Halloween Nails Made Easy with ImPRESS!

Happy Halloween y'all, today I've something a little different. The very lovely Róisín over at Cuti-Clue-les has given the imPress Halloween offerings a little test run for us and is here to give us the 411 - Roll it there, Róisín! (I couldn't resist)...

Hey all,

Over the weekend I was trying out the Total Witch Limited edition imPRESS nails for Sue. Basically they are black French tips set on a web design with holographic glitter and an accent of a holographic spider on some nails.This is my first go at false nails so I was really interested to see how they would come out. It takes a fair while for me to do nail art so I thought these would be a great time-saver. Here's how I faired out with them anyway....

Each pack comes with 24 nails, a little file and prep pad (which smells a bit like those disinfectant wipes from a first aid box) I found it a bit difficult to find nails to suit my fingers. I thought they looked grand but up close there are huge gaps on each side of the nail.This may be because I have square shaped nails and the imPRESS nails have a slight curve on each the side. It meant the nails started peeling away from the nail a bit which was disappointing.

They claim to last a week but to be honest I doubt it. Mine barely lasted the day. The urge to pick them off was too strong. You do get a great sense of achievement when you pluck one off though-it's like that scene from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (it feels like your natural nail might be suction off at the same time) They do stick on well though so I think these would be amazing for those one day events that ya get suckered into attending and can't be bothered painting your nails :P You would have no bother popping them on in 5 minutes and they feel strong and sturdy on your nails.

You can cut them a bit if you feel the length is a bit much. They don't crack or chip but the little file they include in the pack is not good enough to file them all down. This also adds on a fair bit of time to the actual process. All in all though these are fairly handy to have in your stash. Definitely give them a go if you haven't already. I think you can pick some up in Penny's for around €5 too. I'd be interested to see whether they
have some nail designs coming out for Christmas! I may never post me own nail art again if they do :)

Have ye tried out the imPRESS nails pack yet?

Cuti-CLUE-les

Didn't she do a fantastic job? Thanks a million, R! Be sure to head over to her blog and check out some of her awesome hand painted nail creations, Girl's got serious talent. 

Whatever you're up to tonight, stay safe and think of the fur babies won't you. Happy Halloween, everyone! 

Monday's Moments - 29/10

Morning all, if you're reading this from Ireland I'm guessing it's late morning, such is the bliss of Bank Holiday Mondays. My plan today is to do absolutely zero, zilch, nada following a hectic week and even more hectic weekend. 

Just one downside of my jaunt to Wexford on Saturday to see a bestie being that my phone never made it home so my own pictures for this weeks Moments are lost forevah. Still, I coped. That and I'm quite enjoying the peace & quiet without the phone until I can have it replaced on Tuesday. Let's crack on, shall we? 

1. Making Mash

I happened to tweet last week about the devastating 'news' that James Blunt was quitting the music industry. It was only that evening that I got a message from the lovely @kirstie to say that it had made Mashable, one of the worlds largest web sites. 

Check out the mention here and let the record show that I'm not sorry, James, not one little bit.

2. Whoooosh!

I was collared to attend a meeting, last minute on Thursday afternoon, meaning I had to miss a very nice appointment that had been lined up for me, which put me in a foul humour. 

While sitting, waiting for the web cam to be set up and chewing my knuckles with fury, one of the attendees asked 'Are we all upset that Analogue is gone then?'. Quick as a flash, the Chair said 'Did she work in Housing?' and I almost spat out my water. Everyone turned to look at him, puzzled and he'd the biggest grin I've seen plastered across his face. Cue 5 minutes of explaining 'Anna.. Log.. Analogue.. Sounds like Anna... Geddit?' 'Is this thing on?'. Brightened my afternoon right up. 

3. Fwd? Yes, Please...

I mentioned a couple of weeks back that my work load had decreased extensively with handing over management of the School Warden Service. I miss them, sure, but the difference it's made to my working day is phenomenal. 

This week saw the school mid term approaching and one of the most time consuming and face achiest parts of the job, the setting up of spread sheets for the Wardens for the Department. It was only when I saw the reminder pop into my inbox that I realised how good it actually feels to press the FWD button and think no more about it. Let go and let God, I say, that and Thank Flute. 

4. Do You Want Some TMI With That? 

Moment four comes with the aid of Karen of the LovelyGirlybits as so many of 'em do. We met for a quick coffee on Thursday as she was leaving an evint and I was heading into a screening. As very often happens when we're chatting though, we're completely unaware that people might actually be listening. (Same happens on Twitter ALL THE TIME). 

The poor unfortunate this time though, was the girls serving us coffee, she got an earful of 'So your Waxperts appointment is tomorrow, yeah? Are you getting ALL the way up your leg done?'. Poor girl burst out laughing with the reddest face, meaning we burst out laughing too. We sorry, random coffee house worker, vay sorry.

5. He Ain't Heavy

Moment five still makes me smile thinking about it. While in the garage on Saturday waiting in line I overheard a young lad (about 8) making his sandwich order. 'I want a big pudding roll please', 'Do you like pudding?' says the girl, 'I love it, it's me favourite'. When she reached into the container though there was only one piece left. 

After telling him this, he said 'Ah no, well give it to me brother then (pointing at his little brother (about 5), he's starting to like pudding too'. It was all I could do not to noogie him for being so sweet and thoughtful, thinking that could be considered assault when they're strangers, I settled for whispering to him 'You're a very good big brother' and I just got a sheepish grin in return. Made my day. 


That's it for another week and another month. What's been going on in your neck of the woods? Anything making you smile of late? 

By the by and speaking of Waxperts
Do check out this hilarious review from 
Mags over at Emerald Eyeliner. It's one 
of the funniest things I've ever read
and guranteed to give you a giggle this
Monday. 

Cherry Pick of the Week - KODALINE- All I Want

Cherry Pick this week is the new one from Irish band Kodaline and it's a cracker. 

I'll have to Thank Sharon from Behind Green Eyes for the heads up on this one. I can't get it out of my head this week AND that video is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. 

These lads play The Button Factory, Dublin on Dec 2nd and I'm just raging I didn't get tickets before they sold out.  Next time, Kodaline, next time! 

Have you a tune that's sticking with you this week? I love to hear what's playing in peoples' noggins. 

**Giveaway** Exclusive Bond Boxset!!

The Bond franchise is hitting 50 this year and to celebrate, MGM and 20th Century Fox have joined up to release all 22 flicks in one box set. Bond 50 includes 130 hours of bonus features, including previously released extras and a few new exclusives.

I couldn't let the launch of Skyfall pass today without a little nod to Jimmy's past with a giveaway like this. Whether you want this as a gift for a loved one this Crimbo or to keep it all for yourself, this box set is everything a Bond lover needs. 

Full list of films included in the Bond 50 box set:

Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987), Licence To Kill (1989), Goldeneye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum Of Solace (2008)

My other beauty inspired Skyfall Giveaway had a couple of simple entry conditions but this one is even easier. I want you to have a squizz at my Skyfall review here and tell me... 'What's the name of the Bond villain this time round?' 

Send your answer and your details to cherrysuecomps@gmail.com, it really is that easy. 

Open to residents of the UK and Éire, this competition will end on the 9th of November. 

If and when you do watch Skyfall, please be sure to tell me what you think either on Twitter or Facebook or of course you can leave a comment on my review here. 

Good Luck, Everyone!

Simple Shopping at TheLoop.ie: Bish, Bash, Bosh

You might remember that I mentioned being lucky enough to head along to the launch of The Loop.ie several weeks back, you might also remember that a couple of weeks later I high-tailed it to London for a weekend of shenanigans with my Sis – what connects the two I hear you ask, getting to try out the super simple and potentially dangerous (to your bank balance) Loop.ie with a trial €50 voucher is the answer.

TheLoop.ie is a virtual home for all of the airport shopping delights that you can fawn over and consider without any pesky loud speaker shouting that ‘You, Ms CherrySue, will be turfed off this flight if you don’t unhand the MAC and get your tuckus on the plane!’*. With all of your favourite brands for beauty, accessories and alcohol (within the EU), whether you’re flying from Dublin, Cork or Shannon you can now order anything from the site and have it waiting for you on your check in day.

Bish: Logging On

Having waited with bated breath until the prerequisite 48 hours before my flight, I logged onto TheLoop.ie with my flight number, time and destination  My details were automatically pulled up and I was off, studiously salivating over every other page – envisioning topping up the voucher, blowing all of my holiday spends on bargain beauty and dining on bread sticks for the weekend.

Bash: Ordering Your Goods

Knowing my grá for Armani’s Eyes To Kill (one of my HG shadows), I decided it’d be nice to treat The Sis. I picked up colour 28 for her and colour 27 managed to slip into my virtual basket for me (more on that soon). At €23 each I was feeling no pain. Now my limit of €50 for trial purposes was pretty much depleted but I thought it rude not to continue perusing.

That’s when I stumbled upon this gorgeous bargain on the Estée Lauder page. My choice of gloss for €5?! So thrilled was I that it’s already been a Monday’s Moment. This little purchase pushed me €1.40 over the voucher value. Thinking the site would have a meltdown if I tried to top up, as other sites can, I was pleasantly surprised when it readily accepted my Laser card for the few sheckles extra and sent me a confirmation mail with full instructions immediately.

Bosh: Picking Up Your Precious

Pick up for goods ordered on the site starts at 4am in each terminal so there’s plenty of time to collect them, even if you’re on the reddest of red eyes. The confirmation email contains clear, step by step directions to get you to your collection point – in my case it was in Terminal One so towards the back of the Terminal (where Bobbi Brown and Duty Free are located). Upon presentation of my email and the Laser card used to make the whopping €1.40 payment, my goods were retrieved from the locked storage behind the desk and handed over. Really couldn't have been simpler.

Should you not want to bring your purchases with you (If you've gone a little mental with the buying), you can always avail of the Shop & Collect scheme and have the airport hold onto your goodies until you land back in Dublin post holliers. Choosing this option means that once your flight touches Irish soil again you get a reminder text to pick up your goods (If you haven’t spent the last two days of your break with your palms sweating in anticipation of getting ‘em).

And that’s it, it really is that straightforward and simple. Order, Collect, Love: Bish, Bash, Bosh.

Have you tried the service yet? 

 *May not have been the actual announcement

Psst: As of last week TheLoop.ie are

the only Irish online retailer of MAC Make Up!

As THE shop that takes up most of my pre flight time

this is music to my travel loving lugs!

Clarin's Odyssey for Christmas 2012: Face Palette & Eye Quartet

You may have seen these beautiful gilded beauties on a couple of sites recently but truth be told, I'm only now gathering the courage to swatch them. As a beauty blogger that's never happened me before but it does mean that what Clarin's have done with the Odyssey palettes is something very special indeed. 

Clarins Odyssey Face Palette: €55

Can you see why I was hard pressed to mess with the Odyssey Face palette? It's a soft and creamy beige powder with a fine golden over spray that equates to a delicate shimmer on the skin. Retailing at €55, there's not a woman you or I know that wouldn't squee just a little bit at a gorgeous gift like this. 

The heavy weight, ornate golden casing would make a stunning addition to any dressing table but would also be a luxurious compact for your evening bag, encased in its signature red velvet Clarin's sleeve. 

On the skin the golden shimmer is almost undetectable, working only to add luminosity (it's a word) to the face and décolletage where applied. 

Clarin's Odyssey Eye Quartet: €40

The creamy soft neutral shadows (but one) housed in the Odyssey Eye Quartet are enough to bring any make up look from day to night. These shadows can be used wet or dry and once applied refuse to budge for the duration. 

I honestly can't show you this beauty without drawing your attention to one of the most beautiful shadows I've probably ever seen. That vibrantly pigmented, luxurious gold is almost damp to the touch. Applied to the skin it's literally creamy soft gold leaf and although you 'd imagine huge fallout, it's one of the most durable colours of the set. 

If you're on the hunt for a palette to bring you right through the party season, or indeed a stunning pressie for someone a little bit special, you really can't look much further than Clarin's Odyssey collection. 

For me, I've now put both palettes back into their red velvet sleeves and back into their boxes until the next time I want to treat my peepers. 

What do you think? Reckon Clarin's have gotten it right with these? 

**Giveaway** SkyFall OPI Collections!

With the launch of the 23rd Bond movie, Skyfall, almost upon us I have some of the nicest movie themed products you can find, yep I'm an OPI nut so am a little biased but this limited edition collection is wowsers. 

I've picked up two gorgeous mini sets for you lucky ducks to celebrate the movie's launch and it's super simple to get your talons on 'em. Just enter below! 

Open to both the UK and Éire - Good Luck, everyone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Skyfall : Movie Review (No Spoilers)

Who's in it? 

Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Bérénice Marlohe, Judi Dench &  Ralph Fiennes

What's it About? 

It's the 50th anniversary of the franchise and the 23rd film to date so we were all hoping for something a little bit special from Skyfall. This time out we're going back to basics, stripping Bond down to the man behind the suave, super spy exterior. The plot is simple but very smart and that leaves room for proper character development, for raw emotion and an edge of your seat cinematic experience to rival any action thriller to date.  

Any Good? 

I'll be honest, I had always questioned Craig's credentials as Bond and neither Casino Royale nor Quantum of Solace did anything to remedy that. Skyfall, however, is a different animal altogether.  Craig portrays a world weary, almost beaten Bond but when his beloved M is threatened and his loyalty to her tested by a super villain (Bardem), he must act fast and act he does. In the space of 143 minutes he has shot to the top of the Jimmy Bond leader board, a huge accomplishment. 

Just one stylish nod to Bond of yore

Sam Mendes takes the directorial helm and has admitted to Chris Nolan's workings of The Dark Knight trilogy being an inspiration, here though he has shirked his Bond gadget duties in favour of carefully crafting complex characters and developing a tale of morality that sets the tone of Skyfall. 

There are heart pounding action scenes, sexy times with sexy ladies and of course the relentless Bond villain but I think what surprised me most is how visually stunning Skyfall is. Scenes shot in Shanghai, Macau and Turkey will literally stop you in your tracks (of munching popcorn), saturated in colour and beautifully choreographed, they're a cinematic triumph. 

Eh, she sees you..

Bardem as the unhinged, merciless Silva will go down as one of the creepiest yet perfectly portrayed antagonists in movie history (think Ledger, seriously). He arrives on screen with a truly memorable one take monologue and proceeds to steal almost every scene with a dogged, driving motivation that thwarts Bond at every turn. His camp flourishes eliciting both heartfelt laugh out loud moments but also a disconcerting unease that every true Bond villain should. 

Think Hannibal Lecter, only funny

Though Bérénice Marlohe plays the role of seductress perfectly, there's no escaping the fact that Judi Dench's M is the real Bond Girl here. Her on screen presence, her witty tête-à-têtes with Bond and his undeniable love for her all give their relationship true gravitas and it's a pleasure to watch. Once her back is against the wall she more than proves her metal as head of MI6 and refuses to cow to the direct threats aimed at her by Silva. G'wan the M! 

Like a Boss

This being the half century anniversary of Bond it would be easy to see how the premise could have become stale but Skyfall not only doffs its hat respectfully and nostalgically at its predecessors but it manages to propel the franchise into the 21st century with ease. 

It's a great story, well told and stacks up to be one of, if not the best Bond to date. Avid fans will adore it and the more dubious amongst us will be hard pressed to find a more thrillingly satisfying action movie of 2012. Excited to see it yet? You should be. 

Rating:

 

Psst:
He never did order that Heino,
just another reason to heart him. 

NOTD: Zoya Daul

Nails today are a stunning Zoya offering that I picked up while at the Pro Beauty Show a couple of weeks back. 

A purple jelly with a bajillion (actual number) gold and green iridescent micro glitters, Daul literally flashes champagne, gold or purple depending on the light and I'm mesmerised with it. 

I've just restarted my use of OPI Nail Envy because I got a little lax with it and my nails are paying the price but I couldn't resist showing you how gorgeous this polish is on the talon. 

The formulation of Daul is a little thinner than most, being a jelly and all so could easily lend itself as a topcoat over either a gold or purple polish for a more dramatic look. 

You'll find this and all of the other stunning Zoya polishes for €9.90 from SupernailIreland.com. 

What's on your nails today? 

Coming Soon: Avon's Arctic Goddess Collection: Pic Heavy

Fans of frosted shades, both blues and greens are going to adore this season's Limited Edition collection, Arctic Goddess from Avon. There's a little something for everyone in here, how about a geansaí load of photos, eh? 

Firstly we have two gorgeous eye shadow palettes, one more vibrant than the other but both  very wearable. Muse is the more subtle of the two with muted greens, purples and taupes with Arctic Goddess for the braver amongst us, with one of the most in yo' face, vibrant blue shadows I've seen in a while. 

Muse Palette: €11

Muses shadows each have a beautiful shimmer running throughout, that last colour is a particular favourite of mine, an iridescent mauve/gold that suits any skin tone as a subtle wash of colour or a brightening highlighter. 

Arctic Goddess Palette: €11 (LOOK at that blue!!)

Arctic Goddess Glosses: €9 (Caramel Sparkle, Pink Icicle, North Star)

This sparkling shimmer glosses are deceptively gloop free. Soft and comfortable on the lips, they're non sticky and light. I'm going to go with Caramel Sparkle here as my favourite, we know how I get around coffee coloured loveliness. 

Arctic Goddess NailWear Pro+ €8 (Arctic Waters, Chilling Teal & Green Goddess)

The pièce de résistance of the entire collection for me though is, unsuprisingly, the polishes. Using the fantastic NailWear Pro+ formula these colours would suit any pingys at all. 

• Arctic Waters is a bright blue with beautiful silver microshimmer gleaming on the nail. 
• Chilling Teal is a frosted pastel mint, again with silver bringing it to life in the sunshine. 
• Green Goddess is, for all intents and purposes, a very close match for Chanel's Peridot. Leaning greener than the Chanel offering but still bursting with iridescence, this was on my nails for 4 days with no sign of chipping. Result!    

Arctic Goddess will be available from catalogues in November, so you don't have long to wait. Should you need a rep, you can find one here . What do we think? Is the frost winning you over? 

Ted Baker - The Name on Everyone's Lips: Boots Exclusive

Fans of both Chubby Sticks and Revlon's Kissable Lip Balms will love this new Ted Baker set housed in a beautiful purple tin. Exclusive to Boots, available from their Christmas catalogue and, priced at just €19, they're bound to be hugely popular as both a gift and a self gift this season.  

Though not individually named, these glossy lip crayons are each flattering shades of pinks and reds that are very easy to wear. Unscented and seriously soft, they glide onto the lips with ease for a high gloss finish. 

While not the longest lasting, approximately one hour before touch up is required, these Ted Baker shades lipstick crayons are a great budget beauty buy. 

Have you checked out anything else from the Ted Baker beauty range? 

Monday's Moments - 22/10

I've no idea how it's Monday already but despite my best efforts to will it otherwise, here we are. Nowt else for it than to share some Moments in the hope of lifting the funk eh? 

1. A Box in the Ears for San Diego 

This week I've mostly been fending off Kato attacks from the youngest (nothing new there) and threats such as 'How about I box you in the ears for San Diego?'. It was only when the little git sent me this that I realised what he was talking about. 

In hindsight, I glad of the addition of the words 'Thuggery' and 'Buffoonery' to my repertoire but threats from your child to 'Knock me in the spectacles' aren't cool. I don't wear spectacles. 

2. Dah Dah Daddle Dah Dah Dah Dah Circus...

I mentioned last week that the Sis and I managed to bring her little ones along to the Madagascar 3 screening. This little chicken, however, didn't make it. It was just as well then that there was enough afro wigs to go around and there was one sent home for him. 

The Sis sent me this pic to show how thrilled he is to be part of Afro Circus and every time I've needed a smile this week one squizz at this has done it :) 

3. Back Up, Buddy! 

Another day, another screening. This time it was the eldest Gorgebag and I just out of Skyfall on Wednesday and at the ATM on a dark O'Connell St. I wasn't paying full attention as I was taking my money from the machine but some dude approached us and tried to put his arm around him saying 'Here, Buddy'. 

Before I even realised it Aaron stood tall and put his hands up saying, in his manliest voice (that I've never heard before), 'HERE, BUDDY, BACK UP, NOW!'. I'm not sure which shocked me more but I got us out of there and into a cab. I couldn't be prouder of him, that and I'm now a little less worried about him out and about alone. Just a little, mind. 

4. The Earliest of Nights

Moment four will most likely ruin any street cred I have left but if I'm going down I'm taking Lorraine with me. We were at an evint last Friday you see that involved a full night of fashion, beauty, music and drinkies with an overnight stay in the hotel. 

Any normal party animal would have made full use, maybe even teetered off to Buskers for a boogie before hitting the hay. Our Party Animal mojo was sick on Friday though. Cue two Bridies tucked up with a cup of tea, watching True Movies and Trollololing by 10.30 at night. In reality, it was one of the most enjoyable, relaxing evenings I've had in donkey's years. I'm getting old. Fact. 

5. Delightful Dollyer

source

Saturday evening found me in one of the most unlikely places, even considering my new found Old Bridieness. On Dollymount Strand at 6.30pm no less. Thing is, it was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was setting as we strolled along and it was positively balmy for an October evening in Ireland. 

I don't think I've ever been out there when it was empty but I'm guessing everyone else thought it ludicrous to go to the beach at this time of the day/year. But for a couple of dog walkers the beach was completely deserted. I'd highly recommend it for an evening stroll. (Oh and pints in The Summit in Howth afterward too). 

What's being going on in your neck of the woods this week then? I'd love to know.