Benefits little tube of magic-Porefessional

I never really started to wear makeup properly until I was 16. I went to school every day carefree and not worried about a naked face.

Now however I would rarely go out without the makeup face. I am not really overly concerned about people seeing me without it; it’s rather that it has become a force of habit. Turning 25 has got me looking at my skin in a different light. Analysis of the crow’s feet and pores, I feel I owe it to my skin to look after it and sometimes that means not wearing makeup! Giving your skin a break from all the heavy foundations and eye shadows can only be a good thing, right?

Well yeh, until I recently discovered Benefits Porefessional Primer product. Amazing is how I would describe it in one word. Like I said, getting older means you notice the pores and the wrinkles and this little miracle tube aims to hide those two bad words. I am not usually a sucker for buying what the sales counter staff promote but once this was applied to my skin I was in awe. It’s got a super soft feeling when applying and it doesn’t cling to dry skin.  The POREfessional balm minimises the appearance of pores, is oil-free so won’t irritate the skin and suits all skin tones. It’s really easy to use, just apply to clean, lightly moisturised skin. Pat on the problem areas and blend with your fingertips. What’s even better about this primer is that you can use it over your makeup too! Just Pat on lightly over makeup and blend which is great for during your lunch break when you find your makeup has started to wear off.

Us mere mortals are not the only ones to love this invention, during the Brit awards in February Rihanna’s make-up artist has revealed that the star is a huge fan of Benefit's smoothing primer The Porefessional. Rumour has it J-Lo is also an avid fan.

If smooth, silky skin is what you want, then this is the product for you.

Why go Vintage?

Vintage clothing. Not something we are used to hearing about Omagh but it is now becoming more common over the past few years. When I was younger I always thought vintage meant smelly musty old garments, how wrong I was! Last Saturday night I went to a Vintage fashion show with my friend Lynsey and it was amazing. The style and glamour being flaunted was incredible.

Why go vintage? Well there are lots of reasons. Do you ever buy a dress on the high street thinking it’s gorgeous and then go out that night and see four other girls wearing the exact same dress? How annoying that is that you spend all night dodging these girls so you are not seen near them. Well going vintage allows you the peace and mind that only you are wearing that outfit! People will start to comment and ask you where you got it and you can be rest assured they can’t go out and buy it.

“Vintage [clothing] is not only glorious and stylish; it's also the way forward in terms of recycling. Whenever I go into great vintage stores, I wonder why we ever buy new things."
- Thandie Newton (British actress)

It’s also reducing your ‘carbon foot print’. Well it may not make a huge difference but in today’s society, we tend to throw items of clothing out if they need a new zip or button. Think twice before filling up that charity bag as many items we are getting rid off can be fixed for a small cost and will come back in fashion!

I hear you asking where you would go to get these vintage items… the best place are your mum’s wardrobe. My mum keeps everything, which is usually a bad thing but when it comes to clothes it’s great. I was hoking through some old clothing and I found a bright green blazer. I loved it and couldn’t understand where it came from or who owned it. I asked my mum and she told me that it was part of her ‘going away’ outfit after she got married. After a good laugh I tried it on and it’s a perfect fit. Although, remember that musty smell I was talking about, well let’s just put it like this, I will be dry cleaning it before I wear it.

Irish charm and American Beauty

I recently had the privilege of meeting and interviewing the New York Rose of Tralee, 22 year old Annemarie Lynch. Annemarie was visiting the local Mc Cullagh family in Omagh when I got to dig into why and how Annemarie got involved in the very popular competition.

Annemarie’s was born in New York as her mother is from the Bronx and her father is from County Cavan . She moved to Ireland at a young age and was raised in Lough Gowna County Cavan. After studying a degree in English and Philosophy she went onto study Fashion Design in Cavan Institute.  However Annemarie moved back to New York four years ago and has been living the dream ever since. Working for Tiffany & Co, interning at Orla Kiely Retail and also with Daniele Nachmani the Stylist, life has been pretty hectic for Annemarie. ‘’If you work hard you will achieve something, I am not naturally talented, I have to work hard to be successful” A humble approach by a naturally stunning and inspiring young lady who you can’t help but love. ‘’I have a half Cavan half New York accent’’ she laughs. I would also say she has the Irish charm and the American Beauty as she can talk for Ireland!

Having a keen interest in fashion, competing in the Rose of Tralee has allowed her the opportunity to meet some fantastic Irish designers. Jacqueline Quinn, Joan Ghali, Eileen Millinery to name but a few are all those who Annemarie is in awe of. Competing in the Rose of Tralee has allowed meetings like this to take place.

Annemaire goes on to tell me how she has “had the application form for the Rose of Tralee on my computer for four years.” It was always in the back of her mind to apply but she never got around to it. Until now. Approached at a Leukaemia charity event in New York and asked would I like to participate in the Rose of Tralee.

“What’s for you doesn’t go by you I always say, so I jumped at the chance.” This was the week before the heat and everything was happening so fast. Before I knew it they had called out my name. ‘It was so surreal; I love the competition and what it stands for”

“Celebrating women of Irish heritage who are passionate and independent”. That is exactly how Annemarie would describe the Rose of Tralee to those who merely believe that it is a beauty pageant.

Asking Annemarie how she would make herself stand out in the competition she states “it’s who you are as person and how your portray your personality is what makes you stand out.”  “There is no point in trying to be someone you are not, life is about enjoying yourself and that’s what I plan do to during my Rose of Tralee experience.”

Since interviewing Annemaire, the Portlaoise regional finals have been and gone and I am delighted to tell you that Annemarie has made it to the final in August. Good luck to Annemarie and all the roses participating!