A Good Manicure

We here at Seven are completely crazy for Nail Polish!!!

Between both of us, we have a gorgeous little Collection  and we are planning to make it even bigger with all the great offers available. To be honest girls we really cant't help ourselves on the beauty aisles of Boots, especially on payday !! 

We are SUCKERS!!

We've tried them all!! Clear, Dark, Neon, Bright, Cracked, Matte and Glossy!! Each one a different experience but of course we do have our favourites and a long lasting polish is an absolute must for us! We're working girls and really don't have time to be re-applying!!!

We've often posted different pictures of polish on our Facebook page So check it out and have fun!!

To start off, prep the nails so they are nice and fresh! File them to the shape you desire and try to buff them. Buffing is important as it will smooth out the nail so the varnish goes on nice and easy.

We Recommend Using a little oil on the cuticles to soften them up, however if you don't have any cuticle oil, Olive Oil definitely does the trick.

Rub this around the cuticles and give it a few minutes to dry in.

When you are done with this stage, go ahead and apply the colour you want. Apply one coat, let it dry in a little and then apply a second coat. This definitely makes the colour a lot more vibrant!

When you feel you have achieved the look you want go ahead and apply your Top Coat. This will set the varnish in place, make it long lasting and give a glossy look to the nails.

When your nails are looking fab and they are completely dried in, go ahead and apply some hand cream. This will keep your hands soft and hydrated if you apply throughout the day!You never know who you are going to meet with soft mittens.

Seven 

xxx

Flawless Foundation

If you girls haven't already guessed, we here at VII have a bit of an OBSESSION when it comes to our foundation...it's uncontrollable, we can't help it...

SO if you have difficulty applying foundation or want to know the best tool to use you have definitely come to the right place!!!

We both agree by spending that little extra time on your foundation in the morning, you wont need as many touch-ups durning the day and most importantly you will avoid the dreaded patchy look (One of our Pet Hates)

However, it's not all down to the product (although you can't just use any ole thing) ...If you want that flawless finish you really need to use a good foundation brush.
There are lots of different foundation brushes out there but one little Gem we have been loving lately is the Expert Face Brush from the brand Real Techniques. 

This brush definitely lives up to its 'Expert' name by applying liquid foundation like a dream! You can really achieve a professional finish with this brush and with the brisstles being quite dense and firm you can work the product into the skin beautifully. Also being synthetic it's quite easy to clean!!

Need another Plus?

This little beauty is pretty inexpensive coming in around the €13 mark!

So Girls if you want to achieve FLAWLESS FOUNDATION head to boots and pick yourselves one of these babies...

Oh and if you want to know what foundation goes on beautifully with this brush check out our previous blog HERE



Seven
xxx

Festival Fun!

Seeing as Festival season is nearly upon us we are getting geared up and ready to go!!

There are so many gigs on this summer here in Ireland...we are just hoping little Miss Sunshine pops her head out to join in the party!  

So we've decided to give you guys a few festival tips and looks we will be doing that are quite affordable and easy to put together.......

First off lets start with hair, Seeing as some of you lovelies will be camping it out this year we recommend The Temporary Dreads!!

Created using Fish Paste, by Soho! They stay in for a few days so  are perfect if you're getting your camping on...I know what you might be thinking 'I DO NOT LIKE IT WHEN MY HAIR IS NOT WASHED' but you gotta do what you gotta do :)

Start by taking little sections of the hair and keep twisting them around until you finally get that 'dreadlock' look, keep applying the product whilst twisting and it will stick really nice. When you are happy and have the look you want, apply a good bit of hairspray all over to keep everything in place! We Recommend  TRESemme of course!

For MakeUp we want to experiment with a little colour so the eyes sparkle especially if you are outdoors in the Sun...

Try to go with a colour that makes your eyes pop and have fun...That's what it's all about!!

 

 Accessories....  Wanna let your hippy run wild?? Well check out these funky bracelets from Penny's!!  These are so cute and cool but barely cost anything! A real must have for festival time!! 

And last but not least ladies!!! Don't forget your shades. Wear the best shape that suits your face and don't be afraid of those funky frames! Be a little Devil!!! 

Seven 

xxx

Homeware Haul'n...

Having recently moved out of the nest and in with the boy, our eyes have been open to a  new world of home decor! Like we really needed another excuse to shop???

We couldn't get over the gorgeous yet extremely affordable pieces out there, perfect for adding those  'finishing touches' to your home! Even if you just picked up one thing a week, you'd be amazed just how homey and finished your place will start to look!!

So with all that being said lets get cracking and talk about some of our more recent Homeware buys: 

First Up is this cutesy Floral Pattern Doorstop from PENNYS. 

Would you believe we got this on Sale for €2...yes €2!! We keep this by our sitting room door and it just stops the wind from banging it shut but you could also just have it as a decoration in you're bedroom ladies. I mean for that price you can't really go wrong!

Sticking to our Bargains we also picked up this 3 Piece 'Love Themed' Canvas.

Again, these were a bargain at €2 and can be displayed all together or seperate (see picture below). You could pop these on top of the fireplace or hanging in the bedroom/ hallway to add a bitta 'Amour' to your place!

Finally from Penny's we got this small n cute family floral frame for above the fireplace for €1.50. Also available in different colours!

Next, as we are a bit strawberry mad we couldn't resist this Oven Mitt from Arnotts. And just as a point to note we have been putting it to very good use!!

Price €3.00

And finally you can never have enough Vases in your home (give your other half reason to constantly buy you flowers girls) so we have 3 choices we recently purchased and you would be amazed at the prices!!!

This Cream, crochet patterned plant/flower pot we got in IKEA for €2.50. We thought this would not only be great for plants and flowers but could be a Fab Makeup Brush holder!! We will try it out n let you know... 

Next is this French Style 'Boutique' Vase we got in one of our FAVOURITE shops for Homeware...Evolution! A little more expensive at €9 but still reasonable and the perfect size for holding a bouquet of flowers!!

And last but not least we picked up this purple, single flower vase from IKEA for a whopping 50cent! Unbelieveable Ladies...We have this desplayed in our bathroom just to add a bit of colour!

So that concludes are very first Homeware Haul...Let us know if you want to see more of these and hope you enjoyed and are inspired to pick of a few things and go bargain hunting!!


Seven 
xxx

The Finest Flick

So we have finally decided to do a blog on the how to create that perfect black flick of eye-liner. Every girl loves the 1950's retro look and if you throw a little bit of red lippy on, the look is complete!

To Start off make sure your base is fresh and prepped well.  The eyelids should be clean and a little bit of Urban Decay's Eye Primer can be applied.


We Recommend using Mac Black Track Gel Eye-liner with a Mac Angled Brush Number 266
Run the liner across the lash line as evenly as possible. I know some of you will find it a bit difficult at first but keep practising and eventually you'll be a pro!

At the end of the Lash line bring the flick out as far as you want. This depends on how dramatic you want the look and work with your natural eye shape, as it is the key to a successful flick. After you have mapped it out go ahead and fill it in right across the lid. 

Red lippy is optional but always looks great with a dark black flick. Colour RUBY WOO MAC

So.... to all the wannabe rockabilly ladies out there, try this one out! Classic Pin up look!

Seven 

xxx

Gothic Rock Chick!

To Create this Gothic Rock chick look here are some of the products used. To start off I used Chanel Vitalumiere foundation shade 40. This was my first time to use this  foundation on a night out so it was definitely a test of longevity.

This foundation is known to be great for mature skin and really gives a glowing effect, So personally I think it's best for the more "experienced woman"! :)

For Eyes I used The Sleek Palette in I-Divine. We love these Palette's here at Seven and use them for almost everything....Eyebrows, Contouring and of course Eye-shadows. They are amazingly priced at €10 and available from http://www.cloud10beauty.com/

I used the purple shade from the palette and applied the colour all over the lids and blended using a Mac Brush No 217.

For lips I used MAC, in Colour DIVA, I think this colour works great with Olive skin tones or if you're a little darker and use tan we definitely recommend. 

I didn't apply any false lashes for this look as I have the Semi Permanent ones on at the moment but if you want to add drama we love Penny's lashes in Paparazzi at only €3.50 each!

So if you girls are feeling a little like a rock chick, try this look out!! I love this look as not too much product was used and is really simple and quick!

Seven

xxx

Perfecting Primer!

PRIMER is the key to success when it comes to keeping your foundation put! 
A good primer is essential especially for oily skin but also benefits dry skin too!
We have searched the hills and beyond for a good one and have come across quite a few that are good and some that are great!! 

We have all heard great things about BENEFITS PORE-FESSIONAL and we agree. This Primer has a hint of colour that promises to smooth out skin and fine lines and it also contains vitamin E that helps the skin's radicals. We personally think this primer is better under the make-up as opposed to on top, which it can be used for both.

Coming in at €3o.40 its a nice little treat and perfect for a night out as it is a little more expensive.

Now for a little bit more reasonable with prices, we tried and tested the the 17 COLLECTION miracle Matt Skin Primer.. This is absolutely beautiful, but be careful when applying. Not to rub too much, but pat onto the face. We recommend giving a few minutes and then applying foundation after. 



This Primer is available in boots for €6.99 and with the 3 for 2 offer keep an eye out! Hence the Lippy in the middle...

We also recommend the PAESE PRIMER. This is available from www.cloud10beauty.com.
We have tried both the Smoothing Make-up Base and the Illuminating Make-up Base and these are also fabulous. They really don't break the bank either. coming in at €8.95. 

Primer really is a must and keeps your make-up still for the day, It also makes your foundation last longer which is always great as you don't have to keep topping up.

So girls go get yourself some and try them out!!

Seven

xxx

We went to Boots....

Well we aren't even going to try and explain ourselves this time Ladies...

....knowing only to well we were going to spend a little fortune, we still made a trip into boots on Payday to 'have a look' and came out with these goodies...

We didn't go toooo Crazy but we put up another ' Whats in the bag?' picture on our facebook page and a lot of you wanted to see a mini haul...So, what our subscribers what are subscribers get.....

First Up some hair bits:

We swear by L'OREAL Elnett Satin hairspray (I mean if it's good enough for Cheryl it's good enough for us) and have been meaning to get the travel size version to pop in the handbag...but when browsing the hair isle came across this little baby by VO5. We always love trying out new products and this Ultimate Hold, weather resistant (whatever that means) hairspray seemed to get a good recommendation so we picked one up!

With the mixed weather and general daily wear and tear our hair has been feeling a little neglected lately! So to cheer it up we picked up this Natural Hair mask by the brand Naked Rescue with lovely ingredients like Argan Oil to give our tresses a bitta TLC! 

We then moved onto our FAVOURITE Makeup: 

You ladies must know by now that we have a bit of a nail polish addiction and just could not resist this GORGEOUS polish from the Maybelline ColourShow

range.  Also available in pink n purple and turquoise n blue, these speckled dot polishes look the BOMB. We for one are Dying to try this on the nails...Blog Review very soon <3

Maybelline had a Buy one get one half price Offer on...and the Bargain Hunter in us just can't resist an offer like that, so we picked up one of there Kajal Precision Eyeliners in White. White Eyeliner when worn on the waterline will give the illusion of a larger, more open eye! We have a look we have been Dying to try out using White Eyeliner so stay tuned for that ladies...

Nothing says Summer time like Glowing, Dewy, Illuminating Skin. So with that in mind (and also a €6.50 voucher to spend in NO7) We picked up this Skin Illuminator in the shade Peach (Also available in pink for paler skin tones). This can be worn under your foundation or as a highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones, cupids bow and decalotage for a Shimmery Jlo Glow. 

And Finally we were in desperate need of a new Brow Pencil so got one of our Fav's Rimmels Professional Eyebrow Pencil in the shade 001 Dark Brown. If you want to see how we fill in our brows you can check out our Beautiful Brows Blog HERE

So that's it for another week...We are dying to try out some of our New Products and give you Gals the low down over the next week!

Hope you enjoyed this mini Boots Haul

Seven

xxx

Revlon Revitalize xxx

We just can't help but love REVLON, they always pull it out of the bag, every time!

This is a deep Conditioning Hair treatment, 3 in 1....that moisturises the hair and gives it a burst of colour that looks so great when the sun is shinning.

We are two Bold Brunette's here at Seven and just love when our colours are revitalized for that fresh look. And any excuse to pamper ourselves!!

Using this 3 in 1, it promises to REFRESH COLOUR, ADD A TOUCH OF SOFTNESS and give SHINE. It certainly does all the above!! 

Available in Terri Sales for 11 euro each.

Here we mixed a Purple Red no. 500 and Brown no.411 together in a mixing bowl, and applied all over the hair. 

It says to leave in for about fifteen minutes but a half hour is good!!

When the time is up just shampoo out like normal, no need to use conditioner as this is a conditioning treatment....

It smells divine and looks really great on the hair.

We definitely recommend these bursts of beautiful colour in a tube. They are adorable!!!

Seven

xxx

Semi Permanent Lashtastic!

Well...it's coming to the time of year when you lovely's are planning trips and holidays. If you want that fresh face natural look, we here at SEVEN definitely recommend SEMI PERMANENT lashes. They are AMAZING!!!


They last for around three weeks in great condition but if you're lucky you might even get them to the six week mark. 

Each individual eyelash is glued onto one of your own, so it does take a little time for them to be applied. The glue is very potent and sometimes a little unbearable but we all know BEAUTY IS PAIN!  It's worth it right!!

 These give a more alert, open effect to the eye and you really only have to pop on a minimal amount of make-up for the day. 

They range in various prices depending on where you have them done. Usually around 60 euro. Check out your local salon and see if they are available.

Fabulashes!!!

Seven 

xxx

Bourjois Heathy Mix Review

Finding the right foundation that works for your skin type can often seem impossible...especially with such a wide range on the market, sometimes you don't know where to start.

Well don't worry ladies...you'll be glad to know, we here at VII take our foundation very seriously and will be constantly reviewing and recommending foundations we love for both Dry and Oily skin! (Problems Solved)

Recently, we have been trying out the BOURJOIS Healthy Mix Foundation. 

We both agree this foundation is gorgeous for Dry Skin as it is quite moisturising and soaks into the skin beautifully...leaving no patches/flakes which can be quite common with dry skin. 

The foundation itself is a light-medium foundation which is perfect for day time. It promises 16hr wear which we can't stand by as we NEVER wear our foundation for that long (and neither should you guys) but it seems to last all day with no need for touch-up's!!  It comes in quite a good range of colours too (10 in total) and leaves the skin with a dewy, hydrated finish which is really all us Dry Skinned Gals want!!




It also smells Divine which we know might sound a bit strange but it has a gorgeous, fruity scent to it which makes it really nice to apply. 

                                                   Bourjois Healthy Mix used in this look <3

Overall we are quite impressed with this offering from Bourjois and would highly recommend trying it if you have Dry skin!

Price: €14 and available in Boots!

Bourjois Website

Seven

xxx

Clean brushes, Clean Face DIY!!

Want to know how to Clean those Dirty Brushes???

It is extremely important to give your brushes a good clean at least once a week as bacteria and germs will gather and lead to breakouts!! 

We know there are many different types of brush cleaners, but here is a simple technique you can do yourself at home.

Mix one Part Extra Virgin OLIVE OIL, Seeing as one of us is Half Italian, there is never a shortage of Olive Oil in our house.... And the other part with FAIRY WASHING UP LIQUID or even better Anti-bacterial Soap....to get rid of those nasty's!!!

Dip the brushes into the mix then give them a swirl around your hand at the same time as running them under warm water. (You always want the water to be warm not cold or hot as that will disrupt the glue holding the bristles together).

Also You want to hold them downwards so as not to get the water into the stem of the brush, again where the glue is!!

You'll see the MAKE-UP starting to fall off and the brushes will appear cleaner, softer and white!

This is why the OLIVE OIL is used! It helps condition the brushes against the harsh washing up liquid/soap...Which will make your brushes last longer :)

After the brushes are nice and clean you can put them on your radiator on top of some Tissue Paper

 and leave overnight to air dry. Just re-shape them and lay them out flat and your job is done!

The next Morning they will be nice, bright and OH SO SOFT on your skin....

We thought this was a fabulous, quick technique to clean your brushes...and love the end result...

Go on ladies, try it out!!!

Seven 

xxx