Beauty Works Hair Accessories

I'm a low maintenance girl when it comes to my hair. I shampoo and condition it, add some mousse, serum or oil and leave it to air dry. I'm very lucky that I have curly hair so I don't have to style it on a daily basis. Occasionally I use a curling iron or hot rollers if I'm going out or for special occasions. So when Beauty Works, an online retailer for hair extensions and accessories, sent me some of their pieces, I was excited to try them out. I was sent the Small Messy Hair Bun and the Festival Braid Head Band. 

I was colour matched using a photo of my hair in natural light, however if you were thinking about ordering Hair Extensions, you can actually buy a swatch from the 42 shades available to make sure you know the right shade to match your hair before you go ahead and buy the full extensions. 

As you can see the band on the Festival Head Band is adjustable so that it can fit anyone. I did a really quick half updo with the band by backcombing the hair at the crown of my head to give that slight sixties beehive look. Then I took the top section of my hair and pinned it at the back of my head with bobby pins. I then added the braided band and it instantly made everything look a lot more put together. 

The Bun has a net underneath with an elasticated edge and tie that you can pull tight around your own hair. I found both of the pieces very easy to use. The only issue I had was that my hair is quite long and thick at the moment so I actually put it into a small side bun secured in place with bobby pins and then added the hair piece on top to give a more polished and full look to my hair. 

I was really impressed with the colour match, I took the photos above in natural light and as you can see both hair pieces are the exact match to the shade of my hair. 

I've never really tried anything like this in my hair before and I was sceptical as to whether it would be too much trouble for me to bother with, but having tried the pieces out I think they would be perfect on days when you need to wash your hair but don't have the time and maybe just want to put it up but still look presentable and like you've made an effort. I think either of the looks I did above would be perfect for a Wedding or special occasion. It would save the money of paying for a hairdresser and both are quick and easy to do. 

What do you think of hair accessories like these ones? Would you ever try them?

Emma x

Win Tickets to the Ultimate Girls Day Out 2014

It's back and bigger than ever, the Ultimate Girls Day Out returns to the RDS from 22nd-24th of August. Brought to you by Irish Tatler, U Magazine and Woman's Way this year will feature the Gillette Venus Catwalk with a variety of fashion shows styled by Catherine Condell one of Ireland's leading stylists. No7 is the official makeup sponsor for this year's event creating the looks for the catwalk shows and there will also be a makeup masterclass on the main stage each day. 

Other highlights include Irish Tatler Model Search in association with 1st Option Models, the Smart Girls Zone where you can get career guidance from top businesswomen or chat to top Irish authors and the Samsung Zone which will have their own unique selfie area with prizes for the best selfie, a fitness zone and lots of great giveaways. 

There will be massive discounts on well-known high-street brands and competitions throughout the weekends including Best Dressed. The first 1000 people through the door each day will receive a goodie bag filled with discounts, freebies and lots more surprises!

I have two sets of tickets to give away so to be in with the chance of winning, tell me in a comment what your Ultimate Girls Day Out would be.

I will choose two winners next Tuesday so don't forget to leave your contact details so I can get in touch.

You can find out more on the Ultimate Girls Day Out site and Facebook page. Don't forget to follow them on Twitter too!

Emma x

PS. I'll be taking part in the No7 makeup masterclass on the main stage so please pop by and have a look!

Mio Skincare- The Activist Body Oil

I first heard about Mio Skincare last year when I received one of their products in a Glossybox, the Clean Slate Face Wash from the Mama Mio range aimed at women during pregnancy. I really loved the product and I was excited to try more from the brand.

I was sent The Activist firming active body oil, a high intensity oil for dry skin. It is supposed to strengthen, moisturise and nourish dry and stressed skin. The vitamins and antioxidants in the oil restore elasticity and firmness. You can read the list of ingredients in the photograph below and what each ingredient does for the skin, a nice touch to the packaging. It also contains Calendula Oil which I wrote about in my review of the REN Lip Balm and seems to be the skincare ingredient right now. 

I absolutely loved this product from the first time I used it. First of all, it smell divine,  I think I would buy it for the scent alone, even if it did nothing for my skin. I've been a huge fan of body oils for year because I have very dry skin and I think oils work best at keeping my skin hydrated. This isn't the kind of oil that sits on your skin and means you have to wait to put any clothes on, it sinks into my skin straight away. 

I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds body moisturising a bit of a chore, this has totally changed that for me, I actually look forward to it now and to be honest I don't know what I'm going to do once this bottle is finished because at €34.50 it's a lot more than I would usually be willing to pay for a body oil. Unfortunately I'm addicted now and I think I'm just going to have to splurge on this one. It's been great for getting my skin looking really healthy and radiant during the Summer months, it's the perfect follow up to a body exfoliation and feels amazing on your skin after shaving your legs too. 

What I really love about this brand is that they are all about making the skin radiant and energetic and   are totally against the term "anti-aging", which I think is a breath of fresh air in the beauty industry.  This company, founded by four women is all about helping women to appreciate what they have and not comparing themselves to retouched advertising photographs. They are all about giving women confidence in themselves. 

The products are available in Arnotts, Debenhams, Clerys, Space NK and selected pharmacies and spas nationwide. 

Have your tried anything from Mio? What's your favourite body product?

Emma x

Turn Our Golden Faces Into the Sun

This is the last set of outfit photos we took in France. We took them just outside our little Gite on a sunny but windy day. It feels like so long ago now. 

Dress- Monsoon

Headscarf- Accessorize

Sandals and Sunglasses- Marks and Spencers

Nails- Essie Cute As A Button

Lips- Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic

I loved this cotton broderie anglaise dress from the moment I saw it and I've loved wearing it on the really hot Summer days. It's the kind of dress that makes you feel great as soon as you put it on. These patent mint green sandals were another love at first sight purchase, they aren't the most comfortable sandal but I just love how they look, especially the little detail of the silver heel. The Essie nail polish and Revlon lip colour have been Summer staples for me, I can't recommend either highly enough. They also both happen to match the dress perfectly.

What have been your Summer wardrobe and make up staples?

Emma x