My Beauty Overhaul in Space NK

My skin and I have been locked in a mighty battle for more years than I care to remember,  While most people suffered with the odd spot and blemish in their teens which then promptly turned to dewy youthful skin my problems really only began when I hit my 20's.  While living in London in my mid twenties I suddenly developed adult acne which was particularly bad around my chin and lower face.  And so began years of flare ups combined with periods of my skin looking relatively clear.  If this wasn't bad enough in my late twenties I suddenly out of nowhere started to get huge patches of  painful Psoriasis all over my face.  I mean really how much can one small face take!?  I've tried every possible pill and potion to get all of these problems under control but as you can imagine it's quite difficult to manage two such different conditions on a small area of skin.  Nowadays my skin is somewhat manageable with some dry patches combined with the odd breakout on my chin but having turned 32 recently I decided it was time to really make the effort and find a  grown up skin care routine that was specifically tailored to my needs.  Enter Rodial at the amazing Space NK on Grafton Street in Dublin.  

I first became familiar with Space NK when I lived in London so I was delighted when I heard they had opened a store in Dublin.  For those of you who have never been it's like a mecca for all things luxury in hair and beauty with a huge range of amazing products.  What I love about it is that the staff are not tied to one brand like in some beauty halls so they can advise you on the best products for you over all the brands available.  I had been interested in trying the Rodial skincare range for quite some time and as luck would have it Joanna who works for the brand was instore that day training the staff on the Rodial products so I was able to have a little chat with her about my skincare needs.  Joanna listened to all my skin issues and created a skincare routine tailored to my skincare needs.  She went through absolutely everything including how and when to apply each of the products.  Here's a low down on each of the products suggested for my combination skin which is both dry and prone to breakouts.

Step 1: Glamtox Cleansing Balm E52.00
This is a wonder cleanser from the Rodial range which Joanna said is great for cleansing, toning, eye make up remover and has anti aging properties and is suitable for all skin types.  It's great for removing eye make up and for clearing up acne prone and blemished skin.

Step 2: Glamoxy 15% Fruit Acid Exfoliating Pads E52.00

These exfoliating pads use gentle fruit acids and can be used morning and evening after you cleanse.  Joanna suggested that judging my own skin would be key and that these could be used every second day.

Step 3: Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Moisturiser E54.00

Again this is a great multi-purpose product for all skin types which locks in moisture, is great for fine lines and can be used as a primer and as an eye cream.  It also contains SPF 15 and the Vitamin B3 treats uneven skintone.

Step 4: Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream E64.00
I have never been one for using a night cream as I find a lot of them can feel really caked on and heavy but I have to say that having started to use this cream specifically for night time I have noticed such a difference in my skin.  This one goes on so lightly that you don't go to bed with a face that feels sticky which is a big plus for me.


























Step 5: Super Acids X-Treme Acid Rush Peel E82.00
To tackle my problem breakout areas Joanna suggested using this wonder cream around once a week for twenty minutes after cleansing my face.  I've just started using it and already I'm noticing a huge difference around my chin, now it's not cheap by any means but you only need a small amount on the affected areas so this will last you absolutely ages.

I highly recommend popping into the gang at Space NK if you have any skin woes as they offer really helpful impartial advice on some of the best products the industry has to offer.  I've been using the Rodial products for the last few days and already I'm noticing an improvement in my skins texture and appearance.  I'll keep you posted on how it goes.  

Natasha.x

A Fashion Fairy Tale

I've never really considered children's clothing that much before but in the last year or two a lot of my friends have had babies.  With this baby boom going on I was constantly on the search for special baby gifts so I was delighted when my dear pal Samantha Kennedy of Molly Loves Bowie started her own kidswear range.

All her pieces are super quirky and the prints and interesting details make me want to wear these pieces myself.  Samantha hand makes each piece herself to an amazingly high standard and this combined with the gorgeous wrapping makes a Molly Loves Bowie piece a really high end, special gift.  I can so see this label becoming an international cult kidswear label for those wanting to dress their kids in something a bit different from the norm.  When I saw her new girls collection I just had to share it with you.

Fringed Jacket 60.00

Metallic Fringed Skirt 30.00

Hair Clip 14.00

Fringe Skirt 28.00

Floral Fringe Poncho 35.00

Till next time.....x

A Fashionable Monday Afternoon

I've been in the process of moving house the last few days and I have to say it's probably one of the most stressful things I've ever done!  I did however have a break from all the packing and unpacking on Monday afternoon when I got to MC the fashion show in Brown Thomas for the launch of UCC's Fashion Week.  It was also great to see the UCC's Next Top Model hopefuls who all took to the catwalk for the event and I'm super excited to find out who will win at the final on Thursday night in Voodoo Rooms.

I was absolutely swooning over all the outfits that came down the runway especially a pair of fringed suede Maje ankle boots which will be mine, oh yes they will be mine!  I also was crushing on a Kenzo sweatshirt and everything from Self Portrait and Needle and Thread which are both new labels to Brown Thomas.  Here's a few pics from the event.

Till next time!

T....x

A Day out in the Big Shmoke!

I've had a super busy week this week and even managed a work trip up to Dublin.  I still get ridiculously excited about a trip to the big shmoke so I was delighted when I got an invite to attend the Next press event in the fabulous Dean Hotel on Harcourt St. to launch their new next day delivery service.  If you place an order by 10 pm you can get next day delivery on orders placed Sunday to Thursday.  Tres handy!  We also got to see some of their new season pieces while being served delicious breakfast treats.  I also think I'm mildly obsessed with the Dean Hotel, the decor is seriously cool and I've decided to force the boyf to bring me there for my birthday in March.  

No trip to Dublin is complete without a trip to Laduree in Brown Thomas for some delicious macaroons.  I strongly recommend the rose water, pistachio and salted caramel.

Some of my favourite pieces from the Next spring collection including the lemon print children's raincoat which I'm completely envious of.  

I also managed to pop into the  River Island press room before heading home and I now have a huge Spring/Summer shopping list.  Top of the list is a black leather jacket with a gorgeous floral print.

Till next time. xx.

Jump for Joy

I was going through my camera, clearing out old photos and the like and I came across some pictures of me at my cousins christening during the Summer.  It was also the day that the boyf surprised me with my Jump From Paper bag which I had been harping on about wanting one for ages.  It's totally got me dreaming of Summer dressing.

Top & Skirt//River Island
Shoes//Zara
Bag//Jump From Paper @ The Glucksman Gallery Shop

The Dress She Wore

I was asked to pop along to an amazing shoot at the end of last year which was organised by Kate Parle from Bella Bleu vintage bridal to promote her new range of vintage inspired bridal wear, a collection called The Dress She Wore.  Kate had assembled an amazing team of photographers, hair stylists (Audrey Cashman, Aisling Kelleher) , make-up artists (Andrea Murphy, Laura Kay) and models aswell as having flowers from Wild Floral Couture and menswear from Salingers.  Here are a few behind the scenes shots that I took.