Category: Beauty

The perfect at home hair treatment💆🏻

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Hi guys, a very happy Sunday to you all! 

As it is a bank holiday weekend I thought I would share with you all my at home hair treatment mask which I have been using myself the past few weeks and which I also shared over on my snapchat recently (TheStyleShaper1). It was a complete hit with all of my lovely followers, so I am bringing it to you now! 

I have to say it is one of the most effective hair treatments I have ever used, to the extent that it has completely riddled my hair of dry scalp and leaves an unbelievable shine on the hair.

For the treatment you will need just three ingredients as follows;

Ingredients 

  • Honey ( preferably from your local area)
  • Whole milk
  • Any conditioner ( I like to use the Aussie as its my favourite)

     
Amount

  • 2 teaspoons of honey (add more if you have long/thicker hair
  • Dash of milk
  • Good squeeze of conditioner (this takes away from the sticky honey and leaves the hair feeling softer) 


What to do…

Mix all the ingredients together and apply to the hair, massaging into the scalp and down onto the ends of the hair. If you feel you need more of the treatment to cover, just whisk up a little more! Leave this in the hair for a good 20 minutes and then rinse out. 

When you have rinsed it out, continue on with shampooing and conditioning your hair as normal. 

  

So guys and gals that is how it’s done! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on any of my social media platforms;

Facebook – The Style Shaper

Instagram – Jennifer_Carolan21

Or comment on this post – @ TheStyleShaper.com

Stay fabulous as always,

  

My current everyday skin routine 

thestyleshaperLeave a comment

   

Hi guys, I hope you are all keeping well! 

Today I wanted to go through in detail my current everyday skincare routine which I know a lot of you have been asking about especially over on my snapchat (thestyleshaper1). 

The reason for this blog post coming so late to you guys is simply because I didn’t want to start recommending products when I hadn’t given them a good run through myself. 

I wanted to try a few different products together and see how they worked as a whole routine and whether I could see a difference in my skin.

Obviously when trying different products you need to take some factors into consideration like:

  • Are the products suited for your skin type?
  • Is there any irritation occurring?
  • Are they drying on the skin?
  • Can you notice a vast change in your skin? etc.

Keep on reading below to find out all there is to know about each of the products I use in detail and how I combine them to achieve glowing skin!

 (And which also includes not one but TWO Irish products!)

   
  
So first and foremost, the main products which I have been trying together for the last few months have been:

  • Kinvara cleansing oil
  • ALPHA-H ph balancing cleanser
  • Lancôme Bi-Facil eye make up remover for sensitive eyes
  • Guinot Hydra Fraicheur refreshing toning lotion
  • Lancôme advanced génifique youth activating concentrate
  • ALPHA-H Liquid gold with Glycolic Acid
  • Green Angel Seaweed and Collagen face cream

I have combined all of the above products together to create, for me, a fabulous routine which myself and my skin is LOVING at the minute. To say I have noticed a change in my skin would be a complete understatement as I can notice signs of reduced wrinkles around my eyes, a reduction in redness on the skin and a serious difference each (lady) month😉as I always find the skin around my chin area breaks out. I can now also see a major reduction in the size of my pores. 

Below, I will share with you each step I go through while cleaning my skin along with how and why I use these particular products above! 

I know everyone has a different way of cleansing their face but this is what I do and I hope it helps in answering your questions💁🏻

  
I start by removing my eye make up. Some may leave this stage a little bit later in the process, but I do it by habit to be honest! For this I like to use the Lancôme Bi-Facil eye make up remover as it is so gentle but works amazingly on breaking down the make up on the eyes. I put the solution on a little cotton pad (from Penneys/Primark) and massage around the eyes until I know all mascara is removed along with shadows and liners. This particular remover is so gentle that it can be used on extremely sensitive eyes and even on those who wear contact lenses.

  

  
There are so many cleansers on the market at the minute but it is important to find the right cleanser that suits your skin type. I have always used just one, but in recent months while speaking to a beauty industry expert, I learned the importance of doing TWO cleanses on the skin and using TWO different cleansers for this! 

Now I know you are probably thinking this is mad, but doing this the last few months it has really helped in giving my skin the clean that it needed along with balancing my skin. 

The two cleansers that I can’t live without at the minute are the ALPHA-H ph balancing cleanser and the Kinvara cleansing oil which is an Irish product. I firstly do an all over cleanse with the ALPHA-H balancing cleanser, wiping it away with a dry cotton pad, then go in with the Kinvara cleansing oil for another deep cleanse on my skin. I again wipe that away using a dry cotton pad. While doing each cleanse I spend about two minutes rubbing the cleanser into the skin using circular motions making sure to remove all make up. 

  

  
Ok, so hands up who forgets or doesn’t bother to use a toner on the skin??

I’m guessing quite a few of you stop at just cleansing the skin right? Slap on a mountain of moisturiser and on you go!😂 Well guys unfortunately you are skipping a vital part of your skin routine. 

When you cleanse your skin you are leaving a layer of product on your skin. You might not feel it or see it, but what you are actually doing is leaving that product on the skin, applying moisturiser over it and in return the cleanser will soak in and block your pores which may cause spots. By using a toner you are taking that layer of product off, leaving the skin clean and refreshed. Toner is also a major key as it balances the PH in your skin. 

The toner I love using is the Guinot Hydra Fraicheur refreshing toning lotion. This one in particular leaves the skin leaving completely refreshed and also enriches the skin with plant extracts.

 

  
 I have to admit, it has only been in the last few months that I myself have started using a serum! Experts say you should start using serums from the age 18 when the skin begins to mature and experiences the harshness of everyday life like smoking etc. 

The serum I began using is the Lancôme Génifique youth activating concentrate. It feels amazing on my skin and I feel by using this, my skin looks a lot brighter and refreshed.

To apply this, I take two to three drops, rub between clean finger tips and in circular motions apply to the skin. 

  
We all love slapping on the moisturiser don’t we?! But in reality you only need a very small amount. 

The moisturiser I’m using at the minute is the Green Angel seaweed and collagen cream which is an Irish made product and is completely natural.

I take a pea size amount and dot it around my face so I then have that particular amount to rub into my skin. 

  
  
I use the ALPHA-H liquid gold with Glycolic acid once or twice a week to revive and brighten my skin. When I say this is gold in a bottle, I mean it! This is literally like having a facial in a few seconds! It can be used on its own, or you can leave it on going to bed and wash it off the next morning and it will leave your skin feeling tighter, brighter and beautiful! 

I was kindly gifted this to try and I will definitely be purchasing again as it has become a vital part of my regime. With this, my skin feels amazing after use and I have definitely seen a reduction in my wrinkles due to the Glycolic acid present in the product. 

To use, I simply put a few drops on a cotton pad and apply on the face. You will experience a slight burning sensation and redness but that’s the product working! It’s basically taking off the old and bringing in the new! (Layer of skin that is)

 

  I do this routine twice a day. In the morning if going bare faced, and also before applying my make up. 

-After applying my moisturiser I then apply my make up primer and start my make up. I then repeat the routine at night time when taking off my make up! 

 Below I will list my favourite place to find each of the above products I use. 

Happy shopping!💁🏻

Lancôme eye make up remover – http://www.sammccauleys.ie

Kinvara cleansing oil – http://www.meagherspharmacy.ie

Alpha-H ph balancing cleanser – Shaws department store, Carlow

Lancôme serum – http://www.sammccauleys.ie

Green Angel moisturiser- http://www.greenangel.com

Alpha-H Liquid Gold – Shaws department store, Carlow


So guys I hope you have enjoyed this post and hopefully it has answered some of your questions! 

If you have any more, don’t hesitate to contact me on any of my social media platforms!

Stay fab all,

  

Spa and Style event at The Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny

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Hi guys and gals! 

Well what an amazing few weeks! I am completely blown away by the fabulous events the past few weeks, including the two ‘Dream It, Do It’ events which I was asked to speak at along with the amazing Spa and Style event which I was invited to at the Lyrath Estate hotel in Kilkenny this week.

Today I am going to talk you through the Spa and Style event which I attended on Wednesday evening in Kilkenny and which was hosted by the Cocoa Brown queen herself, Marissa Carter! I will also include a full outfit post which I know a lot of you fashionistas are asking about! 

So keep those eyes peeled and keep on scrolling to see all about the event and what I wore! 

  
On Wednesday 18th of November, I made my way to the fabulous 5 star hotel that is, the Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny. I was honoured to attend the Spa and Style event at the Lyrath which was a fabulous evening filled with all things fashion and beauty – the perfect girls evening! 

When we arrived, we were greeted by the lovely ladies on reception and of course by our amazing host, Linda, who had an evening planned for us which was out of this world! 

We made our way to our rooms, which may I add were beautiful. We were blown away by the attention to detail in the rooms and also so lucky to have an amazing balcony off our room which enabled us to view the gorgeous grounds of the hotel. 

We glammed ourselves up and made our way to the yellow room in the old building of the hotel for some champagne and nibbles. While there, I had the amazing opportunity of meeting the other fab bloggers who were there for the evening. The fabulous Laura, from Laura Dempsey make up, Jen from Too Dolly make up, Nikki and Ber from the fabulous online store My Shining Armour, Nic from The Naked Blondie, Dawn from Glamour! By Dawn, Karen from KarenMaherMakeUp and of course the beautiful Linda. We had a beautiful dinner at Yindees restaurant which is a gorgeous Asian restaurant at the hotel followed by a tour of the award winning Oasis Spa. 

  

  
What came next was fantastic! We watched an amazing fashion show from upstairs in Yindees, which meant we had a birdseye view of the show which was being hosted by the fabulous Marissa Carter. It was my first time to meet Marissa, and oh my goodness, what an amazing woman she is. 

The fashion show kicked off with amazing pieces of clothing and accessories from boutiques around Kilkenny, including Lola Rose and the Kilkenny design centre.

All of the gorgeous girls from the hotel spa, ‘Oasis spa’ were there showcasing the fab products available in the spa along with an amazing display of the Elemis range.
   

  
  
I know a lot of you guys have been quite anxious to know all the details on my look for the night, so here they are! 

Jumpsuit – Zara €45

Shoes – Rhianna for River Island (3 years old) €110

Belt – Penneys/Primark €4

Bag – Zara €29.95 

Watch – Marc by Marc Jacobs

Earrings – New look (no price)

Rings and bracelet- Pandora

Hair and make up – I completed the look myself!  

 
So guys and gals, that’s my look! I hope you enjoyed reading about my amazing experience at the Lyrath Estate Hotel and Spa, Kilkenny. It truly is one of the nicest hotels I have stayed at. Just fabulous! 

A huge thank you to the Lyrath for an amazing evening and for looking after us. Also to Linda who was our amazing hostess for the evening. 

Stay fab all,

  

RUST is a MUST!

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 Hello everyone, and a very happy Tuesday!

  

Burgundy and black are taking a back seat this winter season with the colour rust becoming the more prominent colour of choice in clothing and also in footwear.

During this post I am going to show you a selection of items from our fabulous high-street  and online which will carry you right through the season whilst being bang on trend and which won’t break that bank account of yours! 

So ladies I will now invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy all these beautiful pieces which come in this glorious colour that is Rust! 


RIVER ISLAND 

 
 

1 – Rust brown tassel scarf €22

2 – Rust brown shirt dress €55

3 – Sleeveless waistcoat €55

4 – Floppy hat €33

NEW LOOK

  

  

  
1 – Roll neck sleeveless jumper €24.99

2 – Rust ankle strap heel €22.99

3 – Button front A-line skirt €24.99

4 – Belted A-line skirt €17.99 

5 – Rust flared sleeved top €29.99

6 – Sleevless waistcoat €24.99


ZARA

  

1 – Rust flared jumpsuit €49.95

2 – Rust cropped trousers €49.95


MISSGUIDED

  

  
1 – Sleeveless faux suede belted trench coat €49

2 – Longline faux fur gilet €77

3 – Tasell front heeled shoes €42

4 – Knee high peep toe lace up boots €63


VAVAVOOM.IE

  

Rust wide legged jumpsuit €36.99

So ladies, they are my must have rust coloured pieces from the beloved high-street and online! Rust right now is bang on trend is making its way into many collections this season. 

All pieces can be purchased online from the following : 

http://www.newlook.com

http://www.RiverIsland.com

http://www.Forever21.com

http://www.vavavoom.ie

http://www.missguided.ie

http://www.zara.com

Happy Shopping! 

Stay Fab, 

  

The Style Shaper reviews – Emjoi MICRO-nail and MICRO-Pedi Nano

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A huge hello to everyone and happy Sunday!

Over the past two weeks I have had the absolute pleasure of trying out the MICRO-nail and MICRO-Pedi Nano from the fabulous company Lifes2Good, which is distributed by Irish company Emjoi and I have the perfect post for you all to read which will ensure you have beautiful shiny nails and perfectly soft feet in seconds! 

Throughout this post I will explain to you how each product works, what it achieves and where you can find your nearest stockist! Most of the following personal review pictures are my own as I wanted to show you exactly how well both products work and give results! So in turn, be prepared for some foot selfies😉

So guys and gals, if you long for fabulous feet and a super glow to your nail surface which lasts two amazing weeks, then keep on scrolling to see how I achieved an amazing at home manicure and pedicure using these two fab products! 

The MICRO-Nail

  

Firstly I just want to say WOW to this product! I am always that little bit sceptical when it comes to nails as I adore having my nails done professionally, but this may just have converted me!

MICRO Nail is designed to transform dull and rough looking nails, so much so that you have a beautiful smooth and shiny nail surface in just seconds! The device will do absolutely no damage to the nail bed or surrounding areas of the nail like the cuticles. 

My first impressions of the product were fantastic! The MICRO Nail device itself is the perfect size for an at home manicure or if you are travelling and on the go which is perfect to just pop in your bag. 

The MICRO Nail comes with two ‘Micro smooth’ rollers which are green in colour and are designed to buff the nail, which will take away any uneven ridges and reduce the apearence of dull nails along with unevenness to the nail. It also comes with two ‘Micro shine’ rollers which is the amazing part! They are white in colour and while working over the nail with the shiner, in just seconds you can see an amazing result. A shiny, healthy beautiful nail.

One thing that I loved most about the product was the fact that the shine lasts an amazing two weeks and acts as an undercoat for nail polish, so after using the MICRO Nail you can apply your favourite red or pink polish and be left with no stains on the nail bed afterwards.

The MICRO Nail also comes equipped with 2 batteries as it is a battery operated product, a replacement smooth and shine roller and a small pouch for storing the smaller pieces. If you feel your rollers have worn down, replacement rollers are available to purchase separately.

  

As I mentioned above, I tried out the product two weeks ago and to this day my nail is still gleaming! I started off by using the MICRO Nail on my hands and was wowed by the immediate results.

I then used the MICRO Nail on my toe nails and was just as pleased with the results.  
So as you can see above this is how the product looks once you take it from its packaging. The batteries are included, so you simply flick open the top of the MICRO Nail and place your batteries in. One of the ‘Micro smooth’ rollers comes ready to go, you just have to remove the plastic cover and your ready to buff those nails beautiful! 

I had my gel nails removed to try this product so my own nails are not in the best looking condition as you can all imagine, but I am super glad I did have them removed because the results from the MICRO Nail were fantastic, and my nails are now growing evenly and with a beautiful shine. I’m just totally amazed by it!

Here is a short video to show how I used the product.

  
   
                         Before                                                   After

I also used the MICRO Nail on a family member as they couldn’t believe my result! 

   
              Before                                During                                 After

Here is a short video of the result after buffing and shining the nail.

  
So as you can see from the above pictures, the results are phenomenal. I honestly couldn’t believe the amazing change to my nails that can be achieved at home in just two minutes! 

Would I recommend this product?

Absolutely! I have fallen in love with this and look forward to using it on my nails and toenails in the future. I would recommend the MICRO Nail to everyone who loves going for a manicure or who longs being able to achieve salon results in the comfort of their homes. 

Price point – The MICRO Nail was €49.95 BUT is currently on special offer for €29.95.


The MICRO Pedi Nano

  

I have to say, I was very excited to try the Micro Pedi Nano, I mean who doesn’t want fabulous soft feet in seconds?!

The Micro Pedi Nano has just been launched and is the perfect size to carry with you on your travels and is super compact so that you can just pop it into your bag.

The MICRO Pedi Nano is designed to give you gorgeous smooth feet in seconds, and that my friends is exactly what it does! I couldn’t believe the difference to certain parts of my feet when I first started using the device. 

My first impressions of the product were amazing! I remember whispering to myself “oh my goodness” as I couldn’t believe how much hard and dry skin had been removed in the first few seconds.

I also like the fact that the roller on the MICRO Pedi Nano is anti-bacterial, which is a new feature and also how safe it is to use in comparison to other metal scrapers or files. 

The MICRO Pedi Nano requires 2 AA batteries, comes with an anti-bacterial Flex+ roller which is very effective on hard areas but is gentle and wont damage the foot. It is available in three gorgeous colours to choose from – pink, blue and orange. 

Below is what the MICRO Pedi Nano looks like when you take it from its box, and also comes with a small brush to brush away the excess skin when using the product.

  
  
Above are the replacement rollers which are also available to purchase separately if you feel your roller has worn down a bit and are €14.95 to buy. 

 
So as you can see from the above left picture, I had hard and dry skin on the backs of my heels which I think is the most problematic area for everyone who is on their feet all day. 

  
                Before                                During                                After

I also had hard skin on the side of my big toe, and over onto the ball of my foot. The results were fantastic as you can see from the ‘after’ picture, and it took just 2-3 minutes to achieve this. 

Would I recommend this product?

A big fat YES!! If you suffer from dry and hard skin on your feet and are looking for effortlessly smooth and beautiful feet in just minutes, then this is definitely the product for you! I honestly can’t recommend the MICRO Pedi Nano enough as it is so easy to use and achieve amazing results. There is also a MICRO Pedi Man available. 

Price point – The MICRO pedi Nano was €39.95 BUT is on special at the moment for €29.95. 


Where to find these amazing products – 

All products are available either on their own or in a set from the following;

http://www.micronail.ie

http://www.micropedi.ie

– Carlow area stockists 

  • Sam McCauleys Chemist
  • Whites Pharmancy

<And surrounding areas>

So guys and gals, I hope you have enjoyed this review on both products. I would highly recommend both for easy at home manicures and pedicures.

Stay fabulous and happy pampering,