MUA - Makeup Ireland

The kids ads have started on TV and Brown Thomas have their Christmas windows on display. It’s officially time to talk about presents.

I love giving presents, I love getting them too, who doesn’t. But I genuinely think people get more enjoyment out of the giving than the getting. I love making the Christmas list with my sister and deciding what we think everybody would love. Being the beauty and makeup buff that I am, there is a reoccurring theme to our presents… there tends to be a lot of make up and skincare in there.

Number 1 and top of my list this year, without a doubt -is this stunning palette by theBalm. It’s called In the Balm of Your Hand €30.50.

This palette is covetable because it has nearly all my favourites from theBalm all in the one palette. You’ve got Bahama Mama bronzer that would give Hoola a run for it’s money. And three gorgeous blusher shades in pink, peachy pink and dusky rose pink. You also get a dark matte brown eyeshadow that you can use in pretty much every makeup look ever. There’s a purple toned brown with a shimmer for a killer smoky eye; I also love this purple mixed into the warm orange tone smoky eye to give it a cool contrast or add the sultry effect. Then you have a vintage gold tone to make blue eyes pop and a lovely pinky, beige nude transition colour. Finally and possibly the clincher for this palette, it’s got a mini Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter to use on your eyes and cheeks. This palette pretty much has your whole face covered and is only 30 quid.

Next up is Revlon Uniq One All in One Hair treatment €14.95. 

The reason this makes it to the list is that it is of use to anybody with hair! Uniq One is a leave in treatment that you can use every time you wash your hair to detangle and nourish your hair. It protects your hair from heated styling products. It smoothes and strengthens your hair. Your hair will be shiny and frizz free and stronger. I think something like this is a great Christmas pressie because your ‘getter’ (that’s the person getting the present) will be sure to use it.

My next present staple is this Human and Kind Shower Mousse €7.95

If you need a stocking filler can you go wrong with a delicious luxury shower gel? Everybody bar nobody uses shower gel right? Well I hope so anyway. I’m a big believer in making the most of your time in the shower. It’s a little me-time that I think often goes unappreciated. So, I love to enhance the relaxing experience with a lovely shower gel and I presume everybody else does too. I’m choosing coconut dream because it’s ah-mazing.

Here’s another universal beauty present that everyone needs in their life –Uriage Thermal Water Spray €9.50.

Thermal water is a powerful hydration mist with trace elements and mineral salts to revitalise and hydrate your skin throughout the day. You can use this over or under makeup. Suitable for all skin types, even babies and men too. This is ideal for anyone with dry skin to carry with them.

One of my favourite beauty launches of 2017 was the Luna by Lisa Jordan Lipgloss set €30.

The LUNA set is practically perfect in every way. The colours are so versatile and wearable. They range from pretty pink to nude to caramel. They were designed to mix to create your own perfect shade. If I was the getter -I would want to be getting this.

 

The Nude lip duo -the Balm Mai Billsbepaid lipstick €15 and NOTE Sandy lip pencil €4.95

This gift is for a nude-lip-lover. It’s two gifts in one because they go so well together. Terri McEvoy was raving about this lip pencil and everybody raves about this lipstick.

Last but certainly not least, for the golden eyeshadow lover in your life, this NOTE Professional eyeshadow Kit in 104 €14.95 is the perfect gift. If you know somebody who loves doing their eye makeup and has blue eyes, they actually need this in their life.

What’s on your most wanted list this year?