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

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

Collection 2000 Cream Puff an NYX dupe?

Been looking everyone for those NYX lip creams that are utterly to die for but cant seem to get your hands on them? Been searching everyone for that perfect velvety matte lippie and you just cant afford it?Then take a trip down to your local Boots or Superdrug and find yourself a glorious dupe from COLLECTION 2000!!

These little tubes of dupe goodness are available in 4 different colours at the moment, and want to know something else?

They smell EXACTLY  like the NYX ones!!

So yes, you will most definitely want to eat these up too! 

These retail and a very affordable 3.99Euro each! So you can buy the whole collection if you wanted to!

The collection comes inn 4 different neutral shades , Cotton Candy (pink) Fairy Cake (coral) Powder Puff (nude) & Angel Delight (beige) and whats even better they're super moisturising AND long lasting! 

fair play Collection 2000 , well done!

The Parma Violet

Slimming world Christmas party 2014

Good evening everyone, I hope everyone is nursing their Christmas party hangovers this morning, cause I know I certainly am!

Yesterday seen the very first Christmas party I ever attended! And it was magical! It was with my Slimming World group (citywest), seeming as I am only new to the group I had no idea that a Christmas party was even on the cards! But I was so wrong!

Taking place at the extravagant Citywest Hotel,the theme was 'Charlie & the chocolate factory' , how fun is that?! The entrance was amazingly perfect, a full purple carpet and huge lollipops coming out of the ground they had the theme down to a T, when we entered the building there was a champagne reception complete with giant sweets hanging from the ceilings

We gathered and celebrated Christmas with multiple other companies for a night full of food, wine, dancing and eating competitions (dear lord the shame)

The dinner was a Starter of vegetable soup which was amazingly tasty, I couldn't get enough of it!And yes, shamefully I did stuff two white rolls lathered in butter into my face to accompany said soup!

The main was the quintessential Christmas dinner...And my good christ it was good! Mixed veg with a generous helping of turkey, ham and stuffing!! 

The desert was small (thank god) but absolutely delicious none the less! A selection of mini deserts which included a chocolate fudge cake, a blueberry cheesecake and a tirimssu cup! So simple yet effective! Adored these!

When I turned up i half didn't recognise everyone! Everyone from Slimming World looked SO beautiful and super stylish in their gorgeous Christmas outfits! Everyones hair and makeup looked immaculate! Super impressed with these wonder women! Everyone was laughing,dancing and catching the eye of some...shall me say 'romantic' men.

i recently bought a STUNNING dress from River Island and I got it at such a bargain too, this gorgeous,glitzy,christmassy dress was 51 euro and I got it for just 21 euro! And I've been looking for an excuse to wear it ever since I bought it! When I laid eyes on it I thought it looked like a sexy disco ball. And it does!
BUT unfortunately I was super self conscious in it all night as its skin tight! Still need to loose a good few pounds to wear it confidently but never the less, a stunning dress! You can also buy this dress in top and pencil skirt form or a floor length long sleeve gown!

My  makeup was Katy Perry inspired as I love playing my eyes up as much as she does! My lashes are the 'double trouble' lashes from Penneys/ Primark and my lipstick is MAC viva glam1 :) 

My nails were...to die for, i adore them! I picked them up at a recent blog meet up! They're from House of Holland in Boots and usually retail at around 10 euro!!

Special thanks to Helena, our team leader for organising such an amazing night, I had a proper laugh and my legs and stomach are killing me! 

Until next time slinky ladies!

The Parma Violet

Ted Baker Pout and Prejudice : Review

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is good and not dying with a phlegm covered flu due to that Baltic weather out there! 

Now, if you're looking for those pretty stocking fillers for the pretty girl in your life, weather it be a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend or even a grandmother, Ted Baker knows where its at this Christmas!

I recently picked up their lippies in Boots this month as all Ted Baker products are three for two. The packaging is too pretty for words! I adore it so much! So lets see what I thought?

This marvellous little metal tin, cleverly named 'Pout and Prejudice' contains three beautiful lipsticks ideal for any age! The tin has a gorgeous vintage design complete with teeny tiny pastel houses .

The packaging is super girly with Ted Bakers signature powder pink,rose gold tones and Peach ribbon.

And it just gets better, when you  remove the lid, you're blessed with these three gorgeously packaged lipsticks. Again, in a dusty pink colour with rose gold lettering. These lipsticks are almost too pretty to touch!

Excuse the terrible lighting!

Inside you should have a Nude, A Peach and A red shade! 

Very staple colours! Such a great idea! Again, I simply adore the rose gold lettering, its so insanely pretty!

just look at that detail. So flawless, go girly and so luxurious!

These swatches were taken with no flash in natural light.

From L to R

Nude, Peach, Red

Every single one of these colours are so perfect and would make an ideal present for someone this Christmas!

So why not pop down to the holy grail that is boots and pick some up ( and because its three for two why not treat yourself in the process)

Happy shopping!!

The Parma Violet

Is volcanic ash the next big thing in skincare?

Good morning! And yes you heard that right!

Volcanic ash or Charcoal has been used in skincare products for many years, but now, there has been a sudden explosion *Pardon the pun* on the skincare scene.

Is it any good? Is it expensive? If so, are they're any dupes? Well, lets find out shall we?

First of all we have MAC's Mineralize volcanic ash exfoliator. This baby can be used as an exfoliating scrub, or as a lovely warm face mask. So what did I think?

When I used this product, I used it as a face scrub as using anything as a facemask usually tends to make me break out into awful spots.

It feels great when applied on the skin, the gorgeous sugar crystals get right to work when you give your face a good aul thorough scrub. I must admit it doesn't smell like the nicest daisy but it works miracles. 

When washing off I found it left my skin, super soft and insanely moisturised!

I must say,I was truly shocked, my skin usually breaks out if I try any new skincare products, but this made my skin baby soft with a healthy glow. The only set back is the price! This retails at a whopping 30EURO! 

So...Is there a dupe?

YES! And it's SO much more affordable! Introducing Boot's own brand - Teatree & Witch Hazel Charcoal facemask and facescrub 

This product I find smells nicer and works just as well, if not better!

These bad boys will save you a pretty penny and save your pretty face.

These deep cleansing gifts from god are to be seriously tested for yourselves.

At 5.50EURO each these gorgeous lifesavers should definitely be a staple in every girls skincare routine. Especially if you suffer from blackheads/acne.

These are currently on offer in boots for 3 for 2! so run down and get your lovely mitts on these two fabulous products!

The Parma Violet

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Sleek comes to Ireland

I know I'm a tad bit slow to post about this but YES! Sleek have made their way to Ireland,finally! After years of waiting, Boots have stocked this glorious brand! Boots are now doing buy one get one half price on ALL Sleek products AND sometimes 3 for 2! Just click here to see what they have!

I myself picked up only 2 pieces from the collection so far, but I WILL expand that soon..hopefully! So here is what lured me in

Sleek - i-Divine vintage romance palette €9.99 

Sleek - Face form, contouring and blusher palette €12.99

Seeming as it was buy one get one half price I got these two for only €17.99!

I could'nt wait to open the boxes to see that famous matte black packaging...and tharr she blows

Ahhh isnt it gorgeous!

The eyeshaddow palette was (for some reason) alot smaller than the image I had in my head! Adore this packaging!

I opted for the 'Light' option in faceform. But if you are particularly pale I would suggest getting the 'Fair' option

I chose the vintage romance palette as the colours suit me more than the others. The Deep purples and sexy nudes in this palette are to die for! This palette is a mix of matte and shimmering eyeshaddows.

On the left we have the top row of the Vintage romance shaddows on dry skin with no flash

In the middle we have the bottom row, again on dry skin, no flash

And on the right we have the face form contouring powder, again, dry skin, no flash.

I adore everything about the eyeshaddow palette, it is simply stunning, the colours are insanely pigmented! And against blue eyes they make them pop!

I love the face form set  the contouring powder is bang on perfect, BUT the blusher is a tad shimmery for my liking,Sleek also offer a contouring kit WITHOUT the blusher for only 6.99...perfection!

Below is the look I decided to do using only these palettes all with natural lighting, no flash:

These romantic purples make my blue eyes pop. I used the whole bottom line to achieve this sultry look. Perfect if you wanna look super sexy for that date! Or out on the pull in Coppers (for some unknown reason)

The fun and funky purples in this make this makeup amazing for festivals and any gigs you are attending this summer!

If anyone would like a tutorial please let me know.

If you have any quieries, or if you have bought some Sleek makeup, let me know what you think of it! simply comment below OR email me at theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you

The Parma Violet

My July wishlist

Good evening!

And what a horrible washout July is starting out to be!!That is why it's the perfect time to lay in bed and make wishlists. To be honest I'm obsessed with making lists, so this is orgasmic for me!
So here we have some of my most wanted pretty thinggys this July!

Also if anyone is interested I have set up a new Facebook page dedicated to my blog, Click here to visit my new Facebook page

1. Estee Lauder - Double wear foundation:€36.50 I've wanted this foundation for what seems forever! Whenever i see anyone wearing it it makes their skin look SUPER smooth and dreamy!
2. Guerlain - Insolence Eau de Parfume:€60.00 I first found this perfume in Paris in Epcot Disneyworld Florida in 2006, and I was blown away! The scent is so beautiful its beyond worlds, It smells like you're wearing Parma violets...Which I obviously love very very much! Such a statement perfume!
3. MUA-Undress your skin highlighter :€5.00 I've heard nothing but great things about this baked highlighter powder from MUA. The design is very similar to that of MAC's extra dimension skin finish!
4. Limecrime-Velvetines (Salem):$20.00 Every time I look at Limecrimes makeup it makes me die! It is all so beautifully packaged and the Velvetines collection is so original, with one of a kind colours..you cant beat it!
5. MAC-Nightmoth lipliner :€16.00 A cult classic, This gorgeous deep berry lipliner makes any look super vampy and sexy
6. Crosley-Record player: €169.00 I've needed a new record player for the longest time and I've had my eye on this powder blue player for a good while now, shame about that price tag though
7. Pretty Zombie Cosmetics-3 witches matte lipstick :$12.00 A relatively new makeup brand that people should keep their eye out for! These lipsticks go on wet but dry completely matte, with stunning colours and decent prices, these lipsticks are made to stand out! Look at their gorgeous collection Here
8. Ikea-Malm dressing table: €100.00 Unfortunately i do not have a dressing table of my own,and that makes me so sad! But I will be saving up for this gorgeous MALM dresser from Ikea, with a glass top and pullout makeup drawer for only 100 EURO, whats not to love?
9. Shoebakery shoes $345.00 ..Yes I am aware of the ridiculous price of these shoes, but are YOU aware of how gorgeous they are? Look at them! Totally original AND hand made AND you can get your own custom cake style shoes! EVEN wedding shoes to match your wedding cake! How's that for having your cake and eating it? Want to look at their amazing creations? Simply click here!

Look how gorgeous that MALM dresser from Ikea looks! (Mirror, plant pot and Hollywood lights also available From IKEA)

If you have any queries or want me to review a product simply comment below or mail me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com OR Message me on Facebook (theparmaviolet) Thank you.

The Parma Violet

Transform your skin

Transform your skin for Summer!

Before I start off can I just say thanks to everyone for following, I just started up my own twitter page for my blog if anybody is interested  Click here to view my brand new twitter page!

Want your skin to look flawless and dewy this summer? Well I've got a few handy tips up my sleeve with affordable products that will transform your skin in the blink of an eye! Here is a few of my transforming favourites!

 I've always had problems with my facial skin, it has always been spotty, red and bumpy and extremely sensitive! I recently got diagnosed with Rosacea (A common facial skin problem causing spots, red harsh skin and itchiness) So to combat this i am taking medication, but of course, that alone won't work. So after searching high and low for the best skincare products for those with sensitive skin I have finally found some desirable products which are gentle on your skin as well as your pocket.

1. Boots Essentials Moisturising Cream (Fragrance free) - This moisturiser is one of the most nourishing and beautiful I have ever come across, absolutely perfect for all skin types. For those with dry skin, do make sure to put a decent amount on and massage smoothly in to your skin. 3.75EURO
2. Avene Thermal Spring Water Facial Serum - Serum, believe it or not, is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine. This Avene serum is perfect for those with a slight red tinge to their skin, it has a cooling action that takes the redness right down while replenishing your skin!Perfect for all skin types!Aldi do 3 diferent types of facial serum for half the price of any others, all three which are suited to ones own person skintype! Avene Serum 25.00EURO
3. NUXE All Purpose Dry Oil - This stuff is magic in a bottle! It can literally be used anywhere on the body. Hair,Nails,Skin you name it! Not to mention the heavenly exotic smell, but how it works is amazing! Just a tiny drop of this makes skin youthful and vibrant looking. Oils are becoming more and more popular in the beauty spectrum because they restore all the oils lacking or lost. Prefect buy, I would truly recommend this to anyone!it's a bit pricey but will last a lifetime! 35.00EURO
4. Simple Oil Balancing Facial Scrub - I dont think theres a bad word to say about this product really.This is aimed for those with sensitive skin, Simple is my go to skincare line! Its perfect and fragrance free! This scrub is powerful enough to remove dead skin and deeply clean skin and pores, while gentle enough to keep skin feeling smooth and soft. 5.29EURO
5. Bio Oil - Now, the reason why I have bio oil here, is because believe it or not Bio Oil is a better anti aging oil than anything else, AND it reduces the look of scaring from spots,chicken poc marks, skin discolouration etc. This is a dream product for anti aging and so reducing them unsightly scars. 10.99EURO
6. LUSH BB Seaweed Facial Mask - This is my favourite skincare product of all time. This gorgeous pot of heaven reduces redness,removes spots, tightens pores AND rejuvenates skin leaving it looking young,fresh dewy and simply healthy! Just pop this tub in the fridge, and use 2-3 times a week! If youre looking for an overnight transformation, then look no further.
7. L'Oreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher - This tube, is full of magic and wonder! This (Which is a Dupe of Benefits Porefessional'') Is a life saver, this tube has TRIPLE the amount of a tube of Porefessional by benefit and in my opinion works just as well! I like using this after I do my skin care treatment to take the shine off of my face and to reduce the image of my pores.  25.00EURO

Now on to lips!!

People always seem to forget lip products!! Lip products are just as important as all the rest. Theres no use having gorgeously,smooth,radiant skin without having the lips to match! So here are my two products that i Swear by

1. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - This is a godsend, this little put will set you back around 7EURO, but last's a fairly long time. This is also free of any alcohol or anything else that would dry up your skin, and its Vegan!!How does it work? Well simply scoop some of this fantastic smelling scrub onto your finger and scrub your lips,be quite forceful as this bad boy takes off all the dead skin and flakes. Now...before you eat the whole tub...stop.
2. Nivea Lip Butter n Raspberry Rose - This luscious pot of joy smells out of this world and tastes just as good, but works even better! This butter has no petrolium or anything else that could dry up lips. enriched with oils and the wings on an angel, this stuff works wonders for your lips leaving them feeling silky and ....buttery 3.75EURO

Have you any beauty products you cannot live without? Want be to review a product? Simple comment below for mail me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you!

The Parma Violet 

ACRYLIC MAKE-UP STORAGE FOR 1.50?!

YES!

This lipstick organizer was only 1.50!!!

Yes only 1.50! I couldn't believe it, I have heard promising tales of getting cheap makeup storage on Ebay, but after no luck I went on my own adventure for cheap, affordable makeup storage. I found this bad-boy in 'Homestore And More' and it is just what I've been looking for.

It holds 9 lipsticks ( I know its small) but I had seen a bigger lipstick holder beside this one for 14.99! I thought that was fairly expensive for a lipstick holder that only held 10 more lipsticks than this one! So why not just grab a few of these 1.50 lipstick holders and superglue/gluegun them together for a fraction of the price!

Its strong and sturdy and not flimsy at all! It is most definitely worth it, it may be small but its PERFECT for holding your most used lipsticks! And as I said before, a bit of superglue will work wonders and save you ALOT of money in the meantime! 

'Home store and more' also have a 3 drawer make-up storage system for 50 euro which isn't too shabby at all.They have absolutely loads of very affordable makeup storage for all you makeup junkies out there ! Here's just a few of the other storage systems you can buy!

**Prices range from 1.50-50.00**

The Parma Violet