Gem and Jo's Favourite Eyeshadow Palettes

We love eye shadow, we mean who doesn't? And what better way to have eye shadow then in a pretty little palette! Here's are a little round up of the eye shadow palettes that we love.

Gem's Favourites:

Estée Lauder Christmas 2013 Palette

This palette, although extremely difficult to photograph, is gorgeous and is great for creating night or day looks. It contains both shimmer and matte shadows, which makes it one of my go-to palettes most days. The consistency of the powders is really creamy and they are incredibly easy to blend! I cannot speak highly enough of the Estée Lauder eye shadow range!

When I'm travelling I generally only take this palette with me, it literally suits any occasion and you can create so many diverse looks with just a few of these shades. When I'm stuck I even use the matte brown to fill in my eyebrows! I love to use the shimmery grey to create a subtle, day time smoky eye. As you can probably tell, my favourite are the brightest shades at the top of the palette, they are amazing as base colours and to add a bit of brightness to the inner corner of your eye. 

Check out Estée Lauder's website Here

(Keep an eye out for their Christmas gift set for 2014, they are always gorgeous!)

Ted Baker "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" Palette

This palette was a gift from our good friend Chloe last Christmas and I have loved it ever since. Just like the Estée Lauder palette, this one can create so many different looks. It has neutrals and brights which means you could go for a simple day time look or go wild with a deep blue smoky eye. All the shadows in this palette are shimmery and look gorgeous in the sunlight!

The creamy texture of these powders makes them a pleasure to blend, either together or with another brand. I love to use the brown in the crease of my eye and then I use the light pink to give my look a really feminine feel with the lightest shade giving a hint of brightness in the inner corner. The only thing I would change about this palette is the packaging, it's a strong cardboard but I have to be super gentle when I open it so I don't rip it in half. (No I'm not the Hulk, the packaging is just a little soft)

Take a look at the Ted Baker makeup collection at Boots Here

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eye Enhancing Eye shadows

This palette is a lifesaver for those days when you just cannot wake up enough to show it in your eyes. I call it my Monday Palette. Usually when a product says 'eye enhancing' I think "ye right!" but this one does not lie. It seriously makes your eyes seem so much brighter and awake! I love this palette!

Using a combination of nearly all the shadows, I love to create a really bright, yet natural, look that turns my Monday morning gloominess around. The hint of shimmer in each shadow really lifts and opens your eyes to make you seem more awake, even if you are falling asleep in that 9am lecture! I especially love the packaging of this palette, it's sleek, small and sturdy which makes it perfect for in your on the go makeup bag! 

Check out e.l.f. cosmetic's website Here

Jo's Favourites:

 Stila Natural Beauty Eye Shadow Palette

Who doesn't love a neutral eye? It's one of the easiest things to wear and to create and goes with just about everything. I absolutely love this palette and it's one of my go to palettes for an everyday natural eye. It's super rare that you find an eye shadow palette where every eye shadow is actually usable but this one is like a diamond in the rough. Every eye shadow in this palette looks great either by itself or paired together and it contains both matte and shimmer eye shadows. 

The shadows themselves are super pigmented and last a long time on the eye, especially when paired over a eye primer. It's great for travel too, as its super slim and you can create tonnes of looks with it. Seriously just love it. Check Stila's website out here.

Sleek Cosmetic's I-Divine Eye shadow Palette in Au Naturel

I may have a slight problem when it comes neutral eye shadow palettes, but I mean who doesn't need like a dozen? This palette is one of my favourites. The shadows are super de duperly pigmented and really show up on the eye. The palette has great lighter and darker neutrals that can be paired together to create some really great looks. 

This palette also has a variety of matte and shimmer eye shadows and has a great base colour and a matte black colour which would be great to use as an eye liner. Oh and I haven't told you the best thing about this palette. It's only €9.99! I know what you're thinking, "what Jo? All this for only €9.99?". Yes that's right all this for just €9.99 (yeah I know I sound like a crazy television shopping advert). 

 Sleek Cosmetic's I-Divine Eye Shadow Palette in Vintage Romance

After a good ole neutral eye, I loves me a pop of purple and this palette delivers on both the neutral and the purple. This palette has some lovely golden shades and some really great purple shades. Most of the shadows in this palette are shimmery and make for a great glam or night time look. The Palette also has a great matte brownie colour with is great in the crease. 

The shadows in this palette are super pigmented and really last. This is my go to palette when I want to either add a pop of colour to my normal neutral look or when I want to step it up a notch and go for an intense night time look. And..... (drum roll please)... You can get this palette for only €9.99 as well. Check out Sleek's website here. You can also Find Sleek cosmetics on Cloud10beauty.com also from every order placed with Cloud 10 beauty this month, €1 will be donated to the Irish Cancer Society. This way you can get yourself lots of pretty beauty items, and help a good cause all at the same time. Can't get much better than that if you ask us. 

So there you have it, our favourite eye shadow palettes. We'd love to know what you're favourite eye shadow palettes are and if you have any of the ones above. Hope you enjoyed this post and as always thanks for reading.

Until next time, 

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why we've gone pink > 

Gem and Jo Donate Blood

We are pretty passionate about donating not only time and money but also blood. Last year our university hosted a blood donation clinic and we decided to donate for the first time.
We totally understand that there is a huge difference between giving a couple of euros and donating your blood. For one, lots of people are afraid of needles and some people just cannot stand the sight of blood (twilight would not be their thing!) but we would love to convince anyone who has considered blood donation to go and try it!

It really isn't that scary at all. The needle doesn't even hurt, it's just a bit uncomfortable, (like being in a room with your ex for the first time..... okay maybe not that uncomfortable), like a soft pinch and the discomfort is over in seconds. To be honest you don't even feel anything when the blood is being taken. If you're not sure if you're able to donate, when you register the nurses are really super helpful and tell you everything you would need to know.

On Monday the blood clinic arrived back on campus and we were pretty much the first in line like eager little beavers(except without the huge teeth and tails)! The feeling you get from donating your blood, knowing that it is going to help someone suffering from cancer, someone who was hit by a drunk driver or a newborn baby is overwhelming and you really realise that a simple 15 minute donation could save someone's life. It's truly an amazing experience!

We're not going to lie, some people do experience light-headedness, but the nurses supervise you for a while after donating to make sure you are (in the words of Nina Simone) feeling good.

In college, and we're sure in most donation clinics, sugary snacks and drinks are also available and your pockets are practically stuffed full of sweets by the nurses when you're leaving (us college students always appreciated free food)! The nurses yesterday were so incredibly nice and sweet, especially Cora who reminded us of us of our own mothers and really put us at ease! Plus you get to have a great ole chat while you're donating, you get all the goss!

The point of this post? If you think you would be eligible to donate blood (and you don't vomit at the sight of it (we don't want the nurses having to clean up a big mess)), go to your nearest clinic. In Ireland the blood banks are almost never full and we would love for them to be just as much as the doctors and nurses do. It's such an important cause that really is the difference between life and death.

If you want to check the current blood supply in Ireland, click Here (This site has tons of really interesting information!)

As always thank you for taking the time to read our posts!
Until next time,

Want to see why we've gone pink? 

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Gem and Jo's Picstick Review

We love taking tonnes of photos (check out our Instagram for proof (gemandjotaketheworld)!). A lot of the time these photos stay on our laptops or phones, but we love to display too. We found this amazing company called PicStick who let you print out your photos as magnets so you can pretty much put them anywhere. Picstick were super nice and gave us the chance to try out their website so we could tell you guys what we think. Also (the good part for you guys!) they gave us a code for you guys to get 25% off your order. Just use the code GEMJO25. 

So on to what we think about these babies!

Picstick's website is super easy to use, you just pick nine photos per sheet and click buy. It really couldn't be simpler. They only cost £9.99 or $14.99 per sheet, and they ship for free worldwide. The Pictures came in a reinforced envelope so that the they wouldn't bend and our photos came perfectly intact. They also arrived super quickly which is always a big plus in our books.                                                       

One thing we would tell people when they're using Picstick? Perhaps lighten up some of your photos if they're dark, a few of ours (such as the one of us in a restaurant) came out darker than when on our phones or computers. But not by much, just a tad! 

The magnetic backing on these babies means that you can put them on any metal surface, like your fridge or metal notice board. We put ours on our lockers in college and we think they look great! We think these would be great as a present for anyone and you can personalize them with personal pictures!

Overall, we absolutely love the Picstick photos. They look great and we were really happy with the service.
Thanks for reading. Hope you guys take advantage of the 25% off code , GEMJO25 (we mean who doesn't love a good deal!).
Check out the Picstick website Here!
Thanks Picstick!
Until next time,

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why we've gone pink! > 

Gem and Jo's Hat Wishlist

Today is Mad Hatter day (yep that's really a real thing, how great is that!). So to celebrate one of the most memorable characters from one of our favourite books, we compiled a little bit of a list of the hats in the shops at the moment that we are loving. What better way to keep warm this season and celebrate the weird and wonderful mad hatter.
Jo's Picks 

                                   

Parfois Tech Hat: €17.95

I absolutely love Parfois for all this accessories, and for hats it's no difference. I love this simple black hat. It would add a bit of interest to just about any outfit. 

Buy it here

Forever 21 Braided Trim Wool Fedora: €12.45

This hat just looks so cosy and grey goes with just about anything!

Buy it here

Accessorize Beanie Hat: €9.90

Everyone needs a simple beanie. This one looks really soft and warm and cosy. I really love the grey colour for winter. 

Buy it here

Miss Selfridge Black Embellished floppy Hat: £30.00

This hat is just so pretty with the embellishment and its super floppy. This hat would add some serious glamour to any winter outfit. 

Buy it here

Forever 21 Zigzag Pompom Beanie: €7.45

Love how this hat has a little more interest than just a plain beanie. What else can I say? It's just super cute and cosy!

Buy it here

Gem's Picks: 

New Look Cream Knitted Flecked Bobble Hat: £7.99

This is just the cutest little bobble hat I have ever laid eyes on. The combination of cream purple and blue had me from the minute I saw it! 

Buy it Here

River Island Oversized Blue Fedora hat: €37.00

Stop what you are doing and look at this hat. Isn't she beautiful? I absolutely adore this fedora however, at €37.00 this hat is wishful thinking on my part. Sad face. 

Buy it Here

Dunnes Stores Embellished Headband: €8.00

I know, I know, this isn't technically a hat. However it is far too cute to be excluded from this post. Sometimes all you need is a headband. A really pretty headband. 

Buy it Here

BooHoo Sofie Feather Trim Hat: £10.00 

I just love that this hat isn't simply a hat. It has serious sass. Buckets of that stuff called sass. Love it, and for a tenner? Yes please!

Buy it Here

ASOS Barts Winna Beanie: €42.64. 

That is the strangest, most random price for a hat. But it is a very pretty hat and alas it is out of my purses league. However should a similar hat show up in some other shop such as, oh I don't know, Primark? Then it shall be claimed as mine! 

Buy it Here

Well there ya go, our hat wishlist to celebrate Mad Hatter Day. What a wonderful holiday. 

Let us know if you have any favourites from our wishlists or if you recommend any great hats! (We'll need them soon, the weather is getting cold here in Ireland!)

Thanks!

Until next time, 

*All photos in this post are stock photos from their respective websites.

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 why we've gone pink this month >

Gem and Jo's Second Day Hair

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why we've gone pink 

Water Charges. It's all anyone in Ireland is talking about at the moment. For those of you who are not from our wonderful land of green, on the 1st of October Ireland introduced water charges. Each household will be billed for the amount of water they use, that means the days of long showers and baths are over. Well not over but there will definitely be less of them.
However do not fret! We here at Gem and Jo Take The World shall bestow upon you the most valuable information to get you through these trying times. We shall tell you the secrets of having exceptional second day hair.

Dry Shampoo. 
For the best results use dry shampoo (or baby powder) the night before. This leaves the product enough time to absorb all the excess oil in your hair. Brush your hair out the next morning and you should have lovely fresh hair. If you feel you need a little more product just add it to your hair, rub it in and brush it out as you normally would.

Dry shampoo for Dark Hair

If you are lucky enough to have beautiful golden locks or pretty light coloured hair then you don't have to deal with the ordeal that us brunettes face of trying to find a dry shampoo that doesn't leave you looking like a granny with grey hair. Many companies such as Batiste make dry shampoo for different shades of dark hair. Superdrug also makes their own version. These dry shampoos are great as they don't leave you looking like you've aged 40 years on the spot. Unfortunately these products can leave a brown powder residue on your hair and can be a bit difficult to brush completely out. On the up side, you can use these to cover up your roots if you're waiting to get your roots done. If you  just can't deal with the brown residue, get a lighter coloured dry shampoo and just rub and rub and rub a dub rub.

Dry Shampoo for Light Hair 

If you have lighter hair, you don't need to worry, there are so many options out there for you. Just about everyone out there is bringing out their own dry shampoo, from Tresemmé to Aussie and everyone in between. You can even get some really lovely smelling ones from batiste, that will make you smell like you've just dumped a tonne of roses or coconuts on top of your head.

Baby Powder

If you want the cheap option or just can't stand the smell of dry shampoo (yes there are some of us out there), you can always go for baby powder. If you just need a little bit of freshening up pop some on a big powder brush and then brush it in to your hair line. If your hair needs a bit more attention you'll need to add more product to your hair. Just like with dry shampoo, it requires a little bit of elbow grease i.e. you'll need to rub it in and it's best to put it in the night before.
The only trouble with baby powder is that it doesn't come in a spray can. It can be quite difficult to get from the bottle into your hand and then into your hair, there is no doubt that your jeans will be covered in baby powder. That, however, means you will smell lovely all day!

Hair Styles. 
Our secret for great looking second day hair? Keep it slightly messy and casual. Slicking it back Khloe Kardashion style might work for some, but Khloe's sass would definitely be needed. So here are some of our favourite second day hair styles that need a little less sass.
French Plait. 

Now we know this isn't technically a french plait, more of a dutch one but Gem literally cannot figure out how to do a french plait so this is the closest we have! The key for this style is to keep the strands loose but the plait tight, it's not as tough as it sounds. Take your time with this one and you're sure to get it right. Gem likes to slightly back-comb the very front of her hair when she uses this style, to add a little volume. 

Bun 

Ah, the humble bun. We would say this is probably everyone's favourite hairstyle. Up and out of the way, perfect for cooking, studying or just lazing around. All your need to create this style is a hair tie, a couple of bobby pins and upper arm strength. (Anyone else ever get dead arms from doing their hair, no? just me then.) Just like with the french plait, a little back-combing not only adds lift and volume, but it also hides some of that greasy hair! 

Pony Tail

Need I say much about this one? The ponytail is perfect for hiding greasy hair at the roots. Back-combing (anyone seeing a patten here?) hides the greasiness and slightly twisting the hair at the front creates a pony with a difference! You can also wrap a small strip of hair from the pony around the hair tie to mask it and create a sophisticated, stylish look. 

Keeping this look messy is key, if you make the pony too tight and slick it defeats the purpose of hiding that second day hair. 

Bandanna

 Embrace second day hair and your vintage side with a bandanna. Bandannas can hide your greasy roots and you can really play up the look and have fun with it with a sweep of red lip stick and a flick of black eyeliner.You can get bandannas in so many colours to match any outfit. No one will ever guess that you're on second day hair. 

Fishtail plait

If you're bored of the simple pony tail look, why not try to add a fishtail plait! It's really not as hard as it looks and there are tonnes of how-to videos on youtube that break it down in simple steps! Gem's little sister Sam loves this look and adds an elasticated bow headband that makes it really cute!

And there you have it, our guide to second day hair! Happy styling and here's to keeping our water charges low so we can spend more on makeup! (and food, always food.)
Thanks for stopping by and as always tell us what you think and if you have any second hair day tips in the comments!
Until next time,

Gem and Jo's Makeup Rumours Review

You may have seen our recent Makeup Rumours Haul with all the goodies Makeup Rumours gifted us, well here's what we think of all those products!

                            

Don't forget to stick around for the bloopers! We always end up making fools of ourselves, this time there may or may not be some shadow puppets!

Thanks for watching, Check out Makeup Rumours' website here . Let us know what you think in the comments we love to hear from you.
Until next time,

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gone pink this month>

Gem and Jo Paint It Pink

If you're a regular visitor here at Gem and Jo Take The World, then you're probably wondering, "hey what's up with all the pinkness all up in here" (or something along those lines). Well it's October and as some of you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! In honor of all the amazingly strong and courageous women who have battled this horrendous disease, we are painting our blog pink for the rest of the month! We are also asking that anyone who visits our blog, if you could please consider donating to your local Breast Cancer Researcher, they need your help to continue their  research and help every person affected by cancer.

In Ireland, over 2000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 660 will pass away every year. 1 in 10 women will get breast cancer at some stage in their lives. These rates are even higher in other parts of the world and the risk gets higher the older women get. Cancer research is so important, as currently it isn't known what causes breast cancer, but with more funding hopefully, this will be a thing of the past. Although rare, men can suffer from breast cancer too, 16 men were diagnosed with breast cancer last year in Ireland.

Research into cancer is important, but you can also help by regularly doing simple checks on yourself. Self checks mean that if you feel anything out of the ordinary, you can get to a doctor before other symptoms occur, meaning your survival rate is much higher. The sooner cancer is detected the easier it is to treat. Here in Ireland, 74% of women with breast cancer detected it themselves. Here's how you can self check:

1.  Check in the mirror. Take a look and see if there is any distortion of your breasts or any discoloration.
2. Raise your arms and look for the same things as in step 1.
3. Lying down, use the pads of your fingers and press into the breast tissue and move around in a circular motion, make sure to check all over using this technique.
4. After showering and before you dry off, use your whole hand to check your breasts for lumps or pain.

These steps are so easy and quick and doing them regularly could save your life. If you have noticed any change in your breasts please go and see your GP or doctor. It is so important that we make breast cancer as easy to treat as possible and that means early diagnosis.

We urge all you girls to stand up with us and make sure that every woman knows what to look for and where to go to get the help they may need.

So there you go! Throughout this month you'll be seeing our regular posts but some will have a bit of a pink twist. We hope you enjoy our pinkness this October and please donate if you can.

To donate €4 in the Republic of Ireland, text PINK to 50300.
To donate £5 in the UK, text PINK245 to 70070.
to donate $5 in the US, text HOPE to 20222.
To donate from other countires, please contact your local cancer charity online.

For  more information on cancer, check out the Irish Cancer Society's website Here.

Until next time,