Holly Madison Down The Rabbit Hole-Book Review

When I heard Holly Madison was releasing a book detailing her life in the infamous Playboy Mansion, I was just a little bit excited.( Disclaimer: I read all sorts of books. Just in case anyone is thinking this is the first thing I've read other than a magazine.) I LOVED the show The Girls Next Door (even if I was a little late watching it) which featured Holly and Hef''s two other bunny girlfriends running around the mansion doing bunny girlfriend things. Even though the show made it seem like they were living the dream, I always thought there was something kind of off and depressing about the whole situation, so I couldn't wait to read more about what Hugh Hefner is really like. 

The book starts off in Holly's hometown, explaining how she always wanted to be famous, and she talks about her college experiences and the like. It jumps into the Playboy side of things pretty quickly though, and from there on it's just a fun and interesting gossipy book, exactly what I expected. There are some crazy revelations about Hef and countless stories about bunnies in this book-and fair play to her for using people's real names! Holly goes into detail about the jealousy in the mansion, Hef's controlling behaviour and abusive nature, and how he would try to turn the girls against each other. She even talks about the fall of Playboy, and how it's basically lost all it's charm and allure. I'll admit before reading this book I would have rolled my eyes, called her an eejit and wondered why she didn't just up and leave, but you soon realise it definitely wasn't as simple as that. One thing is for sure, it all makes for a really good story.  If I had anything bad to say about this book it'd be Holly's constant need to reassure the audience that she wasn't just in it for the money or the fame (which is a little bit silly) is just annoying and repetitive. She tries to defend herself A LOT and makes loads of excuses about why she couldn't leave Hef. It can be annoying at times but you kinda get over it because when she's not trying to come off as innocent, all the other stuff is really entertaining. I picked this up and I couldn't put it down, right until the end.  My final verdict, this book wont win any awards, but if you're looking for a fun, girly read for a lazy Sunday, this could be right up your street. 

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All You Need To Know About BB Creams

I read so much online about miracle BB creams, and I'm always so excited to try them. Unfortunately, I'm usually left feeling disappointed and like I've just wasted my mula. My biggest problem is-THEY.NEVER.HAVE.ENOUGH.COVERAGE. I've been through the back and beyonds of BB cream land, so here's all you need to know.  What exactly is BB Cream?

These are all the lovely things that make BB cream what it is. As you can see, there are loads of benefits to wearing this instead of foundation. It's moisturising, hydrating, has SPF in it and even a little coverage too. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a BB cream that has great coverage, and leaves your skin looking flawless too. Luckily, I've come across a few that give some amazing foundations a run for their money. 

BEST PHARMACY
Avon Solutions BB Cream 

This seems to be the best kept secret in all of makeup land, and it's fantastic. It's got such good coverage compared to most BB creams, and really reminds me of NARS Sheer Glow. It's long lasting, and I'm so surprised at how good it is considering most BB creams just seem to stain my skin a little darker and add a slight glow. This is one that I'm sure everyone will be delighted with.  Vichy Idealia BB Cream 

I've heard good and bad reviews about this but I love it. Again, it's got good coverage and it has a different texture to any product I've used before. The finish is kind of between satin and dewy and it's really long lasting too. I don't know if this would be everyone's cup of tea but it's perfect for brightening up tired skin (post hangover perhaps!) and it's buildable-hurray!  Simple Perfecting Beauty Balm 

Gals with sensitive skin, you'll love this. This has really, really good coverage but somehow still manages to let your skin shine through. It's under 6 euro, blurs imperfections, and hides fine lines too. If you don't like products with slightly shimmery particles, you might not like this so much. I think it has just enough shimmer though, and gives a really lovely satin finish. Nothing too Twilight, I swear. 

Avon Ideal Flawless BB Cream 

Another gem from Avon! I really don't know why bloggers aren't raving about their foundations and BB creams. I absolutely love the Ideal Flawless foundation, and this doesn't disappoint at all. The coverage isn't as full as the other BB creams, but I can get over that because it makes my skin look lovely. It's moisturising and doesn't irritate my sensitive (sadface) skin at all. The finish is somewhere between matte and satin, and it will run you about 10 euro too. 

BEST HIGH END

Estee Lauder Day Wear BB Cream 

Sorry my friends, I know this is 'spensive, but I had to have at least a few fancy BB cream on the list. Like all the others it has brilliant coverage and I love the finish. This BB cream is buildable, so keep in mind that it has to be applied kinda quickly, as it sets pretty fast. 

Diorskin Nude BB cream

This is exactly what a BB cream should be. Shame about the price though! This isn't patchy like most BB creams, the coverage isn't too much but it's perfect and long lasting. This will cover imperfections and red spots and it hasn't broken me out at all. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser 

Okay, okay so it's not a BB cream but I had to include it because it's fantastic. Again, the price is just a little upsetting! I was obsessed with Laura Mercier's Silk Creme foundation (which is discontinued now-booo!) and I had a feeling this would be just as good. This product has holy grail status in my makeup bag and I even prefer it to most foundations. Whether you have oily or dry skin, this will make it look dewy and glowing, while disguising uneven skin tones and imperfections. I've tried to find a bad review of this product and so far, everyone just seems to love it. 

Hopefully this will help you find the perfect BB cream!

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My Top 5 Foundations-High End

Happy Tuesday everyone!! I hope you've all had an amazing weekend!

We all know a good foundation is a must have, but there are so many to choose from-it can be so daunting! You'd think people would be more interested in Pharmacy foundations but most of the time, people tell me they want to splurge on a fancy foundation. I've picked a few high end options that I love and that I think you guys will really like too. I'm fussy when it comes to foundation, so I'm certain you'll like at least one of them hehe! I'll start from... I wont say worst to last 'cause they're all amazing but you get the idea! I'm doing a top 5 pharmacy foundations after this too so stay tuned for that!

At number 5 it's:

Mac Face And Body Foundation

This is a liquid foundation that seems to be a staple in every makeup artist's kit. I've never used anything like it before! It's sheer but still has the most impressive coverage, and leaves skin looking flawless with a dewy finish. People with oily skin might not like this as much as those with dry skin, but it's a favourite of mine and a cult classic for a reason.


4.NARS Sheer Glow 

Oo, I love me some NARS foundation! It gives amazing coverage and a flawless look without that caked on effect. This is probably one of the most widely known foundations out there and I can see why-it's fantastic. This seems like it was made to be applied with a stippling brush, and it's quickly become one of the best foundations I've used. If I had to compare it to any pharmacy foundation it would definitely be Bourjois Healthy Mix.

3. Dior Airflash 

I'm telling you guys, this is incredible. Shame about the price though! If you want look airbrushed without an airbrush, this make-up is your new best friend. The best way to apply this is to spray it on the brush or whatever you're using to apply your makeup, and then buff it into the skin.


2. Estee Lauder Double Wear 

I love Double Wear. I can't exactly explain the finish, I wouldn't exactly call it a matte finish like it's considered to be, but I wouldn't call it full coverage either. All I know is that it's lovely and covers imperfections to leave your skin looking flawless, and lasts all night too.

*DRUM ROLL* So here we have it-my most favourite high end foundation ever!! And it's called:


Make Up Forever HD Foundation

Makeup Forever HD-what can I say about this foundation? It really is the best I've used. It's so light when applied but gives the most flawless finish and an incredible airbrushed complexion. It can be built up to give a more full coverage look and is perfect for days when you know you'll need to be doing a lot of posing in front of the camera (hint hint, brides!) It lasts all day too which makes it an amazing choice for special events. 

Hope this helped a little for those of you who want to go high end foundation shopping! 

Have fun everyone!

Soph :)

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Best Skincare products under 20 squid

We all know I love makeup, but skincare is so important too, and we often forget about it. I have sensitive skin (just what a beauty blogger wants!) and I've been through nearly every brand in the chemist, trying to find products that agree with my skin 100%. Obviously I've found lots of amazing stuff on my travels so I'm going to try to keep it to one product per category..maybe 2. 
(Also, apologies for the lack of continuity in the photo backgrounds-I've been adding and taking from this post for a while now!)

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What can I say? I'm in love with this product. It's hands down one of the best face products I've ever ever used. 

Why I love it?

It cleanses and removes every inch of makeup (you'd be surprised how much can remain on your skin even after you've cleaned it) while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. You don't need to rinse it off, and your skin will feel fresh as a daisy after using it. 

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This is an old favourite of mine that I always repurchase. Neutrogena are brilliant and this is such a nice, simple product that I loooove using. Why I love it? This works so quickly to leave your face feeling soft and rejuvenated. It smells really nice and your face really does feel fresh and squeaky clean after using it. This is about 5.50 most places, which is such a bargain since it lasts for ages too! 
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I had heard a lot about this spray on the interweb so I was really excited to get my hands on it. I definitely wasn't disappointed with it, and now it's an absolute staple in my skincare routine. 
What is it?
This lovely spray is refreshing and moisturising, and soothing too. It smells like roses which I love, and makes an excellent setting spray. It makes an excellent toner too, and on days when my skin is a little dry, it's absolutely perfect. I got this online right here, since I couldn't find it anywhere (boo).
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I randomly bought this product because I needed a new moisturiser, and it won me over straight away. This is such a clever product that hydrates your skin, while also absorbing any excess oil. It hasn't irritated my skin once and makes for the perfect base for the rest of my makeup. It helps to fight breakouts and I couldn't believe how soft my skin was after the first use. I got mine for 10.99 in Boots which I know is a little more than some moisturisers, but this is so good, it's really worth it. 
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Siiiiigh! This one breaks my heart because as far as I know, it's still not available in Ireland (please correct me if I'm wrong!) Let me tell you though, it lives up to the hype because it's fan-bloody-tastic.  Why I love it: This pretty much targets any of the unwelcome visitors on you skin, so wave goodbye to blemishes, red patches and oiliness. Actually, if you have oily skin that you can't seem to keep under control, this could be your new best friend. I have some food allergies and on the rare occasion that they cause me to have breakouts, this is an absolute savior in fighting the battle in no time. It can also be used to treat other annoying things like cuts and grazes too. My only con with this product is that it doesn't last too long, although that could be because of how much I use it.  _________________________________________________________________________________

                                   

This is one of my old favourites and I had to include it. I've been using this for years, and I've never had a bad word to say about it. This pure formula moisturiser is guaranteed to leave you feeling fresh faced, without all the fuss of chemicals and fancy fragrances a lot of other moisturisers have. It really is as Simple as that. Lol, I'm too funny. It's around 4 euro most places, and lasts a very long time too.  _________________________________________________________________________________

If your skin has particularly bad days like mine does, and it wont let you use any shower gel or bath product without freaking out, then this could be your new best pal. There are no over the top ingredients or fragrances in this. It's just a lovely soothing body wash that does exactly what it says on the tin. This is just under 10 euro which I know is a little more than most body washes are, but it's so worth it if you have eczema, or other skin conditions. 

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I've been hearing so much about these Botanics products from Boots and at first glance they all look fab. I've tried the brightening balm and haven't been as enamored with it as everyone else seems to be, but I love this product. If you have any fine lines or wrinkles, this will really help to aid in reducing them, while soothing any sore under eye problems you might have. It gives the skin such a nice glow and you only need a little to help keep your skin all nice and healthy looking. This costs about 6 euro and it's worth every penny. 

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I've been thinking about my favourite product on the list while I've been writing it, and I think this is it. 
What is it?
This ingenious clay mask will unclog your pores, restore your skins natural balance, and even your skin tone. It has loads of ingredients that your skin will love. To be honest, it's like a detox facial. It smells absolutely lovely, and it hasn't irritated my skin at all. This is so perfect for those of us who really need some hydration, especially in this strange mixed weather we've been having. 

I could stay here all day adding products to this list, but hopefully I've covered enough to help anyone looking for specific items to add to their beauty regime.
Have a fantastic day! 

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