A Cosy Retreat Escape! Top Luxury Spas in Ireland: Cliff At Lyons.

Relax and rejuvenate in a picturesque setting:

Being a fan of both our built heritage and spa breaks, I was delighted to be invited on a Press Trip to discover the stunning new Spa and Wellness centre ‘The Well in the Garden‘ at Cliff At Lyons in Co. Kildare. The historic Cliff at Lyons is just a short drive from Dublin City Centre – approximately 45 minutes drive and you’re on your way to experiencing a little slice of heaven.

Nestled in the picturesque Irish countryside, just a short drive from Dublin City Centre, Cliff at Lyons is a historic village dating back to the seventeenth century that has been  lovingly and beautifully restored.

*Not sponsored.

The two storey structure houses three treatment rooms, a manicure/pedicure suite and a large relaxation space. The interiors mirror the lush green countryside and encourage visitors to reconnect and be at one with nature, relaxing mind, body and soul.

Upon arrival we were greeted with a prosecco reception and introduction to each treatment on offer including Nourishing Body Cream and an unbelievable Restoring Hand Cream jam packed with oils leaving skin visibly younger looking after only one minute! Results lasted throughout the day too with hydration levels piqued skin looked brighter and plumped. Incredible stuff.

*See the Picture Gallery below for images of what we tried from the Treatment Menu before choosing a treatment to indulge in.*

With an emphasis on naturally sourced oils, salts and scrubs and providing one of a kind relaxing and nourishing experiences from their treatment menu such as Hug of the Hands Massage, Hot Towel Head and Scalp Ritual and Peat for the Feet which I opted for! This Irish girl was intrigued…peat as a beauty treatment?!

My Treatment Selection:

Having opted for the Peat for the Feet pedicure treatment I was led into a cosy relaxation suite with three armchairs, metal buckets filled with warm water and various flower petals. I sank into the heavenly armchair with prosecco in hand as the pedicure of dreams began…

After a quick exfoliation, locally sourced natural Irish peat was applied to my legs and feet and massaged in to get the blood flow going and activate the ingredients in the peat to detoxify my skin and body. There is no scent, but the peat has a slight cooling effect when applied.

Legs and feet are then wrapped in hot towels to allow the peat treatment to activate and absorb into the skin further. A head massage is performed whilst this process takes place and by the time my therapist had finished, I was completely relaxed head to toe. The peat was then rinsed off with hot towels and body cream massaged into my legs and feet. My legs were left glowing and felt lighter and tighter than they had before!

My therapist then excused herself and left me alone with my thoughts for a few minutes to completely immerse myself in the wholly relaxing and pampering experience. Several minutes later I gather my thoughts and popped my shoes back on. Whilst waiting for my taxi, I retreated to the main relaxation space where I sank into yet another cosy armchair this time fireside, feet up on a poof and snuggled up with an Irish tweed comforter, another glass of prosecco in hand. Sheer bliss!

Picture Gallery:

Eateries The Orangery fine dining and Trellis for comforting, hearty fare.

We had a dinner of delicious comfort food in Trellis where you’ll find a relaxed, informal style of dining. Open to both resident and non-resident diners, people often drop in after a stroll along the banks of the Grand Canal or whilst on their way to seek out the grave site of Arthur Guinness located nearby in Oughterard cemetery!

I opted for the pan fried salmon from the menu that day, which came with crushed potatoes and asparagus with a citrus jus if I remember correctly, a tasty, ample portion that satisfied my hunger pangs for a long time after. The vegetarians amongst us were  reasonably satisfied with the veggie options on the menu to indulge in.

As always I would advise calling ahead to advise any establishment with dietary requirements you may have before visiting for a satisfactory foodie visit!

{Trellis – for relaxed, informal dining at Cliff at Lyons.}

{Lounge at Cliff at Lyons.}

{Window seat relaxation area at Cliff at Lyons.}

Needless to say no one on the Press Trip wanted to leave, with several of us planning a return at Christmas or when the temperature goes up in Spring!

Thank you so much to Cliff at Lyons for having me and for a truly memorable and  exciting, yet relaxing day. It was a beautifully indulgent treat, I truly welcomed the chance to discover the new Spa Retreat, to switch off from the world for a while and recharge my energy and nurture my creative flow. I’ll be back.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time…

Gail. x

Photography: images 1st-6th & 9th via: Cliff at Lyons.

All other photography: Gail O’Connor.

Liberty & Light with Alex & Ani – LIBERTY COPPER Collection. #CarryLight

New York State of Mind:

Renowned jewellery brand Alex and Ani launched their newest collection ‘Liberty Copper‘ last week and I was delighted to be invited to attend the launch of such an innately special collection.

The Location: The Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St. Dublin.
The Date: Thursday October 20th 2016.

If you love New York as much as I do then this collection is for you!

Featuring original copper from the centenial restoration project of the Statue of Liberty, Alex and Ani bought the copper to preserve and use in this extremely limited edition jewellery collection – essentially allowing consumers to acquire their very own piece of historic Lady Liberty…Genius. Within this collection is the Sterling Silver Collection and 14K Gold collection.

All pieces come complete with a certificate of authenticity also!

{Artist Dara Kenny: live drawing the NYC skyline in a graffiti mural style.}

The LIBERTY COPPER Collection:

Charged with the HOPE of millions…

The Statue of Liberty inspires all to believe in limitless opportunities.
The light of Lady Liberty is represented in the copper flame located in the disc of the collection. By wearing a piece form this collection it is hoped that by bearing her light we too can carry the light, ignite the light in others and create a light indivisible. #CarryLight

Prices are reasonable for such a special and historic collection starting at:
Carry Light Spoon ring and Carry Light Kindred Cord Bracelet both €49.00.

You can shop the collection below.

{Creating my tote bag courtesy of Damn Fine Print.}

The launch was buzzing with quintessential New York vibes from live mural drawing from Dara Kenny to the brilliant Bugle Babes belting out a jazz compilation.

Guests were invited to create their own tote bag courtesy of Damn Fine Print – featuring the New York skyline and Lady Liberty.

I adore the extra attention to detail these special touches bring, they add finesse to an event and allow guests to take home mementos continuing the experience at home.

The evening was festive with guests agreeing it felt like a kick start to dare I say it…Christmas!

This is an extremely limited collection – availability from The Kilkenny Shop and Arnotts Dublin. Best get your skates on if you intend to own a piece of the collection!
If you do pick up a piece let me know! Twitter: DublinGail – Instagram: @littlegforce – Snapchat: DublinGail

Social Pics: from IMAGE Magazine.

Thank you Alex and Ani and Hunter Communications for the invitation to such a special occasion.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time…

Peace – Love – Unity.

Gail. x

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

Social Pics: © IMAGE Magazine.

*Not sponsored .

TRENDING: OLAPLEX – THE Kim Kardashian Hair Product? Worth the Hype? The REVIEW.

Insurance for Your Hair?!

For a while now I have read and heard about a glossing, repairing treatment for hair, from the U.S. that would repair hair whilst helping to seal in colour making it last for longer in between salon visits. I could not find a salon in Dublin that actually knew what I was talking about, let alone had something remotely like it on their in-salon menu.

Fast forward a little while later and boom – such a treatment, Olaplex is on the radar of every and any salon in the know!

I was recently, kindly invited to try the much hyped Olaplex treatment – rumoured Kardashian beauty ‘secret’ by Sakura Hair Salon – a well established, independent salon based at Laurker House, Deansgrange, Co. Dublin.

The Hype:

Kardashian Beauty Secret? Apparently this treatment is credited with Kim Kardashian’s transformation from black to platinum blonde and back to dark locks again in a short time-frame and with apparent ease!

What is Olaplex?

Olaplex is a single active ingredient within the treatment and is the brainchild of scientists Dr Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker.

The Claims:

Insurance for Your Hair – Olaplex.

Smooths and seals the cuticle reconnecting the hair strand structure from the inside out.

Restores hair integrity from the inside-out.

Hair is strengthened, is softer and manageable.

Hair holds colour for longer.

The Process:

The treatment is a two-step in-salon process using the Olaplex Bond Mutiplier and the Bond Perfector. There is a third at-home step The Take Home Perfector that is part of the professional experience which sees the client use once a week.

1.) The Bond Multiplier was firstly mixed with warm water and sprayed onto the hair. It was left in my hair for five minutes.

2.) The second step: is the Bond Perfector which was applied straight onto hair without rinsing the Multiplier out – this step was left on for twenty minutes. Hair was then rinsed followed by shampoo and condition as usual.

The treatment can be used mixed with a colour process or used on its own as a treatment.

The entire process with a wash and blow-dry took about an hour.

The Results:

{The post treatment results: glossy, sleek, strengthened, nourished hair.}

My hair felt stronger and nourished, like a seal had been applied to protect it from further breakage/damage and nature’s elements. I noticed that it was shinier and held my hair style for longer also.

I’ve let my natural colour return (rockin’ the natural balyage vibe) and haven’t had my hair cut since London Fashion Week in September 2015 – I know it’s bold of me but it’s been a busy few months since Fashion Week! Note to self…

My hair isn’t in bad shape at all as I do put the effort in to maintain its lustre but it definitely benefited from the Olapex treatment in an overall capacity, especially around my mid lengths and ends as they look and feel softer, not so…bitty, (reference to needing that hair cut again…)

The Recommendation:

Based off of my current hair state, my stylist recommended I get the treatment once a month or so, depending on the varying condition of my hair throughout the coming seasons.

It’s great to know that even though my hair isn’t in dire need of extra attention due to a high level of damage that Olaplex is an option for me should I choose to invest in the treatment every month to give my hair some extra special assistance in maintaining healthy luscious locks and help keep it in tip top shape.

Seal of Approval?

This treatment comes highly recommended. I was delighted with the results and my first experience of Olaplex – it didn’t add too much time onto my normal wash and blow dry time and felt like an investment in the condition and well being of my hair. It also added that extra bit of “me” time to the average salon experience of a wash & blow dry…definitely a bonus in itself!

Special Offer!

A single Olaplex treatment retails at €30 at Sakura. The best bit? Sakura are running a February Offer (which I was offered) of a Wash & Blow dry plus Olapex treatment for €40 – meaning the Olaplex treatment is half price for the month of Feb!

Sakura have a Facebook page and you can book appointments/consultations on: 01 207 0605. Opening hours Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm. Tell ’em I sent ya!

Thank you’s go to Greg Foley proprietor for the invitation and my stylist Lisa Derham for looking after me and snapping some results pics.

Thanks for stopping by

Gail. Xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

Information source -the science bit: www.Olaplex.com

*Not sponsored.

REVIEW: KIEHLS Ultra Facial Cream – WINTER Skincare Saviour?

The quest for “our best skin.”

As we get older and experience “cultural stresses” and weather extremes, our skin naturally loses its ability to hold hydration and it becomes harder to keep dry skin at bay.

FASHION ALERT! Get Exercise Ready with the Fitness Collection from Penneys!

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new year – are you feeling good?

Here’s a little taster of what’s to come from Penneys (Primark) Fitness Collection in the next few weeks of 2016!

Fitness is at the foremost of most of our minds right now with most of us having splurged over the Christmas having that extra helping of Christmas dinner or one too many sausage rolls before returning to our spot on the couch. This coupled with all the “new year, new me” mantras/resolutions floating around and health and fitness programmes such as Operation Transformation starting this week, it’s time to get the trainers back on and slip back into the gym gear!

Get Fit Without Compromising on Style!

Penneys are leading the way on the high street with stylish, budget friendly pieces that are hitting stores now and are breathable and hi-tech. This pleases me greatly. Why? Oh come on, let’s face it, looking good in the style stakes whilst getting fit is half the battle right? Okay, okay, maybe it’s not half the battle, but it sure helps motivate this gal to take those first steps, lunges or burpees…ah burpees you old foe.

With that said, whilst some of us may wholeheartedly indulge ourselves in a new “fitness wardrobe”(I know I can’t be the only one) every now and then, (shopping is a sport right?), others may want to ease into this fitness game a little more slowly and purchase a few select items. Either way Penneys are hard to beat with prices starting from as little as: €4 for a crop top, vests at €6, leggings at €9, Outerwear at €14 and runners at €14!

A Look at The Collection:

From cute leggings and performance jackets to sports tops, sports bras, slogan tees and vests, Penneys have an array of fitness focused offerings to tempt anyone into sporting them! Monochrome, brights, solid colours and print all mix and match seamlessly, allowing us to personalise the collection to what suits us. Colour blocking? Check. Mixing prints? Check. Check.

Stand out from the workout crowd: with the latest Active Wear range – emblazoned with bold, luminous brights.

For the Design Lover: tie-dye prints, mesh overlay and shattered pixel prints give the range a sports luxe feel.

Black remains consistent, accenting the fashion-forward, high energy pieces.

Inspirational and fun quotes like; “Start with Believe” and “Gym Hair, Dont Care” abound in the collection, aiming to keep our spirits and motivation up well past February, the month of the notorious “fitness slump.”

What do you think of the collection so far? Are you loving the bold, bright neons or maybe you’re a tie-dye fan? Let me know! Tweet me: @DublinGail or Tag me on Instagram: @littlegforce

Me? I love a lot in the collection (I’m a die-hard neon fan) and also have my eye on the likes of the tie-dye white and blue leggings (picture at top of page). I like a bit of surfer/preppy style whilst I work out and these beauts will serve the surfer girl in me well! #californiadreaming

The Accessories:

Dumbells, Yoga mats, Gym Balls amongst other accessories are available from the collection so no matter what you’re circumstances, working from home, long day at the office, dismal weather – these Fitness Accessories are perfect for getting in an extra gym session or fitting in some exercise after a long day.

Whatever you’re into, be it pounding the pavements, Yoga, Cross-Fit, or a gym bunny, Penneys have fab finds, for the male and female fitness fanatics amongst us and for those of us who think we are…well at least until February!

Fitness Journey?

I want to wish you the best of luck if you’re on a fitness journey guys!
I’m on one myself the last year which I’ve done pretty well on (despite some personal, uncontrollable setbacks) and I hope to stay focused and reach my goals, I’ve set for this year! #werkit #LikeABoss

Remember: we have to work at our personal fitness and health. We make time, schedule it in, because if we don’t make the sacrifice and dedicate the time actually putting in the effort, there will be no results! Let’s keep taking those steps and #hustle.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog guys! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year 2016! I hope you like this fitness related post and a glimpse at the new Penneys (Primark) range of Fitness and Sports wear. 

Until next time – I’ll love ya & leave ya!

Gail. Xx

Images: © Primark.

Motivational quote: Pinterest.

TREND ALERT: Strobing – the new Contouring? The NEWEST Face Sculpting Make-up Technique!

Highlighting has got a NEW name!

Strobing (as in basically amplifying particular areas of your visage instead of just highlighting) is the latest beauty trend for S/S15, and is throwing shade actually make that, casting light upon the time consuming efforts of the masses – contouring.
Yes, folks that daily contouring ritual might just be replaced with a facial structure so bright it could be solar powered, thanks to this new face-sculpting technique!

I’m a long time fan of dewy, radiant glowing skin and highlighters, so when I heard the word “strobing” I have to admit I knew right away I’d love this trend.

Strobing will create a “spotlight” effect to the high points of the face, illuminating and freshening up the complexion. It is a more forgiving form of makeup application to define the features of the face than contouring, as it can be dubious work selecting and blending out contour shades from ashy grey to overly orange. Depending on the level of “strobe” you go for this trend could be a tad time consuming, so work out how much emphasis you’re going for and “do you boo“.

As with all makeup application, I highly recommend a consistent, dedicated skincare routine which aids in that radiant skin look we already talked about. Get yourself an awesome skin care routine and your skin will thank you for it, allowing “your best skin” to shine through, whilst allowing minimal makeup application – for a more natural approach to a “made up look”.

Get the Look:

I can’t but think of cult classic, MAC Strobe Cream. I mean MAC’s Strobe Cream was made for this beauty “trend” am I right? Any other fellow Strobe Cream fanatics out there? Oh and by the way, MAC also have a lotion formula in the “Strobe family” if the cream formula isn’t for you. Cutesy travel-sized bottles are also available. Perfect for holiers!

Becca Highlighters:

The status placed on Becca’s Highlighters is astounding with makeup artist and YouTube favourite Jaclyn Hill fangirling over these highlighters.

Finely milled, beautifully blendable, super pigmented these highlighters are legendary.

A budget friendly glow enhancer comes in the form of L’Oréal Lumi Magique a drugstore winner and favourite of this blogger on a budget!

All set?

Setting powder can still be applied with this look to make sure everything stays in place, in everyday situations, especially if you’ve oily skin.

Light reflective, finely milled powders with blurring technology such as Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, are usually the powder of choice to use with this type of makeup technique, as the powder doesn’t dull the “strobe” effect too much, yet gives setting power without adding colour to the strobed areas.

P.S. “Listen” to your skin, when you know what skin type you are and what your skin can tolerate, you’ll know whether you need to powder or not!

Tip!

If the thoughts of a contour-free face frightens the “be-jaysus” out of you, then Cream Contour could be your friend to compliment the whole Strobing look! Just remember to blend, blend, blend!

Some suggestions:

Chanel – Soleil Tan de Chanel.
Clinique Contouring Stick.

What do you think of this new trend and will you give it a go? Let me know in the comments if you care to share!

As usual thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the Internet world guys, (bit of a Gilmore Girls quote there, any fans?!) I really appreciate it.

Gail. Xx

UPDATE: Since posting this blog post last week I’m delighted to say that this blog post (my Instagram referring to this post – @littlegforce), was featured on both The Irish Examiner website on 16/06/15 as an example of the latest trend that “beauty addicts” are talking about and on the The Huffington Post Canada on 18/06/15. It’s always lovely to get some recognition for the hard work I put into the blog! Thank you SO much to the Irish Examiner and the Huffington Post Canada for the inclusion in each of their articles, alerting their readers to this new trend which has always been a favourite amongst some, and now that as it has been labelled a “trend“, is really starting to bloom in popularity!

Image: Issey Miyake – via getthegloss.com
Makeup: Alex Box for Issey Miyake.

Launch: Wet N Wild Surprise Summer Make-up Collection Party, Dublin!

May 20th saw LA make-up brand Wet N Wild turn up the heat in Dublin with their Summer Make-up Party which showcased their new Summer Collection and yours truly was lucky enough to be invited to this exclusive launch!

The event had a chilled “Japanese Garden” vibe to it, with Cherry Blossom trees scattered around the studio, complimented by touches of fun LA style, such as a Slushee machine, (how retro!) individual tables strewn with the latest products, full length mirror and an assortment of massive balloons!

The über talented, Emma O’Farrell was on hand and covered the event interviewing attendees, with video footage of the event, shot by Conor Lenehan.

The Location:

Bond Street Studios, Dublin.

The Guest-list: Press, Media and Bloggers.

The Event: 

#IrelandsBestKeptBeautySecret

Organised by the gorgeous gals of The Publicity Loft!

On the Decks:

Avila Lipsett impressed with her DJ-ing skills, seriously the set-list was on point and any DJ who plays Tinashe gets a digital fist bump from me!

Catching up with fellow bloggers Filomena Kaguako of Enhance What’s Yours blog & Nadine Stephens of The Parma Violet blog. I went for a pop of colour with a yellow neon clutch to compliment my monochrome, skinny jeans ensemble and nude, suede, espadrille wedges.

The Summer Collection includes new Primers, Mascaras and Foundations!

Fellow blogger, the gorgeous Nirina of Killer Fashion blog getting her makeup done.

A fully stocked Wet N Wild stand commanded our attention, luring and tempting our Beauty Blogger instincts with its vibrant, shiny, newness and astounding array of products.

Tables of cupcakes accompanied, make up and brochures of the new collection – the perfect, laid back vibe, allowing the attending “Beauty Pack” to peruse at their leisure!

There was a veritable wall of goodie bags. No really. A wall. So. Cool.

The new collection will be rolled out throughout the month of June (this month!), in pharmacies nationwide, Dunnes Stores and on wetandwildcosmeticsireland.com

Have any of you checked out the new collection? If so what are your faves? I’d love to know!

Thank you to The Publicity Loft for the invitation, as always, I truly appreciate it!

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. xx
Photography by: Gail O’Connor.

Nirina’s Blog: here.
Filomena’s Blog: here.
Nadine’s Blog: here.