10 Reasons why Christmas really is the Most Wonderful Time of theYear!

IT'S CHRIIIIIIIISSSSSSTMAAAAAASSSSS!

So the festive season is upon us once again. I don't know about you lot but I can safely say that Christmas for me is definitely my favourite time of year, period!!

And here's why...

1. You can indulge in all the food you want...literally!! You know you're Irish When you ask your Mam 'Can I eat this' and she responds with 'NO, it's for Christmas Day!'. Yes, I am going to eat all the Malteaser Celebrations for breakfast, and maybe a selection box too.. Hell yes, I'll take another serving of Brussel sprouts, who's making Tayto Sambos??

2. Christmas movies.. There's no denying, it's not Christmas unless you get snuggled up on the couch with the fam and get stuck in to all the classics. 'Santa Claus', 'Miracle on 34th Street', 'The Grinch', Home Alone, Elf (how many times have you screamed Santaaaaaaa, I know him?!). Love Actually is the one for me tho, one of my favourite movies of all time! *No I'm not crying I've something in my eye...! The list is endless. Guaranteed to bring you back to your childhood.
                  

3. Gingerbread lattes and Christmas cups make their comeback to Starbucks..need I say anymore??

4. 12 pubs.. The ultimate sesh!!! Coz let's face it, it's not silly season unless the whole squad gets together, wrapped to the ears in tinsel, crawling through every pub in your town whilst trying to convince each other 'nah I'm grand, I'll make it to 12'.

5. Christmas Jumpers..

 Cheesy and all as they are, don't be a Scrooge and put on your feckin reindeer jumper. Sure doesn't it keep you warm.. Why not hold a sponsored Christmas jumper Day at work to raise money for charity. All for a good cause!

6. Fairytale Of New York.. Seriously though, is there anything more patriotic than hearing The Pogues and Kirsty Mc Coll belt out this little gem of a Christmas Eve?? The whole world claims to be Irish at Christmas as soon as this starts playing. 'Yeh Scumbag, yeh maggot......'GOLD!

7. Loved ones come home... My favourite thing about Christmas...those who are living away finally make the journey home. The emotional reunion, the tears, the extra tight hugs, the catch ups, the nights out.. Savour these moments and make the memories last forever.

8. Alcoholic Hot Chocolate.. Yes it's a thing and yes it's DIVINE!!! I take mine with a drop of Baileys. If you haven't tried it you really need to reevaluate your actions!!;)

Fellow Drogheda Heads, The Cross is where it's at, check it out. Here

9. Advent Calendars.. I don't care how old I am, if the mother doesn't buy me an advent calendar I will have a tantrum..end of! Who doesn't need an excuse to celebrate every day
of December by eating a chocolate for breakfast?! Yasssss Pleeeeeasssseeee!!

10. The giving and receiving of presents.. Sure, you're stocked up on jammies, fluffy socks and bath sets for the next year, but don't forget, Christmas is also about giving. Christmas is a tough time of year for a lot of people. Try to give to those less fortunate and those in need. Look out for those who may be lonely or vulnerable at this time of year. Remember to be in the moment and enjoy the little things this Christmas. Be grateful for those who are here to Spend Christmas with you, that's worth more than any present. They say it's not what's under the tree that matters, but more so who's around it..

Merry Christmas & Have a Happy New Year!

Xx Dawn 

Bio-Fruit Gel Exfolitor from Janssen Cosmetics

Hey dolls, hope you're all well. I don't know about you guys but this weather has been playing havoc with my skin lately and I can't cope...

As you know I'm super oily and prone to the odd breakout. My skin can appear quite shiny at times which is VERY annoying, especially when it comes to wearing makeup.

A crucial part of my skincare routine is exfoliating as it helps to unclog pores and reduce excess oils in the skin.

Recently I've been using the Bio-Fruit Gel exfoliator from Janssen Cosmetics.

I first came across this product a few weeks back when I got a Janssen facial at West End Beauty salon in Drogheda. I couldn't believe the difference it made to my skin. Bear in mind this is specifically for oily to combination skin, so if thats you then read on...:)

I began using the gel exfoliator as part of my skincare regime. Exfoliating is something that should be done no more than once or twice a week. Without getting too scientific, over exfoliating can weaken the skins natural PH and break down the Acid Mantle in the skin which is there to protect the skin against harmful bacteria.

I exfoliate my skin twice a week using the Bio-Fruit Gel. Now this product is a little different to your usual exfoliators as it doesn't contain any gritty particles. It's basically just a gel consistency. This is called a 'peeling' treatment which will basically break down any excess oil on the skin and unclog the pores to leave the skin with a more matte appearance.

To use this product, work some of the gel into your skin and leave for 5-15 minutes. Gently massage and then remove with Luke warm water. I felt a slight tingling sensation while this gel was on my skin, once it was removed my skin felt INCREDIBLY soft and smooth and noticeably less oily.

Top Tip: I recommend using this product at night time as it's important not to expose your skin to sunlight directly after exfoliating and you also want to avoid makeup for a few hours.

This product is available from West End Beauty in Drogheda. Check out their Website for more information on Janssen Cosmetics facials and special offers HERE

As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me ;)

See you all soon guys,

Kisses..

Xx Dawn 

Wedding Fair at City North Hotel on September 24th

                     

Hello beauties, hope you're all well! Can you believe summer is over already???

Major sad face!! :(

Anyways, down to business, today's blog post.. Some of you might remember a few weeks ago I went to the City North Hotel for afternoon tea with my friend Niamh. While we were there we popped into the wedding fair which was taking place in the main function room. Juliet was there doing some makeup demos and I wanted to say hi.

Well......to say I was knocked for six when I walked in would be an understatement!!

Holy moly, hand on my heart I can HONESTLY say it is one of, if not the most amazing wedding function rooms I've ever been in. Everything from the decor, the hundreds of candles and flowers, the centrepieces, the lighting, the music, the light up dance floor (yes it lights up)...it was spectacular.

Of course I couldn't help but snapchat a wee bit of it while I was there..as you do.

Within a couple of hours the snaps came pouring in from people asking where I was. Lots of you were shocked that this gorgeous setting existed within the City North hotel, one of my snapchat followers even commented 'I thought you were in Powerscourt or somewhere!!'

Sooooooo, due to the abundance of snaps, screenshots and messages I got about the wedding ballroom, I've teamed up with the City North hotel to give you the full lowdown on everything you need to know about this beautiful wedding fair.

All you budding Brides and grooms, listen up..

Situated just outside Drogheda, the City North Hotel is renowned for its delicious food, impeccable customer service and beautiful interior. The beautiful Somerville Suites can cater for up to 350 wedding guests and with the wave of a magic wand (ie. Serious hard work and dedication) the staff at City North Hotel will transform this ballroom to give you the fairytale wedding of your dreams. Complete with candles, fairy lights, flowers and did I mention the light up dance floor??;)

      

And if you're looking for extras look no further, the fabulous wedding team can put you in the right direction. Perhaps you'd like a Selfie Mirror Photo booth to capture those all important party antics or Large Lovin Letters with the initials of you and your other half for the perfect photo op, look no further, the team can help you find what you need.

And now for the BEST part........are you ready for this??

The City North Hotel have an Exclusive Offer for weddings booked up to the 31st of December 2017. You will receive COMPLIMENTARY room draping and up lighting worth over €2000!!!!! Yes, you read that correctly, your room draping and up lighting is absolutely free providing you book your wedding before December 31st 2017.

And judging by these pictures look how amazing it looks...so romantic right??!!

If you'd rather a much smaller, intimate affair for your wedding day, fear not, there are alternative options to suit every bridal party. A private banquet room is available to cater for more intimate wedding parties, this banquet room is even available for your civil ceremony. Again the wedding team will ensure the ultimate fairytale setting.

Now I bet you're all thinking this is too good to be true right???? 

Well why don't you check it out for yourself at the next upcoming wedding fair which takes place on Sunday September 24th in City North Hotel.

For more information on weddings at City North or to arrange a consultation with the wedding co ordinator click HERE

You'll also receive complimentary afternoon tea for two on the day of your viewing.

Check out this video of how your wedding at City North could look.
City North Hotel Wedding Video

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post and if you manage to attend the wedding fair I hope you enjoy it.. Be sure to send me snaps ;)

Lots of love,

Xx Dawn

Hot Hats & Fancy Fascinators- Your ultimate guide to head wear at Bellewstown Races!

Hello beauties, hope you're all well.. Can you believe it's only 2 weeks to go until the Bellewstown races. Eeeeeekkkk!! So exciting!!

So, I've already given you the low down on my role as brand ambassador for Best dressed lady, and I've shared some of my outfit inspirations with you all on my Facebook page. But, probably the most important part of Ladies Day, which I'm about to dive into now, is that all important head piece.. Whether it's the fanciest fascinator, over the top hat or a funky flower crown, whatever you choose is what's going to get the judges head turning. 

If you're new to Ladies Day and aren't really sure where to go for the hottest head gear, don't worry, I've got you covered.. Here are my top 5 go to Milliners & stores to check out:

1. Sophie Hunter Millinery- Renowned milliner Sophie is one of the most sought after designers on the Ladies Day scene. Her one of a kind pieces leave little to the imagination, this woman can create anything, and I mean anything! A local lady herself, her designs are a regular at Ascot, Galway, Punchestown, The Curragh and of course, Bellewstown. Celebs such as Rosanna Davison and Sybil Mulcahy have sported her pieces. To see more click HERE

 

2. Accesorize - The gorgeous high street haven is always favoured for its cute and classic pieces if you have a special occasion, and when it comes to the races, Accesorize doesn't disappoint. They boast a wide range of fascinators and oversized hats, many of which you can customise yourself. Their store in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre currently has a 30% off sale on selected hats & fascinators.....HURRY!!!

*Fun Fact: My last 2 hats I wore to Ladies Days were purchased in Accesorize in Scotch Hall.. One of them even won me the title of Best Dressed Lady!

3. Jennifer Wrynne - No stranger to the Ladies Day scene, Jennifer is not only a well known designer but a frequent winner of Ladies Day herself. Her styles are the definition of elegance and class. Mixing designer with high street, if there's anyone who knows how to dress for Ladies Day it's Miss Wrynne. I recently visited her stunning boutique in Powerscourt Town Centre and it honestly left me speechless!! AMAZING!! Well worth the trip to check out not only her head pieces but her gorgeous outfits too. You won't be disappointed. See more HERE

4. Suzanne Ryan Millinery - Another huge name among ladies day participants is the fabulous Suzanne Ryan. For those of you who want to perhaps do something a little different, why not unleash your inner princess and don an extravagant crown for 'Best Dressed'. Yes it has been done before, and if there's one lady who knows how to design them it's Suzanne. The gorgeous Roz Purcell was a recent judge at ladies Day these past few months, she really set the royalty tone when she donned a beautiful Rose Gold crown from Suzanne Ryan's collection. How beautiful!! See more HERE
                                                  

5.Coast,Scotch Hall Shopping Centre - The high street store notorious for elegant occasion wear doesn't disappoint when it comes to their jazzy head pieces. Whether you're all a out making a statement or you prefer to keep it more reserved, Coast will cater to you. Classy yet affordable, they get it right every time.. You may even find that all important outfit while you're there...;)

So whether you're choosing high street or designer for the big day on July 7th, I hope this post was helpful to you in some way. If you haven't gotten your Ladies Day tickets yet don't worry, click HERE to book them.

Also, have you checked out my ticket giveaway on my Facebook page Dawn L.A blog???? Get on it guys!!!!!

Can't wait to see you on the hill...;)

Kisses, 

Xx Dawn 

LADIES DAY 2017 AT BELLEWSTOWN RACES - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!

LADIES DAY AT BELLEWSTOWN RACES.. The big reveal!

Hey dolls, hope you're all keeping well.

WOWZER!!! What a few weeks it's been.. Firstly I want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you for your lovely well wishes and support lately. As always it's HUGELY appreciated! THANK YOU so much! So, let's get down to business and get stuck into today's post.

You may have already seen on my social media accounts that I have been named as 'Brand Ambassador' for Best Dressed Lady at this years Bellewstown Races!!

To say I'm over the moon would be an understatement!! I'm hugely flattered and it's an honour to have been given such a title, especially since I'm a massive fan of the races!

I've attended the races quite a few times over the last couple of years. I particularly love Ladies Day because being the typical 'girly girl' that I am, I love any excuse to get dressed up for a fun filled day with the dolls. I was chosen as a Best Dressed finalist last year by beautiful judge Rosanna Davison and I was lucky enough to have won the title a few years previous.

This year will be a little different for me, but in a good way..a very good way! So let me fill you in on everything you need to know..

Ladies Day at Bellewstown is one of the biggest events on the racing calendar and it's the perfect opportunity to not only get dressed up but to have a fabulous day out with your girls. Ladies Day will take place at Bellewstown Racecourse on Friday July 7th *stick it in your diary*. The judge for Best Dressed Lady this year is 'Girl boss Supreme' Chanelle Mc Coy from Dragons Den! As Best Dressed Ambasador I will be assisting Chanelle on the day in choosing the overall winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition.

So now on to the exciting part....what comes with the coveted 'Best Dressed' title??  Well..

The winner of Best Dressed Lady will walk away with a €3000 shopping spree for Scotch Hall Shopping Centre in Drogheda, co Louth.. Yep, you heard me, €3000!!! Where would you even start???!!;)

Second Prize for Best Dressed Lady is a break away for two to the 5 Star Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg (with a Spa Treatment).

And Third prize is a fabulous €500 for Fuschia Makeup!

There will also be prizes for 'Best Dressed Man' and 'Best Dressed Couple'..better start nagging your other half to get his glad rags on! With only 4 weeks to go, I'll be keeping you up to date on everything you need to know about ladies day.. From outfit inspiration, fancy fascinators and flawless makeup, my blog will be your go to guide for Ladies Day! 

Tickets are on sale now! Your 'Dress to impress package' especially for Ladies Day includes entry to the festival & the exclusive 'Dress to impress' Marquee, Prosecco on arrival, live music to dance the night away, canopies and your all important race card. This package costs just €50, click HERE to book your tickets. I can promise you, this will be the ULTIMATE girls day out! Do any of you remember my Snapchats from last year when myself and the girls were at Bellewstown?? Absolute Lols !!

Round up the squad, get your glad rags on and put your best foot forward, you're in for an UNFORGETTABLE day!:)

Bellewstown Races has always been one of my favourite days of the whole year and this year will be no exception. Looking forward to seeing you on the Hill!

Xx Dawn

George Clooney & wife Amal welcome Twins!

Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney and his beautiful wife Amal have welcomed their twins into the world this morning. A little girl named Ella and a little boy named Alexander. How cute are those names?!! I looooove!

The news broke this afternoon and Amal the the babies are said to be doing well.
I don't know about you lot but I've been beyond obsessed with this ladies style! She always manages to look so effortlessly chic and stylish whether she's on the red carpet with Mr Clooney or popping to the shops. And nonetheless her pregnancy style was no different.

Congratulations to the Clooneys, I'm SO excited to see pictures of their new additions, no doubt they are both every bit as stunning as their gorgeous parents!

Xx Dawn

*Bio Sculpture Nail Treatment at Beautique Beauty Salon

Hello lovelies , how are we all?? 

Currently as I'm writing this its 17 degrees and the sun is beaming, can we all say a little prayer it stays that way.....thanks;)

So, down to business..for the past 3 months I've been having my nails done at the fabulous Beautique Nail & Beauty Salon and OH MY LORD I am obsessed!!!

First things first, I don't get gels, acrylics or any kind of extensions on my nails, I have nothing against them at all but I just prefer keeping strength in my own nails. Bio Sculpture is a nail treatment that I get done every 3 weeks, it's a similar idea to most 2/3 week polish treatments that you're familiar with.. The difference is, Bio Sculpture is more organic, 100% Vegan and is proven to aid the growth and strength of your nails...and believe me, strengthen them it does!!! I've been getting my nails done the past number of years and I can honestly say that in the past 3 months my nails have never been healthier or stronger. Whilst Bio Sculpture is on my nails, after 3 weeks of growth my nails are the length of acrylics and super strong. I was always guilty of picking my 2 week polish off in the past but not now, it's just not possible with Bio Sculpture. Each time it's removed professionally I'm constantly in awe of the length and strength of my own nails.. 

The lovely Jeanine is my go to nail tech, I'm honestly always so happy with her work every time I have my nails done, she out does herself each time. I'm a little bit of a fuss pot with my nails, I'm very picky on shape and colour, Jeanine gets it perfect without fail every single time. I'm not joking when I say she can quite literally do ANYTHING you want on your nails....Yep, anything!! 

She even gets inspo for nail designs for me on Pinterest....she's a keeper alright ;) 

Check out some of her work below.. I've also posted a picture of my nails post removal...check out the length, and they're strong too, could say they're hard as nails.....sorry, couldn't resist haha #pun!

Beautique is the only Bio Sculpture supplier in co Louth! The treatment costs just €25. (It's usually a lot more in other salons as it's such a luxury product.) 

For more information check out their Facebook page 'Beautique Nail & Beauty Salon'. It's also one of the most gorgeous, relaxing and tranquil salons I've ever visited! The customer service is 10/10 and the staff are incredibly friendly.

If you would love to have beautiful, strong nails for summer be sure to check out Beautique! :)

See you soon my loves,

Kisses, Xx Dawn

  

PRODUCT LIST *MAKEUP BY ME ON THE GORGEOUS LEAH!:)

Hello beauties, hope you're all enjoying the sunshine!!:).  

Soooooooo many of you have requested a product list on this look I did on the gorgeous Leah recently.. So here you go:

BRYT Skincare Calm Serum
MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream
L'Oreal True Match Foundation Golden Beige
L'Oreal True Match Setting Powder Golden Beige
Flormar Pressed Bronzer
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter Peach Lights
High Definition Brow Cream Vamp
Fuschia Makeup Eyeshadow Base
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance shadows (Tempera, Raw Sienna, Burnt Orange)
Fuschia Make Up eyeshadow pan Mother Earth
Peaches and Cream Liverpool Eye pigment 'Selfie'
Fuschia Make Up Eye Pigment 'Beige Breeze' & 'Full Moon'
Inglot Duraline & 77 Gel Black Liner
Maybelline Go Colossal Extreme Volume Black Mascara
Fuschia Make Up Faux Mink lashes 'The Audrey'
Rimmel London Lip Pencil 'Tiramisu '
Rommel London Kate Moss Lipstick 'Boho Nude'
L'Oreal Dazzle Gloss 'Disco Ball'
MAC Fix + Prep & Prime Spray

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments dolls, as always if you have any questions or queries on any of my makeup looks feel free to contact me on Facebook (Dawn L.A Blog)
Twitter (DawnFinnegan1) or Instagram (Dawn_finnegan24).

Love you all Loads, see you soon!!
Kisses,
Xx Dawn

BRYT Skincare Calm Serum

BRYT SKINCARE CALM SERUM

Hello my darlings, hope you're all well!

So the last few weeks I've been head over heels in love with a brand new skin care range which is very quickly making waves on the Irish beauty industry... BRYT skincare.

This is one of my faaaaaaaavourite brands right now. So you're all well aware by now that I'm a little bit fussy when it comes to what I put on my skin (and by a little I mean a lot!). So I first started off with BRYT using their foaming face wash which I was instantly sold on as my skin felt so soft and fresh afterwards. From the first time I used it I was intrigued straight away. The lovely Ciara who is the owner of BRYT skincare in Ireland very kindly sent me out their gorgeous Calm Serum......this is the game changer right here!!!

I'm always talking about how my skin is quite oily. I've never come across a serum that's specifically for oily/combination skin....until now!! (praise Jesus!!!)

So Calm serum helps to control the oil balance in your skin but at the same time hydrates and nourishes. Unlike most serums it's not greasy or heavy in any way, something that has always been a huge factor for me when it comes to serums.

And that's not all, ready for the best part???? You can use it as a FACE PRIMER under your makeup!! No joke!! As this serum sets slightly matte on the skin it creates a smooth base that means your makeup will grip to the skin. Unlike most face primers its silicone and glycerin free which means there is no greasy residue and it's more kind and natural to your skin. It's also a Vegan product too. It's made from lots of fruits and veggies which are what the BRYT team call 'Superfoods'. They essentially feed your skin with heaps of goodness to keep it in the best possible condition.

I recommend cleansing your skin, then apply one pump of Calm Serum to your skin, apply one pump of the BRYT Day Moisturiser and then apply ANOTHER pump of Calm Serum over your moisturiser ( this will act as your primer). Then off you go with your foundation. Easy Peasy!

Tons of MUA's are obsessing over this technique which you'll see on social media, and I just had to try it myself to see if the hype was real.....it didn't disappoint!!

My makeup stayed flawless from very early morning until late at night. Super impressed!! 

BRYT skincare is available from Health Express pharmacy in Scotch Hall shopping centre. If you fancy treating yourself to some goodies, use my discount code DAWN123 In store for 20% OFF. Aaaaaaaand, keep an eye out for the BRYT skincare event coming to Drogheda in the coming weeks....;)

For more information check out BRYT Skincare on Facebook and Instagram (@BrytskincareIreland)

See you all soon dolls :)

Kisses,

Xx Dawn

NEW BEGINNINGS.....:)

 
       

                                                         


                                                           *NEW BEGINNINGS...*

Hello beauties, hope you're all well!!

What a whirlwind few weeks it's been... This is more of a personal post I'm writing today, not my usual makeup or showbiz related..

So as I'm sure you all know by now I am no longer working at Fuschia Makeup anymore..(sad face!).

I've spent the last 9 years working for Fuschia and it's truly been the most amazing and rewarding few years for me. I've been privileged to have made my way to head makeup artist and I've looked after so many customers and clients, many of which I now consider close friends. I won't lie, deciding to leave Fuschia was probably one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make, it wasn't easy by any means.

But, it was a decision I had to make.. Since I set up my blog almost 2 years ago I honestly had NO IDEA the journey that lay ahead. It very quickly went from a little Facebook page where I would share my tips, tricks and product reviews to a full on business...and truth be told, its probably the best thing that's ever happened to me!

I have been blessed beyond belief to have been offered the most amazing opportunities at Fuschia and even more opportunities began to surface once I became a blogger. Although I absolutely loved my time at Fuschia I knew I had to give my blog more attention to see where I could take it next. I felt like I needed to grow as a makeup artist, blogger and as a person. And so my decision was made...

It's been an amazing journey, but it's time for a new chapter to begin..

I'll treasure my memories from Fuschia forever, but for now I've got a pocket full of dreams that I want to make a reality...;)

So to each and every one of you who has supported and encouraged me since my journey began, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

I hope you'll all stay with me as I begin my new chapter......

Now let's see what happens.....;)

Lots of love, kisses

Xx Dawn

Day Out at the Bellewstown Races!

Day Out at the Bellewstown Races!

Hello honeys, hope you're all well!

So last week myself and the girls headed off to the Bellewstown races for the craic..and what craic we had.

Bear in mind I haven't got the foggiest when it comes to backing horses, but we really wanted an excuse to get all dressed up and put the glad rags on. Apart from the downpour of rain when we first arrived, we had such a fab day. The gorgeous Rosanna Davison was there to judge 'Best Dressed Lady' and I was pretty delighted with life when she picked me as a top 10 finalist. She is so so lovely and absolutely stunning in person..such a lady! I even got a Fuschia gift box as a finalist prize...what are the chances??!! Haha!

As we were heading back to Drogheda (with my €9 winnings from a horse that came second) I had to hold up the traffic to get a quick pic at the Fuschia GlamHer Van..as you do..;)

All in all, pretty great day with my besties. Can't wait for next year already!

My outfit deets are as follows:

Dress: Elodie Boutique in Drogheda

Shoes: River Island

Hat: Accesorize, Scotch Hall

Tan: BELLAMIANTA

Chat to you all soon dolls!

Kisses,

Xx Dawn