Bobbi Brown Stonewashed Nudes

I have never been drawn to Bobbi Brown cosmetics in the past. While I have flitted between obsessions with many different brands - from cute, ultra-feminine Stila to elegant, upmarket Armani - Bobbi Brown, with her "10 different shades of brown" lipsticks and eye shadows "imaginatively" titled Cement, or Putty (did I make that one up? It's possible) seemed too dull and pedestrian to attract my attention. But things seem to have changed there recently and with the launch of the new Stonewashed Nudes eye shadow palette, I was finally won over. Featuring seven cool, neutral shadows in matte and shimmer finishes, and complete with a double-ended shadow/liner brush (which, take note, beats the insignificant sponge applicators many competitors are still supplying with their products out of the water), this palette will definitely be my go-to for a variety of everyday looks this Autumn and Winter.

Stonewashed Nudes retails for €55 from Bobbi Brown counters in Ireland. Buy it now - this is a limited edition product and I predict it will be popular.

Image courtesy of http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/

Pretty Ballerinas Autumn Collection

They may be based in sunny Spain, but that hasn't stopped Pretty Ballerinas from noticing the sad excuse for a summer that their more northerly-based customers are experiencing. And so they have decided to launch their Autumn shoe collection early! Admittedly, ballet flats wouldn't be the best choice of footwear in a flood, but if the lack of sunshine has you feeling down, the purple satin pumps with ribbon ties (pictured above) will certainly put a smile on your face! And if you're an optimist and refuse to believe that the current weather is here to stay, then how about these cheery sailor stripes, or these funky zebra-patterned pairs.

I am the proud owner of one pair of Pretty Ballerinas already (the Isabella style in metallic champagne leather, which is not currently available), and can highly recommend both the shoes and the speedy delivery service. Delivery is €10 to Europe and €20 to the rest of the world. I will definitely be adding to my collection in the near future...

APC - Fall/Winter 08

APC's Fall/Winter 08 catalogue dropped into my letterbox the other day and I immediately want 70% of it. I especially like the 70s cord jeans, wool cardigan, navy silk-screened sweatshirt, Peter Pan-collar blouse, sunglasses and the black patent wedges. At APC prices, however, I might want to whittle down that list a bit. Smock in Temple Bar, Dublin are an APC stockist, so I may go in there sometime soon to see how much of the collection they'll be stocking.

Image courtesy of http://www.apc.fr

Abahna - The Ceremony of Bathing

I stumbled across Abahna in Nue Blue Eriu recently. I was looking for some new pampering bathtime products. I hit the nail on the head with Abahna, as their entire philosophy is based on turning the everday bathing experience into a ritual of relaxation and enjoyment. Their beautifully packaged range of bath oils, shower gels, lotions, soaps and candles is available in energising White Grapefruit and May Chang, relaxing Frankincense and Sweet Orange and replenishing Himalayan Cedarwood and Rose Otto fragrances. All products are formulated to be as natural as possible, are fragranced with pure essential oils and are free from parabens, SLS and SLES.

I purchased the White Grapefruit and May Chang shower gel (€22) and body lotion (€27). The shower gel is enriched with aloe vera, honey and chamomile and lathers generously to gently cleanse the skin. The body lotion nourishes and hydrates with sweet almond, jojoba and sunflower oils and organic honey and cocoa butter. This is a light lotion which sinks into the skin immediately, leaving it comfortable and hydrated. The White Grapefruit and May Chang fragrance is refreshing and invigorating - perfect for waking up in the morning or energising yourself for a night out.

These products may be somewhat expensive, but who doesn't deserve a treat every now and again? I am sure I will be purchasing more from this line in the future. Abahna products are available from Nue Blue Eriu in Ireland and through the Abahna website in the UK. The Abahna website also lists worldwide stockists.

Image courtesy of http://www.abahna.co.uk/