Saturday 31 January 2015

All work & no pay makes skin a dull pain

Oh holy mother of shite it has been SO long since I last blogged! I just bagged myself an amazing job in Nando's in Tallaght (Dublin) so I haven't even got time to sleep let alone blog! I'm super excited about this because its actually my first ever proper job eeeeek! So I'm uber sorry I have neglected you all! Has anyone else out there bagged themselves a job in the new year? If so then this post is just the one for you!
So lets have a look at the stuff that gets me through my working days

No7 BB Lips beauty balm in Ballerina 
Working in a highly air conditioned place can really, really dry out your skin but it can also really dry out your lips! I found my lips getting super dry/chapped super quick whilst working so that's why I whacked out this bad boy! This luscious lip balm is super hydrating and continues to nourish that pucker for hours! So no need to keep topping it up! absolute lifesaver!

Boots Essentials Fragrance Free Moisturising Cream
As most of you know my skin is a nightmare, i have the most sensitive skin due to rosacea , which means almost nothing ever works for me. But THIS moisturiser is the bomb! Again, the air conditioning in work is drying out my skin so so much, i find that applying this once int he morning and once in the evening is keeping my skin hydrated and healthy looking without being harsh on my skin, result! 

Soap & Glory Heel Genius Foot cream
I recently splurged and treated myself to some soap & Glory goodness and oh my god I am so glad i did.
Working as a hostess/waitress/cashier  means being on your feet all day and being on your feel all day means painful, radiating blisters from the pits of hell
Aside from it smelling fucking magnificent, this tube of goodness works wonders, i find it really cools my feet and restores moisture to them awful painful dry spots! So run a bucket full of hot soapy water , grab a cuppa and soak your feet for a while then lather this on your pretty feet and relax :)


MUA LUXE lip lacquers
If I'm on host, I usually give my look a pop of colour with these amazing lip lacquers from MUA cosmetics!
Goes on wet and dries completely matte! How amazing, and the best bit is you dont need to top these bad boys up at all! They cling to your lips for dear life! So not even eating, drinking or even kissing will make this amazing lacquer budge! These are a perfect dupe for Limecrimes Velvetines, and at just £3 they're a fraction of the price too! 

NO7 Protect and perfect intense day hand cream
&
NO7 Beautiful skin dry skin rescue
Both of these are sent from above, they just have to be
The hand cream is super luscious and thick and keeps your hands hydrated all day!
The dry skin rescue is fantastic for your elbows, Ive noticed the skin on my elbows getting quite dry and flaky ( that had NEVER happened before) , this instantly cures all flaky dry skin and makes skin appear healthy and radiant! 
Sure for Women, Maximum Protection Cream Deodorant
This stuff is NEEDED when you have a fast paced job
Simply apply to your underarms in the morning and this will last you all day with not even a tiny hint of sweat! A little goes a long way with this deodorant stick! it smells so fresh and clean and REALLY does the job! 

Clear nail polish
Most Jobs don't allow you to wear any nail Polish, and that kind of sucks, so that's where clear polish comes into play.
not only does it give your nails a healthy shine but it will protect your nails!
It's also great for keeping your buttons on your shirt in place, shining up your belt buckle and great for preventing that dreading green tinge from cheap jewelry! So this is handy to bring everywhere!



Dry Shampoo
I try not to use dry shampoo alot but its hard not to when you finish your shift at midnight, get home for 1am and you re up again at 8am. It's impossible! So that's where everyone's best friend & worst enemy dry shampoo comes into play, I find most dry shampoos can be a tad pricey. That's why I pop down to my local Superdrug and pick up their own brand dry shampoo! It's a god send 

I hope this post was helpful to all you working ladies out there! What are your working saviours?
Let me know by commenting below!

The Parma Violet

Sunday 18 January 2015

My Limecrime Lust List



As most of you well know Limecrime is probably the prettiest makeup out there..And for those who don't know, now you do!
The world is so full of boring black packaged makeup, all looking the same, or copying one another. Limecrime punches through that boring 'black' market and covers the world in bright, electric, alternative makeup for girls who know what they want!
Soo seeming as I'm starting my new job tomorrow ( oh my god it's been a looong time coming) that means money, money means i can ACTUALLY get some Limecrime (so excited i may pass out)
So here is what I am lusting for from Limecrime this year

Limecrime - Velvetines // Salem

 Limecrime - Velvetines // Wicked
limecrime // Serpentina

Limecrime - Eyeliner // ORCHIDACEOUS

Limecrime - Velvetines // Riot

Limecrime - eyeshadow palette // Venus

Limecrime - Glitter // Cancer

Limecrime - Velvetines // Cashmere

Limecrime - Glitter // Libra 



*Velvetine lipstick - goes on wet, dries matte, doesn't budge

*Limecrime Glitter -  Can be used anywhere eyes, nails,skin..you name it!

*Limecrime Venus - Grunge inspired super pigmented eyeshadow's 

*Limecrime Eyeliner - Tiny but powerful and super pigmented

*Serpentina lipstick - A limited edition lipstick usually brought out around  Halloween


If i had to pick just ONE item it'd have to be the Venus grunge inspired palette!
Just look at that stunning packaging, it would almost be too beautiful to use!

Have you bought any Limecrime products? If so what did you think of them?
Let me know!

The Parma Violet

Friday 16 January 2015

What I got for Christmas

''But it's not Christmas Nadine'' I knooooow!!Soooooo I'm late on a Christmas post! We JUST got out of the Christmas buzz and I'm bringing it back...jaysus..So lets rewind the clocks and pretend to be festive again especially for this post


Now I've had alot of requests for me to post about what I got for Christmas, and I've been meaning to do it for soo long but I put it on the long finger , like the lazy bum I am! So lets get straight to it shall we?
What DID I get for Christmas?
My parents (I mean Santa) were incredibly generous and got me the No.7 ultimate collection box from boots! I was so blown away, the packaging itself is so unbelievably pretty! boxes with powder pink and rose gold lids all decorated with a gorgeous bow!I am totally amazed by everything in these boxes!  so what are inside those boxes? Behold!
No.7 protect & perfect Night cream
No.7 protect & perfect day cream
*Both full size*
No.7 Protect & perfect intense Day hand cream
No.7 beautiful skin dry skin rescue
No.7 Lovely lashes mascara
*full size*
No.7 BB Lips beauty balm - Ballerina 
*Full Size*
No.7 Blissful Body Wash
No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing lotion
No.7 Sumptuous Bath Soak
No.7 Completely Quenched Hydration body lotion
*All full sized*

Next up we have the infamous No.7 double sided illuminating mirror! HOW did I survive without this mirror?! Oh my days its magic, i swear! One side is a normal light up mirror and the other is a magnified mirror great fr plucking them brows and getting the perfect flick on your eyeliner! Yes this mirror really is worth splashing the dosh on!
*Sorry about the terrible photo quality* 

Annnd i finally own one! I got an In-Styler!
I have been cursed with dull, thin looking, limp hair and I'm always craving volume! And that is where this does not disappoint. I'm still getting the hang of it but ever since I started using it I've been getting some great compliments on my hair! I find this has made my hair look 20 times thicker and 20 times healthier too! If you crave volume and life like my hair does then run out and pick yourself up one of these! This badboy straightens ,curls & waves your hair! What more do you want?!
Available in boots or online

My awesome awesome awesome boyfriend Dan got me an amazing tablet & gorgeous tablet case! Unknown to him I actually spotted this tablet case in Dunnes earlier on in the month and wished I had a reason to buy it as I had no tablet but the case was super stunning!I couldn't believe it when I opened the wrapping paper and there it was!The back casing looks a tad like one of those new iPhones - Delighted so I am! Now I can blog on the go! Thanks Dan! 
He also got me a huge cosy jumper that I've been after for years from one of my favourite shops in Dublin (Tambuli in Temple Bar) It has to be my most favourite item of clothing I own! its super warm,well made and made with real wool! Here's a picture of my cute tiny nan sporting it on my recent trip over to Birmingham, doesn't she look so cute :)

My brother Ciaran got me a lovely Soap & Glory set (I have an obsession) I was totally over the moon with this! I was going to run in and buy this in the sales and everything! 
The newest box set - Eau la la - complete with the new fresh orange scented products!
Orangeasm body lotion
Orangeasm body wash
Soap & Glory Super Tonic fragrance

Dan's parents are always super generous with their gifts at xmas and got me a well needed pair of super fluffy slippers, and the coolest set of batman PJ's in the world (no pics as they were all in the wash sorry) His sister was a lifesaver and got me this VERY cute 2015 super girly planner! In was on the look out for a small but cute planner and she saved the day! 

Needless to say I'm so very thrilled about all the presents I got! What did you get for Christmas?
Did you get anything on my list here? what did you think?
Let me know!

The Parma Violet




Thursday 15 January 2015

What happened in 2014?

Seeming as my last requested blog post done so well (my most viewed blog post which you can view here) I decided to take another request! A beautiful, young new follower from Germany wished to see my 2014 in its entirety! Such a lovely & refreshing request to get! This post may be a tad long so grab a cup of tea, get cosy and light a gorgeous smelly candle as I bring you through my 2014.


It all started with getting rid of my pink hair! For GOOD this time My hair is FOREVER changing.. from blues, to pinks,reds,green,purple orange, to Mohawks and dreadlocks I have had every hairstyle under the sun. But this colour was a tad more special. Me and my younger brother Alan decided to partake and dye our hair pink for the annual 'Shave or Dye' challenge for Cancer research. My grandmother had just got diagnosed with cervical cancer so we decided to raise a little awareness and some money for a great cause. Again, a HUGE thank you to those who sponsored us!

2014 also seen the start of my blog! I had wanted to start a blog for ages and ages but to be honest, I lacked confidence and was too afraid about what others may think. After a few of my friends/family and outsiders getting in touch with me about creating a blog, I thought why not. I bit the bullet and created my blog then and there. I didn't even know what I was going to call it. At the time I was munching my life away on a packet of Parma Violets (my favourite sweets) and the rest is history. 
Soon after I created my blog I was getting invited to events! I couldn't believe it. I felt so overwhelmed and lucky to be attending these events with some of Ireland's top bloggers and getting to mingle and a few celebs too!I have made some amazing friends along the way too & love nothing more than going to events with them all! You are all awesome

In May me & my friends all decided to go on a huge group holiday in Portugal!
I had never been to Portugal before so I was SUPER excited! I think in total there was 12 of us heading over and my brother Niall (who was living in Spain at the time) was going to drive over and stay with us for a few days!
We rented a very modern huge villa just 5 minute walk from the strip complete with salt water pool.
We felt like we hit the jackpot! We got our very own boat and sailed to our very own private beach complete with BBQ and wine on arrival!
We also took a trip to Slide & Splash - The local water park.Needless to say, my brother turned up the night before so a good few drinks were in order, and we were most definitely paying for it the next day at the water park!
All in all it was an unreal trip even though afterwards some friendships have been broken, some friendships were made even stronger! And since then my brother is now living in Florida & theres even been a wedding!
So we are currently planning our next group holiday :)

Every year I get so pumped for all the gigs and festivals that are coming just around the corner! Last year I only went to TWO concerts! I am appalled at myself! In all seriousness though it was due to severe lack of funds! The first gig I went to was McBusted! After being an avid Busted fan since day dot, I was only DELIGHTED when they announced a gig with Mcfly! I went with my friend Helen and her sister, It was an unreal gig and getting to see Matt Willis was DEFINITELY a highlight! 
Me and Helen also went to see biffy Clyro! One band I had never ever seen before but i have always wanted to! Helen was kind enough to lend me money for a ticket! Awww!
It was an amazing gig, i cannot fault it! It had the most perfect summer setting! A roasting hot sun set and a topless Simon Neil on stage :p 


And in October me and Dan celebrated our two year anniversary (huge soppy awwww)
We decided to go travelling for this one, not too far though, we went to Galway!!
I briefly visited Galway a few years back on a college trip and have always wanted to go back! We stayed in the Connacht hotel in a huuuuge room! The weather wasn't the best when we were there but we made the most of it seeing all the top attractions & also going out for a VERY tasty anniversary meal!You can read more about this trip here


In June my Jaw literally dropped!
I recently put in for Simplybe Ireland's curvy model search! Another model agency actually put my details through for me.. weeks and weeks went by and I heard nothing, I actually forgot about it! i got a letter through the door one morning, as I opened it I couldn't believe my eyes
''Congratulations Nadine, you have been chosen as one of our Ms Curvy semi finalists''
Whaaaaaat! Something like this has never happened to me before! I was insanely excited! I turned up at the Gibson hotel bright eyed and bushy tailed! I was one of 300 other gorgeously curvy women chosen and I got to chatting to some of the funniest & beautiful women I have ever met. You can read my post on this event here. Needless to say i didn't get chosen as one of their five finalists but i was just delighted to be a part of that whole experience! 

Through all the hustle and bustle of what 2014 had to bring, our world was shaken as my amazing Grandmother sadly lost her battle with cancer on October 20th (my brothers 21st birthday) The world has lost a beautiful person and one hell of a grandmother.

Shortly after the death of my grandmother I decided to get my life back on track and I decided to join Slimming World. Throughout the year i had let myself go completely. I ate what I wanted, When i wanted and deluded myself into thinking I was the same size as I have always been. But how wrong I was, at 5'7'' I ballooned to 13 stone. Since I joined at the start of December I have lost nearly a stone weighing in at 12 stone 2 pounds :) I lost half a stone in just two weeks! 
I'm going to keep on track and try to reach my goal of 10 stone this year! 
if anyone else is doing Slimming world please let me know and share your story, i love finding inspiration through others and their wonderful stories! 


Thank you Ana for the wonderful request!i hope you enjoyed a look at my 2014 :)
If anyone else has any more requests or simply wants to share their 2014 experiences then feel free to comment below or get in touch!

The Parma Violet

Sunday 11 January 2015

M.A.C - 5 terrible products

Everyone who is everyone knows that M.A.C products can be totally 100% overpriced but can they be 100% over rated? 

YES! Oh my good god yes they can!

But it's so hard to tell whats good and whats bad  with everyone and their mothers brown nosing MAC constantly! 
We are constantly spoon fed that 'MAC can't do no wrong' and 'oh ALL their products are amazing'
Well I'm here to tell you, whilst MAC have some undoubtedly great products, they also have some that are the overpriced scrapings from the bottom of the barrel.
So here are 5 products from MAC that I steer WELL clear of.

Number 5
M.A.C Pro Longwear foundation 
Last year I scrimped and I saved to get myself a bottle of this utter shite.
I paid money i didn't have in order to buy this. I seen this all over instagram and the likes.
This bottle was made out to be the nectar of the gods.
As I suffer with Rosacea & also very pale, I always have to ask the floor staff a million questions regarding foundation. The woman who worked in M.A.C assured me that it's perfectly fine for pale & sensitive skin and that it would suit any skin type.
BULL SHIT
When I got home, I threw this on my face, the colour matched perfect and I was delighted, the coverage wasn't the best though. But after an hour the foundation turned orangey,dry and patchy EVEN with moisturising and priming beforehand.. The staying power is awful too. So if there is any pale ladies reading, stay well away from this secret tango foundation.

Number 4
M.A.C Nail Lacquer
I don't get the hype...AT ALL
This time I learnt my lesson with the foundation and didn't buy any varnishes. But I have tried SO many and my god the quality is awful. Some peal, Some crack, some are so painfully translucent it annoys the living shite out of me. 
I haven't found a MAC nail varnish that is of high quality at all.
Another over priced and over rated product.

Number 3 
M.A.C mascara
I have tried loads, if not all of these and they are all the same.
Clumpy, cheap and dreadful!
Every time I used them so many of my eyelashes would fall out. I have NO idea how M.A.C could actually be OK with selling these to the general public. If you love your lashes and don't want to look like a scary doll then stay away for the love of god.

Number 2
Pro Longwear Concealer 
Why is this being ranted and raved about?
Honestly I do not get it at all!
As I have quite bad asthma I have very dark circles under my eyes. The woman in M.A.C told me it was the utter best for dark circles exactly like mine. I went home and looked it up all over the Internet and everyone said the same thing.
But my god! I've never tried such an expensive heap of shite in all my days.
There are a million and one concealer's that are of extremely high quality and inexpensive and THIS is not one of them. Utter disappointment 

Number one
M.A.C Prep + Prime eyeshadow primer
...Is MAC honestly having a laugh?
I couldn't believe how absolutely AWFUL this primer is.
Please don't get brainwashed by the whole ''Oh but its MAC it must be good'' thing...no.
This creases your eyeshadow up until no end! And to make things worse it actually makes your eyeshadow wear off even more! I hated everything about this product. 
You're own spit would probably work better as a primer.
Do not waste your money, you'll be sorely let down.

So what did you think? Do you share the same hatred for these products OR do you thoroughly enjoy them? Is there any other MAC products you think are over rated?
Let me know!

(THIS POST WAS A REQUEST FROM A READER WHO WISHES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS )

The Parma Violet






Tuesday 6 January 2015

My top 5 highlighters

Here, right, everyone needs a good highlighter don't they? even if you've never dared step foot into that unknown territory, listen up cause I'm here to help!
Looking for some seriously sexy,healthy looking skin that glows? Then let me bring you down my top 5 favourite highlighters!

MEMEME BEAT THE BLUES PEARL PINK LIQUID HIGHLIGHTER
I actually got sent this little bottle of joy out by MeMeMe Cosmetics to try out! And I absolutely adore it! It sits perfectly on my pale skin and really wakes my skin up! It gives me the perfect healthy natural glow that Ive been looking for for so long! Love this product!

MUA - ROSE GOLD SHIMMER HIGHLIGHTER
Love love love this brand! This highlighter is gorgeously pigmented and sits on the skin beautifully! It's rose gold hue is so so pretty on those with paler skin. So next time you're out and about, pick this baby up, it costs less than 4Euro!

MUA - IRIDESCENT GOLD HIGHLIGHTER
This highlighter is less gold than it looks in the picture and more sparkley snow with hints of gold. This highlighter is my go to budget highlighter. I absolutely could not live without it! MUA you are budget makeup gods!!!

GUERLAIN METEORITES HIGHLIGHTER 
Love love love love love love love!
These little pearls of heaven smell like Parma Violets...enough said!
BUT not only to they smell great, they add the perfect amount of shimmer and glow to your face AND eliminates redness from skin! how cool is that! 

THE BALM - MARY LOU MANIZER 

How generic...
No but in all seriousness, this highlighter is the bomb!
It ticks all the boxes! The packaging as well is stunning! Unfortunately I don't own my very own Mary Lou Manizer BUT I have used it many many times! So girls, if you're looking for a high quality highlighter  that makes skin look like it has a natural glow, then DEFINITELY spend your cash on this baby! 

Do you have a personal favourite highlighter? Let me know!

The Parma Violet