Collection V Makeup Revolution

March 16, 2018

Hi All,

So I’ve been inactive for a while, doing a lot of stuff in my personal life but expect plenty of reviews, food posts, current faves, current routines in the next few months.

Today I am here to talk about 2 very hyped concealers, Collection Lasting Perfection concealer has had a cult following for years and for good reason the coverage is amazing, but the colour selection had a lot to be desired, their previously pales shade 1 Fair was still that little bit too dark for me, I am albino so I’m very pale, but I did then mix that shade with their lilac colour corrector and this worked really well for me and kept the coverage high. They have recently released 2 more shades, the one I got for my skin tone was the ultra Fair shade, this is a hell of a lot better, I can just about wear this without foundation without it being too noticeable, which is a miracle for my skin.

I will be kind of comparing it with the newer Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define concealer, I bought this as soon as it came out and have been trying it so much my tube has run out so you know i’ll have a good idea on this one too.

Collection Lasting Perfection:

So this concealer is one of my favourites, it has been for years, I have redness in the centre of my face and I am prone to break outs and dark circles, this is made more noticeable by my very pale skin…and this concealer covers it all! This lasts all day as well once I set it which I find doesn’t always happens on my skin with a lot of concealers. A tube of this lasts me quite a while as well considering how much I use it, a little goes a long way. The finish on this is quite matte but I definitely set it.

Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define:

So this one comes in 18 shades so you know that wins out on that side of things, the colour range could still be expanded but they have done an amazing job or such an affordable brand! The current palest shade C1 is a little too dark on me, it appears in swatches to be paler then the collection concealer but it doesn’t go on and set paler. It is important to note Makeup Revolution are bringing out more shades in this soon. The coverage on this is no doubt very good but I’d call it a high medium coverage as apposed to full coverage of collection. I do really like this concealer but it doesn’t last as long on the skin and I definitely run out of product quicker then collection even considering the quantity difference I do use more of this to get the same coverage, so something to consider when purchasing. This also has a matte finish and I set this one as well, I do think its a little more matte then collection which I quite like for concealer.

Collection Lasting Perfection

Price – €5.79. Quantity – 6.5ml.

Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define

Price – €4.98. Quantity 3.4ml.

See below: First pic, top to bottom is Makeup Revolution C1, Collection 0 Extra Fair, 1 Fair… Second pic is about 10 mins later, you can see the all oxidise slightly, and you can see the coverage of the lasting perfection is better here also.

Final Results:

I actually really like both of these for different reasons, If I need the coverage I’d reach for Collection and if I’m not wearing foundation I’d do the same, but can see myself reaching for Makeup Revolution as well, sometimes I don’t like that full coverage, especially with a more glowy look which I think I lean towards a bit more then I used to and the shade range is a winner for me, as someone with albinism who finds shade matching extremely hard and still hasn’t found anything that is 100% there, I understand how frustrating it is to want to buy something but not have a colour to match, so I’m loving the inclusive mind set they are in. But I do think Collection just edges it for me,, more product and I use less and its still affordable… but If i was of deeper skin I’d be raging with brands like this who don’t have near enough shades.

As always questions are very welcome. I hope this has helped a few of you, I know there has been plenty of debate on these two already so thought I’d throw my thoughts in the mix.

Back soon with exctiing things….

Sinead xxx

Important Issue!

January 21, 2018

Hi All,

So a little bit of a different post from me today, some of you may know I have a condition called Albinism, so pale skin, white hair, red eyes, extremely low vision etc. I have experienced prejudice and discrimination and frankly vile treatment at different times of my life, I wrote an article about my recent experiences last year for the journal.ie it reached nearly 75,000 people and then I was on the Ryan Tubridy Radio show and reached thousands more and I then continued to be treated even worse in my search for work and in every day life.

Please just give it a read, my previous article is linked at the end of this one and I have linked the audio of my interview too, the radio interview kind of clears up a lot of questions. But please read this and pass it on to whomever you can, it is a massive problem in Ireland with the unemployment rate for people with disabilities at a staggering 83%

If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them in the next few days but please remember this is a very sensitive topic and a very personal one for me, each person with albinism is different so my experience is only my own.

Click here for my article! 🙂

Click here for radio interview 🙂

Thank you so so so much.

Maybelline Superstay 24h Matte Ink Lipstick

January 15, 2018

Hi All,

Back again this Monday with a quick review, I think I’ll make short, precise and honest reviews a thing for Mondays here on shinnymc.com

So as you can see from the title its a review on the Maybelline Superstay 24h Matte Ink Lipstick. I was dying to try this its been out for ages, I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and they’re bringing out more shades apparently, its 15 Euro here in Ireland so its not exactly cheap but not high end prices either.

I have to say I was very disappointed, I got the colour lover and I absolutely adore the colour I think it would suit so many skin colours but the formula for me was not good. When I first put it on, yes amazing, it was so easy to move around to have it looking flawless, it took a while to dry down which I don’t mind to be honest. It was after it was dry for about a half hour I had the problem it started to break down and gather in the centre of my lips and it was very drying as well. I’ve tried this a number of times and had the same problems. I love some of their colours though so I’m kind of determined to find the right primer or product combo to make it wearable for me.

I know a lot of people love this product so if anyone has any recommendations on making it work let me know. Also I know everyone is different so sometimes things just work better on some people. If it was a bit cheaper I wouldn’t be as disappointed because I’ve tried much cheaper liquid lipsticks that work as well as this or better, but let me know…

Back soon,

Sinead xxx

Sephora – Almond Food Mask

January 8, 2018

HI All,

So just a really quick review today on the Sephora Almond Food Masks.

I got a couple of these at Christmas and I’d been dying to try them for ages. They are meant to be soothing and relaxing for tired feet and the almond extract is meant to soften rough areas and intensely moisturise your feet.

So basically these masks are a pair of disposable socks that have the cream inside and you secure them around your ankle with a sticky tab.

I have to say I loved the sensation, so cooling and relaxing on your feet, you could feel it beginning to soak in over time and it really relaxed my tired feet. It definitely wouldn’t be amazing for getting rid of sever dry skin but it was brilliant for moisturising and soothing my feet.

I took the socks off and just put clean cotton socks straight on and let any of the excess moisture soak in. I would definitely recommend these for anyone on their feet regularly and I think they’d be great to keep your feet in good condition and they are extremely affordable.

If you’ve any questions please ask.

Back soon,

Sinead xx

Welcome 2018

January 1, 2018

Hi All,

Happy New Year to you!

So a new year is always a fresh start, forget about the bad and focus on the positives and what amazing things you want to achieve in the year ahead.

For me 2017 had some amazing highs, but on a whole I had an extremely tough year, I am lucky to have an amazing support system so I have always got through things with a smile on my face.

For me 2018 is to continue on and fight for the things that didn’t work out last year, I could’t possibly do more to achieve what I want, so I simply have to do the same and keep going even when it’s hard.

I think this year I really want to cook more, I always cook from scratch and I enjoy it but sometimes you just don’t know what to cook, you get into a food rut, so this year I want to be a bit more adventurous with my cooking, along with that I want to try and be a bit healthier, I’m not going to make any ridiculous weight and health goal that I will fail with by tomorrow, but in general this year I’d like to be healthier.

If you’ve been with me from the start of my blog you know I’m passionate about positive mental health and minding yourself, so this year I want to make sure I’m doing my self care, click here if you want to know some of my tips for self care, and I want to keep up with my happiness journal, click here to read about doing this in a really simple and inexpensive way. This is super important to me this year.

As you can tell I’m not one for crazy new years resolutions and whether you’re like me or you have a concise list you work your way through each year, just do you, be as positive and kind to yourself and others as you can be, try push yourself out of your comfort zone every now and then and just enjoy the good times, and survive the bad times, and know that it always gets better.

I hope you all have an amazing 2018, you achieve everything you want this year and above all else be happy.

I will be posting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from today onward, so I look forward to interacting with you all this year.

Sinead xxx

Quick Festive Breakfast

December 19, 2017

Hi All,

So back today with a bit of a different post from anything I’ve posted recently. The last few weeks have been so cold and I know when I’m frozen in the mornings all I want is something warm so I generally go for Porridge/Oatmeal, it’s still a healthy breakfast but maybe a tad more indulgent then your regular porridge recipe, but it is Christmas afterall so it’s ok…

Ingredients – 1 Portion

30g Porridge
250ml Fat Free Milk – quantity depends on how thick you like your porridge so use as much as you need and I just like my porridge with non fat milk, if you want to use low fat, full fat, amond milk, water or whatever you prefer go ahead.
Sprinkle of Cinnamon
5-10 pecans
1 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup
Fruit/Berries of choice

Method

So I place the Oats and milk into a small pot and put it on a medium to high heat, I find this the quickest and best way to cook porridge. When it starts to heat up I continuously stir, when it is hot enough and has reached the consistency you like take it off the heat and mix in the maple syrup and sprinkle of cinnamon until it is all combined nicely. Then crush up your pecans and sprinkle on top and mix through. Also add whatever fruit, berries or seeds that you like in your porridge if you want to bulk it out, but this on its own is SOO delicious and has that indulgent festive feel without being redicuously bad for you.

Let me know if you’ve tried anything similar that I would maybe like, I hope some of you give this a try and tell me.

Back soon,

Sinead xx

Festive Cosy Night In Essentials

December 18, 2017

Hi All,

So with 1 week until Christmas and the weather here in Ireland being absolutely baltic the last week or so, cosy nights in are the perfect way to spend any evening.

1: PJ’s – First things first, you need super comfy PJ’s, I buy one or 2 pairs of these check flannel style PJ’s from Penneys/Primark over November and December so I have a clean pair at all times, they’re just my favourite so I wear them to death, and these little slippers in the picture are super cheap and I just buy a pair every now and then.

2: A Christmas Movie – So this is 100% your own choice in what movie you just love at Christmas time, 2 of my all time favourites are The Holiday… who doesn’t like The Holiday? it is a super cosy, comforting movie. Another one of my favourites is The Grinch, I just absolutely love this it reminds me of being younger, I still find it hilairous and its just comforting and happy. But I love so may more, Love Actually, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Cluase and sooo many more! I just love all Christmas movies to be honest, so just throw on your favourite!

3: Drinks and Snacks – So if I want to be warm, Ill make a normal tea with a drop of milk, or a lemon and ginger tea, or I might have a hot chocolate, which I have a recipe for coming soon. Or I might have a glass or wine or Prosecco depending on how I’ feeling and who’s with me. Its totally up to you. As for snacks, it will always depend on your mood, but I would assume everyone buys certain things around Christmas time so whatever you have in and fancy is perfect.

4: Candles – I don’t really ever not have cancdles burning so itwould come as no suprise that a cosy night in means candles. Yankee’s Red Apple Wreath just is nostalgic for me for Christmas so I always have one of these for Christmas time, it smells amazing, the other 2 that I’ve been obsessed with this year and last year are Bath and Body Works Marshmallow Fireside and Frosted Cranberry, they smell amazing and create a nice festive mood.

5: Present Wrapping – Ok so maybe this isn’t for everyone but I always wrap my presents when I’m having a cosy festive night, I always have a festive movie on, or maybe some Christmas music, click here for my post on my best Christmas songs. But I usually throw on a movie or music and sit on the flour in my PJ’s and wrap a few presents, this might be particularly useful for people who don’t like wrapping, I actually enjoy it, I find it relaxing.

So they’re my 5 things for a cosy night in, what is your must have for a night in at this time of year?

I’m going to have a post a day until Christmas Day, so stay tuned for all the festivities!

Back soon,

Sinead xxx

10 Best Christmas Songs

December 3, 2017

Hi All,

So we’re a few days into December now, so I thought I’d give you a simple little post on a few Christmas songs that really make me feel festive and give you that happy Christmas feeling!!! I have so many that I love but I thought I’d bring it down to 10 that make me feel super festive or that bring back great memories… and they are in no particular order because I couldn’t possible narrow that down….

1: All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

2: The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole

3: Winter Wonder Land – Tony Bennett

4: Last Christmas – Wham

5: Fairytale Of New York – The Pogues and Kirsty Mac Coll

6: White Christmas – Bing Crosby

7: Driving Home For Christmas – Chris Rea

8: Rockin Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

9: Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens

10: Jingle Bells – Michael Buble

Ok so there is 10 of my faves but there are so many more, for instance Michael Buble’s Christmas album is brilliant, and there are so many more classics… And the ones we sang as kids like Frosty The Snowman… Oh and I love the Snowman song Walking In the Air, but these 10 are probably what gets me in that festive mood the most!!

Whats your number 1 Christmas song?

Plenty more festive posts coming soon, hope you all have a great week!!

Sinead xxx

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Surving The ‘Cold Dark Evening’ Blues…

November 6, 2017

Hi All,

How are you? Hope everyone is doing well for the start of a new week…

Does anyone else need a bit of motivation today? I’m feeling the effects of the dark evenings and the cold weather creeping in… I find it so hard to be motivated to do a lot of things in winter, and I just want to curl up on the couch because its dark so early.

These are the few things that I do to keep motivated and keep going when you really don’t want to… whether that be with eating well, the gym, work projects, home projects, blogging, whatever it is that is important to you…

Suck it up and just cook… I know sometimes you just want to order something or eat something ridiculous that is tucked away in your fridge but I find in autumn winter I need my proper food and nutrition even more then any other time of year, this is a great way to keep your energy up and stay motivated and cracking on with whatever it is you need to do…
Plan plan and plan some more… This time of year I find there is so much going on, for me I’ve been planning and shopping for Christmas… might seem crazy but I’m on a tight budget in general so if I want to buy the gifts I have in mind for the people I love, I have to start early, as well as having money for all the events around Christmas, but planning your food is great to stay motivated and be healthy as well as in a routine which helps me soo much to get everything done that I need to, but planning in all aspects of your life is so helpful especially when the energy is lagging and you want to just forget about whatever you need to do…
Take time… although I’m saying keep going when you don’t want to, taking some time for yourself if you’re tired, overwhelmed, frazzled, stressed or a bit run down, just take some time for you, self care is so important… if you take that short time for yourself when you go back to what ever it is you are doing you’ll be in such a better mind frame to tackle it.
Balance… we all get caught up in getting things done, focusing on certain things too much, but take a step back and think are you spending too much time on this, I know for me I probably focus a lot on certain things and not enough on others and that hinders you in the long run. Maybe make a list and prioritise what you want to spend your time on…

I have done a blog post before on self care here if you would like to check that out, it might be good if anyone is feeling overwhelmed and not quite on the right track with whatever it is you want to focus on or get done…

Anyone some good tips for staying motivated in the winter time?

Have a great week!

Sinead 🙂 xx

NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette – Day 7 Highlighter Week

October 16, 2017

Hi All,

So here is the last of this mini series on my blog. It is this NYX palette.

This retails for 20 Euro and you get 7 shades, 3 pans are larger, these are all champagne neutral shades and 4 of the more colourful shades are in slightly smaller pans. So this is mid range in price compared to the other 2 larger palettes I’ve talked about during highlighter week.

So I have had this palette for almost a year and it is well used. This and my SOSU palette are the ones I use the most purely for their versatility, the colour selection is great, all shades bar 1 I can get away with even with my albino pale skin. I use the neutral shades on my eyes soo much, they go on amazingly well. I generally apply these to the face with a fan brush, these are fairly intense in regard to glow, so if you like subtle be careful. On the eye use whatever brush you like or your finger works great for a bit more of an intense eye look.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Reason being I use this a lot for my face and eyes, I love that bar 1 colour they all work for me and that they are so intense with such a small amount of product, also this lasts really long on the skin. The reason it’s not higher is the packaging isn’t great and it’s just not the best product I’ve used but I do absolutely love it and the price is pretty good!

So this is the end of Highlighter week… saaad! But please come say hi on my Instagram and if you have any requests for upcoming posts or series let me know! Plenty coming soon!!

Sinead xxx