December Playlist

Here we are in December and my last monthly playlist of the year! McBusted's debut album was released at the beginning of this month so naturally a chunk of my playlist will be from that album. Enjoy!

1. What Happened To Your Band by McBusted from the self-titled album McBusted

2. Get Over It by McBusted from the self-titled album McBusted 

3. Sensitive Guy by McBusted from the self-titled album McBusted

4. Getting It Out by McBusted from the self-titled album McBusted

5. 23:59 by McBusted from the self-titled album McBusted

6. Save You by Pearl Jam from the album Riot Act 

7. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran from the album X

When this song was released I hated it. Okay, I wouldn't say hate but I just didn't warm to the song at all. Overtime I began to love the song as I seemed to hear it everywhere I went. Definitely one of Ed Sheeran's best singles!

8. Surfer Babe by McFly from the album Room On The Third Floor

I've been listening to a lot of McFly's old stuff lately, especially their first album, and only now am I realising what a cracker of an album Room On The Third Floor is.

9. Room On The Third Floor by McFly from the album Room On The Third Floor

10. Just Breathe by Pearl Jam from the album Backspacer

11. Down By The Lake by McFly from the album Room On The Third Floor

12. Evacuation by Pearl Jam from the album Binaural

 

Album of the month: McBusted // Self-titled

You can follow and listen to my playlists on Spotify here.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Christmas and I hope 2015 is good to you!

Róisín xo

• Twitter
• Tumblr
• Instagram

Review - L'Oréal Full Restore Hair Masque

L'Oréal Elvive Full Restore 5 Repairing Masque With Serum

I featured this masque in another post here but I never did a full review on it so here it is! 

Firstly, this product is amazing! I genuinely don't know how my hair survived without it. My hair stays feeling and looking healthy by just using this masque once a week. Obviously your regular shampoo and conditioner contribute to the health of your hair but you can never go wrong with a weekly masque. I've always been a fan of L'Oréal hair care products so this was why I chose this masque when I was presented with a never ending selection.

This masque has a solution to hair's most common problems - after using you will find your hair:
1. Feels stronger
2. Looks fuller
3. Looks revitalised
4. Has a healthy shine
5. Looks and feels silkier

After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I put this masque in and leave it for 5-10 minutes. The longer you can leave it the better! Then I wash it out and dry as normal, and wow, the difference is incredible! My hair feels softer than ever, instead of feeling dry and it looks shiny. Since using this masque, my hair is in the best condition it's been in years.
The only downside to this product is the twist-type lid for opening the pot. When you're in the shower, your hands are obviously going to be wet so trying to open the lid by twisting it is almost impossible.

Overall, I would give this product a 9/10 because it has practically saved the life of my hair but unfortunately the impractical lid is a negative. I would definitely give this full marks if the masque came in a bottle instead of a pot.

Róisín

xo

Twitter
Tumblr
Instagram

November Playlist

This month's playlist is extra special because... THE NEW FOO FIGHTERS' ALBUM WAS RELEASED. Yes my friends, the sounds of Sonic Highways were finally exposed to my ears and can I just say W.O.W. I guess we all know what my album of the month is going to be.

1. I Am A River by Foo Fighters from the album Sonic Highways 

2. Something From Nothing by Foo Fighters from the album Sonic Highways

3. What Did I Do?/God As My Witness by Foo Fighters from the album Sonic Highways

4. Outside by Foo Fighters from the album Sonic Highways 

5. The Blue, The Green by Lonely The Brave from the album The Day's War

From what I can remember, this was in last month's playlist but I'm still listening to this song daily so it's getting a place in this month's post. I would highly highly highly recommend listening to these guys, you won't regret it! There is not one 'not-as-good-as-the-others' song on this album. All fourteen songs are incredible!

6. Fluorescent Adolescent by Arctic Monkeys from the album Favourite Worst Nightmare
It wouldn't be a good month without some Arctic Monkeys thrown into it

7. R U Mine? by Arctic Monkeys from the album AM 

8. What Happened To Your Band? by McBusted from the album McBusted
McBusted released this song as a teaser to their upcoming debut album due for release on December 1st. Obviously I'm a tiny bit biased when it comes to all things related to McFly (and now McBusted) but this song is a cracker!

9. Straight Through My Heart by Keywest from the album The Message 


Album of the month: Foo Fighters // Sonic Highways 


You can follow and listen to my playlists on Spotify here.

Róisín

xo

Twitter
Tumblr
Instagram

Review - got2b Beach Matt Texturizing Salt Spray

Schwarzkopf's got2b Beach Matt Texturizing Salt Spray Mermaid Look

I've been looking for a spray for my hair to give me the 'just woken up' look for ages now and when I saw this I bought it without hesitation. I've used Schwarzkopf products for years and I've always been really impressed with them. Until I used this.

To start on a positive note, this spray smells amazing and doesn't have an annoying sticky consistency like most hair products do. When I first used this, the wavy effect was very noticeable straight away and I was delighted with the way it made my hair look and feel. I was soon left disappointed when not even an hour after application, my hair no longer had any waves in it or even any volume. This was a problem for me as I was out so I couldn't even do something with my hair so therefore it just looked messy and like i forgot to brush it. 

Overall, I would give this product a 4/10 as it does do what it says on the tin but unfortunately the style doesn't last longer than an hour.
If you know of any similar products that you found give natural waves/beachy waves then please comment below as I am still on the hunt for one that impresses me! 

Róisín

xo

Twitter
Tumblr
Instagram

The Beauty Products I Couldn't Live Without

I've chosen several beauty products which personally, I could not see myself living without. Enjoy!

1. Batiste Dry Shampoo 

Of course this product is great for days in between washes but dry shampoo is amazing when you want to add volume to your hair. Apply at the crown and roots and it will soak up excess oil. I use the original one but I'm aware that there are different ones specifically for brown/black hair to avoid leaving a white colour on your hair. 

2. Essence Liquid Eyeliner
Nothing new here. I'm pretty sure every girl who uses liquid eyeliner uses the Essence one. No other brand compares to it and for €2.99 it's an absolute bargain. The consistency is perfect and the brush allows accurate application which is essential when your look includes winged eyeliner!


3. E.L.F Studio Stipple Brush
This is probably the best make up brush I have ever used! I think I paid about €5 for this and I can't believe how good the quality is. This brush is an antibacterial, synthetic haired brush and creates a flawless look. It can be used with both wet and dry products and works by creating an airbrushed look. For more information about this brush including a video tutorial on how it works, visit the E.L.F website (I will leave a link below).



4. Wet'n'Wilds 'Bare It All' Lipstick
Finding a suitable nude lipstick that doesn't look like you have just applied foundation all over your lips is probably a test for most of us. But I finally found the one and after searching and hunting. I had never used a Wet'n'dWild lipstick until I discovered this one and I think I'll find myself buying them all. 'Bare it all' is the perfect shade when you want your lips to have some emphasis but not through using a bold shade. This is definitely my go-to shade especially if I've opted for a make up look that includes dark eyes. If that's not enough, these lipsticks are easy to apply and do not dry out your lips. A slight touch up may be needed after food or drink but I'm the type of girl that is constantly touching up my lipstick anyway so this is no problem for me. Wet'n'Wild lipsticks range from €1.99 to €2.99.

5. Red Lipstick
Every girl needs a trusty red lippy that they can rely on and I have two favourites, both by Rimmel. My first one is in the shade 'Diva' and my second one is from the Kate Moss range in the shade ''. These lipsticks vary slightly in terms of shade, with the Kate Moss one being a darker red. 






6. Boots Essentials Cucumber Facial Scrub
This is definitely the best exfoliator I've come across. It's only €1.99 and a little goes such a long way. It leaves my face feeling so soft without being too harsh on my skin. This one is for all skin types. 

7. Elvive Full Restore Hair Mask

I like to use a hair mask once a week to keep my hair looking and feeling healthy. This mask is amazing and I would highly recommend. I leave it in my hair for 5-10 minutes after shampooing, wash it out and then use my regular conditioner. It smells great and leaves my hair looking shiny and feeling soft. 

What beauty products would you find difficult to live without?

Róisín 

xo

Check out the products through the links below:

• E.L.F Studio Stipple Brush 

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

Quick & Easy Healthy Breakfast

Porridge and chopped banana with cinnamon flavouring
If you're looking for a healthy and quick but tasty breakfast then here's the perfect recipe! This can be made in less than five minutes which is important when it comes to those dreaded early winter mornings.

What you need:
Porridge
Milk
Cinnamon
One Banana

1. Measure out your desired portion of porridge oats. The quick oats that come in cylinder containers usually come with scoops for easy measurement. I usually put 3 heaped scoops into a bowl.

2. Pour milk over the porridge oats until all are completely covered and then add a little extra to avoid the porridge becoming dry when it's in the microwave.

3. Place the bowl of porridge in the microwave for approx. two and a half minutes. 

4. Depending on the consistency when it's been heated, add another drop of milk and stir. 

5. Chop up one banana and then mix in with the bowl of porridge. 

6. Shake your desired amount of cinnamon powder over the porridge, stir and then shake some more powder into the bowl before stirring again. Add as much cinnamon powder as you wish.
 

7. Enjoy! 

Róisín

xo

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

October Playlist

It's that time again for another playlist - here's my most listened to songs of the month. Enjoy!

1. The Blue, The Green by Lonely The Brave, from the album The Day's War

2. Proof by Paramore, from the self-titled album Paramore

3. [One Of Those] Crazy Girls by Paramore, from the self-titled album Paramore

4. Teddy Picker by Arctic Monkeys, from the album Favourite Worst Nightmare

5. Save You by Pearl Jam, from the album Riot Act

6. Glow by Ella Henderson, from the album Chapter One - This is a weird one for me and not something I'd usually listen to but I've had this song on repeat for about a week now.

7. Brianstorm by Arctic Monkeys, from the album Favourite Worst Nightmare

8. She's Thunderstorms by Arctic Monkeys, from the album Suck It And See

9. Air Guitar by McBusted, no album to date. 

10. A Rush Of Blood To The Head by Coldplay, from the album A Rush Of Blood To The Head

11. Victory Line by Lonely The Brave, from the album The Day's War


Album of the month: Lonely The Brave - 'The Day's War'


You can follow my activity on Spotify as well as listen to this playlist and previous playlists. You can follow me on Spotify here.

Róisín

xo

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

September Playlist

My playlist of the month includes songs by Arctic Monkeys, Nirvana and more! 
You can listen to my September Playlist via Spotify here.

1. Basement - Covet 

I first heard about these guys at the beginning of this year and despite hearing great things about them I never got around to listening to them until this month. I am slightly obsessed with them right now and cannot fault them at all. I have had their album 'Colourmeinkindness' on repeat and cannot recommend it enough.

2. Basement - Pine

From the album 'Colourmeinkindness'.

3. Arctic Monkeys - Arabella

From the album 'AM'.

4. Nirvana - Love Buzz

I have been a Nirvana fan for years and this has always been one of my favourite songs of theirs, despite it being a cover. I've been listening to them quite a lot this month especially their album 'Bleach' which features this song. 

5. Young Guns - Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead cover)

I always say that Radiohead are a one-of-a-kind band and that no one should attempt to cover their songs but Young Guns definitely did this song justice - very impressed. 

6. Lower Than Atlantis - Here We Go 

I've never been a huge fan of Lower Than Atlantis although they do have some extremely catchy songs. This song is definitely my favourite of theirs and I've had it on repeat for over a month now. Their new album, which is self-titled, is expected to be released later this month. 

7. Lonely The Brave - Trick Of The Light

From the album 'The Day's War'.

8. You Me At Six - Too Young To Feel This Old

From the album 'Cavalier Youth'.

I will be saving each month's playlist on my Youtube channel so if you would like to keep updated then you can subscribe to my channel here.
You can also follow my activity on my Spotify profile here.

Róisín 

xo

You can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram via the links below:

• Twitter
• Tumblr
• Instagram

Update and Depop Sale!

Hi guys!
Just a quick update on what's been happening lately. I'm back in college (finally!) and I'm now a third year student so I'm three quarters of the way to getting my degree. For those of you who don't know, I'm Studying for a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 'Social and Community Development' and I'm in my third year out of four. I absolutely love it and I'm even more excited now to get my degree and get out into the working world. I'm hoping to continue with college and complete a Masters Degree in Addiction Studies but I'll probably take some time out of college first as I'll only be twenty-one finishing my current degree. If anyone is interested in studying a similar subject and would like some advice/more information, then please comment below or go to the contact tab on my blog to see the different ways you can contact me. 
As well as college, I'm  always working part-time so my weeks can be quite busy, but I will make sure that I find the time to blog. 

I recently set up a Depop account, my username is rorofosho. I am just selling a few bits of clothing that I no longer have a place in my heart for so take a look if you wish :) For those of you that don't know, Depop is an app you can download which lets you take a picture of something you want to sell as well as letting you buy other user's items. It's completely free and is a great way of getting rid of your wardrobe clutter as well as picking up items at fantastic prices. Receiving money from items you sell and paying for items is simple, especially if you have a Paypal account. 
Follow me and have a look at what I'm selling - I am doing European shipping and accepting all reasonable offers. 

Róisín 

xo

• Twitter
  
• Tumblr
  
• Instagram

My Skincare Routine

My morning and night skincare routines vary a slight bit (due to removing make-up at night) so I will go through each routine step by step below. If you have any questions then just comment below and I will be happy to answer.

MORNING
1. Firstly, I wash my face using Boots Essentials Face Wash. I remove this face wash using a flannel and then remove any remaining wash with water.
2. I then apply Boots Essentials Eye Gel around both eyes. To do this I use a pea size amount of the gel and gently pat it around my eyes.
3. Lastly, I apply Boots Essentials Moisturising Lotion to the remaining areas of my face and neck.

NIGHT
1. To remove my make-up I use Garnier's Simply Essentials Cleansing Lotion- I use this to remove all my eye make-up but also remove the majority of my foundation. I put some lotion onto a cotton pad and remove my make-up gently, especially my eye make-up and around my eyes.
2. Using a face wipe, I gently remove any remaining foundation. I use Lidl's Iseree Facial Wipes which are for normal and combination skin. I have tried many different brands of facial wipes and these are definitely my favourite. I have been using these facial wipes for about three years now so I would be devastated if Lidl ever stopped stocking them. Even better, they are the cheapest brand I've seen with their price of a euro or less for a pack of twenty-five. I like to avoid using facial wipes where possible as they can be very drying on the skin. This is why I do not remove my eye make-up using wipes.
3. Once all my make-up is removed I then wash my face using Boots Essentials Face Wash in Cucumber.
4. Next, I apply Garnier's Simply Essentials Soothing Vitamin Enriched Toner all over face and neck, avoiding the eye areas. I leave that to dry naturally. This toner removes any impurities that remain on the skin including dirt, make-up and pollutants.
5. Once my skin has been cleansed I then moisturize. First I apply Boots Essentials Eye Gel around both eyes.
6.  Finally I apply Boots Essentials Moisturising Lotion to the remaining areas of my face and neck.

Once or twice a week, I exfoliate my face and neck using Boots Essentials Facial Scrub. I don't like to exfoliate more than twice a week as I find it can make my skin very dry but this will be different for everyone depending on their skin type. I also use Boots Essentials 3 Minute Clay Mask once a week. I apply this to my face using my fingers and remove gently with a damp flannel.

Always remember that just because skincare products are expensive, it does not mean that they are the most effective and the most suited for your skin. The products I use are not too expensive and suit my skin perfectly. It's important to identify your skin type (oily, sensitive, normal, etc) so you know what products will be suitable for your skin. 

Tip: Avoid using products that contain alcohol as they can make your skin dry. When buying, look at the ingredients to see if alcohol is listed. Some products, such as Garnier's Toner and Cleansing Lotion, state on their packaging that the products do not contain alcohol. 

Thanks for reading,

Róisín

xo

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

Argan Oil - Shampoo & Conditioner // Review

I have literally heard so much about all the Argan Oil products and as I am always on the hunt for miracle-working shampoos and conditioners, I decided to try this one out. To cut things short, I wasn't impressed with these products and all and actually found that they dried my hair out. 

I have been dying my hair for the past 6 years so therefore it's important that I take excellent care of my hair. These products state that they leave hair 'shiny, smooth & healthy' but I found them to do the complete opposite. When using the shampoo I noticed that it contained beads (just like in a body scrub) so I am guessing that this might be the reason why I found it to be drying on my hair. I also noticed my scalp became very dry while using these products, something which I have never had problems with before.
I thought that maybe the shampoo and conditioner just weren't suitable for my hair but it clearly states on the packaging that they are suitable for 'all hair types.' On a lighter note, the Argan Oil products smell amazing and keep your hair smelling fresh even in between washes. 

I am very disappointed with these products as I had been wanting to try them out for months and presumed that argan oil was some miracle ingredient for hair. For now I will just have to keep looking for that shampoo and conditioner that transform my hair (if they exist!). 

If you have tried any of the Argan Oil products then I would love to hear how you found them on your hair. Also, if anyone can recommend a shampoo and conditioner that nourishes hair and leaves it looking healthy then please comment below.

I hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading,

Róisín 

xo

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

Birthday Wishlist (If I Was A Rich Girl La La La Laaa)

It's that time of year again which means another birthday wishlist! I'm turning twenty this year and I seem to want to possess more things than ever. I'm hoping to receive some of these as presents, and others I hope to buy with birthday money. The remaining, well, I may never own them which breaks my heart.


1. Blueberry 3 Hole Dr. Martens

2. Zara Striped Tube Skirt 

I noticed this when I was browsing the Zara website during the week and even though it's so simple, I fell in love with it. I would pair this up with a pair of black Dr. Martens and as in the picture, a black leather jacket. Take a look here.
Price - €16.95 


3. Books
Of course I have books included in my wishlist and this time I'm hoping to get either/both of the titles below. I've recently become increasingly interested in Horror Books/Television Series/Films and I think both of these books are classics in that genre. 

'The Amityville Horror' by Jay Anson.

'The Shining' by Stephen King.

4. Oversized Aztec Denim Coat by Romwe 

I've had my eye on this coat for a while now but with the price tag of €73.55 I'm holding back on buying it. I'm the type of person who has a favourite coat or a favourite pair of shoes so I sometimes buy things and don't get my moneys worth. Although despite this, I think I would get my wear out of this as denim jackets pretty much go with everything (apart from denim on denim, of course!). I already own a denim jacket and I wear it ALL the time. I might buy this with birthday money but I'm not going to throw it into my shopping cart just yet! Take a look at the coat here.

As always thank you for reading and please don't hesitate to comment below or contact me via the links on my blog. 

Róisin

xo

Don't forget to follow me on the following accounts if you wish;

• Twitter
• Tumblr
• Instagram

Nails of the Day feat. Rimmel

This posts Nails of the Day features Rimmel's gorgeous baby blue colour in the shade 'Too Cool To Tango' (Picture above).

I love blue nail polishes, especially baby blue ones, and I think this is a perfect colour for Summer! The fact it dries in 60 seconds is even better especially if you are in a hurry when doing your nails. Some nail polishes say they are quick drying when in fact they are not (I think so anyway) but this one does exactly what it says. I love Rimmel nail polishes due to their consistency and their brushes. They go onto the nails easily and do not start to chip until about three days after application. 

I am going to start doing Nails of the Day posts more regularly as I am nail polish obsessed and I am always on the hunt for new unique colours.
I have also just finished college for the summer so I will definitely be posting more often and as usual suggestions are welcome!

Róisín

xo

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

My Top Reads for 2014 so far

Bonjour!
As a lot of you may probably know, I am a huge huge HUGE reader and could read for Ireland. The genres I mostly read are chick-lit and biographies. I have a huge interest in ghosts, haunted stories etc, so I am going to start reading books based on them. If anyone has any recommendations then please comment below and let me know.
I will list my favourite books that I have read so far this year but they are not listed in any particular order. 


1. Anthony Kiedis - Scar Tissue

My sister has always loved the Red Hot Chili Peppers and of course has always loved Anthony Kiedis. This book had been sitting around my house for years and I had been meaning to read it for too long. Eventually I found the time to start reading it and instantly fell in love with it. Not only was this book a page turner, it was a real eye opener into the difficulties surrounding drug use. Of course I have a huge interest in the area of drugs & addiction due to the nature of my college course.
This is a definite must read even for people who are not huge fans of the Chili Peppers! I have so much respect for Anthony Kiedis and I praise him on his success in his career and for the courage he showed during his continuous battle with drugs. 
This is a no brainer guys - Pick yourself up a copy and read it asap! 



2. Brian Keenan  - An Evil Cradling

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read! Brian Keenan is a Journalist who was kidnapped in Lebanon in 1986 and held hostage for four years. This book, in detail, captures his time spent in captivity including how he was blindfolded and chained at the hands and feet for the majority of his ordeal. 



3. J.D. Salinger - The Catcher in the Rye

I'm sure most of you have at least heard of this book or even read it. In this books Holden Caulfield recounts his expulsion from his school which he then leaves early and describes his journey where he talks to numerous people including nuns and prostitutes. The ending reveals a shocking part of Caulfield's life but I will not say what as it will ruin the book for those who have not read it.


4. Dynamo - Nothing is Impossible: My Story  

The main reason why I enjoyed this book so much is because of  how Dynamo describes his past and childhood in great detail. Dynamo was born in Bradford where he was brought up by his single mother who was only 16 when Dynamo was born. Dynamo had a tough upbringing and was later diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.
This book recaptures Dynamo's journey to becoming a famous street magician and how influential his Grandfather was with Dynamo's magic.
Many of you are probably thinking that magic 'isn't real' etc etc, and no one knows whether what Dynamo does is real or not, including me. Despite this I have always enjoyed watching his show and I enjoyed this book even more. I highly recommend it and can promise you that it is a real page turner. 


I have listed my favourite books that I think will interest most people instead of focusing on one genre. If anyone decides to read any of the above books then I really hope you enjoy them and would love to hear your thoughts on them. 

Au revoir, 

Róisín

xo

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram