What are the best make-up brands in Ireland?

 I write a lot about MAC cosmetics, for a number of reasons, one of which being I love their products but I have decided to write about some of the other brands I am currently obsessed with. I find that it's easy to become attached to one particular brand when there are so many great places out there.
I do prefer a stronger more outrageous make-up look myself but I have chosen places that do a great everyday, bridal, debs, fashion, artistic mix so you can always find what you are looking for! Read on!



Black Orchid - Make Up Store €19.
I love M Store lipsticks, they are light on the lips, they don't clog the pores and they come in every shade you could possibly want! I've chosen one of the darker shades, well, actually the darkest shade (how emo of me!) but there are a range of pearly pinks if black isn't your thing! Make up Store I am a huge fan of their lip pencils which I use as lipstick! I just shade it in. Make sure you check out the M Store magazine as well, it's packed full of wonderful make-up ideas and looks from their collections, complied by some of the world's best artists. The magazine, which is available on counter will also be available as an app in the next few months! Make Up Store also do a wonderful selection of skincare, hair products and pro products including primers for all areas of the skin. Not to mention their wonderful distinctive black packaging.  The company, which are Swedish were based in Arnotts on Henry Street, although word on the street is that the company are looking to move into a stand alone store - full updates as we get it!


Make-up Forever Strass Artistic stick on jewels : €?
I love having a stroll through Make Up Forever. It's a make-up artists heaven. I find myself wandering over to the latex and special effect make-up section quite often and pawing at the latex sticks and special glues for hours. I have to say that Make Up Forever have a great mix between the specialist products such as artistic lashes, stick on jewels, latex and brushes and the beginner/everyday products such as foundation, lipstick and gloss. The staff are always informative and friendly, which I think makes all the difference as they aren't overly in your face or intimidating. They are more then happy to pass on their knowledge and recommend products to suit any skin tone or need. I am a particular fan of their eyeliners and false lashes. Their website is informative and fun to have a gander around too! The store can be found on Claredon Street in Dublin. The only complaint I have is that it is difficult to locate the price of products online. Which is a minor one!


Lime Crime 'No She Didn't!' Lipstick £15
Lime Crime until recently was America's best kept secret beauty brand. It's only been in Ireland for about two years but it's built up a real fan base here! Now it does mean a trip to Dundrum because currently it is only stocked in Harvey Nichols over here since we don't have Space NK but it's a real treat for the funky beauty lover. Lime Crime originally began as a lipstick and eyeshadow company after a New York based make-up artist grew tired of not being able to find the colors she wanted to work with. It has since moved into gloss and primers which is great but it's a fantastic find for those who want make-up with a little bit of a funky, fun edge to it. Not to mention the wonderful packaging which makes a change from the usual black products. I can only hope that more places start to stock it soon. I did find out from a sales assistant that the blue lipstick isn't a great seller, which is  shame! I think its kinda cool! There are more everyday shades if blue isn't your thing but it's still one of the best lipsticks on the market. I've provided a link to Space NK because the official website is in dollars : Lime Crime

Illamasqua 'Precision Ink' black eyeliner £17
Its a real shame that Illamasqua have gone from BT2 on Grafton Street and its left its fanbase in a spot of bother without their usual products. Now you can order online, which is great but I think cosmetics are best bought in person where you have the expertise of the artists, the colors for testing and new products you may not have used before. Illamasqua really do have some of the finest products and world's best artists which are all on hand to give expert advice on how to apply, choose and advise. It was always worth a trip into town to have a test of their blushers in particular. Illamasqua


Is anyone else obsessed with other brands? Have I left something out? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!