what I consider to be staple products fro MAC, I can impart what knowledge of the brand I have, having tried practically every foundation, every powder product and every finish of lipstick, lipgloss and eyeshadow over the years, so that you can create your own MAC kit.
I won't recommend a foundation or a concealer, purely because they depend on each individual's skintype and coverage needs but, for reference, the MAC liquid foundation I am currently using is Studio Sculpt and the concealer I prefer, when I need it, is Studio Finish (both in NC15). Similarly, I won't recommend a mascara because (a) I'm in the minority in that I LOVE MAC mascara and (b) the type of formula is really down to personal preference. My current MAC mascara is False Lashes and I adore it!
The Handmade Soap Co. Overview
Review: Avon Colordisiac Lipsticks
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Thursday, 23 June 2011
Recent NOTDs: All Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
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| Gilty Pleasure |
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| Gray by Gray |
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| The Perfect Nude?! Café Au Lait w/ Flash (L) and Natural (R) |
Love,
S x
Winners! Tickets to Ladies Day at The Curragh
With less than 24 hours to enter our competition for five pairs of tickets courtesy of Sally Hansen to Ladies Day at The Curragh, we didn't attract as many entries as many of our prior giveaways have. However, we did manage to pick 5 people to win a pair of tickets each so, without further ado, the winners;
- Rona
- Loretta
- Pascalineh
- Sinead
- Emma
So, if you're one of the above lucky ladies, please check your email inboxes/Twitter for details!
Congratulations and enjoy!
Love,
D&S
x
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
[CLOSED!]Win! Tickets to Ladies Day at The Curragh
No 1 USA Nail expert, Sally Hansen has teamed up with the The Curragh to offer FIVE of our lucky readers a pair of tickets to the prestigious Ladies Day at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, on Saturday 25th of June.
The day will include the Best Accessorized Outfit, while Sally Hansen, will offer prizes for two ladies judged to have The Best Manicure and The Most Perfect Legs.
So ladies, whip out those dresses, hats, tuxedos and heels-whatever you please, and get entering for a day of total glamour!
Additional tickets are available from: www.curragh.ie
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic day out simply;
- Leave a comment on this post with your email address
AND/OR
2. Tweet the following "@VivaAdonis are giving away a pair of tickets to Ladies Day at The Curragh! RT to be in with the chance of winning a day of pure glamour!"
-Maximum of two entries (Twitter and Comment) per person
-Email address must be included in comment
-Competition will close at 3.45 pm tomorrow and winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via Twitter or email.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Bey' Still My Heart
She genuinely is one of the sexiest women on earth. She can sing, dance, act. She is stunningly beautiful and fierce as hell with a fashion sense that is unmatched by fellow celebrities. Most importantly, she seems like a sound, down-to-earth lady despite her mahoosive fortune and immeasurable success.
So, you can imagine how my jaw literally hit the floor when I saw the newly released images for her new album 4. She looks bloody amazing and I am now so revved up for more of her new material! Click after the jump to see the rest of the images but, be prepared for a Queen Bey overload!
A Pink Problem...
I've noticed lately that every time I'm trying to decide what colour to paint my nails, I think 'ooh, pink would be nice'. How original of me. Upon further investigation, it appears that a large portion of my collection is made up of this shade - from classic fuschia, to light pastels, to the glitteriest of pinks.
Do you have a penchant for pink polish?
Love,
D x
Monday, 20 June 2011
Sinéad's Updated Skincare Routine
I would still consider my skin type to be normal and, for the most part, in good nick. I rarely get spots or blemishes and my pores are quite small and manageable. My biggest skin woe, without a doubt, is eczema on my lower legs which I am still doing everything in my power to cure myself of (wishful thinking? Probably.)
As with make-up, I like to try new brands and approaches to skincare, partially so my skin doesn't get too comfortable with the products and partially so I don't get bored! So, what am I currently using?
NOTD: OPI Big Hair...Big Nails
What a brilliant name for a nail polish - I feel like it's very me! The colour is also one I've been a tad obsessed with for the last month or so, a deep coral orange. The finish is kind of jelly or plastic-like which I love. It's yet another polish that's perfect for summer!
Love,
D x
VA Investigates: YouTuber/Blogger Leanne Woodfull
I'm pretty sure that a lot of our readers will be familiar with the lovely Leanne Woodfull. She's quite a well-known blogger and YouTuber with a fantastic sense of style. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that she is totally down to earth, mature beyond her years and generally just a nice girl to chat to. So we decided to ask her a few questions...read on if you're interested!
Sunday, 19 June 2011
DUPE: Sally Hansen Black Platinum and Chanel Black Pearl?
Based on the swatches of Black Pearl I have seen, I think it might be. What do you think?
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| Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Black Platinum |
Love,
S x
Friday, 17 June 2011
Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeny Perfumes
I was always a one-perfume-at-a-time kinda gal. First it was Ralph Lauren Polo, followed by Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl, then Burberry Original and then, for the longest time, Issey Miyake L'Eau de Issey.
While I still particularly love the Burberry and Issey Miyake scents (the pong of the Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger ones make me gag now for some reason!), my nose appears to have matured and developed a, err, nose (?!) for a variety of scents.
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| Minis L-R: Giorgio Armani Diamond, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Miss Dior Chérie L'eau, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, YSL Parisienne |
NOTD: OPI Pink Positively
If you're into your pinks, you will LOVE this. I got this as part of this haul back in April - it's a classic bright pink with blueish undertones that dries to a really glossy finish. It's incredibly gloomy out today, but having this on my nails is helping me remember that it is in fact summer!
Love,
D x
The Love of My Life?!
So no, the Love of My Life is not male, or even human for that matter. So by process of elimination, you may have deduced by now that it is, of course, a lipstick!
Drumroll...
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| Chanel Rouge Allure Lacque in Dragon |
Thursday, 16 June 2011
NOTD: Sally Hansen Gray By Gray
I'm not 100% about this shade on my skintone, although it is a really interesting and unusual blue-grey colour. What do we think?
Love,
D x
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Viva Irish: Green Angel
So, with all that explained, the Irish brand featuring in this inaugural Viva Irish post is Green Angel. We were sent this skincare range for the purpose of this series and, considering it is one we had never come across before, it more than justifies our reasons for wanting to give Irish beauty products more of an even footing on this website along with the likes of MAC, Benefit, Bobbi Brown, Stila and many other huge brands.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
L'Oréal Colour Trophy Finals 2011
We attended the L'Oréal Colour Trophy Finals in UCD's O'Reilly Hall last night which was hosted by TV3's Karen Koster. It was our first year attending the prestigious event, which awards the créme de la créme of Irish hairdressers. We travelled with Karen and Andreea (Karen very nicely drove us to and from the event so, thanks again for that! To see pics of the 4 of us at the awards, scroll to the end!) and to say that we were in stitches during the car journey w ould be an understatement!A number of prizes were up for grabs last night; the Young Colourist Award which was in its first year (Winner: Elaine Farrelly, Hession Hairdressing, Clontarf), the Irish Tatler Style Award (Winner: Peter Mark, Dundrum Town Centre), the Men's Image Award (Winner: House of Colour, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin) and, the coveted L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy award (Winner: Peter Mark College, South William Street, Dublin). The atmosphere among the hundreds of hairdressers was pretty electric and we both came away wistfully wishing that we were able to chop, colour and style!
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| Us before the event |
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Shopping Guide: Belfast
Every year after Christmas (except this year- I went to London), my birthday (except this year- the money is for a holiday) and once during the summer (except this year- I have no job), I go to Belfast shopping for the day with my family and/or my boyfriend.
Talking on Twitter last night to Lorraine, about her upcoming sojourn up North, I was trying to school her on the best shopping spots in the city- in 140 characters. This is as hard as it sounds so, I said I would put together a wee shopping guide for her, and all you other lovelies, so that you can shop to your hearts content at a fraction of the price.
Review: Babyliss Pro Conical Wand
I have long mastered the art of the GHD curl and can do my entire head in under half an hour which, without tooting my own horn too much, is no mean feat considering the amount of hair on my head! However, I constantly find that, no matter how much hairspray I use, the GHDcurls just don't withstand the test of time. There is very little hold in them, probably due to the straightness of my hair and this peeves me!
So, needless to say, I was intrigued when conical curling wands suddenly started appearing in YouTube videos with the promise by their users that the curls are quick, easy and, most importantly, hold for a significant amount of time. My sisters Aisling and Ciara very nicely agreed to buy me a curling wand for my 21st birthday and, I chose the Babyliss Pro Conical Wand.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Sally Hansen @ The Curragh Racecourse
We make a point of never re-hashing press releases as we don't believe that constitutes blogging. However, we do like to let you know when we get word of something new and exciting, whether that be special offers, freebies or, in this case, when Sally Hansen, a brand generating a lot of buzz of late, has teamed up with the social event of the season, Ladies Day at the Curragh.This year, Sally Hansen will be at Ladies Day at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (to give it its full name) and will be awarding prizes for The Best Manicure and The Most Perfect Legs. So, if you are a social butterfly and already have your Ladies Day ticket booked for June 25th, or this is the push you needed to put on your finery and compete with all the other laydees (you can get tickets here), you have now been warned to get your talons and pins in tip-top shape to be in with the chance of winning!!
Love,
D&S
x
Viva Health: Circuit Training Camp Week 2
Week 2 of circuit training camp has just been completed and, as this was the first week with multiple classes, it was a toughie! I attended both the Tuesday and the Saturday class, as did most of the girls and, I think I speak for all of us when I say Kevin pushed us, often to our limits!A clear pattern is emerging now that we've had a few classes. The first one was very strength heavy, focusing on weights and body weight exercises, while the second was much more cardio-based with aerobic fitness being challenged and this mornings class was right back to being a strength workout. I personally find this really good as it pushes me in different ways each time I go.
Today's class was probably the hardest so far as correct technique was very important and there were also some exercises that had us in contortions and some, ahem, suggestive positions which we all had a right laugh at! I also found today difficult as I have laryngitis at the moment and didn't sleep well last night and my breathing was all wheezy. I'm glad a stuck it out though as I feel like my butt and shoulders got a good workout! We also had some new recruits today, including fellow blogger Dee, which was great as it changed the whole dynamic of the group and Kevin definitely pushed us harder and faster to ensure we all got each station done in the time. Needless to say, there was also a lot of beauty chat in between each circuit!
The girls left some great feedback last week and they may do so again today so, check the comments!
TAG: Q&A
The nature of the beast that is this online beauty community is that you forge a relationship of sorts with people from behind a computer screen and become, as is a totally dodgy running joke between some of us, "internet friends."
Naturally, however, you're never going to know everything about those you communicate with via Twitter or the comments section of a blog but, as least where we are concerned, there are always little bits and pieces of those people that you talk to that the nosy parker in you wishes you knew and that you would know if they were your "real-life friends."
I think that's where Tag posts and videos came from; they arose from the desire to let your readers/watchers/internet friends learn about you as a person, behind the beauty, clothes or whatever else you talk about.
So, with that in mind, we want to create a questions and answers tag where you can ask us (and hopefully, if it catches on, we can ask you!) anything that has ever crossed your mind about us whether it's individually or together, personal or about this website. It would be a great thing to really get to know everyone sitting behind their computer screens and make "internet friends" not such a dodgy thing to have!!
Leave any questions at all in the comments section and, if you want to do this tag too, please do- we want to get to know you too!
Love,
D&S
x
Friday, 10 June 2011
Review: Avon SuperSHOCK Mascara and Eyeliner
Avon is a brand that has really impressed the two of us of late. I'm going to be completely honest and say that before we were sent Avon items for review, it would have never entered my head to even look at their catalogue for make-up as I've never had an Avon rep in my area. Neither of us are total make-up snobs, it was more that Avon simply wasn't on our radar. I got sent the Avon SuperSHOCK Mascara while Sinéad received the eyeliner from the range.
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| L: Avon SuperSHOCK Mascara R: Avon SuperSHOCK Eyeliner |
Tag: 8 Things
This tag has been going around loads lately....let me know what you think!
8 TV Shows I Love
Gossip Girl
The O.C.
Coronation Street
Teen Mom
16 & Pregnant
Anything with Louis Theroux
The Inbetweeners
Black Books
Thursday, 9 June 2011
DUPE: Avon Colourdisiacs and MAC Lipsticks
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| MAC Spitfire (LE) and Avon Drawn to You |
NOTD: Leighton Denny Viva La Diva
I got this free with the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar, it was the only way I could justify adding to my ridiculous collection of nail polish! It's quite an eighties, flat orangey-red. Love it!
Love,
D x
TAG: 8 Things...
8 TV Shows I Love
Greys Anatomy
Gossip Girl
One Tree Hill
The O.C.
7th Heaven
Sex and the City
Hellcats
House
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Sally Hansen Giveaway WINNER!
FOTN: Another Red Lip...
Anyone fed up of red lips yet? I'm guessing not seeing as they're never out of fashion. Keep reading to see what's on my face!
Monday, 6 June 2011
Dupe for MAC Girl About Town?
To briefly sum up what I think of them, the pigmentation, staying power and range of colours are all very good...more on that to come!
One of the shades that immediately jumped out at me is Flirty Fuschia, a deep magenta pink. Upon closer inspection, it's no wonder it instantly appealed to me as it's a near-perfect dupe for MAC Girl About Town!
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| MAC Girl About Town, Avon Flirty Fuschia |
TAG: Summer Besties
I'd like to see you all do this post as it is so helpful to see what everyone else recommends for the change in climate!
1. Lip Product
This product only came into my possession recently but, I can see it becoming a summer staple because it is so moisturising. Avon Moisture Rich lipstick is a balm and a lip colour in one. As someone who regularly needs to be pried away from her lipstick, this is perfect for me as it is still super hydrating while providing the colour, intensity and finish of a lipstick.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
NOTD: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Mudslide
On another nail-related note, I was forced to find temporary alternative storage for my nail varnishes today as there were just everywhere. This will do for the time being- a wicker basket!
I never thought a nail varnish collection would be interesting as I don't have as many as most bloggers but, if you would like to see my collection, let me know in the comments!
Love,
S x
Friday, 3 June 2011
NOTD: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Yellow Kitty
So, what better colour to pain my nails today than a bright and sunny yellow! This is Yellow Kitty by Sally Hansen and, although I was a bit apprehensive about yellow nails to begin with, I'm a convert! I love, love, love this shade!
Love,
S x
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