Marcel’s Dublin The REVIEW: Cocktails and Dreams!

 

The Event: Marcel’s ‘Influencer Evening’ Mixology Masterclass in conjunction with BLOGGERCONF. #BestofMarcels

The Date: August 18th 2016
The Location: Marcel’s French Restaurant, Merrion Row, Dublin.

I adore the glamour the addition of a tray of cocktails brings to an evening, adding a certain ‘je nais se quoi‘, and serving as the ultimate conversation starter!

 

Labour of Love:

From inception, to sourcing fresh ingredients and the quality of alcohol used, right through to the often mind-blowing presentation, you have to admit – done right, cocktail making is an art form!

The vast crowd assembled to celebrate Marcel’s first anniversary on Merrion Row, Dublin, eagerly lapped up all the behind the scenes tid-bits on the art of cocktail making at this exclusive ‘Influencer‘ event!

Leading the evening’s festivities was Tomasz our bartender and mixology mastermind for the evening, a hospitable and friendly host who whipped up some divine concoctions, my faves being the pineapple and passion-fruit blends!

Marcel’s is part of the Mercantile Group also responsible for some of my favourite restaurants and bars such as uber stylish and renowned Pichet, Farrier and Draper, Opium and Cafe En Seine to name but a few.

{One of my faves of the evening was this pineapple and passion-fruit blend! I give you ‘La Passiona‘ complete with copper tankard…and we all know how much I love copper anything!}

The evening was a smashing success! An informative and incredibly fun learning experience – with some attendees even trying their hand in applying what we had learned!

The Pornstar Martini is a winner. Every. Time.

{Cheers to Marcel’s and their first Anniversary}

I highly recommend a trip to Marcel’s Dublin to sample their copious array of cocktails if you’re in Dublin visiting or just in town for a shopping trip or night out! It’s worth noting the food is also delicious.

Thanks to Marcels Dublin for the invitation to celebrate their First year Anniversary on Merrion Row, Dublin and to Buck and Hound PR and BLOGGERCONF also.

Thanks for stopping by guys! Until next time…

Gail. xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

*Not sponsored.

 

REVIEW: Dental Care with REGENERATE NR5- Worth the Hype?!

Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

#RegenerateYourSmile

One of our best accessories is often the most ignored and taken for granted – our smile.

Our smile is often the first welcoming and friendly sign we give to people and the wider the better! First impressions count for a lot and especially so when working in the beauty industry and networking at events like Fashion Week

I attended the official re-launch of Regenerate products in Ireland in May and since June, I have been trialling *Regenerate Toothpaste with Nr5™ in a bid to undo some of the damage from enamel erosion as well as the damage I have done to the gum surrounding a tooth which has left the dentine surrounding it exposed. This particular dentine problem arose during an overly zealous tooth brushing session recently, much to the dismay of myself and my Dentist…who marvelled at the fact that I was being too clean with my brushing!

 

What is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel is the outer coating of the tooth and despite it’s hardness it gets eroded daily by acid attacks from food and drink.

At the re-launch of Regenerate Enamel Science NR5™ Toothpaste guests were told how to spot if their tooth enamel is wearing thin, by checking the bottom of our teeth and examining if the bottom is becoming a little more transparent then the rest of our teeth. Most of us in attendance had signs of enamel erosion…

How Does Enamel Become Eroded?

Tooth enamel erosion frequently goes unnoticed and happens to everyone of all ages, making teeth increasingly vulnerable. It can occur from enamel exposure to acidic food and drinks such as carbonated drinks like lemonade, cola, vegetable juices and smoothies and fruit waters such as lemon water. It is best to consume these liquids through a straw to curtail the exposure of acid to the tooth enamel.

The Claims:

Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 builds up, essentially “regenerating” the enamel surrounding teeth and makes it stronger protecting against tooth decay and loss.
According to the team behind Regenerate Enamel Science “80% of common tooth problems are caused by enamel erosion and acid attacks“.

9 years of research inspired by bone repair technology have lead to the development of the exclusive and clinically proven NR5™ technology.

 

With every use active NR-5 ingredients combine to form a fresh supply of enamel minerals. These wrap and integrate onto teeth helping to regenerate enamel and reverse the erosion process helping to keep teeth strong and healthy.

It is the first system that can regenerate enamel mineral, with the same mineral that tooth enamel is made from, helping to regenerate enamel by restoring its mineral content and micro hardness .

The Review:

Like I said above, I had an overzealous tooth cleaning session rushing out the door one morning and brushed too hard resulting in a slight exposure of dentine to one of my teeth. I realised I had done something wrong when the incident took place however the soreness subsided after a day or two and I got on with things making a note to visit the dentist – noticing in the mirror that my gum looked a little more in an upward position to its usual appearance.

I went about the start of my day and headed out for my daily walk…(I add at this point, that this was in the middle of winter in frigid conditions). Mid-way through my walk and really pounding the pavement I began to breathe deeper through my mouth as I was feeling the workout – once I inhaled the icy cold air within it went directly to the area of sensitivity surrounding my tooth where the dentine had become exposed! I winced with the pain and thought “that’s weird!”. I hadn’t realised that it was the spot that had been sore whilst brushing a dew days before! I continued my walk but had to reduce the speed as the same thing kept happening with every breath – and similiar pain arising upon consumption of cold drinks or ice-cream.

Since using Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 religiously morning and night I have noticed a significant difference in the reduction of sensitivity particularly in the “exposed” area. I have also noticed significant whitening of my teeth has occured and that the tip of the bottom of some of my teeth, that were slightly transparent are less so now after prolonged use. I used a pea-sized amount daily morning and evening (before events and the like also) and the product lasted me about 3 months used in this way.

 Major Performance Points right there!

My Experience – from Performance Points to Pleasure of Use:

☆ Significant lessening of sensitivity to the area where dentine is exposed.
☆ Whitened teeth quickly
☆ Gentle formula – pleasing crystallised appearance, no burning sensation.
☆ Pleasant, mild yet effective minty taste and scent.
☆ Decent sized tube (considering the price) – lasted 3 months using pea-sized amount.

Worth the Money?

The Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆/☆

I would say that if I saw it on the shelf I would probably scoff at the price however having tried the product, I have experienced the benefits and having been to the re-launch I now have an understanding of the science and research that goes into this product to back up the immense claims.

I give it 4/5 stars only de-ducting points for the price point which may make it unattainable for some folk. Performance-wise I found it to be stellar.

Upon trialling, Regenerate Enamel NR5 is in my opinion, definitely worth the money if you suffer from any of the issues I have mentioned in this post and if it within your price point. It has definitely earned it’s four star rating!

Would I purchase again?

Definitely,  for the reasons above. The price would have me considering my budget with every purchase however as at €13.99 it is approximately double the price of other household names in toothpaste (which I can understand given the research), that claim to do something similiar…it is definitely a results based, considered purchase!

There is also a Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 Boosting Serum Kit™ that you can use alongside the toothpaste for double the performance, however I wanted to trial the toothpaste alone to see results from  its solo performance as a lot of people may decide to only opt for the toothpaste option in the Regenerate Enamel Science family!

The Boosting Serum rings in at €39.99 a considerable hike in price form the toothpaste but the claims are that it lasts three months, used once a week for three days with a heightend performance power through dual usage of products.

I hope to report back on the performance power of this product once I incorporate it into my routine.

{A close up of the crystallised appearance of Regenerate Enamel NR5 Toothpaste – I found the appearance very pleasing, coupled with the gentle whitening effect I felt the toothpaste really performed the way the scientists claimed it would.}

There you have it, thoroughly tried and tested – Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 toothpaste comes ‘GlamForce Approved and Recommended‘.

Thank yous go to Unilever Prestige and Avila Lipsett for the invitation to the incredible Regenerate event and Press Samples to trial.

Have any of you tried Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 Toothpaste? Do you think you will?Let me know!

Regenerate products are available in most Boots stores.

I hope you enjoyed this Review/Beauty Chat style post guys and thanks for stopping by!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
This post contains PR Samples marked with * however all thoughts and views are 100% my own as always!

REVIEW: Champagne Pop BECCA X Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector.

Light Up Your Life with Becca Cosmetics X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Highlight!

The power house of highlight, Australian cosmetics giant BECCA Cosmetics and the Queen of Highlight Jaclyn Hill, have joined forces and produced a stellar, must have product for any self respecting highlight lover!

The Introductions:

Becca Cosmetics are renowned for their highlighters in particular, in the make-up realm – Opal and Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfectors and the much hyped Backlight Priming Filter. Their eye-shadow palettes are also exquisite…the list of must-haves/lust haves goes on and on.

If you don’t know who Jaclyn Hill is (have you been living under a rock?) allow me to introduce you! Jaclyn Hill is one of the biggest make-up artists and personalities in the beauty game on YouTube. Uber talented, funny, articulate, pretty and not afraid to take the mick out of herself, she has certainly earned her place at the top of her game. In fact, having watched Jaclyn the last two years, I think if we ever met, we’d be instant friends – we could bond over our love of highlighters and dance parties for starters!

The Packaging:

Champagne Pop comes in an eye-catching rose gold, box complete with plastic protective strip across the product sporting the Jaclyn Hill name – the original Becca packaging encases the actual product.

Tried and Tested: The Results.

With the Queen of Contour Kim Kardashian having declared contouring as dead (well at least heavy contouring) strobing is fast becoming the “illuminating contour” method of choice for the masses and this new highlight from Becca and Jaclyn Hill collab is perfect for strobing or adding just a touch of highlight on the daily. Originally brought out as a limited edition powder highlight, Champagne Pop is now thankfully a permanent fixture and should win awards! I bought into the hype surrounding this highlight collab when it was a Limited Edition and it’s safe to say, it’s everything I expected and bought into as a consumer and more. In fact, for me it’s a dual usage product and well worth the investment –  as detailed below.

The Highlights: (pun totally intended.)

From texture, longevity to overall performance.

● Finely milled, buttery formula that is long-lasting on wearing and in sheer volume of product within the compact.
●Sheer, yet highly build-able highlight. A little goes a long way!
●Skin glows and glistens – no chunky glitter particles.
●Natural champagne shade to suit most skin tones.
● Ideal for minimal daily use on cheekbones, for strobing, dusting all over face and décolleté and inner corner highlight of the eye…
● I even like it as an eye shadow or dusted on my pins to highlight the shin bone with a tan!

*Top Tip: remember to blend out to avoid looking like you’re sweaty mess/ disco ball effect.

● Travel friendly the compact is lightweight, with durable packaging, complete with an internal, good sized mirror.

Cons:

Not a massive deal but, the powder can become somewhat messy and have fall-out within the compact, something to be aware of, in case it gets on clothes during application  – this definitely would not put me off investing in it.

Seal of Approval?

One hundred percent yes. A touch of Champagne Pop makes every day an occasion for me, bringing a sparkle to my eyes (as well as my face), such is my delight in this product. This gem of a product is a permanent fixture in my make-up arsenal and I can’t be without…a back-up is definitely in order! This marketing opportunity is hands down one of the best collaborative projects between brand and influencer in recent times in the beauty industry, in my opinion! This offering is simply stellar.

Any other Highlight Lovers out there? What’s your favourite highlighter? Have any of you tried Champagne Pop?
I’d love to know!

Tweet me: @DublinGail/Tag me on Instagram: @littlegforce or leave your faves in the comments section below!

I hope you enjoyed this Review and Beauty Chat guys!

As usual, thanks for stopping by and here’s to a fab new week.

P.S. Remember: Champagne Pop is now a permanent fixture in the BECCA Cosmetics line (thanks to the powers that be!)and is available on spackenk.com or sephora.com 

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

REVIEW: The Body Shop’s Spa of the World range – Quick and Easy Tips for Glowing Skin!

The Summer Skin Reveal:

Whether you’re feeling the effects of tired, stressed, sluggish winter skin, or starting that tanning routine in time for summer – the quest for glowing skin is upon us!

The *Dead Sea Salt Scrub and the Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil for Hair and Body, part of The Spa of the World range from The Body Shop, will get skin in tip top shape for summer.

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.

NEW Restaurant Alert – Kitchen 62: Brings the Brunch menu and a little SOUL to Dun Laoghaire!

Weekends are for Brunching!

Whilst on a leisurely, stroll in Dun Laoghaire with my mom back near the end of February, we decided to grab a bite to eat and happened upon Kitchen 62. I’d heard good reviews through the Blogger/Beauty Writer grapevine, about this new restaurant, hailed as “The Best Brunch in Dun Laoghaire”. Naturally, being fans of a tasty and hearty brunch, we were intrigued and I suggested we check out, said brunch.

Owned by renowned Fashion photographer Lili Forberg, Kitchen 62 offers a welcoming sanctuary from the re-emerging hustle and bustle of Dun Laoghaire town. Dun Laoghaire town has seen somewhat of a decline in recent times and was in desperate need of a nice, quiet, yet hip spot to dine at and more importantly Brunch at, and Kitchen 62 definitely has this corner of the market cornered!

The interior is light and airy with a cosy feel and stratgically placed touches of glam like the fab chandeliers! The addition of a gramophone and cosy nooks off the main reception area adds to the whole look and feel of the interior and meshes beautifully, to create a charming atmosphere with a nostalgic vibe.

Putting a little soul back into Dun Laoghaire:

Kitchen 62 serves ‘soul food’ type dishes reminiscent of the dishes famously found in the southern states of America’s Deep South.

The Lunch and Brunch menus were available the day we were there and consisted of the usual “brunch” suspects as well as soup, salads and sandwiches, with tantalising dishes such as their Buttermilk Chicken reserved for dinner service.

We ordered the pancakes with maple syrup and asked if fresh fruit on the side would be possible. We were told yes and happy with our order we continued to discuss (amongst other things), our surroundings and the old Irish favourite, the weather. The dish arrived and had a fruit coulis on top of the pancakes with cream, instead of fresh fruit. We were then informed fresh fruit wasn’t available…

The pancakes themselves were very good, fluffy in texture and American in style as you can see from the picture. However, I wasn’t a fan of the fruit coulis/cream addition to the dish, without my consent. I also indulged in a cheeky mimosa, because…well, what’s brunch without a mimosa?!

The Best Brunch in Dun Laoghaire?

The Verdict:

Overall, we enjoyed our first experience dining at Kitchen 62.

The service, welcome and vibe were great and the surroundings were comfortable and relaxing, providing many a conversation starter like the gramophone. Our food was good (bar some minor quibbles, as above) and the menu selection was on par with some of the best brunch places in areas such as neighbouring Monkstown, and the capital.

I have only one small qualm, being fans of healthy, readily available fresh fruit/veg accompaniments (maybe I’m just spoilt at places like The Paramount in Boston) and other usually readily available sides like avacado and the like, I’m hoping these types of accompaniments will perhaps become additions permanent additions to the menu in the future. Perhaps they’ve already made it onto the Brunch menu that was under revision whilst we were there?!
I guess we’ll just have to go back and find out, and believe me, plans are already being hatched to try the dinner menu next!

With the Easter long, weekend fast approaching, perhaps a trip to Kitchen 62 would fulfil your brunching needs! If you’re around the Dun Laoghaire area, I would recommend you check it out and don’t forget to let me know what you thought!

Tell me, have any of you already dined at Kitchen 62? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know!

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. Xx

Photography: Gail O’Connor.

This is not a sponsored post.

Pearls on Pearls – The Modern Twist on the Classic Pearl Earring!

Pearls. Classic, chic, timeless. The fashion world loves them, so when several new, modern twists on the classic pearl earring arrived to the catwalks and Fashion Houses such as Dior, it sent every fashionista into a tail spin in order to get their well manicured mitts on them!

With my bank balance not quite stretching to the likes of Dior, (understatement of the year), I patiently waited for the high street versions of this “modern pearl earring” to hit the stores. And boy was I glad I did!

First up!

Glitz and Pieces Coco Earring:

The quality and weight of these earrings is superb. Not too heavy and not too lightweight, I feel I’ve paid my money’s worth for a great quality, almost identical Dior-esque earring. The gold doesn’t look cheap either which is a major bonus with a high street version.

Glitz and Pieces is a budget friendly, Irish on-line jewellery store with swift delivery and excellent customer service. If you’re a bit of a magpie like me, go check ’em out…just don’t blame me if you do some damage to your bank balance on their site! Seriously, it’s that good. (Link below).

P.S. Bonus! They also do clothing, bags etc.

Next Up!

Penneys:

Now we all love a bit of Penneys (Penneys to us Irish – Primark to everyone else) in our lives, and when it comes to jewellery, Penneys are doing particularly well in supplying catwalk trends at high street prices. Actually better than the high street because they’re Penneys prices!
Check out the Ear Jackets below that were an absolute bargain.

Note: My American peeps do not fret, as Primark is set to open in Boston this Fall and across the U.S by 2016!

Ear Jackets are having their moment right now and at €2 for these beauts, how could you go wrong?! Yes, I said two euro, I know, I know, I was in disbelief too!

And last but by no means least!

River Island:

Another take on the timeless pearl earring, these are interchangeable, (like the ear jackets) meaning you can mix and match the fronts and backs of different earrings for different looks. These earrings sit nestled around the back of the earlobe sitting out towards the front, for a beautiful preppy finish.

There you have it, three fresh takes on the classic pearl earring.
Which style is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below! Me? I couldn’t possibly choose…

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. Xx

Photography: Gail O’Connor.
Glitz and Pieces site here.

This is not a sponsored post.